EV MARATHON
HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND
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EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND (THE "FUND") IS A MUTUAL FUND SEEKING TO
PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE FUND
INVESTS ITS ASSETS IN HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO (THE "PORTFOLIO"), A
NON-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
NON-DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST II (THE "TRUST").
THE PORTFOLIO MAY INVEST UP TO 100% OF ITS ASSETS IN BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE
MUNICIPAL BONDS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "JUNK BONDS", THAT ENTAIL GREATER RISKS,
INCLUDING DEFAULT, THAN THOSE OF HIGHER-RATED SECURITIES. SEE "HOW THE FUND AND
THE PORTFOLIO INVEST THEIR ASSETS".
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 August 1, 1995 for the Fund, as
supplemented from time to time, has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. The Statement of
Additional Information is available without charge from the Fund's principal
underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the "Principal Underwriter"), 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.
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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.
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<TABLE>
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PAGE PAGE
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder and Fund Expenses .................. 2 How to Redeem Fund Shares ........................ 11
The Fund's Investment Objective ................. 3 Reports to Shareholders .......................... 13
How the Fund and the Portfolio Invest their Assets The Lifetime Investing Account/Distribution
(including "Risk Considerations") ............. 3 Options ........................................ 13
Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio ...... 6 The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege ............... 13
Management of the Fund and the Portfolio ........ 8 Eaton Vance Shareholder Services ................. 14
Distribution Plan .............................. 9 Distributions and Taxes .......................... 14
Valuing Fund Shares ............................. 9 Performance Information .......................... 15
How to Buy Fund Shares .......................... 10 Appendix A ........................................ 17
</TABLE>
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PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1995
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER AND FUND EXPENSES
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
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Sales Charges Imposed on Purchases of Shares None
Sales Charges Imposed on Reinvested Distributions None
Fees to Exchange Shares None
Range of Declining Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges Imposed on Redemptions During the
First Seven Years (as a percentage of redemption
proceeds exclusive of all reinvestments and capital
appreciation in the account) 5.00%-0%
ANNUAL FUND AND ALLOCATED PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES (as a
percentage of average daily net assets)
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Investment Adviser Fee 0.63%
Rule 12b-1 Distribution (and Service) Fees 0.75
Other Expenses 0.25
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Total Operating Expenses 1.63%
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EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
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An investor would pay the following contingent deferred sales
charge and expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (a) 5%
annual return and (b) redemption at the end of each period: $67 $91
An investor would pay the following expenses on the same
investment, assuming (a) 5% annual return and (b) no
redemptions: $17 $51
NOTES:
The tables and Example summarize the aggregate expenses of the Fund and the
Portfolio and are designed to help investors understand the costs and expenses
they will bear, directly or indirectly, by investing in the Fund. The Investment
Adviser Fee and Other Expenses set out in the table and the information in the
Example is estimated, since the Fund is only recently organized.
The Fund invests exclusively in the Portfolio. The Trustees believe that, over
time, the aggregate per share expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio should be
approximately equal to, or less than, the per share expenses the Fund would
incur if the Trust were instead to retain the services of an investment adviser
and the Fund's assets were invested directly in the types of securities being
held by the Portfolio.
The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Federal
regulations require the Example to assume a 5% annual return, but actual annual
return will vary. For further information reagarding the expenses of both the
Fund and the Portfolio see "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio,"
"Management of the Fund and the Portfolio" and "How to Redeem Fund Shares". A
long-term shareholder in the Fund may pay more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
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 8. The Fund expects to begin accruing for its service fee
payments during the quarter ending September 30, 1996.
No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on (a) shares purchased more than
six years prior to redemption, (b) shares acquired through the reinvestment of
distributions or (c) any appreciation in value of other shares in the account
(see "How to Redeem Fund Shares"), and no such charge is imposed on exchanges of
Fund shares for shares of one or more other funds listed under "The Eaton Vance
Exchange Privilege".
Other investment companies and investors with different distribution
arrangements are investing in the Portfolio and others may do so in the future.
See "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio".
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM
REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The Fund seeks its objective through investments in
a portfolio of high-yielding, below investment grade securities. The investment
objective and nonfundamental policies of the Fund may be changed by the Trustees
without a vote of shareholders. The Fund may not be appropriate for investors
who cannot assume the greater risk of capital depreciation or loss inherent in
seeking higher tax-exempt yields.
HOW THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO INVEST THEIR ASSETS
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THE FUND CURRENTLY SEEKS ITS OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING ITS ASSETS IN HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO, WHICH IS ITSELF AN OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY. The
Portfolio invests primarily in below investment grade municipal obligations
which are obligations that are rated Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or that are unrated but determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. For a description of the
ratings assigned by the rating agencies, see Appendix A. Below investment grade
municipal obligations, commonly known as "junk bonds", generally offer higher
current yields than do higher rated securities, but are subject to greater
risks. Securities in the lower-rated categories are considered to be of poor
standing and predominantly speculative. The Portfolio may also invest a portion
of its assets in municipal obligations that are not paying current income in
anticipation of possible future income. For more detailed information about the
risks associated with investing in such securities, see "Risk Considerations,"
below.
Although the Portfolio may invest in securities of any maturity, it is expected
that the Portfolio will normally invest a substantial portion of its assets in
securities with maturities of ten years or more. Those securities generally
offer higher yields than securities of shorter maturities, but are subject to
greater fluctuations in value in response to changes in interest rates. Since
the Portfolio's objective is to provide high 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.
The Portfolio will normally invest at least 65% of its assets in investment
grade and below investment grade municipal obligations. As a matter of
fundamental policy, the Portfolio will normally invest at least 80% of its
assets 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,
in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from regular federal income tax. (As a
matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will normally invest either directly, or
indirectly through another investment company, at least 80% of its assets in
such obligations.)
At times, the Portfolio may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest any
portion of its assets in higher-rated municipal obligations or other securities,
the interest on which may not be exempt from regular federal income tax, and may
hold any portion of its assets in cash. It is impossible to predict when, or for
how long, the Portfolio would engage in such strategies.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial
paper issued by a municipality for a wide variety of both public and private
purposes, the interest on which is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from
regular federal income tax. 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 INCOME FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO
THE FEDERAL ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX FOR INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS. Such obligations
will not be included in the securities used to determine the Portfolio's
compliance with the 80% test described above. Distributions to corporate
investors of certain interest income may also be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax.
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.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. The Portfolio's classification under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") as a "non-diversified" investment company
allows it to invest, with respect to 50% of its assets, more than 5% (but not
more than 25%) of its assets in the securities of any issuer. The Portfolio is
likely to invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a
single issuer than would a diversified fund. Therefore, the Portfolio will be
more susceptible to any single adverse economic or political occurrence or other
adverse development affecting certain issuers.
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may engage in the following other investment practices, some of
which may be considered to involve "derivative" instruments because they derive
their value from another instrument, security or index.
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 may also
purchase instruments that give the Portfolio the option to purchase a municipal
obligation when and if issued.
INVERSE FLOATERS. The Portfolio may invest in municipal securities whose
interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another
security or the value of an index ("inverse floaters"). An investment in 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,
however, alter this tendency. 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.
FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. The Portfolio may purchase and sell various kinds of
financial futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in
interest rates. The futures contracts may be based on various debt securities
(such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices (such as the Municipal
Bond Index traded on the Chicago Board of Trade) and other financial instruments
and indices. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to
unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, which may exceed the
Portfolio's initial investment in these contracts. The Portfolio may not
purchase or sell futures contracts or related options, except for closing
purchase or sale transactions, if immediately thereafter the sum of the amount
of margin deposits and premiums paid on the Portfolio's outstanding positions
would exceed 5% of the market value of the Portfolio's net assets. These
transactions involve transaction costs. There can be no assurance that the
Investment Adviser's use of futures will be advantageous to the Portfolio.
Distributions by the Fund of any gains realized on the Portfolio's transactions
in futures and options on futures will be taxable.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investors should carefully consider their ability to assume the risks of owning
shares of a mutual fund that invests in below investment grade municipal
obligations (commonly known as "junk bonds") before making an investment in the
Fund. The lower ratings of certain securities held by the Portfolio reflect a
greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an
issuer, or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in
interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of
interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to
make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of
securities held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Portfolio's
ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Portfolio
has placed on such securities. It is possible that legislation may be adopted in
the future limiting the ability of certain financial institutions to purchase
such securities; such legislation may adversely affect the liquidity of such
securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by it,
the Portfolio may be unable at times to establish the fair market value of such
securities. The rating assigned to a security by a rating agency does not
reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security's market value or of the
liquidity of an investment in the security. Credit ratings are based largely on
the issuer's historical financial condition and the rating agency's investment
analysis at the timing of rating, and the rating assigned to any particular
security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer's current financial
condition. Credit quality in the high yield, high risk municipal bond market can
change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully
reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high yield security.
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.
Changes in the credit quality of issuers of municipal obligations held by the
Portfolio will affect the principal value of (and possibly the income earned on)
such obligations. In addition, the values of such securities are affected by
changes in general economic conditions and business conditions affecting the
specific industries of their issuers. Changes by recognized rating services in
their ratings of a security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of
interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. The
Portfolio will not dispose of a security solely because its rating is reduced
below its rating at the time of purchase, although the Investment Adviser will
monitor the investment to determine whether continued investment in the security
will assist in meeting the Portfolio's investment objective.
At times, a substantial portion of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in
securities as to which the Portfolio, by itself or together with other accounts
managed by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, holds a major portion or
all of such securities. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the
event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Portfolio
could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Investment Adviser
believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at
prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Under such
circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such
securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio's net asset value. Interest
and/or principal payments on securities in default could be in arrears when such
securities are acquired, and the issuer may be in bankruptcy or undergoing a
debt restructuring or reorganization. In order to enforce its rights in the
event of a default under such securities, the Portfolio may be required to take
possession of and manage assets securing the issuer's obligations on such
securities, which may increase the Portfolio's operating expenses and adversely
affect the Portfolio's net asset value. Any income derived from the Portfolio's
ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.
The secondary market for such municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may
invest is less liquid than that for many taxable debt obligations or other more
widely traded municipal obligations. The Portfolio will not invest in illiquid
securities if more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities
not readily marketable. No established resale market exists for certain of the
municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may invest. As a result, the
Portfolio may be unable to dispose of some of these municipal obligations at
times when it would otherwise wish to do to at the prices at which they are
valued.
Certain securities held by the Portfolio may permit the issuer at its option to
"call", or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem securities held
by the Portfolio during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may
not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment
return as the securities redeemed.
Some of the securities in which the Portfolio invests may include so-called
"zero-coupon" bonds, whose values are subject to greater fluctuation in response
to changes in market interest rates than bonds which pay interest currently.
Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount from face value and pay
interest only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the
security. The Portfolio is required to accrue and distribute income from
zero-coupon bonds on a current basis, even though it does not receive that
income currently in cash. Thus, the Portfolio may have to sell other investments
to obtain cash needed to make income distributions.
The Portfolio may invest in municipal leases, and participations in municipal
leases. The obligation of the issuer to meet its obligations under such leases
is often subject to the appropriation by the appropriate legislative body, on an
annual or other basis, of funds for the payment of the obligations. Investments
in municipal leases are thus subject to the risk that the legislative body will
not make the necessary appropriation and the issuer will not otherwise be
willing or able to meet its obligations.
The Investment Adviser seeks to minimize the risks of investing in below
investment grade securities through professional investment analysis and
attention to current developments in interest rates and economic conditions.
When the Portfolio invests in such municipal obligations, the achievement of the
Portfolio's goals is more dependent on the Investment Adviser's ability than
would be the case if the Portfolio were investing in municipal obligations in
the higher rating categories. The amount of information about the financial
conditions of an issuer of municipal obligations may not be as extensive as that
which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
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.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
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THE FUND IS A NON-DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST II, A
BUSINESS TRUST ESTABLISHED UNDER MASSACHUSETTS LAW PURSUANT TO A DECLARATION OF
TRUST DATED OCTOBER 25, 1993, 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 Fund) it is known as a "series company." Each share represents an
equal proportionate beneficial interest in the 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. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, shareholders are
entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for
distribution to shareholders.
THE PORTFOLIO IS ORGANIZED AS A TRUST UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
AND INTENDS TO BE 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 permitted to invest 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
(although the Fund may temporarily hold a de minimus amount of cash), 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 various 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.
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, as the case may be.
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. If a shareholder redeems
shares because of a change in the nonfundamental objective or policies of the
Fund, those shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, as
described in "How to Redeem Fund Shares". 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, such Trustees would consider what action might
be taken, including investing 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 investors in the Portfolio may be adversely affected by the
actions of larger investors in the Portfolio. For example, if a large investor
withdraws from the Portfolio, the remaining investors 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 Trustees and officers of the
Trust and the Portfolio, see the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL DAILY
CATEGORY DAILY NET ASSETS ASSET RATE INCOME RATE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 up to $500 million 0.350% 3.50%
2 $500 million but less than $1 billion 0.325% 3.25%
3 $1 billion but less than $1.5 billion 0.300% 3.00%
4 $1.5 billion but less than $2 billion 0.275% 2.75%
5 $2 billion but less than $3 billion 0.250% 2.50%
6 $3 billion and over 0.225% 2.25%
</TABLE>
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.
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.
Thomas M. Metzold has acted as the portfolio manager of the Portfolio since it
commenced operations. He has been a Vice President of Eaton Vance since 1991 and
of BMR since 1992, and an employee of Eaton Vance since 1987.
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 the
Fund's 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
of its 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 incurred 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 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 or the Fund, as the case may be, 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.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND FINANCES DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES AND HAS ADOPTED A DISTRIBUTION PLAN
(THE "PLAN") PURSUANT TO RULE 12B-1 UNDER THE 1940 ACT. Rule 12b-1 permits a
mutual fund, such as the Fund, to finance distribution activities and bear
expenses associated with the distribution of its shares provided that any
payments made by the Fund are made pursuant to a written plan adopted in
accordance with the Rule. The Plan is subject to, and complies with, the sales
charge rule of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD
Rule"). The Plan is described further 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, subject to the NASD Rule, will pay sales
commissions and distribution fees to the Principal Underwriter only after and as
a result of the sale of shares of the Fund. On each sale of Fund shares
(excluding reinvestment of distributions) the Fund will pay the Principal
Underwriter amounts representing (i) sales commissions equal to 5% of the amount
received by the Fund for each share sold and (ii) distribution fees calculated
by applying the rate of 1% over the prime rate then reported in The Wall Street
Journal to the outstanding balance of Uncovered Distribution Charges (as
described below) of the Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter
currently expects to pay sales commissions (except on exchange transactions and
reinvestments) to a financial service firm (an "Authorized Firm") at the time of
sale equal to 4% of the purchase price of the shares sold by such Firm. The
Principal Underwriter will use its own funds (which may be borrowed from banks)
to pay such commissions. Because the payment of the sales commissions and
distribution fees to the Principal Underwriter is subject to the NASD Rule
described below, it will take the Principal Underwriter a number of years to
recoup the sales commissions paid by it to Authorized Firms from the payments
received by it from the Fund pursuant to the Plan.
THE NASD RULE REQUIRES THE FUND TO LIMIT ITS ANNUAL PAYMENTS OF SALES
COMMISSIONS AND DISTRIBUTION FEES TO THE PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER TO AN AMOUNT NOT
EXCEEDING .75% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR.
Under its Plan, the Fund accrues daily an amount at the rate of 1/365 of .75% of
the Fund's net assets, and pays such accrued amounts monthly to the Principal
Underwriter. The Plan requires such accruals to be automatically discontinued
during any period in which there are no outstanding Uncovered Distribution
Charges under the Plan. Uncovered Distribution Charges are calculated daily and,
briefly, are equivalent to all unpaid sales commissions and distribution fees to
which the Principal Underwriter is entitled under the Plan less all contingent
deferred sales charges theretofore paid to the Principal Underwriter. The Eaton
Vance organization may be considered to have realized a profit under the Plan if
at any point in time the aggregate amounts of all payments received by the
Principal Underwriter from the Fund pursuant to the Plan, including any
contingent deferred sales charges, have exceeded the total expenses theretofore
incurred by such organization in distributing shares of the Fund. Total expenses
for this purpose will include an allocable portion of the overhead costs of such
organization and its branch offices.
Because of the NASD Rule limitation on the amount of sales commissions and
distribution fees paid to the Principal Underwriter during any fiscal year, a
high level of sales of Fund shares during the initial years of the Fund's
operations would cause a large portion of the sales commissions attributable to
a sale of Fund shares to be accrued and paid by the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter in fiscal years subsequent to the year in which such shares were
sold. This spreading of sales commissions payments under the Plan over an
extended period would result in the incurrence and payment of increased
distribution fees under the Plan.
THE PLAN ALSO AUTHORIZES THE FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF SERVICE FEES TO THE
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER, AUTHORIZED FIRMS AND OTHER PERSONS IN AMOUNTS NOT
EXCEEDING .25% OF THE FUND'S AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR. The
Trustees of the Trust have initially implemented this provision of the Plan by
authorizing the Fund to make quarterly payments of service fees to the Principal
Underwriter and Authorized Firms in amounts not expected to exceed .25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets based on the value of Fund shares sold by such
persons and remaining outstanding for at least twelve months. As permitted by
the NASD Rule, such payments are made for personal services and/ or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. Service fees are separate and distinct from
the sales commissions and distribution fees payable by the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter, and as such are not subject to automatic discontinuance when there
are no outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter.
The Fund expects to begin accruing for its service fee payments during the
quarter ending September 30, 1996.
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.
In addition, the Principal Underwriter may from time to time increase or
decrease the sales commissions payable to Authorized Firms.
The Fund may, in its absolute discretion, suspend, discontinue or limit the
offering of its shares at any time. In determining whether any such action
should be taken, the Fund's management intends to consider all relevant factors,
including without limitation the size of the Fund, the investment climate and
market conditions, the volume of sales and redemptions of Fund shares, and the
amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter. The Plan
may continue in effect and payments may be made under the Plan following any
such suspension, discontinuance or limitation of the offering of Fund shares;
however, the Fund is not contractually obligated to continue the Plan for any
particular period of time. Suspension of the offering of Fund shares would not,
of course, affect a shareholder's ability to redeem shares.
VALUING FUND SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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).
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. 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. Net asset value is computed by subtracting the liabilities of the
Portfolio from the value of its total assets. 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 Corp. 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 PER SHARE.
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 net asset value per share of the Fund next determined after an order is
effective. The Fund may suspend the offering of shares at any time and may
refuse an order for the purchase 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 (the "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 Automated Investing
accounts, which may be established with an investment of $50 or more. See "Eaton
Vance Shareholder Services".
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 their net asset value as determined 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 net asset value per
Fund share on the day such proceeds are received. Eaton Vance will use
reasonable efforts to obtain the then 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 Marathon High Yield Municipals Fund
IN THE CASE OF PHYSICAL DELIVERY:
Investors Bank & Trust Company
Attention: EV Marathon High Yield 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.
The Trustees of the Trust may consider terminating sales of Fund shares, other
than to the Fund's existing shareholders, when the Portfolio reaches a size that
becomes difficult to manage, which may be as low as $250,000,000. If closed, the
Board of Trustees may vote to re-open the Fund for sales to new shareholders at
any time.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN AUTHORIZED FIRM, EATON VANCE CAN RECOMMEND ONE.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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., 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 applicable contingent deferred sales charges (described below) and 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 those 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 accounts with balances of less than $1,000. Prior to such a
redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days' written notice to make
additional purchases. 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. No
contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed with respect to such
involuntary redemptions.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. Shares redeemed within the first six years of
their purchase (except shares acquired through the reinvestment of
distributions) generally will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
This contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on any redemption the amount of
which exceeds the aggregate value at the time of redemption of (a) all shares in
the account purchased more than six years prior to the redemption, (b) all
shares in the account acquired through reinvestment of distributions, and (c)
the increase, if any, in the value of all other shares in the account (namely
those purchased within the six years preceding the redemption) over the purchase
price of such shares. Redemptions are processed in a manner to maximize the
amount of redemption proceeds which will not be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge. That is, each redemption will be assumed to have been made first
from the exempt amounts referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) above, and
second through liquidation of those shares in the account referred to in clause
(c) on a first-in-first-out basis. Any contingent deferred sales charge which is
required to be imposed on share redemptions will be made in accordance with the
following schedule:
YEAR OF REDEMPTION CONTINGENT
AFTER PURCHASE DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
First 5%
Second 5%
Third 4%
Fourth 3%
Fifth 2%
Sixth 1%
Seventh and following 0%
In calculating the contingent deferred sales charge upon the redemption of Fund
shares acquired in an exchange of shares of a fund currently listed under "The
Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege", the contingent deferred sales charge schedule
applicable to the shares at the time of purchase will apply and the purchase of
Fund shares acquired in the exchange is deemed to have occurred at the time of
the original purchase of the exchanged shares. The contingent deferred sales
charge will be waived for shares redeemed (1) pursuant to a Withdrawal Plan (see
"Eaton Vance Shareholder Services"), (2) as part of a required distribution from
a tax-sheltered retirement plan, or (3) following the death of all beneficial
owners of such shares, provided the redemption is requested within one year of
death (a death certificate and other applicable documents may be required).
No contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on Fund shares which have
been sold to Eaton Vance or its affiliates, or to their respective employees or
clients. The contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to the Principal
Underwriter or the Fund.
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE ILLUSTRATES THE OPERATION OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED
SALES CHARGE. ASSUME THAT AN INVESTOR PURCHASES $10,000 OF THE FUND'S SHARES
AND THAT 16 MONTHS LATER THE VALUE OF THE ACCOUNT HAS GROWN THROUGH INVESTMENT
PERFORMANCE AND REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS TO $12,000. THE INVESTOR THEN MAY
REDEEM UP TO $2,000 OF SHARES WITHOUT INCURRING A CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE. IF THE INVESTOR SHOULD REDEEM $3,000 OF SHARES, A CHARGE WOULD BE
IMPOSED ON $1,000 OF THE REDEMPTION. THE RATE WOULD BE 5% BECAUSE THE
REDEMPTION WAS MADE IN THE SECOND YEAR AFTER THE PURCHASE WAS MADE AND THE
CHARGE WOULD BE $50.
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 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 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 the name of the shareholder, the Fund
and the 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
account 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 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 in shares 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 IN SHARES OF THE FUND BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE.
THE EATON VANCE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of the Fund currently may be exchanged for shares of one or more other
funds in the Eaton Vance Marathon Group of Funds (which includes Eaton Vance
Equity-Income Trust and any EV Marathon fund, except Eaton Vance Prime Rate
Reserves) or Eaton Vance Money Market Fund, which are distributed with a
contingent deferred sales charge, 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.
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 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.
No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on exchanges. For purposes of
calculating the contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption of shares
acquired in an exchange, the contingent deferred sales charge schedule
applicable to the shares at the time of purchase will apply and the purchase of
shares acquired in one or more exchanges is deemed to have occurred at the time
of the original purchase of the exchanged shares. For the contingent deferred
sales charge schedule applicable to the EV Marathon Group of Funds (except EV
Marathon Strategic Income Fund and Class I shares of any EV Marathon Limited
Maturity Fund), see "How to Redeem Fund Shares". The contingent deferred sales
charge schedule applicable to EV Marathon Strategic Income Fund and Class I
shares of any EV Marathon Limited Maturity Fund is 3%, 2.5%, 2% or 1% in the
event of a redemption occurring in the first, second, third or fourth year,
respectively, after the original share purchase.
Shares of other funds in the Eaton Vance Marathon Group of Funds and shares of
Eaton Vance Money Market Fund may be exchanged for Fund shares on the basis of
the net asset value per share of each fund at the time of the exchange, 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 that 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, and if
such procedures are not followed, the Fund, the Distributor or The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. 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 EV
Marathon High Yield Municipals 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 distributions are reinvested. The name of the shareholder, the
Fund and the account number should accompany each investment.
BANK AUTOMATED INVESTING -- FOR REGULAR SHARE ACCUMULATION: Cash investments of
$50 or more may be made automatically each month or quarter from the
shareholder's bank account. The $1,000 minimum initial investment and small
account redemption policy are waived for these accounts.
WITHDRAWAL PLAN: A shareholder may draw on shareholdings systematically with
monthly or quarterly checks in an aggregate amount that does not exceed annually
12% of the account balance at the time the plan is established. Such amount will
not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. See "How to Redeem Fund
Shares". A minimum deposit of $5,000 in shares is required.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE: A SHAREHOLDER WHO HAS REPURCHASED OR REDEEMED SHARES MAY
REINVEST, WITH CREDIT FOR ANY CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES PAID ON THE
REPURCHASED OR REDEEMED SHARES, 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,
provided that the reinvestment is effected within 60 days after such repurchase
or redemption, and the privilege has not been used more than once in the prior
12 months. 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 (or by the Fund's Transfer Agent). To the
extent that any shares of the Fund are sold at a loss and the proceeds are
reinvested in shares of the Fund (or other shares of the Fund are acquired
within the period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of
redemption) some or all of the loss generally will not be allowed as a tax
deduction. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers concerning the tax
consequences of reinvestments.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND DECLARES DIVIDENDS DAILY AND ORDINARILY DISTRIBUTES DIVIDENDS MONTHLY
(ON THE FIFTEENTH OR NEXT SUBSEQUENT BUSINESS DAY) FROM ITS NET INVESTMENT
INCOME. The Fund's net investment income consists of net investment income
allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, less the Fund's direct and allocated
expenses. The Fund will distribute at least annually (usually in December) all
net realized capital gains allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, if any, after
taking into account any capital loss carryovers. Daily distributions will begin
on the first business day collected funds for the purchase of shares are
available to the Transfer Agent.
The Fund will distribute substantially all of its tax-exempt income, ordinary
income and capital gain net income (if any) on a current basis. Distributions
designated by the Fund as "exempt interest dividends" may be excluded from
shareholders' gross income for federal income tax purposes. However, exempt
interest dividends may affect the taxability of social security or railroad
retirement benefits for shareholders who receive such benefits. In addition,
exempt interest dividends may result in liability under the federal alternative
minimum tax provisions and may be taxable for state and local tax purposes.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the effect of exempt
interest dividends on their particular tax situation, including liability for
state and local taxes.
Other distributions from the Fund may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income, except that distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are
taxable as such regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held the
shares. Distributions of income from original issue discount and market discount
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions will be
taxable as described whether received in cash or as additional shares through
reinvestment in the Fund.
Early in each year, the Fund will notify its shareholders of the tax status of
the Fund's distributions for the preceding year. Shareholders should consult
their tax advisers about the effect of Fund distributions on their particular
tax situation and any state, local or foreign taxes that may apply.
AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED (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.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM TIME TO TIME, THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS YIELD AND/OR AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN. The Fund's current yield is calculated by dividing the net investment
income per share earned during a recent 30-day period by the maximum offering
price per share (net asset value) 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 one minus the tax rate. The
Fund's average annual total return is determined by computing the average annual
percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at the maximum public offering
price (net asset value) for specified periods ending with the most recent
calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all distributions. The average annual
total return calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment and the
deduction of any contingent deferred sales charge at the end of the period. The
Fund may 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 public
offering price per share (net asset value). 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.
The Fund may also publish total return figures which do not take into account
any contingent deferred sales charge which may be imposed upon redemptions at
the end of the specified period. Any performance figure which does not take into
account the contingent deferred sales charge would be reduced to the extent such
charge is imposed upon a redemption.
Investors should note that the investment results of the Fund will fluctuate
over time, and any presentation of the Fund's yield, total return, distribution
rate or effective distribution rate for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
yield, total return, distribution rate or effective distribution rate may be in
any future period. If the expenses related to the operation of the Fund or the
Portfolio are allocated to Eaton Vance, the Fund's performance will be higher.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS+
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
+The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this Prospectus for the securities listed. Ratings
are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating
agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no
obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent
ratings which would be given to these securities on the date of the
Portfolio's fiscal year end.
<PAGE>
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for debt
subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB-
rating.
CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to
cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service
payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although
not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA". Because bonds rated in the "AAA" and
"AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F- 1+".
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligors ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong,
but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are
more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore, impair timely
payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below
investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
HIGH YIELD BOND RATINGS
BB: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified that could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, AND D: Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. "DDD"
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D" represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit within the
rating category.
* * * * * * * *
NOTES: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to
capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of
lower-rated speculative bonds. The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
A Message from Eaton Vance Distributors:
Since 1931, the Eaton Vance Funds have been sold through leading national
and regional firms of financial advisers. Eaton Vance Distributors believes that
financial advisers can provide valuable services to investors. A qualified
financial adviser can:
o help you select among the numerous mutual funds available today
o help you design an asset allocation strategy to meet your specific
financial goals
o counsel you on the best time to adjust your investment portfolio in
response to changing market cycles
o provide up-to-date information about the Eaton Vance funds, including new
offerings and shareholder services o provide prompt answers to questions
you might have about your Eaton Vance invesments, taking advantage of the
immediate access all financial advisers have to Eaton Vance marketing
representatives.
Your financial adviser can be a great financial asset, and you should take
the time and effort to select the financial adviser who is right for you and has
the qualifications you require.
If you don't have a financial adviser, Eaton Vance can recommend one.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS MESSAGE IS NOT A PROSPECTUS, NOR IS IT AN OFFER TO SELL, OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, ANY SECURITIES. EATON VANCE DISTRIBUTORS URGES
ALL INVESTORS TO EXERCISE CARE AND JUDGMENT IN THE SELECTION OF THEIR FINANCIAL
ADVISERS.
<PAGE>
LOGO
EV MARATHON
HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1995
EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER OF HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research, 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
ADMINISTRATOR OF EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD 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., BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104
(800) 262-1122
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110
M-HYP
<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL
HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND (THE "FUND") IS A MUTUAL FUND SEEKING
TO PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE FUND
INVESTS ITS ASSETS IN HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO (THE "PORTFOLIO"), A
NON-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
NON-DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST II (THE "TRUST").
THE PORTFOLIO MAY INVEST UP TO 100% OF ITS ASSETS IN BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE
MUNICIPAL BONDS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "JUNK BONDS", THAT ENTAIL GREATER RISKS,
INCLUDING DEFAULT, THAN THOSE OF HIGHER-RATED SECURITIES. SEE "HOW THE FUND AND
THE PORTFOLIO INVEST THEIR ASSETS".
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 August 1, 1995 for the Fund, as
supplemented from time to time, has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. The Statement of
Additional Information is available without charge from the Fund's principal
underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the "Principal Underwriter"), 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>
PAGE PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholder and Fund Expenses .................. 2 How to Redeem Fund Shares ........................ 11
The Fund's Investment Objective ................. 3 Reports to Shareholders .......................... 13
How the Fund and the Portfolio Invest their Assets The Lifetime Investing Account/Distribution Options 13
(including "Risk Considerations") ............. 3 The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege ............... 13
Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio ...... 6 Eaton Vance Shareholder Services ................. 14
Management of the Fund and the Portfolio ........ 8 Distributions and Taxes .......................... 14
Distribution Plan .............................. 9 Performance Information .......................... 15
Valuing Fund Shares ............................. 9 Statement of Intention and Escrow Agreement ....... 16
How to Buy Fund Shares .......................... 10 Appendix A ........................................ 17
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1995
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER AND FUND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
ANNUAL FUND AND ALLOCATED PORTFOLIO OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Adviser Fee 0.63%
Rule 12b-1 Fees (Service Plan) 0.00
Other Expenses 0.25
----
Total Operating Expenses 0.88%
====
EXAMPLE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An investor would pay the following maximum initial sales
charge and expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming
(a) 5% annual return and (b)redemption at the end of
each period: $46 $65
NOTES:
The tables and Example summarize the aggregate expenses of the Fund and the
Portfolio and are designed to help investors understand the costs and expenses
they will bear, directly or indirectly, by investing in the Fund. The Investment
Adviser Fee and Other Expenses set out in the table and the information in the
Example is estimated, since the Fund is only recently organized.
The Fund invests exclusively in the Portfolio. The Trustees believe that, over
time, the aggregate per share expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio should be
approximately equal to, or less than, the per share expenses the Fund would
incur if the Trust were instead to retain the services of an investment adviser
and the Fund's assets were invested directly in the types of securities being
held by the Portfolio.
The Example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Federal
regulations require the Example to assume a 5% annual return, but actual annual
return will vary. For further information regarding the expenses of both the
Fund and the Portfolio see "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio" and
"Management of the Fund and the Portfolio".
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 8. The Fund expects to begin accruing for its service fee
payments during the quarter ending September 30, 1996.
Other investment companies and investors with different distribution
arrangements are investing in the Portfolio and others may do so in the future.
See "Organization of the Fund and the Portfolio".
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM
REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The Fund seeks its objective through investments in
a portfolio of high-yielding, below investment grade securities. The investment
objective and nonfundamental policies of the Fund may be changed by the Trustees
without a vote of shareholders. The Fund may not be appropriate for investors
who cannot assume the greater risk of capital depreciation or loss inherent in
seeking higher tax-exempt yields.
HOW THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO INVEST THEIR ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND CURRENTLY SEEKS ITS OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING ITS ASSETS IN HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO, WHICH IS ITSELF AN OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY. The
Portfolio invests primarily in below investment grade municipal obligations
which are obligations that are rated Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or
Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or that are unrated but determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. For a description of the
ratings assigned by the rating agencies, see Appendix A. Below investment grade
municipal obligations, commonly known as "junk bonds", generally offer higher
current yields than do higher rated securities, but are subject to greater
risks. Securities in the lower-rated categories are considered to be of poor
standing and predominantly speculative. The Portfolio may also invest a portion
of its assets in municipal obligations that are not paying current income in
anticipation of possible future income. For more detailed information about the
risks associated with investing in such securities, see "Risk Considerations,"
below.
Although the Portfolio may invest in securities of any maturity, it is expected
that the Portfolio will normally invest a substantial portion of its assets in
securities with maturities of ten years or more. Those securities generally
offer higher yields than securities of shorter maturities, but are subject to
greater fluctuations in value in response to changes in interest rates. Since
the Portfolio's objective is to provide high 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.
The Portfolio will normally invest at least 65% of its assets in investment
grade and below investment grade municipal obligations. As a matter of
fundamental policy, the Portfolio will normally invest at least 80% of its
assets 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,
in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from regular federal income tax. (As a
matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will normally invest either directly, or
indirectly through another investment company, at least 80% of its assets in
such obligations.)
At times, the Portfolio may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest any
portion of its assets in higher-rated municipal obligations or other securities,
the interest on which may not be exempt from regular federal income tax, and may
hold any portion of its assets in cash. It is impossible to predict when, or for
how long, the Portfolio would engage in such strategies.
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial
paper issued by a municipality for a wide variety of both public and private
purposes, the interest on which is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from
regular federal income tax. 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.
<PAGE>
INTEREST INCOME FROM CERTAIN TYPES OF MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS MAY BE SUBJECT TO
THE FEDERAL ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX FOR INDIVIDUAL INVESTORS. Such obligations
will not be included in the securities used to determine the Portfolio's
compliance with the 80% test described above. Distributions to corporate
investors of certain interest income may also be subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax.
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.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. The Portfolio's classification under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") as a "non-diversified" investment company
allows it to invest, with respect to 50% of its assets, more than 5% (but not
more than 25%) of its assets in the securities of any issuer. The Portfolio is
likely to invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a
single issuer than would a diversified fund. Therefore, the Portfolio will be
more susceptible to any single adverse economic or political occurrence or other
adverse development affecting certain issuers.
OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The Portfolio may engage in the following other investment practices, some of
which may be considered to involve "derivative" instruments because they derive
their value from another instrument, security or index.
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 may also
purchase instruments that give the Portfolio the option to purchase a municipal
obligation when and if issued.
INVERSE FLOATERS. The Portfolio may invest in municipal securities whose
interest rates bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another
security or the value of an index ("inverse floaters"). An investment in 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,
however, alter this tendency. 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.
FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. The Portfolio may purchase and sell various kinds of
financial futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in
interest rates. The futures contracts may be based on various debt securities
(such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices (such as the Municipal
Bond Index traded on the Chicago Board of Trade) and other financial instruments
and indices. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to
unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, which may exceed the
Portfolio's initial investment in these contracts. The Portfolio may not
purchase or sell futures contracts or related options, except for closing
purchase or sale transactions, if immediately thereafter the sum of the amount
of margin deposits and premiums paid on the Portfolio's outstanding positions
would exceed 5% of the market value of the Portfolio's net assets. These
transactions involve transaction costs. There can be no assurance that the
Investment Adviser's use of futures will be advantageous to the Portfolio.
Distributions by the Fund of any gains realized on the Portfolio's transactions
in futures and options on futures will be taxable.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investors should carefully consider their ability to assume the risks of owning
shares of a mutual fund that invests in below investment grade municipal
obligations (commonly known as "junk bonds") before making an investment in the
Fund. The lower ratings of certain securities held by the Portfolio reflect a
greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of an
issuer, or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in
interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of
interest and principal. The inability (or perceived inability) of issuers to
make timely payment of interest and principal would likely make the values of
securities held by the Fund more volatile and could limit the Portfolio's
ability to sell its securities at prices approximating the values the Portfolio
has placed on such securities. It is possible that legislation may be adopted in
the future limiting the ability of certain financial institutions to purchase
such securities; such legislation may adversely affect the liquidity of such
securities. In the absence of a liquid trading market for securities held by it,
the Portfolio may be unable at times to establish the fair market value of such
securities. The rating assigned to a security by a rating agency does not
reflect an assessment of the volatility of the security's market value or of the
liquidity of an investment in the security. Credit ratings are based largely on
the issuer's historical financial condition and the rating agency's investment
analysis at the timing of rating, and the rating assigned to any particular
security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer's current financial
condition. Credit quality in the high yield, high risk municipal bond market can
change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully
reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high yield security.
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.
Changes in the credit quality of issuers of municipal obligations held by the
Portfolio will affect the principal value of (and possibly the income earned on)
such obligations. In addition, the values of such securities are affected by
changes in general economic conditions and business conditions affecting the
specific industries of their issuers. Changes by recognized rating services in
their ratings of a security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of
interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. The
Portfolio will not dispose of a security solely because its rating is reduced
below its rating at the time of purchase, although the Investment Adviser will
monitor the investment to determine whether continued investment in the security
will assist in meeting the Portfolio's investment objective.
At times, a substantial portion of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in
securities as to which the Portfolio, by itself or together with other accounts
managed by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, holds a major portion or
all of such securities. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the
event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Portfolio
could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Investment Adviser
believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at
prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Under such
circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such
securities for purposes of computing the Portfolio's net asset value. Interest
and/or principal payments on securities in default could be in arrears when such
securities are acquired, and the issuer may be in bankruptcy or undergoing a
debt restructuring or reorganization. In order to enforce its rights in the
event of a default under such securities, the Portfolio may be required to take
possession of and manage assets securing the issuer's obligations on such
securities, which may increase the Portfolio's operating expenses and adversely
affect the Portfolio's net asset value. Any income derived from the Portfolio's
ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.
The secondary market for such municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may
invest is less liquid than that for many taxable debt obligations or other more
widely traded municipal obligations. The Portfolio will not invest in illiquid
securities if more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in securities
not readily marketable. No established resale market exists for certain of the
municipal obligations in which the Portfolio may invest. As a result, the
Portfolio may be unable to dispose of some of these municipal obligations at
times when it would otherwise wish to do to at the prices at which they are
valued.
Certain securities held by the Portfolio may permit the issuer at its option to
"call", or redeem, its securities. If an issuer were to redeem securities held
by the Portfolio during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may
not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment
return as the securities redeemed.
Some of the securities in which the Portfolio invests may include so-called
"zero-coupon" bonds, whose values are subject to greater fluctuation in response
to changes in market interest rates than bonds which pay interest currently.
Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount from face value and pay
interest only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the
security. The Portfolio is required to accrue and distribute income from
zero-coupon bonds on a current basis, even though it does not receive that
income currently in cash. Thus, the Portfolio may have to sell other investments
to obtain cash needed to make income distributions.
The Portfolio may invest in municipal leases, and participations in municipal
leases. The obligation of the issuer to meet its obligations under such leases
is often subject to the appropriation by the appropriate legislative body, on an
annual or other basis, of funds for the payment of the obligations. Investments
in municipal leases are thus subject to the risk that the legislative body will
not make the necessary appropriation and the issuer will not otherwise be
willing or able to meet its obligations.
The Investment Adviser seeks to minimize the risks of investing in below
investment grade securities through professional investment analysis and
attention to current developments in interest rates and economic conditions.
When the Portfolio invests in such municipal obligations, the achievement of the
Portfolio's goals is more dependent on the Investment Adviser's ability than
would be the case if the Portfolio were investing in municipal obligations in
the higher rating categories. The amount of information about the financial
conditions of an issuer of municipal obligations may not be as extensive as that
which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
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.
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND IS A NON-DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF EATON VANCE MUNICIPALS TRUST II, A
BUSINESS TRUST ESTABLISHED UNDER MASSACHUSETTS LAW PURSUANT TO A DECLARATION OF
TRUST DATED OCTOBER 25, 1993, 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 Fund) it is known as a "series company." Each share represents an
equal proportionate beneficial interest in the 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. In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, shareholders are
entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for
distribution to shareholders.
THE PORTFOLIO IS ORGANIZED AS A TRUST UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
AND INTENDS TO BE 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 permitted to invest 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
(although the Fund may temporarily hold a de minimus amount of cash), 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 various 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.
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, as the case may be.
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, such Trustees would
consider what action might be taken, including investing 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 investors in the Portfolio may be adversely affected by the
actions of larger investors in the Portfolio. For example, if a large investor
withdraws from the Portfolio, the remaining investors 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 Trustees and officers of the
Trust and the Portfolio, see the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 0.350% 3.50%
2 $500 million but less than $1 billion 0.325% 3.25%
3 $1 billion but less than $1.5 billion 0.300% 3.00%
4 $1.5 billion but less than $2 billion 0.275% 2.75%
5 $2 billion but less than $3 billion 0.250% 2.50%
6 $3 billion and over 0.225% 2.25%
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.
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.
Thomas M. Metzold has acted as the portfolio manager of the Portfolio since it
commenced operations. He has been a Vice President of Eaton Vance since 1991 and
of BMR since 1992 and an employee of Eaton Vance since 1987.
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 the
Fund's 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
of its 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 incurred 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 or the Fund, as the case may be, 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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 1940 Act and the service fee requirements of the revised
sales charge rule of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. 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,
FINANCIAL SERVICE FIRMS ("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 quarterly 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 based on the value of Fund shares sold by
such persons and remaining outstanding for at least twelve months. The Fund
expects to begin accruing for its service fee payments during the quarter ending
September 30, 1996. The Plan is described further in the Statement of Additional
Information.
VALUING FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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).
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.
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. Net asset value is computed by subtracting the liabilities of the
Portfolio from the value of its total assets. 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 Corp. 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 PER SHARE.
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 and dealer commissions are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE AS SALES CHARGE AS DEALER COMMISSION
PERCENTAGE OF 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 0.00 0.25*
*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 .25% of average daily net assets paid quarterly for one year.
</TABLE>
The Principal Underwriter may at times allow discounts up to the full sales
charge. During periods when the discount includes the full sales charge,
Authorized 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 (the "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 Automated 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 and 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 (1) in connection with
the merger of an investment company with the Fund, (2) 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, and (3) 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.
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 determined 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 then 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 High Yield Municipals Fund
IN THE CASE OF PHYSICAL DELIVERY:
Investors Bank & Trust Company
Attention: EV Traditional High Yield 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.
The Trustees of the Trust may consider terminating sales of Fund shares, other
than to the Fund's existing shareholders, when the Portfolio reaches a size that
becomes difficult to manage, which may be as low as $250,000,000. If closed, the
Board of Trustees may vote to re-open the Fund for sales to new shareholders at
any time.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE AN AUTHORIZED FIRM, EATON VANCE CAN RECOMMEND ONE.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 accounts with balances of less than $1,000. Prior to such a
redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days' written notice to make
additional purchases. 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.
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 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 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 the name of the shareholder, the Fund
and the 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
account 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 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 in shares 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 IN SHARES OF THE FUND BY SENDING A CHECK FOR $50 OR MORE.
THE EATON VANCE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares of the Fund currently 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 (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.
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.
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 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 investment adviser
or administrator may be exchanged for Fund shares on the basis of the net asset
value per share of each fund at the time of the exchange, 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 that 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, and if
such procedures are not followed, the Fund, the Distributor or The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. 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 EV
Traditional High Yield Municipals 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 distributions are reinvested. The name of the shareholder, the
Fund and the account number should accompany each investment.
BANK AUTOMATED INVESTING -- FOR REGULAR SHARE ACCUMULATION: Cash investments of
$50 or more may be made automatically each month or quarter from the
shareholder's bank account. The $1,000 minimum initial investment and small
account redemption policy are waived for these accounts.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION: Purchases of $50,000 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 $50,000 or more. Shares of the Eaton Vance funds listed 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 AT NET ASSET VALUE 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 60 days, in
shares of any of the other funds offered by the Principal Underwriter subject to
an initial sales charge, provided that the reinvestment is effected within 60
days after such repurchase or redemption, and the privilege has not been used
more than once in the prior 12 months. 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 by the Principal
Underwriter subject to an initial sales charge who wish to reinvest such
redemption or repurchase proceeds in shares of the Fund. To the extent that any
shares of the Fund are sold at a loss and the proceeds are reinvested in shares
of the Fund (or other shares of the Fund are acquired within the period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the redemption)
some or all of the loss generally will not be allowed as a tax deduction.
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
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FUND DECLARES DIVIDENDS DAILY AND ORDINARILY DISTRIBUTES DIVIDENDS MONTHLY
(ON THE FIFTEENTH OR NEXT SUBSEQUENT BUSINESS DAY) FROM ITS NET INVESTMENT
INCOME. The Fund's net investment income consists of net investment income
allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, less the Fund's direct and allocated
expenses. The Fund will distribute at least annually (usually in December) all
net realized capital gains allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, if any, after
taking into account any capital loss carryovers. Daily distributions will begin
on the first business day collected funds for the purchase of shares are
available to the Transfer Agent.
The Fund will distribute substantially all of its tax-exempt income, ordinary
income and capital gain net income (if any) on a current basis. Distributions
designated by the Fund as "exempt interest dividends" may be excluded from
shareholders' gross income for federal income tax purposes. However, exempt
interest dividends may affect the taxability of social security or railroad
retirement benefits for shareholders who receive such benefits. In addition,
exempt interest dividends may result in liability under the federal alternative
minimum tax provisions and may be taxable for state and local tax purposes.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the effect of exempt
interest dividends on their particular tax situation, including liability for
state and local taxes.
Other distributions from the Fund may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income, except that distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are
taxable as such regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held the
shares. Distributions of income from original issue discount and market discount
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions will be
taxable as described whether received in cash or as additional shares through
reinvestment in the Fund.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares of the Fund 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. Any disregarded amounts will result in an
adjustment to the shareholder's tax basis in some or all of any other shares
acquired.
Early in each year, the Fund will notify its shareholders of the tax status of
the Fund's distributions for the preceding year. Shareholders should consult
their tax advisers about the effect of Fund distributions on their particular
tax situation and any state, local or foreign taxes that may apply.
AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED (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.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM TIME TO TIME, THE FUND MAY ADVERTISE ITS YIELD AND/OR AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN. The Fund's current yield is calculated by dividing the net investment
income per share earned 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 one 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 distributions are reinvested at net asset
value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The Fund may 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 (including the maximum sales charge). 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.
The Fund may also furnish total return calculations based on investments at
various sales charge levels or at net asset value. Any performance data which is
based on the Fund's net asset value per share would be reduced if a sales charge
were taken into account.
Investors should note that the investment results of the Fund will fluctuate
over time, and any presentation of the Fund's yield, total return, distribution
rate or effective distribution rate for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
yield, total return, distribution rate or effective distribution rate may be in
any future period. If the expenses related to the operation of the Fund or the
Portfolio are allocated to 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 the investor's 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 the investor's 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 investor's account.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS+
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
+The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this Prospectus for the securities listed. Ratings
are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating
agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no
obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent
ratings which would be given to these securities on the date of the
Portfolio's fiscal year end.
<PAGE>
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness
to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for
debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or
BB- rating.
CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to
cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service
payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA". Because bonds rated in the
"AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-
1+".
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligors ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
HIGH YIELD BOND RATINGS
BB: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified that could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, AND D: Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of
their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor.
"DDD" represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D"
represents the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit
within the rating category.
* * * * * * * *
NOTES: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to
capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of
lower-rated speculative bonds. The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL
HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1995
EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER OF HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research, 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
ADMINISTRATOR OF EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD 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., BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104
(800) 262-1122
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110
T-HYP
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1995
EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND
24 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(800) 225-6265
This Statement of Additional Information consists of two parts. Part I
provides information about EV Marathon High Yield Municipals Fund (the "Fund")
and certain other series of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (the "Trust"). As
described in the Prospectus, the Fund invests its assets in High Yield
Municipals Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a separate registered investment company
with the same investment objective and policies as the Fund. Part II provides
information solely about the Fund and the Portfolio. Where appropriate, Part I
includes cross-references to the relevant sections of Part II.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page
Additional Information about Investment Policies .................. 1
Investment Restrictions ........................................... 8
Trustees and Officers ............................................. 9
Investment Adviser and Administrator .............................. 10
Custodian ......................................................... 12
Service for Withdrawal ............................................ 13
Determination of Net Asset Value .................................. 13
Investment Performance ............................................ 14
Taxes ............................................................. 15
Portfolio Security Transactions ................................... 17
Other Information ................................................. 19
Independent Certified Public Accountants .......................... 20
Appendix .......................................................... 21
PART II
Fees and Expenses ................................................. a-1
Additional Officer Information .................................... a-1
Principal Underwriter ............................................. a-2
Distribution Plan ................................................. a-2
Performance Information ........................................... a-4
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities ............... a-5
Tax Equivalent Yield Table ........................................ a-6
Financial Statements .............................................. a-7
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS
AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR
ACCOMPANIED BY THE FUND'S PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1995, AS SUPPLEMENTED FROM
TIME TO TIME. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH PROSPECTUS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE
BY CONTACTING EATON VANCE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (THE "PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER") (SEE
BACK COVER FOR ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER).
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART I
This Part I provides information about the Fund, certain other series of
the Trust and the Portfolio. Capitalized terms used in this Statement of
Additional Information and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them
in the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund is subject to the same investment policies
as those of the Portfolio. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its objective
by investing in the Portfolio.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Municipal obligations are issued to obtain funds for various public and
private purposes. Such obligations include bonds as well as tax-exempt
commercial paper, project notes and municipal notes such as tax, revenue and
bond anticipation notes of short maturity, generally less than three years. In
general, there are three categories of municipal obligations, the interest on
which is exempt from federal income tax and is not a tax preference item for
purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax: (i) certain "public purpose"
obligations (whenever issued), which include obligations issued directly by
state and local governments or their agencies to fulfill essential
governmental functions; (ii) certain obligations issued before August 8, 1986
for the benefit of non-governmental persons or entities; and (iii) certain
"private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986, which include "qualified
Section 501(c)(3) bonds" or refundings of certain obligations included in the
second category. In assessing the federal income tax treatment of interest on
any municipal obligation, the Portfolio will generally rely on an opinion of
the issuer's counsel (when available) and will not undertake any independent
verification of the basis for the opinion. The two principal classifications
of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue" bonds.
Interest on certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986
is exempt from regular federal income tax 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 the
recipient's liability for the federal alternative minimum tax. 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 as applied to corporations (to
the extent not already included in alternative minimum taxable income as
income attributable to private activity bonds).
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 is taxable as 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, subject to a de minimus
amount.
Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities,
towns and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to
fund a wide range of public projects including the construction or improvement
of schools, highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other
public purposes. The basic security of general obligation bonds is the
issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt
service may be limited or unlimited as to rate and amount.
The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues
derived from a particular facility or group of facilities or, in some cases,
from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source.
Revenue bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of capital projects
including: electric, gas, water, sewer and solid waste disposal systems;
highways, bridges and tunnels; port, airport and parking facilities;
transportation systems; housing facilities, colleges and universities and
hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds varies widely,
many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund
whose monies may be used to make principal and interest payments on the
issuer's obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of
security including partially or fully insured, rent subsidized and/or
collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public
projects. In addition to a debt service reserve fund, some authorities provide
further security in the form of a state's ability (without legal obligation)
to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund. Lease rental revenue
bonds issued by a state or local authority for capital projects are normally
secured by annual lease rental payments from the state or locality to the
authority sufficient to cover debt service on the authority's obligations.
Such payments are usually subject to annual appropriations by the state or
locality.
Industrial development and pollution control bonds are in most cases
revenue bonds and are generally not secured by the taxing power of the
municipality, but are usually secured by the revenues derived by the authority
from payments of the industrial user or users.
The Portfolio may on occasion acquire revenue bonds which carry warrants
or similar rights covering equity securities. Such warrants or rights may be
held indefinitely, but if exercised, the Portfolio anticipates that it would,
under normal circumstances, dispose of any equity securities so acquired
within a reasonable period of time.
While most municipal bonds pay a fixed rate of interest semi-annually in
cash, there are exceptions. Some bonds pay no periodic cash interest, but
rather make a single payment at maturity representing both principal and
interest. Bonds may be issued or subsequently offered with interest coupons
materially greater or less than those then prevailing, with price adjustments
reflecting such deviation.
The obligations of any person or entity to pay the principal of and
interest on a municipal obligation are subject to the provisions of
bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and laws, if any, which may be
enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of
principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement
of such obligations. There is also the possibility that as a result of
litigation or other conditions the power or ability of any person or entity to
pay when due principal of and interest on a municipal obligation may be
materially affected. There have been recent instances of defaults and
bankruptcies involving municipal obligations which were not foreseen by the
financial and investment communities. The Portfolio will take whatever action
it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties,
default or bankruptcy of either the issuer of any municipal obligation or of
the underlying source of funds for debt service. Such action may include
retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of
Boston Management and Research (the "Investment Adviser")) to evaluate or
protect any real estate, facilities or other assets securing any such
obligation or acquired by the Portfolio as a result of any such event, and the
Portfolio may also manage (or engage other persons to manage) or otherwise
deal with any real estate, facilities or other assets so acquired. The
Portfolio anticipates that real estate consulting and management services may
be required with respect to properties securing various municipal obligations
in its portfolio or subsequently acquired by the Portfolio. The Portfolio will
incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to
portfolio obligations in default and assets securing such obligations.
The yields on municipal obligations will be dependent on a variety of
factors, including purposes of issue and source of funds for repayment,
general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal bond
market, size of a particular offering, maturity of the obligation and rating
of the issue. The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
("Fitch") represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal
obligations which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however,
that ratings are based on judgment and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, municipal obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating
may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon
with different ratings may have the same yield. In addition, the market price
of municipal obligations will normally fluctuate with changes in interest
rates, and therefore the net asset value of the Portfolio will be affected by
such changes.
RISKS OF CONCENTRATION
Municipal Obligations. For a discussion of the risks associated with the
Portfolio's policy of concentrating its investments in particular issuers of
municipal obligations, see "Risks of Concentration" in the Fund's Part II of
this Statement of Additional Information.
Obligations of Particular Types of Issuers. The Portfolio may invest 25% or
more of its total assets in municipal obligations whose issuers are located in
the same state or in municipal obligations of the same type. There could be
economic, business or political developments which might affect all municipal
obligations of the same type. In particular, investments in the industrial
revenue bonds listed above might involve without limitation the following
risks.
Hospital bond ratings are often based on feasibility studies which contain
projections of expenses, revenues and occupancy levels. Among the influences
affecting a hospital's gross receipts and net income available to service its
debt are demand for hospital services, the ability of the hospital to provide
the services required, management capabilities, economic developments in the
service area, efforts by insurers and government agencies to limit rates and
expenses, confidence in the hospital, service area economic developments,
competition, availability and expense of malpractice insurance, Medicaid and
Medicare funding and possible Federal legislation limiting the rates of
increase of hospital charges.
Electric utilities face problems in financing large construction programs
in an inflationary period, cost increases and delay occasioned by safety and
environmental considerations (particularly with respect to nuclear
facilities), difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable prices, and in
achieving timely and adequate rate relief from regulatory commissions, effects
of energy conservation and limitations on the capacity of the capital market
to absorb utility debt.
Pollution control and other industrial development bonds are issued by
state or local agencies to finance various projects, including those of
domestic steel producers, and may be backed solely by agreements with such
companies. Domestic steel companies are expected to suffer the consequences of
such adverse trends as high labor costs, high foreign imports encouraged by
foreign productivity increases and a strong U.S. dollar, and other cost
pressures such as those imposed by anti-pollution legislation. Domestic steel
capacity is being reduced currently by large-scale plant closings and this
period of rationalization may not end until further legislative protection is
provided through tariff price supports or mandatory import quotas, such as
those recently enacted for certain specialty steel products.
Life care facilities are an alternative form of long-term housing for the
elderly which offer residents the independence of a condominium life style
and, if needed, the comprehensive care of nursing home services. Bonds to
finance these facilities have been issued by various state industrial
development authorities. Since the bonds are normally secured only by the
revenues of each facility and not by state or local government tax payments,
they are subject to a wide variety of risks. Primarily, the projects must
maintain adequate occupancy levels to be able to provide revenues sufficient
to meet debt service payments. Moreover, since a portion of housing, medical
care and other services may be financed by an initial deposit, it is important
that the facility maintain adequate financial reserves to secure estimated
actuarial liabilities. The ability of management to accurately forecast
inflationary cost pressures is an important factor in this process. The
facilities may also be affected adversely by regulatory cost restrictions
applied to health care delivery in general, particularly state regulations or
changes in Medicare and Medicaid payments or qualifications, or restrictions
imposed by medical insurance companies. They may also face competition from
alternative health care or conventional housing facilities in the private or
public sector.
Obligations of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Subject to the
Fund's investment policies as set forth in its Prospectus, the Portfolio may
invest in the obligations of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
Accordingly, the Portfolio may be adversely affected by local political and
economic conditions and developments within Puerto Rico affecting the issuers
of such obligations.
Puerto Rico has a diversified economy dominated by the manufacturing and
service sectors. Manufacturing is the largest sector in terms of gross
domestic product and is more diversified than during earlier phases of Puerto
Rico's industrial development. The three largest sectors of the economy (as a
percentage of employment) are services (47%), government (22%) and
manufacturing (16.4%). These three sectors represent 39%, 11% and 39%,
respectively, of the gross domestic product. The service sector is the fastest
growing, while the government and manufacturing sectors have been stagnant for
the past five years. This decline was broad based among all manufacturing
industries. 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. The February, 1995 unemployment
rate was 12.5%, down from 16% for 1994.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico exercises virtually the same control over
its internal affairs as do the fifty states; however, it differs from the
states in its relationship with the Federal government. Most federal taxes,
except those such as social security taxes that are imposed by mutual consent,
are not levied in Puerto Rico. However, in conjunction with the 1993 U.S.
budget plan, Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code was amended and provided
for two alternative limitations to the Section 936 credit. The first option
will limit the credit against such income to 40% of the credit allowable under
current law, with a five year phase-in period starting at 60% of the allowable
credit. The second option is a wage and depreciation based credit. The
reduction of the tax benefits to those U.S. companies with operations in
Puerto Rico may lead to slower growth in the future. There can be no assurance
that these modifications will not lead to a weakened economy, a lower rating
on Puerto Rico's debt or lower prices for Puerto Rican bonds that may be held
by the Portfolio.
Puerto Rico's financial reporting was first conformed to generally
accepted accounting principles in fiscal 1990. Nonrecurring revenues have been
used frequently to balance recent years' budgets. In November, 1993 Puerto
Ricans voted on whether they wished to retain their Commonwealth status,
become a state or establish an independent nation. The measure was defeated,
with 48.5% voting to remain a Commonwealth, 46% voting for statehood and 4%
voting for independence. Retaining Commonwealth status will leave intact the
current relationship with the federal government. There can be no assurance
that the statehood issue will not be brought to a vote in the future. A
successful statehood vote in Puerto Rico would then require the U.S. Congress
to ratify the election.
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are located approximately 1,100
miles east-southeast of Miami and are made up of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St.
John. Population, after reaching a peak of 110,800 in 1985, declined to
101,809 in 1990. The economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with
roughly 43% of non-agricultural employment in tourist-related trade and
services. As of April, 1993, unemployment stood at 2.7%. The tourism industry
is economically sensitive and would likely be adversely affected by a
recession in either the United States or Europe.
An important component of the USVI revenue base is the federal excise tax
on rum exports. Tax revenues rebated by the federal government to the USVI
provide the primary security of many outstanding USVI bonds. Since more than
90% of the rum distilled in the USVI is distilled at one plant, any
interruption in its operations (as occurred after Hurricane Hugo in 1989)
would adversely affect these revenues. Consequently, there can be no assurance
that rum exports to the United States and the rebate of tax revenues to the
USVI will continue at their present levels. The preferential tariff treatment
the USVI rum industry currently enjoys could be reduced under NAFTA. Increased
competition from Mexican rum producers could reduce USVI rum imported to the
U.S., decreasing excise tax revenues generated. The USVI experienced budget
deficits in fiscal years 1989 and 1990: in 1989 due to wage settlements with
the unionized government employees, and in 1990 as a result of Hurricane Hugo.
The USVI recorded a small surplus in fiscal year 1991. At the end of fiscal
1992, the last year for which results are available, the USVI had an
unreserved General Fund deficit of approximately $8.31 million, or
approximately 2.1% of expenditures. In order to close a forecasted fiscal 1994
revenue gap of $45.6 million, the Department of Finance has proposed several
tax increases and fund transfers. There is currently no rated, unenhanced
Virgin Islands debt outstanding.
Guam, an unincorporated U.S. territory, is located 1,500 miles southeast
of Tokyo. Population, 133,000 in 1990, up 26% from the 1980 census level. The
U.S. military is a key component of Guam's economy. The Federal government
directly comprises more than 10% of the employment base, with a substantial
component of the service sector to support these personnel. Guam is expected
to benefit from the closure of the Subic Bay Naval Base and the Clark Air
Force Base in the Philippines. The Naval Air Station, one of several U.S.
military facilities on the island, has been slated for closure by the Defense
Base Closure and Realignment Committee; however, the administration plans to
use these facilities to expand the Island's commercial airport. Guam is also
heavily reliant on tourists, particularly the Japanese. Unemployment was 3.2%
in 1991. For 1994, the financial position of Guam has weakened further as it
incurred an unaudited General Fund operating deficit. The administration has
taken steps to improve its financial position; however, there are no
guarantees that an improvement will be realized. Guam's general obligation
debt is rated Baa by Moody's.
MUNICIPAL LEASES
The 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 issued by state or local governments 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 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 the Portfolio may be deemed
illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolio's 15% limitation on investments 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 on-going basis, including an
assessment of the likelihood that the lease may or may not be cancelled.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations which do not require the periodic
payment of interest and are issued at a significant discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue
and compound over the period until maturity at a rate of interest reflecting
the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon bonds
benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but
also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to
defer receipt of such cash.
INSURANCE
Insured municipal obligations held by the Portfolio (if any) will be
insured as to their scheduled payment of principal and interest under either
(i) an insurance policy obtained by the issuer or underwriter of the
obligation at the time of its original issuance or (ii) an insurance policy
obtained by the Portfolio or a third party subsequent to the obligation's
original issuance (which may not be reflected in the obligation's market
value. In either event, such insurance may provide that in the event of non-
payment of interest or principal when due with respect to an insured
obligation, the insurer is not required to make such payment until a specified
time has lapsed (which may be 30 days or more after notice).
CREDIT QUALITY
The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment Adviser's judgment, analysis
and experience in evaluating the quality of municipal obligations. In
evaluating the credit quality of a particular issue, whether rated or unrated,
the Investment Adviser will normally take into consideration, among other
things, the financial resources of the issuer (or, as appropriate, of the
underlying source of funds for debt service), its sensitivity to economic
conditions and trends, any operating history of and the community support for
the facility financed by the issue, the ability of the issuer's management and
regulatory matters. The Investment Adviser will attempt to reduce the risks of
investing in the lowest investment grade, below investment grade and
comparable unrated obligations through active portfolio management, credit
analysis and attention to current developments and trends in the economy and
the financial markets.
See "Portfolio of Investments" in the "Financial Statements" included in
the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information with respect to
any defaulted obligations held by the Portfolio.
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, which may increase capital gains and the expenses
incurred in connection with such trading.
WHEN ISSUED SECURITIES
New issues of municipal obligations are sometimes offered on a "when-
issued" basis, that is, delivery and payment for the securities normally
taking place within a specified number of days after the date of the
Portfolio's commitment and are subject to certain conditions such as the
issuance of satisfactory legal opinions. The Portfolio may also purchase
securities on a when-issued basis pursuant to refunding contracts in
connection with the refinancing of an issuer's outstanding indebtedness.
Refunding contracts generally require the issuer to sell and the Portfolio to
buy such securities on a settlement date that could be several months or
several years in the future.
The Portfolio will make commitments to purchase when-issued securities
only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell
such securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable as a
matter of investment strategy. The payment obligation and the interest rate
that will be received on the securities are fixed at the time the Portfolio
enters into the purchase commitment. The Portfolio's custodian will segregate
cash or high grade liquid debt securities in a separate account of the
Portfolio in an amount at least equal to the when-issued commitments. If the
value of the securities placed in the separate account declines, additional
cash or high grade liquid debt securities will be placed in the account on a
daily basis so that the value of the account will at least equal the amount of
the Portfolio's when-issued commitments. When the Portfolio commits to
purchase a security on a when-issued basis it records the transaction and
reflects the value of the security in determining its net asset value.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and the securities held by the
Portfolio are subject to changes in value based upon the perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and changes in the level of interest rates
(i.e. appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest
rates rise). Therefore, to the extent that the Portfolio remains substantially
fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-
issued basis, there will be greater fluctuations in the Portfolio's net asset
value than if it solely set aside cash to pay for when-issued securities.
VARIABLE RATE OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may purchase variable rate obligations. Variable rate
instruments provide for adjustments in the interest rate at specified
intervals (weekly, monthly, semi-annually, etc.). The revised rates are
usually set at the issuer's discretion, in which case the investor normally
enjoys the right to "put" the security back to the issuer or his agent. Rate
revisions may alternatively be determined by formula or in some other
contractual fashion. Variable rate obligations normally provide that the
holder can demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par with
accrued interest and are frequently secured by letters of credit or other
credit support arrangements provided by banks. To the extent that such letters
of credit or other arrangements constitute an unconditional guarantee of the
issuer's obligations, a bank may be treated as the issuer of a security for
the purpose of complying with the diversification requirements set forth in
Section 5(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rule 5b-2 thereunder.
The Portfolio would anticipate using these obligations as cash equivalents
pending longer term investment of its funds.
REDEMPTION, DEMAND AND PUT FEATURES
Most municipal bonds have a fixed final maturity date. However, it is
commonplace for the issuer to reserve the right to call the bond earlier.
Also, some bonds may have "put" or "demand" features that allow early
redemption by the bondholder. Interest income generated by certain bonds
having demand features may not qualify as tax-exempt interest. Longer term
fixed-rate bonds may give the holder a right to request redemption at certain
times (often annually after the lapse of an intermediate term). These bonds
are more defensive than conventional long term bonds (protecting to some
degree against a rise in interest rates) while providing greater opportunity
than comparable intermediate term bonds, because the Portfolio may retain the
bond if interest rates decline. By acquiring these kinds of obligations the
Portfolio obtains the contractual right to require the issuer of the security
or some other person (other than a broker or dealer) to purchase the security
at an agreed upon price, which right is contained in the obligation itself
rather than in a separate agreement with the seller or some other person.
Because this right is assignable with the security, which is readily
marketable and valued in the customary manner, the Portfolio will not assign
any separate value to such right.
LIQUIDITY AND PROTECTIVE PUT OPTIONS
The Portfolio may also enter into a separate agreement with the seller of
the security or some other person granting the Portfolio the right to put the
security to the seller thereof or the other person at an agreed upon price.
The Portfolio intends to limit this type of transaction to institutions (such
as banks or securities dealers) which the Investment Adviser believes present
minimal credit risks and would engage in this type of transaction to
facilitate portfolio liquidity or (if the seller so agrees) to hedge against
rising interest rates. There is no assurance that this kind of put option will
be available to the Portfolio or that selling institutions will be willing to
permit the Portfolio to exercise a put to hedge against rising interest rates.
A separate put option may not be marketable or otherwise assignable, and sale
of the security to a third party or lapse of time with the put unexercised may
terminate the right to exercise the put. The Portfolio does not expect to
assign any value to any separate put option which may be acquired to
facilitate portfolio liquidity, inasmuch as the value (if any) of the put will
be reflected in the value assigned to the associated security; any put
acquired for hedging purposes would be valued in good faith under methods or
procedures established by the Trustees of the Portfolio after consideration of
all relevant factors, including its expiration date, the price volatility of
the associated security, the difference between the market price of the
associated security and the exercise price of the put, the creditworthiness of
the issuer of the put and the market prices of comparable put options.
Interest income generated by certain bonds having put features may not qualify
as tax-exempt interest.
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 CONTRACTS
A change in the level of interest rates may affect the value of the
securities held by the Portfolio (or of securities that the Portfolio expects
to purchase). To hedge against changes in rates, the Portfolio may enter into
(i) futures contracts for the purchase or sale of debt securities, (ii)
futures contracts on securities indices and (iii) futures contracts on other
financial instruments and indices. All futures contracts entered into by the
Portfolio are traded on exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and
regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm which is a
member of the relevant exchange. The Portfolio may purchase and write call and
put options on futures contracts which are traded on a United States or
foreign exchange or board of trade.
The Portfolio will engage in futures and related options transactions only
for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in or permitted by CFTC regulations.
The Portfolio will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures
contracts and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially
related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Portfolio or which it
expects to purchase. The Portfolio's futures transactions will be entered into
for traditional hedging purposes -- that is, futures contracts will be sold to
protect against a decline in the price of securities that the Portfolio owns,
or futures contracts will be purchased to protect the Portfolio against an
increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase. As evidence of
this hedging intent, the Portfolio expects that on 75% or more of the
occasions on which it takes a long futures (or option) position (involving the
purchase of futures contracts), the Portfolio will have purchased, or will be
in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities in the
cash market at the time when the futures (or option) position is closed out.
However, in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the
Portfolio to do so, a long futures position may be terminated (or an option
may expire) without the corresponding purchase of securities. The Portfolio
will engage in transactions in futures and related options contracts only to
the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code for maintaining the qualification of the Fund as a
regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes (see "Taxes").
The Portfolio will be required, in connection with transactions in futures
contracts and the writing of options on futures to make margin deposits, which
will be held by the Portfolio's custodian for the benefit of the futures
commission merchant through whom the Portfolio engages in such futures and
options transactions. Cash or liquid high grade debt securities required to be
segregated in connection with a "long" futures position taken by the Portfolio
will also be held by the custodian in a segregated account and will be marked
to market daily.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolio cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, but
it is anticipated that the annual turnover rate will generally not exceed 100%
(excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A
100% annual turnover rate would occur, for example, if all the securities held
by the Portfolio were replaced once in a period of one year. A high turnover
rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Portfolio.
The Portfolio engages in portfolio trading (including short-term trading) if
it believes that a transaction including all costs will help in achieving its
investment objective.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following investment restrictions of the Fund are designated as
fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, which as
used in this Statement of Additional Information means the lesser of (a) 67%
of the shares of the Fund present or represented by proxy at a meeting if the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented at the
meeting or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund
may not:
(1) Borrow money or issue senior securities except as permitted by the
Investment Company Act of 1940;
(2) Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities). The deposit or payment by the Fund of initial or maintenance
margin in connection with futures contracts or related options transactions is
not considered the purchase of a security on margin;
(3) Underwrite or participate in the marketing of securities of others,
except insofar as it may technically be deemed to be an underwriter in selling
a portfolio security under circumstances which may require the registration of
the same under the Securities Act of 1933;
(4) Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and sell
securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which
invest or deal in real estate;
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or
sale of physical commodities; or
(6) Make loans to any person except by (a) the acquisition of debt
instruments and making portfolio investments, (b) entering into repurchase
agreements and (c) lending portfolio securities.
Notwithstanding the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund, the
Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management
investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies
and restrictions as the Fund.
The Portfolio has adopted substantially the same fundamental investment
restrictions as the foregoing investment restrictions adopted by the Fund;
such restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the Portfolio, which as used in this
Statement of Additional Information means the lesser of (a) 67% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio present or represented by proxy
at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Portfolio are present or represented at the meeting or (b)
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. The term
"voting securities" as used in this paragraph has the same meaning as in the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). Whenever the Trust is
requested to vote on a change in the fundamental investment restrictions of
the Portfolio (or the Portfolio's 80% investment policy as described in the
Fund's current Prospectus), the Trust will hold a meeting of Fund shareholders
and will cast its vote as instructed by the shareholders.
The Fund and the Portfolio have adopted the following investment policies
which may be changed by the Trust with respect to the Fund without approval by
the Fund's shareholders or by the Portfolio with respect to the Portfolio
without approval by the Fund or its other investors. As a matter of
nonfundamental policy, the Fund and the Portfolio will not: (a) engage in
options, futures or forward transactions if more than 5% of its net assets, as
measured by the aggregate of the premiums paid by the Fund or the Portfolio,
would be so invested; (b) make short sales of securities or maintain a short
position, unless at all times when a short position is open it owns an equal
amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable,
without payment of any further consideration, for securities of the same issue
as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short; (c) invest more than
15% of net assets in investments which are not readily marketable, including
restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days. Restricted securities for the purposes of this limitation do not include
securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act
of 1933 that the Board of Trustees of the Trust or the Portfolio, or its
delegate, determines to be liquid, based upon the trading markets for the
specific security; (d) purchase or retain in its portfolio any securities
issued by an issuer any of whose officers, directors, trustees or security
holders is an officer or Trustee of the Trust or the Portfolio or is a member,
officer, director or trustee of any investment adviser of the Trust or the
Portfolio, if after the purchase of the securities of such issuer by the Fund
or the Portfolio one or more of such persons owns beneficially more than 1/2
of 1% of the shares or securities or both (all taken at market value) of such
issuer and such persons owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such shares or
securities together own beneficially more than 5% of such shares or securities
or both (all taken at market value); or (e) purchase oil, gas or other mineral
leases or purchase partnership interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs.
For purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions, the determination
of the "issuer" of a municipal obligation which is not a general obligation
bond will be made by the Portfolio's Investment Adviser on the basis of the
characteristics of the obligation and other relevant factors, the most
significant of which is the source of funds committed to meeting interest and
principal payments of such obligations.
In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the policies described above.
Should the Fund determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, it will revoke the commitment by
terminating sales of its shares in the state(s) involved.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Portfolio are listed below.
Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other
offices in the same company for the last five years. Unless otherwise noted,
the business address of each Trustee and officer is 24 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, which is also the address of the Portfolio's investment
adviser, Boston Management and Research ("BMR" or the "Investment Adviser"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance"); of Eaton
Vance's parent, Eaton Vance Corp. ("EVC"); and of BMR's and Eaton Vance's
trustee, Eaton Vance, Inc. ("EV"). Eaton Vance and EV are both wholly-owned
subsidiaries of EVC. Those Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Trust,
the Portfolio, BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC or EV, as defined in the 1940 Act, by
virtue of their affiliation with any one or more of the Trust, the Portfolio,
BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC or EV, are indicated by an asterisk(*).
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO
DONALD R. DWIGHT (64), Trustee
President of Dwight Partners, Inc. (a corporate relations and communications
company) founded in 1988; Chairman of the Board of Newspapers of New
England, Inc., since 1983. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: Clover Mill Lane, Lyme, New Hampshire 03768
JAMES B. HAWKES (53), Vice President and Trustee*
Executive Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC and EV, and a Director of
EVC and EV. Director, Trustee and officer of various investment companies
managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
SAMUEL L. HAYES, III (60), Trustee
Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking, Harvard University Graduate
School of Business Administration. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration,
Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02163
NORTON H. REAMER (59), Trustee
President and Director, United Asset Management Corporation, a holding company
owning institutional investment management firms. Chairman, President and
Director, The Regis Fund, Inc. (mutual fund). Director or Trustee of various
investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
JOHN L. THORNDIKE (68), Trustee
Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated, Director or Trustee of various
investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: 175 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
JACK L. TREYNOR (65), Trustee
Investment Adviser and Consultant. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: 504 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274
OFFICERS OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO
THOMAS J. FETTER (51), President
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. (Mr. Fetter was elected a Vice
President of the Trust on December 17, 1990 and President of the Trust on
December 13, 1993. Officer of various investment companies managed by Eaton
Vance or BMR.
ROBERT B. MACINTOSH (38), Vice President
Vice President of BMR since August 11, 1992, and of Eaton Vance and EV, and an
employee of Eaton Vance since March 8, 1991. Fidelity Investments --
Portfolio Manager (1986-1991). Officer of various investment companies
managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. MacIntosh was elected Vice President of
the Trust on March 22, 1993.
JAMES L. O'CONNOR (50), Treasurer
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
THOMAS OTIS (63), Secretary
Vice President and Secretary of BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC and EV. Officer of
various investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
JANET E. SANDERS (59), Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
A. JOHN MURPHY (32), Assistant Secretary
Assistant Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV since March 1, 1994;
employee of Eaton Vance since March 1993. State Regulations Supervisor, The
Boston Company (1991-1993) and Registration Specialist, Fidelity Management
& Research Co. (1986-1991). Officer of various investment companies managed
by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. Murphy was elected Assistant Secretary of the
Trust on March 27, 1995.
ERIC G. WOODBURY (38), Assistant Secretary
Vice President of Eaton Vance since February 1993; formerly, associate at
Dechert, Price & Rhoades and Gaston & Snow. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. Woodbury was elected Assistant
Secretary on June 19, 1995.
Messrs. Thorndike (Chairman), Hayes and Reamer are members of the Special
Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio. The
Special Committee's functions include a continuous review of the Trust's
contractual relationship with the Administrator on behalf of the Fund and the
Portfolio's contractual relationship with the Investment Adviser, making
recommendations to the Trustees regarding the compensation of those Trustees
who are not members of the Eaton Vance organization, and making
recommendations to the Trustees regarding candidates to fill vacancies, as and
when they occur, in the ranks of those Trustees who are not "interested
persons" of the Trust, the Portfolio, or the Eaton Vance organization.
Messrs. Treynor (Chairman) and Dwight are members of the Audit Committee
of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio. The Audit
Committee's functions include making recommendations to the Trustees regarding
the selection of the independent certified public accountants, and reviewing
with such accountants and the Treasurer of the Trust and of the Portfolio
matters relative to accounting and auditing practices and procedures,
accounting records, internal accounting controls, and the functions performed
by the custodian and transfer agent of the Fund and of the Portfolio.
Trustees of the Portfolio who are not affiliated with the Investment
Adviser may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees
in accordance with the terms of a Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan (the
"Plan"). Under the Plan, an eligible Trustee may elect to have his deferred
fees invested by the Portfolio in the shares of one or more funds in the Eaton
Vance Family of Funds, and the amount paid to the Trustees under the Plan will
be determined based upon the performance of such investments. Deferral of
Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan will have a negligible effect on
the Portfolio's assets, liabilities, and net income per share, and will not
obligate the Portfolio to retain the services of any Trustee or obligate the
Portfolio to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fees and expenses of those Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio who
are not members of the Eaton Vance organization (the noninterested Trustees)
are paid by the Fund (and the other series of the Trust) and the Portfolio,
respectively. For the compensation received by the noninterested Trustees of
the Trust and the Portfolio, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of
this Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
The Portfolio engages BMR as investment adviser pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement. BMR or Eaton Vance acts as investment adviser to
investment companies and various individual and institutional clients with
combined assets under management of approximately $15 billion.
Eaton Vance, its affiliates and its predecessor companies have been
managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and managing
investment companies since 1931. They maintain a large staff of experienced
fixed-income and equity investment professionals to service the needs of their
clients. The fixed-income division focuses on all kinds of taxable investment-
grade and high-yield securities, tax-exempt investment-grade and high-yield
securities, and U.S. Government securities. The equity division covers stocks
ranging from blue chip to emerging growth companies.
BMR manages the investments and affairs of the Portfolio subject to the
supervision of the Portfolio's Board of Trustees. BMR furnishes to the
Portfolio investment research, advice and supervision, furnishes an investment
program and determines what securities will be purchased, held or sold by the
Portfolio and what portion, if any, of the Portfolio's assets will be held
uninvested. The Investment Advisory Agreement requires BMR to pay the salaries
and fees of all officers and Trustees of the Portfolio who are members of the
BMR organization and all personnel of BMR performing services relating to
research and investment activities. The Portfolio is responsible for all
expenses not expressly stated to be payable by BMR under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, including, without implied limitation, (i) expenses of
maintaining the Portfolio and continuing its existence, (ii) registration of
the Portfolio under the 1940 Act, (iii) commissions, fees and other expenses
connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and
other investments, (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses, (v) taxes and
interest, (vi) governmental fees, (vii) expenses of issue, sale and redemption
of interests in the Portfolio, (viii) expenses of registering and qualifying
the Portfolio and interests in the Portfolio under federal and state
securities laws and of preparing and printing registration statements or other
offering statements or memoranda for such purposes and for distributing the
same to investors, and fees and expenses of registering and maintaining
registrations of the Portfolio and of the Portfolio's placement agent as
broker-dealer or agent under state securities laws, (ix) expenses of reports
and notices to investors and of meetings of investors and proxy solicitations
therefor, (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions,
(xi) insurance expenses, (xii) association membership dues, (xiii) fees,
expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for all services to
the Portfolio (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities
and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and
determination of net asset values, book capital account balances and tax
capital account balances), (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer
agents, dividend disbursing agents, investor servicing agents and registrars
for all services to the Portfolio, (xv) expenses for servicing the accounts of
investors, (xvi) any direct charges to investors approved by the Trustees of
the Portfolio, (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the Portfolio
who are not members of BMR's organization, and (xviii) such non-recurring
items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation,
proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Portfolio to indemnify its
Trustees, officers and investors with respect thereto.
For a description of the compensation that the Portfolio pays BMR under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, see the Fund's current Prospectus. For
additional information about the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the
net assets of the Portfolio and the investment advisory fees that the
Portfolio paid BMR under the Investment Advisory Agreement, see "Fees and
Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
A commitment may be made to a state securities authority that Eaton Vance
will take certain actions, if necessary, so that the Fund's expenses will not
exceed expense limitation requirements of such state. The commitment may be
amended or rescinded by Eaton Vance in response to changes in the requirements
of the state or for other reasons.
The Investment Advisory Agreement with BMR may be continued indefinitely
so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a
majority of the Trustees of the Portfolio who are not interested persons of
the Portfolio or of BMR cast in person at a meeting specifically called for
the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board of Trustees of
the Portfolio or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Portfolio. The Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on
sixty (60) days' written notice by the Board of Trustees of either party, or
by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio,
and the Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
The Agreement provides that BMR may render services to others and engage in
other business activities and may permit other fund clients and other
corporations and organizations to use the words "Eaton Vance" or "Boston
Management and Research" in their names. The Agreement also provides that BMR
shall not be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the performance
of its duties, or action taken or omitted under that Agreement, in the absence
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
thereunder, or for any losses sustained in the acquisition, holding or
disposition of any security or other investment.
As indicated in the Prospectus, Eaton Vance serves as Administrator of the
Fund, but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative
services to the Fund. Under its Administrative Services Agreement with the
Fund, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the Fund's affairs, subject
to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, and shall furnish for the use
of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and
personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund. For additional
information about the Administrator, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's
Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund pays all of its own expenses including, without limitation, (i)
expenses of maintaining the Fund and continuing its existence, (ii) its pro
rata share of registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act, (iii) commissions,
fees and other expenses connected with the purchase or sale of securities and
other investments, (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses, (v) taxes and
interest, (vi) governmental fees, (vii) expenses of issue, sale, repurchase
and redemption of shares, (viii) expenses of registering and qualifying the
Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws and of preparing
and printing prospectuses for such purposes and for distributing the same to
shareholders and investors, and fees and expenses of registering and
maintaining registrations of the Fund and of the Fund's principal underwriter,
if any, as broker-dealer or agent under state securities laws, (ix) expenses
of reports and notices to shareholders and of meetings of shareholders and
proxy solicitations therefor, (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers
and commissions, (xi) insurance expenses, (xii) association membership dues,
(xiii) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for
all services to the Fund (including without limitation safekeeping of funds,
securities and other investments, keeping of books and accounts and
determination of net asset values), (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of
transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder servicing agents and
registrars for all services to the Fund, (xv) expenses for servicing
shareholder accounts, (xvi) any direct charges to shareholders approved by the
Trustees of the Trust, (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the
Trust who are not members of the Eaton Vance organization, and (xviii) such
non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection
with litigation, proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Trust to
indemnify its Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
BMR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance and EV are
both wholly-owned subsidiaries of EVC. BMR and Eaton Vance are both
Massachusetts business trusts, and EV is the trustee of BMR and Eaton Vance.
The Directors of EV are Landon T. Clay, H. Day Brigham, Jr., M. Dozier
Gardner, James B. Hawkes and Benjamin A. Rowland, Jr. The Directors of EVC
consist of the same persons and John G. L. Cabot and Ralph Z. Sorenson. Mr.
Clay is chairman and Mr. Gardner is president and chief executive officer of
EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. All of the issued and outstanding shares of
Eaton Vance and EV are owned by EVC. All of the issued and outstanding shares
of BMR are owned by Eaton Vance. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common
Stock of EVC are deposited in a Voting Trust, which expires on December 31,
1996, the Voting Trustees of which are Messrs. Clay, Brigham, Gardner, Hawkes
and Rowland. The Voting Trustees have unrestricted voting rights for the
election of Directors of EVC. All of the outstanding voting trust receipts
issued under said Voting Trust are owned by certain of the officers of BMR and
Eaton Vance who are also officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As of July 31,
1995, Messrs. Clay, Gardner and Hawkes each owned 24% of such voting trust
receipts, and Messrs. Rowland and Brigham owned 15% and 13%, respectively, of
such voting trust receipts. Messrs. Hawkes and Otis are officers or Trustees
of the Trust and the Portfolio and are members of the EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance
and EV organizations. Messrs. Fetter, MacIntosh, Metzold, Murphy, O'Connor and
Woodbury and Ms. Sanders are officers of the Trust and/or the Portfolio and
are also members of the BMR, Eaton Vance and EV organizations. BMR will
receive the fees paid under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Eaton Vance owns all of the stock of Energex Corporation, which is engaged
in oil and gas operations. EVC owns all of the stock of Marblehead Energy
Corp. (which is engaged in oil and gas operations) and 77.3% of the stock of
Investors Bank & Trust Company, custodian of the Fund and the Portfolio, which
provides custodial, trustee and other fiduciary services to investors,
including individuals, employee benefit plans, corporations, investment
companies, savings banks and other institutions. In addition, Eaton Vance owns
all of the stock of Northeast Properties, Inc., which is engaged in real
estate investment, consulting and management. EVC owns all of the stock of
Fulcrum Management, Inc. and MinVen Inc., which are engaged in the development
of precious metal properties. EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance and EV may also enter into
other businesses.
EVC and its affiliates and their officers and employees from time to time
have transactions with various banks, including the custodian of the Fund and
the Portfolio, Investors Bank & Trust Company. It is Eaton Vance's opinion
that the terms and conditions of such transactions were not and will not be
influenced by existing or potential custodial or other relationships between
the Fund or the Portfolio and such banks.
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"), 24 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, (a 77.3% owned subsidiary of EVC) acts as custodian for the
Fund and the Portfolio. IBT has the custody of all cash and securities
representing the Fund's interest in the Portfolio, has custody of all the
Portfolio's assets, maintains the general ledger of the Portfolio and the
Fund, and computes the daily net asset value of interests in the Portfolio and
the net asset value of shares of the Fund. In such capacity it attends to
details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer or other
dealings with the Portfolio's investments, receives and disburses all funds
and performs various other ministerial duties upon receipt of proper
instructions from the Fund and the Portfolio. IBT charges fees which are
competitive within the industry. A portion of the fee relates to custody,
bookkeeping and valuation services and is based upon a percentage of Fund and
Portfolio net assets and a portion of the fee relates to activity charges,
primarily the number of portfolio transactions. These fees are then reduced by
a credit for cash balances of the particular investment company at the
custodian equal to 75% of the 91-day, U.S. Treasury Bill auction rate applied
to the particular investment company's average daily collected balances for
the week. In view of the ownership of EVC in IBT, the Portfolio is treated as
a self-custodian pursuant to Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act, and the
Portfolio's investments held by IBT as custodian are thus subject to the
additional examinations by the Portfolio's independent certified public
accountants as called for by such Rule. For the custody fees that the
Portfolio and the Fund paid to IBT, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part
II of this Statement of Additional Information.
SERVICE FOR WITHDRAWAL
By a standard agreement, the Trust's Transfer Agent will send to the
shareholder regular monthly or quarterly payments of any permitted amount
designated by the shareholder (see "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services --
Withdrawal Plan" in the Fund's current Prospectus) based upon the value of the
shares held. The checks will be drawn from share redemptions and hence, are a
return of principal. Income dividends and capital gains distributions in
connection with withdrawal accounts will be credited at net asset value as of
the record date for each distribution. Continued withdrawals in excess of
current income will eventually use up principal, particularly in a period of
declining market prices.
To use this service, at least $5,000 in cash or shares at the public
offering price will have to be deposited with the Transfer Agent. The
maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of additional
Fund shares would be disadvantageous if a sales charge is included in such
purchases. A shareholder may not have a withdrawal plan in effect at the same
time he or she has authorized Bank Automated Investing or is otherwise making
regular purchases of Fund shares. The shareholder, the Transfer Agent or the
Principal Underwriter will be able to terminate the withdrawal plan at any
time without penalty.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of the Fund is determined by IBT (as
agent and custodian for the Fund) in the manner described under "Valuing Fund
Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. The net asset value of the Portfolio
is also computed by IBT (as agent and custodian for the Portfolio) by
subtracting the liabilities of the Portfolio from the value of its total
assets. Inasmuch as the market for municipal obligations is a dealer market
with no central trading location or continuous quotation system, it is not
feasible to obtain last transaction prices for most municipal obligations held
by the Portfolio, and such obligations, including those purchased on a when-
issued basis, will normally be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by
a pricing service. The pricing services uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities, various relationships between securities, and yield to
maturity in determining value. Taxable obligations for which price quotations
are readily available normally will be valued at the mean between the latest
available bid and asked prices. Open futures positions on debt securities are
valued at the most recent settlement prices, unless such price does not
reflect the fair value of the contract, in which case the positions will be
valued by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Portfolio. Other assets
are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the
direction of the Trustees of the Portfolio. The Fund and the Portfolio will be
closed for business and will not price their respective shares or interests on
the following business holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday
(a New York Stock Exchange holiday), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or reduce
its investment in the Portfolio on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") is open for trading ("Portfolio Business Day") as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange (the "Portfolio Valuation Time"). The value of
each investor's interest in the Portfolio will be determined by multiplying
the net asset value of the Portfolio by the percentage, determined on the
prior Portfolio Business Day, which represented that investor's share of the
aggregate interests in the Portfolio on such prior day. Any additions or
withdrawals for the current Portfolio Business Day will then be recorded. Each
investor's percentage of the aggregate interest in the Portfolio will then be
recomputed as a percentage equal to a fraction (i) the numerator of which is
the value of such investor's investment in the Portfolio as of the Portfolio
Valuation Time on the prior Portfolio Business Day plus or minus, as the case
may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the investor's
investment in the Portfolio on the current Portfolio Business Day and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of
the Portfolio Valuation Time on the prior Portfolio Business Day plus or
minus, as the case may be, the amount of the net additions to or withdrawals
from the aggregate investment in the Portfolio on the current Portfolio
Business Day by all investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so determined
will then be applied to determine the value of the investor's interest in the
Portfolio for the current Portfolio Business Day.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return is determined by multiplying a
hypothetical initial purchase order of $1,000 by the average annual compound
rate of return (including capital appreciation/depreciation, and dividends and
distributions paid and reinvested) for the stated period and annualizing the
result. The calculation assumes that all distributions are reinvested at net
asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period, and either (i) the
deduction of the maximum sales charge from the initial $1,000 purchase order
or (ii) a complete redemption of the investment and, if applicable, the
deduction of the contingent deferred sales charge at the end of the period.
For information concerning the total return of the Fund, see "Performance
Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional
Information.
The Fund's yield is computed pursuant to a standardized formula by
dividing the net investment income per share earned during a recent thirty-day
period by the maximum offering price (including, if applicable, the maximum
sales charge) per share on the last day of the period and annualizing the
resulting figure. Net investment income per share is calculated from the
yields to maturity of all debt obligations held by the Portfolio based on
prescribed methods, reduced by accrued Fund expenses for the period with the
resulting number being divided by the average daily number of Fund shares
outstanding and entitled to receive distributions during the period. The yield
figure does not reflect the deduction of any contingent deferred sales charges
which (if applicable) are imposed on certain redemptions at the rate set forth
under "How to Redeem Fund Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. Yield
calculations assume the current maximum sales charge (if applicable) set forth
under "How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. (Actual yield
may be affected by variations in sales charges on investments.) A taxable-
equivalent yield is computed by dividing the tax-exempt yield by 1 minus a
stated rate. For the yield and taxable-equivalent yield of the Fund, see
"Performance Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of
Additional Information.
The Fund may also publish the distribution rate and/or the effective
distribution rate. The Fund's distribution rate is computed by dividing the
most recent monthly distribution per share annualized, by the current net
asset value per share. The Fund's effective distribution rate is computed by
dividing the distribution rate by the ratio (the days in a year divided by the
accrual days of the monthly period) 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. Investor's 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 "Distribution and Taxes" in the Fund's current
Prospectus. For the Fund's distribution rate and effective distribution rate,
see "Performance Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of
Additional Information.
The Fund's total return may be compared to the Consumer Price Index and to
the domestic securities indices of the Bond Buyer 25 Revenue Bond Index and
the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. The Fund's total return and
comparisons with these indices may be used in advertisements and in
information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. The Fund's
performance may differ from that of other investors in the Portfolio,
including other investment companies.
From time to time, evaluations of the Fund's performance made by
independent sources, e.g., Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger
and Morningstar, Inc., may be used in advertisements and in information
furnished to present or prospective shareholders.
From time to time, information, charts and illustrations relating to
inflation and the effects of inflation on the dollar may be included in
advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders. For example, after 10 years, the purchasing power of $25,000
would shrink to $16,621, $14,968, $13,465 and $12,100, if the annual rates of
inflation during such period were 4%, 5%, 6% and 7%, respectively. (To
calculate the purchasing power, the value at the end of each year is reduced
by the above inflation rates for 10 consecutive years.)
From time to time, information about portfolio allocation and holdings of
the Portfolio at a particular date (including ratings assigned by independent
ratings services such as Moody's, S&P and Fitch) may be included in
advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders. Such information may be stated as a percentage of the
Portfolio's bond holdings on such date. For an example of the Portfolio's
diversification by quality ratings, see "Performance Information" in the
Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
Comparative information about the yield or distribution rate of the Fund
and about average rates of return on certificates of deposit, bank money
market deposit accounts, money market mutual funds and other short-term
investments may also be included in advertisements, supplemental sales
literature or communications of the Fund. A bank certificate of deposit,
unlike the Fund's shares, pays a fixed rate of interest and entitles the
depositor to receive the face amount of the certificate of deposit at
maturity. A bank money market deposit account is a form of savings account
which pays a variable rate of interest. Unlike the Fund's shares, bank
certificates of deposit and bank money market deposit accounts are insured by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. A money market mutual fund is
designed to maintain a constant value of $1.00 per share and, thus, a money
market fund's shares are subject to less price fluctuation than the Fund's
shares.
The average rates of return of money market mutual funds, certificates of
deposit and bank money market deposit accounts referred to in advertisements,
supplemental sales literature or communications of the Fund will be based on
rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank, Donoghues Money Fund Averages,
RateGram or The Wall Street Journal.
Advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders may also compare the taxable equivalent yield of the Fund to
after-tax yields of certificates of deposits, bank money market deposit
accounts and money market mutual funds over various income tax brackets.
Information used in advertisements and in materials furnished to present
and prospective shareholders may include statements or illustrations relating
to the appropriateness of types of securities and/or mutual funds which may be
employed to meet specific financial goals, such as (1) funding retirement, (2)
paying for children's education, and (3) financially supporting aging parents.
These three financial goals may be referred to in such advertisements or
materials as the "Triple Squeeze."
For additional information, charts and illustrations relating to the
Fund's investment performance, see "Performance Information" in the Fund's
Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
TAXES
See "Distribution and Taxes" in the Fund's current Prospectus.
Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal
income tax purposes. The Fund has elected or will elect to be treated and
intends to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the
Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income
and diversification of its assets. For purposes of applying the requirements
of the Code regarding qualification as a RIC, the Fund will be deemed (i) to
own its proportionate share of each of the assets of the Portfolio and (ii) to
be entitled to the gross income of the Portfolio attributable to such share.
The Portfolio therefore intends to satisfy the source of income and
diversification requirements applicable to RICs in order for the Fund to
satisfy them.
In addition, the Portfolio will allocate at least annually among its
investors, including the Fund, the Portfolio's net taxable (if any) and tax-
exempt investment income, net realized capital gains, and any other items of
income, gain, loss, deduction or credit. In order to qualify for the special
tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund intends to
distribute the investment income (including tax-exempt income and the excess,
if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses)
allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, in accordance with certain timing and
percentage requirements imposed by the Code. If these requirements are met,
the Fund will not be subject to any federal income tax on income or gain paid
to shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends).
If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in
any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at
corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including
any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains,
would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund
could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and
interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC that
is accorded special tax treatment.
If the Fund fails to distribute (or to be deemed to have distributed) in
each calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including tax-
exempt income) for such year, at least 98% of the excess of its realized
capital gains over its realized capital losses (generally computed on the
basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year) after
reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards, and 100% of any
undistributed income (on which the Fund paid no federal income tax) from the
prior year, the Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed
amounts. A dividend paid to shareholders by the Fund in January of a year
generally is deemed to have been paid by the Fund on December 31 of the
preceding year, if the dividend was declared and payable to shareholders of
record on a date in October, November or December of that preceding year. The
Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of
the 4% excise tax.
Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC for federal
income tax purposes and the Portfolio is treated as a partnership for
Massachusetts and federal tax purposes, neither the Fund nor the Portfolio is
liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
The Portfolio's investment in zero coupon and certain other securities
will cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with
respect to these securities. In order to generate sufficient cash to enable
the Fund to distribute its proportionate share of this income, the Portfolio
may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have
continued to hold.
The Portfolio's transactions in options and futures contracts will be
subject to special tax rules that may affect the amount, timing and character
of Fund distributions to shareholders. For example, certain positions held by
the Portfolio on the last business day of each taxable year will be marked to
market (i.e., treated as if closed out on such day), and any resulting gain or
loss will generally be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss. Certain positions held by the Portfolio that substantially
diminish the Portfolio's risk of loss with respect to other positions in its
portfolio may constitute "straddles," which are subject to tax rules that may
cause deferral of Portfolio losses, adjustments in the holding period of
Portfolio securities and conversion of short-term into long-term capital
losses. The Portfolio may have to limit its engagement in such activities in
order to enable the Fund to maintain its qualification as a RIC for federal
income tax purposes.
Distributions designated as "exempt-interest dividends" may be treated by
shareholders as interest excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of
the Code. In order for the Fund to be entitled to pay exempt-interest
dividends to its shareholders, at least 50% of the value of its total assets
at the close of each quarter of its taxable year must consist of obligations
the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax. Because the
Fund will be deemed to own its proportionate share of each of the assets of
the Portfolio, the Portfolio currently intends to invest its assets in a
manner such that the Fund can meet this 50% requirement.
Part or all of the interest on indebtedness, if any, incurred or continued
by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a Fund paying exempt-interest
dividends is not deductible. The portion of interest that is not deductible
is equal to the total interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness, multiplied
by the percentage of the Fund's total distributions (not including
distributions from net long-term capital gains) paid to the shareholder that
are exempt-interest dividends. Under rules used by the Internal Revenue
Service for determining when borrowed funds are considered used for the
purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase of shares
may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds
are not directly traceable to the purchase of shares.
In general, exempt-interest dividends, if any, attributable to interest
received on certain private activity obligations and certain industrial
development bonds will not be tax-exempt to any shareholders who are
"substantial users" of the facilities financed by such obligations or bonds or
who are "related persons" of such substantial users.
The Fund will inform investors of the percentage of its income
distributions designated as tax-exempt. The percentage is applied uniformly
to all distributions made during the year. The percentage of income
designated as tax-exempt for any particular distribution may be substantially
different from the percentage of the Fund's income that was tax-exempt during
the period covered by the distribution.
In the course of managing its investments, the Portfolio may realize some
short-term and long-term capital gains (and/or losses) as a result of market
transactions, including sales of portfolio securities and rights to when-
issued securities and options and futures transactions. Any distributions by
the Fund of its share of such capital gains (after reduction by any capital
loss carryforwards) would be taxable to shareholders of the Fund. The
Portfolio may also realize taxable income from certain short-term taxable
obligations, securities loans, a portion of original issue discount with
respect to certain stripped municipal obligations or their stripped coupons,
and certain realized accrued market discount. However, it is expected that
such amounts, if any, would normally be insubstantial in relation to the tax-
exempt interest earned by the Portfolio and allocated to the Fund.
The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or
loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have
been held for more than 12 months, and otherwise as short-term capital gain or
loss. However, if a shareholder sells shares at a loss within six months of
purchase, any loss will be disallowed for federal income tax purposes to the
extent of any exempt-interest dividends received on such shares. In addition,
any loss (not already disallowed as provided in the preceding sentence)
realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will
be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-
term capital gain distributions received by the shareholder with respect to
the shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition
of Fund shares will be disallowed if other Fund shares are purchased within 30
days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly
purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
If the Fund makes a distribution to shareholders in excess of its current
and accumulated "earnings and profits" in any taxable year, the excess
distribution will be treated as a return of capital to each shareholder to the
extent of that shareholder's tax basis in the shares, and thereafter as
capital gains. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the tax
basis in the shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a
subsequent taxable disposition of such shares.
Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders who
have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number
and certain required certifications, as well as shareholders with respect to
whom the Fund has received notification from the Internal Revenue Service or a
broker, may be subject to "backup" withholding of federal income tax from the
Fund's dividends and distributions and the proceeds of redemptions (including
repurchases and exchanges), at a rate of 31%. An individual's taxpayer
identification number is generally his or her social security number.
Non-resident alien individuals and certain foreign corporations and other
foreign entities generally will be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate
of 30% on the Fund's distributions from its ordinary income and the excess of
its net short-term capital gain over its net long-term capital loss, unless
the tax is reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Distributions
from the excess of the Fund's net long-term capital gain over its net short-
term capital loss received by such shareholders and any gain from the sale or
other disposition of shares of the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S.
federal income taxation, provided that non-resident alien status has been
certified by the shareholder. Different U.S. tax consequences may result if
the shareholder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, is
present in the United States for a sufficient period of time during a taxable
year to be treated as a U.S. resident, or fails to provide any required
certifications regarding status as a non-resident alien investor. Foreign
shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. and foreign
tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules applicable
to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance
companies and financial institutions. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers with respect to special tax rules that may apply in their
particular situations, as well as the state, local or foreign tax consequences
of investing in the Fund.
PORTFOLIO SECURITY TRANSACTIONS
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions,
including the selection of the market and the executing firm, are made by BMR.
BMR is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other
accounts managed by it.
BMR places the portfolio security transactions of the Portfolio and of all
other accounts managed by it for execution with many firms. BMR uses its best
efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which
are advantageous to the Portfolio and at reasonably competitive spreads or
(when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive
commission rates. In seeking such execution, BMR will use its best judgment in
evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various
relevant factors, including without limitation the size and type of the
transaction, the nature and character of the market for the security, the
confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the
transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the
executing firm, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial
condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the
firm in this and other transactions, and the reasonableness of the spread or
commission, if any. Municipal obligations, including State obligations,
purchased and sold by the Portfolio are generally traded in the over-the-
counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through broker-
dealers and banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers, or
otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuer of such obligations.
Such firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price
and selling at the higher asked price of the market for such obligations, and
the difference between the bid and asked price is customarily referred to as
the spread. The Portfolio may also purchase municipal obligations from
underwriters, the cost of which may include undisclosed fees and concessions
to the underwriters. While it is anticipated that the Portfolio will not pay
significant brokerage commissions in connection with such portfolio security
transactions, on occasion it may be necessary or appropriate to purchase or
sell a security through a broker on an agency basis, in which case the
Portfolio will incur a brokerage commission. Although spreads or commissions
on portfolio security transactions will, in the judgment of BMR, be reasonable
in relation to the value of the services provided, spreads or commissions
exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to firms who were
selected to execute transactions on behalf of the Portfolio and BMR's other
clients for providing brokerage and research services to BMR.
As authorized in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a
broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the
Portfolio may receive a commission which is in excess of the amount of
commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that
transaction if BMR determines in good faith that such commission was
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided. This determination may be made on the basis of either that
particular transaction or on the basis of overall responsibilities which BMR
and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment
discretion. In making any such determination, BMR will not attempt to place a
specific dollar value on the brokerage and research services provided or to
determine what portion of the commission should be related to such services.
Brokerage and research services may include advice as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the
performance of accounts; effecting securities transactions and performing
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and the
"Research Services" referred to in the next paragraph.
It is a common practice of the investment advisory industry and of the
advisers of investment companies, institutions and other investors to receive
research, statistical and quotation services, data, information and other
services, products and materials which assist such advisers in the performance
of their investment responsibilities ("Research Services") from broker-dealer
firms which execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers
and from third parties with which such broker-dealers have arrangements.
Consistent with this practice, BMR receives Research Services from many
broker-dealer firms with which BMR places the Portfolio transactions and from
third parties with which these broker-dealers have arrangements. These
Research Services include such matters as general economic and market reviews,
industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio
strategies and transactions and recommendations as to the purchase and sale of
securities and other portfolio transactions, financial, industry and trade
publications, news and information services, pricing and quotation equipment
and services, and research oriented computer hardware, software, data bases
and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer
may be used by BMR in connection with client accounts other than those
accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer. Any such Research
Service may be broadly useful and of value to BMR in rendering investment
advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be
relevant and useful for the management of only one client's account or of a
few clients' accounts, or may be useful for the management of merely a segment
of certain clients' accounts, regardless of whether any such account or
accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer through which such Research
Service was obtained. The advisory fee paid by the Portfolio is not reduced
because BMR receives such Research Services. BMR evaluates the nature and
quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms
and attempts to allocate sufficient commissions to such firms to ensure the
continued receipt of Research Services which BMR believes are useful or of
value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients.
Subject to the requirement that BMR shall use its best efforts to seek and
execute portfolio security transactions at advantageous prices and at
reasonably competitive spreads or commission rates, BMR is authorized to
consider as a factor in the selection of any firm with whom portfolio orders
may be placed the fact that such firm has sold or is selling shares of the
Fund or of other investment companies sponsored by BMR or Eaton Vance. This
policy is not inconsistent with a rule of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., which rule provides that no firm which is a member
of the Association shall favor or disfavor the distribution of shares of any
particular investment company or group of investment companies on the basis of
brokerage commissions received or expected by such firm from any source.
Municipal obligations considered as investments for the Portfolio may also
be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by BMR or its affiliates.
BMR will attempt to allocate equitably portfolio security transactions among
the Portfolio and the portfolios of its other investment accounts purchasing
municipal obligations whenever decisions are made to purchase or sell
securities by the Portfolio and one or more of such other accounts
simultaneously. In making such allocations, the main factors to be considered
are the respective investment objectives of the Portfolio and such other
accounts, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable
securities, the availability of cash for investment by the Portfolio and such
accounts, the size of investment commitments generally held by the Portfolio
and such accounts and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending
investments to the Portfolio and such accounts. While this procedure could
have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available
to the Portfolio from time to time, it is the opinion of the Trustees of the
Trust and the Portfolio that the benefits available from the BMR organization
outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous
transactions. For the brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio on portfolio
transactions, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement
of Additional Information.
OTHER INFORMATION
Eaton Vance, pursuant to its agreement with the Trust, controls the use of
the words "Eaton Vance" in the Fund's name and may use the words "Eaton Vance"
in other connections and for other purposes.
As permitted by Massachusetts law, there will normally be no meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time
as less than a majority of the Trustees of the Trust holding office have been
elected by shareholders. In such an event, the Trustees then in office will
call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. Except for the
foregoing circumstances and unless removed by action of the shareholders in
accordance with the Trust's by-laws, the Trustees shall continue to hold
office and may appoint successor Trustees.
The Trust's by-laws provide that no person shall serve as a Trustee if
shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him
from that office either by a written declaration filed with the Trust's
custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose. The by-laws
further provide that under certain circumstances the shareholders may call a
meeting to remove a Trustee and that the Trust is required to provide
assistance in communication with shareholders about such a meeting.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust may be amended by the Trustees when
authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Trust, the financial interests of which are affected by the amendment. The
Trustees may also amend the Declaration of Trust without the vote or consent
of shareholders to change the name of the Trust or any series or to make such
other changes as do not have a materially adverse effect on the financial
interests of shareholders or if they deem it necessary to conform it to
applicable Federal or state laws or regulations. The Trust or any series or
class thereof may be terminated by: (1) the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote at any
meeting of shareholders of the Trust or the appropriate series or class
thereof, or by an instrument or instruments in writing without a meeting,
consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the shares of the Trust or a
series or class thereof, provided, however, that, if such termination is
recommended by the Trustees, the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Trust or a series or class thereof entitled to vote thereon
shall be sufficient authorization; or (2) by means of an instrument in writing
signed by a majority of the Trustees, to be followed by a written notice to
shareholders stating that a majority of the Trustees has determined that the
continuation of the Trust or a series or a class thereof is not in the best
interest of the Trust, such series or class or of their respective
shareholders.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
In accordance with the Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio, there will
normally be no meetings of the investors for the purpose of electing Trustees
unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding
office have been elected by investors. In such an event the Trustees of the
Portfolio then in office will call an investors' meeting for the election of
Trustees. Except for the foregoing circumstances and unless removed by action
of the investors in accordance with the Portfolio's Declaration of Trust, the
Trustees shall continue to hold office and may appoint successor Trustees.
The Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio provides that no person shall
serve as a Trustee if investors holding two-thirds of the outstanding interest
have removed him from that office either by a written declaration filed with
the Portfolio's custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that
purpose. The Declaration of Trust further provides that under certain
circumstances the investors may call a meeting to remove a Trustee and that
the Portfolio is required to provide assistance in communicating with
investors about such a meeting.
The right to redeem shares of the Fund can be suspended and the payment of
the redemption price deferred when the Exchange is closed (other than for
customary weekend and holiday closings), during periods when trading on the
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Commission, or during any
emergency as determined by the Commission which makes it impracticable for the
Portfolio to dispose of its securities or value its assets, or during any
other period permitted by order of the Commission for the protection of
investors.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, are the
independent certified public accountants of the Fund and the Portfolio,
providing audit services, tax return preparation, and assistance and
consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the Commission.
For the financial statements of the Portfolio, see "Financial Statements"
in Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS+
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
- -------------------
+ The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this Statement of Additional Information for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of
issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such
ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do
not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on
the date of the Portfolio's fiscal year end.
<PAGE>
ABSENCE OF RATING: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has
been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of
the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that
are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
NOTE: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category.
MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS
RATINGS: Moody's ratings for state and municipal short-term obligations will
be designated Moody's Investment Grade or (MIG). Such rating recognizes the
differences between short term credit risk and long term risk. Factors
effecting the liquidity of the borrower and short term cyclical elements are
critical in short term ratings, while other factors of major importance in
bond risk, long term secular trends for example, may be less important over
the short run.
A short term rating may also be assigned on an issue having a demand feature,
variable rate demand obligation (VRDO). Such ratings will be designated as
VMIG1, SG or if the demand feature is not rated, NR. A short term rating on
issues with demand features are differentiated by the use of the VMIG1 symbol
to reflect such characteristics as payment upon periodic demand rather than
fixed maturity dates and payment relying on external liquidity. Additionally,
investors should be alert to the fact that the source of payment may be
limited to the external liquidity with no or limited legal recourse to the
issuer in the event the demand is not met.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of 365 days.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-1 (P-1) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 or P-1
repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics:
-- Leading market positions in well established industries.
-- High rates of return on funds employed.
-- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection.
-- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
internal cash generation.
-- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-2 (P-2) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be
more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-3 (P-3) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt
protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness
to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for
debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or
BB- rating.
CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to
cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service
payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
P: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional
rating assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the
debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is
largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the
project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk
of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his
own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
L: The letter "L" indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount
of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and interest is adequately
collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit, the letter "L"
indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits being held in the
same right and capacity, will be honored for principal and accrued pre-default
interest up to the federal insurance limits within 30 days after closing of
the insured institution or, in the event that the deposit is assumed by a
successor insured institution, upon maturity.
NR: NR indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular
type of obligation as a matter of policy.
MUNICIPAL NOTES
S&P note ratings reflect the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique
to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less will likely receive a note rating.
Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most likely receive a long-term debt
rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
-- Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note).
-- Sources of payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for
its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues
determined to possess very strong characteristics will be given a plus(+)
designation.
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of
the notes.
SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
S&P's commercial paper ratings are a current assessments of the likelihood of
timely payment of debts considered short-term in the relevant market.
A: Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated with
the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1: This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1".
A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations.
B: Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C: This rating is assigned to short term debt obligations with doubtful
capacity for payment.
D: Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due,
even if the applicable grace period had not expired, unless S&P believes
that such payments will be made during such grace period.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA". Because bonds rated in the
"AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated
"F-1+".
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligors ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
HIGH YIELD BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified that could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, AND D: Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of
their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor.
"DDD" represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D"
represents the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit
within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of
a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
INVESTMENT GRADE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal
and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Stong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-1+".
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as
great as the "F-1+" and "F-1" categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate,
however, near-term adverse change could cause these securities to be rated
below investment grade.
* * * * * * * *
NOTES: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to
capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of
lower-rated speculative bonds. The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond by a
rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the
issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments.
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE INSURANCE CLAIMS-PAYING
ABILITY RATINGS OF
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION AND
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
An S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating is an assessment of an
operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet obligations under an
insurance policy in accordance with the terms. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability of AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity
to honor insurance contracts is adjudged by S&P to be extremely strong and
highly likely to remain so over a long period of time. A Moody's insurance
claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of the ability of an insurance
company to repay punctually senior policyholder obligations and claims. An
insurer with an insurance claims-paying ability rating of Aaa is adjudged by
Moody's to be of the best quality. In the opinion of Moody's, the policy
obligations of an insurance company with an insurance claims-paying ability
rating of Aaa carry the smallest degree of credit risk and, while the
financial strength of these companies is likely to change, such changes as can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the company's fundamentally strong
position.
An insurance claims-paying ability rating by S&P's or Moody's does not
constitute an opinion on any specific contract in that such an opinion can
only be rendered upon the review of the specific insurance contract.
Furthermore, an insurance claims-paying ability rating does not take in
account deductibles, surrender or cancellation penalties or the timeliness of
payment; nor does it address the ability of a company to meet nonpolicy
obligations (i.e., debt contracts).
The assignment of ratings by S&P or Moody's to debt issues that are fully
or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts, or guarantees is a
separate process from the determination of claims-paying ability ratings. The
likelihood of a timely flow of funds from the insurer to the trustee for the
bondholders is a key element in the rating determination of such debt issues.
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART II
This Part II provides information about EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS
FUND. On May 15, 1995, the Fund became a series of the Trust. THE FUND'S
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM REGULAR
FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The Fund currently seeks to meet its investment objective by
investing its assets in High Yield Municipals Portfolio, a separate registered
investment company which invests primarily in below investment grade municipal
obligations. The Fund may not be appropriate for investors who cannot assume the
greater risk of capital depreciation or loss inherent in seeking higher
tax-exempt yields.
FEES AND EXPENSES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Portfolio's Investment Advisory Agreement with BMR is dated August 1,
1995 and remains in effect until February 28, 1996. The Agreement may be
continued as described under "Investment Adviser and Administrator" in Part I of
this Statement of Additional Information. No fees have been paid to the
Investment Adviser to date.
ADMINISTRATOR
As stated under "Investment Adviser and Administrator" Part I of this
Statement of Additional Information, the Administrator currently receives no
compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
No fees paid to date.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
No fees paid to date.
CUSTODIAN
No fees paid to date.
BROKERAGE
No fees paid to date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TRUSTEES
The fees and expenses of those Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio who are not members of the Eaton Vance
organization (the noninterested Trustees) are paid by the Fund (and the other series of the Trust) and the Portfolio,
respectively. (The Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio who are members of the Eaton Vance organization receive no
compensation from the Trust or the Portfolio.) For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, it is estimated the
noninterested Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio will receive the following compensation from the Fund and the
Portfolio in their capacities as Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio and, during the first quarter ended March 31,
1995, earned the following compensation in their capacities as Trustees of the other funds in the Eaton Vance fund
complex<F1>:
AGGREGATE AGGREGATE TOTAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION COMPENSATION FROM TRUST AND
NAME FROM FUND FROM PORTFOLIO FUND COMPLEX
---- ------------ -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Donald R. Dwight .............................. $25 $250<F2> $33,750<F4>
Samuel L. Hayes, III .......................... 25 250<F3> 41,250<F5>
Norton H. Reamer .............................. 25 250 33,750
John L. Thorndike ............................. 25 250 35,000
Jack L. Treynor ............................... 25 250 35,000
<FN>
<F1> The Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 205 registered investment companies or series thereof.
<F2> Includes $3 of deferred compensation.
<F3> Includes $3 of deferred compensation.
<F4> Includes $8,750 of deferred compensation.
<F5> Includes $24,885 of deferred compensation.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL OFFICER INFORMATION
THOMAS M. METZOLD (36), is a Vice President of the Portfolio, as well as a
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Mr. Metzold is also an officer of
various investment companies managed by Eaton Vance and BMR.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Under the Distribution Agreement the Principal Underwriter acts as principal
in selling shares of the Fund. The expenses of printing copies of prospectuses
used to offer shares to financial service firms ("Authorized Firms") or
investors and other selling literature and of advertising is borne by the
Principal Underwriter. The fees and expenses of qualifying and registering and
maintaining qualifications and registrations of the Fund and its shares under
Federal and state securities laws is borne by the Fund. In addition, the Fund
makes payments to the Principal Underwriter pursuant to its Distribution Plan as
described in the Fund's current Prospectus; the provisions of the Fund's
Distribution Plan relating to such payments are included in the Distribution
Agreement. The Distribution Agreement is renewable annually by the Trust's Board
of Trustees (including a majority of its Trustees who are not interested persons
of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Fund's Distribution Plan or the Distribution Agreement), may be
terminated on sixty days' notice either by such Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or on six months'
notice by the Principal Underwriter and is automatically terminated upon
assignment. The Principal Underwriter distributes Fund shares on a "best
efforts" basis under which it is required to take and pay for only such shares
as may be sold.
The Fund has authorized the Principal Underwriter to act as its agent in
repurchasing shares at the rate of $2.50 for each repurchase transaction handled
by the Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter estimates that the
expenses incurred by it in acting as repurchase agent for the Fund will exceed
the amounts paid therefor by the Fund. For the amount paid by the Fund to the
Principal Underwriter for acting as repurchase agent, see "Fees and Expenses" in
this Part II.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Distribution Plan ("the Plan") is described in the Prospectus and is
designed to meet the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act and the sales
charge rule of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD
Rule"). The purpose of the Plan is to compensate the Principal Underwriter for
its distribution services and facilities provided to the Fund by paying the
Principal Underwriter sales commissions and a separate distribution fee in
connection with sales of Fund shares. The following supplements the discussion
of the Plan contained in the Fund's Prospectus.
The amount payable to the Principal Underwriter pursuant to the Plan as
sales commissions and distribution fees with respect to each day will be accrued
on such day as a liability of the Fund and will accordingly reduce the Fund's
net assets upon such accrual, all in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. The amount payable on each day is limited to 1/365 of
.75% of the Fund's net assets on such day. The level of the Fund's net assets
changes each day and depends upon the amount of sales and redemptions of Fund
shares, the changes in the value of the investments held by the Portfolio, the
expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio accrued and allocated to the Fund on such
day, income on portfolio investments of the Portfolio accrued and allocated to
the Fund on such day, and any dividends and distributions declared on Fund
shares. The Fund does not accrue possible future payments as a liability of the
Fund or reduce the Fund's current net assets in respect of unknown amounts which
may become payable under the Plan in the future because the standards for
accrual of such a liability under accounting principles have not been satisfied.
The Plan provides that the Fund will receive all contingent deferred sales
charges and will make no payments to the Principal Underwriter in respect of any
day on which there are no outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges of the
Principal Underwriter. Contingent deferred sales charges and accrued amounts
will be paid by the Fund to the Principal Underwriter whenever there exist
Uncovered Distribution Charges under the Fund's Plan.
<PAGE>
Periods with a high level of sales of Fund shares accompanied by a low level
of early redemptions of Fund shares resulting in the imposition of contingent
deferred sales charges will tend to increase the time during which there will
exist Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter. Conversely,
periods with a low level of sales of Fund shares accompanied by a high level of
early redemptions of Fund shares resulting in the imposition of contingent
deferred sales charges will tend to reduce the time during which there will
exist Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter.
In calculating daily the amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges,
distribution charges will include the aggregate amount of sales commissions and
distribution fees theretofore paid plus the aggregate amount of sales
commissions and distribution fees which the Principal Underwriter is entitled to
be paid under the Plan since its inception. Payments theretofore paid or payable
under the Plan by the Fund to the Principal Underwriter and contingent deferred
sales charges theretofore paid or payable to the Principal Underwriter will be
subtracted from such distribution charges; if the result of such subtraction is
positive, a distribution fee (computed at 1% over the prime rate then reported
in The Wall Street Journal) will be computed on such amount and added thereto,
with the resulting sum constituting the amount of outstanding Uncovered
Distribution Charges with respect to such day. The amount of outstanding
Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter calculated on any
day does not constitute a liability recorded on the financial statements of the
Fund.
The amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges of the Principal Underwriter at
any particular time depends upon various changing factors, including the level
and timing of sales of Fund shares, the nature of such sales (i.e., whether they
result from exchange transactions, reinvestments or from cash sales through
Authorized Firms), the level and timing of redemptions of Fund shares upon which
a contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed, the level and timing of
redemptions of Fund shares upon which no contingent deferred sales charge will
be imposed (including redemptions involving exchanges of Fund shares for shares
of another fund in the Eaton Vance Marathon Group of Funds which result in a
reduction of Uncovered Distribution Charges), changes in the level of the net
assets of the Fund, and changes in the interest rate used in the calculation of
the distribution fee under the Plan.
As currently implemented by the Trustees, the Plan authorizes payments of
sales commissions and distribution fees to the Principal Underwriter and service
fees to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms which may be equivalent,
on an aggregate basis during any fiscal year of the Fund, to 1% of the Fund's
average daily net assets for such year. For the sales commissions and service
fee payments made by the Fund and the outstanding Uncovered Distribution Charges
of the Principal Underwriter, see "Fees and Expenses -- Distribution Plan" in
this Part II. The Fund believes that the combined rate of all these payments may
be higher than the rate of payments made under distribution plans adopted by
other investment companies pursuant to Rule 12b- 1. Although the Principal
Underwriter will use its own funds (which may be borrowed from banks) to pay
sales commissions at the time of sale, it is anticipated that the Eaton Vance
organization will profit by reason of the operation of the Plan through an
increase in the Fund's assets (thereby increasing the advisory fee payable to
BMR by the Portfolio) resulting from sale of Fund shares and through the amounts
paid to the Principal Underwriter, including contingent deferred sales charges,
pursuant to the Plan. The Eaton Vance organization may be considered to have
realized a profit under the Plan if at any point in time the aggregate amounts
theretofore received by the Principal Underwriter pursuant to the Plan and from
contingent deferred sales charges have exceeded the total expenses theretofore
incurred by such organization in distributing shares of the Fund. Total expenses
for this purpose will include an allocable portion of the overhead costs of such
organization and its branch offices, which costs will include without limitation
leasing expense, depreciation of building and equipment, utilities,
communication and postage expense, compensation and benefits of personnel,
travel and promotional expense, stationery and supplies, literature and sales
aids, interest expense, data processing fees, consulting and temporary help
costs, insurance, taxes other than income taxes, legal and auditing expense and
other miscellaneous overhead items. Overhead is calculated and allocated for
such purpose by the Eaton Vance organization in a manner deemed equitable to the
Fund.
<PAGE>
The Plan continues in effect through and including April 28, 1996, and shall
continue in effect indefinitely thereafter for so long as such continuance is
approved at least annually by the vote of both a majority of (i) the Trustees of
the Trust who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements
related to the Plan (the "Rule 12b-1 Trustees") and (ii) all of the Trustees
then in office, and the Distribution Agreement contains a similar provision. The
Plan and Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time by vote of a
majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The provisions of the Plan relating
to payments of sales commissions and distribution fees to the Principal
Underwriter are also included in the Distribution Agreement between the Trust on
behalf of the Fund and the Principal Underwriter. Pursuant to Rule 12b-1, the
Plan has been approved by the Fund's initial sole shareholder (Eaton Vance) and
by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including the Rule 12b-1 Trustees. Under
the Plan, the President or a Vice President of the Trust shall provide to the
Trustees for their review, and the Trustees shall review at least quarterly, a
written report of the amount expended under the Plan and the purposes for which
such expenditures were made. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially
the payments described therein without approval of the shareholders of the Fund,
and all material amendments of the Plan must also be approved by the Trustees as
required by Rule 12b-1. So long as the Plan is in effect, the selection and
nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust shall be
committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not such interested persons.
The Trustees believe that the Plan will be a significant factor in the
expected growth of the Fund's assets, and will result in increased investment
flexibility and advantages which will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
Payments for sales commissions and distribution fees made to the Principal
Underwriter under the Plan will compensate the Principal Underwriter for its
services and expenses in distributing shares of the Fund. Service fee payments
made to the Principal Underwriter and Authorized Firms under the Plan provide
incentives to provide continuing personal services to investors and the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. By providing incentives to the Principal
Underwriter and Authorized Firms, the Plan is expected to result in the
maintenance of, and possible future growth in, the assets of the Fund. Based on
the foregoing and other relevant factors, the Trustees have determined that in
their judgment there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the
Fund and its shareholders.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information compares the taxable equivalent yield of an
investment in the Fund yielding a hypothetical 6.5% with the after-tax yield of
a certificate of deposit yielding 3.25%. The tax brackets used are the federal
income tax brackets applicable for 1995: 15% for single filers with taxable
income up to $23,350 and joint filers up to $39,000; 28% for single filers with
taxable income from $23,351 to $56,550 and joint filers from $39,001 to $94,250,
31% for single filers with taxable income from $56,551 to $117,950 and joint
filers from $94,251 to $143,600, 36% for single filers with taxable income from
$117,951 to $256,500 and joint filers from $143,601 to $256,500 and 39.6% for
single and joint filers with taxable income over $256,500. These brackets do not
take into account the phaseout of personal exemptions and limitation on
deductibility of itemized deductions over certain ranges of income which
increase the effective top federal tax rate for certain taxpayers. Investors
should consult with their tax advisers for additional information. These
illustrations are not meant to imply any future rate of return for the Fund.
<PAGE>
TAX BRACKET
15% 28% 31% 36% 39.6%
-----------------------------------------
Tax free yield ................ 6.50% 6.50% 6.50% 6.50% 6.50%
Taxable equivalent ............ 7.65 9.03 9.42 10.16 10.76
Certificates of deposit:
Yield ..................... 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25
After-tax yield ........... 2.76 2.34 2.24 2.08 1.96
Marathon High Yield
The Tax Free Yield Advantage
(36% Federal tax bracket)
3.25% Certificate of deposit
3.25% Pretax yield
2.08% After-tax yield
6.50% Tax free investment
10.16% Taxable equivalent yield
6.50% Tax free yield
Example:
Two $100,000 investments...
3.25% CD 6.50% Tax free
Pretax income: $3,250.00 $6,500.00
Tax: (1,170.00) NONE
After-tax income: $2,080.00 $6,500.00
The 1995 federal tax bracket is 36% for single filers with taxable income
from $117,951 to $256,500 and joint filers from $143,601 to $256,500. Actual tax
brackets may be higher due to the phaseout of personal exemptions and
limitations on the deductibility of itemized deductions over certain ranges of
income. Your actual bracket will vary depending on your income, exemptions and
deductions. See your tax adviser for additional information. The chart is based
on 3-month bank CDs (Source: The Wall Street Journal and Eaton Vance
Management). Tax free yields are shown for illustration purposes only and are
not meant to represent actual results of an investment in the Fund. See your
financial adviser for the Fund's current yield and actual CD rates.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of July 31, 1995, Eaton Vance owned one share of the Fund, being the
only share of the Fund outstanding on such date. Eaton Vance is a Massachusetts
business trust and a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC.
<PAGE>
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE
The table shows the approximate taxable bond yields which are equivalent to
tax-exempt bond yields from 4% to 7% under the regular federal income tax laws
that apply to 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGINAL
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN INCOME TAX-EXEMPT YIELD
- ------------------------------------- TAX ------------------------------------------------------
(TAXABLE INCOME)* BRACKET 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equivalent Taxable Yield
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $ 23,350 Up to $ 39,000 15.00% 4.71% 5.29% 5.88% 6.47% 7.06% 7.65% 8.24%
$ 23,351- 56,550 $ 39,001- 94,250 28.00 5.56 6.25 6.94 7.64 8.33 9.03 9.72
$ 56,551- 117,950 $ 94,251- 143,600 31.00 5.80 6.52 7.25 7.97 8.70 9.42 10.14
$117,951- 256,500 $143,601- 256,500 36.00 6.25 7.03 7.81 8.59 9.38 10.16 10.94
Over $256,500 Over $256,500 39.60 6.62 7.45 8.28 9.11 9.93 10.76 11.59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Yields shown are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to represent
the Fund's actual yield.
*Net amount subject to federal personal income tax after deductions and
exemptions.
Note: The above-indicated federal Income Tax Brackets do not take into account
the effect of a reduction in the deductibility of Itemized Deductions for
taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income in excess of $114,700, nor the effects of
phaseout of personal exemptions for single and joint filers with Adjusted Gross
Incomes in excess of $114,700 and $172,050, respectively. The effective top
marginal federal income tax brackets of taxpayers over ranges of income subject
to these reductions or phaseouts will be higher than indicated above.
Of course, no assurance can be given that EV Marathon High Yield Municipals Fund
will achieve any specific tax exempt yield. While it is expected that a
substantial portion of the interest income received by the Portfolio and
allocated to the Fund and subsequently distributed to the Fund's shareholders
will be exempt from the regular federal income tax, portions of such
distributions from time to time may be subject to such tax. This table does not
take into account state or local taxes, if any, payable on Fund distributions.
It should also be noted that the interest earned on certain "private activity
bonds" issued after August 7, 1986, while exempt from the regular federal income
tax, is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the recipient to
the federal alternative minimum tax. The illustrations assume that the Federal
alternative minimum tax is not applicable and do not take into account any tax
credits that may be available.
The information set forth above is as of the date of this Statement of
Additional Information. Subsequent tax law changes could result in prospective
or retroactive changes in the tax brackets, tax rates, and tax equivalent yields
set forth above.
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MAY 1, 1995
ASSETS:
Cash ........................................................... $100,020
Deferred organization expenses ................................. 22,050
-------
Total assets ............................................... $122,070
LIABILITIES:
Accrued organization expenses .................................. 22,050
-------
NET ASSETS ......................................................... $100,020
========
NOTES:
(1) High Yield Municipals Portfolio (the "Portfolio") was organized as a New
York Trust on May 1, 1995 and has been inactive since that date, except as
to matters relating to its organization and registration as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the sale of its
interests therein at the purchase price of $100,000 to Boston Management and
Research and the sale of interests therein at the purchase price of $20 to
Eaton Vance Management (the "Initial Interests").
(2) Organization expenses are being deferred and will be amortized on a straight
line basis over a period not exceeding five years, commencing on the
effective date of the Portfolio's initial offering of its interests. The
amount paid by the Portfolio on any withdrawal by the holders of the initial
interests of any of the respective Initial Interests will be reduced by a
portion of any unamortized organization expenses, determined by the
proportion of the amount of the initial interests withdrawn to the Initial
Interest then outstanding.
(3) At 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on each business day of the Portfolio, the
value of an investor's interest in the Portfolio is equal to the product of
(i) the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio multiplied by (ii) the
percentage representing that investor's share of the aggregate interest in
the Portfolio effective for that day.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Trustees and Investors of High Yield Municipals Portfolio:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of High
Yield Municipals Portfolio (a New York Trust) as of May 1, 1995. This financial
statement is the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of High Yield Municipals Portfolio
as of May 1, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
May 3, 1995
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
EV MARATHON
HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 1, 1995
EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER OF HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research, 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
ADMINISTRATOR OF EV MARATHON HIGH YIELD 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 M-HYSAI
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1995
EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS FUND
24 Federal Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(800) 225-6265
This Statement of Additional Information consists of two parts. Part I
provides information about EV Traditional High Yield Municipals Fund (the
"Fund") and certain other series of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (the
"Trust"). As described in the Prospectus, the Fund invests its assets in High
Yield Municipals Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), a separate registered investment
company with the same investment objective and policies as the Fund. Part II
provides information solely about the Fund and the Portfolio. Where
appropriate, Part I includes cross-references to the relevant sections of
Part II.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Additional Information about Investment Policies ...................... 1
Investment Restrictions ............................................... 8
Trustees and Officers ................................................. 9
Investment Adviser and Administrator .................................. 10
Custodian ............................................................. 12
Service for Withdrawal ................................................ 13
Determination of Net Asset Value ...................................... 13
Investment Performance ................................................ 14
Taxes ................................................................. 15
Portfolio Security Transactions ....................................... 17
Other Information ..................................................... 19
Independent Certified Public Accountants .............................. 20
Appendix .............................................................. 21
PART II
Fees and Expenses ..................................................... a-1
Additional Officer Information ........................................ a-1
Services for Accumulation ............................................. a-2
Principal Underwriter ................................................. a-2
Service Plan .......................................................... a-3
Performance Information ............................................... a-4
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities ................... a-5
Tax Equivalent Yield Table ............................................ a-6
Financial Statements .................................................. a-7
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS
AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR
ACCOMPANIED BY THE FUND'S PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1995, AS SUPPLEMENTED
FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH PROSPECTUS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED WITHOUT
CHARGE BY CONTACTING EATON VANCE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. (THE "PRINCIPAL
UNDERWRITER") (SEE BACK COVER FOR ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER).
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART I
This Part I provides information about the Fund, certain other series of
the Trust and the Portfolio. Capitalized terms used in this Statement of
Additional Information and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them
in the Fund's Prospectus. The Fund is subject to the same investment policies
as those of the Portfolio. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its objective
by investing in the Portfolio.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
Municipal obligations are issued to obtain funds for various public and
private purposes. Such obligations include bonds as well as tax-exempt
commercial paper, project notes and municipal notes such as tax, revenue and
bond anticipation notes of short maturity, generally less than three years. In
general, there are three categories of municipal obligations, the interest on
which is exempt from federal income tax and is not a tax preference item for
purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax: (i) certain "public purpose"
obligations (whenever issued), which include obligations issued directly by
state and local governments or their agencies to fulfill essential
governmental functions; (ii) certain obligations issued before August 8, 1986
for the benefit of non-governmental persons or entities; and (iii) certain
"private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986, which include "qualified
Section 501(c)(3) bonds" or refundings of certain obligations included in the
second category. In assessing the federal income tax treatment of interest on
any municipal obligation, the Portfolio will generally rely on an opinion of
the issuer's counsel (when available) and will not undertake any independent
verification of the basis for the opinion. The two principal classifications
of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue" bonds.
Interest on certain "private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986
is exempt from regular federal income tax 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 the
recipient's liability for the federal alternative minimum tax. 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 as applied to corporations (to
the extent not already included in alternative minimum taxable income as
income attributable to private activity bonds).
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 is taxable as 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, subject to a de minimus
amount.
Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities,
towns and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to
fund a wide range of public projects including the construction or improvement
of schools, highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other
public purposes. The basic security of general obligation bonds is the
issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt
service may be limited or unlimited as to rate and amount.
The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues
derived from a particular facility or group of facilities or, in some cases,
from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source.
Revenue bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of capital projects
including: electric, gas, water, sewer and solid waste disposal systems;
highways, bridges and tunnels; port, airport and parking facilities;
transportation systems; housing facilities, colleges and universities and
hospitals. Although the principal security behind these bonds varies widely,
many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund
whose monies may be used to make principal and interest payments on the
issuer's obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of
security including partially or fully insured, rent subsidized and/or
collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public
projects. In addition to a debt service reserve fund, some authorities provide
further security in the form of a state's ability (without legal obligation)
to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund. Lease rental revenue
bonds issued by a state or local authority for capital projects are normally
secured by annual lease rental payments from the state or locality to the
authority sufficient to cover debt service on the authority's obligations.
Such payments are usually subject to annual appropriations by the state or
locality.
Industrial development and pollution control bonds are in most cases
revenue bonds and are generally not secured by the taxing power of the
municipality, but are usually secured by the revenues derived by the authority
from payments of the industrial user or users.
The Portfolio may on occasion acquire revenue bonds which carry warrants
or similar rights covering equity securities. Such warrants or rights may be
held indefinitely, but if exercised, the Portfolio anticipates that it would,
under normal circumstances, dispose of any equity securities so acquired
within a reasonable period of time.
While most municipal bonds pay a fixed rate of interest semi-annually in
cash, there are exceptions. Some bonds pay no periodic cash interest, but
rather make a single payment at maturity representing both principal and
interest. Bonds may be issued or subsequently offered with interest coupons
materially greater or less than those then prevailing, with price adjustments
reflecting such deviation.
The obligations of any person or entity to pay the principal of and
interest on a municipal obligation are subject to the provisions of
bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of
creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and laws, if any, which may be
enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of
principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement
of such obligations. There is also the possibility that as a result of
litigation or other conditions the power or ability of any person or entity to
pay when due principal of and interest on a municipal obligation may be
materially affected. There have been recent instances of defaults and
bankruptcies involving municipal obligations which were not foreseen by the
financial and investment communities. The Portfolio will take whatever action
it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties,
default or bankruptcy of either the issuer of any municipal obligation or of
the underlying source of funds for debt service. Such action may include
retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of
Boston Management and Research (the "Investment Adviser")) to evaluate or
protect any real estate, facilities or other assets securing any such
obligation or acquired by the Portfolio as a result of any such event, and the
Portfolio may also manage (or engage other persons to manage) or otherwise
deal with any real estate, facilities or other assets so acquired. The
Portfolio anticipates that real estate consulting and management services may
be required with respect to properties securing various municipal obligations
in its portfolio or subsequently acquired by the Portfolio. The Portfolio will
incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to
portfolio obligations in default and assets securing such obligations.
The yields on municipal obligations will be dependent on a variety of
factors, including purposes of issue and source of funds for repayment,
general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal bond
market, size of a particular offering, maturity of the obligation and rating
of the issue. The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Fitch Investors Service, Inc.
("Fitch") represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal
obligations which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized, however,
that ratings are based on judgment and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, municipal obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating
may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon
with different ratings may have the same yield. In addition, the market price
of municipal obligations will normally fluctuate with changes in interest
rates, and therefore the net asset value of the Portfolio will be affected by
such changes.
RISKS OF CONCENTRATION
Municipal Obligations. For a discussion of the risks associated with the
Portfolio's policy of concentrating its investments in particular issuers of
municipal obligations, see "Risks of Concentration" in the Fund's Part II of
this Statement of Additional Information.
Obligations of Particular Types of Issuers. The Portfolio may invest 25% or
more of its total assets in municipal obligations whose issuers are located in
the same state or in municipal obligations of the same type. There could be
economic, business or political developments which might affect all municipal
obligations of the same type. In particular, investments in the industrial
revenue bonds listed above might involve without limitation the following
risks.
Hospital bond ratings are often based on feasibility studies which contain
projections of expenses, revenues and occupancy levels. Among the influences
affecting a hospital's gross receipts and net income available to service its
debt are demand for hospital services, the ability of the hospital to provide
the services required, management capabilities, economic developments in the
service area, efforts by insurers and government agencies to limit rates and
expenses, confidence in the hospital, service area economic developments,
competition, availability and expense of malpractice insurance, Medicaid and
Medicare funding and possible Federal legislation limiting the rates of
increase of hospital charges.
Electric utilities face problems in financing large construction programs
in an inflationary period, cost increases and delay occasioned by safety and
environmental considerations (particularly with respect to nuclear
facilities), difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable prices, and in
achieving timely and adequate rate relief from regulatory commissions, effects
of energy conservation and limitations on the capacity of the capital market
to absorb utility debt.
Pollution control and other industrial development bonds are issued by
state or local agencies to finance various projects, including those of
domestic steel producers, and may be backed solely by agreements with such
companies. Domestic steel companies are expected to suffer the consequences of
such adverse trends as high labor costs, high foreign imports encouraged by
foreign productivity increases and a strong U.S. dollar, and other cost
pressures such as those imposed by anti-pollution legislation. Domestic steel
capacity is being reduced currently by large-scale plant closings and this
period of rationalization may not end until further legislative protection is
provided through tariff price supports or mandatory import quotas, such as
those recently enacted for certain specialty steel products.
Life care facilities are an alternative form of long-term housing for the
elderly which offer residents the independence of a condominium life style
and, if needed, the comprehensive care of nursing home services. Bonds to
finance these facilities have been issued by various state industrial
development authorities. Since the bonds are normally secured only by the
revenues of each facility and not by state or local government tax payments,
they are subject to a wide variety of risks. Primarily, the projects must
maintain adequate occupancy levels to be able to provide revenues sufficient
to meet debt service payments. Moreover, since a portion of housing, medical
care and other services may be financed by an initial deposit, it is important
that the facility maintain adequate financial reserves to secure estimated
actuarial liabilities. The ability of management to accurately forecast
inflationary cost pressures is an important factor in this process. The
facilities may also be affected adversely by regulatory cost restrictions
applied to health care delivery in general, particularly state regulations or
changes in Medicare and Medicaid payments or qualifications, or restrictions
imposed by medical insurance companies. They may also face competition from
alternative health care or conventional housing facilities in the private or
public sector.
Obligations of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Subject to the
Fund's investment policies as set forth in its Prospectus, the Portfolio may
invest in the obligations of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
Accordingly, the Portfolio may be adversely affected by local political and
economic conditions and developments within Puerto Rico affecting the issuers
of such obligations.
Puerto Rico has a diversified economy dominated by the manufacturing and
service sectors. Manufacturing is the largest sector in terms of gross
domestic product and is more diversified than during earlier phases of Puerto
Rico's industrial development. The three largest sectors of the economy (as a
percentage of employment) are services (47%), government (22%) and
manufacturing (16.4%). These three sectors represent 39%, 11% and 39%,
respectively, of the gross domestic product. The service sector is the fastest
growing, while the government and manufacturing sectors have been stagnant for
the past five years. This decline was broad based among all manufacturing
industries. 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. The February, 1995 unemployment
rate was 12.5%, down from 16% for 1994.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico exercises virtually the same control over
its internal affairs as do the fifty states; however, it differs from the
states in its relationship with the Federal government. Most federal taxes,
except those such as social security taxes that are imposed by mutual consent,
are not levied in Puerto Rico. However, in conjunction with the 1993 U.S.
budget plan, Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code was amended and provided
for two alternative limitations to the Section 936 credit. The first option
will limit the credit against such income to 40% of the credit allowable under
current law, with a five year phase-in period starting at 60% of the allowable
credit. The second option is a wage and depreciation based credit. The
reduction of the tax benefits to those U.S. companies with operations in
Puerto Rico may lead to slower growth in the future. There can be no assurance
that these modifications will not lead to a weakened economy, a lower rating
on Puerto Rico's debt or lower prices for Puerto Rican bonds that may be held
by the Portfolio.
Puerto Rico's financial reporting was first conformed to generally
accepted accounting principles in fiscal 1990. Nonrecurring revenues have been
used frequently to balance recent years' budgets. In November, 1993 Puerto
Ricans voted on whether they wished to retain their Commonwealth status,
become a state or establish an independent nation. The measure was defeated,
with 48.5% voting to remain a Commonwealth, 46% voting for statehood and 4%
voting for independence. Retaining Commonwealth status will leave intact the
current relationship with the federal government. There can be no assurance
that the statehood issue will not be brought to a vote in the future. A
successful statehood vote in Puerto Rico would then require the U.S. Congress
to ratify the election.
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are located approximately 1,100
miles east-southeast of Miami and are made up of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St.
John. Population, after reaching a peak of 110,800 in 1985, declined to
101,809 in 1990. The economy is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, with
roughly 43% of non-agricultural employment in tourist-related trade and
services. As of April, 1993, unemployment stood at 2.7%. The tourism industry
is economically sensitive and would likely be adversely affected by a
recession in either the United States or Europe.
An important component of the USVI revenue base is the federal excise tax
on rum exports. Tax revenues rebated by the federal government to the USVI
provide the primary security of many outstanding USVI bonds. Since more than
90% of the rum distilled in the USVI is distilled at one plant, any
interruption in its operations (as occurred after Hurricane Hugo in 1989)
would adversely affect these revenues. Consequently, there can be no assurance
that rum exports to the United States and the rebate of tax revenues to the
USVI will continue at their present levels. The preferential tariff treatment
the USVI rum industry currently enjoys could be reduced under NAFTA. Increased
competition from Mexican rum producers could reduce USVI rum imported to the
U.S., decreasing excise tax revenues generated. The USVI experienced budget
deficits in fiscal years 1989 and 1990: in 1989 due to wage settlements with
the unionized government employees, and in 1990 as a result of Hurricane Hugo.
The USVI recorded a small surplus in fiscal year 1991. At the end of fiscal
1992, the last year for which results are available, the USVI had an
unreserved General Fund deficit of approximately $8.31 million, or
approximately 2.1% of expenditures. In order to close a forecasted fiscal 1994
revenue gap of $45.6 million, the Department of Finance has proposed several
tax increases and fund transfers. There is currently no rated, unenhanced
Virgin Islands debt outstanding.
Guam, an unincorporated U.S. territory, is located 1,500 miles southeast
of Tokyo. Population, 133,000 in 1990, up 26% from the 1980 census level. The
U.S. military is a key component of Guam's economy. The Federal government
directly comprises more than 10% of the employment base, with a substantial
component of the service sector to support these personnel. Guam is expected
to benefit from the closure of the Subic Bay Naval Base and the Clark Air
Force Base in the Philippines. The Naval Air Station, one of several U.S.
military facilities on the island, has been slated for closure by the Defense
Base Closure and Realignment Committee; however, the administration plans to
use these facilities to expand the Island's commercial airport. Guam is also
heavily reliant on tourists, particularly the Japanese. Unemployment was 3.2%
in 1991. For 1994, the financial position of Guam has weakened further as it
incurred an unaudited General Fund operating deficit. The administration has
taken steps to improve its financial position; however, there are no
guarantees that an improvement will be realized. Guam's general obligation
debt is rated Baa by Moody's.
MUNICIPAL LEASES
The 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 issued by state or local governments 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 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 the Portfolio may be deemed
illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolio's 15% limitation on investments 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 on-going basis, including an
assessment of the likelihood that the lease may or may not be cancelled.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations which do not require the periodic
payment of interest and are issued at a significant discount from face value.
The discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue
and compound over the period until maturity at a rate of interest reflecting
the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon bonds
benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but
also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to
defer receipt of such cash.
INSURANCE
Insured municipal obligations held by the Portfolio (if any) will be
insured as to their scheduled payment of principal and interest under either
(i) an insurance policy obtained by the issuer or underwriter of the
obligation at the time of its original issuance or (ii) an insurance policy
obtained by the Portfolio or a third party subsequent to the obligation's
original issuance (which may not be reflected in the obligation's market
value. In either event, such insurance may provide that in the event of non-
payment of interest or principal when due with respect to an insured
obligation, the insurer is not required to make such payment until a specified
time has lapsed (which may be 30 days or more after notice).
CREDIT QUALITY
The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment Adviser's judgment, analysis
and experience in evaluating the quality of municipal obligations. In
evaluating the credit quality of a particular issue, whether rated or unrated,
the Investment Adviser will normally take into consideration, among other
things, the financial resources of the issuer (or, as appropriate, of the
underlying source of funds for debt service), its sensitivity to economic
conditions and trends, any operating history of and the community support for
the facility financed by the issue, the ability of the issuer's management and
regulatory matters. The Investment Adviser will attempt to reduce the risks of
investing in the lowest investment grade, below investment grade and
comparable unrated obligations through active portfolio management, credit
analysis and attention to current developments and trends in the economy and
the financial markets.
See "Portfolio of Investments" in the "Financial Statements" included in
the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information with respect to
any defaulted obligations held by the Portfolio.
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, which may increase capital gains and the expenses
incurred in connection with such trading.
WHEN ISSUED SECURITIES
New issues of municipal obligations are sometimes offered on a "when-
issued" basis, that is, delivery and payment for the securities normally
taking place within a specified number of days after the date of the
Portfolio's commitment and are subject to certain conditions such as the
issuance of satisfactory legal opinions. The Portfolio may also purchase
securities on a when-issued basis pursuant to refunding contracts in
connection with the refinancing of an issuer's outstanding indebtedness.
Refunding contracts generally require the issuer to sell and the Portfolio to
buy such securities on a settlement date that could be several months or
several years in the future.
The Portfolio will make commitments to purchase when-issued securities
only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell
such securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable as a
matter of investment strategy. The payment obligation and the interest rate
that will be received on the securities are fixed at the time the Portfolio
enters into the purchase commitment. The Portfolio's custodian will segregate
cash or high grade liquid debt securities in a separate account of the
Portfolio in an amount at least equal to the when-issued commitments. If the
value of the securities placed in the separate account declines, additional
cash or high grade liquid debt securities will be placed in the account on a
daily basis so that the value of the account will at least equal the amount of
the Portfolio's when-issued commitments. When the Portfolio commits to
purchase a security on a when-issued basis it records the transaction and
reflects the value of the security in determining its net asset value.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and the securities held by the
Portfolio are subject to changes in value based upon the perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and changes in the level of interest rates
(i.e. appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest
rates rise). Therefore, to the extent that the Portfolio remains substantially
fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-
issued basis, there will be greater fluctuations in the Portfolio's net asset
value than if it solely set aside cash to pay for when-issued securities.
VARIABLE RATE OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may purchase variable rate obligations. Variable rate
instruments provide for adjustments in the interest rate at specified
intervals (weekly, monthly, semi-annually, etc.). The revised rates are
usually set at the issuer's discretion, in which case the investor normally
enjoys the right to "put" the security back to the issuer or his agent. Rate
revisions may alternatively be determined by formula or in some other
contractual fashion. Variable rate obligations normally provide that the
holder can demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par with
accrued interest and are frequently secured by letters of credit or other
credit support arrangements provided by banks. To the extent that such letters
of credit or other arrangements constitute an unconditional guarantee of the
issuer's obligations, a bank may be treated as the issuer of a security for
the purpose of complying with the diversification requirements set forth in
Section 5(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rule 5b-2 thereunder.
The Portfolio would anticipate using these obligations as cash equivalents
pending longer term investment of its funds.
REDEMPTION, DEMAND AND PUT FEATURES
Most municipal bonds have a fixed final maturity date. However, it is
commonplace for the issuer to reserve the right to call the bond earlier.
Also, some bonds may have "put" or "demand" features that allow early
redemption by the bondholder. Interest income generated by certain bonds
having demand features may not qualify as tax-exempt interest. Longer term
fixed-rate bonds may give the holder a right to request redemption at certain
times (often annually after the lapse of an intermediate term). These bonds
are more defensive than conventional long term bonds (protecting to some
degree against a rise in interest rates) while providing greater opportunity
than comparable intermediate term bonds, because the Portfolio may retain the
bond if interest rates decline. By acquiring these kinds of obligations the
Portfolio obtains the contractual right to require the issuer of the security
or some other person (other than a broker or dealer) to purchase the security
at an agreed upon price, which right is contained in the obligation itself
rather than in a separate agreement with the seller or some other person.
Because this right is assignable with the security, which is readily
marketable and valued in the customary manner, the Portfolio will not assign
any separate value to such right.
LIQUIDITY AND PROTECTIVE PUT OPTIONS
The Portfolio may also enter into a separate agreement with the seller of
the security or some other person granting the Portfolio the right to put the
security to the seller thereof or the other person at an agreed upon price.
The Portfolio intends to limit this type of transaction to institutions (such
as banks or securities dealers) which the Investment Adviser believes present
minimal credit risks and would engage in this type of transaction to
facilitate portfolio liquidity or (if the seller so agrees) to hedge against
rising interest rates. There is no assurance that this kind of put option will
be available to the Portfolio or that selling institutions will be willing to
permit the Portfolio to exercise a put to hedge against rising interest rates.
A separate put option may not be marketable or otherwise assignable, and sale
of the security to a third party or lapse of time with the put unexercised may
terminate the right to exercise the put. The Portfolio does not expect to
assign any value to any separate put option which may be acquired to
facilitate portfolio liquidity, inasmuch as the value (if any) of the put will
be reflected in the value assigned to the associated security; any put
acquired for hedging purposes would be valued in good faith under methods or
procedures established by the Trustees of the Portfolio after consideration of
all relevant factors, including its expiration date, the price volatility of
the associated security, the difference between the market price of the
associated security and the exercise price of the put, the creditworthiness of
the issuer of the put and the market prices of comparable put options.
Interest income generated by certain bonds having put features may not qualify
as tax-exempt interest.
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 CONTRACTS
A change in the level of interest rates may affect the value of the
securities held by the Portfolio (or of securities that the Portfolio expects
to purchase). To hedge against changes in rates, the Portfolio may enter into
(i) futures contracts for the purchase or sale of debt securities, (ii)
futures contracts on securities indices and (iii) futures contracts on other
financial instruments and indices. All futures contracts entered into by the
Portfolio are traded on exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and
regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm which is a
member of the relevant exchange. The Portfolio may purchase and write call and
put options on futures contracts which are traded on a United States or
foreign exchange or board of trade.
The Portfolio will engage in futures and related options transactions only
for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in or permitted by CFTC regulations.
The Portfolio will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures
contracts and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially
related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Portfolio or which it
expects to purchase. The Portfolio's futures transactions will be entered into
for traditional hedging purposes -- that is, futures contracts will be sold to
protect against a decline in the price of securities that the Portfolio owns,
or futures contracts will be purchased to protect the Portfolio against an
increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase. As evidence of
this hedging intent, the Portfolio expects that on 75% or more of the
occasions on which it takes a long futures (or option) position (involving the
purchase of futures contracts), the Portfolio will have purchased, or will be
in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities in the
cash market at the time when the futures (or option) position is closed out.
However, in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the
Portfolio to do so, a long futures position may be terminated (or an option
may expire) without the corresponding purchase of securities. The Portfolio
will engage in transactions in futures and related options contracts only to
the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code for maintaining the qualification of the Fund as a
regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes (see "Taxes").
The Portfolio will be required, in connection with transactions in futures
contracts and the writing of options on futures to make margin deposits, which
will be held by the Portfolio's custodian for the benefit of the futures
commission merchant through whom the Portfolio engages in such futures and
options transactions. Cash or liquid high grade debt securities required to be
segregated in connection with a "long" futures position taken by the Portfolio
will also be held by the custodian in a segregated account and will be marked
to market daily.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Portfolio cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, but
it is anticipated that the annual turnover rate will generally not exceed 100%
(excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A
100% annual turnover rate would occur, for example, if all the securities held
by the Portfolio were replaced once in a period of one year. A high turnover
rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Portfolio.
The Portfolio engages in portfolio trading (including short-term trading) if
it believes that a transaction including all costs will help in achieving its
investment objective.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following investment restrictions of the Fund are designated as
fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, which as
used in this Statement of Additional Information means the lesser of (a) 67%
of the shares of the Fund present or represented by proxy at a meeting if the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented at the
meeting or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund
may not:
(1) Borrow money or issue senior securities except as permitted by the
Investment Company Act of 1940;
(2) Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities). The deposit or payment by the Fund of initial or maintenance
margin in connection with futures contracts or related options transactions is
not considered the purchase of a security on margin;
(3) Underwrite or participate in the marketing of securities of others,
except insofar as it may technically be deemed to be an underwriter in selling
a portfolio security under circumstances which may require the registration of
the same under the Securities Act of 1933;
(4) Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and sell
securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which
invest or deal in real estate;
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or
sale of physical commodities; or
(6) Make loans to any person except by (a) the acquisition of debt
instruments and making portfolio investments, (b) entering into repurchase
agreements and (c) lending portfolio securities.
Notwithstanding the investment policies and restrictions of the Fund, the
Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management
investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies
and restrictions as the Fund.
The Portfolio has adopted substantially the same fundamental investment
restrictions as the foregoing investment restrictions adopted by the Fund;
such restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of the Portfolio, which as used in this
Statement of Additional Information means the lesser of (a) 67% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio present or represented by proxy
at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting
securities of the Portfolio are present or represented at the meeting or (b)
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio. The term
"voting securities" as used in this paragraph has the same meaning as in the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). Whenever the Trust is
requested to vote on a change in the fundamental investment restrictions of
the Portfolio (or the Portfolio's 80% investment policy as described in the
Fund's current Prospectus), the Trust will hold a meeting of Fund shareholders
and will cast its vote as instructed by the shareholders.
The Fund and the Portfolio have adopted the following investment policies
which may be changed by the Trust with respect to the Fund without approval by
the Fund's shareholders or by the Portfolio with respect to the Portfolio
without approval by the Fund or its other investors. As a matter of
nonfundamental policy, the Fund and the Portfolio will not: (a) engage in
options, futures or forward transactions if more than 5% of its net assets, as
measured by the aggregate of the premiums paid by the Fund or the Portfolio,
would be so invested; (b) make short sales of securities or maintain a short
position, unless at all times when a short position is open it owns an equal
amount of such securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable,
without payment of any further consideration, for securities of the same issue
as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short; (c) invest more than
15% of net assets in investments which are not readily marketable, including
restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days. Restricted securities for the purposes of this limitation do not include
securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act
of 1933 that the Board of Trustees of the Trust or the Portfolio, or its
delegate, determines to be liquid, based upon the trading markets for the
specific security; (d) purchase or retain in its portfolio any securities
issued by an issuer any of whose officers, directors, trustees or security
holders is an officer or Trustee of the Trust or the Portfolio or is a member,
officer, director or trustee of any investment adviser of the Trust or the
Portfolio, if after the purchase of the securities of such issuer by the Fund
or the Portfolio one or more of such persons owns beneficially more than 1/2
of 1% of the shares or securities or both (all taken at market value) of such
issuer and such persons owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such shares or
securities together own beneficially more than 5% of such shares or securities
or both (all taken at market value); or (e) purchase oil, gas or other mineral
leases or purchase partnership interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs.
For purposes of the Portfolio's investment restrictions, the determination
of the "issuer" of a municipal obligation which is not a general obligation
bond will be made by the Portfolio's Investment Adviser on the basis of the
characteristics of the obligation and other relevant factors, the most
significant of which is the source of funds committed to meeting interest and
principal payments of such obligations.
In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the policies described above.
Should the Fund determine that any such commitment is no longer in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, it will revoke the commitment by
terminating sales of its shares in the state(s) involved.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Portfolio are listed below.
Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other
offices in the same company for the last five years. Unless otherwise noted,
the business address of each Trustee and officer is 24 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, which is also the address of the Portfolio's investment
adviser, Boston Management and Research ("BMR" or the "Investment Adviser"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance"); of Eaton
Vance's parent, Eaton Vance Corp. ("EVC"); and of BMR's and Eaton Vance's
trustee, Eaton Vance, Inc. ("EV"). Eaton Vance and EV are both wholly-owned
subsidiaries of EVC. Those Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Trust,
the Portfolio, BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC or EV, as defined in the 1940 Act, by
virtue of their affiliation with any one or more of the Trust, the Portfolio,
BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC or EV, are indicated by an asterisk(*).
TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO
DONALD R. DWIGHT (64), Trustee
President of Dwight Partners, Inc. (a corporate relations and communications
company) founded in 1988; Chairman of the Board of Newspapers of New
England, Inc., since 1983. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: Clover Mill Lane, Lyme, New Hampshire 03768
JAMES B. HAWKES (53), Vice President and Trustee*
Executive Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC and EV, and a Director of
EVC and EV. Director, Trustee and officer of various investment companies
managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
SAMUEL L. HAYES, III (60), Trustee
Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking, Harvard University Graduate
School of Business Administration. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration,
Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02163
NORTON H. REAMER (59), Trustee
President and Director, United Asset Management Corporation, a holding company
owning institutional investment management firms. Chairman, President and
Director, The Regis Fund, Inc. (mutual fund). Director or Trustee of various
investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
JOHN L. THORNDIKE (68), Trustee
Director, Fiduciary Company Incorporated, Director or Trustee of various
investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: 175 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
JACK L. TREYNOR (65), Trustee
Investment Adviser and Consultant. Director or Trustee of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Address: 504 Via Almar, Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274
OFFICERS OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO
THOMAS J. FETTER (51), President
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. (Mr. Fetter was elected a Vice
President of the Trust on December 17, 1990 and President of the Trust on
December 13, 1993. Officer of various investment companies managed by Eaton
Vance or BMR.
ROBERT B. MACINTOSH (38), Vice President
Vice President of BMR since August 11, 1992, and of Eaton Vance and EV, and an
employee of Eaton Vance since March 8, 1991. Fidelity Investments --
Portfolio Manager (1986-1991). Officer of various investment companies
managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. MacIntosh was elected Vice President of
the Trust on March 22, 1993.
JAMES L. O'CONNOR (50), Treasurer
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
THOMAS OTIS (63), Secretary
Vice President and Secretary of BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC and EV. Officer of
various investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
JANET E. SANDERS (59), Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
A. JOHN MURPHY (32), Assistant Secretary
Assistant Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV since March 1, 1994;
employee of Eaton Vance since March 1993. State Regulations Supervisor, The
Boston Company (1991-1993) and Registration Specialist, Fidelity Management
& Research Co. (1986-1991). Officer of various investment companies managed
by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. Murphy was elected Assistant Secretary of the
Trust on March 27, 1995.
ERIC G. WOODBURY (38), Assistant Secretary
Vice President of Eaton Vance since February 1993; formerly, associate at
Dechert, Price & Rhoades and Gaston & Snow. Officer of various investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Mr. Woodbury was elected Assistant
Secretary on June 19, 1995.
Messrs. Thorndike (Chairman), Hayes and Reamer are members of the Special
Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio. The
Special Committee's functions include a continuous review of the Trust's
contractual relationship with the Administrator on behalf of the Fund and the
Portfolio's contractual relationship with the Investment Adviser, making
recommendations to the Trustees regarding the compensation of those Trustees
who are not members of the Eaton Vance organization, and making
recommendations to the Trustees regarding candidates to fill vacancies, as and
when they occur, in the ranks of those Trustees who are not "interested
persons" of the Trust, the Portfolio, or the Eaton Vance organization.
Messrs. Treynor (Chairman) and Dwight are members of the Audit Committee
of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio. The Audit
Committee's functions include making recommendations to the Trustees regarding
the selection of the independent certified public accountants, and reviewing
with such accountants and the Treasurer of the Trust and of the Portfolio
matters relative to accounting and auditing practices and procedures,
accounting records, internal accounting controls, and the functions performed
by the custodian and transfer agent of the Fund and of the Portfolio.
Trustees of the Portfolio who are not affiliated with the Investment
Adviser may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees
in accordance with the terms of a Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan (the
"Plan"). Under the Plan, an eligible Trustee may elect to have his deferred
fees invested by the Portfolio in the shares of one or more funds in the Eaton
Vance Family of Funds, and the amount paid to the Trustees under the Plan will
be determined based upon the performance of such investments. Deferral of
Trustees' fees in accordance with the Plan will have a negligible effect on
the Portfolio's assets, liabilities, and net income per share, and will not
obligate the Portfolio to retain the services of any Trustee or obligate the
Portfolio to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee.
The fees and expenses of those Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio who
are not members of the Eaton Vance organization (the noninterested Trustees)
are paid by the Fund (and the other series of the Trust) and the Portfolio,
respectively. For the compensation received by the noninterested Trustees of
the Trust and the Portfolio, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of
this Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
The Portfolio engages BMR as investment adviser pursuant to an Investment
Advisory Agreement. BMR or Eaton Vance acts as investment adviser to
investment companies and various individual and institutional clients with
combined assets under management of approximately $15 billion.
Eaton Vance, its affiliates and its predecessor companies have been
managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and managing
investment companies since 1931. They maintain a large staff of experienced
fixed-income and equity investment professionals to service the needs of their
clients. The fixed-income division focuses on all kinds of taxable investment-
grade and high-yield securities, tax-exempt investment-grade and high-yield
securities, and U.S. Government securities. The equity division covers stocks
ranging from blue chip to emerging growth companies.
BMR manages the investments and affairs of the Portfolio subject to the
supervision of the Portfolio's Board of Trustees. BMR furnishes to the
Portfolio investment research, advice and supervision, furnishes an investment
program and determines what securities will be purchased, held or sold by the
Portfolio and what portion, if any, of the Portfolio's assets will be held
uninvested. The Investment Advisory Agreement requires BMR to pay the salaries
and fees of all officers and Trustees of the Portfolio who are members of the
BMR organization and all personnel of BMR performing services relating to
research and investment activities. The Portfolio is responsible for all
expenses not expressly stated to be payable by BMR under the Investment
Advisory Agreement, including, without implied limitation, (i) expenses of
maintaining the Portfolio and continuing its existence, (ii) registration of
the Portfolio under the 1940 Act, (iii) commissions, fees and other expenses
connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and
other investments, (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses, (v) taxes and
interest, (vi) governmental fees, (vii) expenses of issue, sale and redemption
of interests in the Portfolio, (viii) expenses of registering and qualifying
the Portfolio and interests in the Portfolio under federal and state
securities laws and of preparing and printing registration statements or other
offering statements or memoranda for such purposes and for distributing the
same to investors, and fees and expenses of registering and maintaining
registrations of the Portfolio and of the Portfolio's placement agent as
broker-dealer or agent under state securities laws, (ix) expenses of reports
and notices to investors and of meetings of investors and proxy solicitations
therefor, (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions,
(xi) insurance expenses, (xii) association membership dues, (xiii) fees,
expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for all services to
the Portfolio (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities
and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and
determination of net asset values, book capital account balances and tax
capital account balances), (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer
agents, dividend disbursing agents, investor servicing agents and registrars
for all services to the Portfolio, (xv) expenses for servicing the accounts of
investors, (xvi) any direct charges to investors approved by the Trustees of
the Portfolio, (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the Portfolio
who are not members of BMR's organization, and (xviii) such non-recurring
items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation,
proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Portfolio to indemnify its
Trustees, officers and investors with respect thereto.
For a description of the compensation that the Portfolio pays BMR under
the Investment Advisory Agreement, see the Fund's current Prospectus. For
additional information about the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the
net assets of the Portfolio and the investment advisory fees that the
Portfolio paid BMR under the Investment Advisory Agreement, see "Fees and
Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
A commitment may be made to a state securities authority that Eaton Vance
will take certain actions, if necessary, so that the Fund's expenses will not
exceed expense limitation requirements of such state. The commitment may be
amended or rescinded by Eaton Vance in response to changes in the requirements
of the state or for other reasons.
The Investment Advisory Agreement with BMR may be continued indefinitely
so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a
majority of the Trustees of the Portfolio who are not interested persons of
the Portfolio or of BMR cast in person at a meeting specifically called for
the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board of Trustees of
the Portfolio or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Portfolio. The Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on
sixty (60) days' written notice by the Board of Trustees of either party, or
by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio,
and the Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
The Agreement provides that BMR may render services to others and engage in
other business activities and may permit other fund clients and other
corporations and organizations to use the words "Eaton Vance" or "Boston
Management and Research" in their names. The Agreement also provides that BMR
shall not be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the performance
of its duties, or action taken or omitted under that Agreement, in the absence
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
thereunder, or for any losses sustained in the acquisition, holding or
disposition of any security or other investment.
As indicated in the Prospectus, Eaton Vance serves as Administrator of the
Fund, but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative
services to the Fund. Under its Administrative Services Agreement with the
Fund, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the Fund's affairs, subject
to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, and shall furnish for the use
of the Fund office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and
personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund. For additional
information about the Administrator, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's
Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund pays all of its own expenses including, without limitation, (i)
expenses of maintaining the Fund and continuing its existence, (ii) its pro
rata share of registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act, (iii) commissions,
fees and other expenses connected with the purchase or sale of securities and
other investments, (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses, (v) taxes and
interest, (vi) governmental fees, (vii) expenses of issue, sale, repurchase
and redemption of shares, (viii) expenses of registering and qualifying the
Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws and of preparing
and printing prospectuses for such purposes and for distributing the same to
shareholders and investors, and fees and expenses of registering and
maintaining registrations of the Fund and of the Fund's principal underwriter,
if any, as broker-dealer or agent under state securities laws, (ix) expenses
of reports and notices to shareholders and of meetings of shareholders and
proxy solicitations therefor, (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers
and commissions, (xi) insurance expenses, (xii) association membership dues,
(xiii) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for
all services to the Fund (including without limitation safekeeping of funds,
securities and other investments, keeping of books and accounts and
determination of net asset values), (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of
transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder servicing agents and
registrars for all services to the Fund, (xv) expenses for servicing
shareholder accounts, (xvi) any direct charges to shareholders approved by the
Trustees of the Trust, (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the
Trust who are not members of the Eaton Vance organization, and (xviii) such
non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection
with litigation, proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Trust to
indemnify its Trustees and officers with respect thereto.
BMR is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance and EV are
both wholly-owned subsidiaries of EVC. BMR and Eaton Vance are both
Massachusetts business trusts, and EV is the trustee of BMR and Eaton Vance.
The Directors of EV are Landon T. Clay, H. Day Brigham, Jr., M. Dozier
Gardner, James B. Hawkes and Benjamin A. Rowland, Jr. The Directors of EVC
consist of the same persons and John G. L. Cabot and Ralph Z. Sorenson. Mr.
Clay is chairman and Mr. Gardner is president and chief executive officer of
EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. All of the issued and outstanding shares of
Eaton Vance and EV are owned by EVC. All of the issued and outstanding shares
of BMR are owned by Eaton Vance. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common
Stock of EVC are deposited in a Voting Trust, which expires on December 31,
1996, the Voting Trustees of which are Messrs. Clay, Brigham, Gardner, Hawkes
and Rowland. The Voting Trustees have unrestricted voting rights for the
election of Directors of EVC. All of the outstanding voting trust receipts
issued under said Voting Trust are owned by certain of the officers of BMR and
Eaton Vance who are also officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As of July 31,
1995, Messrs. Clay, Gardner and Hawkes each owned 24% of such voting trust
receipts, and Messrs. Rowland and Brigham owned 15% and 13%, respectively, of
such voting trust receipts. Messrs. Hawkes and Otis are officers or Trustees
of the Trust and the Portfolio and are members of the EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance
and EV organizations. Messrs. Fetter, MacIntosh, Metzold, Murphy, O'Connor and
Woodbury and Ms. Sanders are officers of the Trust and/or the Portfolio and
are also members of the BMR, Eaton Vance and EV organizations. BMR will
receive the fees paid under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
Eaton Vance owns all of the stock of Energex Corporation, which is engaged
in oil and gas operations. EVC owns all of the stock of Marblehead Energy
Corp. (which is engaged in oil and gas operations) and 77.3% of the stock of
Investors Bank & Trust Company, custodian of the Fund and the Portfolio, which
provides custodial, trustee and other fiduciary services to investors,
including individuals, employee benefit plans, corporations, investment
companies, savings banks and other institutions. In addition, Eaton Vance owns
all of the stock of Northeast Properties, Inc., which is engaged in real
estate investment, consulting and management. EVC owns all of the stock of
Fulcrum Management, Inc. and MinVen Inc., which are engaged in the development
of precious metal properties. EVC, BMR, Eaton Vance and EV may also enter into
other businesses.
EVC and its affiliates and their officers and employees from time to time
have transactions with various banks, including the custodian of the Fund and
the Portfolio, Investors Bank & Trust Company. It is Eaton Vance's opinion
that the terms and conditions of such transactions were not and will not be
influenced by existing or potential custodial or other relationships between
the Fund or the Portfolio and such banks.
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"), 24 Federal Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, (a 77.3% owned subsidiary of EVC) acts as custodian for the
Fund and the Portfolio. IBT has the custody of all cash and securities
representing the Fund's interest in the Portfolio, has custody of all the
Portfolio's assets, maintains the general ledger of the Portfolio and the
Fund, and computes the daily net asset value of interests in the Portfolio and
the net asset value of shares of the Fund. In such capacity it attends to
details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer or other
dealings with the Portfolio's investments, receives and disburses all funds
and performs various other ministerial duties upon receipt of proper
instructions from the Fund and the Portfolio. IBT charges fees which are
competitive within the industry. A portion of the fee relates to custody,
bookkeeping and valuation services and is based upon a percentage of Fund and
Portfolio net assets and a portion of the fee relates to activity charges,
primarily the number of portfolio transactions. These fees are then reduced by
a credit for cash balances of the particular investment company at the
custodian equal to 75% of the 91-day, U.S. Treasury Bill auction rate applied
to the particular investment company's average daily collected balances for
the week. In view of the ownership of EVC in IBT, the Portfolio is treated as
a self-custodian pursuant to Rule 17f-2 under the 1940 Act, and the
Portfolio's investments held by IBT as custodian are thus subject to the
additional examinations by the Portfolio's independent certified public
accountants as called for by such Rule. For the custody fees that the
Portfolio and the Fund paid to IBT, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part
II of this Statement of Additional Information.
SERVICE FOR WITHDRAWAL
By a standard agreement, the Trust's Transfer Agent will send to the
shareholder regular monthly or quarterly payments of any permitted amount
designated by the shareholder (see "Eaton Vance Shareholder Services --
Withdrawal Plan" in the Fund's current Prospectus) based upon the value of the
shares held. The checks will be drawn from share redemptions and hence, are a
return of principal. Income dividends and capital gains distributions in
connection with withdrawal accounts will be credited at net asset value as of
the record date for each distribution. Continued withdrawals in excess of
current income will eventually use up principal, particularly in a period of
declining market prices.
To use this service, at least $5,000 in cash or shares at the public
offering price will have to be deposited with the Transfer Agent. The
maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of additional
Fund shares would be disadvantageous if a sales charge is included in such
purchases. A shareholder may not have a withdrawal plan in effect at the same
time he or she has authorized Bank Automated Investing or is otherwise making
regular purchases of Fund shares. The shareholder, the Transfer Agent or the
Principal Underwriter will be able to terminate the withdrawal plan at any
time without penalty.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of the Fund is determined by IBT (as
agent and custodian for the Fund) in the manner described under "Valuing Fund
Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. The net asset value of the Portfolio
is also computed by IBT (as agent and custodian for the Portfolio) by
subtracting the liabilities of the Portfolio from the value of its total
assets. Inasmuch as the market for municipal obligations is a dealer market
with no central trading location or continuous quotation system, it is not
feasible to obtain last transaction prices for most municipal obligations held
by the Portfolio, and such obligations, including those purchased on a when-
issued basis, will normally be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by
a pricing service. The pricing services uses information with respect to
transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in
comparable securities, various relationships between securities, and yield to
maturity in determining value. Taxable obligations for which price quotations
are readily available normally will be valued at the mean between the latest
available bid and asked prices. Open futures positions on debt securities are
valued at the most recent settlement prices, unless such price does not
reflect the fair value of the contract, in which case the positions will be
valued by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Portfolio. Other assets
are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the
direction of the Trustees of the Portfolio. The Fund and the Portfolio will be
closed for business and will not price their respective shares or interests on
the following business holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday
(a New York Stock Exchange holiday), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or reduce
its investment in the Portfolio on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") is open for trading ("Portfolio Business Day") as of the close of
regular trading on the Exchange (the "Portfolio Valuation Time"). The value of
each investor's interest in the Portfolio will be determined by multiplying
the net asset value of the Portfolio by the percentage, determined on the
prior Portfolio Business Day, which represented that investor's share of the
aggregate interests in the Portfolio on such prior day. Any additions or
withdrawals for the current Portfolio Business Day will then be recorded. Each
investor's percentage of the aggregate interest in the Portfolio will then be
recomputed as a percentage equal to a fraction (i) the numerator of which is
the value of such investor's investment in the Portfolio as of the Portfolio
Valuation Time on the prior Portfolio Business Day plus or minus, as the case
may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the investor's
investment in the Portfolio on the current Portfolio Business Day and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of
the Portfolio Valuation Time on the prior Portfolio Business Day plus or
minus, as the case may be, the amount of the net additions to or withdrawals
from the aggregate investment in the Portfolio on the current Portfolio
Business Day by all investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so determined
will then be applied to determine the value of the investor's interest in the
Portfolio for the current Portfolio Business Day.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return is determined by multiplying a
hypothetical initial purchase order of $1,000 by the average annual compound
rate of return (including capital appreciation/depreciation, and dividends and
distributions paid and reinvested) for the stated period and annualizing the
result. The calculation assumes that all distributions are reinvested at net
asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period, and either (i) the
deduction of the maximum sales charge from the initial $1,000 purchase order
or (ii) a complete redemption of the investment and, if applicable, the
deduction of the contingent deferred sales charge at the end of the period.
For information concerning the total return of the Fund, see "Performance
Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional
Information.
The Fund's yield is computed pursuant to a standardized formula by
dividing the net investment income per share earned during a recent thirty-day
period by the maximum offering price (including, if applicable, the maximum
sales charge) per share on the last day of the period and annualizing the
resulting figure. Net investment income per share is calculated from the
yields to maturity of all debt obligations held by the Portfolio based on
prescribed methods, reduced by accrued Fund expenses for the period with the
resulting number being divided by the average daily number of Fund shares
outstanding and entitled to receive distributions during the period. The yield
figure does not reflect the deduction of any contingent deferred sales charges
which (if applicable) are imposed on certain redemptions at the rate set forth
under "How to Redeem Fund Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. Yield
calculations assume the current maximum sales charge (if applicable) set forth
under "How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. (Actual yield
may be affected by variations in sales charges on investments.) A taxable-
equivalent yield is computed by dividing the tax-exempt yield by 1 minus a
stated rate. For the yield and taxable-equivalent yield of the Fund, see
"Performance Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of
Additional Information.
The Fund may also publish the distribution rate and/or the effective
distribution rate. The Fund's distribution rate is computed by dividing the
most recent monthly distribution per share annualized, by the current net
asset value per share. The Fund's effective distribution rate is computed by
dividing the distribution rate by the ratio (the days in a year divided by the
accrual days of the monthly period) 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. Investor's 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 "Distribution and Taxes" in the Fund's current
Prospectus. For the Fund's distribution rate and effective distribution rate,
see "Performance Information" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement of
Additional Information.
The Fund's total return may be compared to the Consumer Price Index and to
the domestic securities indices of the Bond Buyer 25 Revenue Bond Index and
the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index. The Fund's total return and
comparisons with these indices may be used in advertisements and in
information furnished to present or prospective shareholders. The Fund's
performance may differ from that of other investors in the Portfolio,
including other investment companies.
From time to time, evaluations of the Fund's performance made by
independent sources, e.g., Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger
and Morningstar, Inc., may be used in advertisements and in information
furnished to present or prospective shareholders.
From time to time, information, charts and illustrations relating to
inflation and the effects of inflation on the dollar may be included in
advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders. For example, after 10 years, the purchasing power of $25,000
would shrink to $16,621, $14,968, $13,465 and $12,100, if the annual rates of
inflation during such period were 4%, 5%, 6% and 7%, respectively. (To
calculate the purchasing power, the value at the end of each year is reduced
by the above inflation rates for 10 consecutive years.)
From time to time, information about portfolio allocation and holdings of
the Portfolio at a particular date (including ratings assigned by independent
ratings services such as Moody's, S&P and Fitch) may be included in
advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders. Such information may be stated as a percentage of the
Portfolio's bond holdings on such date. For an example of the Portfolio's
diversification by quality ratings, see "Performance Information" in the
Fund's Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
Comparative information about the yield or distribution rate of the Fund
and about average rates of return on certificates of deposit, bank money
market deposit accounts, money market mutual funds and other short-term
investments may also be included in advertisements, supplemental sales
literature or communications of the Fund. A bank certificate of deposit,
unlike the Fund's shares, pays a fixed rate of interest and entitles the
depositor to receive the face amount of the certificate of deposit at
maturity. A bank money market deposit account is a form of savings account
which pays a variable rate of interest. Unlike the Fund's shares, bank
certificates of deposit and bank money market deposit accounts are insured by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. A money market mutual fund is
designed to maintain a constant value of $1.00 per share and, thus, a money
market fund's shares are subject to less price fluctuation than the Fund's
shares.
The average rates of return of money market mutual funds, certificates of
deposit and bank money market deposit accounts referred to in advertisements,
supplemental sales literature or communications of the Fund will be based on
rates published by the Federal Reserve Bank, Donoghues Money Fund Averages,
RateGram or The Wall Street Journal.
Advertisements and other material furnished to present and prospective
shareholders may also compare the taxable equivalent yield of the Fund to
after-tax yields of certificates of deposits, bank money market deposit
accounts and money market mutual funds over various income tax brackets.
Information used in advertisements and in materials furnished to present
and prospective shareholders may include statements or illustrations relating
to the appropriateness of types of securities and/or mutual funds which may be
employed to meet specific financial goals, such as (1) funding retirement, (2)
paying for children's education, and (3) financially supporting aging parents.
These three financial goals may be referred to in such advertisements or
materials as the "Triple Squeeze."
For additional information, charts and illustrations relating to the
Fund's investment performance, see "Performance Information" in the Fund's
Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
TAXES
See "Distribution and Taxes" in the Fund's current Prospectus.
Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal
income tax purposes. The Fund has elected or will elect to be treated and
intends to qualify each year, as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Accordingly, the
Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income
and diversification of its assets. For purposes of applying the requirements
of the Code regarding qualification as a RIC, the Fund will be deemed (i) to
own its proportionate share of each of the assets of the Portfolio and (ii) to
be entitled to the gross income of the Portfolio attributable to such share.
The Portfolio therefore intends to satisfy the source of income and
diversification requirements applicable to RICs in order for the Fund to
satisfy them.
In addition, the Portfolio will allocate at least annually among its
investors, including the Fund, the Portfolio's net taxable (if any) and tax-
exempt investment income, net realized capital gains, and any other items of
income, gain, loss, deduction or credit. In order to qualify for the special
tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund intends to
distribute the investment income (including tax-exempt income and the excess,
if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses)
allocated to the Fund by the Portfolio, in accordance with certain timing and
percentage requirements imposed by the Code. If these requirements are met,
the Fund will not be subject to any federal income tax on income or gain paid
to shareholders in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends).
If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in
any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at
corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including
any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains,
would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund
could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and
interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC that
is accorded special tax treatment.
If the Fund fails to distribute (or to be deemed to have distributed) in
each calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including tax-
exempt income) for such year, at least 98% of the excess of its realized
capital gains over its realized capital losses (generally computed on the
basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year) after
reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards, and 100% of any
undistributed income (on which the Fund paid no federal income tax) from the
prior year, the Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed
amounts. A dividend paid to shareholders by the Fund in January of a year
generally is deemed to have been paid by the Fund on December 31 of the
preceding year, if the dividend was declared and payable to shareholders of
record on a date in October, November or December of that preceding year. The
Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of
the 4% excise tax.
Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC for federal
income tax purposes and the Portfolio is treated as a partnership for
Massachusetts and federal tax purposes, neither the Fund nor the Portfolio is
liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
The Portfolio's investment in zero coupon and certain other securities
will cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with
respect to these securities. In order to generate sufficient cash to enable
the Fund to distribute its proportionate share of this income, the Portfolio
may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have
continued to hold.
The Portfolio's transactions in options and futures contracts will be
subject to special tax rules that may affect the amount, timing and character
of Fund distributions to shareholders. For example, certain positions held by
the Portfolio on the last business day of each taxable year will be marked to
market (i.e., treated as if closed out on such day), and any resulting gain or
loss will generally be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital
gain or loss. Certain positions held by the Portfolio that substantially
diminish the Portfolio's risk of loss with respect to other positions in its
portfolio may constitute "straddles," which are subject to tax rules that may
cause deferral of Portfolio losses, adjustments in the holding period of
Portfolio securities and conversion of short-term into long-term capital
losses. The Portfolio may have to limit its engagement in such activities in
order to enable the Fund to maintain its qualification as a RIC for federal
income tax purposes.
Distributions designated as "exempt-interest dividends" may be treated by
shareholders as interest excludable from gross income under Section 103(a) of
the Code. In order for the Fund to be entitled to pay exempt-interest
dividends to its shareholders, at least 50% of the value of its total assets
at the close of each quarter of its taxable year must consist of obligations
the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax. Because the
Fund will be deemed to own its proportionate share of each of the assets of
the Portfolio, the Portfolio currently intends to invest its assets in a
manner such that the Fund can meet this 50% requirement.
Part or all of the interest on indebtedness, if any, incurred or continued
by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of a Fund paying exempt-interest
dividends is not deductible. The portion of interest that is not deductible
is equal to the total interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness, multiplied
by the percentage of the Fund's total distributions (not including
distributions from net long-term capital gains) paid to the shareholder that
are exempt-interest dividends. Under rules used by the Internal Revenue
Service for determining when borrowed funds are considered used for the
purpose of purchasing or carrying particular assets, the purchase of shares
may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds
are not directly traceable to the purchase of shares.
In general, exempt-interest dividends, if any, attributable to interest
received on certain private activity obligations and certain industrial
development bonds will not be tax-exempt to any shareholders who are
"substantial users" of the facilities financed by such obligations or bonds or
who are "related persons" of such substantial users.
The Fund will inform investors of the percentage of its income
distributions designated as tax-exempt. The percentage is applied uniformly
to all distributions made during the year. The percentage of income
designated as tax-exempt for any particular distribution may be substantially
different from the percentage of the Fund's income that was tax-exempt during
the period covered by the distribution.
In the course of managing its investments, the Portfolio may realize some
short-term and long-term capital gains (and/or losses) as a result of market
transactions, including sales of portfolio securities and rights to when-
issued securities and options and futures transactions. Any distributions by
the Fund of its share of such capital gains (after reduction by any capital
loss carryforwards) would be taxable to shareholders of the Fund. The
Portfolio may also realize taxable income from certain short-term taxable
obligations, securities loans, a portion of original issue discount with
respect to certain stripped municipal obligations or their stripped coupons,
and certain realized accrued market discount. However, it is expected that
such amounts, if any, would normally be insubstantial in relation to the tax-
exempt interest earned by the Portfolio and allocated to the Fund.
The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or
loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have
been held for more than 12 months, and otherwise as short-term capital gain or
loss. However, if a shareholder sells shares at a loss within six months of
purchase, any loss will be disallowed for federal income tax purposes to the
extent of any exempt-interest dividends received on such shares. In addition,
any loss (not already disallowed as provided in the preceding sentence)
realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will
be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-
term capital gain distributions received by the shareholder with respect to
the shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition
of Fund shares will be disallowed if other Fund shares are purchased within 30
days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly
purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
If the Fund makes a distribution to shareholders in excess of its current
and accumulated "earnings and profits" in any taxable year, the excess
distribution will be treated as a return of capital to each shareholder to the
extent of that shareholder's tax basis in the shares, and thereafter as
capital gains. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces the tax
basis in the shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a
subsequent taxable disposition of such shares.
Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders who
have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number
and certain required certifications, as well as shareholders with respect to
whom the Fund has received notification from the Internal Revenue Service or a
broker, may be subject to "backup" withholding of federal income tax from the
Fund's dividends and distributions and the proceeds of redemptions (including
repurchases and exchanges), at a rate of 31%. An individual's taxpayer
identification number is generally his or her social security number.
Non-resident alien individuals and certain foreign corporations and other
foreign entities generally will be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate
of 30% on the Fund's distributions from its ordinary income and the excess of
its net short-term capital gain over its net long-term capital loss, unless
the tax is reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Distributions
from the excess of the Fund's net long-term capital gain over its net short-
term capital loss received by such shareholders and any gain from the sale or
other disposition of shares of the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S.
federal income taxation, provided that non-resident alien status has been
certified by the shareholder. Different U.S. tax consequences may result if
the shareholder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States, is
present in the United States for a sufficient period of time during a taxable
year to be treated as a U.S. resident, or fails to provide any required
certifications regarding status as a non-resident alien investor. Foreign
shareholders should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. and foreign
tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules applicable
to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance
companies and financial institutions. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers with respect to special tax rules that may apply in their
particular situations, as well as the state, local or foreign tax consequences
of investing in the Fund.
PORTFOLIO SECURITY TRANSACTIONS
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions,
including the selection of the market and the executing firm, are made by BMR.
BMR is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other
accounts managed by it.
BMR places the portfolio security transactions of the Portfolio and of all
other accounts managed by it for execution with many firms. BMR uses its best
efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which
are advantageous to the Portfolio and at reasonably competitive spreads or
(when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive
commission rates. In seeking such execution, BMR will use its best judgment in
evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various
relevant factors, including without limitation the size and type of the
transaction, the nature and character of the market for the security, the
confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the
transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the
executing firm, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial
condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the
firm in this and other transactions, and the reasonableness of the spread or
commission, if any. Municipal obligations, including State obligations,
purchased and sold by the Portfolio are generally traded in the over-the-
counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through broker-
dealers and banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers, or
otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuer of such obligations.
Such firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price
and selling at the higher asked price of the market for such obligations, and
the difference between the bid and asked price is customarily referred to as
the spread. The Portfolio may also purchase municipal obligations from
underwriters, the cost of which may include undisclosed fees and concessions
to the underwriters. While it is anticipated that the Portfolio will not pay
significant brokerage commissions in connection with such portfolio security
transactions, on occasion it may be necessary or appropriate to purchase or
sell a security through a broker on an agency basis, in which case the
Portfolio will incur a brokerage commission. Although spreads or commissions
on portfolio security transactions will, in the judgment of BMR, be reasonable
in relation to the value of the services provided, spreads or commissions
exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to firms who were
selected to execute transactions on behalf of the Portfolio and BMR's other
clients for providing brokerage and research services to BMR.
As authorized in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, a
broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the
Portfolio may receive a commission which is in excess of the amount of
commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that
transaction if BMR determines in good faith that such commission was
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided. This determination may be made on the basis of either that
particular transaction or on the basis of overall responsibilities which BMR
and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment
discretion. In making any such determination, BMR will not attempt to place a
specific dollar value on the brokerage and research services provided or to
determine what portion of the commission should be related to such services.
Brokerage and research services may include advice as to the value of
securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the
performance of accounts; effecting securities transactions and performing
functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and the
"Research Services" referred to in the next paragraph.
It is a common practice of the investment advisory industry and of the
advisers of investment companies, institutions and other investors to receive
research, statistical and quotation services, data, information and other
services, products and materials which assist such advisers in the performance
of their investment responsibilities ("Research Services") from broker-dealer
firms which execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers
and from third parties with which such broker-dealers have arrangements.
Consistent with this practice, BMR receives Research Services from many
broker-dealer firms with which BMR places the Portfolio transactions and from
third parties with which these broker-dealers have arrangements. These
Research Services include such matters as general economic and market reviews,
industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio
strategies and transactions and recommendations as to the purchase and sale of
securities and other portfolio transactions, financial, industry and trade
publications, news and information services, pricing and quotation equipment
and services, and research oriented computer hardware, software, data bases
and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer
may be used by BMR in connection with client accounts other than those
accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer. Any such Research
Service may be broadly useful and of value to BMR in rendering investment
advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be
relevant and useful for the management of only one client's account or of a
few clients' accounts, or may be useful for the management of merely a segment
of certain clients' accounts, regardless of whether any such account or
accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer through which such Research
Service was obtained. The advisory fee paid by the Portfolio is not reduced
because BMR receives such Research Services. BMR evaluates the nature and
quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms
and attempts to allocate sufficient commissions to such firms to ensure the
continued receipt of Research Services which BMR believes are useful or of
value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients.
Subject to the requirement that BMR shall use its best efforts to seek and
execute portfolio security transactions at advantageous prices and at
reasonably competitive spreads or commission rates, BMR is authorized to
consider as a factor in the selection of any firm with whom portfolio orders
may be placed the fact that such firm has sold or is selling shares of the
Fund or of other investment companies sponsored by BMR or Eaton Vance. This
policy is not inconsistent with a rule of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., which rule provides that no firm which is a member
of the Association shall favor or disfavor the distribution of shares of any
particular investment company or group of investment companies on the basis of
brokerage commissions received or expected by such firm from any source.
Municipal obligations considered as investments for the Portfolio may also
be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by BMR or its affiliates.
BMR will attempt to allocate equitably portfolio security transactions among
the Portfolio and the portfolios of its other investment accounts purchasing
municipal obligations whenever decisions are made to purchase or sell
securities by the Portfolio and one or more of such other accounts
simultaneously. In making such allocations, the main factors to be considered
are the respective investment objectives of the Portfolio and such other
accounts, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable
securities, the availability of cash for investment by the Portfolio and such
accounts, the size of investment commitments generally held by the Portfolio
and such accounts and the opinions of the persons responsible for recommending
investments to the Portfolio and such accounts. While this procedure could
have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available
to the Portfolio from time to time, it is the opinion of the Trustees of the
Trust and the Portfolio that the benefits available from the BMR organization
outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous
transactions. For the brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio on portfolio
transactions, see "Fees and Expenses" in the Fund's Part II of this Statement
of Additional Information.
OTHER INFORMATION
Eaton Vance, pursuant to its agreement with the Trust, controls the use of
the words "Eaton Vance" in the Fund's name and may use the words "Eaton Vance"
in other connections and for other purposes.
As permitted by Massachusetts law, there will normally be no meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time
as less than a majority of the Trustees of the Trust holding office have been
elected by shareholders. In such an event, the Trustees then in office will
call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees. Except for the
foregoing circumstances and unless removed by action of the shareholders in
accordance with the Trust's by-laws, the Trustees shall continue to hold
office and may appoint successor Trustees.
The Trust's by-laws provide that no person shall serve as a Trustee if
shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him
from that office either by a written declaration filed with the Trust's
custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose. The by-laws
further provide that under certain circumstances the shareholders may call a
meeting to remove a Trustee and that the Trust is required to provide
assistance in communication with shareholders about such a meeting.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust may be amended by the Trustees when
authorized by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Trust, the financial interests of which are affected by the amendment. The
Trustees may also amend the Declaration of Trust without the vote or consent
of shareholders to change the name of the Trust or any series or to make such
other changes as do not have a materially adverse effect on the financial
interests of shareholders or if they deem it necessary to conform it to
applicable Federal or state laws or regulations. The Trust or any series or
class thereof may be terminated by: (1) the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote at any
meeting of shareholders of the Trust or the appropriate series or class
thereof, or by an instrument or instruments in writing without a meeting,
consented to by the holders of two-thirds of the shares of the Trust or a
series or class thereof, provided, however, that, if such termination is
recommended by the Trustees, the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Trust or a series or class thereof entitled to vote thereon
shall be sufficient authorization; or (2) by means of an instrument in writing
signed by a majority of the Trustees, to be followed by a written notice to
shareholders stating that a majority of the Trustees has determined that the
continuation of the Trust or a series or a class thereof is not in the best
interest of the Trust, such series or class or of their respective
shareholders.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office.
In accordance with the Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio, there will
normally be no meetings of the investors for the purpose of electing Trustees
unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding
office have been elected by investors. In such an event the Trustees of the
Portfolio then in office will call an investors' meeting for the election of
Trustees. Except for the foregoing circumstances and unless removed by action
of the investors in accordance with the Portfolio's Declaration of Trust, the
Trustees shall continue to hold office and may appoint successor Trustees.
The Declaration of Trust of the Portfolio provides that no person shall
serve as a Trustee if investors holding two-thirds of the outstanding interest
have removed him from that office either by a written declaration filed with
the Portfolio's custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that
purpose. The Declaration of Trust further provides that under certain
circumstances the investors may call a meeting to remove a Trustee and that
the Portfolio is required to provide assistance in communicating with
investors about such a meeting.
The right to redeem shares of the Fund can be suspended and the payment of
the redemption price deferred when the Exchange is closed (other than for
customary weekend and holiday closings), during periods when trading on the
Exchange is restricted as determined by the Commission, or during any
emergency as determined by the Commission which makes it impracticable for the
Portfolio to dispose of its securities or value its assets, or during any
other period permitted by order of the Commission for the protection of
investors.
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts, are the
independent certified public accountants of the Fund and the Portfolio,
providing audit services, tax return preparation, and assistance and
consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the Commission.
For the financial statements of the Portfolio, see "Financial Statements"
in Part II of this Statement of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS+
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized
are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may
be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations
(i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
- -------------------
+ The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this Statement of Additional Information for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of
issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such
ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do
not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on
the date of the Portfolio's fiscal year end.
ABSENCE OF RATING: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has
been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of
the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that
are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
NOTE: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic
rating category.
MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS
RATINGS: Moody's ratings for state and municipal short-term obligations will
be designated Moody's Investment Grade or (MIG). Such rating recognizes the
differences between short term credit risk and long term risk. Factors
effecting the liquidity of the borrower and short term cyclical elements are
critical in short term ratings, while other factors of major importance in
bond risk, long term secular trends for example, may be less important over
the short run.
A short term rating may also be assigned on an issue having a demand feature,
variable rate demand obligation (VRDO). Such ratings will be designated as
VMIG1, SG or if the demand feature is not rated, NR. A short term rating on
issues with demand features are differentiated by the use of the VMIG1 symbol
to reflect such characteristics as payment upon periodic demand rather than
fixed maturity dates and payment relying on external liquidity. Additionally,
investors should be alert to the fact that the source of payment may be
limited to the external liquidity with no or limited legal recourse to the
issuer in the event the demand is not met.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of 365 days.
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-1 (P-1) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 or P-1
repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics:
-- Leading market positions in well established industries.
-- High rates of return on funds employed.
-- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt
and ample asset protection.
-- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high
internal cash generation.
-- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-2 (P-2) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be
more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated PRIME-3 (P-3) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt
protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
INVESTMENT GRADE
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
SPECULATIVE GRADE
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly
speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness
to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for
debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or
BB- rating.
CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is
also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to
cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service
payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are
jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
P: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional
rating assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the
debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is
largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the
project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to
completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk
of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his
own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
L: The letter "L" indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount
of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and interest is adequately
collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit, the letter "L"
indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits being held in the
same right and capacity, will be honored for principal and accrued pre-default
interest up to the federal insurance limits within 30 days after closing of
the insured institution or, in the event that the deposit is assumed by a
successor insured institution, upon maturity.
NR: NR indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular
type of obligation as a matter of policy.
MUNICIPAL NOTES
S&P note ratings reflect the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique
to notes. Notes due in 3 years or less will likely receive a note rating.
Notes maturing beyond 3 years will most likely receive a long-term debt
rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:
-- Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note).
-- Sources of payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for
its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note).
Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues
determined to possess very strong characteristics will be given a plus(+)
designation.
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of
the notes.
SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
S&P's commercial paper ratings are a current assessments of the likelihood of
timely payment of debts considered short-term in the relevant market.
A: Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as having the greatest
capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated with
the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1: This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1".
A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations.
B: Issues rated "B" are regarded as having only speculative capacity for
timely payment.
C: This rating is assigned to short term debt obligations with doubtful
capacity for payment.
D: Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used
when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due,
even if the applicable grace period had not expired, unless S&P believes
that such payments will be made during such grace period.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA". Because bonds rated in the
"AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated
"F-1+".
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligors ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore, impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
HIGH YIELD BOND RATINGS
AAA: Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified that could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, AND D: Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of
their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor.
"DDD" represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and "D"
represents the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit
within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion of
a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
INVESTMENT GRADE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal
and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Stong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-1+".
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as
great as the "F-1+" and "F-1" categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate,
however, near-term adverse change could cause these securities to be rated
below investment grade.
* * * * * * * *
NOTES: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to
capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of
lower-rated speculative bonds. The Portfolio is dependent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond by a
rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the
issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments.
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE INSURANCE CLAIMS-PAYING
ABILITY RATINGS OF
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION AND
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
An S&P insurance claims-paying ability rating is an assessment of an
operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet obligations under an
insurance policy in accordance with the terms. An insurer with an insurance
claims-paying ability of AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity
to honor insurance contracts is adjudged by S&P to be extremely strong and
highly likely to remain so over a long period of time. A Moody's insurance
claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of the ability of an insurance
company to repay punctually senior policyholder obligations and claims. An
insurer with an insurance claims-paying ability rating of Aaa is adjudged by
Moody's to be of the best quality. In the opinion of Moody's, the policy
obligations of an insurance company with an insurance claims-paying ability
rating of Aaa carry the smallest degree of credit risk and, while the
financial strength of these companies is likely to change, such changes as can
be visualized are most unlikely to impair the company's fundamentally strong
position.
An insurance claims-paying ability rating by S&P's or Moody's does not
constitute an opinion on any specific contract in that such an opinion can
only be rendered upon the review of the specific insurance contract.
Furthermore, an insurance claims-paying ability rating does not take in
account deductibles, surrender or cancellation penalties or the timeliness of
payment; nor does it address the ability of a company to meet nonpolicy
obligations (i.e., debt contracts).
The assignment of ratings by S&P or Moody's to debt issues that are fully
or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts, or guarantees is a
separate process from the determination of claims-paying ability ratings. The
likelihood of a timely flow of funds from the insurer to the trustee for the
bondholders is a key element in the rating determination of such debt issues.
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PART II
This Part II provides information about EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND. On May 15, 1995, the Fund became a series of the Trust. THE
FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE IS TO PROVIDE HIGH CURRENT INCOME EXEMPT FROM
REGULAR FEDERAL INCOME TAX. The Fund currently seeks to meet its investment
objective by investing its assets in High Yield Municipals Portfolio, a
separate registered investment company which invests primarily in below
investment grade municipal obligations. The Fund may not be appropriate for
investors who cannot assume the greater risk of capital depreciation or loss
inherent in seeking higher tax-exempt yields.
FEES AND EXPENSES
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Portfolio's Investment Advisory Agreement with BMR is dated August 1,
1995 and remains in effect until February 28, 1996. The Agreement may be
continued as described under "Investment Adviser and Administrator" in Part I
of this Statement of Additional Information. No fees have been paid to the
Investment Adviser to date.
ADMINISTRATOR
As stated under "Investment Adviser and Administrator" Part I of this
Statement of Additional Information, the Administrator currently receives no
compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund.
SERVICE PLAN
No fees paid to date.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
No fees paid to date.
CUSTODIAN
No fees paid to date.
BROKERAGE
No fees paid to date.
TRUSTEES
The fees and expenses of those Trustees of the Trust and of the Portfolio
who are not members of the Eaton Vance organization (the noninterested
Trustees) are paid by the Fund (and the other series of the Trust) and the
Portfolio, respectively. (The Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio who are
members of the Eaton Vance organization receive no compensation from the Trust
or the Portfolio.) For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1996, it is estimated
the noninterested Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio will receive the
following compensation from the Fund and the Portfolio in their capacities as
Trustees of the Trust and the Portfolio and, during the first quarter ended
March 31, 1995, earned the following compensation in their capacities as
Trustees of the other funds in the Eaton Vance fund complex(1):
AGGREGATE AGGREGATE TOTAL COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION COMPENSATION FROM TRUST AND
NAME FROM FUND FROM PORTFOLIO FUND COMPLEX
---- ------------ -------------- -----------------
Donald R. Dwight ......... $25 $250(2) $33,750(4)
Samuel L. Hayes, III ..... 25 250(3) 41,250(5)
Norton H. Reamer ......... 25 250 33,750
John L. Thorndike ........ 25 250 35,000
Jack L. Treynor .......... 25 250 35,000
(1) The Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 205 registered investment
companies or series thereof.
(2) Includes $3 of deferred compensation.
(3) Includes $3 of deferred compensation.
(4) Includes $8,750 of deferred compensation.
(5) Includes $24,885 of deferred compensation.
ADDITIONAL OFFICER INFORMATION
THOMAS M. METZOLD (36), is a Vice President of the Portfolio, as well as a
Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and EV. Mr. Metzold is also an officer of
various investment companies managed by Eaton Vance and BMR.
SERVICES FOR ACCUMULATION
The following services are voluntary, involve no extra charge other than
the sales charge included in the offering price, and may be changed or
discontinued without penalty at any time.
INTENDED QUANTITY INVESTMENT -- STATEMENT OF INTENTION. If it is
anticipated that $50,000 or more of Fund shares and shares of the other
continuously offered open-end funds listed under "The Eaton Vance Exchange
Privilege" in the current Prospectus of the Fund will be purchased within a
13-month period, a Statement of Intention should be signed so that shares may
be obtained at the same reduced sales charge as though the total quantity were
invested in one lump sum. Shares held under Right of Accumulation (see below)
as of the date of the Statement will be included toward the completion of the
Statement. The Statement authorizes the Transfer Agent to hold in escrow
sufficient shares (5% of the dollar amount specified in the Statement) which
can be redeemed to make up any difference in sales charge on the amount
intended to be invested and the amount actually invested. Execution of a
Statement does not obligate the shareholder to purchase or the Fund to sell
the full amount indicated in the Statement, and should the amount actually
purchased during the 13-month period be more or less than that indicated on
the Statement, price adjustments will be made. For sales charges and other
information on quantity purchases, see "How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Fund's
current Prospectus. Any investor considering signing a Statement of Intention
should read it carefully.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION -- CUMULATIVE QUANTITY DISCOUNT. The applicable sales
charge level for the purchase of Fund shares is calculated by taking the
dollar amount of the current purchase and adding it to the value (calculated
at the maximum current offering price) of the shares the shareholder owns in
his account(s) in the Fund and in the other continuously offered open-end
funds listed under "The Eaton Vance Exchange Privilege" in the current
Prospectus of the Fund for which Eaton Vance acts as investment adviser or
administrator at the time of purchase. The sales charge on the shares being
purchased will then be at the rate applicable to the aggregate. For example,
if the shareholder owned shares valued at $30,000 in EV Traditional California
Municipals Fund, and purchased an additional $20,000 of Fund shares, the sales
charge for the $20,000 purchase would be at the rate of 2.75% of the offering
price (2.83% of the net amount invested) which is the rate applicable to
single transactions of $50,000. For sales charges on quantity purchases, see
"How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Fund's current Prospectus. Shares purchased
(i) by an individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of
twenty-one, and (ii) by a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single
trust estate or a single fiduciary account, will be combined for the purpose
of determining whether a purchase will qualify for the Right of Accumulation
and if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level.
For any such discount to be made available, at the time of purchase a
purchaser or his or her financial service firm ("Authorized Firm") must
provide Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the "Principal Underwriter") (in the
case of a purchase made through an Authorized Firm) or the Transfer Agent (in
the case of an investment made by mail) with sufficient information to permit
verification that the purchase order qualifies for the accumulation privilege.
Corfirmation of the order is subject to such verification. The Right of
Accumulation privilege may be amended or terminated at any time as to
purchases occurring thereafter.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Shares of the Fund may be continuously purchased at the public offering
price through certain Authorized Firms which have agreements with the
Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Eaton Vance.
The public offering price is the net asset value next computed after
receipt of the order, plus, where applicable, a variable percentage (sales
charge) depending upon the amount of purchase as indicated by the sales charge
table set forth in the Fund's current Prospectus (see "How to Buy Fund
Shares"). Such table is applicable to purchases of the Fund alone or in
combination with purchases of the other funds offered by the Principal
Underwriter, made at a single time by (i) an individual, or an individual, his
or her spouse and their children under the age of twenty-one, purchasing
shares for his or their own account; and (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing shares for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account.
The table is also presently applicable to (1) purchases of Fund shares,
alone or in combination with purchases of any of the other funds offered by
the Principal Underwriter through one dealer aggregating $50,000 or more made
by any of the persons enumerated above within a thirteen-month period starting
with first purchase pursuant to a written Statement of Intention, in the form
provided by the Principal Underwriter, which includes provisions for a price
adjustment depending upon the amount actually purchased within such period (a
purchase not made pursuant to such Statement may be included thereunder if the
Statement is filed within 90 days of such purchase); or (2) purchases of the
Fund pursuant to the Right of Accumulation and declared as such at the time of
purchase.
Subject to the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the Fund may issue
shares at net asset value in the event that an investment company (whether a
regulated or private investment company or a personal holding company) is
merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Fund. Normally no sales charges
will be paid in connection with an exchange of Fund shares for the assets of
such investment company. Shares may be sold at net asset value to any officer,
director, trustee, general partner or employee of the Fund, the Portfolio or
any investment company for which Eaton Vance or BMR acts as investment
adviser, any investment advisory, agency, custodial or trust account managed
or administered by Eaton Vance or by any parent, subsidiary or other affiliate
of Eaton Vance, or any officer, director or employee of any parent, subsidiary
or other affiliate of Eaton Vance. The terms "officer," "director," "trustee,"
"general partner" or "employee" as used in this paragraph include any such
person's spouse and minor children, and also retired officers, directors,
trustees, general partners and employees and their spouses and minor children.
Shares of the Fund may also be sold at net asset value to registered
representatives and employees of certain Authorized Firms and to such persons'
spouses and children under the age of 21 and their beneficial accounts.
The Trust reserves the right to suspend or limit the offering of shares of
the Fund to the public at any time.
The Principal Underwriter acts as principal in selling shares of the Fund
under the Distribution Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The
expenses of printing copies of prospectuses used to offer shares to Authorized
Firms or investors and other selling literature and of advertising are borne
by the Principal Underwriter. The fees and expenses of qualifying and
registering and maintaining qualifications and registrations of the Fund and
its shares under federal and state securities laws are borne by the Fund. The
Distribution Agreement is renewable annually by the Board of Trustees of the
Trust (including a majority of its Trustees who are not interested persons of
the Principal Underwriter or the Trust), may be terminated on six months'
notice by either party, and is automatically terminated upon assignment. The
Principal Underwriter distributes Fund shares on a "best efforts" basis under
which it is required to take and pay for only such shares as may be sold. The
Principal Underwriter allows Authorized Firms discounts from the applicable
public offering price which are alike for all Authorized Firms. However, the
Principal Underwriter may allow, upon notice to all Authorized Firms with whom
it has agreements, discounts up to the full sales charge during the periods
specified in the notice. During periods when the discount includes the full
sales charge, such Authorized Firms may be deemed to be underwriters as that
term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933. For the amount of sales charges
for sales of Fund shares paid to the Principal Underwriter (and Authorized
Firms) see "Fees and Expenses" in this Part II.
The Fund has authorized the Principal Underwriter to act as its agent in
repurchasing shares at the rate of $2.50 for each repurchase transaction
handled by the Principal Underwriter. The Principal Underwriter estimates that
the expenses incurred by it in acting as repurchase agent for the Fund will
exceed the amounts paid therefor by the Fund. For the amount paid by the Fund
to the Principal Underwriter for acting as repurchase agent, see "Fees and
Expenses" in this Part II.
SERVICE PLAN
The Trust on behalf of the Fund has adopted a Service Plan (the "Plan")
designed to meet the requirements of Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the 1940
Act and the service fee requirements of the revised sales charge rule of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (Management believes service
fee payments are not distribution expenses governed by the Rule, but has
chosen to have the Plan approved as if the Rule were applicable.) The
following supplements the discussion of the Plan contained in the Fund's
Prospectus.
The Plan remains in effect through April 28, 1996, and from year to year
thereafter, provided such continuance is approved by a vote of both a majority
of (i) those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have
no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any
agreements related to it (the "Rule 12b-1 Trustees") and (ii) all of the
Trustees then in office, cast in person at a meeting (or meetings) called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan. The Plan may be terminated any time by
vote of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund. Pursuant to such Rule, the Plan has been
approved by the Fund's initial sole shareholder (Eaton Vance) and by the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, including the Rule 12b-1 Trustees.
Under the Plan, the President or a Vice President of the Trust shall
provide to the Trustees for their review, and the Trustees shall review at
least quarterly, a written report of the amount expended under the Plan and
the purposes for which such expenditures were made. The Plan may not be
amended to increase materially the payments described herein without approval
of the shareholders of the Fund, and all material amendments of the Plan must
also be approved by the Trustees of the Trust as prescribed by the Rule. So
long as the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who
are not interested persons of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion
of the Trustees who are not such interested persons. The Trustees have
determined that in their judgment there is a reasonable likelihood that the
Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. For the service fees paid by
the Fund under the Plan see "Fees and Expenses" in this Part II.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information compares the taxable equivalent yield of an
investment in the Fund yielding a hypothetical 6.5% with the after-tax yield
of a certificate of deposit yielding 3.25%. The tax brackets used are the
federal income tax brackets applicable for 1995: 15% for single filers with
taxable income up to $23,350 and joint filers up to $39,000; 28% for single
filers with taxable income from $23,351 to $56,550 and joint filers from
$39,001 to $94,250, 31% for single filers with taxable income from $56,551 to
$117,950 and joint filers from $94,251 to $143,600, 36% for single filers with
taxable income from $117,951 to $256,500 and joint filers from $143,601 to
$256,500 and 39.6% for single and joint filers with taxable income over
$256,500. These brackets do not take into account the phaseout of personal
exemptions and limitation on deductibility of itemized deductions over certain
ranges of income which increase the effective top federal tax rate for certain
taxpayers. Investors should consult with their tax advisers for additional
information. These illustrations are not meant to imply any future rate of
return for the Fund.
TAX BRACKET
15% 28% 31% 36% 39.6%
---------------------------------------------------
Tax free yield ......... 6.50% 6.50% 6.50% 6.50% 6.50%
Taxable equivalent ..... 7.65 9.03 9.42 10.16 10.76
Certificates of deposit:
Yield .............. 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25 3.25
After-tax yield .... 2.76 2.34 2.24 2.08 1.96
Traditional High Yield
The Tax Free Yield Advantage
(36% Federal tax bracket)
3.25% Certificate of deposit
3.25% Pretax yield
2.08% After-tax yield
6.50% Tax free investment
10.16% Taxable equivalent yield
6.50% Tax free yield
Example:
Two $100,000 investments...
3.25% CD 6.50% Tax free
Pretax income: $3,250.00 $6,500.00
Tax: (1,170.00) NONE
After-tax income: $2,080.00 $6,500.00
The 1995 federal tax bracket is 36% for single filers with taxable income
from $117,951 to $256,500 and joint filers from $143,601 to $256,500. Actual
tax brackets may be higher due to the phaseout of personal exemptions and
limitations on the deductibility of itemized deductions over certain ranges of
income. Your actual bracket will vary depending on your income, exemptions and
deductions. See your tax adviser for additional information. The chart is
based on 3-month bank CDs (Source: The Wall Street Journal and Eaton Vance
Management). Tax free yields are shown for illustration purposes only and are
not meant to represent actual results of an investment in the Fund. See your
financial adviser for the Fund's current yield and actual CD rates.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of July 31, 1995, Eaton Vance owned one share of the Fund, being the
only share of the Fund outstanding on such date. Eaton Vance is a
Massachusetts business trust and a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC.
<PAGE>
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD TABLE
The table shows the approximate taxable bond yields which are equivalent
to tax-exempt bond yields from 4% to 7% under the regular federal income tax
laws that apply to 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARGINAL
SINGLE RETURN JOINT RETURN INCOME TAX-EXEMPT YIELD
- ------------------------------------- TAX ------------------------------------------------------
(TAXABLE INCOME)* BRACKET 4% 4.5% 5% 5.5% 6% 6.5% 7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equivalent Taxable Yield
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $ 23,350 Up to $ 39,000 15.00% 4.71% 5.29% 5.88% 6.47% 7.06% 7.65% 8.24%
$ 23,351- 56,550 $ 39,001- 94,250 28.00 5.56 6.25 6.94 7.64 8.33 9.03 9.72
$ 56,551- 117,950 $ 94,251- 143,600 31.00 5.80 6.52 7.25 7.97 8.70 9.42 10.14
$117,951- 256,500 $143,601- 256,500 36.00 6.25 7.03 7.81 8.59 9.38 10.16 10.94
Over $256,500 Over $256,500 39.60 6.62 7.45 8.28 9.11 9.93 10.76 11.59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yields shown are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to represent the Fund's actual yield.
* Net amount subject to federal personal income tax after deductions and exemptions.
Note: The above-indicated federal Income Tax Brackets do not take into account the effect of a
reduction in the deductibility of Itemized Deductions for taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income in
excess of $114,700, nor the effects of phaseout of personal exemptions for single and joint filers
with Adjusted Gross Incomes in excess of $114,700 and $172,050, respectively. The effective top
marginal federal income tax brackets of taxpayers over ranges of income subject to these
reductions or phaseouts will be higher than indicated above.
Of course, no assurance can be given that EV Traditional High Yield Municipals Fund will achieve any
specific tax exempt yield. While it is expected that a substantial portion of the interest income
received by the Portfolio and allocated to the Fund and subsequently distributed to the Fund's
shareholders will be exempt from the regular federal income tax, portions of such distributions from
time to time may be subject to such tax. This table does not take into account state or local taxes,
if any, payable on Fund distributions. It should also be noted that the interest earned on certain
"private activity bonds" issued after August 7, 1986, while exempt from the regular federal income
tax, is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the recipient to the federal
alternative minimum tax. The illustrations assume that the federal alternative minimum tax is not
applicable and do not take into account any tax credits that may be available.
The information set forth above is as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information.
Subsequent tax law changes could result in prospective or retroactive changes in the tax brackets,
tax rates, and tax equivalent yields set forth above.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
MAY 1, 1995
ASSETS:
Cash ........................................................... $100,020
Deferred organization expenses ................................. 22,050
--------
Total assets ............................................... $122,070
LIABILITIES:
Accrued organization expenses .................................. 22,050
--------
NET ASSETS ......................................................... $100,020
========
NOTES:
(1) High Yield Municipals Portfolio (the "Portfolio") was organized as a New
York Trust on May 1, 1995 and has been inactive since that date, except as
to matters relating to its organization and registration as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the sale of its
interests therein at the purchase price of $100,000 to Boston Management
and Research and the sale of interests therein at the purchase price of
$20 to Eaton Vance Management (the "Initial Interests").
(2) Organization expenses are being deferred and will be amortized on a
straight line basis over a period not exceeding five years, commencing on
the effective date of the Portfolio's initial offering of its interests.
The amount paid by the Portfolio on any withdrawal by the holders of the
initial interests of any of the respective Initial Interests will be
reduced by a portion of any unamortized organization expenses, determined
by the proportion of the amount of the initial interests withdrawn to the
Initial Interest then outstanding.
(3) At 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on each business day of the Portfolio,
the value of an investor's interest in the Portfolio is equal to the
product of (i) the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio multiplied
by (ii) the percentage representing that investor's share of the aggregate
interest in the Portfolio effective for that day.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the Trustees and Investors of High Yield Municipals Portfolio:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
High Yield Municipals Portfolio (a New York Trust) as of May 1, 1995. This
financial statement is the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on
our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, such statement of assets and liabilities presents fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of High Yield Municipals
Portfolio as of May 1, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
May 3, 1995
<PAGE>
EV TRADITIONAL [LOGO]
HIGH YIELD EATON VANCE
MUNICIPALS FUND ------------
MUTUAL FUNDS
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AUGUST 1, 1995
EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD
MUNICIPALS FUND
24 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MA 02110
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER OF HIGH YIELD MUNICIPALS PORTFOLIO
Boston Management and Research, 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110
ADMINISTRATOR OF EV TRADITIONAL HIGH YIELD 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., BOS725, P.O. Box 1559, Boston, MA 02104
(800) 262-1122
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110 T-HYSAI
