As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2020

1933 Act File No. 002-22019

1940 Act File No. 811-01241

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM N-1A
 
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT of 1933
o
  POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 232 x
  REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
o
  AMENDMENT NO. 205 x
 
EATON VANCE GROWTH TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(617) 482-8260
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)
 
MAUREEN A. GEMMA
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective pursuant to Rule 485 (check appropriate box):
o immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
x on July 1, 2020 pursuant to paragraph (b) o 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
o 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
If appropriate, check the following box:
o This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund

Class A Shares - EAFGXClass C Shares - ECFGXClass I Shares - EIFGX

Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund

Class A Shares - EAFVXClass C Shares - ECFVXClass I Shares - EIFVX

Prospectus Dated
July 1, 2020

Important Note. Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of each Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds' website (http://www.eatonvance.com/funddocuments), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you are a direct investor, you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically by signing up for e-Delivery at eatonvance.com/edelivery. If you own your shares through a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank), you must contact your financial intermediary to sign up.

You may elect to receive all future Fund shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you are a direct investor, you can inform the Funds that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-262-1122. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you must contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Eaton Vance funds held directly or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This Prospectus contains important information about the Funds and the services
available to shareholders. Please save it for reference.

 

 
 

Table of Contents

Fund Summaries 3
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund 3
Focused Value Opportunities Fund 7
Important Information Regarding Fund Shares 11
Investment Objectives & Principal Policies and Risks 12
Management and Organization 19
Valuing Shares 20
Purchasing Shares 21
Sales Charges 25
Redeeming Shares 27
Shareholder Account Features 28
Additional Tax Information 30
Financial Highlights 32
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund 32
Focused Value Opportunities Fund 34
Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations 36

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 2 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Summaries

Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors may also pay commissions or other fees to their financial intermediary when they buy and hold shares of the Fund, which are not reflected below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on purchases of Class A shares if you invest, or agree to invest over a 13-month period, at least $50,000 in Eaton Vance funds. Certain financial intermediaries also may offer variations in Fund sales charges to their customers as described in Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations in this Prospectus. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary and in Sales Charges beginning on page 25 of this Prospectus and page 22 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Class A Class C Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of net asset value at time of purchase or redemption) None 1.00% None

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) Class A Class C Class I
Management Fees 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses 0.13% 0.13% 0.13%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.03% 1.78% 0.78%

Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the operating expenses remain the same and that any expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place for the contractual period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

  Expenses with Redemption Expenses without Redemption
  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class A shares $674 $884 $1,111 $1,762 $674 $884 $1,111 $1,762
Class C shares $281 $560 $964 $2,095 $181 $560 $964 $2,095
Class I shares $80 $249 $433 $966 $80 $249 $433 $966

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” the portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 73% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in large-cap companies, but may invest in common stocks of companies of any market capitalization, including smaller companies. The portfolio managers generally consider large-cap companies to be those companies having market capitalizations equal to or greater than the median capitalization of companies included in the Russell 1000® Growth Index. The Fund generally expects to hold approximately 25 to 40 stocks. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities, some of which may be issued by companies domiciled in emerging market countries, and may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts that evidence ownership in underlying foreign stocks). The Fund may also invest in publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), a type of pooled investment vehicle, in order to manage cash positions or seek exposure to certain markets or market sectors. The Fund may also lend its securities.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 3 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research. The Fund employs a “growth at a reasonable price” investing style, seeking to acquire growing companies that the portfolio managers believe are reasonably priced in relation to their fundamental value. The portfolio managers may seek to capitalize on market volatility and the actions of short-term investors. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of the investment adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. In selecting stocks, the portfolio managers will consider (among other factors) a company’s earnings or cash flow capabilities, financial strength, growth potential, the strength of the company’s business franchises and management team, sustainability of a company’s competitiveness and estimates of the company’s net value. The portfolio managers seek to manage investment risk through rigorous fundamental analysis of risk/return characteristics in securities selection. The portfolio managers also use various risk tools to help manage and monitor the portfolio’s risk profile as well as an individual stock’s valuation, volatility and other risk characteristics. Such risk tools include quantitative tools to assist in portfolio construction, monitoring, and maintaining issuer and industry diversification among the Fund’s holdings. The portfolio managers may sell a security when they believe it is fully valued, the fundamentals of a company deteriorate, a stock’s price falls below its acquisition cost, management fails to execute its strategy or to pursue more attractive investment options. The portfolio managers may also consider financially material environmental, social and governance factors in evaluating an issuer. These considerations may be taken into account alongside other fundamental research in the investment selection process.

Principal Risks

Market Risk. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political, financial, public health crises (such as epidemics or pandemics) or other disruptive events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments to stimulate or stabilize the global economy may not be effective and could lead to high market volatility.

Equity Securities Risk. The value of equity securities and related instruments may decline in response to adverse changes in the economy or the economic outlook; deterioration in investor sentiment; interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer and sector-specific considerations, which are more significant in a focused fund that invests in a limited number of securities; or other factors. Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks to a greater extent than other types of stocks. If the stock market declines in value, the value of the Fund’s equity securities will also likely decline. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values will return to previous levels.

Large-Cap Growth Risk. Because the Fund normally invests primarily in stocks of large-cap growth companies, it is subject to the risk of underperforming the overall stock market during periods in which stocks of such companies are out of favor and generate lower returns than the market as a whole.

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments can be adversely affected by political, economic and market developments abroad, including the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the United States or another country. There may be less publicly available information about foreign issuers because they may not be subject to reporting practices, requirements or regulations comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. Foreign markets may be smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major markets in the United States and, as a result, Fund share values may be more volatile. Trading in foreign markets typically involves higher expense than trading in the United States. The Fund may have difficulties enforcing its legal or contractual rights in a foreign country. Depositary receipts are subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign instruments.

Emerging Markets Investment Risk. Investment markets within emerging market countries are typically smaller, less liquid, less developed and more volatile than those in more developed markets like the United States, and may be focused in certain economic sectors. Emerging market securities often involve greater risks than developed market securities. The information available about an emerging market issuer may be less reliable than for comparable issuers in more developed capital markets.

Currency Risk. Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The value of foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and currency transactions are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 4 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Smaller Company Risk. The stocks of smaller, less seasoned companies are generally subject to greater price fluctuations, limited liquidity, higher transaction costs and higher investment risk than the stocks of larger, more established companies. Such companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may be dependent on a limited management group, and may lack substantial capital reserves or an established performance record. There may be generally less publicly available information about such companies than for larger, more established companies. Stocks of these companies frequently have lower trading volumes making them more volatile and potentially more difficult to value.

Sector Risk. Because the Fund may, under certain market conditions, invest a significant portion of its assets in one or more sectors, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect a particular sector and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly.

Real Estate Risk. Real estate investments are subject to risks associated with owning real estate, including declines in real estate values, increases in property taxes, fluctuations in interest rates, limited availability of mortgage financing, decreases in revenues from underlying real estate assets, declines in occupancy rates, changes in government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, environmental liabilities, and risks related to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws, among others. REITs must satisfy specific requirements for favorable tax treatment and can involve unique risks in addition to the risks generally affecting the real estate industry. Changes in underlying real estate values may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that investments are concentrated in particular geographic regions or property types.

ETF Risk. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other investments. ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and are subject to secondary market trading risks. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests. Other pooled investment vehicles generally are subject to risks similar to those of ETFs.

Liquidity Risk. The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of a market maker or trading partner, large position size, market conditions, or legal restrictions impair its ability to sell particular investments or to sell them at advantageous market prices. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or abandon an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance. These effects may be exacerbated during times of financial or political stress.

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves a possible delay in recovery of the loaned securities or a possible loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower fails financially. The Fund could also lose money if the value of the collateral decreases.

Risks Associated with Active Management. The success of the Fund’s investment strategy depends on portfolio management’s successful application of analytical skills and investment judgment. Active management involves subjective decisions.

General Fund Investing Risks. The Fund is not a complete investment program and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is designed to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not suited for short-term trading. Investors in the Fund should have a long-term investment perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value. Purchase and redemption activities by Fund shareholders may impact the management of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective(s). In addition, the redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund. The Fund relies on various service providers, including the investment adviser, in its operations and is susceptible to operational, information security and related events (such as public health crises, cyber or hacking attacks) that may affect the service providers or the services that they provide to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Performance

The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and how the Fund’s average annual returns over time compare with those of a broad-based securities market index. The returns in the bar chart are for Class A shares and do not reflect a sales charge. If the sales charge was reflected, the returns would be lower. Past performance (both before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The Fund’s performance for certain periods reflects the effects of expense reductions. Absent these reductions, performance for certain periods would have been lower. Updated Fund performance information can be obtained by visiting www.eatonvance.com.

During the period from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2019, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 16.87% for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and the lowest quarterly return was -15.78% for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The year-to-date total return through the end of the most recent calendar quarter (December 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020) was -15.96%.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 5 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019 One Year Five Years Life of Fund
Class A Return Before Taxes 22.02% 11.04% 11.85%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions 20.76% 10.35% 11.27%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares 14.25% 9.07% 10.00%
Class C Return Before Taxes 27.48% 11.53% 11.75%
Class I Return Before Taxes 29.74% 12.65% 12.89%
Russell 1000® Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 36.39% 14.62% 14.78%

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. Class A, Class C and Class I commenced operations on March 7, 2011. Investors cannot invest directly in an Index.

After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder’s tax situation and the actual characterization of distributions, and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to shareholders who hold shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. After-tax returns for other Classes of shares will vary from the after-tax returns presented for Class A shares. Return After Taxes on Distributions for a period may be the same as Return Before Taxes for that period because no taxable distributions were made during that period. Also, Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than or equal to Return Before Taxes and/or Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period because of losses realized on the sale of Fund shares.

Management

Investment Adviser. Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”).

Portfolio Managers

Yana S. Barton, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2011.

Lewis R. Piantedosi, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since its inception in March 2011.

For important information about purchase and sale of shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Important Information Regarding Fund Shares” on page 11 of this Prospectus.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 6 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is total return.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors may also pay commissions or other fees to their financial intermediary when they buy and hold shares of the Fund, which are not reflected below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on purchases of Class A shares if you invest, or agree to invest over a 13-month period, at least $50,000 in Eaton Vance funds. Certain financial intermediaries also may offer variations in Fund sales charges to their customers as described in Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations in this Prospectus. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary and in Sales Charges beginning on page 25 of this Prospectus and page 22 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Class A Class C Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of net asset value at time of purchase or redemption) None 1.00% None

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) (1) Class A Class C Class I
Management Fees 0.70% 0.70% 0.70%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses 0.14% 0.14% 0.14%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.09% 1.84% 0.84%
Expense Reimbursement(2) (0.04)% (0.04)% (0.04)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement 1.05% 1.80% 0.80%
(1) Annual Fund Operating Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees. “Management Fees” reflect a fee reduction agreement to the Fund’s investment advisory and administrative agreement effective July 1, 2020.
(2) The investment adviser and administrator has agreed to reimburse the Fund’s expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.05% for Class A shares, 1.80% for Class C shares and 0.80% for Class I shares. This expense reimbursement will continue through June 30, 2021. Any amendment to or termination of this reimbursement would require approval of the Board of Trustees. The expense reimbursement relates to ordinary operating expenses only and does not include expenses such as: brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses of unaffiliated funds, borrowing costs (including borrowing costs of any acquired funds), taxes or litigation expenses. Amounts reimbursed may be recouped by the investment adviser and administrator during the same fiscal year to the extent actual expenses are less than the contractual expense cap during such year.

Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the operating expenses remain the same and that any expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place for the contractual period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

  Expenses with Redemption Expenses without Redemption
  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class A shares $676 $898 $1,138 $1,824 $676 $898 $1,138 $1,824
Class C shares $283 $575 $992 $2,155 $183 $575 $992 $2,155
Class I shares $82 $264 $462 $1,033 $82 $264 $462 $1,033

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” the portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 109% of the average value of its portfolio.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 7 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in large-cap companies, but may invest in common stocks of companies of any market capitalization, including smaller companies. The portfolio managers generally consider large-cap companies to be those companies having market capitalizations equal to or greater than the median capitalization of companies included in the Russell 1000® Value Index. The Fund invests primarily in value stocks, which are common stocks that, in the opinion of the investment adviser, are inexpensive or undervalued relative to the overall stock market. The Fund generally expects to hold approximately 25 to 45 stocks. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in foreign securities, some of which may be issued by companies domiciled in emerging market countries, and may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts that evidence ownership in underlying foreign stocks). The Fund may also invest in publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may invest in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), a type of pooled investment vehicle, in order to manage cash positions or seek exposure to certain markets or market sectors. The Fund may also lend its securities.

Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of the investment adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. In selecting securities, the portfolio managers consider (among other factors) a company’s earnings or cash flow capabilities, dividend prospects, financial strength, growth potential, the strength of the company’s business franchises and management team, sustainability of a company’s competitiveness, and estimates of the company’s net value. The portfolio managers may sell a security when the investment adviser’s price objective for the security is reached, the fundamentals of the company deteriorate, a security’s price falls below acquisition cost or to pursue more attractive investment options. The portfolio managers seek to manage investment risk by utilizing fundamental analysis of risk/return characteristics in securities selection and also by using quantitative tools to assist in portfolio construction, monitoring, and maintaining issuer and industry diversification among the Fund’s holdings. The portfolio managers may also consider financially material environmental, social and governance factors in evaluating an issuer. These considerations may be taken into account alongside other fundamental research in the investment selection process.

Principal Risks

Market Risk. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political, financial, public health crises (such as epidemics or pandemics) or other disruptive events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments to stimulate or stabilize the global economy may not be effective and could lead to high market volatility.

Equity Securities Risk. The value of equity securities and related instruments may decline in response to adverse changes in the economy or the economic outlook; deterioration in investor sentiment; interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer and sector-specific considerations, which are more significant in a focused fund that invests in a limited number of securities; or other factors. Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks to a greater extent than other types of stocks. If the stock market declines in value, the value of the Fund’s equity securities will also likely decline. Although prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values will return to previous levels.

Large-Cap Value Risk. Because the Fund normally invests primarily in stocks of large-cap value companies, it is subject to the risk of underperforming the overall stock market during periods in which stocks of such companies are out of favor and generate lower returns than the market as a whole.

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments can be adversely affected by political, economic and market developments abroad, including the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the United States or another country. There may be less publicly available information about foreign issuers because they may not be subject to reporting practices, requirements or regulations comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. Foreign markets may be smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major markets in the United States and, as a result, Fund share values may be more volatile. Trading in foreign markets typically involves higher expense than trading in the United States. The Fund may have difficulties enforcing its legal or contractual rights in a foreign country. Depositary receipts are subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign instruments.

Emerging Markets Investment Risk. Investment markets within emerging market countries are typically smaller, less liquid, less developed and more volatile than those in more developed markets like the United States, and may be focused in certain economic sectors. Emerging market securities often involve greater risks than developed market securities. The information available about an emerging market issuer may be less reliable than for comparable issuers in more developed capital markets.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 8 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Currency Risk. Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The value of foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and currency transactions are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks.

Smaller Company Risk. The stocks of smaller, less seasoned companies are generally subject to greater price fluctuations, limited liquidity, higher transaction costs and higher investment risk than the stocks of larger, more established companies. Such companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, may be dependent on a limited management group, and may lack substantial capital reserves or an established performance record. There may be generally less publicly available information about such companies than for larger, more established companies. Stocks of these companies frequently have lower trading volumes making them more volatile and potentially more difficult to value.

Sector Risk. Because the Fund may, under certain market conditions, invest a significant portion of its assets in one or more sectors, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect a particular sector and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly.

Real Estate Risk. Real estate investments are subject to risks associated with owning real estate, including declines in real estate values, increases in property taxes, fluctuations in interest rates, limited availability of mortgage financing, decreases in revenues from underlying real estate assets, declines in occupancy rates, changes in government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, environmental liabilities, and risks related to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws, among others. REITs must satisfy specific requirements for favorable tax treatment and can involve unique risks in addition to the risks generally affecting the real estate industry. Changes in underlying real estate values may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that investments are concentrated in particular geographic regions or property types.

ETF Risk. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other investments. ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and are subject to secondary market trading risks. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests. Other pooled investment vehicles generally are subject to risks similar to those of ETFs.

Liquidity Risk. The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of a market maker or trading partner, large position size, market conditions, or legal restrictions impair its ability to sell particular investments or to sell them at advantageous market prices. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or abandon an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance. These effects may be exacerbated during times of financial or political stress.

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves a possible delay in recovery of the loaned securities or a possible loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower fails financially. The Fund could also lose money if the value of the collateral decreases.

Risks Associated with Active Management. The success of the Fund’s investment strategy depends on portfolio management’s successful application of analytical skills and investment judgment. Active management involves subjective decisions.

General Fund Investing Risks. The Fund is not a complete investment program and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is designed to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not suited for short-term trading. Investors in the Fund should have a long-term investment perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value. Purchase and redemption activities by Fund shareholders may impact the management of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective(s). In addition, the redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund. The Fund relies on various service providers, including the investment adviser, in its operations and is susceptible to operational, information security and related events (such as public health crises, cyber or hacking attacks) that may affect the service providers or the services that they provide to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 9 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Performance

The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and how the Fund’s average annual returns over time compare with those of a broad-based securities market index. The returns in the bar chart are for Class A shares and do not reflect a sales charge. If the sales charge was reflected, the returns would be lower. Past performance (both before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The Fund’s performance reflects the effects of expense reductions. Absent these reductions, performance would have been lower. Updated Fund performance information can be obtained by visiting www.eatonvance.com.

During the period from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2019, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 12.40% for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and the lowest quarterly return was -14.67% for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The year-to-date total return through the end of the most recent calendar quarter (December 31, 2019 to March 31, 2020) was -27.81%.

 

Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019 One Year Five Years Life of Fund
Class A Return Before Taxes 24.70% 8.56% 10.35%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions 23.60% 7.20% 9.23%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares 15.36% 6.65% 8.40%
Class C Return Before Taxes 30.44% 9.05% 10.26%
Class I Return Before Taxes 32.71% 10.15% 11.37%
Russell 1000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 26.54% 8.28% 11.06%

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. Class A, Class C and Class I commenced operations on March 7, 2011. Investors cannot invest directly in an Index.

After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder’s tax situation and the actual characterization of distributions, and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to shareholders who hold shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. After-tax returns for other Classes of shares will vary from the after-tax returns presented for Class A shares. Return After Taxes on Distributions for a period may be the same as Return Before Taxes for that period because no taxable distributions were made during that period. Also, Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than or equal to Return Before Taxes and/or Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period because of losses realized on the sale of Fund shares.

Management

Investment Adviser. Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”).

Portfolio Managers

Aaron S. Dunn, CFA, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since December 2017.

Bradley Galko, CFA, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since February 2020.

Edward J. Perkin, CFA, Chief Equity Investment Officer and Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since June 2014.

For important information about purchase and sale of shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Important Information Regarding Fund Shares” on page 11 of this Prospectus.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 10 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares on any business day, which is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. You may purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares either through your financial intermediary or (except for purchases of Class C shares by accounts with no specified financial intermediary) directly from a Fund either by writing to the Fund, P.O. Box 9653, Providence, RI 02940-9653, or by calling 1-800-262-1122. The minimum initial purchase or exchange into a Fund is $1,000 for each Class (with the exception of Class I) and $250,000 for Class I (waived in certain circumstances). There is no minimum for subsequent investments.

Tax Information

If your shares are held in a taxable account, each Fund’s distributions will be taxed to you as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are exempt from taxation. If your shares are held in a tax-advantaged account, you will generally be taxed only upon withdrawals from the account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase a Fund’s shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (collectively, “financial intermediaries”), the Fund, its principal underwriter and its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend a Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information. 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 11 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Investment Objectives & Principal Policies and Risks

The investment objective and principal investment policies and risks of each Fund are described in its Fund Summary. Set forth below is additional information about such policies and risks, as well as information about other types of investments and practices in which each Fund may engage from time to time, unless otherwise noted. References to the “Fund” below are to each Fund. See also “Strategies and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the indicated meaning: “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; and “investment adviser” means the Fund’s investment adviser but if the Fund is sub-advised, it refers to the sub-adviser(s) providing day-to-day management with respect to the investments or strategies discussed.

Equity Securities. Equity securities include: common stocks; preferred stocks, including convertible and contingent convertible preferred stocks; equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures and other unincorporated entities or enterprises; depositary receipts, rights and warrants in underlying equity interests; and other securities that are treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund cannot predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions.

The value of equity securities and related instruments may decline in response to adverse changes in the economy or the economic outlook; deterioration in investor sentiment; interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; and other factors. Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks to a greater extent than other types of stocks. If the stock market declines, the value of Fund shares will also likely decline. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values will return to previous levels.

Foreign Investments. Investments in foreign issuers could be affected by factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. Because foreign issuers may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standard practices and requirements and regulatory measures comparable to those in the United States, there may be less publicly available information about such foreign issuers. Settlements of securities transactions in foreign countries are subject to risk of loss, may be delayed and are generally less frequent than in the United States, which could affect the liquidity of the Fund’s assets. Evidence of ownership of certain foreign investments may be held outside the United States, and the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas.

Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers’ assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit the Fund’s ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Trading in certain foreign markets is also subject to liquidity risk.

Political events in foreign countries may cause market disruptions. In June 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”). Effective January 31, 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the EU following a period of impasse within the UK Parliament, and the holding of an early general election in December 2019 to break the deadlock. The European Parliament and UK Government are expected to focus attention on the nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU during an agreed transitional period. There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict. Brexit may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and increased likelihood of a recession in the UK. If one or more additional countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.

As an alternative to holding foreign-traded investments, the Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated investments of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market including depositary receipts, such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), which evidence ownership of shares of a foreign issuer and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country, as well as in the case of depositary receipts traded on foreign markets, currency risk. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored depositary receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. As a result, available information concerning the issuer of an unsponsored depository receipt may not be as current as for sponsored depositary receipts, and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Unsponsored depositary receipts may involve higher expenses, may not pass through voting or other shareholder rights and may be less liquid. Unless otherwise stated in Fund Summaries, such investments are not subject to any stated limitation on investing in foreign securities.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 12 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Emerging Markets Investments. The risks of foreign investments can be more significant in emerging markets. Emerging markets may offer higher potential for gains and losses than investments in the developed markets of the world. Political and economic structures in emerging market countries generally lack the social, political and economic stability of developed countries, which may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in these countries and also the ability of the Fund to access markets in such countries. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in emerging market countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Reporting standards may vary widely among emerging market countries. The laws of emerging market countries relating to the limited liability of corporate shareholders, fiduciary duties of officers and directors, and bankruptcy of state enterprises are generally less developed than or different from such laws in the United States. It may be more difficult to make a claim or obtain a judgment in the courts of these countries than it is in the United States. Disruptions due to work stoppages and trading improprieties in foreign securities markets have caused such markets to close. If extended closings were to occur in stock markets where the Fund is heavily invested, the Fund’s ability to redeem Fund shares could become impaired. In such circumstances, the Fund may have to sell more liquid securities than it would otherwise choose to sell. Emerging market securities are also subject to speculative trading, which contributes to their volatility.

Foreign Currencies. The value of foreign assets and currencies as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), governmental administration of economic or monetary policies (in this country or abroad), and relations between nations and trading. Foreign currencies also are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. If the U.S. dollar rises in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth less in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar decreases in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth more in U.S. dollars. A devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Costs are incurred in connection with conversions between currencies.

The Fund may engage in spot transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures contracts and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) to seek to hedge against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar.

Derivatives. Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived at least in part from the performance of an underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments may be acquired in the United States or abroad consistent with the Fund’s investment strategy and may include the various types of exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) instruments described herein and other instruments with substantially similar characteristics and risks. Fund obligations created pursuant to derivative instruments may give rise to leverage, which would subject the Fund to the requirements described under “Asset Coverage” in the Fund’s SAI. The Fund may invest in a derivative transaction if it is permitted to own, invest in, or otherwise have economic exposure to the reference instrument. Depending on the type of derivative instrument and the Fund’s investment strategy, a reference instrument could be a security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event (“reference instruments”). The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. The Fund may trade in the specific type(s) and/or combinations of derivative transactions listed below.

Derivative instruments are subject to a number of risks, including adverse or unexpected movements in the price of the reference instrument, and counterparty, liquidity, market, tax and leverage risks. Certain derivatives may also be subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. In addition, derivatives also involve the risk that changes in their value may not correlate perfectly with the assets, rates, indices or instruments they are designed to hedge or closely track. Use of derivative instruments may cause the realization of higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if such instruments had not been used. Success in using derivative instruments to hedge portfolio assets depends on the degree of price correlation between the derivative instruments and the hedged asset. Imperfect correlation may be caused by several factors, including temporary price disparities among the trading markets for the derivative instrument, the reference instrument and the Fund’s assets. To the extent that a derivative instrument is intended to hedge against an event that does not occur, the Fund may realize losses.

OTC derivative instruments involve an additional risk in that the issuer or counterparty may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, an option or commodity exchange or swap execution facility or clearinghouse may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the SEC takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Code limit the use of derivative instruments. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will benefit the Fund.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 13 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

The U.S. and non-U.S. derivatives markets have undergone substantial changes in recent years as a result of changes under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States and regulatory changes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations require many derivatives to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on counterparties, and impose other regulatory requirements that will continue to change derivatives markets as regulations are implemented. Additional future regulation of the derivatives markets may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability or reduce the liquidity of derivatives, and may impose limits or restrictions on the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivative transactions. Fund management cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented, and future regulation may impair the effectiveness of the Fund’s derivative transactions and its ability to achieve its investment objectives.

Options. Options may be traded on an exchange and OTC. By buying a put option on a particular instrument, the Fund acquires a right to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. By buying a put option on an index, the Fund acquires a right to receive the cash difference between the strike price of the option and the index price at expiration. A purchased put position also typically can be sold at any time by selling at prevailing market prices. Purchased put options generally are expected to limit the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the underlying security or index until the put option expires. When buying a put option, the Fund pays a premium to the seller of the option. If the price of the underlying security or index is above the exercise price of the option as of the option valuation date, the option expires worthless and the Fund will not be able to recover the option premium paid to the seller. The Fund may purchase uncovered put options on securities, meaning it will not own the securities underlying the option.

The Fund may also write (i.e., sell) put options. The Fund will receive a premium for selling a put option, which may increase the Fund's return. In selling a put option on a security, the Fund has the obligation to buy the security at an agreed upon price if the price of such instrument decreases below the exercise price. By selling a put option on an index, the Fund has an obligation to make a payment to the buyer to the extent that the value of the index decreases below the exercise price as of the option valuation date. If the value of the underlying security or index on the option’s expiration date is above the exercise price, the option will generally expire worthless and the Fund, as option seller, will have no obligation to the option holder.

The Fund may purchase call options. By purchasing a call option on a security, the Fund has the right to buy the security at the option’s exercise price. By buying a call option on an index, the Fund acquires the right to receive the cash difference between the market price of the index and strike price at expiration. Call options typically can be exercised any time prior to option maturity or, sold at the prevailing market price.

The Fund may also write (i.e., sell) a call option on a security or index in return for a premium. A call written on a security obligates the Fund to deliver the underlying security at the option exercise price. Written index call options obligate the Fund to make a cash payment to the buyer at expiration if the market price of the index is above the option strike price. Calls typically can also be bought back by the Fund at prevailing market prices and the Fund also may enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to written call options. The Fund may write call options on securities that it owns (so-called covered calls) and also may write uncovered call options. With respect to written covered calls, the Fund may sell the underlying security prior to entering into a closing purchase transaction on up to 5% of its net assets within three days of such transaction. The Fund may also engage in various types of option strategies using put and/or call options.

The Fund’s options positions are marked to market daily. The value of options is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of their underlying instruments, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the relevant index or market and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying instruments are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before markets for the underlying instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the markets that would not be reflected concurrently in the options markets.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 14 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

The Fund's ability to sell the instrument underlying a call option may be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. Uncovered call options have speculative characteristics and are riskier than covered call options because there is no underlying instrument held by the Fund that can act as a partial hedge. As the seller of a covered call option or an index call option, the Fund may forego, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the underlying instrument covering the call option above the sum of the premium received by the Fund and the exercise price of the call. The Fund also retains the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the price of the underlying instrument decline.

Participants in OTC markets are typically not subject to the same credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are members of “exchange-based” markets. OTC option contracts generally carry greater liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts. This risk may be increased in times of financial stress, if the trading market for OTC options becomes restricted. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or a number of counterparties may increase the potential for losses to the Fund, due to the lack of any independent evaluation of the counterparties or their financial capabilities, and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement of the options.

Futures Contracts. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. Futures contracts on securities obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of the financial instrument called for in the contract at a specified future date at a specified price. An index futures contract obligates the purchaser to take, and a seller to deliver, an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying securities in the index is made. It is the practice of holders of futures contracts to close out their positions on or before the expiration date by use of offsetting contract positions, and physical delivery of financial instruments or delivery of cash, as applicable, is thereby avoided. An option on a futures contract gives the holder the right to enter into a specified futures contract.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract (“currency forward”) involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may be bought or sold to protect against an adverse change in the relationship between currencies or to increase exposure to a particular foreign currency.

Certain currency forwards may be individually negotiated and privately traded, exposing them to credit and counterparty risks. The precise matching of the currency forward amounts and the value of the instruments denominated in the corresponding currencies will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Currency forwards are subject to the risk of political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying currency forwards. As a result, available information may not be complete.

The Fund may engage in spot transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures contracts and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) to seek to hedge against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar.

Equity Swaps. Equity swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective returns as calculated on a notional amount of an equity index (such as the S&P 500® Index), basket of equity securities, or individual equity security.

Counterparty Risk. A financial institution or other counterparty with whom the Fund does business (such as trading, securities lending or as a derivatives counterparty), or that underwrites, distributes or guarantees any instruments that the Fund owns or is otherwise exposed to, may decline in financial condition and become unable to honor its commitments. This could cause the value of Fund shares to decline or could delay the return or delivery of collateral or other assets to the Fund. Counterparty risk is increased for contracts with longer maturities.

Short Sales. The Fund may engage in short sales on securities or a basket or index of securities. A short sale on an individual security typically involves the sale of a security that is borrowed from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. When making a short sale, the Fund must segregate liquid assets with a broker or the custodian equal to (or otherwise cover) its obligations under the short sale. Generally, securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold unless they are replaced with other liquid assets. This may limit the Fund’s investment flexibility, as well as its ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The seller of a short position generally realizes a profit from the transaction if the proceeds it receives on the short sale exceed the cost of purchasing the securities sold short in the market, but will generally realize a loss if the cost of closing the short position exceeds the proceeds from the short sale. The Fund pays interest or dividend expense with respect to securities sold short.

If the Fund does not own the securities sold short, the short sale exposes the Fund to the risk that it will be required to purchase securities to replace the borrowed securities (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the securities sold short have appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss. There is no assurance that a security sold short will decline in value or make a profit for the Fund. In addition, there is no guarantee that any security needed to cover the short position will be available for purchase. Short selling carries a risk that the counterparty to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund. If the Fund invests the proceeds received for selling securities short in other investments, the Fund is employing a form of leverage.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 15 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Leverage. Certain types of Fund transactions may give rise to economic leverage, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference instrument. Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.

The Fund is required to segregate liquid assets or otherwise cover the Fund’s obligation created by a transaction that may give rise to leverage. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements. Leverage may cause the Fund’s share price to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged, as certain types of leverage may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The loss on leveraged investments may substantially exceed the initial investment.

Liquidity Risk. The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of a market maker, or legal restrictions impair the Fund’s ability to sell particular investments or close derivative positions at an advantageous market price. Trading opportunities are also more limited for securities and other instruments that are not widely held or are traded in less developed markets. These factors may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or abandon an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance. It also may be more difficult to value less liquid investments. These effects may be exacerbated during times of financial or political stress. Increased Fund redemption activity also may increase liquidity risk due to the need of the Fund to sell portfolio investments and may negatively impact Fund performance.

The Fund will not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund will have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Illiquid investments mean any investments that the Fund’s investment adviser reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in seven calendar days or less under then-current market conditions without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.

Real Estate Investments. Companies primarily engaged in the real estate industry and other real estate-related investments may include publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or real estate operating companies that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, real estate developers, companies with substantial real estate holdings and other companies whose products and services are related to the real estate industry, such as lodging operators, brokers, property management companies, building supply manufacturers, mortgage lenders, or mortgage servicing companies. REITs tend to be small to medium-sized companies, and may include equity REITs and mortgage REITs. The value of a REIT can depend on the structure of and cash flow generated by the REIT. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that have expenses of their own, so the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of those expenses. The Fund will not own real estate directly.

Real estate investments are subject to special risks including changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, and the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws, among others. Changes in underlying real estate values may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that investments concentrate in particular geographic regions or property types.

Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations. In addition, equity and mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass through of income or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to a REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, a REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.

Shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers. REITs are also subject to credit, market, liquidity and interest rate risks.

REITs may issue debt securities to fund their activities. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, the creditworthiness of the REIT, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements, among other things.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 16 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Smaller Companies. Securities of smaller companies, which may include legally restricted securities, are generally subject to greater price fluctuations, limited liquidity, higher transaction costs and higher investment risk than the securities of larger, more established companies. Because of the absence of any public trading market for some of these investments (such as those which are legally restricted) it may be more difficult to value these investments and may take longer to liquidate these positions at fair value than would be the case for publicly traded securities.

Pooled Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest in pooled investment vehicles. Pooled investment vehicles are open- and closed-end investment companies unaffiliated with the investment adviser, open-end investment companies affiliated with the investment adviser and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). Pooled investment vehicles are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other instruments that they own. The market for common shares of closed-end investment companies and ETFs, which are generally traded on an exchange and may be traded at a premium or discount to net asset value, is affected by the demand for those securities, regardless of the value of such fund’s underlying securities. Additionally, natural or environmental disasters, widespread disease or other public health issues, war, acts of terrorism or other events could result in increased premiums or discounts to such fund’s net asset value. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other operating expenses paid by unaffiliated and certain affiliated pooled investment vehicles in which it invests. If such fees exceed 0.01%, the costs associated with such investments will be reflected under Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses in the Fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table(s) in its Fund Summary. Requirements of the 1940 Act may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, unless the investment company has received an exemptive order from the SEC on which the Fund may rely.

Restricted Securities. Securities held by the Fund may be legally restricted as to resale (such as those issued in private placements), including commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder, and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S thereunder. Restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. The Fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities. The Fund also may acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions. In addition, if the investment adviser receives non-public information about the issuer, the Fund may as a result be unable to sell the securities.

Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. It may be difficult to sell restricted securities at a price representing fair value until such time as the securities may be sold publicly. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund 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. Holdings of restricted securities may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing them. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and other institutional borrowers. During the existence of a loan, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the securities loaned, or all or a portion of the interest on investment of the collateral, if any. The Fund may pay lending fees to such borrowers. Loans will only be made to firms that have been approved by the investment adviser, and the investment adviser or the securities lending agent will periodically monitor the financial condition of such firms while such loans are outstanding. Securities loans will only be made when the investment adviser believes that the expected returns, net of expenses, justify the attendant risks. Securities loans currently are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents (such as money market instruments) or other liquid securities held by the custodian and maintained in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The Fund may engage in securities lending to generate income. Upon return of the loaned securities, the Fund would be required to return the related collateral to the borrower and may be required to liquidate portfolio securities in order to do so. The Fund may lend up to one-third of the value of its total assets or such other amount as may be permitted by law.

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. To the extent that the portfolio securities acquired with such collateral have decreased in value, it may result in the Fund realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. As such, securities lending may introduce leverage into the Fund. The Fund also may incur losses if the returns on securities that it acquires with cash collateral are less than the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs.

Borrowing. The Fund is permitted to borrow for temporary purposes (such as to satisfy redemption requests, to remain fully invested in anticipation of expected cash inflows and to settle transactions). Any borrowings by the Fund are subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Borrowings are also subject to the terms of any credit agreement between the Fund and lender(s). Fund borrowings may be equal to as much as 331/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including such borrowings) less the Fund’s liabilities (other than borrowings). The Fund will not purchase additional investments while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 17 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

In addition, the Fund will be required to maintain a specified level of asset coverage with respect to all borrowings and may be required to sell some of its holdings to reduce debt and restore coverage at times when it may not be advantageous to do so. The rights of the lender to receive payments of interest and repayments of principal of any borrowings made by the Fund under a credit facility are senior to the rights of holders of shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation. In the event of a default under a credit arrangement, the lenders may have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell Fund assets) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well.

Cash and Money Market Instruments. The Fund may invest in cash or money market instruments, including high quality short-term instruments or an affiliated investment company that invests in such instruments. During unusual market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or money market instruments temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective(s) and other policies.

Money market instruments may be adversely affected by market and economic events, such as a sharp rise in prevailing short-term interest rates; adverse developments in the banking industry, which issues or guarantees many money market instruments; adverse economic, political or other developments affecting issuers of money market instruments; changes in the credit quality of issuers; and default by a counterparty.

Converting to Master-Feeder Structure. The Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company (“master fund”) with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund. Any such master fund would be advised by the Fund’s investment adviser (or an affiliate) and the Fund would not pay directly any advisory fee with respect to the assets so invested. The Fund may initiate investments in a master fund at any time without shareholder approval.

Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies by Fund service providers to conduct business, such as the Internet, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. The Fund relies on communications technology, systems, and networks to engage with clients, employees, accounts, shareholders, and service providers, and a cyber incident may inhibit the Fund’s ability to use these technologies. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites. A denial-of-service attack is an effort to make network services unavailable to intended users, which could cause shareholders to lose access to their electronic accounts, potentially indefinitely. Employees and service providers also may not be able to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading and NAV calculation, during a denial-of-service attack. There is also the possibility for systems failures due to malfunctions, user error and misconduct by employees and agents, natural disasters, or other foreseeable and unforeseeable events.

Because technology is consistently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund's ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers have experienced, and will continue to experience, cyber incidents consistently. In addition to deliberate cyber attacks, unintentional cyber incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information by the Fund or its service providers. To date, cyber incidents have not had a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business operations or performance.

The Fund uses third party service providers who are also heavily dependent on computers and technology for their operations. Cybersecurity failures by or breaches of the Fund’s investment adviser or administrator and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the custodian or transfer agent), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, may disrupt and otherwise adversely affect their business operations. This may result in financial losses to the Fund, impede Fund trading, interfere with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, limit a shareholder’s ability to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund or cause violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, litigation costs, or additional compliance costs. While many of the Fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

Research Process.  The Fund’s portfolio management utilizes the information provided by, and the expertise of, the research staff of the investment adviser and its affiliates in making investment decisions. As part of the research process, portfolio management may consider financially material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors. Such factors, alongside other relevant factors, may be taken into account in the Fund’s securities selection process.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 18 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Recent Market Conditions.  An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, or the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

General.  Unless otherwise stated, the Fund's investment objective and certain other policies may be changed without shareholder approval. Shareholders will receive 60 days' advance written notice of any material change in the investment objective. The Fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of securities described in this Prospectus or the SAI. While at times the Fund may use alternative investment strategies in an effort to limit its losses, it may choose not to do so.

The Fund’s annual operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and may change as Fund assets increase and decrease over time. Purchase and redemption activities by Fund shareholders may impact the management of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, the redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund. Mutual funds, investment advisers, other market participants and many securities markets are subject to rules and regulations and the jurisdiction of one or more regulators.  Changes to applicable rules and regulations or to widely accepted market conventions or standards could have an adverse effect on securities markets and market participants, as well as on the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. With the increased use of technologies by Fund service providers, such as the Internet, to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. See “Additional Information about Investment Strategies and Risks” in the Fund’s SAI.

Management and Organization

Management. Each Fund’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”), with offices at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Eaton Vance and its predecessor organizations have been managing assets since 1924 and managing mutual funds since 1931. Eaton Vance and its affiliates currently manage over $465 billion on behalf of mutual funds, institutional clients and individuals.

Each Fund’s semiannual report covering the fiscal period ended August 31 provides information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of each Fund’s investment advisory and administrative agreement.

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund. Eaton Vance manages the investments of the Fund and provides administrative services and related office facilities. Under its investment advisory and administrative agreement, Eaton Vance receives a monthly fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets Annual Fee Rate*
up to $500 million 0.650%
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.625%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.600%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.580%
$5 billion and over 0.565%

* Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement dated July 1, 2017, Eaton Vance contractually agreed to reduce its investment advisory and administrative fee as stated above. These contractual reductions cannot be terminated or reduced without Trustee and shareholder approval.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 19 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Prior to July 1, 2017, Eaton Vance received a monthly investment advisory and administrative fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets Annual Fee Rate
up to $500 million 0.750%
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.725%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.700%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.680%
$5 billion and over 0.665%

For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the effective annual rate of the Fund’s advisory and administrative fee paid to Eaton Vance, based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, was 0.65%.

The Fund is managed by Yana S. Barton and Lewis R. Piantedosi. Ms. Barton and Mr. Piantedosi have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since it commenced operations in March 2011. Ms. Barton and Mr. Piantedosi manage other Eaton Vance portfolios, have been Eaton Vance portfolio managers for more than five years and are Vice Presidents of Eaton Vance.

Focused Value Opportunities Fund. Eaton Vance manages the investments of the Fund and provides administrative services and related office facilities. Under its investment advisory and administrative agreement, Eaton Vance receives a monthly fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets Annual Fee Rate*
up to $500 million 0.700%
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.675%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.650%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.630%
$5 billion and over 0.615%

* Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement dated July 1, 2020, Eaton Vance contractually agreed to reduce its investment advisory and administrative fee as stated above. These contractual reductions cannot be terminated or reduced without Trustee and shareholder approval.

Prior to July 1, 2020, Eaton Vance received a monthly investment advisory and administrative fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets Annual Fee Rate
up to $500 million 0.750%
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.725%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.700%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.680%
$5 billion and over 0.665%

For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the effective annual rate of the Fund’s advisory and administrative fee paid to Eaton Vance, based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, was 0.75%.

Aaron S. Dunn, CFA, Edward J. Perkin, CFA and Bradley Galko, CFA manage the Fund. Mr. Dunn has served as portfolio manager of the Fund since December 2017 and manages other Eaton Vance portfolios. He is a Vice President of Eaton Vance and has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years. Mr. Perkin has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since June 2014 and manages other Eaton Vance portfolios. Mr. Perkin is Chief Equity Investment Officer and Vice President of Eaton Vance and has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years. Mr. Galko has served as portfolio manager of the Fund since February 2020 and manages other Eaton Vance portfolios. He is a Vice President of Eaton Vance and has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years.

The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by each portfolio manager, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of Fund shares.

Eaton Vance provides sub-transfer agency and related services to Eaton Vance mutual funds pursuant to a Sub-Transfer Agency Support Services Agreement. For its services under the agreement, Eaton Vance receives an aggregate fee from such funds equal to its actual expenses incurred in performing such services.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 20 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Organization. Each Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust, a Massachusetts business trust.  Each Fund offers multiple classes of shares. Each Class represents a pro rata interest in a Fund but is subject to different expenses and rights. The Funds do not hold annual shareholder meetings but may hold special meetings for matters that require shareholder approval (such as electing or removing Trustees, approving management or advisory contracts or changing investment policies that may only be changed with shareholder approval).

Because the Funds use this combined Prospectus, a Fund could be held liable for a misstatement or omission made about another Fund.

Valuing Shares

Each Fund values its shares once each day only when the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open for trading (typically Monday through Friday), as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). If trading on the Exchange is halted for the day before the scheduled close of regular trading, each Fund’s net asset value per share generally will still be calculated as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the Exchange. The purchase price of Fund shares is their net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge), which is derived from the value of Fund holdings. When purchasing or redeeming Fund shares through a financial intermediary, your financial intermediary must receive your order by the close of regular trading on the Exchange in order for the purchase price or the redemption price to be based on that day’s net asset value per share. It is the financial intermediary’s responsibility to transmit orders promptly. Each Fund may accept purchase and redemption orders as of the time of their receipt by certain financial intermediaries (or their designated intermediaries).

The Board has adopted procedures for valuing investments (the “Procedures”) and has delegated to the investment adviser(s) the daily valuation of such investments. Pursuant to the Procedures, securities and other investments held by a Fund are generally valued at market value. Exchange-listed investments (including certain derivatives) are normally valued at last sale or closing prices. Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices at valuation time as reported by the Options Price Reporting Authority for U.S. listed options, or by the relevant exchange or board of trade for non-U.S. listed options. Non-exchange traded derivatives are normally valued on the basis of quotes obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services. Most loans and other debt obligations are valued using prices supplied by one or more pricing services.

An instrument’s “fair value” is the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for the instrument upon its current sale in the ordinary course of business. Under certain limited circumstances, a Fund may use fair value pricing if, for example, market prices or a pricing service's prices (as applicable) are unavailable or deemed unreliable, or if events occur after the close of a securities market (usually a foreign market) and before portfolio assets are valued that cause or are likely to cause a market quotation to be unavailable or unreliable, such as corporate actions, regulatory news, or natural disasters or governmental actions that may affect investments in a particular sector, country or region. In addition, for foreign equity securities and total return swaps and futures contracts on foreign indices that meet certain criteria, the Board has approved the use of a fair value service that values such investments to reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or other investments that have a strong correlation to the fair valued investments. An investment that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than (i) actual market quotations, (ii) the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures, or (iii) the price at which the investment could have been sold during the period in which fair valuation was used with respect to such investment to calculate a Fund’s NAV. Because foreign investments held by a Fund, if any, may trade on days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of such investments, and thus the net asset value of a Fund’s shares, can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. Eaton Vance has established a Valuation Committee that oversees the valuation of investments.

Purchasing Shares

Set forth below is information about the manner in which each Fund offers shares. A financial intermediary may offer Fund shares subject to variations in or elimination of the Fund sales charges (“variations”), provided such variations are described in this Prospectus. All variations described in Appendix A are applied by, and the responsibility of, the identified financial intermediary. Sales charge variations may apply to purchases, sales, exchanges and reinvestments of Fund shares and a shareholder transacting in Fund shares through an intermediary identified on Appendix A should read the terms and conditions of Appendix A carefully. See also “Shareholder Account Features – ‘Street Name’ Accounts.” For the variations applicable to shares offered through certain financial intermediaries, please see Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations. A variation that is specific to a particular financial intermediary is not applicable to shares held directly with a Fund or through another intermediary.

You may purchase shares through your financial intermediary or by mailing an account application form to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). Purchase orders will be executed at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge) next determined after their receipt in proper form (meaning that the order is complete and contains all necessary information) by a Fund’s transfer agent. A Fund’s transfer agent or your financial intermediary must receive your purchase in proper form no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for your purchase to be effected at that day’s net asset value. If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, that intermediary may charge you a fee for executing the purchase for you.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 21 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Each Fund may suspend the sale of its shares at any time and any purchase order may be refused for any reason. The U.S. registered funds sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization (the “Eaton Vance funds”) generally do not accept investments from residents of the European Union or Switzerland.  The funds also do not accept investments from other non-U.S. residents, provided that a fund may accept investments from certain non-U.S. investors at the discretion of the principal underwriter. The Funds do not issue share certificates.

As used throughout this Prospectus, the term “employer sponsored retirement plan” includes the following: an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Code (such as a 401(k) plan, money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plan); ERISA covered 403(b) plan; Taft-Hartley multi-employer plan; and non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a qualified retirement plan (including 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements). Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) are not employer sponsored retirement plans for purposes of this definition.

Class A and Class C Shares

Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. After your initial investment, additional investments may be made in any amount at any time by sending a check payable to the order of the Fund or the transfer agent directly to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). Please include your name and account number and the name of the Fund and Class of shares with each investment. Each Fund no longer accepts direct purchases of Class C shares by accounts for which no broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is specified. Any direct purchase received by a Fund's transfer agent for Class C shares for such accounts will automatically be invested in Class A shares.

The minimum initial investment amount and Fund policy of redeeming accounts with low account balances are waived for bank automated investing accounts, certain group purchase plans (including employer sponsored retirement plans and proprietary fee-based programs sponsored by financial intermediaries) and for persons affiliated with Eaton Vance, its affiliates and certain Fund service providers (as described in the SAI).

Class I Shares

Your initial investment must be at least $250,000, except as noted below. Class I shares are offered to clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations and employer sponsored retirement plans. Class I shares may also be available through brokerage platforms of broker-dealer firms that have agreements with a Fund’s principal underwriter to offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor acquiring Class I shares through such platforms may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Each Fund offers other share classes that have different fees and expenses.  Class I shares also are offered to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates and certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance.

The Class I minimum initial investment is waived for persons affiliated with Eaton Vance, its affiliates and certain Fund service providers (as described in the SAI). The minimum initial investment also is waived for: (i) permitted exchanges; (ii) employer sponsored retirement plans; (iii) corporations, endowments and foundations with assets of at least $100 million; (iv) Class I shares purchased through the brokerage platforms described above; and (v) accounts of clients of financial intermediaries who (a) charge an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (b) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform (in each case, as described above).

Class I shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary or by requesting your bank to transmit immediately available funds (Federal Funds) by wire. To make an initial investment by wire, you must complete an account application and telephone Eaton Vance Shareholder Services at 1-800-262-1122 to be assigned an account number. You may request an account application by calling 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Shareholder Services must be advised by telephone of each additional investment by wire.

Subsequent Investments. Subsequent investments of any amount may be made at any time, including through automatic investment each month or quarter from your bank account. You may make automatic investments of $50 or more each month or each quarter from your bank account provided such investments equal a minimum of $200 per year. You can establish bank automated investing on the account application or by providing written instructions to the Fund’s transfer agent. Please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) for further information.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 22 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

You also may make additional investments by accessing your account via the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com. The trade date of purchases made through the Internet from a pre-designated bank account will be the day the purchase is requested through the Eaton Vance website (provided the request is on a business day and submitted no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange). For more information about purchasing shares through the Internet, please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Inactive Accounts. In accordance with state “unclaimed property” (also known as “escheatment”) laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state if no account activity or contact with the Fund or your financial intermediary occurs within a specified period of time. Please initiate contact a least once per calendar year and maintain a current and valid mailing address on record for your account. For more information, please see https://funds.eatonvance.com/mutual-funds-and-abandoned-property.php or please contact us at 1-800-262-1122.

Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing. The Funds are not intended for excessive trading or market timing. Market timers seek to profit by rapidly switching money into a fund when they expect the share price of the fund to rise and taking money out of the fund when they expect those prices to fall. By realizing profits through short-term trading, shareholders that engage in rapid purchases and sales (including exchanges, if permitted) of a fund’s shares may dilute the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Volatility resulting from excessive purchases and sales of fund shares, especially involving large dollar amounts, may disrupt efficient portfolio management. In particular, excessive purchases and sales of a fund’s shares may cause a fund to have difficulty implementing its investment strategies, may force the fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to raise cash or may cause increased expenses (such as increased brokerage costs, realization of taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage or increased administrative costs).

A fund that invests all or a portion of its assets in foreign securities may be susceptible to a time zone arbitrage strategy in which shareholders attempt to take advantage of fund share prices that may not reflect developments in a foreign securities market that occur after the close of such market but prior to the pricing of fund shares. In addition, a fund that invests in securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or illiquid, is susceptible to the risk that the current market price for such securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (commonly referred to as “price arbitrage”). The investment adviser is authorized to use the fair value of a security if prices are unavailable or are deemed unreliable (see “Valuing Shares”). The use of fair value pricing and the restrictions on excessive trading and market timing described below are intended to reduce a shareholder’s ability to engage in price or time zone arbitrage to the detriment of the Funds.

The Boards of the Eaton Vance funds have adopted policies to discourage short-term trading and market timing and to seek to minimize their potentially detrimental effects (the “Policy”). Under the Policy, the Board has delegated to Eaton Vance the responsibility to reject or cancel a purchase order, suspend or terminate an exchange privilege or terminate the ability of a shareholder to invest in the Eaton Vance funds if Eaton Vance determines that a proposed transaction involves market timing or excessive trading that it believes is likely to be detrimental to a Fund.

Pursuant to the Policy, two “round-trips” completed by a Fund shareholder within 90 days through one or more accounts (the “Limitation”) generally will be deemed to be indicative of market timing or trading excessively in fund shares.  A “round trip” is defined as a purchase or exchange into a Fund followed or preceded by a redemption or exchange out of the Fund. Purchases and redemptions subject to the Limitation include those made by exchanging to or from another fund. Eaton Vance will evaluate transactions in Fund shares that violate the Limitation to determine whether they are likely to be detrimental to the Fund. In making such a determination, Eaton Vance may consider various factors, such as the amount, frequency and nature of trading activity. If such a determination is made, a Fund shareholder may be subject to restrictions on trading Fund shares, as described above. Eaton Vance uses reasonable efforts to detect market timing and excessive trading activity that is likely to be detrimental to a Fund, but it cannot ensure that it will be able to identify all such cases. Eaton Vance may also reject or cancel any purchase order (including an exchange) from a shareholder or group of shareholders for any other reason. In applying the Policy, and in particular when determining whether a transaction is likely to be detrimental to a Fund, Eaton Vance will be required to make judgments that are inherently subjective and will depend on the specific facts and circumstances. Such determinations will be made in a manner believed to be in the best interest of a Fund’s shareholders. No Eaton Vance fund has any arrangement to permit market timing.

The following fund share transactions generally are exempt from the Policy because they generally do not raise market timing or excessive trading concerns:

· transactions (i) made pursuant to a Fund’s systematic purchase, exchange or redemption plan, (ii) made as the result of automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions, or (iii) initiated by a Fund (e.g., for transactions due to a failure to meet applicable account minimums);
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 23 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 
· transactions made by participants in employer sponsored retirement plans involving (i) participant payroll or employer contributions or loan repayments, (ii) redemptions as part of plan terminations or at the direction of the plan, mandatory retirement distributions, or (iii) rollovers; or
· investments in a fund by ReFlow in connection with the ReFlow liquidity program (if applicable to a Fund, the ReFlow liquidity program is described under “Investment Objectives & Principal Policies and Risks” above).

The following Fund share transactions generally are exempt from the Limitation; however, these transactions are subject to monitoring by Eaton Vance and may be subject to restrictions if deemed likely to be detrimental to a Fund:

· transactions made by model-based discretionary advisory accounts; or
· transactions made by funds that invest in a Fund as part of an asset reallocation in accordance with their investment policies or in response to Fund inflows and outflows.

It may be difficult for Eaton Vance to identify market timing or excessive trading in omnibus accounts traded through financial intermediaries. Eaton Vance has provided guidance to financial intermediaries (such as banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and retirement administrators) concerning the application of the Policy to Fund shares held in omnibus accounts maintained and administered by such intermediaries, including guidance concerning situations where market timing or excessive trading is considered to be detrimental to a Fund. Eaton Vance may rely on a financial intermediary’s policy to restrict market timing and excessive trading if it believes that policy is likely to prevent market timing that is likely to be detrimental to the Fund. Such policy may be more or less restrictive than the Policy. Although Eaton Vance reviews trading activity at the omnibus account level for activity that indicates potential market timing or excessive trading activity, Eaton Vance typically will not request or receive individual account data unless suspicious trading activity is identified. Eaton Vance generally relies on financial intermediaries to monitor trading activity in omnibus accounts in good faith in accordance with their own policies or the Policy. Eaton Vance cannot ensure that these financial intermediaries will in all cases apply the Policy or their own policies, as the case may be, to accounts under their control.

Choosing a Share Class. Each Fund offers different classes of shares. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses and privileges, and will likely have different share prices due to differences in class expenses. A share class also may be subject to a sales charge. In choosing the class of shares that suits your investment needs, you should consider:

· how long you expect to own your shares;
· how much you intend to invest; and
· the total operating expenses associated with owning each class.

Each investor’s considerations are different. You should speak with your financial intermediary to help you decide which class of shares to purchase. Set forth below is a brief description of each class of shares offered by the Funds.

Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75%. This charge is deducted from the amount you invest. The Class A sales charge is reduced for purchases of $50,000 or more. The sales charge applicable to your purchase may be reduced under the right of accumulation or a statement of intention, which are described in “Reducing or Eliminating Class A Sales Charges” under “Sales Charges” below. Some investors may be eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value under certain circumstances, which are also described below. Class A shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 0.25% annually of average daily net assets.

Class C shares are offered through financial intermediaries at net asset value with no front-end sales charge. If you sell your Class C shares within 12 months of purchase, you generally will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge or “CDSC.” The CDSC is deducted from your redemption proceeds. Under certain circumstances, the CDSC for Class C may be waived (such as certain redemptions from employer sponsored retirement plans). See “CDSC Waivers” under “Sales Charges” below. Class C shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 1.00% annually of average daily net assets. Orders for Class C shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds will be refused when the total value of the purchase (including the aggregate market value of all Eaton Vance fund shares held within the purchasing shareholder’s account(s)) is $1 million or more. Investors considering cumulative purchases of $1 million or more should consider whether another Class of shares would be more appropriate and consult their financial intermediary. Each Fund no longer accepts direct purchases of Class C shares by accounts for which no broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is specified. Any direct purchase received by a Fund’s transfer agent for Class C shares for such accounts will automatically be invested in Class A shares. In addition, Class C shares held in an account for which no financial intermediary is specified and which are not subject to a CDSC will periodically be converted to Class A shares.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 24 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Class I shares are offered to clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations and employer sponsored retirement plans. Class I shares may also be available through brokerage platforms of broker-dealer firms that have agreements with the Fund’s principal underwriter to offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor acquiring Class I shares through such platforms may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Class I shares are also offered to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates, and certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance (including employees, officers and directors of Eaton Vance’s affiliates). Class I shares do not pay distribution or service fees.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries. In addition to payments disclosed under “Sales Charges” below, the principal underwriter, out of its own resources, may make cash payments to certain financial intermediaries who provide marketing support, transaction processing and/or administrative services and, in some cases, include some or all Eaton Vance funds in preferred or specialized selling programs. Payments made by the principal underwriter to a financial intermediary may be significant and are typically in the form of fees based on Fund sales, assets, transactions processed and/or accounts attributable to that financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries also may receive amounts from the principal underwriter in connection with educational or due diligence meetings that include information concerning Eaton Vance funds. The principal underwriter may pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to financial intermediaries to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

Certain financial intermediaries that maintain fund accounts for the benefit of their customers provide sub-accounting, recordkeeping and/or administrative services to the Eaton Vance funds and are compensated for such services by the funds. As used in this Prospectus, the term “financial intermediary” includes any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust departments), registered investment adviser, financial planner, a retirement plan and/or its administrator, their designated intermediaries and any other firm having a selling, administration or similar agreement with the principal underwriter or its affiliates.

Sales Charges

Class A Front-End Sales Charge. Class A shares are offered at net asset value per share plus a sales charge that is determined by the amount of your investment. The current sales charge schedule is:

Amount of Purchase Sales Charge*
as a Percentage of
Offering Price
Sales Charge*
as a Percentage of Net
Amount Invested
Dealer Commission
as a Percentage of
Offering Price
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.50%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 but less than $3,000,000 0.00** 0.00** TIERED**
$3,000,000 or more 0.00** 0.00** TIERED**
* Because the offering price per share is rounded to two decimal places, the actual sales charge you pay on a purchase of Class A shares may be more or less than your total purchase amount multiplied by the applicable sales charge percentage.
** No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1 million or more. The principal underwriter will pay a commission to financial intermediaries on sales of $1 million or more as follows: 1.00% on amounts of $1 million or more but less than $3 million; plus 0.75% on amounts of $3 million or more. A CDSC of 1.00% will be imposed on such investments (as described below) in the event of redemptions within 18 months of purchase.

Reducing or Eliminating Class A Sales Charges. Front-end sales charges on purchases of Class A shares may be reduced under the right of accumulation or under a statement of intention. To receive a reduced sales charge, you must inform your financial intermediary or a Fund at the time you purchase shares that you qualify for such a reduction. If you do not let your financial intermediary or the Fund know you are eligible for a reduced sales charge at the time of purchase, you will not receive the discount to which you may otherwise be entitled.

Right of Accumulation. Under the right of accumulation, the sales charge you pay is reduced if the current market value of your holdings in a Fund or any other Eaton Vance fund (based on the current maximum public offering price) plus your new purchase total $50,000 or more. Shares owned by you, your spouse and children under age twenty-one may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation, including shares held for the benefit of any of you in omnibus or “street name” accounts. In addition, shares held in a trust or fiduciary account of which any of the

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 25 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

foregoing persons is the sole beneficiary (including employer sponsored retirement plans and IRAs) may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation. Shares purchased and/or owned in a SEP, SARSEP and SIMPLE IRA plan may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation for the plan and its participants. You may be required to provide documentation to establish your ownership of shares included under the right of accumulation (such as account statements for you, your spouse and children or marriage certificates, birth certificates and/or trust or other fiduciary-related documents).

Statement of Intention. Under a statement of intention, purchases of $50,000 or more made over a 13-month period are eligible for reduced sales charges. Shares eligible under the right of accumulation (other than those included in employer sponsored retirement plans) may be included to satisfy the amount to be purchased under a statement of intention. Under a statement of intention, the principal underwriter may hold 5% of the dollar amount to be purchased in escrow in the form of shares registered in your name until you satisfy the statement or the 13-month period expires. A statement of intention does not obligate you to purchase (or a Fund to sell) the full amount indicated in the statement. If during the 13-month period you redeem any of the shares that you purchased pursuant to the statement of intention, the value of the redeemed shares will not be included for purposes of satisfying your statement of intention. For additional information about statements of intention, see “Sales Charges” in the SAI.

Class A shares are offered at net asset value (without a sales charge) to accounts of clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform, or self-directed brokerage accounts that may or may not charge transaction fees to customers; or (iii) employer sponsored retirement plans. Class A shares also are offered at net asset value to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates; certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance; direct purchases of shares by accounts where no financial intermediary is specified; and to certain fund service providers as described in the SAI. Class A shares are also offered at net asset value to shareholders who make a permitted direct transfer or roll-over to an Eaton Vance prototype IRA from an employer-sponsored retirement plan previously invested in Eaton Vance funds (applicable only to the portion previously invested in Eaton Vance funds), provided that sufficient documentation is provided to the transfer agent of such transfer or roll-over at the time of the account opening. Class A shares may also be purchased at net asset value pursuant to the exchange privilege and when distributions are reinvested. A financial intermediary may not, in accordance with its policies and procedures, offer one or more of the waiver categories described above and shareholders should consult their financial intermediary for more information. The Fund may eliminate, modify or add to the terms of these sales charge waivers at any time without providing notice to shareholders.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  Class A and Class C shares are subject to a CDSC on certain redemptions. The CDSC generally is paid to the principal underwriter. Class A shares purchased at net asset value in amounts of $1 million or more are subject to a 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within 18 months of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. CDSCs are based on the lower of the net asset value at the time of purchase or at the time of redemption. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of distributions are exempt from the CDSC. Redemptions are made first from shares that are not subject to a CDSC.

The sales commission payable to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of Class C shares is described under “Distribution and Service Fees” below.

CDSC Waivers. CDSCs are waived for certain redemptions pursuant to a Withdrawal Plan (see “Shareholder Account Features”) and in connection with certain redemptions from employer sponsored retirement plans or IRAs to satisfy required minimum distributions or to return excess contributions made to IRAs, if applicable. The CDSC is also waived following the death of a beneficial owner of shares (a death certificate and other applicable documents may be required). In addition, redemptions of Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans are not subject to a CDSC if the principal underwriter did not compensate such plans’ financial intermediary at the time of sale as described under “Distribution and Service Fees.”

Conversion Feature.  Effective January 25, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares of a Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund during the month following the ten year anniversary of the purchase of such Class C shares. If a financial intermediary that maintains a Class C shareholder’s account has not tracked the holding period for Class C shares, Class C shares held as of the Effective Date will automatically convert to Class A shares 10 years after the Effective Date. In addition, Class C shares held in an account with each Fund’s transfer agent for which no financial intermediary is specified and that are not subject to a CDSC will be converted to Class A shares of the Fund periodically.

In some circumstances, the Board may determine to cease to offer and subsequently close an existing class of Fund shares. In such circumstances, the Fund may automatically convert the shares for such class into another share class, subject to prior notice to shareholders of the impacted class. Any such conversion will occur at the respective net asset value of each class as of the conversion date without the imposition of any fee or other charges by the Fund.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 26 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Distribution and Service Fees. Class A and Class C shares have in effect plans under Rule 12b-1 that allow each Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of shares and service fees for personal and/or shareholder account services (so-called “12b-1 fees”). Class C shares pay distribution fees to the principal underwriter of 0.75% of average daily net assets annually. Because these fees are paid from Fund assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase your cost over time and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The principal underwriter generally compensates financial intermediaries on sales of Class C shares (except exchange transactions and reinvestments) in an amount equal to 1% of the purchase price of the shares. After the first year, such financial intermediaries also receive 0.75% of the value of outstanding Class C shares sold by such financial intermediaries in annual distribution fees. With respect to purchases of Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans, the principal underwriter does not compensate the financial intermediary at the time of sale. In such cases, the financial intermediary receives 0.75% of the value of outstanding Class C shares sold by such financial intermediary in annual distribution fees immediately after the sale. Class C shares also pay service fees to the principal underwriter equal to 0.25% of average daily net assets annually. Class A shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 0.25% of average daily net assets annually. After the sale of shares, the principal underwriter generally receives the Class A distribution and service fees and the Class C service fees for one year. Thereafter financial intermediaries generally receive from the principal underwriter 0.25% annually of average daily net assets based on the value of outstanding shares sold by such financial intermediaries for shareholder servicing performed by such intermediaries. With respect to purchases of Class A and Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans, the financial intermediary receives the above described distribution and service fees or service fees, as applicable, from the principal underwriter immediately after the sale. Distribution and service fees are subject to the limitations contained in the sales charge rule of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

More information about Fund sales charges is available free of charge on the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com and in the SAI. Please consult the Eaton Vance website for any updates to Fund sales charge information before making a purchase of Fund shares. Please consult your financial intermediary with respect to any sales charge variations listed on Appendix A.

Redeeming Shares

You can redeem shares in any of the following ways:

By Mail Send your request to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). The request must be signed exactly as your account is registered (for instance, a joint account must be signed by all registered owners to be accepted) and a Medallion signature guarantee may be required.  Circumstances that may require a Medallion signature guarantee include, but are not limited to, requests to distribute redemption proceeds to a party other than the registered account owner(s); requests to mail redemption proceeds to an address other than the address of record; requests to distribute proceeds to a bank account not on file; requests to re-issue uncashed checks representing redemption proceeds; or transaction requests from an account beneficiary when an account owner is deceased.  You can obtain a Medallion signature guarantee at banks, savings and loan institutions, credit unions, securities dealers, securities exchanges, clearing agencies and registered securities associations that participate in The Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, Inc. (STAMP, Inc.).  Only Medallion signature guarantees issued in accordance with STAMP, Inc. will be accepted.  You may be asked to provide additional documents if your shares are registered in the name of a corporation, partnership or fiduciary.
By Telephone Certain shareholders can redeem by calling 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). Proceeds of a telephone redemption are generally limited to $100,000 per account (which may include shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds) and can be sent only to the account address or to a bank pursuant to prior instructions.
By Internet Certain shareholders can redeem by logging on to the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com. Proceeds of internet redemptions are generally limited to $100,000 per account (which may include shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds) and can be sent only to the account address or to a bank pursuant to prior instructions.  
For Additional Information Please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Through a Financial Intermediary Your financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting the order promptly.  A financial intermediary may charge a fee for this service.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 27 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

A redemption may be requested by sending a Medallion signature guaranteed letter of instruction to the transfer agent (see back cover for address) or, for telephone redemptions as described above, by calling 1-800-262-1122. Certain redemption requests, including those involving shares held by certain corporations, trusts or certain other entities and shares that are subject to certain fiduciary arrangements, may require additional documentation and may be redeemed only by mail. The Funds' transfer agent or your financial intermediary must receive your redemption in proper form (meaning that it is complete and contains all necessary information) no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) for your redemption to be effected at that day’s net asset value. Redemption proceeds are reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC and any federal income and state tax required to be withheld.

Redemption proceeds typically are paid to the redeeming shareholder in cash up to two business days after the redemption, but payment could take up to seven days, as permitted by the 1940 Act for the reasons discussed below. The actual number of days following receipt of a redemption request in which the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds generally will depend on how you hold your shares with the Fund.

If your shares are held in a “street name” account with a financial intermediary (see “Shareholder Account Features – ‘Street Name’ Accounts”), your intermediary will elect through National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) to settle redemptions either one business day or two business days after the redemption date and redemption proceeds normally will be wired to your financial intermediary on the settlement date pursuant to that election.

If your shares are held directly with the Funds' transfer agent, redemptions normally will be settled in one business day after the redemption date and redemption proceeds will be sent by regular mail on such date. However, if you have given proper written authorization in advance, you may request that redemption proceeds be wired on the settlement date directly to your bank account in any bank in the United States. While not currently charged by a Fund, you may be required to pay a wire transfer fee by your bank. If you request expedited mail delivery of your redemption proceeds and the Fund is able to accommodate your request, charges may apply. You may redeem all or a portion of the shares from your account on any day the Fund is open for business, provided the amount requested is not on hold or held in escrow pursuant to a statement of intention. When you purchase by check or with ACH funds transfer, the purchase will be on hold for up to 10 days from the date of receipt. During the hold period, redemption proceeds will not be sent until the transfer agent is reasonably satisfied that the purchase payment has been collected.

Each Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by (i) distributing any cash holdings, (ii) selling portfolio investments and/or (iii) borrowing from a bank under a line of credit. In addition to the foregoing, the Fund also may distribute securities as payment (a so-called “redemption in-kind”), in which case the redeeming shareholder may pay fees and commissions to convert the securities to cash. Unless requested by a shareholder, each Fund generally expects to limit use of redemption in-kind to stressed market conditions, but is permitted to do so in other circumstances. A shareholder who wishes to receive redemption proceeds in-kind must notify a Fund on or before submitting the redemption request by calling 1-800-262-1122. Securities distributed in a redemption in-kind would be valued pursuant to each Fund’s valuation procedures and selected by the investment adviser. If a shareholder receives securities in a redemption in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash and the value of such securities would be subject to price fluctuations until sold. There can be no assurance that each Fund will manage liquidity successfully in all market environments. As a result, a Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds in a timely fashion because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other factors. Additional information about redemptions in-kind, including the procedures for submitting such redemption requests, is contained in each Fund’s SAI.

If your account value falls below $750, you may be asked either to add to your account or redeem it within 60 days. If you take no action, your account will be redeemed at net asset value and the proceeds sent to you.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 28 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Shareholder Account Features

Distributions. You may have your Fund distributions paid in one of the following ways:

• Full Reinvest Option Distributions are reinvested in additional shares.  This option will be assigned if you do not specify an option.
• Partial Reinvest Option Dividends are paid in cash* and capital gains are reinvested in additional shares.
• Cash Option Distributions are paid in cash.*
• Exchange Option Distributions are reinvested in additional shares of any class of another Eaton Vance fund chosen by you, subject to the terms of that fund’s prospectus.  Before selecting this option, you must obtain a prospectus of the other fund and consider its objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully.
* If any distribution check remains uncashed for six months, Eaton Vance reserves the right to invest the amount represented by the check in Fund shares at the then-current net asset value of the Fund and all future distributions will be reinvested.

Information about the Funds. From time to time, you may receive the following:

· Semiannual and annual reports containing a list of portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, performance information and financial statements.
· Periodic account statements, showing recent activity and total share balance.
· Tax information needed to prepare your income tax returns.
· Proxy materials, in the event a shareholder vote is required.
· Special notices about significant events affecting your Fund.

Most fund information (including semiannual and annual reports, prospectuses and proxy statements) as well as your periodic account statements can be delivered electronically. For more information please go to www.eatonvance.com/edelivery.

The Eaton Vance funds have established policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings and other information concerning Fund characteristics. A description of these policies and procedures is provided below and additionally in the SAI. Such policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings are designed to prevent the misuse of material, non-public information about the funds.

Each Fund will file information regarding its portfolio holdings with the SEC on its Form N-PORT. Each Fund’s annual and semiannual reports (as filed on Form N-CSR) and certain information filed on Form N-PORT may be viewed on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). The most recent fiscal quarter-end holdings may also be viewed on the Eaton Vance website (www.eatonvance.com). Portfolio holdings information that is filed with the SEC is posted on the Eaton Vance website approximately 60 days after the end of the quarter to which it relates. Portfolio holdings information as of each month end is posted to the website approximately one month after such month end. Each Fund also posts information about certain portfolio characteristics (such as top ten holdings and asset allocation) at least quarterly on the Eaton Vance website approximately ten business days after the period and each Fund may also post performance attribution as of a month end or more frequently if deemed appropriate.

Withdrawal Plan. You may redeem shares on a regular periodic basis by establishing a systematic withdrawal plan. Withdrawals will not be subject to any applicable CDSC if they are, in the aggregate, less than or equal to 12% annually of the greater of either the initial account balance or the current account balance. Because purchases of Class A shares are generally subject to an initial sales charge, Class A shareholders should not make withdrawals from their accounts while also making purchases.

Exchange Privilege. Each class of Fund shares may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of another Eaton Vance fund. For purposes of exchanges among Eaton Vance funds, Class A and Class I shares are deemed to be the same as Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively, of other Eaton Vance funds. Exchanges are made at net asset value. If your shares are subject to a CDSC, the CDSC will continue to apply to your new shares at the same CDSC rate. For purposes of the CDSC, your shares will continue to age from the date of your original purchase of Fund shares. Except as described below, any class of shares of a fund may be exchanged for any other class of shares of that fund, provided that the shares being exchanged are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conditions for investing in the other class of shares described in the applicable prospectus are satisfied. Class C shares are not permitted to be exchanged to Class A shares unless the CDSC has expired and the exchange is made to facilitate the shareholder’s participation in a fee-based advisory program. See also Appendix A to this Prospectus.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 29 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Before exchanging, you should read the prospectus of the new fund carefully. Exchanges are subject to the terms applicable to purchases of the new fund’s shares as set forth in its prospectus. If you wish to exchange shares, write to the transfer agent (see back cover for address), log on to your account at www.eatonvance.com or call 1-800-262-1122. Periodic automatic exchanges are also available. The exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time. You will receive at least 60 days’ notice of any material change to the privilege. This privilege may not be used for “market timing” and may be terminated for market timing accounts or for any other reason. For additional information, see “Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing” under “Purchasing Shares.” Ordinarily exchanges between different funds are taxable transactions for federal tax purposes, while permitted exchanges of one class for shares of another class of the same fund are not. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the applicability of federal, state, local and other taxes to transactions in Fund shares.

Reinvestment Privilege. If you redeem shares, you may reinvest at net asset value all or any portion of the redemption proceeds in the same account and in the same class of shares of the Fund you redeemed from or another Fund, provided that the reinvestment occurs within 90 days of the redemption, the privilege has not been used more than once in the prior 12 months, the redeemed shares were subject to a front-end sales charge or CDSC and that you are otherwise eligible to invest in that class. Under these circumstances your account will be credited with any CDSC paid in connection with the redemption. Any CDSC period applicable to the shares you acquire upon reinvestment will run from the date of your original share purchase. For requests for reinvestment sent to the Fund's transfer agent, the request must be in writing. At the time of a reinvestment, you or your financial intermediary must notify the Fund or the transfer agent that you are reinvesting redemption proceeds in accordance with this privilege. If you reinvest, your purchase will be at the next determined net asset value following receipt of your request.

Telephone and Electronic Transactions. You can redeem or exchange shares by telephone as described in this Prospectus. In addition, certain transactions may be conducted through the Eaton Vance website. The transfer agent and the principal underwriter have procedures in place to authenticate telephone and electronic instructions (such as using security codes or verifying personal account information). As long as the transfer agent and principal underwriter follow reasonable procedures, they will not be responsible for unauthorized telephone or electronic transactions and you bear the risk of possible loss resulting from these transactions. You may decline the telephone redemption option on the account application. Telephone instructions are recorded. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately upon receipt and notify Eaton Vance Shareholder Services of any inaccuracies.

“Street Name” Accounts. If your shares are held in a “street name” account at a financial intermediary, that intermediary (and not the Fund or its transfer agent) will perform all recordkeeping, transaction processing and distribution payments. Because the Fund does not maintain an account for you, you should contact your financial intermediary to make transactions in shares, make changes in your account, or obtain account information. You will not be able to utilize a number of shareholder features, such as telephone or internet transactions, directly with a Fund and certain features may be subject to different requirements. If you transfer shares in a “street name” account to an account with another financial intermediary or to an account directly with a Fund, you should obtain historical information about your shares prior to the transfer. If you fail to provide your full account history to your new financial intermediary following a transfer, you may be ineligible for certain features of a Fund.

Procedures for Opening New Accounts. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each new customer who opens an account with a Fund and to determine whether such person’s name appears on government lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations. When you open an account, the transfer agent or your financial intermediary will ask you for your name, address, date of birth (for individuals), residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing) and social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other government-issued identifying number. You also may be asked to produce a copy of your driver’s license, passport or other identifying documents in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross-referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic databases. Other information or documents may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities. Federal law prohibits a Fund and other financial institutions from opening a new account unless they receive the minimum identifying information described above. If a person fails to provide the information requested, any application by that person to open a new account will be rejected. Moreover, if the transfer agent or the financial intermediary is unable to verify the identity of a person based on information provided by that person, it may take additional steps including, but not limited to, requesting additional information or documents from the person, closing the person’s account or reporting the matter to the appropriate federal authorities. If your account is closed for this reason, your shares may be automatically redeemed at the net asset value next determined. If a Fund’s net asset value has decreased since your purchase, you will lose money as a result of this redemption. Each Fund has also designated an anti-money laundering compliance officer.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 30 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Account Questions. If you have any questions about your account or the services available, please call Eaton Vance Shareholder Services at 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), or write to the transfer agent (see back cover for address).

Additional Tax Information

Each Fund intends to declare and pay distributions annually. It may also be necessary, in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment and to avoid any Fund-level tax, for a Fund to make a special income and/or capital gains distribution at the end of the calendar year. Distributions may not be paid if Fund (and Class) expenses exceed Fund income for the period. Different Classes of a Fund will generally distribute different amounts. Each Fund makes distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, annually.

Distributions of a Fund’s investment income (other than qualified dividend income, which is described below) and net realized short-term capital gains generally will be taxed as ordinary income. Distributions of any net long-term capital gains (net gains from investments held for more than one year) generally will be taxed as long-term capital gains. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned (or is treated as having owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares in a Fund. Distributions of investment income properly reported by a Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” (as further described in the Statement of Additional Information) will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gain provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. Over time, distributions by each Fund can generally be expected to include ordinary income, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions taxable as long-term capital gains. A portion of a Fund’s income distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. Each Fund’s distributions will be taxable as described above whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.

Investors who purchase shares at a time when a Fund’s net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized or realized but not distributed will pay the full price for the shares and then may receive some portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution. A redemption of Fund shares, including an exchange for shares of another fund, is generally a taxable transaction.

The net investment income of certain U.S. individuals, estates and trusts is subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax. For individuals, the tax is on the lesser of the “net investment income” and the excess of modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly). Net investment income includes, among other things, interest, dividends, and gross income and capital gains derived from passive activities and trading in securities or commodities. Net investment income is reduced by deductions “properly allocable” to this income.

Investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes or other foreign taxes with respect to income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains), which may decrease a Fund’s yield on such securities. These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of an applicable tax treaty. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by either Fund. In addition, investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.

A Fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Certain foreign entities may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on ordinary dividend income paid under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”). To avoid withholding, foreign financial institutions subject to FATCA must agree to disclose to the relevant revenue authorities certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners and other foreign entities must certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners to the Fund. In addition, the IRS and the Department of Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not be applicable to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or capital gain dividends the Fund pays. For more detailed information regarding FATCA withholding and compliance, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors concerning the applicability of federal, state, local and other taxes to an investment.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 31 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights are intended to help you understand a Fund’s financial performance for the period(s) indicated. Certain information in the tables reflects the financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value). This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The report of Deloitte & Touche LLP and each Fund’s financial statements are incorporated herein by reference and included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.

  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund
  Year Ended February 29, Year Ended February 28,
  2020 2019
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of year $21.510 $20.200 $21.840 $21.640 $20.580 $21.890
Income (Loss) From Operations            
Net investment income (loss)(1) $(0.050) $(0.204) $0.005 $(0.035) $(0.187) $0.019
Net realized and unrealized gain 1.427 1.341 1.462 1.829 1.731 1.855
Total income from operations $1.377 $1.137 $1.467 $1.794 $1.544 $1.874
Less Distributions            
From net realized gain $(1.187) $(1.187) $(1.187) $(1.924) $(1.924) $(1.924)
Total distributions $(1.187) $(1.187) $(1.187) $(1.924) $(1.924) $(1.924)
Net asset value - End of year $21.700 $20.150 $22.120 $21.510 $20.200 $21.840
Total Return(2) 6.35% 5.56% 6.67% 8.83% 8.04% 9.09%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) $35,678 $15,532 $200,167 $42,653 $18,552 $207,312
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):            
Expenses 1.03% 1.78% 0.78% 1.05% 1.80% 0.80%
Net investment income (loss) (0.23)% (0.98)% 0.02% (0.16)% (0.91)% 0.09%
Portfolio Turnover 73% 73% 73% 79% 79% 79%

(See related footnotes.)

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 32 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Financial Highlights (continued)

  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund
  Year Ended February 28, Year Ended February 29,
  2018 2017 2016
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of year $17.600 $16.860 $17.810 $14.240 $13.750 $14.370 $15.950 $15.520 $16.060
Income (Loss) From Operations                  
Net investment income (loss)(1) $(0.041) $(0.173) $0.010 $0.027 $(0.090) $0.067 $(0.026) $(0.134) $0.011
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 4.088 3.893 4.129 3.333 3.200 3.373 (1.485) (1.437) (1.502)
Total income (loss) from operations $4.047 $3.720 $4.139 $3.360 $3.110 $3.440 $(1.511) $(1.571) $(1.491)
Less Distributions                  
From net investment income $(0.007) $— $(0.059) $— $— $— $— $— $—
From net realized gain (0.199) (0.199) (0.199)
Total distributions $(0.007) $— $(0.059) $— $— $— $(0.199) $(0.199) $(0.199)
Net asset value - End of year $21.640 $20.580 $21.890 $17.600 $16.860 $17.810 $14.240 $13.750 $14.370
Total Return(2)(3) 23.00%(3) 22.06%(3) 23.28%(3) 23.60% 22.62% 23.94% (9.61)% (10.27)% (9.42)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                  
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) $32,847 $17,813 $169,029 $38,469 $14,909 $144,793 $32,921 $11,207 $131,297
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):                  
Expenses(3) 1.05%(3) 1.80%(3) 0.80%(3) 1.05% 1.80% 0.80% 1.05% 1.80% 0.80%
Net investment income (loss) (0.21)% (0.94)% 0.05% 0.17% (0.58)% 0.41% (0.17)% (0.91)% 0.07%
Portfolio Turnover 80% 80% 80% 71% 71% 71% 87% 87% 87%

(See related footnotes.)

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 33 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Financial Highlights (continued)

  Focused Value Opportunities Fund
  Year Ended February 29, Year Ended February 28,
  2020 2019
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of year $15.140 $14.870 $15.180 $16.620 $16.370 $16.650
Income (Loss) From Operations            
Net investment income(1) $0.225 $0.095 $0.265 $0.197 $0.077 $0.238
Net realized and unrealized gain 0.493(6) 0.493(6) 0.501(6) 0.688 0.673 0.685
Total income (loss) from operations $0.718 $0.588 $0.766 $0.885 $0.750 $0.923
Less Distributions            
From net investment income $(0.141) $(0.041) $(0.169) $(0.180) $(0.065) $(0.208)
From net realized gain (0.497) (0.497) (0.497) (2.185) (2.185) (2.185)
Total distributions $(0.638) $(0.538) $(0.666) $(2.365) $(2.250) $(2.393)
Net asset value - End of year $15.220 $14.920 $15.280 $15.140 $14.870 $15.180
Total Return(2)(4) 4.44% 3.70% 4.74% 5.35% 4.55% 5.59%
Ratios/Supplemental Data            
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) $12,899 $2,690 $157,271 $8,680 $1,799 $91,832
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):            
Expenses(4) 1.05% 1.80% 0.80% 1.05% 1.80% 0.80%
Net investment income 1.36% 0.59% 1.60% 1.24% 0.49% 1.48%
Portfolio Turnover 109% 109% 109% 98% 98% 98%

(See related footnotes.)

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 34 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Financial Highlights (continued)

  Focused Value Opportunities Fund
  Year Ended February 28, Year Ended February 29,
  2018 2017 2016
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of year $14.980 $14.790 $15.010 $12.670 $12.560 $12.700 $14.450 $14.310 $14.460
Income (Loss) From Operations                  
Net investment income(1) $0.185 $0.069 $0.226 $0.277(5) $0.166(5) $0.313(5) $0.209 $0.097 $0.247
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 2.005 1.962 2.009 2.207 2.186 2.208 (1.446) (1.414) (1.443)
Total income (loss) from operations $2.190 $2.031 $2.235 $2.484 $2.352 $2.521 $(1.237) $(1.317) $(1.196)
Less Distributions                  
From net investment income $(0.156) $(0.057) $(0.201) $(0.174) $(0.122) $(0.211) $(0.187) $(0.085) $(0.208)
From net realized gain (0.394) (0.394) (0.394) (0.356) (0.348) (0.356)
Total distributions $(0.550) $(0.451) $0.595) $(0.174) $(0.122) $(0.211) $(0.543) $(0.433) $(0.564)
Net asset value - End of year $16.620 $16.370 $16.650 $14.980 $14.790 $15.010 $12.670 $12.560 $12.700
Total Return(2)(4) 14.71% 13.86% 14.99% 19.67% 18.69% 19.93% (8.89)% (9.49)% (8.60)%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                  
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) $3,751 $1,166 $65,615 $4,436 $1,182 $61,770 $4,477 $646 $56,668
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):                  
Expenses(4) 1.05% 1.80% 0.80% 1.05% 1.80% 0.80% 1.05% 1.80% 0.80%
Net investment income 1.18% 0.44% 1.43% 1.99%(5) 1.20%(5) 2.25%(5) 1.54% 0.73% 1.81%
Portfolio Turnover 99% 99% 99% 87% 87% 87% 90% 90% 90%
                     
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2) Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value with all distributions reinvested and do not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(3) The investment adviser and administrator reimbursed certain operating expenses (equal to 0.03%, 0.14% and 0.15% of average daily net assets for the years ended February 28, 2018, 2017 and the year ended February 29, 2016, respectively). Absent this reimbursement, total return would be lower.
(4) The investment adviser and administrator reimbursed certain operating expenses (equal to 0.09%, 0.20%, 0.21%, 0.21% and 0.25% of average daily net assets for the year ended February 29, 2020, the years ended February 28, 2019, 2018, 2017 and the year ended February 29, 2016, respectively). Absent this reimbursement, total return would be lower.
(5) Net Investment income per share includes special dividends which amounted to $0.071, $0.065 and $0.071 for Class A, Class C and Class I, respectively, per share for the year ended February 28, 2017. Excluding special dividends, the ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets would have been 1.48%, 0.73% and 1.74% for Class A, Class C and Class I, respectively, for the year ended February 28, 2017.
(6) The per share amount is not in accord with the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) for the period because of the timing of sales of Fund shares and the amount of the per share realized and unrealized gains and losses at such time.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 35 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Appendix A

Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations

As noted under “Purchasing Shares,” a financial intermediary may offer Fund shares subject to variations in or elimination of the Fund sales charges (“variations”), provided such variations are described in this Prospectus. Set forth below are the variations in sales charges applicable to shares purchased through the noted financial intermediary. All variations described below are applied by, and the responsibility of, the identified financial intermediary. Variations may apply to purchases, sales, exchanges and reinvestments of Fund shares and a shareholder transacting in Fund shares through the intermediary identified below should read the terms and conditions of the variations carefully. A variation that is specific to a particular financial intermediary is not applicable to shares held directly with the Fund or through another intermediary.

Fund Purchases through Merrill Lynch

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch

 

· Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
· Shares purchased by a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents)
· Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
· Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
· Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
· Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
· Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers
· Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
· Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in the this prospectus
· Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement

CDSC Waivers on Class A and Class C Shares available at Merrill Lynch

· Death or disability of the shareholder
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus
· Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code
· Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
· Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to Class A and C shares only)
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 36 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 
· Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers

Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

· Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
· Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the Fund’s prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
· Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 37 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Ameriprise Financial (Class A Sales Charge Waivers)

Effective June 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares:

· Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
· Shares purchased through an Ameriprise Financial investment advisory program (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
· Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Ameriprise Financial’s platform (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
· Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges.
· Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
· Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 38 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

· Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
· Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
· Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
· Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
· Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 39 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and each entity’s affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James

· Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
· Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
· Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
· A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James

· Death or disability of the shareholder.
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
· Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund’s prospectus.
· Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

· Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
· Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
· Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 40 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)

Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
· Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).
· Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
· Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney’s policies and procedures.

CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney

· Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
· Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
· Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
· Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.

Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent

· Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
· Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
· Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

* Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 41 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (“Oppenheimer”)

Effective May 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Oppenheimer platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Oppenheimer

· Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
· Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan.
· Shares purchased through a Oppenheimer affiliated investment advisory program.
· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).
· A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Oppenheimer.
· Employees and registered representatives of Oppenheimer or its affiliates and their family members.
· Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.

CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at Oppenheimer

· Death or disability of the shareholder.
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus.
· Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on IRS regulations as described in the prospectus.
· Shares sold to pay Oppenheimer fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Oppenheimer.
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end load Discounts Available at Oppenheimer: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

· Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
· Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Oppenheimer. Eligible fund family assets not held at Oppenheimer may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 42 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”)

Effective on or after May 1, 2020, clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as “shareholders”) purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as “breakpoints”) and waivers, which can differ from breakpoints and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or SAI or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of fund family or other facts qualifying the purchaser for breakpoints or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation from the shareholder of such circumstance.

Breakpoints

Rights of Accumulation (ROA)

· The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except any money market funds and retirement plan share classes) of the mutual fund family held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations (“pricing groups”). This includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the rights of accumulation calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation.
· ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value (current shares x NAV).

Letter of Intent (LOI)

· Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. If during the 13-month period the shareholder redeems any of the shares purchased pursuant to a LOI, the value of the redeemed shares will not be included for purposes of satisfying the LOI. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying his or her financial advisor of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not covered under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers

Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:

· Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and their family members who are in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing.
· Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.
· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: 1) the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, and 2) the sale and purchase are made in the same share class and the same account or the purchase is made in an individual retirement account with proceeds from liquidations in a non-retirement account.
· Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) due to the fund company or its affiliate, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.
· Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 43 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

CDSC Waivers

If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:

· The death or disability of the shareholder.
· Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.
· Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.
· Shares sold to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company or its affiliate, if applicable.
· Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company or its affiliate, if applicable.
· Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.

******************************************************************************

Other Policies of Edward Jones

1.1       Minimum Purchase Amounts

· $250 initial purchase minimum
· $50 subsequent purchase minimum

1.2       Minimum Balances

· Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less. The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:
· A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform
· A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform
· An account with an active systematic investment plan or letter of intent (LOI)

1.3        Changing Share Classes

· At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company or its affiliate, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 44 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through D.A. Davidson & Co. (“D.A. Davidson”)

Effective 5/1/2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares including existing fund shareholders through a D.A. Davidson platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment advisor for which D.A. Davidson provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or SAI.

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at D.A. Davidson

· Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.
· Employees and registered representatives of D.A. Davidson or its affiliates and their family members as designated by D.A. Davidson.
· Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
· A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with D.A. Davidson’s policies and procedures.

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at D.A. Davidson

· Death or disability of the shareholder.
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
· Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA or other qualifying retirement accounts as described in the fund’s prospectus beginning in the calendar year the shareholder turns age 72.
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end sales charge discounts available at D.A. Davidson: breakpoints, rights of accumulation and/or letters of intent CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at D.A. Davidson

· Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
· Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at D.A. Davidson. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
· Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at D.A. Davidson may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 45 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

Fund Purchases through Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated (“Baird”)

Effective June 15, 2020, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A-shares Available at Baird

· Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing share of the same fund
· Share purchase by employees and registers representatives of Baird or its affiliate and their family members as designated by Baird
· Shares purchase from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
· A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C Shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird
· Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C shares Available at Baird

· Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
· Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
· Shares sold due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
· Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts
· Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
· Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations

· Breakpoints as described in this prospectus
· Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible fund family assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
· Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of fund family assets through Baird, over a 13-month period of time

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 46 Prospectus dated July 1, 2020
 

 

 

 

More Information

About the Funds: More information is available in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about each Fund’s investments is available in the annual and semiannual reports (collectively, the “reports”). In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during the past fiscal year. You may obtain free copies of the Statement of Additional Information and the reports on Eaton Vance’s website at www.eatonvance.com or by contacting the principal underwriter:

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
1-800-262-1122
website: www.eatonvance.com

Information about each Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information and reports) is available on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Shareholder Inquiries: You can obtain more information from Eaton Vance Shareholder Services or the Fund transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. If you own shares and would like to add to, redeem from or change your account, please write or call below:

Regular Mailing Address:
Eaton Vance Funds
P.O. Box 9653
Providence, RI  02940-9653
  Overnight Mailing Address:
Eaton Vance Funds
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA  01581
  Phone Number:
1-800-262-1122
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET

 

The Funds' Investment Company Act No. is 811-01241.  
4999 7.1.20 © 2020 Eaton Vance Management

 

Printed on recycled paper.

STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
July 1, 2020

 

 



Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund

Class A Shares - EAFGXClass C Shares - ECFGXClass I Shares - EIFGX

Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund

Class A Shares - EAFVXClass C Shares - ECFVXClass I Shares - EIFVX

Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
1-800-262-1122

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides general information about the Funds. The Funds are diversified, open-end management investment companies. Each Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust. Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

This SAI contains additional information about:

  Page     Page
Strategies and Risks 2   Sales Charges 22
Investment Restrictions 5   Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings and Related Information 24
Management and Organization 6   Taxes 25
Investment Advisory and Administrative Services 15   Portfolio Securities Transactions 35
Other Service Providers 18   Financial Statements 37
Calculation of Net Asset Value 19   Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks 37
Purchasing and Redeeming Shares 20      
         
Appendix A: Class A Fees and Ownership 70   Appendix D: Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures 73
Appendix B: Class C Fees and Ownership 71   Appendix E: Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures 75
Appendix C: Class I Ownership 72      

 

Although each Fund offers only its shares of beneficial interest, it is possible that a Fund might become liable for a misstatement or omission in this SAI regarding another Fund because the Funds use this combined SAI.

This SAI is NOT a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the Fund Prospectus dated July 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, which is incorporated herein by reference. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-262-1122.

© 2020 Eaton Vance Management

 
 

 

 

Definitions

The following terms that may be used in this SAI have the meaning set forth below:

“1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

“1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

“Board” means Board of Trustees or Board of Directors, as applicable;

“CEA” means Commodity Exchange Act;

“CFTC” means the Commodity Futures Trading Commission;

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

“Eaton Vance family of funds” means all registered investment companies advised or administered by Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”) or Boston Management and Research (“BMR”);

“Eaton Vance funds” means the mutual funds advised by Eaton Vance or BMR;

“Exchange” means the New York Stock Exchange;

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.;

“Fund” means the Fund or Funds listed on the cover of this SAI unless stated otherwise;

“investment adviser” means the investment adviser identified in the prospectus and, with respect to the implementation of the Fund’s investment strategies (including as described under “Taxes”) and portfolio securities transactions, any sub-adviser identified in the prospectus to the extent that the sub-adviser has discretion to perform the particular duties;

“IRS” means the Internal Revenue Service;

“Portfolio” means a registered investment company (other than the Fund) sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization in which one or more Funds and other investors may invest substantially all or any portion of their assets as described in the prospectus, if applicable;

“Subsidiary” means a wholly-owned subsidiary that certain funds may have established to pursue their investment objective. No Fund described in this SAI has established a Subsidiary;

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and

“Trust” means Eaton Vance Growth Trust, of which the Fund is a series.

STRATEGIES AND RISKS

The Fund prospectus identifies the types of investments in which the Fund will principally invest in seeking its investment objective(s) and the principal risks associated therewith. The categories checked in the table below are all of the investments the Fund is permitted to make, including its principal investments and the investment practices the Fund (either directly or through one or more Portfolios as may be described in the prospectus) is permitted to engage in. To the extent that an investment type or practice listed below is not identified in the Fund prospectus as a principal investment strategy, the Fund generally expects to invest less than 5% of its total assets in such investment type. The Fund may hold a security or other instrument that is not otherwise identified as permissible if it is received through a corporate action. If a particular investment type or practice that is checked and listed below but not referred to in the prospectus becomes a more significant part of the Fund’s strategy, the prospectus may be amended to disclose that investment type or practice. Information about the various investment types and practices and the associated risks checked below is included in alphabetical order in this SAI under “Additional Information about Investment Strategies and Risks.”

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 2 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 


Investment Type
Permitted for or Relevant to:
  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Focused Value Opportunities Fund
Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”)    
Auction Rate Securities    
Build America Bonds    
Call and Put Features on Securities    
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)      
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”)    
Commodity-Related Investments    
Common Stocks
Contingent Convertible Securities
Convertible Securities
Credit Linked Securities    
Derivative Instruments and Related Risks
Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments    
Direct Investments
Emerging Market Investments
Equity Investments
Equity Linked Securities    
Event-Linked Instruments    
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)    
Fixed-Income Securities
Foreign Currency Transactions
Foreign Investments
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Forward Rate Agreements    
Futures Contracts (1) (1)
Hybrid Securities
Illiquid Investments
Indexed Securities    
Inflation-Indexed (or Inflation-Linked) Bonds    
Junior Loans    
Liquidity or Protective Put Agreements    
Loans    
Lower Rated Investments    
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)
Money Market Instruments
Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”)    
Mortgage Dollar Rolls    
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 3 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 


Investment Type
Permitted for or Relevant to:
  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Focused Value Opportunities Fund
Municipal Lease Obligations (“MLOs”)    
Municipal Obligations    
Option Contracts
Pooled Investment Vehicles
Preferred Stock
Real Estate Investments
Repurchase Agreements
Residual Interest Bonds    
Reverse Repurchase Agreements    
Rights and Warrants
Royalty Bonds    
Senior Loans    
Short Sales
Stripped Securities    
Structured Notes    
Swap Agreements
Swaptions
Trust Certificates    
U.S. Government Securities    
Unlisted Securities    
Variable Rate Instruments    
When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitments
Zero Coupon Bonds, Deep Discount Bonds and Payment In-Kind (“PIK”) Securities    

 

Other Disclosures Regarding Investment Practices Permitted for or Relevant to:
  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Focused Value Opportunities Fund
Asset Coverage
Average Effective Maturity    
Borrowing for Investment Purposes    
Borrowing for Temporary Purposes
Cybersecurity Risk
Diversified Status
Dividend Capture Trading    
Duration    
Investing in a Portfolio    
Investments in the Subsidiary    
LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 4 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Other Disclosures Regarding Investment Practices Permitted for or Relevant to:
  Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Focused Value Opportunities Fund
Operational Risk
Option Strategy    
Participation in the ReFlow Liquidity Program
Portfolio Turnover
Restricted Securities
Securities Lending
Short-Term Trading    
Significant Exposure to Health Sciences Companies    
Significant Exposure to Smaller Companies
Significant Exposure to Utilities and Financial Services Sectors    
Tax-Managed Investing    
(1) Although futures contracts are not identified as a principal investment strategy, futures contracts may be used to equitize cash and, from time to time, the notional value of such futures contracts may exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The following investment restrictions of each Fund are designated as fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of a Fund’s outstanding voting securities, which as used in this SAI means the lesser of: (a) 67% of the shares of a Fund present or represented by proxy at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented at the meeting; or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund. Accordingly, each Fund may not:

(1) Borrow money or issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act;
(2) Purchase any 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, maintenance or variation margin in connection with all types of options and futures contract 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) Make loans to other persons, except by (a) the acquisition of debt securities and making portfolio investments, (b) entering into repurchase agreements (c) lending portfolio securities and (d) lending cash consistent with applicable law;
(6) With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets (taken at current value) in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and except securities of other investment companies; or
(7) Concentrate its investments in any particular industry, but, if deemed appropriate for the Fund’s objective, up to (but less than) 25% of the value of its assets may be invested in securities of companies in any one industry (although more than 25% may be invested in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 5 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

In addition, each Fund may:

(8) Purchase and sell commodities and commodities contracts of all types and kinds (including without limitation futures contracts, options on futures contracts and other commodities-related investments) to the extent permitted by law.

For purposes of determining industry classifications, the investment adviser considers an issuer to be in a particular industry if a third party has designated the issuer to be in that industry, unless the investment adviser is aware of circumstances that make the third party’s classification inappropriate. In such a case, the investment adviser will assign an industry classification to the issuer.

Each Fund’s borrowing policy is consistent with the 1940 Act and guidance of the SEC or its staff, and will comply with any applicable SEC exemptive order.

Notwithstanding its investment policies and restrictions, each Fund may, in compliance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, invest: (i) all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company with substantially the same investment objective(s), policies and restrictions as the Fund; or (ii) in more than one open-end management investment company sponsored by Eaton Vance or its affiliates, provided any such company has investment objective(s), policies and restrictions that are consistent with those of the Fund.

In addition, to the extent a registered open-end investment company acquires securities of a fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) under the 1940 Act, such acquired fund shall not acquire any securities of a registered open-end investment company in reliance on Sections 12(d)(1)(F) or 12(d)(1)(G) under the 1940 Act.

The following nonfundamental investment policy has been adopted by each Fund. A nonfundamental investment policy may be changed by the Board with respect to a Fund without approval by the Fund’s shareholders. Each Fund will not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a short position is open (i) 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 or (ii) it holds in a segregated account cash or other liquid securities (to the extent required under the 1940 Act) in an amount equal to the current market value of the securities sold short, and unless not more than 25% of its net assets (taken at current value) is held as collateral for such sales at any one time.

Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction set forth in the Prospectus or this SAI states a requirement with respect to the percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after and as a result of the acquisition by a Fund of such security or asset. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, assets or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating service (or as determined by the investment adviser if the security is not rated by a rating agency), will not compel a Fund to dispose of such security or other asset. However, a Fund must always be in compliance with the borrowing policy set forth above.

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

Fund Management. The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Trust. The Board members and officers of the Trust 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. Board members hold indefinite terms of office. Each Trustee holds office until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to a prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Under the terms of each Fund’s current Trustee retirement policy, an Independent Trustee must retire and resign as a Trustee on the earlier of: (i) the first day of July following his or her 74th birthday; or (ii), with limited exception, December 31st of the 20th year in which he or she has served as a Trustee. However, if such retirement and resignation would cause a Fund to be out of compliance with Section 16 of the 1940 Act or any other regulations or guidance of the SEC, then such retirement and resignation will not become effective until such time as action has been taken for each Fund to be in compliance therewith. The “noninterested Trustees” consist of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Board member and officer is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. As used in this SAI, “BMR” refers to Boston Management and Research, “EVC” refers to Eaton Vance Corp., “EV” refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., “Eaton Vance” refers to Eaton Vance Management and “EVD” refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (see “Principal Underwriter” under “Other Service Providers”). EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of Eaton Vance and BMR. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with Eaton Vance listed below.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 6 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Name and Year of Birth   Trust Position(s)   Length of Service   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
and Other Relevant Experience
  Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee(1)
  Other Directorships Held
During Last Five Years
Interested Trustee                    
THOMAS E. FAUST JR.
1958
  Trustee   Since 2007   Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC, Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD.  Trustee and/or officer of 156 registered investment companies. Mr. Faust is an interested person because of his positions with BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC, EVD and EV, which are affiliates of the Trust.   156   Director of EVC and Hexavest Inc. (investment management firm).
Noninterested Trustees                    
MARK R. FETTING
1954
  Trustee   Since 2016   Private investor.  Formerly held various positions at Legg Mason, Inc. (investment management firm) (2000-2012), including President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman (2008-2012), Senior Executive Vice President (2004-2008) and Executive Vice President (2001-2004).  Formerly, President of Legg Mason family of funds (2001-2008).  Formerly, Division President and Senior Officer of Prudential Financial Group, Inc. and related companies (investment management firm) (1991-2000).   157   None
CYNTHIA E. FROST
1961
  Trustee   Since 2014   Private investor.  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of Brown University (university endowment) (2000-2012). Formerly, Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company (university endowment manager) (1995-2000). Formerly, Managing Director, Cambridge Associates (investment consulting company) (1989-1995).  Formerly, Consultant, Bain and Company (management consulting firm) (1987-1989).  Formerly, Senior Equity Analyst, BA Investment Management Company (1983-1985).   156   None
GEORGE J. GORMAN
1952
  Trustee   Since 2014   Principal at George J. Gorman LLC (consulting firm). Formerly, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (a registered public accounting firm) (1974-2009).   157   Formerly, Trustee of the BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds) (2011-2014) and of the Ashmore Funds (9 funds) (2010-2014).
VALERIE A. MOSLEY
1960
  Trustee   Since 2014   Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmo Ventures (a consulting and investment firm).  Former Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012).  Former Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992).  Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).   157   Director of Groupon, Inc. (e-commerce provider) (since April 2020).  Director of Envestnet, Inc. (provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness) (since 2018).  Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (since 2013).
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 7 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

 

Name and Year of Birth   Trust Position(s)   Length of Service   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
and Other Relevant Experience
  Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee(1)
  Other Directorships Held
During Last Five Years
WILLIAM H. PARK
1947
  Chairperson of the Board and Trustee   Chairperson of the Board since 2016 and Trustee since 2003   Private investor. Formerly, Consultant (management and transactional) (2012-2014). Formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Aveon Group, L.P. (investment management firm) (2010-2011). Formerly, Vice Chairman, Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company) (2006-2010). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (2002-2005). Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (investment management firm) (1982-2001). Formerly, Senior Manager, Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (a registered public accounting firm) (1972-1981).   157   None
HELEN FRAME PETERS
1948

  Trustee   Since 2008   Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Formerly, Dean, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (2000-2002). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income, Scudder Kemper Investments (investment management firm) (1998-1999).  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income, Colonial Management Associates (investment management firm) (1991-1998).   157   None
KEITH QUINTON
1958
  Trustee   Since 2018   Independent Investment Committee Member at New Hampshire Retirement System (since 2017). Formerly, Portfolio Manager and Senior Quantitative Analyst at Fidelity Investments (investment management firm) (2001-2014).   157   Director (since 2016) and Chairman (since 2019) of New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank.
MARCUS L. SMITH
1966
  Trustee   Since 2018   Private investor. Member of Posse Boston Advisory Board (foundation) (since 2015). Formerly, Portfolio Manager at MFS Investment Management (investment management firm) (1994-2017).   157   Director of MSCI Inc. (global provider of investment decision support tools) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (logistics real estate company) (2017-2018).
SUSAN J. SUTHERLAND
1957
  Trustee   Since 2015   Private investor. Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).   157   Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 8 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

 

Name and Year of Birth   Trust Position(s)   Length of Service   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
and Other Relevant Experience
  Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen By
Trustee(1)
  Other Directorships Held
During Last Five Years
SCOTT E. WENNERHOLM
1959
  Trustee   Since 2016   Formerly, Trustee at Wheelock College (postsecondary institution) (2012-2018). Formerly, Consultant at GF Parish Group (executive recruiting firm) (2016-2017). Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at BNY Mellon Asset Management (investment management firm) (2005-2011).  Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Natixis Global Asset Management (investment management firm) (1997-2004).  Formerly, Vice President at Fidelity Investments Institutional Services (investment management firm) (1994-1997).   156   None
(1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.
Principal Officers who are not Trustees
Name and Year of Birth   Trust Position(s)   Length of Service   Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
PAYSON F. SWAFFIELD
1956
  President   Since 2013   Vice President and Chief Income Investment Officer of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 134 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2016.
MAUREEN A. GEMMA
1960
  Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer   Vice President since 2011, Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008   Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 157 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of CRM and officer of 39 registered investment companies advised or administered by CRM since 2016.
JAMES F. KIRCHNER
1967
  Treasurer   Since 2013   Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 157 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of CRM and officer of 39 registered investment companies advised or administered by CRM since 2016.
RICHARD F. FROIO
1968
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since 2017   Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR since 2017.  Officer of 157 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Formerly, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (Adviser/Funds) and Chief Compliance Officer (Distribution) at PIMCO (2012-2017) and Managing Director at BlackRock/Barclays Global Investors (2009-2012).

The Board has general oversight responsibility with respect to the business and affairs of the Trust and each Fund. The Board has engaged an investment adviser and (if applicable) a sub-adviser(s) (collectively the “adviser”) to manage each Fund and an administrator to administer each Fund and is responsible for overseeing such adviser and administrator and other service providers to the Trust and each Fund. The Board is currently composed of eleven Trustees, including ten Trustees who are not “interested persons” of a Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (each a “noninterested Trustee”). In addition to six regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may require action prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established five committees to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed a noninterested Trustee to serve in the role of Chairperson. The Chairperson’s primary role is to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the Board. The Chairperson also presides at all meetings of the Board and acts as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys, and other Board members generally between meetings. The Chairperson may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. In addition, the Board may appoint a noninterested Trustee to serve in the role of Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson has the power and authority to perform any or all of the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and/or as requested by the Chairperson. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation of Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson does not impose on such noninterested Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 9 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Each Fund and the Trust are subject to a number of risks, including, among others, investment, compliance, operational, and valuation risks. Risk oversight is part of the Board’s general oversight of each Fund and the Trust and is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of each Fund and the Trust, the Board directly, or through a Committee, relies on and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the adviser, the administrator, the principal underwriter, the Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”), and other Fund service providers responsible for day-to-day oversight of Fund investments, operations and compliance to assist the Board in identifying and understanding the nature and extent of risks and determining whether, and to what extent, such risks can or should be mitigated. The Board also interacts with the CCO and with senior personnel of the adviser, administrator, principal underwriter and other Fund service providers and provides input on risk management issues during meetings of the Board and its Committees. Each of the adviser, administrator, principal underwriter and the other Fund service providers has its own, independent interest and responsibilities in risk management, and its policies and methods for carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on its individual priorities, resources and controls. It is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect a Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve each Fund’s goals.

The Board, with the assistance of management and with input from the Board's various committees, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of Fund performance. The Board has appointed a Fund CCO who oversees the implementation and testing of the Fund compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Funds and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board’s periodic review of the advisory, subadvisory (if applicable), distribution and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible. With respect to valuation, the Board approves and periodically reviews valuation policies and procedures applicable to valuing each Fund’s shares. The administrator, the investment adviser and the sub-adviser (if applicable) are responsible for the implementation and day-to-day administration of these valuation policies and procedures and provides reports to the Audit Committee of the Board and the Board regarding these and related matters. In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board or the Board receives reports periodically from the independent public accounting firm for the Funds regarding tests performed by such firm on the valuation of all securities, as well as with respect to other risks associated with mutual funds. Reports received from service providers, legal counsel and the independent public accounting firm assist the Board in performing its oversight function.

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust does not set forth any specific qualifications to serve as a Trustee. The Charter of the Governance Committee also does not set forth any specific qualifications, but does set forth certain factors that the Committee may take into account in considering noninterested Trustee candidates. In general, no one factor is decisive in the selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considers when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board are the following: (i) knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) experience as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) educational background; (iv) reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) specific financial, technical or other expertise, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board members’ existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the ability to qualify as a noninterested Trustee for purposes of the 1940 Act and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the individual and the Fund; and (viii) such other factors as the Board determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board.

Among the attributes or skills common to all Board members are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the other members of the Board, management, sub-advisers, other service providers, counsel and independent registered public accounting firms, and to exercise effective and independent business judgment in the performance of their duties as members of the Board. Each Board member’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively has been attained through the Board member’s business, consulting, public service and/or academic positions and through experience from service as a member of the Boards of the Eaton Vance family of funds (“Eaton Vance Fund Boards”) (and/or in other capacities, including for any predecessor funds), public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations as set forth below. Each Board member’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively also has been enhanced by his or her educational background, professional training, and/or other life experiences.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 10 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

In respect of each current member of the Board, the individual’s substantial professional accomplishments and experience, including in fields related to the operations of registered investment companies, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a member of the Board. The following is a summary of each Board member’s particular professional experience and additional considerations that contributed to the Board’s conclusion that he or she should serve as a member of the Board:

Thomas E. Faust Jr. Mr. Faust has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2007. He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EVC since 2007 and as President of EVC since 2006. He is also Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD. Mr. Faust has served as a Director of Hexavest Inc. since 2012. From 2016 through 2019, Mr. Faust served as a Director of SigFig Wealth Management LLC. Mr. Faust previously served as an equity analyst, portfolio manager, Director of Equity Research and Management and Chief Investment Officer of Eaton Vance from 1985-2007. He holds B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Faust has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 1988. He is a Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Board of Wellesley College and a Trustee and member of the executive committee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc.

Mark R. Fetting. Mr. Fetting has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2016. He has over 30 years of experience in the investment management industry as an executive and in various leadership roles. From 2000 through 2012, Mr. Fetting served in several capacities at Legg Mason, Inc., including most recently serving as President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman from 2008 to his retirement in 2012. He also served as a Director/Trustee and Chairman of the Legg Mason family of funds from 2008-2012 and Director/Trustee of the Royce family of funds from 2001-2012. From 2001 through 2008, Mr. Fetting also served as President of the Legg Mason family of funds. From 1991 through 2000, Mr. Fetting served as Division President and Senior Officer of Prudential Financial Group, Inc. and related companies. Early in his professional career, Mr. Fetting was a Vice President at T. Rowe Price and served in leadership roles within the firm’s mutual fund division from 1981-1987.

Cynthia E. Frost. Ms. Frost has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Portfolio Management Committee. From 2000 through 2012, Ms. Frost was the Chief Investment Officer of Brown University, where she oversaw the evaluation, selection and monitoring of the third party investment managers who managed the university’s endowment. From 1995 through 2000, Ms. Frost was a Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company, which oversaw Duke University’s endowment. Ms. Frost also served in various investment and consulting roles at Cambridge Associates from 1989-1995, Bain and Company from 1987-1989 and BA Investment Management Company from 1983-1985. She serves as a member of the investment committee of The MCNC Endowment.

George J. Gorman. Mr. Gorman has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. From 1974 through 2009, Mr. Gorman served in various capacities at Ernst & Young LLP, including as a Senior Partner in the Asset Management Group (from 1988) specializing in managing engagement teams responsible for auditing mutual funds registered with the SEC, hedge funds and private equity funds. Mr. Gorman also has experience serving as an independent trustee of other mutual fund complexes, including the Bank of America Money Market Funds Series Trust from 2011-2014 and the Ashmore Funds from 2010-2014.

Valerie A. Mosley. Ms. Mosley has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Governance Committee. She currently owns and manages a consulting and investment firm, Valmo Ventures, and is a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers. From 1992 through 2012, Ms. Mosley served in several capacities at Wellington Management Company, LLP, an investment management firm, including as a Partner, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist. Ms. Mosley also served as Chief Investment Officer at PG Corbin Asset Management from 1990-1992 and worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody from 1986-1990. She is also a Director of Groupon, Inc., an e-commerce provider, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness. Ms. Mosley continues to serve as a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (“Dynex”), a mortgage REIT, Dynex had previously publicly announced that Ms. Mosley had decided not to stand for re-election to the company’s Board of Directors at its annual shareholder meeting. Effective June 9, 2020, Ms. Mosley agreed to continue to serve as a member of the Dynex Board until such Board finds a replacement for her seat. She also serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including New Profit, a non-profit venture philanthropy fund. She is a member of the Risk Audit Committee of the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust and a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of New York State Common Retirement Fund. She is also an advisor to New Technology Ventures, a venture capital firm. In addition, Ms. Mosley serves on the Institutional Investors Advisory Council of MiDA, a U.S. Agency for International Development partner focused on investment opportunities in Africa and also advises Impact X Capital, a venture fund focused on underrepresented entrepreneurs across Europe.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 11 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

William H. Park. Mr. Park has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2003 and is the Independent Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Park was formerly a consultant from 2012-2014 and formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Aveon Group, L.P. from 2010-2011. Mr. Park also served as Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. from 2006-2010, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC from 2002-2005, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation from 1982-2001 and as Senior Manager of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 1972-1981.

Helen Frame Peters. Dr. Peters has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2008. Dr. Peters is currently a Professor of Finance at Carroll School of Management, Boston College and was formerly Dean of Carroll School of Management from 2000-2002. Dr. Peters was previously a Director of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. from 2004-2011. In addition, Dr. Peters was the Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income at Scudder Kemper Investments from 1998-1999 and Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income at Colonial Management Associates from 1991-1998. Dr. Peters also served as a Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust from 2000-2009 and as a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston from 2007-2009.

Keith Quinton. Mr. Quinton has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since October 1, 2018. He had over thirty years of experience in the investment industry before retiring from Fidelity Investments in 2014. Prior to joining Fidelity, Mr. Quinton was a vice president and quantitative analyst at MFS Investment Management from 2000-2001. From 1997 through 2000, he was a senior quantitative analyst at Santander Global Advisors and, from 1995 through 1997, Mr. Quinton was senior vice president in the quantitative equity research department at Putnam Investments. Prior to joining Putnam Investments, Mr. Quinton served in various investment roles at Eberstadt Fleming, Falconwood Securities Corporation and Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he began his career in the investment industry as a senior quantitative analyst in 1983. Mr. Quinton currently serves as an Independent Investment Committee Member of the New Hampshire Retirement System, a five member committee that manages investments based on the investment policy and asset allocation approved by the board of trustees, and as a Director, since 2016 and Chairman, since 2019 of the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank.

Marcus L. Smith. Mr. Smith has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since October 1, 2018. Since 2017, Mr. Smith has been a Director of MSCI Inc., a leading provider of investment decision support tools worldwide, where he serves on the Audit and Strategy & Finance Committees. From 2017 through 2018, he served as a Director of DCT Industrial Trust Inc., a leading logistics real estate company, where he served as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees. From 1994 through 2017, Mr. Smith served in several capacities at MFS Investment Management, an investment management firm, where he managed the MFS Institutional International Fund for 17 years and the MFS Concentrated International Fund for 10 years. In addition to his portfolio management duties, Mr. Smith served as Director of Equity, Canada from 2012-2017, Director of Equity, Asia from 2010-2012, and Director of Asian Equity Research from 2005-2010. Prior to joining MFS, Mr. Smith was a senior consultant at Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture) from 1988-1992. Mr. Smith served as a United States Army Reserve Officer from 1987-1992. He was also a trustee of the University of Mount Union from 2008-2020 and served as the chairman of the Finance Committee from 2015-2019. Mr. Smith currently sits on the Boston advisory board of the Posse Foundation and the Harvard Medical School Advisory Council on Education.

Susan J. Sutherland. Ms. Sutherland has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2015 and is the Chairperson of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. She is also a Director of Ascot Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries. Ascot Group Limited, through its related businesses including Syndicate 1414 at Lloyd’s of London, is a leading global underwriter of specialty property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. Ms. Sutherland was a Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., a global provider of customized reinsurance and insurance products, from 2013 until its sale in 2015 and of Hagerty Holding Corp., a leading provider of specialized automobile and marine insurance from 2015-2018. From 1982 through 2013, Ms. Sutherland was an associate, counsel and then a partner in the Financial Institutions Group of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she primarily represented U.S. and international insurance and reinsurance companies, investment banks and private equity firms in insurance-related corporate transactions. In addition, Ms. Sutherland is qualified as a Governance Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors and has also served as a board member of prominent non-profit organizations.

Scott E. Wennerholm. Mr. Wennerholm has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2016 and is the Chairperson of the Contract Review Committee. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry in various leadership and executive roles. Mr. Wennerholm served as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at BNY Mellon Asset Management from 2005-2011. He also served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Natixis Global Asset Management from 1997-2004 and was a Vice President at Fidelity Investments Institutional Services from 1994-1997. In addition, Mr. Wennerholm served as a Trustee at Wheelock College, a postsecondary institution from 2012-2018.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 12 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The Board(s) of the Trust has several standing Committees, including the Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Portfolio Management Committee, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee and the Contract Review Committee. Each of the Committees are comprised of only noninterested Trustees.

Mmes. Mosley (Chairperson), Frost, Peters and Sutherland, and Messrs. Fetting, Gorman, Park, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm are members of the Governance Committee. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the structure, membership and operation of the Board and the Committees thereof, including the nomination and selection of noninterested Trustees and a Chairperson of the Board and the compensation of such persons. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Governance Committee convened six times.

The Governance Committee will, when a vacancy exists, consider a nominee for Trustee recommended by a shareholder, provided that such recommendation is submitted in writing to the Trust’s Secretary at the principal executive office of the Trust. Such recommendations must be accompanied by biographical and occupational data on the candidate (including whether the candidate would be an “interested person” of the Trust), a written consent by the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as Trustee if elected, record and ownership information for the recommending shareholder with respect to the Trust, and a description of any arrangements or understandings regarding recommendation of the candidate for consideration.

Messrs. Gorman (Chairperson), Park and Wennerholm and Ms. Peters are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has designated Messrs. Gorman and Park, each a noninterested Trustee, as audit committee financial experts. The Audit Committee’s purposes are to (i) oversee each Fund's accounting and financial reporting processes, its internal control over financial reporting, and, as appropriate, the internal control over financial reporting of certain service providers; (ii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the quality and integrity of each Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, each Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to each Fund's accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (iv) approve prior to appointment the engagement and, when appropriate, replacement of the independent registered public accounting firm, and, if applicable, nominate the independent registered public accounting firm to be proposed for shareholder ratification in any proxy statement of a Fund; (v) evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the audit partner in charge of leading the audit; and (vi) prepare, as necessary, audit committee reports consistent with the requirements of applicable SEC and stock exchange rules for inclusion in the proxy statement of a Fund. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Audit Committee convened twelve times.

Messrs. Wennerholm (Chairperson), Fetting, Gorman, Park, Quinton and Smith, and Mmes. Frost, Mosley, Peters and Sutherland are members of the Contract Review Committee. The purposes of the Contract Review Committee are to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning the following matters: (i) contractual arrangements with each service provider to the Funds, including advisory, sub-advisory, transfer agency, custodial and fund accounting, distribution services and administrative services; (ii) any and all other matters in which any service provider (including Eaton Vance or any affiliated entity thereof) has an actual or potential conflict of interest with the interests of the Funds or investors therein; and (iii) any other matter appropriate for review by the noninterested Trustees, unless the matter is within the responsibilities of the other Committees of the Board. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Contract Review Committee convened six times.

Mmes. Frost (Chairperson), Mosley and Peters and Messrs. Smith and Wennerholm are members of the Portfolio Management Committee. The purposes of the Portfolio Management Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of the portfolio management process employed by the Funds and their investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Funds’ stated objective(s), strategies and restrictions; (ii) assist the Board in its oversight of the trading policies and procedures and risk management techniques applicable to the Funds; and (iii) assist the Board in its monitoring of the performance results of all funds and portfolios, giving special attention to the performance of certain funds and portfolios that it or the Board identifies from time to time. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Portfolio Management Committee convened eleven times.

Ms. Sutherland (Chairperson) and Messrs. Fetting, Gorman and Quinton are members of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. The purposes of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight role with respect to compliance issues and certain other regulatory matters affecting the Funds; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board and the Funds’ CCO; and (iii) serve as a “qualified legal compliance committee” within the rules promulgated by the SEC. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened ten times.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 13 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Share Ownership. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in each Fund and in the Eaton Vance family of funds overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2019.

  Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned by
Fund Name Thomas E.
Faust Jr.(1)
Mark R.
Fetting(2)
Cynthia E.
Frost(2)
George J.
Gorman(2)
Valerie A.
Mosley(2)
William H.
Park(2)
Helen Frame
Peters(2)
Keith
Quinton(2)
Marcus L.
Smith(2)
Susan J.
Sutherland(2)
Scott E.
Wennerholm(2)
Focused Growth
Opportunities Fund
Over
$100,000
None None None None None None None None None None
Focused Value
Opportunities Fund
Over
$100,000
None None None None None None None None None None
Aggregate Dollar Range
of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in
Funds Overseen by
Trustee in the
Eaton Vance Family of Funds
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000
Over
$100,000(3)
Over
$100,000(43
(1) Interested Trustee.
(2) Noninterested Trustee.
(3) Includes shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned through the Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan.

As of December 31, 2019, no noninterested Trustee or any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any class of securities of EVC, EVD, any sub-adviser, if applicable, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC or EVD or any sub-adviser, if applicable, collectively (“Affiliated Entity”).

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, no noninterested Trustee (or their immediate family members) had:

(1) Any direct or indirect interest in any Affiliated Entity;
(2) Any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction or series of similar transactions with (i) the Trust or any fund; (ii) another fund managed or distributed by any Affiliated Entity; (iii) any Affiliated Entity; or (iv) an officer of any of the above; or
(3) Any direct or indirect relationship with (i) the Trust or any fund; (ii) another fund managed or distributed by any Affiliated Entity; (iii) any Affiliated Entity; or (iv) an officer of any of the above.

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, no officer of any Affiliated Entity served on the Board of Directors of a company where a noninterested Trustee of the Trust or any of their immediate family members served as an officer.

Noninterested Trustees 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 “Deferred Compensation Plan”). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, an eligible Board member may elect to have all or a portion of his or her deferred fees invested in the shares of one or more funds in the Eaton Vance family of funds, and the amount paid to the Board members under the Deferred Compensation Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments. Deferral of Board members’ fees in accordance with the Deferred Compensation Plan will have a negligible effect on the assets, liabilities, and net income of a participating fund or portfolio, and do not require that a participating Board member be retained. There is no retirement plan for Board members.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 14 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust are paid by the Funds (and other series of the Trust). A Board member who is a member of the Eaton Vance organization receives no compensation from the Trust. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the Trustees of the Trust earned the following compensation in their capacities as Board members from the Trust. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Board members earned the following compensation in their capacities as members of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards(1):

 

Source of Compensation Mark R.
Fetting
Cynthia E.
Frost
George J.
 Gorman
Valerie A.
 Mosley
William H.
Park
Helen Frame
Peters
Keith
Quinton
Marcus L.
Smith
Susan J.
Sutherland
Scott E.
Wennerholm
Trust(2) $23,877 $25,963 $26,753 $27,030 $32,437 $23,938 $23,516 $23,516 $25,963 $26,753
Trust and Fund Complex(1) $333,750 $367,500 $375,000 $380,000(3) $458,750 $333,750 $333,750 $333,750 $367,500(4) $375,000
(1) As of July 1, 2020, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 157 registered investment companies or series thereof. Harriett Tee Taggart retired as a Trustee effective December 31, 2018. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2019, Ms. Taggart received $82,500 from the Trust and Fund Complex.
(2) The Trust consisted of 14 Funds as of February 29, 2020.
(3) Includes $40,000 of deferred compensation.
(4) Includes $362,238 of deferred compensation.

Fund Organization

Trust. Each Fund is a series of the Trust, which was organized under Massachusetts law on May 25, 1989 as a trust with transferable shares, commonly referred to as a “Massachusetts business trust” and is operated as an open-end management investment company. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest (no par value per share) in one or more series (such as a Fund). The Trustees of the Trust have divided the shares of a Fund into multiple classes. Each class represents an interest in a Fund, but is subject to different expenses, rights and privileges. The Trustees have the authority under the Declaration of Trust to create additional classes of shares with differing rights and privileges. When issued and outstanding, shares are fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust. Shareholders of the Trust are entitled to one vote for each full share held. Fractional shares may be voted proportionately. Shares of all Funds in the Trust will be voted together with respect to the election or removal of Trustees and on other matters affecting all Funds similarly. On matters affecting only a particular Fund, all shareholders of the affected Fund will vote together as a single class, except that only shareholders of a particular class may vote on matters affecting only that class. Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights and are freely transferable. In the event of the liquidation of a Fund, shareholders of each class are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets attributable to that class available for distribution to shareholders.

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 any Trustee may be removed with or without cause, by (i) the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of the shares or, (ii) the affirmative vote of, or written instrument, signed by at least two-thirds of the remaining Trustees, provided however, that the removal of any noninterested Trustee shall additionally require the affirmative vote of, or a written instrument executed by, at least two-thirds of the remaining noninterested Trustees. No person shall serve as a Trustee if shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him or her 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, if they deem it necessary to conform it to applicable federal or state laws or regulations, or to make such other changes (such as reclassifying series or classes of shares or restructuring the Trust) provided such changes do not have a materially adverse effect on the financial interests of shareholders. The Trust’s By-laws provide that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with any litigation or proceeding in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust. However, no indemnification is required to be provided to any Trustee or officer for any liability to the Trust or shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides that any legal proceeding brought by or on behalf of a shareholder seeking to enforce any provision of, or based upon any matter arising out of, related to or in connection with, the Declaration of Trust, the Trust, any Fund or Class or the shares of any Fund must be brought exclusively in the United States District Court for Massachusetts or, if such court does not have jurisdiction for the matter, then in the Superior Court of Suffolk County for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If a shareholder brings a claim in another venue and the venue is subsequently changed through legal process to the foregoing Federal or state court, then the shareholder will be required to reimburse the Trust and other persons for the expenses incurred in effecting the change in venue.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 15 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust also provides that, except to the extent explicitly permitted by Federal law, a shareholder may not bring or maintain a court action on behalf of the Trust or any Fund or class of shares (commonly referred to as a derivative claim) without first making demand on the Trustees requesting the Trustees to bring the action. Within 90 days of receipt of the demand, the Trustees will consider the merits of the claim and determine whether commencing or maintaining an action would be in the best interests of the Trust or the affected Fund or Class. Any decision by the Trustees to bring, maintain or settle, or to not bring, maintain or settle the action, will be final and binding upon shareholders and therefore no action may be brought or maintained after a decision is made to reject a demand. In addition, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, each shareholder acknowledges and agrees that any alleged injury to the Trust’s property, any diminution in the value of a shareholder’s shares and any other claim arising out of or relating to an allegation regarding the actions, inaction or omissions of or by the Trustees, the officers of the Trust or the investment adviser of a Fund is a legal claim belonging only to the Trust and not to the shareholders individually and, therefore, that any such claim is subject to the demand requirement for derivative claims referenced above.

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 the approval of a majority of the Trustees then in office, to be followed by a written notice to shareholders.

Under Massachusetts law, if certain conditions prevail, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust (such as the Trust) could be deemed to have personal liability for the obligations of the Trust. Numerous investment companies registered under the 1940 Act have been formed as Massachusetts business trusts, and management is not aware of an instance where such liability has been imposed. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of liability on the part of Fund shareholders and the Trust’s By-laws provide that the Trust, upon request by the shareholder, shall assume the defense on behalf of any Fund shareholders. The Declaration of Trust also contains provisions limiting the liability of a series or class to that series or class. Moreover, the Trust’s By-laws also provide for indemnification out of Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder for all loss or expense arising from such liability. The assets of each Fund are readily marketable and will ordinarily substantially exceed its liabilities. In light of the nature of each Fund’s business and the nature of its assets, management believes that the possibility of the Fund’s liabilities exceeding its assets, and therefore the shareholder’s risk of personal liability, is remote.

Proxy Voting Policy. The Board adopted a proxy voting policy and procedures (the “Fund Policy”), pursuant to which the Board has delegated proxy voting responsibility to the investment adviser and adopted the proxy voting policies and procedures of the investment adviser (the “Adviser Policies”). An independent proxy voting service has been retained to assist in the voting of Fund proxies through the provision of vote analysis, implementation and recordkeeping and disclosure services. The members of the Board will review a Fund's proxy voting records from time to time and will annually consider approving the Adviser Policies for the upcoming year. For a copy of the Fund Policy and Adviser Policies, see Appendix D and Appendix E, respectively. Pursuant to certain provisions of the 1940 Act and certain exemptive orders relating to funds investing in other funds, a Fund may be required or may elect to vote its interest in another fund in the same proportion as the holders of all other shares of that fund. Information on how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122 and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Investment Advisory and Administrative Services. The investment adviser manages the investments and affairs of each Fund and provides related office facilities and personnel subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board. The investment adviser furnishes investment research, advice and supervision, furnishes an investment program and determines what securities will be purchased, held or sold by each Fund and what portion, if any, of each Fund’s assets will be held uninvested. Each Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement requires the investment adviser to pay the compensation and expenses of all officers and Trustees of the Trust who are members of the investment adviser's organization and all personnel of the investment adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 16 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

For a description of the compensation that a Fund pays the investment adviser, see the Prospectus. The following tables set forth the net assets of each Fund at February 29, 2020 and the advisory and administration fee paid by each Fund, for the periods shown in the table:

    Advisory Fee for Fiscal Years Ended
Fund Net Assets at 2/29/20 2/29/20 2/28/19 2/28/18
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund $251,376,798 $1,773,362 $1,521,463 $1,376,057
Focused Value Opportunities Fund $172,859,975 $1,072,416 $610,587 $473,170

 

Pursuant to expense reimbursement agreements described in the applicable prospectus, Eaton Vance was allocated $60,140 and $130,286 in total Fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018, $0 and $166,473 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019 and $0 and $125,215 for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 for Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Focused Value Opportunities Fund, respectively.

Each Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement with the investment adviser continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the noninterested Trustees of the Trust cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Each Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by either party, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and each Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. Each Agreement provides that the investment adviser may render services to others. Each Agreement also provides that the investment adviser shall not be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the performance of its duties, or action taken or omitted under the Agreement, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or 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. Each Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person not a party to it any right, benefit or remedy of any nature.

Information About Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance is a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. EV serves as trustee of Eaton Vance. EV and Eaton Vance are wholly-owned subsidiaries of EVC, a Maryland corporation and publicly-held holding company. BMR is an indirect subsidiary of EVC. EVC through its subsidiaries and affiliates engages primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities. The Directors of EVC are Thomas E. Faust Jr., Ann E. Berman, Leo I. Higdon, Jr., Paula A. Johnson, Brian D. Langstraat, Dorothy E. Puhy, Winthrop H. Smith, Jr. and Richard A. Spillane, Jr. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common Stock of EVC are deposited in a Voting Trust, the Voting Trustees of which are Mr. Faust, Paul W. Bouchey, Craig R. Brandon, Daniel C. Cataldo, Michael A. Cirami, Cynthia J. Clemson, James H. Evans, Maureen A. Gemma, Laurie G. Hylton, Mr. Langstraat, Thomas Lee, Frederick S. Marius, David C. McCabe, Edward J. Perkin, Lewis R. Piantedosi, Charles B. Reed, Craig P. Russ, Thomas C. Seto, John L. Shea, Eric A. Stein, John H. Streur, Andrew N. Sveen, Payson F. Swaffield, R. Kelly Williams and Matthew J. Witkos (all of whom are officers of Eaton Vance or its affiliates). 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 Eaton Vance who may also be officers, or officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As indicated under “Management and Organization,” all of the officers of the Trust (as well as Mr. Faust who is also a Trustee) hold positions in the Eaton Vance organization.

Code of Ethics. The investment adviser, principal underwriter, and each Fund have adopted Codes of Ethics governing personal securities transactions pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Codes, employees of the investment adviser and the principal underwriter may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by a Fund) subject to the provisions of the Codes and certain employees are also subject to pre-clearance, reporting requirements and/or other procedures.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 17 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Portfolio Managers. The portfolio managers (each referred to as a “portfolio manager”) of each Fund are listed below. The following table shows, as of the Funds’ most recent fiscal year end, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in the accounts managed within each category. The table also shows the number of accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, if any, and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in those accounts.

  Number of
All Accounts
Total Assets of
All Accounts
Number of Accounts
Paying a Performance Fee
Total Assets of Accounts
Paying a Performance Fee
Yana Barton(1)        
Registered Investment Companies 5 $21,596.5 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 15 $23,900.1(3) 0 $0
Other Accounts 7 $109.8 0 $0
Aaron S. Dunn(1)        
Registered Investment Companies 5 $4,812.7 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 2 $83.7 0 $0
Other Accounts 23 $1,750.2 0 $0
Bradley Galko(1)        
Registered Investment Companies 5 $4,812.7 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 2 $83.7 0 $0
Other Accounts 23 $1,750.2 0 $0
Edward J. Perkin(1)        
Registered Investment Companies 5 $4,812.7 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 2 $83.7 0 $0
Other Accounts 23 $1,750.2 0 $0
Lewis R. Piantedosi(1)(2)        
Registered Investment Companies 6 $22,105.8 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 12 $15,603.6(3) 0 $0
Other Accounts 7 $109.8 0 $0
(1) This portfolio manager provides advisory services for certain of the “Other Accounts” on a nondiscretionary or model basis. For “Other Accounts” that are part of a wrap account program, the number of accounts is the number of sponsors for which the portfolio manager provides advisory services rather than the number of individual customer accounts within each wrap account program. The assets managed may include assets advised on a nondiscretionary or model basis.
(2) This portfolio manager serves as portfolio manager of one or more registered investment companies that invests or may invest in one or more underlying registered investment companies in the Eaton Vance family of funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by Eaton Vance. The underlying investment companies may be managed by this portfolio manager or another portfolio manager(s).
(3) Certain of these “Other Pooled Investment Vehicles” invest a substantial portion of their assets either in a registered investment company in the Eaton Vance family of funds and/or in a separate pooled investment vehicle sponsored by Eaton Vance which may be managed by this portfolio manager or another portfolio manager(s).
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 18 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in a Fund by its portfolio manager(s) as of the Funds’ most recent fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 and in the Eaton Vance family of funds as of December 31, 2019.

Fund Name and Portfolio Managers Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in the Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned in
the Eaton Vance Family of Funds
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund    
Yana Barton Over $1,000,000 Over $1,000,000
Lewis R. Piantedosi Over $1,000,000 Over $1,000,000
Focused Value Opportunities Fund    
Aaron S. Dunn $100,001 - $500,000 $500,001 - $1,000,000
Bradley Galko $50,001 - $100,000 $100,001 - $500,000
Edward J. Perkin $50,001 - $100,000 Over $1,000,000

It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of a Fund’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts for which a portfolio manager is responsible on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among a Fund and other accounts he or she advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between a Fund and the other accounts, the portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to a Fund. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, the portfolio manager will endeavor to exercise his or her discretion in a manner that he or she believes is equitable to all interested persons. The investment adviser has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser's trading practices, including among other things the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocations, cross trades and best execution.

Compensation Structure for Eaton Vance. Compensation of the investment adviser's portfolio managers and other investment professionals has the following primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, (3) annual non-cash compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of EVC nonvoting common stock and/or restricted shares of EVC nonvoting common stock that generally are subject to a vesting schedule, and (4) (for equity portfolio managers) a Deferred Alpha Incentive Plan, which pays a deferred cash award tied to future excess returns in certain equity strategy portfolios. The investment adviser’s investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to the investment adviser’s employees. Compensation of the investment adviser’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year end of EVC.

Method to Determine Compensation. The investment adviser compensates its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus the benchmark(s) stated in the prospectus, as well as an appropriate peer group (as described below). In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to, the Sharpe ratio, which uses standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year end. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by the investment adviser’s management not to provide a fair comparison, performance may instead be evaluated primarily against a custom peer group or market index. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 19 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

periods. For funds that are tax-managed or otherwise have an objective of after-tax returns, performance is measured net of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance. Pursuant to the Deferred Alpha Incentive Plan, a portion of the compensation payable to equity portfolio managers and investment professionals will be determined based on the ability of one or more accounts managed by such manager, that are not advised by CRM, to achieve a specified target average annual gross return over a three year period in excess of the account benchmark. The cash award to be payable at the end of the three year term will be established at the inception of the term and will be adjusted positively or negatively to the extent that the average annual gross return varies from the specified target return.

The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as heading an investment group or providing analytical support to other portfolios) will include consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the managers’ performance in meeting them.

The investment adviser seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. The investment adviser participates in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of the investment adviser and its parent company. The overall annual cash bonus pool is generally based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus adjusted operating income. While the salaries of the investment adviser’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Registration. Effective December 31, 2012, the CFTC adopted certain regulatory changes that subject registered investment companies and advisers to regulation by the CFTC if a fund invests more than a prescribed level of its assets in certain CFTC-regulated instruments (including futures, certain options and swaps agreements) or markets itself as providing investment exposure to such instruments. The investment adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to its management of each Fund. Accordingly neither the Funds nor the investment adviser with respect to the operation of the Funds is subject to CFTC regulation. Because of their management of other strategies, Eaton Vance and BMR are registered with the CFTC as commodity pool operators. Eaton Vance and BMR are also registered as commodity trading advisors. The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved each Fund's investment strategies or this SAI.

Administrative Services. Eaton Vance also provides administrative services to each Fund. Under its Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer each Fund’s affairs, subject to the supervision of the Board, and shall furnish office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of each Fund.

Sub-Transfer Agency Support Services. Eaton Vance provides sub-transfer agency and related services to Eaton Vance mutual funds pursuant to a Sub-Transfer Agency Support Services Agreement. Under the agreement, Eaton Vance provides: (1) specified sub-transfer agency services; (2) compliance monitoring services; and (3) intermediary oversight services. For the services it provides, Eaton Vance receives an aggregate annual fee equal to the actual expenses incurred by Eaton Vance in the performance of such services. Each Fund pays a pro rata share of such fee. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, Eaton Vance earned the following pursuant to the agreement:

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Focused Value Opportunities Fund
$12,972 $3,632

Expenses. Each Fund is responsible for all expenses not expressly stated to be payable by another party (such as expenses required to be paid pursuant to an agreement with the investment adviser and administrator or the principal underwriter). In the case of expenses incurred by the Trust, each Fund is responsible for its pro rata share of those expenses. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Eaton Vance Funds, Fund expenses are allocated to each class on a pro rata basis, except that distribution and service fees are allocated exclusively to the class that incurs them.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 20 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Principal Underwriter. Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”), Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 is the principal underwriter of each Fund. The principal underwriter acts as principal in selling shares under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. The expenses of printing copies of prospectuses used to offer shares 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 a Fund and its shares under federal and state securities laws are borne by the Fund. The Distribution Agreement is renewable annually by the members of the Board (including a majority of the noninterested Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement or any applicable Distribution Plan), may be terminated on sixty days’ notice either by such Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Fund shares or on six months’ notice by the principal underwriter and is automatically terminated upon assignment. The principal underwriter distributes shares on a “best efforts” basis under which it is required to take and pay for only such shares as may be sold. EVD is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC. Mr. Faust is also a Director of EVD.

Custodian. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, serves as custodian to each Fund. State Street has custody of all cash and securities of a Fund, maintains the general ledger of each Fund and computes the daily net asset value of shares of each Fund. In such capacity it attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer or other dealings with each Fund’s investments, receives and disburses all funds and performs various other ministerial duties upon receipt of proper instructions from the Trust. State Street provides services in connection with the preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC. EVC and its affiliates and their officers and employees from time to time have transactions with various banks, including State Street. 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 each Fund and such banks.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits each Fund's financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.

Transfer Agent. BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., P.O. Box 9653, Providence, RI 02940-9653, serves as transfer and dividend disbursing agent for each Fund.

Securities Lending Agent. State Street serves as securities lending agent. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, State Street provided the following administrative services pursuant to a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the Fund listed in the table(s) below, subject to guidelines and restrictions provided by the Fund: (i) entering into loans with approved borrowers; (ii) receiving/holding collateral from borrowers and facilitating the investment/reinvestment of cash collateral; (iii) monitoring daily the market value of the loaned securities and collateral, including receiving and delivering additional collateral as necessary from/to borrowers; (iv) negotiating loan terms and, when necessary, loan premiums; (v) selecting securities to be loaned; (vi) recordkeeping, account servicing and providing statements; (vii) monitoring dividend/distribution activity and crediting the Fund account when necessary; and (viii) arranging for the return of loaned securities to the Fund at loan termination. Income and fees accrued from securities lending activities for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020 are shown in the following table(s).

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Securities Lending
Activities
Gross income from securities lending activities $12,234
Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services  
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split $1,693
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split $23
Administrative fees not included in revenue split $0
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split $0
Rebate (paid to borrowers) $921
Other fees not included in revenue split $0
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities $2.637
Net income from securities lending activities $9,597

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 21 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value of the Fund is determined by State Street (as agent and custodian) by subtracting the liabilities of the Fund from the value of its total assets. The Fund is closed for business and will not issue a net asset value on the following business holidays and any other business day that the Exchange is closed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Fund’s net asset value per share is readily accessible on the Eaton Vance website (www.eatonvance.com).

The Board has approved procedures pursuant to which investments are valued for purposes of determining the Fund’s net asset value. Listed below is a summary of the methods generally used to value investments (some or all of which may be held by the Fund) under the procedures.

· Equity securities (including common stock, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, preferred equity securities, exchange-traded notes and other instruments that trade on recognized stock exchanges) are valued at the last sale, official close or, if there are no reported sales, at the mean between the bid and asked price on the primary exchange on which they are traded.
· Most debt obligations are valued on the basis of market valuations furnished by a pricing service or at the mean of the bid and asked prices provided by recognized broker/dealers of such securities. The pricing service may use a pricing matrix to determine valuation.
· Short-term instruments with remaining maturities of less than 397 days are valued on the basis of market valuations furnished by a pricing service or based on dealer quotations.
· Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange quotations supplied by a pricing service.
· Senior and Junior Loans (as defined in the “Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks” section of this SAI) are valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service. The pricing service uses transactions and market quotations from brokers in determining values.
· Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price on the primary exchange or board of trade on which they are traded.
· Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter options are valued based on quotations obtained from a pricing service or from a broker (typically the counterparty to the option).
· Non-exchange traded derivatives (including swap agreements, forward contracts and equity participation notes) are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing service or using quotes provided by a broker/dealer (typically the counterparty) or, for total return swaps, based on market index data.
· Precious metals are valued at the New York Composite mean quotation.
· Liabilities with a payment or maturity date of 364 days or less are stated at their principal value and longer dated liabilities generally will be carried at their fair value.
· Valuations of foreign equity securities and total return swaps and exchange-traded futures contracts on non-North American equity indices are generally based on fair valuation provided by a pricing service.

Investments which are unable to be valued in accordance with the foregoing methodologies are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the members of the Board. Such methods may include consideration of relevant factors, including but not limited to (i) the type of security and the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition; (ii) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies or entities; (iii) quotations or relevant information obtained from broker-dealers or other market participants; (iv) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); (v) an analysis of the company’s or entity’s financial statements; (vi) an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold; (vii) any transaction involving the issuer of such securities; and (viii) any other factors deemed relevant by the investment adviser. For purposes of fair valuation, the portfolio managers of one Eaton Vance fund that invests in Senior and Junior Loans may not possess the same information about a Senior or Junior Loan as the portfolio managers of another Eaton Vance fund. As such, at times the fair value of a Loan determined by certain Eaton Vance portfolio managers may vary from the fair value of the same Loan determined by other portfolio managers.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 22 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

PURCHASING AND REDEEMING SHARES

Additional Information About Purchases. Fund shares are offered for sale only in states where they are registered. The U.S. registered Eaton Vance funds generally do not accept investments from residents of the European Union or Switzerland, although may do so to the extent that the Eaton Vance funds may be lawfully offered in a relevant jurisdiction (including at the initiative of the investor). Fund shares are continuously offered through financial intermediaries which have entered into agreements with the principal underwriter. Fund shares are sold at the public offering price, which is the net asset value next computed after receipt of an order plus the initial sales charge, if any. The Fund receives the net asset value. The principal underwriter receives the sales charge, all or a portion of which may be reallowed to the financial intermediaries responsible for selling Fund shares. The sales charge table for Class A shares in the Prospectus is applicable to purchases of Class A shares of a Fund alone or in combination with purchases of certain 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 Class A shares pursuant to a written Statement of Intention; or (2) purchases of Class A shares pursuant to the Right of Accumulation and declared as such at the time of purchase. See “Sales Charges.”

Class I Share Purchases. Class I shares are available for purchase by clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations and employer sponsored retirement plans. Class I shares may also be available through brokerage platforms of broker-dealer firms that have agreements with a Fund’s principal underwriter to offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor acquiring Class I shares through such platforms may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Class I shares also are offered to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates; certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance and its affiliates; current and retired members of Eaton Vance Fund Boards; employees of Eaton Vance and its affiliates and such persons’ spouses, parents, siblings and lineal descendants and their beneficial accounts.

Waiver of Investment Minimums. In addition to waivers described in the Prospectus, minimum investment amounts are waived for individual plan participants in an employer sponsored retirement plan; current and retired members of Eaton Vance Fund Boards; clients (including custodial, agency, advisory and trust accounts) and current and retired officers and employees of Eaton Vance, its affiliates and other investment advisers and sub-advisers to the Eaton Vance family of funds; and for such persons’ spouses, parents, siblings and lineal descendants and their beneficial accounts. The minimum initial investment amount is also waived for officers and employees of a Fund’s custodian and transfer agent and in connection with the merger (or similar transaction) of an investment company (or series or class thereof) or personal holding company with a Fund (or class thereof). Investments in a Fund by ReFlow in connection with the ReFlow liquidity program are also not subject to the minimum investment amount.

Suspension of Sales. The Trust may, in its absolute discretion, suspend, discontinue or limit the offering of one or more of its classes of shares at any time. In determining whether any such action should be taken, the Trust’s management intends to consider all relevant factors, including (without limitation) the size of a Fund or class, the investment climate and market conditions and the volume of sales and redemptions of shares. The Class A and Class C Distribution Plans may continue in effect and payments may be made under the Plans following any such suspension, discontinuance or limitation of the offering of shares; however, there is no obligation to continue any Plan for any particular period of time. Suspension of the offering of shares would not, of course, affect a shareholder’s ability to redeem shares.

Additional Information About Redemptions. The right to redeem shares of a 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 SEC, or during any emergency as determined by the SEC which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or value its assets, or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors.

Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Trust reserves the right to redeem accounts with balances of less than $750. Prior to such a redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days’ written notice to make an additional purchase. No CDSC or redemption fees, if applicable, will be imposed with respect to such involuntary redemptions.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 23 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

As disclosed in the Prospectus, each Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by (i) distributing any cash holdings, (ii) selling portfolio investments and/or (iii) borrowing from a bank under a line of credit. In addition to the foregoing, each Fund also may distribute securities as payment (a so-called “redemption in-kind”), in which case the redeeming shareholder may pay fees and commissions to convert the securities to cash. Unless requested by a shareholder, each Fund expects to limit use of redemption in-kind to stressed market conditions, but is permitted to do so in other circumstances. Any redemption in-kind would be made in accordance with policies adopted by each Fund, which allow the Fund to distribute securities pro rata or as selected by the investment adviser.

Each Fund participates with other funds managed by EVM and its affiliates, including CRM, in an $800 million unsecured line of credit agreement and may borrow amounts available thereunder for temporary purposes, such as meeting redemptions. See “Additional Information about Investment Strategies and Risks - Borrowing for Temporary Purposes” herein. Each Fund also has exemptive relief to participate in an interfund lending program with other Eaton Vance funds. Such program is not operational as of the date of this SAI.

In connection with requests to re-issue uncashed checks representing redemption proceeds, each Fund reserves the right to require the redeeming shareholder to provide Medallion signature guaranteed wire instructions for delivery of redemption proceeds. Redemption proceeds represented by an uncashed check will not earn interest or other return during such time.

As noted above, each Fund may pay the redemption price of shares of a Fund, either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of securities. All requests for redemptions in-kind must be in good order. Provided the redemption request is received by the Fund not later than 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the day of the redemption, the Fund may in its discretion, if requested by a redeeming shareholder, provide the redeeming shareholders with an estimate of the securities to be distributed. Any difference between the redemption value of the distributed securities and the value of the Fund shares redeemed will be settled in cash. Securities distributed in a redemption in-kind would be valued pursuant to a Fund’s valuation procedures and selected by the investment adviser. If a shareholder receives securities in a redemption in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash and the value of such securities would be subject to price fluctuations until sold.

Pursuant to its Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the principal underwriter is authorized to repurchase shares offered for redemption to each Fund from time to time and each Fund is authorized to pay to the principal underwriter the purchase price for such repurchased shares, which shall be the net asset value next determined after the repurchase order, subject to any applicable CDSC payable to the principal underwriter.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The transfer agent will send to the shareholder regular monthly or quarterly payments of any permitted amount designated by the shareholder based upon the value of the shares held. The checks will be drawn from share redemptions and hence, may require the recognition of taxable gain or loss. Income dividends and capital gains distributions in connection with withdrawal plan accounts will be credited at net asset value as of the ex-dividend date for each distribution. Continued withdrawals in excess of current income will eventually use up principal, particularly in a period of declining market prices. 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 may terminate the withdrawal plan at any time without penalty.

Other Information. A Fund’s net asset value per share is normally rounded to two decimal places. In certain situations (such as a merger, share split or a purchase or sale of shares that represents a significant portion of a share class), the administrator may determine to extend the calculation of the net asset value per share to additional decimal places to ensure that neither the value of the Fund nor a shareholder’s shares is diluted materially as the result of a purchase or sale or other transaction.

SALES CHARGES

Dealer Commissions. The principal underwriter may, from time to time, at its own expense, provide additional incentives to financial intermediaries which employ registered representatives who sell Fund shares and/or shares of other funds distributed by the principal underwriter. In some instances, such additional incentives may be offered only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives sell or 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 financial intermediaries. The principal underwriter may allow, upon notice to all financial intermediaries 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 financial intermediaries may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the 1933 Act.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 24 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Purchases at Net Asset Value. Class A shares may be sold at net asset value (without a sales charge) to clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform; current and retired members of Eaton Vance Fund Boards; to clients (including custodial, agency, advisory and trust accounts) and current and former Directors, officers and employees of Eaton Vance, its affiliates and other investment advisers and sub-advisers of Eaton Vance sponsored funds; and to such persons’ spouses, parents, siblings and lineal descendants and their beneficial accounts. Such shares may also be issued at net asset value (1) in connection with the merger (or similar transaction) of an investment company (or series or class thereof) or personal holding company with a Fund (or class thereof), (2) to HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) and to employer sponsored retirement plans and trusts used to fund those plans, (3) to officers and employees of a Fund’s custodian and transfer agent, (4) in connection with the ReFlow liquidity program and (5) direct purchases of shares by accounts where no financial intermediary is specified. Class A shares may also be sold at net asset value to registered representatives and employees of financial intermediaries. Class A shares are also offered at net asset value to shareholders who make a permitted direct transfer or roll-over to a Eaton Vance prototype individual retirement account (“IRA”) from an employer-sponsored retirement plan previously invested in Eaton Vance funds (applicable only to the portion previously invested in Eaton Vance funds), provided that sufficient documentation is provided to the transfer agent of such transfer or roll-over at the time of the account opening. Sales charges generally are waived because either (i) there is no sales effort involved in the sale of shares or (ii) the investor is paying a fee (other than the sales charge) to the financial intermediary involved in the sale. Any new or revised sales charge or CDSC waiver will be prospective only. A financial intermediary may not, in accordance with its policies and procedures, offer one or more of the waiver categories described above and shareholders should consult their financial intermediary for more information.

CDSC Waiver. CDSCs will be waived in connection with redemptions from employer sponsored retirement plans or IRAs to satisfy required minimum distributions by applying the rate required to be withdrawn under the applicable rules and regulations of the IRS to the balance of shares in your account. CDSCs will also be waived in connection with returning excess contributions made to IRAs.

Statement of Intention. If it is anticipated that $50,000 or more of Class A shares and shares of other funds exchangeable for Class A shares of another Eaton Vance fund will be purchased within a 13-month period, the Statement of Intention section of the account application should be completed so that shares may be obtained at the same reduced sales charge as though the total quantity were invested in one lump sum. Shares eligible for the right of accumulation (see below) as of the date of the statement and purchased during the 13-month period will be included toward the completion of the statement. If you make a statement of intention, the transfer agent is authorized 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. A statement of intention does not obligate the shareholder to purchase or the Fund to sell the full amount indicated in the statement.

If the amount actually purchased during the 13-month period is less than that indicated in the statement, the shareholder will be requested to pay the difference between the sales charge applicable to the shares purchased and the sales charge paid under the statement of intention. If the payment is not received in 20 days, the appropriate number of escrowed shares will be redeemed in order to realize such difference. Shareholders will not receive a lower sales charge if total purchases during the 13-month period are large enough to qualify for a lower sales charge than that applicable to the amount specified in the statement. If the sales charge rate changes during the 13-month period, all shares purchased or charges assessed after the date of such change will be subject to the then applicable sales charge.

Right of Accumulation. Under the right of accumulation, the applicable sales charge level is calculated by aggregating the dollar amount of the current purchase and the value (calculated at the maximum current offering price) of Fund shares owned by the shareholder. The sales charge on the Fund shares being purchased will then be applied at the rate applicable to the aggregate. Share purchases eligible for the right of accumulation are described under “Sales Charges” in the Prospectus. For any such discount to be made available at the time of purchase a purchaser or his or her financial intermediary must provide the principal underwriter (in the case of a purchase made through a financial intermediary) 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. Confirmation 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.

Conversion Feature. Effective January 25, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares during the month following the ten year anniversary of the purchase of such Class C shares. If the financial intermediary that maintains a Class C shareholder’s account has not tracked the holding period for Class C shares, Class C shares held as of the Effective Date will automatically convert to Class A shares ten years after the Effective Date. Such conversion shall be effected on the basis of the relative NAVs per share of the two classes without the imposition of any sales charge, fee or other charge. For purposes of this conversion, all distributions paid on such Class C shares which the shareholder elects to reinvest in Class C shares will be considered to be held in a separate sub-account. Upon the conversion of Class C shares not acquired through the reinvestment of distributions, a pro rata portion of the Class C shares held in the sub-account will also convert to such Class A shares. This portion will be determined by the ratio that such Class C shares being converted bears to the total of Class C shares (excluding shares acquired through reinvestment) in the account.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 25 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Distribution Plans

The Trust has in effect a compensation-type Distribution Plan for Class A shares (the “Class A Plan”) adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Class A Plan is designed to (i) finance activities which are primarily intended to result in the distribution and sales of Class A shares and to make payments in connection with the distribution of such shares and (ii) pay service fees for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts to the principal underwriter, financial intermediaries and other persons. The distribution and service fees payable under the Class A Plan shall not exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares for any fiscal year. Class A distribution and service fees are paid monthly in arrears. For the distribution and service fees paid by Class A shares, see Appendix A.

The Trust also has in effect a compensation-type Distribution Plan for Class C shares (the “Class C Plan”) adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Pursuant to the Class C Plan, Class C pays the principal underwriter a distribution fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate not exceeding 0.75% of its average daily net assets to finance the distribution of its shares. Such fees compensate the principal underwriter for the sales commissions paid by it to financial intermediaries on the sale of shares, for other distribution expenses (such as personnel, overhead, travel, printing and postage) and for interest expense. The principal underwriter is entitled to receive all distribution fees and CDSCs paid or payable with respect to Class C shares, provided that no such payments will be made that would cause the Class to exceed the maximum sales charge permitted by FINRA Rule 2341(d).

The Class C Plan also authorizes the payment of service fees to the principal underwriter, financial intermediaries and other persons in amounts not exceeding an annual rate of 0.25% of its average daily net assets for personal services, and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. For Class C, financial intermediaries currently generally receive (a) a service fee (except on exchange transactions and reinvestments) at the time of sale equal to 0.25% of the purchase price of Class C shares sold by such intermediaries, and (b) monthly service fees approximately equivalent to 1/12 of 0.25% of the value of Class C shares sold by such intermediaries. During the first year after a purchase of Class C shares, the principal underwriter will retain the service fee as reimbursement for the service fee payment made to financial intermediaries at the time of sale (if applicable). For the service fees paid, see Appendix B.

The Board believes that each Plan will be a significant factor in the expected growth of each Fund’s assets, and will result in increased investment flexibility and advantages which have benefitted and will continue to benefit the Fund and its shareholders. The Eaton Vance organization may profit by reason of the operation of a Plan through an increase in Fund assets and if at any point in time the aggregate amounts received by the principal underwriter pursuant to a Plan exceeds the total expenses incurred in distributing Fund shares. For sales commissions and CDSCs, if applicable, see Appendix A and Appendix B.

A Plan continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of both a majority of (i) the noninterested Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to the Plan (the “Plan Trustees”) and (ii) all of the Trustees then in office. A Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the Plan Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Class. Quarterly Board member review of a written report of the amount expended under the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made is required. A Plan may not be amended to increase materially the payments described therein without approval of the shareholders of the affected Class and the Board. So long as a Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of the noninterested Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of such Trustees. The Trustees, including the Plan Trustees, initially approved the current Plan(s) on April 22, 2013 for each Fund. Any Board member who is an “interested” person of the Trust has an indirect financial interest in a Plan because his or her employer (or affiliates thereof) receives distribution and/or service fees under the Plan or agreements related thereto.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 26 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AND RELATED INFORMATION

The Board has adopted policies and procedures (the “Policies”) with respect to the disclosure of information about portfolio holdings of each Fund. See the Funds' Prospectus for information on disclosure made in filings with the SEC and/or posted on the Eaton Vance website (www.eatonvance.com) and disclosure of certain portfolio characteristics. Pursuant to the Policies, information about portfolio holdings of a Fund may also be disclosed as follows:

· Confidential disclosure for a legitimate Fund purpose: Portfolio holdings may be disclosed, from time to time as necessary, for a legitimate business purpose of a Fund, believed to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders, provided there is a duty or an agreement that the information be kept confidential. Any such confidentiality agreement includes provisions intended to impose a duty not to trade on the non-public information. The Policies permit disclosure of portfolio holdings information to the following: 1) affiliated and unaffiliated service providers that have a legal or contractual duty to keep such information confidential, such as employees of the investment adviser (including portfolio managers and, in the case of a Portfolio, the portfolio manager of any account that invests in the Portfolio), the administrator, custodian, transfer agent, principal underwriter, etc. described herein and in the Prospectus; 2) other persons who owe a fiduciary or other duty of trust or confidence to the Fund (such as Fund legal counsel and independent registered public accounting firm); or 3) persons to whom the disclosure is made in advancement of a legitimate business purpose of a Fund and who have expressly agreed in writing to maintain the disclosed information in confidence and to use it only in connection with the legitimate business purpose underlying the arrangement. To the extent applicable to a Eaton Vance fund, such persons may include securities lending agents which may receive information from time to time regarding selected holdings which may be loaned by a Fund, in the event a Fund is rated, credit rating agencies (Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. and S&P Global Ratings), analytical service providers engaged by the investment adviser (SS&C Advent, Bloomberg L.P., Evare, FactSet, McMunn Associates, Inc., MSCI/Barra and The Yield Book, Inc.), proxy evaluation vendors (Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.), pricing services (Refinitiv Evaluated Pricing Service, WM/Reuters Information Services and Non-Deliverable Forward Rates Service, IHS Markit, FT Interactive Data Corp., Securities Evaluations, Inc., SuperDerivatives and StatPro.), which receive information as needed to price a particular holding, translation services, third-party reconciliation services, lenders under Fund credit facilities (Citibank, N.A. and its affiliates), consultants and other product evaluators (Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC) and, for purposes of facilitating portfolio transactions, financial intermediaries and other intermediaries (national and regional municipal bond dealers and mortgage-backed securities dealers). These entities receive portfolio information on an as needed basis in order to perform the service for which they are being engaged. If required in order to perform their duties, this information will be provided in real time or as soon as practical thereafter. Additional categories of disclosure involving a legitimate business purpose may be added to this list upon the authorization of a Fund’s Board. In addition to the foregoing, disclosure of portfolio holdings may be made to a Fund’s investment adviser as a seed investor in a fund, in order for the adviser or its parent to satisfy certain reporting obligations and reduce its exposure to market risk factors associated with any such seed investment. Also, in connection with a redemption in-kind, the redeeming shareholders may be required to agree to keep the information about the securities to be so distributed confidential, except to the extent necessary to dispose of the securities.
· Historical portfolio holdings information: From time to time, each Fund may be requested to provide historic portfolio holdings information or certain characteristics of portfolio holdings that have not been made public previously. In such case, the requested information may be provided if: the information is requested for due diligence or another legitimate purpose; the requested portfolio holdings or portfolio characteristics are for a period that is no more recent than the date of the portfolio holdings or portfolio characteristics posted to the Eaton Vance website; and the dissemination of the requested information is reviewed and approved in accordance with the Policies.

The Funds, the investment adviser and principal underwriter will not receive any monetary or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of information concerning a Fund’s portfolio holdings.

The Policies may not be waived, or exception made, without the consent of the CCO of the Funds. The CCO may not waive or make exception to the Policies unless such waiver or exception is consistent with the intent of the Policies, which is to ensure that disclosure of portfolio information is in the best interest of Fund shareholders. In determining whether to permit a waiver of or exception to the Policies, the CCO will consider whether the proposed disclosure serves a legitimate purpose of a Fund, whether it could provide the recipient with an advantage over Fund shareholders or whether the proposed disclosure gives rise to a conflict of interest between a Fund’s shareholders and its investment adviser, principal underwriter or other affiliated person. The CCO will report all waivers of or exceptions to the Policies to the Board at their next meeting. The Board may impose additional restrictions on the disclosure of portfolio holdings information at any time.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 27 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The Policies are designed to provide useful information concerning a Fund to existing and prospective Fund shareholders while at the same time inhibiting the improper use of portfolio holdings information in trading Fund shares and/or portfolio securities held by a Fund. However, there can be no assurance that the provision of any portfolio holdings information is not susceptible to inappropriate uses (such as the development of “market timing” models), particularly in the hands of highly sophisticated investors, or that it will not in fact be used in such ways beyond the control of the Funds.

TAXES

The following is a summary of some of the tax consequences affecting a Fund and its shareholders. As used below, “the Fund” refers to the Fund(s) listed on the cover of this SAI, except as otherwise noted. The summary does not address all of the special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as individual retirement accounts and employer sponsored retirement plans, tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies and financial institutions. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to special tax rules that may apply in their particular situations, as well as the federal, state, local, and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

Taxation of the Fund. The Fund, as a series of the Trust, is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including tax-exempt income, if any) and net short-term and long-term capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and to avoid paying any federal income tax. Based on advice of counsel, the Fund generally will not recognize gain or loss on its distribution of appreciated securities in shareholder-initiated redemptions of its shares. If the Fund qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, it will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends or capital gain distributions. The Fund qualified as a RIC for its most recent taxable year.

The Fund also seeks to avoid the imposition of a federal excise tax on its ordinary income and capital gain net income. However, if the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for such year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 (or later if the Fund is permitted to so elect and so elects), plus any retained amount from the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. In order to avoid incurring a federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that the Fund distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (excluding tax-exempt income, if any) for such year, (ii) at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (which is 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 (iii) 100% of any income and capital gains from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not distributed out during such year and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements it will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC (and, where applicable, the Portfolio is treated as a partnership for Massachusetts and federal tax purposes), the Fund should not be liable for any applicable state income, corporate excise or franchise tax.

If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of tax-exempt income and net capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as dividend income. However, such distributions may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Fund's shares. In addition, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions.

In certain situations, the Fund may, for a taxable year, elect to defer all or a portion of its net capital losses (or if there is no net capital loss, then any net long-term or short-term capital loss) realized after October and its late-year ordinary losses (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, and its (ii) other net ordinary loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) realized after December until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October (or December) may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 28 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Taxation of the Portfolio. If the Fund invests its assets in the Portfolio, the Portfolio normally must satisfy the applicable source of income and asset diversification requirements under Subchapter M of the Code in order for the Fund to also satisfy these requirements. For federal income tax purposes, the Portfolio intends to be treated as a partnership that is not a “publicly traded partnership” and, as a result, will not be subject to federal income tax. The Fund, as an investor in the Portfolio, will be required to take into account in determining its federal income tax liability its allocable share of such Portfolio’s income, gains, losses, deductions and credits, without regard to whether it has received any distributions from such Portfolio. The Portfolio will allocate at least annually among its investors, including the Fund, the Portfolio’s net investment income, net realized capital gains and losses, and any other items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit. For purposes of applying the requirements of the Code regarding qualification as a RIC, the Fund (i) will be deemed to own its proportionate share of each of the assets of the Portfolio and (ii) will be entitled to the gross income of the Portfolio attributable to such share. Under current law, provided that the Portfolio is treated as a partnership for Massachusetts and federal tax purposes, the Portfolio should not be liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Taxation of the Subsidiary. See the definition of “Subsidiary” under “Definitions” at the front of this SAI for information about whether any Fund and/or Portfolio (if applicable) described herein has established a Subsidiary. The Subsidiary is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends to take the position that income from its investments in the Subsidiary will constitute qualifying income for purposes of qualifying as a RIC. Under Treasury regulations, “subpart F income” (as defined below) included in the Fund’s annual income for U.S. federal income purposes will constitute qualifying income to the extent it is either (i) timely and currently repatriated or (ii) derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. If the Fund were to earn non-qualifying income from any source including the Subsidiary in excess of 10% of its gross income for any taxable year, it would fail to qualify as a RIC for that year, unless the Fund were eligible to cure and cured such failure by paying a Fund-level tax equal to the full amount of such excess.

Foreign corporations, such as the Subsidiary, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless they are deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. It is expected that the Subsidiary will conduct it activities in a manner so as to meet the requirements of a safe harbor under Section 864(b)(2) of the Code under which the Subsidiary may engage in trading in stocks or securities or certain commodities without being deemed to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business. However, if certain of the Subsidiary's activities were determined not to be of the type described in the safe harbor (which is not expected), then the activities of the Subsidiary may constitute a U.S. trade or business, and would be taxed as such.

The Subsidiary is treated as a controlled foreign corporation (“CFC”) for tax purposes and the Fund is treated as a “U.S. shareholder” of the Subsidiary. As a result, the Fund is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes all of the Subsidiary's “subpart F income,” whether or not such income is distributed by the Subsidiary. It is expected that all of the Subsidiary's income will be “subpart F income.” The Fund’s recognition of the Subsidiary's “subpart F income” will increase the Fund’s tax basis in the Subsidiary. Distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund will be tax-free to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income,” and will correspondingly reduce the Fund's tax basis in the Subsidiary. “Subpart F income” is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the Subsidiary's underlying income. If a net loss is realized by the Subsidiary, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by the Fund.

Tax Consequences of Certain Investments. The following summary of the tax consequences of certain types of investments applies to the Fund and the Portfolio, as appropriate. References below to “the Fund” are to any Fund or Portfolio that can engage in the particular practice as described in the prospectus or SAI.

Securities Acquired at Market Discount or with Original Issue Discount. Investment in securities acquired in zero coupon, deferred interest, payment-in-kind and certain other securities with original issue discount, generally may cause the Fund to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities. Such income will be accrued daily by the Fund and, in order to avoid a tax payable by the Fund, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold in order to generate cash so that the Fund may make required distributions to its shareholders. Subject to the discussion below regarding Section 451 of the Code, (i) generally any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security, (ii) alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund's income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that

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amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective for taxable years beginning after 2017, Section 451 of the Code generally requires any accrual method taxpayer to take into account items of gross income no later than the time at which such items are taken into account as revenue in the taxpayer's financial statements. The Treasury Department and IRS have issued proposed regulations providing that Section 451 does not apply to accrued market discount. If Section 451 were to apply to the accrual of market discount, the Fund would be required to include in income any market discount as it takes the same into account on its financial statements.

Lower Rated or Defaulted Securities. Investments in securities that are at risk of, or are in, default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income.

Municipal Obligations. Any recognized gain or income attributable to market discount on long-term tax-exempt municipal obligations (i.e., obligations with a term of more than one year) purchased after April 30, 1993 (except to the extent of a portion of the discount on the obligations attributable to original issue discount) is taxable as ordinary income. A long-term debt obligation is generally treated as acquired at a market discount if purchased after its original issue at a price 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 minimis exclusion.

From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of municipal obligations, and it can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. As a result of any such future legislation, the availability of municipal obligations for investment by the Fund and the value of the securities held by it may be affected. It is possible that events occurring after the date of issuance of municipal obligations, or after the Fund’s acquisition of such an obligation, may result in a determination that the interest paid on that obligation is taxable, even retroactively.

If the Fund seeks income exempt from state and/or local taxes, information about such taxes is contained in an appendix to this SAI (see the table of contents on the cover page of this SAI).

Tax Credit Bonds. If the Fund holds, directly or indirectly, one or more tax credit bonds issued on or before December 31, 2017 (including Build America Bonds, clean renewable energy bonds and other qualified tax credit bonds) on one or more applicable dates during a taxable year and the Fund satisfies the minimum distribution requirement, the Fund may elect to permit its shareholders to claim a tax credit on their income tax returns equal to each shareholder’s proportionate share of tax credits from the applicable bonds that otherwise would be allowed to the Fund. In such a case, shareholders must include in gross income (as interest) their proportionate share of the income attributable to their proportionate share of those offsetting tax credits. A shareholder’s ability to claim a tax credit associated with one or more tax credit bonds may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code. Even if the Fund is eligible to pass through tax credits to shareholders, the Fund may choose not to do so.

Derivatives. The Fund’s investments in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts (to the extent permitted) and certain other transactions may be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer Fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of Fund securities, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of Fund distributions.

Investments in so-called “section 1256 contracts,” such as regulated futures contracts, most foreign currency forward contracts traded in the interbank market and options on most stock indices, are subject to special tax rules. All “section 1256 contracts” held by the Fund at the end of its taxable year are required to be marked to their market value, and any unrealized gain or loss on those positions will be included in the Fund’s income as if each position had been sold for its fair market value at the end of the taxable year. The resulting gain or loss will be combined with any gain or loss realized by the Fund from positions in “section 1256 contracts” closed during the taxable year. Provided such positions were held as capital assets and were not part of a “hedging transaction” nor part of a “straddle,” 60% of the resulting net gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and 40% of such net gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of the period of time the positions were actually held by the Fund. Unless an election is made, net section 1256 gain or loss on forward currency contracts will be treated as ordinary income or loss.

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Fund positions in index options that do not qualify as “section 1256 contracts” under the Code generally will be treated as equity options governed by Code Section 1234. Pursuant to Code Section 1234, if a written option expires unexercised, the premium received by the Fund is short-term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction with respect to a written option, the difference between the premium received and the amount paid to close out its position is short-term capital gain or loss. If an option written by the Fund that is not a “section 1256 contract” is cash settled, any resulting gain or loss will be short-term capital gain. For an option purchased by the Fund that is not a “section 1256 contract”, any gain or loss resulting from sale of the option will be a capital gain or loss, and will be short-term or long-term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is short-term or long-term, depending upon the holding period for the option. If a put option written by the Fund is exercised and physically settled, the premium received is treated as a reduction in the amount paid to acquire the underlying securities, increasing the gain or decreasing the loss to be realized by the Fund upon sale of the securities. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and physically settled, the premium received is included in the sale proceeds, increasing the gain or decreasing the loss realized by the Fund at the time of option exercise.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, the Fund may make or receive periodic net payments. The Fund may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Fund has been a party to a swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, the Fund may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

Short Sales. In general, gain or loss on a short sale is recognized when the Fund closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered to be capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the Fund’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Fund. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by the Fund for more than one year. In general, the Fund will not be permitted to deduct payments made to reimburse the lender of securities for dividends paid on borrowed stock if the short sale is closed on or before the 45th day after the short sale is entered.

Constructive Sales. The Fund may recognize gain (but not loss) from a constructive sale of certain “appreciated financial positions” if the Fund enters into a short sale, offsetting notional principal contract, or forward contract transaction with respect to the appreciated position or substantially identical property. Appreciated financial positions subject to this constructive sale treatment include interests (including options and forward contracts and short sales) in stock and certain other instruments. Constructive sale treatment does not apply if the transaction is closed out not later than thirty days after the end of the taxable year in which the transaction was initiated, and the underlying appreciated securities position is held unhedged for at least the next sixty days after the hedging transaction is closed.

Gain or loss on a short sale will generally not be realized until such time as the short sale is closed. However, as described above in the discussion of constructive sales, if the Fund holds a short sale position with respect to securities that has appreciated in value, and it then acquires property that is the same as or substantially identical to the property sold short, the Fund generally will recognize gain on the date it acquires such property as if the short sale were closed on such date with such property. Similarly, if the Fund holds an appreciated financial position with respect to securities and then enters into a short sale with respect to the same or substantially identical property, the Fund generally will recognize gain as if the appreciated financial position were sold at its fair market value on the date it enters into the short sale. The subsequent holding period for any appreciated financial position that is subject to these constructive sale rules will be determined as if such position were acquired on the date of the constructive sale.

Foreign Investments and Currencies. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes or other foreign taxes with respect to income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains), which would decrease the Fund’s income on such securities. These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty. If more than 50% of Fund assets at year end consists of the debt and equity securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their income tax returns for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries. If the election is made, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata share of such taxes. A shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code (including a holding period requirement applied at the Fund level, shareholder level and, if

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applicable, Portfolio level), as a result of which a shareholder may not get a full credit or deduction for the amount of such taxes. In particular, the Fund or Portfolio, if applicable, must own a dividend-paying stock for more than 15 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days prior to the ex-dividend date in order to pass through to shareholders a credit or deduction for any foreign withholding tax on a dividend paid with respect to such stock. Likewise, shareholders must hold their Fund shares (without protection from risk or loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 additional days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days prior to the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim the foreign tax with respect to a given dividend. Shareholders who do not itemize deductions on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but no deduction) for such taxes. Individual shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) may not deduct such taxes for AMT purposes.

Transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts, forward contracts and similar instruments (to the extent permitted) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency. Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the time the Fund accrues income or receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such income or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss.

Investments in PFICs could subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax or other charges on certain distributions from such companies and on disposition of investments in such companies; however, the tax effects of such investments may be mitigated by making an election to mark such investments to market annually or treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund”. If the Fund were to invest in a PFIC and elect to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” under the Code, the Fund might be required to include in income each year a portion of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the qualified electing fund, even if not distributed to the Fund, and such amounts would be subject to the distribution requirements described above. In order to make this election, the Fund would be required to obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Alternatively, if the Fund were to make a mark-to-market election with respect to a PFIC, the Fund would be treated as if it had sold and repurchased the PFIC stock at the end of each year. In such case, the Fund would report any such gains as ordinary income and would deduct any such losses as ordinary losses to the extent of previously recognized gains. This election must be made separately for each PFIC, and once made, would be effective for all subsequent taxable years unless revoked with the consent of the IRS. The Fund may be required to recognize income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock in any particular year. As a result, the Fund may have to distribute this “phantom” income and gain to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax.

U.S. Government Securities. Distributions paid by the Fund that are derived from interest on obligations of the U.S. Government and certain of its agencies and instrumentalities (but generally not distributions of capital gains realized upon the disposition of such obligations) may be exempt from state and local income taxes. The Fund generally intends to advise shareholders of the extent, if any, to which its distributions consist of such interest. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the possible exclusion of such portion of their dividends for state and local income tax purposes.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”). Any investment by the Fund in equity securities of a REIT qualifying as such under Subchapter M of the Code may result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction and generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

Pursuant to proposed regulations on which the Fund may rely, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders that the Fund properly reports as “section 199A dividends,” as defined and subject to certain conditions described below, are treated as qualified REIT dividends in the hands of non-corporate shareholders. Non-corporate shareholders are permitted a federal income tax deduction equal to 20% of qualified REIT dividends received by them, subject to certain limitations. Very generally, a “section 199A dividend” is any dividend or portion thereof that is attributable to certain dividends received by a RIC from REITs, to the extent such dividends are properly reported as such by the RIC in a written notice to its shareholders. A section 199A dividend is treated as a qualified REIT dividend only if the shareholders receiving such dividend holds the dividend-paying RIC shares for at least 46 days of the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend, and is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially similar or related property. The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as section 199A dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so.

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Subject to any future regulatory guidance to the contrary, any distribution of income attributable to qualified publicly traded partnership income from a Fund’s investment in a qualified publicly traded partnership will not qualify for the deduction that would be available to a non-corporate shareholder were the shareholder to own such qualified publicly traded partnership interest directly.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds.  Periodic adjustments for inflation to the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond may give rise to original issue discount, which will be includable in the Fund’s gross income (see “Securities Acquired at Market Discount or with Original Issue Discount” above).  Also, if the principal value of an inflation-indexed bond is adjusted downward due to inflation, amounts previously distributed in the taxable year may be characterized in some circumstances as a return of capital (see “Taxation of Fund Shareholders” below).

Taxation of Fund Shareholders. Subject to the discussion of distributions of tax-exempt income below, Fund distributions of investment income and net gains from investments held for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Fund distributions of net gains from investments held for more than one year are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund or, if applicable, the Portfolio owned (or is treated as having owned) the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares in the Fund. Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they are made out of the Fund’s earnings and profits, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.

Distributions paid by the Fund during any period may be more or less than the amount of net investment income and capital gains actually earned during the period. If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares. A shareholder’s tax basis cannot go below zero and any return of capital distributions in excess of a shareholder’s tax basis will be treated as capital gain.

Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take taxable distributions by the Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, for federal income tax purposes, dividends that are declared by the Fund in October, November or December as of a record date in such month and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as if they were paid on December 31 of the year declared. Therefore, such dividends will generally be taxable to a shareholder in the year declared rather than in the year paid.

The amount of distributions payable by the Fund may vary depending on general economic and market conditions, the composition of investments, current management strategy and Fund operating expenses. The Fund will inform shareholders of the tax character of distributions annually to facilitate shareholder tax reporting.

The Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain, in which case the Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at regular corporate tax rates. In such a case, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders of record on the last day of its taxable year treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain, and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit. The Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.

Any Fund distribution, other than dividends that are declared by the Fund on a daily basis, will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of Fund shares by the amount of the distribution. If a shareholder buys shares when the Fund has unrealized or realized but not yet distributed ordinary income or capital gains, the shareholder will pay full price for the shares and then may receive a portion back as a taxable distribution even though such distribution may economically represent a return of the shareholder’s investment.

Tax-Exempt Income. Distributions by the Fund of net tax-exempt interest income that are properly reported as “exempt-interest dividends” may be treated by shareholders as interest excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes under Section 103(a) of the Code. In order for the Fund to be entitled to pay the tax-exempt interest income as exempt-interest dividends to its shareholders, the Fund must satisfy certain requirements, including the requirement that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of obligations the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax under Code Section 103(a). Interest on certain municipal obligations may be taxable for purposes of the federal AMT for non-corporate taxpayers and for state and local purposes. Fund shareholders are required to report tax-exempt interest on their federal income tax returns.

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Tax-exempt distributions received from the Fund are taken into account in determining, and may increase, the portion of social security and certain railroad retirement benefits that may be subject to federal income tax. Interest on indebtedness incurred by a shareholder to purchase or carry Fund shares that distributes exempt-interest dividends will not be deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes in proportion to the percentage that the Fund’s distributions of exempt interest dividends bears to all of the Fund’s distributions, excluding properly reported capital gain dividends. If a shareholder receives exempt interest dividends with respect to any Fund share and if the share is held by the shareholder for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of the share may, to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends, be disallowed. Furthermore, a portion of any exempt-interest dividend paid by the Fund that represents income derived from certain revenue or private activity bonds held by the Fund may not retain its tax-exempt status in the hands of a shareholder who is a “substantial user” of a facility financed by such bonds, or a “related person” thereof. In addition, the receipt of dividends and distributions from the Fund may affect a foreign corporate shareholder’s federal “branch profits” tax liability and the federal “excess net passive income” tax liability of a shareholder of a Subchapter S corporation. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to whether they are (i) “substantial users” with respect to a facility or “related” to such users within the meaning of the Code or (ii) subject to a federal AMT, the federal “branch profits” tax, or the federal “excess net passive income” tax.

Qualified Dividend Income. “Qualified dividend income” received by an individual is generally taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for a dividend received by Fund shareholders to be qualified dividend income, the Fund or, if applicable, the Portfolio must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stock in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.) or (b) treated as a PFIC. Payments in lieu of dividends, such as payments pursuant to securities lending arrangements, also do not qualify to be treated as qualified dividend income. In general, distributions of investment income properly reported by the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a shareholder taxed as an individual provided the shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund’s shares. In any event, if the aggregate qualified dividends received by the Fund during any taxable year are 95% or more of its gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than properly reported capital gain dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income. For this purpose, the only gain with respect to the sale of stocks and securities included in the term “gross income” is the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss.

Dividends Received Deduction for Corporations. A portion of distributions made by the Fund which are derived from dividends from U.S. corporations may qualify for the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) for corporations. The DRD is reduced to the extent the Fund shares with respect to which the dividends are received are treated as debt-financed under the Code and is eliminated if the shares are deemed to have been held for less than a minimum period, generally more than 45 days (more than 90 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period beginning 45 days before the ex-dividend date (during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or if the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Receipt of certain distributions qualifying for the DRD may result in reduction of the tax basis of the corporate shareholder’s shares. Payments in lieu of dividends, such as payments pursuant to securities lending arrangements, also do not qualify for the DRD.

Recognition of Unrelated Business Taxable Income by Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Under current law, tax-exempt investors generally will not recognize unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) from distributions from the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a tax-exempt shareholder could recognize UBTI if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of a tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code section 514(b). In addition, certain types of income received by the Fund from REITs, real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”), taxable mortgage pools or other investments may cause the Fund to designate some or all of its distributions as “excess inclusion income.” To Fund shareholders such excess inclusion income may: (1) constitute income taxable as UBTI for those shareholders who would otherwise be tax-exempt such as individual retirement accounts, employer sponsored retirement plans and certain charitable entities; (2) not be offset by otherwise allowable deductions for tax purposes; (3) not be eligible for reduced U.S. withholding for non-U.S. shareholders even from tax treaty countries; and (4) cause the Fund to be subject to tax if certain “disqualified organizations” as defined by the Code are Fund shareholders.

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Sale, Redemption or Exchange of Fund Shares. Generally, upon the sale, redemption or (if permitted) exchange of Fund shares, a shareholder will realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder’s basis in the shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the shareholder’s hands, and generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss if the shares are held for one year or less.

Any loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of Fund shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any Fund distributions treated as long-term capital gain with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of a loss realized on a sale or other disposition of Fund shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shareholder acquired other shares of the same Fund (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within the period beginning 30 days before the date of sale or other disposition of the loss shares and ending 30 days after such date. Any disallowed loss will result in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of the other shares acquired. See the prospectus for information regarding any permitted exchange of Fund shares.

Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares subject to a front-end sales charge 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 a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent acquisition of Fund shares (or shares of another fund) on or before January 31 of the following calendar year pursuant to the 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.

Applicability of Medicare Contribution Tax. The Code imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on net investment income of certain U.S. individuals, estates and trusts. For individuals, the tax is on the lesser of the “net investment income” and the excess of modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly). Net investment income includes, among other things, interest, dividends, and gross income and capital gains derived from passive activities and trading in securities or commodities. Net investment income is reduced by deductions “properly allocable” to this income.

Back-Up Withholding for U.S. Shareholders. Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders who have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and certain certifications required by the IRS as well as shareholders with respect to whom the Fund has received certain information from the IRS or a broker, may be subject to “backup” withholding of federal income tax arising from the Fund’s taxable dividends and other distributions as well as the proceeds of redemption transactions (including repurchases and exchanges). An individual’s TIN is generally his or her social security number. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Taxation of Foreign Shareholders. In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “foreign person” or “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid to a foreign person who provides an IRS Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends are effectively connected with the foreign person’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the foreign person were a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to additional “branch profits tax” imposed at a rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). A foreign person who fails to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate. A foreign shareholder would generally be exempt from U.S. federal income tax, including withholding tax, on gains realized on the sale of shares of the Fund, net capital gain dividends, exempt interest dividends, and amounts retained by the Fund that are reported as undistributed capital gains.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 35 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Properly reported dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the Fund’s U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gain over the Fund’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, the Fund may report all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder would need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or substitute Form). In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary could withhold even if the Fund designates the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

Distributions that the Fund reports as “short-term capital gain dividends” or “long-term capital gain dividends” will not be treated as such to a recipient foreign shareholder if the distribution is attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property or an interest in a U.S. real property holding corporation and the Fund’s direct or indirect interests in U.S. real property exceeded certain levels. Instead, if the foreign shareholder has not owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund at any time during the one year period ending on the date of distribution, such distributions will be subject to 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding by the Fund and will be treated as ordinary dividends to the foreign shareholder; if the foreign shareholder owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund at any time during the one year period ending on the date of the distribution, such distribution will be treated as real property gain subject to 21% withholding tax and could subject the foreign shareholder to U.S. filing requirements. The rules described in this paragraph, other than the withholding rules, will apply notwithstanding the Fund’s participation or a foreign shareholder’s participation in a wash sale transaction or the payment of a substitute dividend.

Additionally, if the Fund’s direct or indirect interests in U.S. real property were to exceed certain levels, a foreign shareholder realizing gains upon redemption from the Fund could be subject to the 21% withholding tax and U.S. filing requirements unless the foreign person had not held more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding shares at any time during the one year period ending on the date of the redemption.

The same rules apply with respect to distributions to a foreign shareholder from the Fund and redemptions of a foreign shareholder’s interest in the Fund attributable to a REIT’s distribution to the Fund of gain from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property or an interest in a U.S. real property holding corporation, if the Fund’s direct or indirect interests in U.S. real property were to exceed certain levels.

Provided that 50% or more of the value of the Fund’s stock is held by U.S. shareholders, distributions of U.S. real property interests (including securities in a U.S. real property holding corporation, unless such corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market and the Fund has held 5% or less of the outstanding shares of the corporation during the five-year period ending on the date of distribution), in redemption of a foreign shareholder’s shares of the Fund will cause the Fund to recognize gain. If the Fund is required to recognize gain, the amount of gain recognized will be equal to the fair market value of such interests over the Fund’s adjusted basis to the extent of the greatest foreign ownership percentage of the Fund during the five-year period ending on the date of redemption.

In the case of foreign non-corporate shareholders, the Fund may be required to backup withhold U.S. federal income tax on distributions that are otherwise exempt from withholding tax unless such shareholders furnish the Fund with proper notification of their foreign status.

Shares of the Fund held by a non-U.S. shareholder at death will be considered situated within the United States and subject to the U.S. estate tax.

Compliance with FATCA. A 30% withholding tax is imposed on U.S.-source dividends, interest and other income items, including those paid by the Fund, paid to (i) foreign financial institutions including non-U.S. investment funds unless they agree to collect and disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) certain other foreign entities, unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. If a payment by the Fund is subject to withholding under FATCA, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., dividends attributable to qualified net interest income and dividends attributable to tax-exempt interest income). The IRS and the Department of Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not be applicable to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or capital gain dividends the Funds pays. To avoid withholding, foreign financial

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 36 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

institutions will need to either enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information, including the names, addresses and taxpayer identification numbers of direct and indirect U.S. account holders, comply with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts, report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained, agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions or to account holders who fail to provide the required information, and determine certain other information as to their account holders or, in the event that an applicable intergovernmental agreement and implementing legislation are adopted, agree to provide certain information to other revenue authorities for transmittal to the IRS. Other foreign entities will need to either provide the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership unless certain exceptions apply or agree to provide certain information to other revenue authorities for transmittal to the IRS. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these requirements on their investment in the Fund.

Requirements of Form 8886. Under Treasury Regulations, if a shareholder realizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s shares of at least $2 million in any single taxable year or $4 million in any combination of taxable years for an individual shareholder or at least $10 million in any single taxable year or $20 million in any combination of taxable years for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances. Under certain circumstances, certain tax-exempt entities and their managers may be subject to excise tax if they are parties to certain reportable transactions.

Tax Treatment of Variable Annuity/Variable Life Insurance Funding Vehicles. Special rules apply to insurance company separate accounts and the Funds (the “Variable Funds”) in which such insurance company separate accounts invest. For federal income tax purposes, the insurance company separate accounts that invest in a Variable Fund will be treated as receiving the income from the Variable Fund’s distributions to such accounts, and holders of variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies (together, “Variable Contracts”) generally will not be taxed currently on income or gains realized with respect to such contracts, provided that certain diversification and “investor control” requirements are met. In order for owners of Variable Contracts to receive such favorable tax treatment, diversification requirements in Section 817(h) of the Code (“Section 817(h)”) must be satisfied. To determine whether such diversification requirements are satisfied, an insurance company that offers Variable Contracts generally may “look through” to the assets of a regulated investment company in which it owns shares (the “Underlying Fund”) if, among other requirements, (1) all the shares of the Underlying Fund are held by segregated asset accounts of insurance companies and (2) public access to such shares is only available through the purchase of a variable contract, in each case subject to certain limited exceptions. This provision permits a segregated asset account to invest all of its assets in shares of a single Underlying Fund without being considered nondiversified, provided that the Underlying Fund meets the Section 817(h) diversification requirements. This “look through” treatment typically increases the diversification of the account, because a portion of each of the assets of the Underlying Fund is considered to be held by the segregated asset account. Because each Variable Fund expects that this look-through rule will apply in determining whether the Section 817(h) diversification requirements are satisfied with respect to the variable contracts invested in the insurance company separate accounts that own shares in the Underlying Fund, each Variable Fund intends to comply with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements. If a Variable Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company, the insurance company separate accounts investing in the Variable Fund would no longer be permitted to look through to the Variable Fund’s investments and, thus, would likely fail to satisfy the Section 817(h) diversification requirements.

A Variable Fund can generally satisfy the Section 817(h) diversification requirements in one of two ways. First, the requirements will be satisfied if each Variable Fund invests not more than 55 percent of the total value of its assets in the securities of a single issuer; not more than 70 percent of the value of its total assets in the securities of any two issuers; not more than 80 percent of the value of its total assets in the securities of any three issuers; and not more than 90 percent of the value of its total assets in the securities of any four issuers. Alternatively, the diversification requirements will be satisfied with respect to Variable Fund shares owned by insurance companies as investments for variable contracts if (i) no more than 55 percent of the value of the Variable Fund’s total assets consists of cash, cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, and securities of other regulated investment companies, and (ii) the Variable Fund satisfies the additional diversification requirements for qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code discussed above. For purposes of the Section 817(h) diversification rule, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment. In the case of government securities, each United States government agency or instrumentality is generally treated as a separate issuer. In addition, to the extent any security is guaranteed or insured by the U.S. or an instrumentality of the U.S., it will be treated as having been issued by the U.S. or the instrumentality, as applicable.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 37 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

A Variable Fund will be considered to be in compliance with the Section 817(h) diversification requirements if it is adequately diversified on the last day of each calendar quarter. A Variable Fund that meets the diversification requirements as of the close of a calendar quarter will not be considered nondiversified in a subsequent quarter because of a discrepancy between the value of its assets and the diversification requirements unless the discrepancy exists immediately after the acquisition of any asset and is attributable, in whole or in part, to such acquisition.

If the segregated asset account investing in the Variable Fund is not adequately diversified at the required time and the correction procedure described below is not available, a Variable Contract based on the account during the specified time will not be treated as an annuity or life insurance contract within the meaning of the Code and all income accrued on the Variable Contract for the current and all prior taxable years will be subject to current federal taxation at ordinary income rates to the holders of such contracts. The Variable Contract will also remain subject to current taxation for all subsequent tax periods regardless of whether the Fund or separate account becomes adequately diversified in future periods.

In certain circumstances, an inadvertent failure to satisfy the Section 817(h) diversification requirements can be corrected, but generally will require the payment of a penalty to the IRS. The amount of such penalty will be based on the tax the contract holders would have incurred if they were treated as receiving the income on the contract for the period during which the diversification requirements were not satisfied. Any such failure also could result in adverse tax consequences for the insurance company issuing the contracts.

In addition to the Section 817(h) diversification requirements, “investor control” limitations also are imposed on owners of Variable Contracts. The IRS has issued rulings addressing the circumstances in which a Variable Contract holder’s control of the investments of the insurance company separate account may cause the holder, rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets held by the separate account. If the holder is considered the owner of the securities underlying the separate account, income, and gains produced by those securities would be included currently in the holder’s gross income. In determining whether an impermissible level of investor control is present, one factor the IRS considers is whether a Variable Fund’s investment strategies are sufficiently broad to prevent a Variable Contract holder from being deemed to be making particular investment decisions through its investment in the separate account. For this purpose, current IRS guidance indicates that typical fund investment strategies, even those with a specific sector or geographical focus, are generally considered sufficiently broad. Most, although not necessarily all, of the Variable Funds have objectives and strategies that are not materially narrower than the investment strategies held not to constitute an impermissible level of investor control in recent IRS rulings (such as large company stocks, international stocks, small company stocks, mortgage-backed securities, money market securities, telecommunications stocks, and financial services stocks).

The above discussion addresses only one of several factors that the IRS considers in determining whether a Variable Contract holder has an impermissible level of investor control over a separate account. Variable Contract holders should consult with their own tax advisors, as well as the prospectus relating to their particular Variable Contract, for more information concerning this investor control issue.

In the event that there is a legislative change or the IRS or Treasury Department issues rulings, regulations, or other guidance, there can be no assurance that a Variable Fund will be able to operate as currently described, or that a Variable Fund will not have to change its investment objective or investment policies. While a Variable Fund’s investment objective is fundamental and may be changed only by a vote of a majority of its outstanding shares, the investment policies of the Variable Funds may be modified as necessary to prevent any prospective rulings, regulations, or legislative change from causing Variable Contract owners to be considered the owners of the shares of a Variable Fund.

For a discussion of the tax consequences to owners of Variable Contracts of Variable Fund distributions to insurance company separate accounts, please see the prospectus provided by the insurance company for your Variable Contract. Because of the unique tax status of Variable Contracts, you also should consult your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of owning Variable Contracts under the federal, state, and local tax rules that apply to you.

Other Taxes. Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation.

Changes in Taxation. The taxation of the Fund, the Portfolio, the Subsidiary and shareholders may be adversely affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations, IRS revenue procedures and/or guidance issued by the IRS.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 38 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions, including the selection of the market and the broker-dealer firm, are made by the investment adviser. Each Fund is responsible for the expenses associated with its portfolio transactions. The investment adviser is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other accounts managed by it. The investment adviser places the portfolio security transactions for execution with one or more broker-dealer firms. The investment adviser uses its best efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which in the investment adviser’s judgment are advantageous to the client and at a reasonably competitive spread or (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive commission rates. In seeking such execution, the investment adviser will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, which may include, without limitation, the full range and quality of the broker-dealer firm’s services, responsiveness of the firm to the investment adviser, 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 broker-dealer 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 amount of the spread or commission, if any. In addition, the investment adviser may consider the receipt of Research Services (as defined below), provided it does not compromise the investment adviser’s obligation to seek best overall execution for a Fund and is otherwise in compliance with applicable law. The investment adviser may engage in portfolio brokerage transactions with a broker-dealer firm that sells shares of Eaton Vance funds, provided such transactions are not directed to that firm as compensation for the promotion or sale of such shares.

Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such commissions vary among different broker-dealer firms, and a particular broker-dealer may charge different commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction and the volume of business done with such broker-dealer. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of brokerage commissions, which may be higher than those in the United States. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter markets including transactions in fixed-income securities which are generally purchased and sold on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through broker-dealers and banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers. 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. Fixed-income transactions may also be transacted directly with the issuer of the obligations. In an underwritten offering the price paid often includes a disclosed fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer. Although spreads or commissions paid on portfolio security transactions will, in the judgment of the investment adviser, be reasonable in relation to the value of the services provided, commissions exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of the investment adviser’s clients in part for providing brokerage and research services to the investment adviser as permitted by applicable law.

Pursuant to the safe harbor provided in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 28(e)”) and to the extent permitted by other applicable law, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the investment adviser client may receive a commission that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the investment adviser determines in good faith that such compensation 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 the overall responsibility which the investment adviser and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. “Research Services” as used herein includes any and all brokerage and research services to the extent permitted by Section 28(e) and other applicable law. Generally, Research Services may include, but are not limited to, such matters as research, analytical and quotation services, data, information and other services products and materials which assist the investment adviser in the performance of its investment responsibilities. More specifically, Research Services may include general economic, political, business and market information, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio strategies and transactions, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities markets, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, certain financial, industry and trade publications, certain news and information services, and certain research oriented computer software, data bases and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by the investment adviser in connection with client accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful and of value to the investment adviser 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 investment adviser evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may attempt to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt of Research Services which the investment adviser believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients. The investment adviser may also receive brokerage and Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings, when permitted under applicable law.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 39 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

Research Services provided by (and produced by) broker-dealers that execute portfolio transactions or from affiliates of executing broker-dealers are referred to as “Proprietary Research.” Except for trades executed in jurisdictions where such consideration is not permissible, the investment adviser may and does consider the receipt of Proprietary Research Services as a factor in selecting broker dealers to execute client portfolio transactions, provided it does not compromise the investment adviser’s obligation to seek best overall execution. In jurisdictions where permissible, the investment adviser also may consider the receipt of Research Services under so called “client commission arrangements” or “commission sharing arrangements” (both referred to as “CCAs”) as a factor in selecting broker dealers to execute transactions, provided it does not compromise the investment adviser’s obligation to seek best overall execution. Under a CCA arrangement, the investment adviser may cause client accounts to effect transactions through a broker-dealer and request that the broker-dealer allocate a portion of the commissions paid on those transactions to a pool of commission credits that are paid to other firms that provide Research Services to the investment adviser. Under a CCA, the broker-dealer that provides the Research Services need not execute the trade. Participating in CCAs may enable the investment adviser to consolidate payments for research using accumulated client commission credits from transactions executed through a particular broker-dealer to periodically pay for Research Services obtained from and provided by other firms, including other broker-dealers that supply Research Services. The investment adviser believes that CCAs offer the potential to optimize the execution of trades and the acquisition of a variety of high quality Research Services that the investment adviser might not be provided access to absent CCAs. The investment adviser will only enter into and utilize CCAs to the extent permitted by Section 28(e) and other applicable law.

Fund trades executed by an affiliate of the investment adviser licensed in the United Kingdom may implicate laws of the United Kingdom, including rules of the UK Financial Conduct Authority, which govern client trading commissions and Research Services (“UK Law”). Broadly speaking, under UK Law the investment adviser may not accept any good or service when executing an order unless that good or service either is directly related to the execution of trades on behalf of its clients/customers or amounts to the provision of substantive research (as defined under UK Law). These requirements may also apply with respect to orders in connection with which the investment adviser receives goods and services under a CCA or other bundled brokerage arrangement. Fund trades may also implicate UK Law requiring the investment adviser to direct any research portion of a brokerage commission to an account controlled by the investment adviser.

The investment companies sponsored by the investment adviser or its affiliates also may allocate brokerage commissions to acquire information relating to the performance, fees and expenses of such companies and other investment companies, which information is used by the members of the Board of such companies to fulfill their responsibility to oversee the quality of the services provided to various entities, including the investment adviser, to such companies. Such companies may also pay cash for such information.

Securities considered as investments for a Fund may also be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by the investment adviser or its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by a Fund and one or more of such other accounts simultaneously, the investment adviser will allocate the security transactions (including “new” issues) in a manner which it believes to be equitable under the circumstances. As a result of such allocations, there may be instances where a Fund will not participate in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. If an aggregated order cannot be filled completely, allocations will generally be made on a pro rata basis. An order may not be allocated on a pro rata basis where, for example: (i) consideration is given to portfolio managers who have been instrumental in developing or negotiating a particular investment; (ii) consideration is given to an account with specialized investment policies that coincide with the particulars of a specific investment; (iii) pro rata allocation would result in odd-lot or de minimis amounts being allocated to a portfolio or other client; or (iv) where the investment adviser reasonably determines that departure from a pro rata allocation is advisable. While these aggregation and allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to a Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of the members of the Board that the benefits from the investment adviser organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 40 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the three fiscal years ended February 29, 2020, as well as the amount of Fund security transactions for the most recent fiscal year (if any) that were directed to firms that provided some Research Services to the investment adviser or its affiliates (see above), and the commissions paid in connection therewith. Each Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to affiliated brokers during the past three fiscal years.

  Brokerage Commissions Paid for the Fiscal Year Ended Amount of Transactions
Directed to Firms
Providing Research
Commissions Paid on
Transactions Directed to
Firms Providing Research
Fund 2/29/20 2/28/19 2/28/18 2/29/20 2/29/20
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund $144,650 $132,399* $88,106 $354,955,199 $131,072
Focused Value Opportunities Fund $184,223* $74,555* $36,016 $339,641,877 $162,326

* The increase in brokerage commissions for the period shown was due to an increase in portfolio transactions.

During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, each Fund held the following securities of its “regular brokers or dealers,” as that term is defined in Rule 10b-1 of the 1940 Act. The value of such securities as of the Fund’s fiscal year end was as follows:

Fund Regular Broker or Dealer (or Parent) Aggregate Value
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund n/a  
Focused Value Opportunities Fund Raymond James Financial $3,977,861

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm for each Fund appear in its annual report to shareholders and are incorporated by reference into this SAI. A copy of each annual report accompanies this SAI.

Householding. Consistent with applicable law, duplicate mailings of shareholder reports and certain other Fund information to shareholders residing at the same address may be eliminated.

The Trust(s) incorporates by reference the audited financial information and the reports of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds listed below for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, as previously filed electronically with the SEC on April 24, 2020:

Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund
Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund
(Accession No. 0001193125-20-119036)

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 41 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Asset Coverage To the extent required by SEC guidance, if a transaction creates a future obligation of the Fund to another party the Fund will: (1) cover the obligation by entering into an offsetting position or transaction; and/or (2) segregate cash and/or liquid securities with a value (together with any collateral posted with respect to the obligation) at least equal to the marked-to-market value of the obligation. Assets used as cover or segregated cannot be sold while the position(s) requiring coverage is open unless replaced with other appropriate assets. The types of transactions that may require asset coverage include (but are not limited to) reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements, short sales, securities lending, forward contracts, certain options, forward commitments, futures contracts, when-issued securities, swap agreements and residual interest bonds.
Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”)

ABS are collateralized by pools of automobile loans, educational loans, home equity loans, credit card receivables, equipment or automobile leases, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), utilities receivables, secured or unsecured bonds issued by corporate or sovereign obligors, unsecured loans made to a variety of corporate commercial and industrial loan customers of one or more lending banks, or a combination of these bonds and loans. ABS are “pass through” securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying assets are passed through to the ABS holder. ABS are issued through special purpose vehicles that are bankruptcy remote from the issuer of the collateral. ABS are subject to interest rate risk and prepayment risk. Some ABS may receive prepayments that can change their effective maturities. Issuers of ABS may have limited ability to enforce the security interest in the underlying assets or may have no security in the underlying assets, and credit enhancements provided to support the securities, if any, may be inadequate to protect investors in the event of default. In addition, ABS may experience losses on the underlying assets as a result of certain rights provided to consumer debtors under federal and state law. The value of ABS may be affected by the factors described above and other factors, such as the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the underlying assets or the entities providing credit enhancements and the ability of the servicer to service the underlying collateral. The value of ABS representing interests in a pool of utilities receivables may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations. While certain ABS may be insured as to the payment of principal and interest, this insurance does not protect the market value of such obligations or the Fund’s net asset value. The value of an insured security will be affected by the credit standing of its insurer.

Collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) are types of ABS that are backed solely by a pool of other debt securities. CDOs and CLOs are typically issued in various classes with varying priorities. The risks of an investment in a CDO or CLO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO or CLO in which the Fund invests. In addition to interest rate, prepayment, default and other risks of ABS and fixed income securities, in general, CDOs and CLOs are subject to additional risks, including the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments, the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default, the Fund may invest in CDOs or CLOs that are subordinate to other classes, and the complex structure may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. The Fund's investment in CDOs and CLOs may decrease in market value if they experience loan defaults or credit impairment, the disappearance of a subordinate tranche or class of debt, or due to market anticipation of defaults and investor aversion to the securities as a class.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 42 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Auction Rate Securities Auction rate securities, such as auction preferred shares of closed-end investment companies, are preferred securities and debt securities with dividends/coupons based on a rate set at auction. The auction is usually held weekly for each series of a security, but may be held less frequently. The auction sets the rate, and securities may be bought and sold at the auction.  Provided that the auction mechanism is successful, auction rate securities normally permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend is reset by a “Dutch” auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The dividend rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. Security holders that submit sell orders in a failed auction may not be able to sell any or all of the shares for which they have submitted sell orders. Security holders may sell their shares at the next scheduled auction, subject to the same risk that the subsequent auction will not attract sufficient demand for a successful auction to occur. Broker-dealers may also try to facilitate secondary trading in the auction rate securities, although such secondary trading may be limited and may only be available for shareholders willing to sell at a discount.  Since mid-February 2008, existing markets for certain auction rate securities have become generally illiquid and investors have not been able to sell their securities through the regular auction process. It is uncertain when or whether there will be a revival of investor interest in purchasing securities sold through auctions. There may be limited or no active secondary markets for many auction rate securities. Auction rate securities that do trade in a secondary market may trade at a significant discount from their liquidation preference. There have been a number of governmental investigations and regulatory settlements involving certain broker-dealers with respect to their prior activities involving auction rate securities.
  Valuations of such securities is highly speculative, however, dividends on auction rate preferred securities issued by a closed-end fund may be reported, generally on Form 1099, as exempt from federal income tax to the extent they are attributable to tax-exempt interest income earned by the Fund on the securities and distributed to holders of the preferred securities, provided that the preferred securities are treated as equity securities for federal income tax purposes, and the closed-end fund complies with certain requirements under the Code. Investments in auction rate preferred securities of closed-end funds are subject to limitations on investments in other U.S. registered investment companies, which limitations are prescribed by the 1940 Act.
Average Effective Maturity Average effective maturity is a weighted average of all the maturities of bonds owned by the Fund. Average effective maturity takes into consideration all mortgage payments, puts and adjustable coupons.  In the event the Fund invests in multiple Portfolios, its average weighted maturity is the sum of its allocable share of the average weighted maturity of each of the Portfolios in which it invests, which is determined by multiplying the Portfolio’s average weighted maturity by the Fund’s percentage ownership of that Portfolio.
Borrowing for Investment Purposes Successful use of a borrowing strategy depends on the investment adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements. There is no assurance that a borrowing strategy will be successful. Upon the expiration of the term of the Fund’s existing credit arrangement, the lender may not be willing to extend further credit to the Fund or may be willing to do so at an increased cost to the Fund. If the Fund is not able to extend its credit arrangement, it may be required to liquidate holdings to repay amounts borrowed from the lender. Borrowing to increase investments generally will magnify the effect on the Fund’s net asset value of any increase or decrease in the value of the security purchased with the borrowings. Successful use of a borrowing strategy depends on the investment adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements. There can be no assurance that the use of borrowings will be successful. In connection with its borrowings, the Fund will be required to maintain specified asset coverage with respect to such borrowings by both the 1940 Act and the terms of its credit facility with the lender.  The Fund may be required to dispose of portfolio investments on unfavorable terms if market fluctuations or other factors reduce the required asset coverage to less than the prescribed amount. Borrowings involve additional expense to the Fund.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 43 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Borrowing for Temporary Purposes The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes (such as to satisfy redemption requests, to remain fully invested in advance of the settlement of share purchases, and to settle transactions).  The Fund’s ability to borrow is subject to its terms and conditions of its credit arrangements, which in some cases may limit the Fund’s ability to borrow under the arrangement.  The Fund will be required to maintain a specified level of asset coverage with respect to all borrowings and may be required to sell some of its holdings to reduce debt and restore coverage at times when it may not be advantageous to do so.  The rights of the lender to receive payments of interest and repayments of principal of any borrowings made by the Fund under a credit arrangement are senior to the rights of holders of shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation. In the event of a default under a credit arrangement, the lenders may have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell Fund assets) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well.  Credit arrangements are subject to annual renewal, which cannot be assured.  If the Fund does not have the ability to borrow for temporary purposes, it may be required to sell securities at inopportune times to meet short-term liquidity needs.  Because the Fund is a party to a joint credit arrangement, it may be unable to borrow some or all of its requested amounts at any particular time.  Borrowings involve additional expense to the Fund.
Build America Bonds Build America Bonds are taxable municipal obligations issued pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Act”) or other legislation providing for the issuance of taxable municipal debt on which the issuer receives federal support. Enacted in February 2009, the Act authorizes state and local governments to issue taxable bonds on which, assuming certain specified conditions are satisfied, issuers may either (i) receive reimbursement from the U.S. Treasury with respect to its interest payments on the bonds (“direct pay” Build America Bonds); or (ii) provide tax credits to investors in the bonds (“tax credit” Build America Bonds). Unlike most other municipal obligations, interest received on Build America Bonds is subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state income tax. Under the terms of the Act, issuers of direct pay Build America Bonds are entitled to receive reimbursement from the U.S. Treasury currently equal to 35% (or 45% in the case of Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds) of the interest paid. Holders of tax credit Build America Bonds can receive a federal tax credit currently equal to 35% of the coupon interest received. The Fund may invest in “principal only” strips of tax credit Build America Bonds, which entitle the holder to receive par value of such bonds if held to maturity. The Fund does not expect to receive (or pass through to shareholders) tax credits as a result of its investments.  The federal interest subsidy or tax credit continues for the life of the bonds. Build America Bonds are an alternative form of financing to state and local governments whose primary means for accessing the capital markets has been through issuance of tax-free municipal bonds. Build America Bonds can appeal to a broader array of investors than the high income U.S. taxpayers that have traditionally provided the market for municipal bonds. Build America Bonds may provide a lower net cost of funds to issuers. Pursuant to the terms of the Act, the issuance of Build America Bonds ceased on December 31, 2010.  As a result, the availability of such bonds is limited and the market for the bonds and/or their liquidity may be affected.
Call and Put Features on Securities Issuers of securities may reserve the right to call (redeem) the securities. If an issuer redeems a security with a call right during a time of declining interest rates, the holder of the security may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment return as provided by the securities redeemed. Some securities may have “put” or “demand” features that allow early redemption by the holder. Longer term fixed-rate securities may give the holder a right to request redemption at certain times (often annually after the lapse of an intermediate term). This “put” or “demand” feature enhances a security’s liquidity by shortening its effective maturity and enables the security to trade at a price equal to or very close to par. If a demand feature terminates prior to being exercised, the holder of the security would be subject to the longer maturity of the security, which could experience substantially more volatility.  Securities with a “put” or “demand” feature are more defensive than conventional long term securities (protecting to some degree against a rise in interest rates) while providing greater opportunity than comparable intermediate term securities, because they can be retained if interest rates decline.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 44 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)   CMOs are backed by a pool of mortgages or mortgage loans.  The key feature of the CMO structure is the prioritization of the cash flows from the pool of mortgages among the several classes, or tranches, of the CMO, thereby creating a series of obligations with varying rates and maturities.  Senior CMO classes will typically have priority over residual CMOs as to the receipt of principal and or interest payments on the underlying mortgages.  CMOs also issue sequential and parallel pay classes, including planned amortization and target amortization classes, and fixed and floating rate CMO tranches.  CMOs issued by U.S. government agencies are backed by agency mortgages, while privately issued CMOs may be backed by either government agency mortgages or private mortgages.  Payments of principal and interest are passed through to each CMO tranche at varying schedules resulting in bonds with different coupons, effective maturities and sensitivities to interest rates. Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one class, concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis.  Sequential pay CMOs generally pay principal to only one class at a time while paying interest to several classes.  CMOs generally are secured by an assignment to a trustee under the indenture pursuant to which the bonds are issued as collateral consisting of a pool of mortgages. Payments with respect to the underlying mortgages generally are made to the trustee under the indenture. CMOs are designed to be retired as the underlying mortgages are repaid. In the event of sufficient early prepayments on such mortgages, the class or series of CMO first to mature generally will be retired prior to maturity. Therefore, although in most cases the issuer of CMOs will not supply additional collateral in the event of such prepayments, there will be sufficient collateral to secure CMOs that remain outstanding. Floating rate CMO tranches carry interest rates that are tied in a fixed relationship to an index subject to an upper limit, or “cap,” and sometimes to a lower limit, or “floor.” CMOs may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property, such as hotels, office buildings, retail stores, hospitals and other commercial buildings. CMBS may have a lower repayment uncertainty than other mortgage-related securities because commercial mortgage loans generally prohibit or impose penalties on prepayment of principal.  The risks of investing in CMBS reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans, including the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payment, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and may exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.
Commodity-Related Investments The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, which may include weather, embargoes, tariffs, and health, political, international and regulatory developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of Fund shares to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Certain types of commodities instruments (such as total return swaps and commodity-linked notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument. To the extent commodity-related investments are held through the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary is not subject to U.S. laws (including securities laws) and their protections. The Subsidiary is subject to the laws of the Cayman Islands, a foreign jurisdiction, and can be affected by developments in that jurisdiction.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 45 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Certain commodities are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks and result in greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.  The commodities that underlie commodity futures contracts and commodity swaps may be subject to additional economic and non-economic variables, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.  Unlike the financial futures markets, in the commodity futures markets there are costs of physical storage associated with purchasing the underlying commodity. The price of the commodity futures contract will reflect the storage costs of purchasing the physical commodity, including the time value of money invested in the physical commodity. To the extent that the storage costs for an underlying commodity change while the Fund is invested in futures contracts on that commodity, the value of the futures contract may change proportionately.
  In the commodity futures markets, producers of the underlying commodity may decide to hedge the price risk of selling the commodity by selling futures contracts today to lock in the price of the commodity at delivery tomorrow. In order to induce speculators to purchase the other side of the same futures contract, the commodity producer generally must sell the futures contract at a lower price than the expected future spot price. Conversely, if most hedgers in the futures market are purchasing futures contracts to hedge against a rise in prices, then speculators will only sell the other side of the futures contract at a higher futures price than the expected future spot price of the commodity. The changing nature of the hedgers and speculators in the commodity markets will influence whether futures prices are above or below the expected future spot price, which can have significant implications for the Fund. If the nature of hedgers and speculators in futures markets has shifted when it is time for the Fund to reinvest the proceeds of a maturing contract in a new futures contract, the Fund might reinvest at higher or lower futures prices, or choose to pursue other investments.
Common Stocks Common stock represents an equity ownership interest in the issuing corporation. Holders of common stock generally have voting rights in the issuer and are entitled to receive common stock dividends when, as and if declared by the corporation’s board of directors. Common stock normally occupies the most subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure. Returns on common stock investments consist of any dividends received plus the amount of appreciation or depreciation in the value of the stock.
  Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities over the long term and particularly during periods of high or rising concerns about inflation, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns and may not maintain their real value during inflationary periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock. Also, the prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuer occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 46 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Contingent Convertible Securities Contingent convertible securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”) are convertible securities with loss absorption characteristics. These securities provide for mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion may be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the capital minimum with respect to the security, the company’s regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some such instruments have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. Under similar circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In certain circumstances, contingent convertible securities may write down to zero and investors could lose the entire value of the investment, even as the issuer remains in business.  CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price.  See also “Hybrid Securities.”
Convertible Securities A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred security, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer.   A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued or the dividend paid on such security until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. A convertible security ranks senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but is usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities.  Convertible securities may be purchased for their appreciation potential when they yield more than the underlying securities at the time of purchase or when they are considered to present less risk of principal loss than the underlying securities. Generally speaking, the interest or dividend yield of a convertible security is somewhat less than that of a non-convertible security of similar quality issued by the same company.  A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument.
  Convertible securities are issued and traded in a number of securities markets. Even in cases where a substantial portion of the convertible securities held by the Fund are denominated in U.S. dollars, the underlying equity securities may be quoted in the currency of the country where the issuer is domiciled. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the currency in which the debt security is denominated and the currency in which the share price is quoted will affect the value of the convertible security.  With respect to convertible securities denominated in a currency different from that of the underlying equity securities, the conversion price may be based on a fixed exchange rate established at the time the securities are issued, which may increase the effects of currency risk.
  Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder, which entitles the holder to cause the securities to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt securities under certain circumstances.  Certain convertible securities may include loss absorption characteristics that make the securities more equity-like.  This is particularly true of convertible securities issued by companies in the financial services sector.  See “Contingent Convertible Securities.”
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 47 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Synthetic convertible securities may include either cash-settled convertibles or manufactured convertibles.  Cash-settled convertibles are instruments that are created by the issuer and have the economic characteristics of traditional convertible securities but may not actually permit conversion into the underlying equity securities in all circumstances. As an example, a private company may issue a cash-settled convertible that is convertible into common stock only if the company successfully completes a public offering of its common stock prior to maturity and otherwise pays a cash amount to reflect any equity appreciation. Manufactured convertibles are created by the investment adviser or another party by combining separate securities that possess one of the two principal characteristics of a convertible security, i.e., fixed-income (“fixed-income component”) or a right to acquire equity securities (“convertibility component”). The fixed-income component is achieved by investing in nonconvertible fixed-income securities, such as nonconvertible bonds, preferred securities and money market instruments. The convertibility component is achieved by investing in call options, warrants, or other securities with equity conversion features (“equity features”) granting the holder the right to purchase a specified quantity of the underlying stocks within a specified period of time at a specified price or, in the case of a stock index option, the right to receive a cash payment based on the value of the underlying stock index. A manufactured convertible differs from traditional convertible securities in several respects. Unlike a traditional convertible security, which is a single security that has a unitary market value, a manufactured convertible is comprised of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Therefore, the total “market value” of such a manufactured convertible is the sum of the values of its fixed-income component and its convertibility component. More flexibility is possible in the creation of a manufactured convertible than in the purchase of a traditional convertible security. Because many corporations have not issued convertible securities, the investment adviser may combine a fixed-income instrument and an equity feature with respect to the stock of the issuer of the fixed-income instrument to create a synthetic convertible security otherwise unavailable in the market. The investment adviser may also combine a fixed-income instrument of an issuer with an equity feature with respect to the stock of a different issuer when the investment adviser believes such a manufactured convertible would better promote the Fund’s objective than alternative investments. For example, the investment adviser may combine an equity feature with respect to an issuer’s stock with a fixed-income security of a different issuer in the same industry to diversify the Fund’s credit exposure, or with a U.S. Treasury instrument to create a manufactured convertible with a higher credit profile than a traditional convertible security issued by that issuer. A manufactured convertible also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately and, upon purchasing the separate securities, “combined” to create a manufactured convertible. For example, the Fund may purchase a warrant for eventual inclusion in a manufactured convertible while postponing the purchase of a suitable bond to pair with the warrant pending development of more favorable market conditions.  The value of a manufactured convertible may respond to certain market fluctuations differently from a traditional convertible security with similar characteristics. For example, in the event the Fund created a manufactured convertible by combining a short-term U.S. Treasury instrument and a call option on a stock, the manufactured convertible would be expected to outperform a traditional convertible of similar maturity that is convertible into that stock during periods when Treasury instruments outperform corporate fixed-income securities and underperform during periods when corporate fixed-income securities outperform Treasury instruments.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 48 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Credit Linked Securities See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Credit linked securities are issued by a limited purpose trust or other vehicle that, in turn, invests in a derivative instrument or basket of derivative instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, and other securities in order to provide exposure to certain fixed-income markets. Credit linked securities may be used as a cash management tool in order to gain exposure to a certain market and to remain fully invested when more traditional income producing securities are not available.  Like an investment in a bond, investments in credit linked securities represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the security. However, these payments are conditioned on the issuer’s receipt of payments from, and the issuer’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the issuer invests. An issuer may sell one or more credit default swaps under which the issuer would receive a stream of payments over the term of the swap agreements provided that no event of default has occurred with respect to the reference instrument (in this case a debt obligation) upon which the swap is based. If a default occurs, the stream of payments may stop and the issuer would be obligated to pay the counterparty the par (or other agreed upon value) of the reference instrument. This, in turn, would reduce the amount of income and principal that the holder of the credit linked security would receive. Credit linked securities generally will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the securities and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Cybersecurity Risk

With the increased use of technologies by Fund service providers to conduct business, such as the Internet, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. The Fund relies on communications technology, systems, and networks to engage with clients, employees, accounts, shareholders, and service providers, and a cyber incident may inhibit the Fund’s ability to use these technologies. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites. A denial-of-service attack is an effort to make network services unavailable to intended users, which could cause shareholders to lose access to their electronic accounts, potentially indefinitely. Employees and service providers also may not be able to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading and NAV calculation, during a denial-of-service attack. There is also the possibility for systems failures due to malfunctions, user error and misconduct by employees and agents, natural disasters, or other foreseeable and unforeseeable events.

Because technology is consistently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund's ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers have experienced, and will continue to experience, cyber incidents consistently. In addition to deliberate cyber attacks, unintentional cyber incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information by the Fund or its service providers. To date, cyber incidents have not had a material adverse effect on the Fund’s business operations or performance.

The Fund uses third party service providers who are also heavily dependent on computers and technology for their operations. Cybersecurity failures or breaches by the Fund’s investment adviser or administrator and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the custodian or transfer agent), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, may disrupt and otherwise adversely affect their business operations. This may result in financial losses to the Fund, impede Fund trading, interfere with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, limit a shareholder’s ability to purchase or redeem shares of the Fund or cause violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, litigation costs or additional compliance costs. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While many of the Fund’s service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 49 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Derivative Instruments and Related Risks Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived at least in part from the performance of an underlying reference instrument.  Derivative instruments may be acquired in the United States or abroad and include the various types of exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) instruments described herein and other instruments with substantially similar characteristics and risks.  Depending on the type of derivative instrument and the Fund’s investment strategy, a derivative instrument may be based on a security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event (referred to as “reference instruments”).  Fund obligations created pursuant to derivative instruments may be subject to the requirements described under “Asset Coverage” herein.
  Derivative instruments are subject to a number of risks, including adverse or unexpected movements in the price of the reference instrument, and counterparty, credit, interest rate, leverage, liquidity, market and tax risks.  Use of derivative instruments may cause the realization of higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if such instruments had not been used. Success in using derivative instruments to hedge portfolio assets depends on the degree of price correlation between the derivative instruments and the hedged asset.  Derivatives also involve the risk that changes in their value may not correlate perfectly with the assets, rates or indices they are designed to hedge or closely track.  Imperfect correlation may be caused by several factors, including temporary price disparities among the trading markets for the derivative instrument, the reference instrument and the Fund’s assets.  To the extent that a derivative instrument is intended to hedge against an event that does not occur, the Fund may realize losses.
  OTC derivative instruments involve an additional risk in that the issuer or counterparty may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, an option or commodity exchange or swap execution facility or clearinghouse may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses.  The staff of the SEC takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Code limit the use of derivative instruments.   Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities.  There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will benefit the Fund.
  The regulation of derivatives has undergone substantial change in recent years and such change may continue. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and regulations proposed to be promulgated thereunder require many derivatives to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on dealers that enter into swaps with a pension plan, endowment, retirement plan or government entity, and require banks to move some derivatives trading units to a non-guaranteed affiliate separate from the deposit-taking bank or divest them altogether. Although the CFTC has released final rules relating to clearing, reporting, recordkeeping, required margin and registration requirements under the legislation, many of the provisions are subject to further final rule making, and thus its ultimate impact remains unclear. See also “Swap Agreements” herein. New regulations could, among other things, restrict the Fund’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions (for example, by making certain types of derivatives transactions no longer available to the Fund) and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions (for example, by increasing margin or capital requirements), and the Fund may be unable to fully execute its investment strategies as a result.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 50 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  The SEC has re-proposed regulations that, if adopted, could significantly alter a Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the proposed regulations would impose value at risk limitations on a Fund’s use of derivatives, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Implementations of these proposed regulatory requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which a Fund engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.
  Legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. The effects of any new governmental regulation cannot be predicted and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective(s).
Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments A derivative-linked or commodity-linked hybrid instrument (referred to herein as a “hybrid instrument”) is a type of potentially high-risk derivative that combines a traditional stock, bond, or commodity with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a hybrid instrument is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid instrument may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. An example of a hybrid instrument is a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a hybrid instrument would be a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.
  The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt instrument that has a fixed principal amount, is denominated in U.S. dollars or bears interest either at a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to a common, nationally published benchmark. The risks of a particular hybrid instrument will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the benchmark(s) or the prices of the underlying assets to which the instrument is linked. Such risks generally depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid instrument, which may not be foreseen by the purchaser, such as economic and political events, the supply and demand of the underlying assets and interest rate movements. Hybrid instruments may be highly volatile and their use by the Fund may not be successful.  Hybrid instruments may also carry liquidity risk since the instruments are often “customized” to meet the portfolio needs of a particular investor, and therefore, the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be smaller than that for more traditional debt securities.  
  Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Alternatively, hybrid instruments may bear interest at above market rates but bear an increased risk of principal loss (or gain). The latter scenario may result if “leverage” is used to structure the hybrid instrument. Leverage risk occurs when the hybrid instrument is structured so that a given change in a benchmark or underlying asset is multiplied to produce a greater value change in the hybrid instrument, thereby magnifying the risk of loss as well as the potential for gain.
  Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark may be magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark or underlying asset may not move in the same direction or at the same time.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 51 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Hybrid instruments can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return and creating exposure to a particular market or segment of that market. The value of a hybrid instrument or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid instrument. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid instrument could be zero. The purchase of hybrid instruments also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund.
  Certain hybrid instruments may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options, or similar instruments. Commodity-linked hybrid instruments may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or unleveraged, and are considered hybrid instruments because they have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable. The Fund will invest only in commodity-linked hybrid instruments that qualify under applicable rules of the CFTC for an exemption from the provisions of the CEA.  Certain issuers of structured products such as hybrid instruments may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Fund’s investments in these products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.
Direct Investments Direct investments include (i) the private purchase from an enterprise of an equity interest in the enterprise in the form of shares of common stock or equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures or similar enterprises, and (ii) the purchase of such an equity interest in an enterprise from a principal investor in the enterprise. At the time of making a direct investment, the Fund will enter into a shareholder or similar agreement with the enterprise and one or more other holders of equity interests in the enterprise. These agreements may, in appropriate circumstances, provide the ability to appoint a representative to the board of directors or similar body of the enterprise and for eventual disposition of the investment in the enterprise. Such a representative would be expected to monitor the investment and protect the Fund’s rights in the investment and would not be appointed for the purpose of exercising management or control of the enterprise.
Diversified Status With respect to 75% of its total assets, an investment company that is registered with the SEC as a “diversified” fund: (1) may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and securities of other investment companies); and (2) may not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
Dividend Capture Trading In a typical dividend capture trade, the Fund would buy a stock prior to its ex-dividend date and sell the stock at a point either on or after the ex-dividend date.  The use of a dividend capture trading strategy exposes the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.
Duration Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security, which can determine its sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates. Securities with longer durations generally tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with shorter durations. A mutual fund with a longer dollar-weighted average duration generally can be expected to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than a fund with a shorter dollar-weighted average duration. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers a security’s coupon payments in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. Various techniques may be used to shorten or lengthen Fund duration. As the value of a security changes over time, so will its duration.  The duration of a Fund that invests in underlying funds is the sum of its allocable share of the duration of each of the underlying funds in which it invests, which is determined by multiplying the underlying fund’s duration by the Fund’s percentage ownership of that underlying fund.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 52 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Emerging Market Investments The risks described under “Foreign Investments” herein generally are heightened in connection with investments in emerging markets.  Also, investments in securities of issuers domiciled in countries with emerging capital markets may involve certain additional risks that do not generally apply to investments in securities of issuers in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities of comparable issuers in more developed capital markets; (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments; (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other foreign or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments; (iv) national policies that may limit investment opportunities, such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; and (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. Trading practices in emerging markets also may be less developed, resulting in inefficiencies relative to trading in more developed markets, which may result in increased transaction costs.  
  Repatriation of investment income, capital and proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in emerging market countries.  There can be no assurance that repatriation of income, gain or initial capital from these countries will occur.  In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging markets may impose differential capital gains taxes on foreign investors.  
  Political and economic structures in emerging market countries may undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and these countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that any or all of these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such an event, it is possible that the entire value of an investment in the affected market could be lost. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value of investments in these countries and the availability of additional investments. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain of these countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in these countries may make investments in the countries illiquid and more volatile than investments in developed markets.
  Also, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the United States, such as price/earnings ratios, may not be applicable. Certain emerging market securities may be held by a limited number of persons. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the acquisition or disposal of securities.  The prices at which investments may be acquired may be affected by trading by persons with material non-public information and by securities transactions by brokers in anticipation of transactions in particular securities.
  Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because brokers and counterparties in such markets may be less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by the issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets.  As an alternative to investing directly in emerging markets, exposure may be obtained through derivative investments.
  The foregoing risks may be even greater in frontier markets. Frontier markets are countries with investable stock markets that are less established than those in the emerging markets. The economies of frontier market countries generally are smaller than those of traditional emerging market countries, and frontier capital markets and legal systems are typically less developed.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 53 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Equity Investments Equity investments include common stocks; preferred stocks; depositary receipts; equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures and other unincorporated entities or enterprises; convertible and contingent convertible preferred stocks; rights and warrants and other securities that are treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes (see “Preferred Stock” and “Hybrid Securities”).  Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks to a greater extent than other types of stocks.
Equity-Linked Securities See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Equity-linked securities are privately issued securities whose investment results are designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or “basket” of securities, or sometimes a single stock.  These securities are used for many of the same purposes as derivative instruments and share many of the same risks.  Equity-linked securities may be considered illiquid and thus subject to the Fund’s restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.
Event-Linked Instruments The Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds”, “event-linked swaps” or other “event-linked instruments”.  Event-linked instruments are obligations for which the return of capital and dividend/interest payments are contingent on, or formulaically related to, the non-occurrence of a pre-defined “trigger” event. For some event-linked instruments, the trigger event’s magnitude may be based on losses to a company or industry, industry indexes or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses.  Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena, or statistics relating to such events.
  Some event-linked instruments are referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” Catastrophe bonds entitle a Fund to receive principal and interest payments so long as no trigger event occurs of the description and magnitude specified by the instrument. If a trigger event occurs, the Fund may lose a portion of its entire principal invested in the bond.
  Event-linked instruments may be sponsored by government agencies, insurance companies or reinsurers and issued by special purpose corporations or other off-shore or on-shore entities (such special purpose entities are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective, such as the issuance of a note in connection with a specific reinsurance transaction). Typically, event-linked instruments are issued by off-shore entities and may be non-dollar denominated.  As a result, the Fund may be subject to currency risk.
  Often, event-linked instruments provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory or optional at the discretion of the issuer or sponsor, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase the instrument’s volatility and potentially make it more difficult to value.  In addition, pricing of event-linked instruments is subject to the added uncertainty caused by the inability to generally predict whether, when or where a natural disaster or other triggering event will occur.  If a trigger event occurs, the Fund may lose all or a portion of its investment in an event-linked instrument or the notional amount of an event-linked swap. Such losses may be substantial.  Event-linked instruments carry large uncertainties and major risk exposures to adverse conditions. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked instruments also may expose the Fund to issuer, credit, counterparty, restricted securities, liquidity, and valuation risks as well as exposures to specific geographic areas, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences.  Event-linked instruments are generally rated below investment grade or the unrated equivalent and have the same or similar risks as high yield debt securities (also known as junk bonds) and are subject to the risk that the Fund may lose some or all of its investment in such instruments if the particular trigger occurs.  Event-linked instruments may be rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating agency, but are often unrated. Frequently, the issuer of an event-linked instrument will use an independent risk model to calculate the probability and economic consequences of a trigger event.
  The Fund may invest in event-linked instruments in one or more of three ways: may purchase event-linked instruments when initially offered; may purchase event-linked instruments in the secondary, over-the-counter market; or may gain indirect exposure to event-linked instruments using derivatives. As the market for event-linked instruments evolves, the Fund may invest in new types of event-linked instruments.  However, there can be no assurance that a liquid market in these instruments will develop. Lack of a liquid market may impose the risk of higher transaction costs and the possibility that the Fund may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 54 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Event-linked instruments typically are restricted to qualified institutional buyers and, therefore, are not subject to registration with the SEC or any state securities commission and are not always listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available with respect to event-linked instruments is generally less extensive than that which is available for issuers of registered or exchange listed securities. There can be no assurance that future regulatory determinations will not adversely affect the overall market for event-linked instruments.
Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)

ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that trade their shares on stock exchanges at market prices (rather than net asset value) and are only redeemable from the ETF itself in large increments or in exchange for baskets of securities. As an exchange traded security, an ETF’s shares are priced continuously and trade throughout the day. ETFs may track a securities index, a particular market sector, a particular segment of a securities index or market sector (“Passive ETFs”), or they may be actively managed (“Active ETFs”). An investment in an ETF generally involves the same primary risks as an investment in a fund that is not exchange-traded that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies of the ETF, such as liquidity risk, sector risk and foreign and emerging market risk, as well as risks associated with equity securities, fixed income securities, real estate investments and commodities, as applicable. In addition, a Passive ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective or may fail to fully replicate its underlying index, in which case the Passive ETF’s investment strategy may not produce the intended results. The way in which shares of ETFs are traded, purchased and redeemed involves certain risks. An ETF may trade at a price that is lower than its net asset value. Secondary market trading of an ETF may result in frequent price fluctuations, which in turn may result in a loss to a Fund. Additionally, there is no guarantee that an active market for the ETF’s shares will develop or be maintained. An ETF may fail to meet the listing requirements of any applicable exchanges on which it is listed. Further, trading in an ETF may be halted if the trading in one or more of the securities held by an ETF is halted.

A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests. A Fund may pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs.

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”) ETNs are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day’s market benchmark or strategy factor.
  ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When the Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
  ETNs are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs.
  An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 55 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  The market value of ETN shares may differ from that of their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.
Fixed-Income Securities Fixed-income securities include bonds, preferred, preference and convertible securities, notes, debentures, asset-backed securities (including those backed by mortgages), loan participations and assignments, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates and conditional sales contracts. Generally, issuers of fixed-income securities pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity.  Some fixed-income securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values, and values accumulate over time to face value at maturity.  The market prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality and maturity.  In general, market prices of fixed-income securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. Fixed-income securities are subject to risk factors such as sensitivity to interest rate and real or perceived changes in economic conditions, payment expectations, liquidity and valuation.  Fixed-income securities with longer maturities (for example, over ten years) are more affected by changes in interest rates and provide less price stability than securities with short-term maturities (for example, one to ten years). Fixed-income securities bear the risk of principal and interest default by the issuer, which will be greater with higher yielding, lower grade securities. During an economic downturn, the ability of issuers to service their debt may be impaired.  The rating assigned to a fixed-income security by a rating agency does not reflect assessment of the volatility of the security’s market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the securities. Credit ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and a rating agency’s investment analysis at the time of rating, and the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. Credit quality 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. If relevant to the Fund(s) in this SAI, corporate bond ratings are described in an appendix to the SAI (see the table of contents).  Preferred stock and certain other hybrid securities may pay a fixed-dividend rate, but may be considered equity securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment restrictions (see “Preferred Stock” and “Hybrid Securities”).   
Foreign Currency Transactions As measured in U.S. dollars, the value of assets denominated in foreign currencies may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.  If the U.S. dollar rises in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth less in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar decreases in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth more in U.S. dollars. A devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency.  Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions (see “Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts,” “Option Contracts,” “Futures Contracts” and “Swap Agreements – Currency Swaps” herein).  Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 56 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Foreign Investments Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not present in domestic investments. For example, because foreign companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements and regulatory measures comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign debt markets is less than in the United States and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Any of these actions could adversely affect securities prices, impair the Fund’s ability to purchase or sell foreign securities, or transfer the Fund’s assets or income back to the United States, or otherwise adversely affect Fund operations.  In the event of nationalization, expropriation or confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment in that country.  
  Other potential foreign market risks include exchange controls, difficulties in valuing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, and difficulties of enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts.  Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position. Certain economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures.  Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States.  Foreign countries may not have the infrastructure or resources to respond to natural and other disasters that interfere with economic activities, which may adversely affect issuers located in such countries. The U.S. is also renegotiating many of its global trade relationships and has imposed or threatened to impose significant import tariffs. These actions could lead to price volatility and overall declines in U.S. and global investment markets.
  Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the United States. Payment for securities before delivery may be required and in some countries delayed settlements are customary, which increases the Fund’s risk of loss. The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and related cash in foreign banks and securities depositories. Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In addition, there may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on the Fund’s ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank, depository or issuer of a security or any of their agents goes bankrupt.  Certain countries may require withholding on dividends paid on portfolio securities and on realized capital gains.
  In addition, it is often more expensive to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. Foreign brokerage commissions are generally higher than commissions on securities traded in the United States and may be non-negotiable.  The fees paid to foreign banks and securities depositories generally are higher than those charged by U.S. banks and depositories.  The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount earned on investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund as compared to investment companies that invest only in the United States.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 57 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts “GDRs”)) are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country, as well as in the case of depositary receipts traded on foreign markets, exchange risk.  Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored depositary receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. As a result, available information concerning the issuer of an unsponsored depository receipt may not be as current as for sponsored depositary receipts, and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Unsponsored depositary receipts may involve higher expenses, may not pass through voting or other shareholder rights and they may be less liquid.
  Unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus, in determining the domicile of an issuer, the investment adviser may consider the domicile determination of the Fund’s benchmark index or a leading provider of global indexes and may take into account such factors as where the company’s securities are listed, and where the company is legally organized, maintains principal corporate offices and/or conducts its principal operations.
  In June 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”).  Effective January 31, 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the EU following a period of impasse within the UK Parliament and the holding of an early general election in December 2019 to break the deadlock. The European Parliament and UK Government are expected to focus attention on the nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU during an agreed transitional period.  However, there is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict.  Moreover, the uncertainty about the ramifications of Brexit may cause significant volatility and/or declines in the value of the Euro and the British pound.  Brexit may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and increased likelihood of a recession in the UK.  Political events, including nationalist unrest in Europe, uncertainties surrounding the sovereign debt of a number of EU countries and the viability of the EU (or the euro) itself, also may cause market disruptions.  If one or more countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.  
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may be bought or sold to protect against an adverse change in the relationship between currencies or to increase exposure to a particular foreign currency. Cross-hedging may be done by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of instruments denominated in a different currency (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency (for hedging or non-hedging purposes) magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the instruments denominated in the corresponding currencies will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes.
  When a currency is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to such currency. Currency transactions can result in losses if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not anticipated. In addition, there is the risk that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time the hedge is in place. If the Fund purchases a bond denominated in a foreign currency with a higher interest rate than is available on U.S. bonds of a similar maturity, the additional yield on the foreign bond could be substantially reduced or lost if the Fund were to enter into a direct hedge by selling the foreign currency and purchasing the U.S. dollar.  
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 58 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Some of the forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be classified as non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”). NDFs are cash-settled, forward contracts that may be thinly traded. NDFs are commonly quoted for time periods of one month up to two years, and are normally quoted and settled in U.S. dollars, but may be settled in other currencies. They are often used to gain exposure to or hedge exposure to foreign currencies that are not internationally traded.  NDFs may also be used to gain or hedge exposure to gold.
Forward Rate Agreements See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Under a forward rate agreement, the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller the difference between the two rates. If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates. Any such gain received by the Fund would be taxable.  These instruments are traded in the OTC market.
Futures Contracts See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Futures contracts are standardized contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of the underlying reference instrument at a specified future date at a specified price.  These contracts are traded on exchanges, so that, in most cases, either party can close out its position on the exchange for cash, without delivering the underlying asset.  Upon purchasing or selling a futures contract, a purchaser or seller is required to deposit collateral (initial margin).  Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the purchaser or seller will pay additional margin (variation margin) representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day.  A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes as well as financial instruments and foreign currencies. It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future.  In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions. The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Futures contracts are traded on exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm that is a member of the relevant exchange or board.
  Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying reference instrument, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). Closing a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument or commodity with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 59 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Hybrid Securities Hybrid securities generally possess certain characteristics of both equity and debt securities. These securities may at times behave more like equity than debt, or vice versa. Preferred stocks, convertible securities, trust preferred securities and certain debt obligations are types of hybrid securities.  The investment adviser has sole discretion to determine whether an investment has hybrid characteristics and generally will consider the instrument’s preference over the issuer’s common shares, the term of the instrument at the time of issuance and/or the tax character of the instrument’s distributions.  Debt instruments with a preference over common shares and a perpetual term or a term at issuance of thirty years or more generally are considered by the investment adviser to be hybrid securities. Hybrid securities generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights.  Because hybrid securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their values vary in response to many factors, including general market and economic conditions, issuer-specific events, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer, and, for convertible securities, factors affecting the securities into which they convert.  Hybrid securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. Hybrid securities may pay a fixed or variable rate of interest or dividends. The prices and yields of nonconvertible hybrid securities generally move with changes in interest rates and the issuer’s credit quality, similar to the factors affecting debt securities. If the issuer of a hybrid security experiences financial difficulties, the value of such security may be adversely affected similar to the issuer’s outstanding common stock or subordinated debt instruments.  Trust preferred securities are issued by a special purpose trust that holds the subordinated debt of a company and, as such, are subject to the risks associated with such debt obligation.  See also “Preferred Stock,” “Convertible Securities” and “Contingent Convertible Securities.”  
Illiquid Investments Certain investments are considered illiquid or restricted due to a limited trading market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale or transfer, or are otherwise illiquid because they cannot be sold or disposed of in seven calendar days or less under then-current market conditions without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.  Such illiquid investments include commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by the investment adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. Even if determined to be liquid, Rule 144A securities may increase the level of portfolio illiquidity if eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
  It may be difficult to sell illiquid investments at a price representing fair value until such time as the investments may be sold publicly. It also may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such investments for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value.  Where registration is required, a considerable period of time may elapse between a decision to sell the investments and the time when the Fund would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may incur additional expense when disposing of illiquid investments, including all or a portion of the cost to register the investments.  The Fund also may acquire investments through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such investments that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of such investments at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.
  At times, a portion of the Fund’s assets may be invested in investments as to which the Fund, by itself or together with other accounts managed by the investment adviser and its affiliates, holds a major portion or all of such investments. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such investments when the investment adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such investments only at prices lower than if such investments were more widely held.  It may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such investments for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value.  See also “Restricted Securities.”
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 60 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Indexed Securities See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Indexed securities are securities that fluctuate in value with an index. The interest rate or, in some cases, the principal payable at the maturity of an indexed security may change positively or inversely in relation to one or more interest rates, financial indices, securities prices or other financial indicators (“reference prices”). An indexed security may be leveraged to the extent that the magnitude of any change in the interest rate or principal payable on an indexed security is a multiple of the change in the reference price. Thus, indexed securities may decline in value due to adverse market changes in reference prices. Because indexed securities derive their value from another instrument, security or index, they are considered derivative debt securities, and are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension, interest rate and/or other market risks. Indexed securities may include interest only (“IO”) and principal only (“PO”) securities, floating rate securities linked to the Cost of Funds Index (“COFI floaters”), other “lagging rate” floating securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (“capped floaters”), leveraged floating rate securities (“super floaters”), leveraged inverse floating rate securities (“inverse floaters”), dual index floaters, range floaters, index amortizing notes and various currency indexed notes.  Indexed securities may be issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities or, if privately issued, collateralized by mortgages that are insured, guaranteed or otherwise backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Inflation-Indexed (or Inflation-Linked) Bonds Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities the principal value of which is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Inflation-indexed bonds are issued by governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and corporations. Two structures are common: The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the inflation accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.  The principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is adjusted in response to changes in the level of inflation.  Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, and therefore, the principal amount of such bonds cannot be reduced below par even during a period of deflation.  However, the current market value of these bonds is not guaranteed and will fluctuate, reflecting the risk of changes in their yields.  In certain jurisdictions outside the United States, the repayment of the original bond principal upon the maturity of an inflation-indexed bond is not guaranteed, allowing for the amount of the bond repaid at maturity to be less than par.  The interest rate for inflation-indexed bonds is fixed at issuance as a percentage of this adjustable principal.  Accordingly, the actual interest income may both rise and fall as the principal amount of the bonds adjusts in response to movements in the Consumer Price Index.  
  The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.
Investing in a Portfolio The Board may discontinue the Fund’s investment in one or more Portfolios if it determines that it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to do so. In such an event, the Board would consider what action might be taken, including investing Fund assets in another pooled investment entity, instructing the investment adviser to invest Fund assets directly or retaining an investment adviser to manage Fund assets in accordance with its investment objective(s). The Fund’s investment performance and expense ratio may be affected if its investment structure is changed or if another Portfolio investor withdraws all or a portion of its investment in the Portfolio.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 61 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Investments in the Subsidiary The Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and is overseen by a sole director affiliated with Eaton Vance. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors. The Subsidiary expects to invest primarily in commodity-linked derivative instruments, including swap agreements, commodity options, futures and options on futures, backed by a portfolio of inflation-indexed securities and other fixed-income securities and is also permitted to invest in any other investments permitted by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with those derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.
  While the Subsidiary may be operated similarly to the Fund, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the U.S. and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectus and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.
Junior Loans Due to their lower place in the borrower’s capital structure and possible unsecured status, certain loans (“Junior Loans”) involve a higher degree of overall risk than Senior Loans (described below) of the same borrower.  Junior Loans may be direct loans or purchased either in the form of an assignment or a loan participation.  Junior Loans are subject to the same general risks inherent in any loan investment (see “Loans” below). Junior Loans include secured and unsecured subordinated loans, as well as second lien loans and subordinated bridge loans. A second lien loan is generally second in line in terms of repayment priority and may have a claim on the same collateral pool as the first lien, or it may be secured by a separate set of assets. Second lien loans generally give investors priority over general unsecured creditors in the event of an asset sale.
  Bridge loans or bridge facilities are short-term loan arrangements (e.g., 12 to 18 months) typically made by a borrower in anticipation of intermediate-term or long-term permanent financing. Most bridge loans are structured as floating-rate debt with step-up provisions under which the interest rate on the bridge loan rises the longer the loan remains outstanding and may be converted into senior exchange notes if the loan has not been prepaid in full on or prior to its maturity date. Bridge loans may be subordinate to other debt and may be secured or unsecured. Bridge loans are generally made with the expectation that the borrower will be able to obtain permanent financing in the near future. Any delay in obtaining permanent financing subjects the bridge loan investor to increased risk. A borrower with an outstanding bridge loan may be unable to locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the borrower’s perceived creditworthiness. From time to time, the Fund may make a commitment to participate in a bridge loan facility, obligating itself to participate in the facility if it funds. In return for this commitment, the Fund receives a fee.
  For additional disclosure relating to investing in loans (including Junior Loans), see “Loans” below.  
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 62 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk

The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between major international banks who are members of the British Bankers Association (BBA). LIBOR is the most common benchmark interest rate index used to make adjustments to variable-rate loans. It is used throughout global banking and financial industries to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments (such as debt instruments and derivatives) and borrowing arrangements. However, the use of LIBOR started to come under pressure following manipulation allegations in 2012. Despite increased regulation and other corrective actions since that time, concerns have arisen regarding its viability as a benchmark, due largely to reduced activity in the financial markets that it measures.

In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to be a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing the SOFR earlier in 2018, with the expectation that it could be used on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England.

In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced that after 2021 it will cease its active encouragement of UK banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR. That announcement suggests that LIBOR may cease to be published after that time.

Various financial industry groups have begun planning for that transition, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. Transition planning is at an early stage, and neither the effect of the transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. The transition process might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates. Although the period from the FCA announcement until the end of 2021 is generally expected to be enough time for market participants to transition to the use of a different benchmark for new securities and transactions, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the specific replacement rate or rates. The effectiveness of multiple alternative reference rates as opposed to one primary reference rate has not been determined. The effectiveness of alternative reference rates used in new or existing financial instruments and products has also not yet been determined. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments utilized by the Fund cannot yet be determined. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in (i) the value of certain instruments held by the Fund, (ii) the cost of temporary or other borrowing for the Fund (if applicable), or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable. When LIBOR is discontinued, the LIBOR replacement rate may be lower than market expectations, which could have an adverse impact on the value of preferred and debt-securities with floating or fixed-to-floating rate coupons. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Liquidity or Protective Put Agreements See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  The Fund may enter into a separate agreement with the seller of an instrument or some other person granting the Fund the right to put the instrument to the seller thereof or the other person at an agreed upon price.  Interest income generated by certain municipal bonds with put or demand features may be taxable.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 63 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Loans Loans may be primary, direct investments or investments in loan assignments or participation interests.  A loan assignment represents a portion or the entirety of a loan and a portion of the entirety of a position previously attributable to a different lender. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement and has the same rights and obligations as the assigning investor.  However, assignments through private negotiations may cause the purchaser of an assignment to have different and more limited rights than those held by the assigning investor.  Loan participation interests are interests issued by a lender or other entity and represent a fractional interest in a loan. The Fund typically will have a contractual relationship only with the financial institution that issued the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the financial institution and only upon receipt by such entity of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation interest, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other investors through set-off against the borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the financial institution issuing the participation interest. In the event of the insolvency of the entity issuing a participation interest, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity.
  Loans may be originated by a lending agent, such as a financial institution or other entity, on behalf of a group or “syndicate” of loan investors (the “Loan Investors”).  In such a case, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal, and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the Loan Investors. Failure by the agent to fulfill its obligations may delay or adversely affect receipt of payment by the Fund. Furthermore, unless under the terms of a loan agreement or participation (as applicable) the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, the Fund must rely on the Agent and the other Loan Investors to pursue appropriate remedies against the borrower.
  Loan investments may be made at par or at a discount or premium to par.  The interest payable on a loan may be fixed or floating rate, and paid in cash or in-kind.  In connection with transactions in loans, the Fund may be subject to facility or other fees.  Loans may be secured by specific collateral or other assets of the borrower, guaranteed by a third party, unsecured or subordinated.  During the term of a loan, the value of any collateral securing the loan may decline in value, causing the loan to be under collateralized. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a borrower’s obligations under the loan. In addition, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of the collateral and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of such collateral.
  A lender’s repayment and other rights primarily are determined by governing loan, assignment or participation documents, which (among other things) typically establish the priority of payment on the loan relative to other indebtedness and obligations of the borrower.  A borrower typically is required to comply with certain covenants contained in a loan agreement between the borrower and the holders of the loan.  The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the issuer, and the nature of the collateral securing the loan.  Loans with fewer covenants that restrict activities of the borrower may provide the borrower with more flexibility to take actions that may be detrimental to the loan holders and provide fewer investor protections in the event covenants are breached.  The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays and expense in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants.  Loans to entities located outside of the U.S. (including to sovereign entities) may have substantially different lender protections and covenants as compared to loans to U.S. entities and may involve greater risks.  In the event of bankruptcy, applicable law may impact a lender’s ability to enforce its rights.  The Fund may have difficulties and incur expense enforcing its rights with respect to non-U.S. loans and such loans could be subject to bankruptcy laws that are materially different than in the U.S.  Sovereign entities may be unable or unwilling to meet their obligations under a loan due to budgetary limitations or economic or political changes within the country.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 64 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Investing in loans involves the risk of default by the borrower or other party obligated to repay the loan.  In the event of insolvency of the borrower or other obligated party, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity unless it has rights that are senior to that of other creditors or secured by specific collateral or assets of the borrower.  Fixed-rate loans are also subject to the risk that their value will decline in a rising interest rate environment.  This risk is mitigated for floating-rate loans, where the interest rate payable on the loan resets periodically by reference to a base lending rate.  The base lending rate usually is the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the Federal Reserve federal funds rate, the prime rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. LIBOR usually is an average of the interest rates quoted by several designated banks as the rates at which they pay interest to major depositors in the London interbank market on U.S. dollar-denominated deposits.
  Many financial instruments use or may use a floating rate based on LIBOR, which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks.  On July 27, 2017, the head of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.  Due to this announcement, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate.  As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined.  See “LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk” herein.
  The Fund will take whatever action it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties, default or bankruptcy of the borrower or other entity obligated to repay a loan. Such action may include: (i) retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of the investment adviser) to evaluate or protect any collateral or other assets securing the loan or acquired as a result of any such event; (ii) managing (or engaging other persons to manage) or otherwise dealing with any collateral or other assets so acquired; and (iii) taking such other actions (including, but not limited to, payment of operating or similar expenses relating to the collateral) as the investment adviser may deem appropriate to reduce the likelihood or severity of loss on the Fund’s investment and/or maximize the return on such investment.  The Fund will incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to loans in (or anticipated to be in) default and assets securing such loans.  In certain circumstances, the Fund may receive equity or equity-like securities from a borrower to settle the loan or may acquire an equity interest in the borrower.  Representatives of the Fund also may join creditor or similar committees relating to loans.
  Lenders can be sued by other creditors and the debtor and its shareholders. Losses could be greater than the original loan amount and occur years after the loan’s recovery. If a borrower becomes involved in bankruptcy proceedings, a court may invalidate the Fund’s security interest in any loan collateral or subordinate the Fund’s rights under the loan agreement to the interests of the borrower’s unsecured creditors or cause interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower. There are also other events, such as the failure to perfect a security interest due to faulty documentation or faulty official filings, which could lead to the invalidation of the Fund’s security interest in loan collateral. If any of these events occur, the Fund’s performance could be negatively affected.
  Interests in loans generally are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no active market may exist for many loans, making them illiquid. As described below, a secondary market exists for many Senior Loans, but it may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.
  From time to time the investment adviser and its affiliates may borrow money from various banks in connection with their business activities. Such banks may also sell interests in loans to or acquire them from the Fund or may be intermediate participants with respect to loans in which the Fund owns interests. Such banks may also act as agents for loans held by the Fund.
  To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans, particularly in connection with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of loans for investment may be adversely affected. Further, such legislation or regulation could depress the market value of loans.
  For additional disclosures relating to Junior and Senior Loans, see “Junior Loans” and “Senior Loans” herein.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 65 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Lower Rated Investments Lower rated investments (commonly referred to as “junk”) are of below investment grade quality and generally provide greater income potential and/or increased opportunity for capital appreciation than higher quality investments but they also typically entail greater potential price volatility and principal and income risk.  Lower rated investments are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the entity’s continuing ability to make timely principal and interest payments.  Also, their yields and market values may fluctuate more than higher rated investments.  Fluctuations in value do not affect the cash income from lower rated investments, but are reflected in the Fund’s net asset value.  The greater risks and fluctuations in yield and value occur, in part, because investors generally perceive issuers of lower rated and unrated investments to be less creditworthy. The secondary market for lower rated investments may be less liquid than the market for higher grade investments.
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) MLPs are publicly-traded limited partnership interests or units. An MLP that invests in a particular industry (e.g., oil and gas) will be harmed by detrimental economic events within that industry. As partnerships, MLPs may be subject to less regulation (and less protection for investors) under state laws than corporations. In addition, MLPs may be subject to state taxation in certain jurisdictions, which may reduce the amount of income paid by an MLP to its investors. Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities, such as partnerships, a deduction for 20% of “qualified publicly traded partnership income” such as income from MLPs.  However, the law does not include any provision for a regulated investment company to pass the character of its qualified publicly traded partnership income through to its shareholders.  As a result, an investor who invests directly in MLPs will be able to receive the benefit of that deduction, while a shareholder of the Fund will not.
Money Market Instruments Money market instruments include short term, high quality, U.S. dollar denominated instruments such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances issued by U.S. or foreign banks, and Treasury bills and other obligations with a maturity of one year or less, including those issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities.  See “U.S. Government Securities” below. Certificates of deposit or time deposits are certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank, are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. Bankers’ acceptances are short-term credit instruments used to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods. They are termed “accepted” when a bank guarantees their payment at maturity.
  The obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by governmental regulation.  Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidence of ownership of portfolio securities may be held outside of the U.S. and generally will be subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas. Various provisions of U.S. law governing the establishment and operation of domestic branches do not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks. The obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as by governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 66 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Money market instruments are often acquired directly from the issuers thereof or otherwise 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. Money market instruments may be adversely affected by market and economic events, such as a sharp rise in prevailing short-term interest rates; adverse developments in the banking industry, which issues or guarantees many money market securities; adverse economic, political or other developments affecting domestic issuers of money market securities; changes in the credit quality of issuers; and default by a counterparty.  These securities may be subject to federal income, state income and/or other taxes.  Instead of investing in money market instruments directly, the Fund may invest in an affiliated or unaffiliated money market fund.  During unusual market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective(s) and other policies.
Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) MBS are “pass through” securities, meaning that a pro rata share of regular interest and principal payments, as well as unscheduled early prepayments, on the underlying mortgage pool is passed through monthly to the holder.  MBS may include conventional mortgage pass through securities, participation interests in pools of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage loans, stripped securities (described herein), floating rate mortgage-backed securities and certain classes of multiple class CMOs. MBS pay principal to the holder over their term, which differs from other forms of debt securities that normally provide for principal payment at maturity or specified call dates. MBS are subject to the general risks associated with investing in real estate securities; that is, they may lose value if the value of the underlying real estate to which a pool of mortgages relates declines.  In addition, investments in MBS involve certain specific risks, including the failure of a party to meet its commitments under the related operative documents, adverse interest rate changes, and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows and that any guarantee or other structural feature, if present, is insufficient to enable the timely payment of interest and principal on the MBS. Although certain MBS are guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and principal by a government-sponsored enterprise, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.  Certain MBS may be purchased on a when-issued basis subject to certain limitations and requirements.
  There are currently four types of MBS: (1) those issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”); (2) those issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by pass through securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities; (3) those issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities without a government guarantee, such as credit risk transfer bonds; and (4) those issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by whole mortgage loans or pass through securities without a government guarantee but that usually have some form of private credit enhancement.  Privately issued MBS are structured similar to GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC MBS, and are issued by originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including depositary institutions, mortgage banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.
  GNMA Certificates and FNMA Mortgage-Backed Certificates are MBS representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans. GNMA loans (issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial banks and savings and loan associations) are either insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. A pool of such mortgages is assembled and, after being approved by GNMA, is offered to investors through securities dealers. Once such pool is approved by GNMA, the timely payment of interest and principal on the Certificates issued representing such pool is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  FNMA, a federally chartered corporation owned entirely by private stockholders, purchases both conventional and federally insured or guaranteed residential mortgages from various entities, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers, and packages pools of such mortgages in the form of pass-through securities generally called FNMA Mortgage-Backed Certificates, which are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; however, they are supported by the right of FNMA to borrow from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 67 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

   FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government created by Congress for the purposes of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing, issues participation certificates (“PCs”) representing undivided interest in FHLMC’S mortgage portfolio. While FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of the principal of its PCs, its PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. FHLMC PCs differ from GNMA Certificates in that the mortgages underlying the PCs are monthly “conventional” mortgages rather than mortgages insured or guaranteed by a federal agency or instrumentality. However, in several other respects, such as the monthly pass-through of interest and principal (including unscheduled prepayments) and the unpredictability of future unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgage pools, FHLMC PCs are similar to GNMA Certificates.  
  While it is not possible to accurately predict the life of a particular issue of MBS, the actual life of any such security is likely to be substantially less than the final maturities of the mortgage loans underlying the security. This is because unscheduled early prepayments of principal on MBS will result from the prepayment, refinancings or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool. Prepayments of MBS may not be able to be reinvested at the same interest rate.  Because of the regular scheduled payments of principal and the early unscheduled prepayments of principal, MBS are less effective than other types of obligations as a means of “locking-in” attractive long-term interest rates. As a result, this type of security may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other U.S. Government securities of comparable maturities, although many issues of MBS may have a comparable risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. If MBS are purchased at a premium above their par value, a scheduled payment of principal and an unscheduled prepayment of principal, which would be made at par, will accelerate the realization of a loss equal to that portion of the premium applicable to the payment or prepayment. If MBS have been purchased at a discount from their par value, both a scheduled payment of principal and an unscheduled prepayment of principal will increase current returns and will accelerate the recognition of income, which, when distributed to Fund shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income.
Mortgage Dollar Rolls In a mortgage dollar roll, the Fund sells MBS for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) MBS on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the MBS.  The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sales. Cash proceeds may be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for the Fund.  The use of mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage.  A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or permissible liquid assets earmarked or in a segregated account to secure the obligation for the forward commitment to buy MBS, or a cash equivalent security position that matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. Covered rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security and will be excluded from the calculation of the Fund’s borrowings and other senior securities.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 68 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Municipal Lease Obligations (“MLOs”) An MLO is a bond that is secured by lease payments made by the party, typically a state or municipality, leasing the facilities (e.g., schools or office buildings) that were financed by the bond.  Such lease payments may be subject to annual appropriation or may be made only from revenues associated with the facility financed.  In other cases, the leasing state or municipality is obligated to appropriate funds from its general tax revenues to make lease payments as long as it utilizes the leased property.  MLOs, like other municipal debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment. Although MLOs do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which the issuer’s unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is frequently backed by the issuer’s covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation.  However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the issuer has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although “non-appropriation” lease obligations may be secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. A certificate of participation (also referred to as a “participation”) in a municipal lease is an instrument evidencing a pro rata share in a specific pledged revenue stream, usually lease payments by the issuer that are typically subject to annual appropriation.  The certificate generally entitles the holder to receive a share, or participation, in the payments from a particular project.
  MLOs and participations therein represent a type of financing that may not have the depth of marketability associated with more conventional securities and, as such, they may be less liquid than conventional securities.  Certain MLOs may be deemed illiquid for the purpose of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid investments, unless determined by the investment adviser, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board, to be liquid securities. The investment adviser will consider an MLO to be liquid if it is rated investment grade (being an MLO rated BBB or Baa or higher) by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization or is insured by an insurer rated investment grade.  If an MLO or participation does not meet the foregoing criteria, then the investment adviser will consider the MLO to be illiquid unless it conducts an analysis of relevant factors and concludes that the MLO is liquid.  In conducting such an analysis, the investment adviser will consider the factors it believes are relevant to the marketability of the obligation, to the extent that information regarding such factor is available to the investment adviser and pertinent to the liquidity determination, which may include: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the obligation; (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; (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of the obligation, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer; (5) the willingness of the governmental issuer to continue to appropriate funds for the payment of the obligation; (6) how likely or remote an event of non-appropriation may be, which depends in varying degrees on a variety of factors, including those relating to the general creditworthiness of the governmental issuer, its dependence on its continuing access to the credit markets, and the importance to the issuer of the equipment, property or facility covered by the lease or contract; (7) an assessment of the likelihood that the lease may or may not be cancelled; and (8) other factors and information unique to the obligation in determining its liquidity.
  The ability of issuers of MLOs to make timely lease payments may be adversely impacted in general economic downturns and as relative governmental cost burdens are allocated and reallocated among federal, state and local governmental units. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income from and value of the obligation. Issuers of MLOs might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, holders of MLOs could experience delays and limitations with respect to the collection of principal and interest on such MLOs and may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in lease payments, the Fund might take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities or otherwise incur costs to protect its rights, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund. When the lease contains a non-appropriation clause, however, the failure to pay would not be a default and the Fund would not have the right to take possession of the assets. Any income derived from the Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 69 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Municipal Obligations Municipal obligations include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, refunding of outstanding obligations and obtaining funds for general operating expenses and loans to other public institutions and facilities.  Certain types of bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately owned or operated facilities, including certain facilities for the local furnishing of electric energy or gas, sewage facilities, solid waste disposal facilities and other specialized facilities. Municipal 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. While most municipal bonds pay a fixed rate of interest semiannually 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. Some bonds may pay interest at a variable or floating rate.  Bonds may be issued or subsequently offered with interest coupons materially greater or less than those then prevailing, with price adjustments reflecting such deviation.  Municipal obligations also include trust certificates representing interests in municipal securities held by a trustee. The trust certificates may evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying securities.
  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 AMT: (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. Opinions relating to the validity of municipal bonds, exclusion of municipal bond interest from an investor’s gross income for federal income tax purposes and, where applicable, state and local income tax, are rendered by bond counsel to the issuing authorities at the time of issuance.
  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 that could subject the recipient to or increase the recipient’s liability for the AMT.
  The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are “general obligation” and “revenue” bonds. 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.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 70 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Typically, the only security for a limited obligation or revenue bond is the net revenue derived from a particular facility or class of facilities financed thereby or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special tax or other special revenues. Revenue bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of revenue-producing public capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; hospitals; and convention, recreational, tribal gaming and housing facilities. Although the security behind these bonds varies widely, many lower rated bonds provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund that may also be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations. In addition, some revenue obligations (as well as general obligations) are insured by a bond insurance company or backed by a letter of credit issued by a banking institution.  Revenue bonds also include, for example, pollution control, health care and housing bonds, which, although nominally issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but by the revenues of the authority derived from payments by the private entity that owns or operates the facility financed with the proceeds of the bonds. Obligations of housing finance authorities have a wide range of security features, including reserve funds and insured or subsidized mortgages, as well as the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Many of these bonds do not generally constitute the pledge of the credit of the issuer of such bonds. The credit quality of such revenue bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the user of the facility being financed or of an institution which provides a guarantee, letter of credit or other credit enhancement for the bond issue.  The Fund may on occasion acquire revenue bonds that carry warrants or similar rights covering equity securities. Such warrants or rights may be held indefinitely, but if exercised, the Fund anticipates that it would, under normal circumstances, dispose of any equity securities so acquired within a reasonable period of time.  Investing in revenue bonds may involve (without limitation) the following risks.
  Hospital bond ratings are often based on feasibility studies that contain projections of expenses, revenues and occupancy levels.   A hospital’s income available to service its debt may be influenced by demand for hospital services, management capabilities, the service area economy, efforts by insurers and government agencies to limit rates and expenses, competition, availability and expense of malpractice insurance, and Medicaid and Medicare funding.
  Education-related bonds are comprised of two types: (i) those issued to finance projects for public and private colleges and universities, charter schools and private schools, and (ii) those representing pooled interests in student loans. Bonds issued to supply educational institutions with funding are subject to many risks, including the risks of unanticipated revenue decline, primarily the result of decreasing student enrollment, decreasing state and federal funding, or changes in general economic conditions. Additionally, higher than anticipated costs associated with salaries, utilities, insurance or other general expenses could impair the ability of a borrower to make annual debt service payments. Student loan revenue bonds are generally offered by state (or sub-state) authorities or commissions and are backed by pools of student loans. Underlying student loans may be guaranteed by state guarantee agencies and may be subject to reimbursement by the United States Department of Education through its guaranteed student loan program. Others may be private, uninsured loans made to parents or students that may be supported by reserves or other forms of credit enhancement. Cash flows supporting student loan revenue bonds are impacted by numerous factors, including the rate of student loan defaults, seasoning of the loan portfolio, and student repayment deferral periods of forbearance. Other risks associated with student loan revenue bonds include potential changes in federal legislation regarding student loan revenue bonds, state guarantee agency reimbursement and continued federal interest and other program subsidies currently in effect.
  Transportation debt may be issued to finance the construction of airports, toll roads, highways, or other transit facilities. Airport bonds are dependent on the economic conditions of the airport’s service area and may be affected by the business strategies and fortunes of specific airlines. They may also be subject to competition from other airports and modes of transportation. Air traffic generally follows broader economic trends and is also affected by the price and availability of fuel. Toll road bonds are also affected by the cost and availability of fuel as well as toll levels, the presence of competing roads and the general economic health of an area. Fuel costs, transportation taxes and fees, and availability of fuel also affect other transportation-related securities, as do the presence of alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 71 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

 

Industrial development bonds (“IDBs”) are normally secured only by the revenues from the project and not by state or local government tax payments, they are subject to a wide variety of risks, many of which relate to the nature of the specific project. Generally, IDBs are sensitive to the risk of a slowdown in the economy.

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.

Water and sewer revenue bonds are generally secured by the fees charged to each user of the service. The issuers of water and sewer revenue bonds generally enjoy a monopoly status and latitude in their ability to raise rates. However, lack of water supply due to insufficient rain, run-off, or snow pack can be a concern and has led to past defaults. Further, public resistance to rate increases, declining numbers of customers in a particular locale, costly environmental litigation, and federal environmental mandates are challenges faced by issuers of water and sewer bonds.

  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, that 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. Certain bond structures may be subject to the risk that a taxing authority may issue an adverse ruling regarding tax-exempt status.  There is also the possibility that as a result of adverse economic conditions (including unforeseen financial events, natural disasters and other conditions that may affect an issuer’s ability to pay its obligations), 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 or interest and principal previously paid may be required to be refunded. There have been instances of defaults and bankruptcies involving municipal obligations that were not foreseen by the financial and investment communities. The Fund 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: (i) retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of the investment adviser) to evaluate or protect any real estate, facilities or other assets securing any such obligation or acquired by the Fund as a result of any such event; (ii) managing (or engaging other persons to manage) or otherwise dealing with any real estate, facilities or other assets so acquired; and (iii) taking such other actions as the adviser (including, but not limited to, payment of operating or similar expenses of the underlying project) may deem appropriate to reduce the likelihood or severity of loss on the fund’s investment.  The Fund will incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to portfolio obligations in (or anticipated to be in) default and assets securing such obligations.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 72 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

 

Historically, municipal bankruptcies have been rare and certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcy are unclear. Further, the application of state law to municipal obligation issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal obligation issuers within a state. These uncertainties could have a significant impact on the prices of the municipal obligations in which the Fund invests. There could be economic, business or political developments or court decisions that adversely affect all municipal obligations in the same sector. Developments such as changes in healthcare regulations, environmental considerations related to construction, construction cost increases and labor problems, failure of healthcare facilities to maintain adequate occupancy levels, and inflation can affect municipal obligations in the same sector. As the similarity in issuers of municipal obligations held by the Fund increases, the potential for fluctuations in the Fund’s share price also may increase.

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its related issuers continue to experience financial difficulties, including persistent government budget deficits, underfunded public pension benefit obligations, underfunded government retirement systems, sizable debt service obligations and a high unemployment rate. Several rating agencies have downgraded a number of securities issued in Puerto Rico to below investment-grade, and numerous issuers have entered Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversite, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”), which is similar to bankruptcy protection, through which the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico can restructure its debt. However, Puerto Rico's case is the first ever heard under PROMESA and there is no existing case precedent to guide the proceedings. Accordingly, Puerto Rico's debt restructuring process could take significantly longer than traditional municipal bankruptcy proceedings. Further, it is not clear whether a debt restructuring process will ultimately be approved or, if so, the extent to which it will apply to Puerto Rico municipal securities sold by an issuer other than the territory. A debt restructuring could reduce the principal amount due, the interest rate, the maturity, and other terms of Puerto Rico municipal securities, which could adversely affect the value of Puerto Rican municipal securities. Puerto Rico’s short-term financial difficulties continue to be further impacted by the 2017 hurricane, and Puerto Rico has faced significant out-migration relating to its economic difficulties, eroding its population, economic base and ultimate ability to support its current debt burden, creating further long-term uncertainty.

 

The secondary market for some municipal obligations issued within a state (including issues that are privately placed with the Fund) is less liquid than that for taxable debt obligations or other more widely traded municipal obligations. No established resale market exists for certain of the municipal obligations in which the Fund may invest. The market for obligations rated below investment grade is also likely to be less liquid than the market for higher rated obligations. As a result, the Fund may be unable to dispose of these municipal obligations at times when it would otherwise wish to do so at the prices at which they are valued.

Municipal obligations that are rated below investment grade but that, subsequent to the assignment of such rating, are backed by escrow accounts containing U.S. Government obligations may be determined by the investment adviser to be of investment grade quality for purposes of the Fund’s investment policies. In the case of a defaulted obligation, the Fund may incur additional expense seeking recovery of its investment. Defaulted obligations are denoted in the “Portfolio of Investments” in the “Financial Statements” included in the Fund’s reports to shareholders.

The yields on municipal obligations depend on a variety of factors, including purposes of the 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, S&P and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal obligations which they undertake to rate, and in the case of insurers, other factors including the claims-paying ability of such insurer. 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 such obligations will normally fluctuate with changes in interest rates, and therefore the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by such changes.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 73 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Operational Risk The Fund’s service providers, including the investment adviser, may experience disruptions or operating errors that could negatively impact the Fund. While service providers are expected to have appropriate operational risk management policies and procedures, their methods of operational risk management may differ from the Fund's in the setting of priorities, the personnel and resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. It also is not possible for Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.
Option Contracts See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  An option contract is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the reference instrument underlying the option (or the cash value of the index) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the reference instrument (or the cash) upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the reference instrument (or the cash). Upon exercise of an index option, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the index option. Options may be “covered,” meaning that the party required to deliver the reference instrument if the option is exercised owns that instrument (or has set aside sufficient assets to meet its obligation to deliver the instrument).  Options may be listed on an exchange or traded in the OTC market.  In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and may require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to counterparty risk.  The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or any number of counterparties, the lack of any independent evaluation of the counterparties or their financial capabilities, and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement, may increase the potential for losses to the Fund.  OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk.  This risk may be increased in times of financial stress, if the trading market for OTC derivative contracts becomes limited.  The staff of the SEC takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid.  Derivatives on economic indicators generally are offered in an auction format and are booked and settled as OTC options.  Options on futures contracts are discussed herein under “Futures Contracts.”
  If a written option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If a purchased option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss equal to the premium paid. Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an exchange traded option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange, reference instrument, exercise price, and expiration). A capital gain will be realized from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option, or, if it is more, a capital loss will be realized. If the premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is less, the Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, the current market price of the reference instrument in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the reference instrument, and the time remaining until the expiration date.  There can be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be consummated when desired.
  Straddles are a combination of a call and a put written on the same reference instrument. A straddle is deemed to be covered when sufficient assets are deposited to meet the Fund’s immediate obligations. The same liquid assets may be used to cover both the call and put options where the exercise price of the call and put are the same, or the exercise price of the call is higher than that of the put.  The Fund may also buy and write call options on the same reference instrument to cover its obligations.  Because such combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open or close.  In an equity collar, the Fund simultaneously writes a call option and purchases a put option on the same instrument.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 74 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  To the extent that the Fund writes a call option on an instrument it holds and intends to use such instrument as the sole means of “covering” its obligation under the call option, the Fund has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the instrument above the exercise price during the option period, but, as long as its obligation under such call option continues, has retained the risk of loss should the value of the reference instrument decline. If the Fund were unable to close out such a call option, it would not be able to sell the instrument unless the option expired without exercise.  Uncovered calls have speculative characteristics and are riskier than covered calls because there is no instrument or cover held by the Fund that can act as a partial hedge.    
  The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation under the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying reference instrument at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price (in the case of a put), or remains less than or equal to the exercise price (in the case of a call), the Fund will lose the premium it paid for the option.  Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on options markets, the Fund may be unable to close out a position.
  Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of options is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities underlying the option or represented in the index underlying the option, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the relevant index or market and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that would not be reflected concurrently in the options markets.
Option Strategy The Fund implements the Option Strategy or Enhancement Strategy, as further described under “Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks” in the Prospectus, whereby it writes a series of call and put option spread combinations on the S&P 500® Composite Stock Price Index (S&P 500® Index) and/or a proxy for the S&P 500® Index (such as SPDR Trust Series I units (SPDRs)).
Participation in the ReFlow Liquidity Program The Fund may participate in the ReFlow liquidity program, which is designed to provide an alternative liquidity source for mutual funds experiencing net redemptions of their shares. Pursuant to the program, ReFlow Fund, LLC (“ReFlow”) provides participating mutual funds with a source of cash to meet net shareholder redemptions by standing ready each business day to purchase fund shares up to the value of the net shares redeemed by other shareholders that are to settle the next business day. Following purchases of fund shares, ReFlow then generally redeems those shares when the fund experiences net sales, at the end of a maximum holding period determined by ReFlow (currently 14 days) or at other times at ReFlow’s discretion.  While ReFlow holds fund shares, it will have the same rights and privileges with respect to those shares as any other shareholder.  For use of the ReFlow service, a fund pays a fee to ReFlow each time it purchases fund shares, calculated by applying to the purchase amount a fee rate determined through an automated daily auction among participating mutual funds. Such fee is allocated among a fund’s share classes based on relative net assets.  ReFlow’s purchases of fund shares through the liquidity program are made on an investment-blind basis without regard to the fund’s investment objective, policies or anticipated performance.  In accordance with federal securities laws, ReFlow is prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of a fund. ReFlow will purchase Class I or Institutional Class shares (or, if applicable Class A or Investor Class shares) at net asset value and will not be subject to any sales charge (in the case of Class A shares), investment minimum or redemption fee applicable to such shares. ReFlow will periodically redeem its entire share position in the Fund and request that such redemption be met in kind in accordance with the Fund’s redemption-in-kind policies described under “Redeeming Shares” in the Prospectus.  Investments in a fund by ReFlow in connection with the ReFlow liquidity program are not subject to the two round-trips within 90 days limitation described in “Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing” under “Purchasing Shares” in the Prospectus. The investment adviser believes that the program assists in stabilizing the Fund’s net assets to the benefit of the Fund and its shareholders.  To the extent the Fund’s net assets do not decline, the investment adviser may also benefit.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 75 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Pooled Investment Vehicles The Fund may invest in pooled investment vehicles including other open-end or closed-end investment companies affiliated or unaffiliated with the investment adviser, exchange-traded funds (described herein) and other collective investment pools in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Closed-end investment company securities are usually traded on an exchange.  The demand for a closed-end fund’s securities is independent of the demand for the underlying portfolio assets, and accordingly, such securities can trade at a discount from, or a premium over, their net asset value.  The Fund generally will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees paid by a pooled investment vehicle in which it invests in addition to the investment advisory fee paid by the Fund.
Portfolio Turnover A change in the securities held by the Fund is known as “portfolio turnover” and generally involves expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer markups and other transaction costs on both the sale of securities and the reinvestment of the proceeds in other securities. If sales of portfolio securities cause the Fund to realize net short-term capital gains, such gains will be taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders.  The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for a fiscal year is the ratio of the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities to the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities − excluding securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is not a limiting factor when the investment adviser considers a change in the Fund's portfolio holdings.  The portfolio turnover rate(s) of the Fund for recent fiscal periods is included in the Financial Highlights in the Prospectus.
Preferred Stock Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a corporation, company or trust that has a higher claim on the assets and earnings than common stock. Preferred stock usually has limited voting rights. Preferred stock involves credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. A company’s preferred stock generally pays dividends after the company makes the required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt instruments but before dividend payments are made to common stockholders.  However, preferred stock may not pay scheduled dividends or dividends payments may be in arrears.  The value of preferred stock may react more strongly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Certain preferred stocks may be convertible to common stock.  See “Convertible Securities” and “Contingent Convertible Securities.”  Preferred stock may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price.  Because they may make regular income payments, preferred stocks may be considered fixed-income securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment restrictions.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 76 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Real Estate Investments

Real estate investments, including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), are sensitive to factors, such as changes in: real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, and the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws, among others. Changes in underlying real estate values may have a magnified effect to the extent that investments concentrate in particular geographic regions or property types. Investments in REITs may also be adversely affected by rising interest rates. By investing in REITs, the Fund indirectly will bear REIT expenses in addition to its own expenses.

Private REITs are unlisted, which may make them difficult to value and less liquid. Moreover, private REITs are generally exempt from 1933 Act registration and, as such, the amount of public information available with respect to private REITs may be less extensive than that available for publicly traded REITs. Shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers. REITs are also subject to credit, market, liquidity and interest rate risks.

Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities, such as partnerships, a deduction for 20% of qualified REIT dividends. Proposed regulations on which the Fund may rely allow a regulated investment company to pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. See “Taxes” for additional information.

REITs may issue debt securities to fund their activities. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, the creditworthiness of the REIT, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements, among other things.

Repurchase Agreements Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of a security coupled with an agreement to resell at a specified date and price.  In the event of the bankruptcy of the counterparty to a repurchase agreement, recovery of cash may be delayed. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the purchased securities may have decreased, a loss could result. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days that the investment adviser believes may not be terminated within seven days at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the agreements are considered illiquid securities. Unless the Prospectus states otherwise, the terms of a repurchase agreement will provide that the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement will always be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the agreement, and will be marked to market daily.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 77 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Residual Interest Bonds

The Fund may invest in residual interest bonds in a trust that holds municipal securities. The interest rate payable on a residual interest bond bears an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security issued by the trust. Because changes in the interest rate on the other security inversely affect the interest paid on the residual interest bond, the value and income of a residual interest bond is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Residual interest bonds have interest rate adjustment formulas that generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to the Fund when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the Fund when short-term interest rates fall. Residual interest bonds have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market for these securities is relatively volatile. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Although volatile, residual interest bonds 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. While residual interest bonds expose the Fund to leverage risk because they provide two or more dollars of bond market exposure for every dollar invested, they are not subject to the Fund’s restrictions on borrowings.

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may enter into a so-called shortfall and forbearance agreement relating to a residual interest bond held by the Fund. Such agreements commit the Fund to reimburse the difference between the liquidation value of the underlying security (which is the basis of the residual interest bond) and the principal amount due to the holders of the floating rate security issued in conjunction with the residual interest bond upon the termination of the trust issuing the residual interest bond. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Fund would not be required to make such a reimbursement. If the Fund chooses not to enter into such an agreement, the residual interest bond could be terminated and the Fund could incur a loss. The Fund’s investments in residual interest bonds and similar securities described in the Prospectus and this SAI will not be considered borrowing for purposes of the Fund’s restrictions on borrowing described herein and in the Prospectus.

On December 10, 2013, five U.S. federal agencies published final rules implementing section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Volcker Rule”). The Volcker Rule prohibits banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading of certain instruments and limits such entities’ investments in, and relationships with, covered funds, as defined in the rules. The Volcker Rule precludes banking entities and their affiliates from (i) sponsoring residual interest bond programs as presently structured and (ii) continuing relationships with or services for existing residual interest bond programs. The effects of the Volcker Rule may make it more difficult for the Fund to maintain current or desired levels of income.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 78 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Restricted Securities

Restricted securities cannot be sold to the public without registration under the 1933 Act. Unless registered for sale, restricted securities can be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Restricted securities may be considered illiquid and subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities.

Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk which may result in substantial losses. The securities may be less liquid than publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities initially offered and sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144A (“Rule 144A Securities”) and securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers initially offered and sold outside the United States without registration with the SEC pursuant to Regulation S (“Regulation S Securities”) under the 1933 Act. Rule 144A Securities and Regulation S Securities generally may be traded freely among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, and non-U.S. persons, but resale to a broader base of investors in the United States may be permitted only in much more limited circumstances. 

The Fund also may purchase restricted securities that are not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or Regulation S. The Fund may acquire such securities through private placement transactions, directly from the issuer or from security holders, generally at higher yields or on terms more favorable to investors than comparable publicly traded securities. However, the restrictions on resale of such securities may make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at the time considered most advantageous and/or may involve expenses that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely marketable. Risks associated with restricted securities include the potential obligation to pay all or part of the registration expenses in order to sell certain restricted securities. A considerable period of time may elapse between the time of the decision to sell a security and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell it under an effective registration statement and/or after an applicable waiting period. If adverse conditions were to develop during this period, the Fund might obtain a price that is less favorable than the price that was prevailing at the time it decided to sell.  See also “Illiquid Investments.”

Reverse Repurchase Agreements Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time and price, which reflects an interest payment. The Fund may enter into a reverse repurchase agreement for various purposes, including, but not limited to, when it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement or as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests without the necessity of selling portfolio assets.  In a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities transferred to another party or the securities in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. As a result, such transactions may increase fluctuations in the value of the Fund.  Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing funds, they constitute a form of leverage.  Such agreements will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding “borrowings.” If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund’s yield.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 79 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Rights and Warrants

See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe for shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price. Warrants are securities that are typically issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price. Warrants are freely transferable and are often traded on major exchanges. Unlike rights, warrants normally have a life that is measured in years and entitle the holder to buy common stock of a company at a price that is usually higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. Corporations often issue warrants to make the accompanying debt security more attractive.

Warrants and rights may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. If the market price of the underlying stock does not exceed the exercise price during the life of the warrant or right, the warrant or right will expire worthless.  (Canadian special warrants issued in private placements prior to a public offering are not considered warrants.) 

Royalty Bonds

Royalty bonds include debt securities collateralized by pharmaceutical royalty interests (“Royalty Bonds”). Pharmaceutical royalty streams are created when the owner of a patent on a pharmaceutical product licenses the discovery to a larger commercial entity for further development, while maintaining a royalty interest on future sales of the product. Royalty Bonds are created when the royalty owner borrows against the royalty stream by issuing debt collateralized by the royalty. Royalty Bond investors receive interest and principal payments collateralized and funded by the stream of royalty payments. Royalty Bonds are typically offered in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and are restricted as to resale.

Because Royalty Bonds are restricted securities and because of the proprietary nature of the underlying pharmaceutical product licenses, it may take longer to liquidate Royalty Bond positions than would be the case for other securities. Royalty Bonds are also subject to the industry risks associated with health sciences companies.

Securities Lending The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to major banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions in compliance with the 1940 Act. No lending may be made with any companies affiliated with the investment adviser.  These loans earn income and are collateralized by cash, securities or letters of credit.  The Fund may realize a loss if it is not able to invest cash collateral at rates higher than the costs to enter into the loan.    The Fund invests cash collateral in an unaffiliated money market fund that operates in compliance with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act and seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share.  When the loan is closed, the lender is obligated to return the collateral to the borrower.  The lender could suffer a loss if the value of the collateral is below the market value of the borrowed securities or if the borrower defaults on the loan.  The lender may pay reasonable finder’s, lending agent, administrative and custodial fees in connection with its loans. The investment adviser will use its reasonable efforts to instruct the securities lending agent to terminate loans and recall securities with voting rights so that the securities may be voted in accordance with the Fund’s proxy voting policy and procedures.  See “Taxes” for information on the tax treatment of payments in lieu of dividends received pursuant to securities lending arrangements.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 80 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Senior Loans Senior Loans are loans that are senior in repayment priority to other debt of the borrower.  Senior Loans generally pay interest that floats, adjusts or varies periodically based on benchmark indicators, specified adjustment schedules or prevailing interest rates.  Senior Loans are often secured by specific assets or “collateral,” although they may not be secured by collateral.  A Senior Loan is typically originated, negotiated and structured by a U.S. or foreign commercial bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the “Agent”) for a group of loan investors (“Loan Investors”), generally referred to as a “syndicate.” The Agent typically administers and enforces the Senior Loan on behalf of the Loan Investors in the syndicate. In addition, an institution, typically but not always the Agent, holds any collateral on behalf of the Loan Investors.  Loan interests primarily take the form of assignments purchased in the primary or secondary market. Loan interests may also take the form of participation interests in, or novations of, a Senior Loan.  Senior Loans primarily include senior floating rate loans and secondarily senior floating rate debt obligations (including those issued by an asset-backed pool), and interests therein.
  Loan Collateral. Borrowers generally will, for the term of the Senior Loan, pledge collateral to secure their obligation. In addition, Senior Loans may be guaranteed by or secured by assets of the borrower’s owners or affiliates. During the term of the Senior Loan, the value of collateral securing the Loan may decline in value, causing the Loan to be under-collateralized. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a borrower’s obligations under a Senior Loan. In addition, if a Senior Loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of the collateral and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of such collateral.
  Fees. The Fund may receive a facility fee when it buys a Senior Loan, and pay a facility fee when it sells a Senior Loan. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a Senior Loan. In certain circumstances, the Fund may receive a prepayment penalty fee upon the prepayment of a Senior Loan by a borrower or an amendment fee.
  Loan Administration.  In a typical Senior Loan, the Agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal, and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the Loan Investors. Failure by the Agent to fulfill its obligations may delay or adversely affect receipt of payment by the Fund. Furthermore, unless under the terms of a loan agreement or participation (as applicable) the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, the Fund must rely on the Agent and the other Loan Investors to use appropriate remedies against the borrower. The Agent is typically responsible for monitoring compliance with covenants contained in the loan agreement based upon reports prepared by the borrower.  The typical practice of an Agent or a Loan Investor in relying exclusively or primarily on reports from the borrower may involve the risk of fraud by the borrower.  It is unclear whether an investment in a Senior Loan offers the securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation.
  A financial institution’s appointment as Agent may usually be terminated in the event that it fails to observe the requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent.  A successor Agent would generally be appointed to replace the terminated Agent, and assets held by the Agent under the Loan Agreement should remain available to holders of Senior Loans. However, if assets held by the Agent for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the Agent’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a Senior Loan, or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other Interposed Persons (as defined below), similar risks may arise.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 81 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Additional Information. The Fund may purchase and retain in its portfolio a Senior Loan where the borrower has experienced, or may be perceived to be likely to experience, credit problems, including involvement in or recent emergence from bankruptcy reorganization proceedings or other forms of debt restructuring. While such investments may provide opportunities for enhanced income as well as capital appreciation, they generally involve greater risk and may be considered speculative.  The Fund may from time to time participate in ad-hoc committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled borrowers. The Fund may incur legal fees as a result of such participation.  In addition, such participation may restrict the Fund’s ability to trade in or acquire additional positions in a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by the Fund also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under bankruptcy or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. The Fund will participate in such committees only when the investment adviser believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Fund’s rights as a creditor or to protect the value of a Senior Loan held by the Fund.
  In some instances, other accounts managed by the investment adviser may hold other securities issued by borrowers the Senior Loans of which may be held by the Fund. These other securities may include, for example, debt securities that are subordinate to the Senior Loans held by the Fund, convertible debt or common or preferred equity securities.  In certain circumstances, such as if the credit quality of the borrower deteriorates, the interests of holders of these other securities may conflict with the interests of the holders of the borrower’s Senior Loans. In such cases, the investment adviser may owe conflicting fiduciary duties to the Fund and other client accounts. The investment adviser will endeavor to carry out its obligations to all of its clients to the fullest extent possible, recognizing that in some cases, certain clients may achieve a lower economic return, as a result of these conflicting client interests, than if the investment adviser’s client accounts collectively held only a single category of the issuer’s securities.
  The Fund may acquire warrants and other equity securities as part of a unit combining a Senior Loan and equity securities of a borrower or its affiliates. The Fund may also acquire equity securities or debt securities (including non-dollar denominated debt securities) issued in exchange for a Senior Loan or issued in connection with the debt restructuring or reorganization of a borrower, or if such acquisition, in the judgment of the investment adviser, may enhance the value of a Senior Loan or would otherwise be consistent with the Fund’s investment policies.
  The Fund will generally acquire participations only if the Loan Investor selling the participation, and any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the Loan Investor (an “Interposed Person”), at the time of investment, has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by S&P or Baa or P- 3 or higher by Moody’s or comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical ratings organization) or determined by the investment adviser to be of comparable quality.
  For additional disclosure relating to investing in loans (including Senior Loans), see “Loans” above.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 82 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Short Sales Short sales are transactions in which a party sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the party must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. When the party is required to return the borrowed security, it typically will purchase the security in the open market. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the party sold the security. Until the security is replaced, the party is required to repay the lender any dividends or interest, which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, it also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The net proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out. Transaction costs are incurred in effecting short sales. A short seller will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which it replaces the borrowed security. A gain will be realized if the price of the security declines in price between those dates. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of the premium, dividends or interest the short seller may be required to pay, if any, in connection with a short sale. Short sales may be “against the box” or uncovered.  In a short sale “against the box,” at the time of the sale, the short seller owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire the identical security at no additional cost.  In an uncovered short sale, the short seller does not own the underlying security and, as such, losses from uncovered short sales may be significant.  The Fund may sell short securities representing an index or basket of securities whose constituents the Fund holds in whole or in part. A short sale of an index or basket of securities will be a covered short sale if the underlying index or basket of securities is the same or substantially identical to securities held by the Fund.  Use of short sales is limited by the Fund’s non-fundamental restriction relating thereto.
Short-Term Trading Fixed-income securities may be sold in anticipation of market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold. In addition, such a security may be sold and another purchased at approximately the same time to take advantage of what is believed 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 fixed-income securities or changes in the investment objectives of investors.  
Significant Exposure to Health Sciences Companies Because the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, and health care equipment and services companies, the value of Fund shares may be affected by developments that adversely affect such companies and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly. Many health sciences companies are subject to substantial governmental regulations that can affect their prospects. Changes in governmental policies, such as reductions in the funding of third-party payment programs, may have a material effect on the demand for particular health care products and services. Regulatory approvals (often entailing lengthy application and testing procedures) are also generally required before new drugs and certain medical devices and procedures may be introduced. Many of the products and services of companies engaged in medical research and health care are also subject to relatively high risks of rapid obsolescence caused by progressive scientific and technological advances. Additionally, such products are subject to risks such as the appearance of toxic effects following commercial introduction and manufacturing difficulties. The enforcement of patent, trademark and other intellectual property laws will affect the value of many such companies. Health sciences companies include companies that offer limited products or services or that are at the research and developmental stage with no marketable or approved products or technologies.
Significant Exposure to Smaller Companies The investment risk associated with smaller companies is higher than that normally associated with larger, more established companies due to the greater business risks associated with small size, the relative age of the company, limited product lines, distribution channels and financial and managerial resources. Further, there is typically less publicly available information concerning smaller companies than for larger companies. The securities of small companies are often traded only over-the-counter and may not be traded in the volumes typical of trading on a national securities exchange. As a result, stocks of smaller companies are often more volatile than those of larger companies, which are often traded on a national securities exchange, may be more difficult and may take longer to liquidate at fair value than would be the case for the publicly traded securities of a large company.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 83 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Significant Exposure to Utilities and Financial Services Sectors Because the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the utilities and financial services sectors, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect those sectors and may fluctuate more than that of a fund with broader exposure. The utilities sector includes companies engaged in the manufacture, production, generation, transmission, sale and distribution of water, gas and electric energy. Companies in the financial services sector include, for example, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, brokerage and investment companies, insurance companies, and consumer and industrial finance companies. Companies in the utilities sector may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and other economic conditions, governmental regulation, uncertainties created by deregulation, power shortages and surpluses, the price and availability of fuel, environmental protection or energy conservation practices, the level and demand for services, and the cost and potential business disruption of technological developments. Companies in the financial services sector are also subject to extensive government regulation and can be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds, changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and price competition.
Stripped Securities Stripped Securities (“Strips”) may be issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and may also be issued by private originators or investors, including depository institutions, banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of these entities.  Strips are usually structured with classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from an underlying asset or pool of underlying assets. Strips are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, which may impact the frequency of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets or pool of underlying assets.  Some structures may have a class that receives only interest from the underlying assets, an interest-only (“IO”) class, while another class may receive only principal, a principal-only (“PO”) class.  IO and PO Strips may be purchased for their return and/or hedging characteristics.  Because of their structure, IO Strips may move differently than typical fixed-income securities in relation to changes in interest rates. IO Strips tend to decrease in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and increase in value if prepayments are less than anticipated. Conversely, PO Strips tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are less than anticipated. While the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities may guarantee the full repayment of principal on Strips they issue, repayment of interest is guaranteed only while the underlying assets or pools of assets are outstanding. To the extent the Fund invests in Strips, rapid changes in the rate of prepayments may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.  In addition, the secondary market for Strips may be less liquid than that for other securities.  Certain Strips may also present certain operational and/or valuation risks.
Structured Notes See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). The terms of the instrument may be “structured” by the purchaser and the borrower issuing the note. Indexed securities may include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of investments because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 84 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

Swap Agreements See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular predetermined reference instrument or instruments, which can be adjusted for an interest rate factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount” (i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index).  Other types of swap agreements may calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.”  Consequently, a party’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”).  
  Whether the use of swap agreements will be successful will depend on the investment adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of reference instruments are likely to produce greater returns than other instruments.  Swap agreements may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and they may have terms of greater than seven days.  The Fund’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund under the swap).  Developments in the swaps market, including government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements, as well as to participate in swap agreements in the future.  If there is a default by the counterparty to a swap, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreement, but any recovery may be delayed depending on the circumstances of the default.  To limit the counterparty risk involved in swap agreements, the Fund will only enter into swap agreements with counterparties that meet certain criteria. Although there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to do so, the Fund may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. The Fund may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the reference instrument has declined.
  The swaps market was largely unregulated prior to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in 2010 in response to turmoil in the financial markets and other market events. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act sets forth a new regulatory framework for certain OTC derivatives, such as swaps, in which the Fund may invest. The Dodd-Frank Act requires many swap transactions to be executed on registered exchanges or through swap execution facilities, cleared through a regulated clearinghouse, and publicly reported. In addition, many market participants are now regulated as swap dealers or major swap participants and are subject to certain minimum capital and margin requirements and business conduct standards. The statutory requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act are being implemented primarily through rules and regulations adopted by the SEC and/or the CFTC. There is a prescribed phase-in period during which most of the mandated rulemaking and regulations are being implemented, and temporary exemptions from certain rules and regulations have been granted so that current trading practices will not be unduly disrupted during the transition period.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 85 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Currently, central clearing is only required for certain market participants trading certain instruments, although central clearing for additional instruments is expected to be implemented by the CFTC until the majority of the swaps market is ultimately subject to central clearing. In addition, uncleared OTC swaps are subject to regulatory collateral requirements that may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to enter into swaps in the OTC market. These developments may cause the Fund to terminate new or existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such instruments at an inopportune time. Until the mandated rulemaking and regulations are implemented completely, it will not be possible to determine the complete impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations on the Fund, and the establishment of a centralized exchange or market for swap transactions may not result in swaps being easier to value or trade. However, it is expected that swap dealers, major market participants, and swap counterparties will experience other new and/or additional regulations, requirements, compliance burdens, and associated costs. The Dodd-Frank Act and rules promulgated thereunder may exert a negative effect on the Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective, either through limits or requirements imposed on the Fund or its counterparties. The swap market could be disrupted or limited as a result of this legislation, and the new requirements may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and of doing business, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to buy or sell OTC derivatives.
  Regulatory bodies outside the U.S. have also passed, proposed, or may propose in the future, legislation similar to Dodd-Frank Act or other legislation that could increase the costs of participating in, or otherwise adversely impact the liquidity of, participating in the commodities markets.  Global prudential regulators issued final rules that will require banks subject to their supervision to exchange variation and initial margin in respect of their obligations arising under uncleared swap agreements. The CFTC adopted similar rules that apply to CFTC-registered swap dealers and major swap participants that are not banks. Such rules generally require a Fund to segregate additional assets in order to meet the new variation and initial margin requirements when they enter into uncleared swap agreements. The variation margin requirements became effective in 2017 and the initial margin requirements are being phased-in based on average daily aggregate notional amount of covered swaps between swap dealers, swap entities and major swap participants.  In addition, regulations adopted by global prudential regulators that are now in effect require certain prudentially regulated entities and certain of their affiliates and subsidiaries (including swap dealers) to include in their derivatives contracts, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties (such as the Fund) to terminate such contracts, foreclose upon collateral, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the prudentially regulated entity and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. Similar regulations and laws have been adopted in non-U.S. jurisdictions that may apply to the Fund’s counterparties located in those jurisdictions. It is possible that these requirements, as well as potential additional related government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing derivatives contracts, exercise default rights or satisfy obligations owed to it with collateral received under such contracts.
  Swap agreements include (but are not limited to):
  Currency Swaps. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the rights of the parties to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Because currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. If the investment adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market value and currency exchange rates, performance may be adversely affected.
  Equity Swaps. An equity swap is an agreement in which at least one party’s payments are based on the rate of return of an equity security or equity index, such as the S&P 500®. The other party’s payments can be based on a fixed rate, a non-equity variable rate, or even a different equity index. The Fund may enter into equity index swaps on a net basis pursuant to which the future cash flows from two reference instruments are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two.      
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 86 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Credit Default Swaps.  Under a credit default swap agreement, the protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract, provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference instrument has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the reference instrument in exchange for an equal face amount of the reference instrument described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.  The determination of a credit event under the swap agreement will depend on the terms of the agreement and may rely on the decision of persons that are not a party to the agreement.  The Fund’s obligations under a credit default swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund).
  Inflation Swaps.  Inflation swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments or an exchange of floating rate payments based on two different reference indices. By design, one of the reference indices is an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index. Inflation swaps can be designated as zero coupon, where both sides of the swap compound interest over the life of the swap and then the accrued interest is paid out only at the swap’s maturity.
  Total Return Swaps. Total return swap agreements are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. Total return swap agreements may effectively add leverage to the Fund’s portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. Generally, the Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each total return swap will be accrued on a daily basis.  If the total return swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis, and the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be segregated by the Fund in an amount equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the total return swap or the amount it would have cost the Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the total return swap agreement.
  Interest Rate Swaps, Caps and Floors. Interest rate swaps are OTC contracts in which each party agrees to make a periodic interest payment based on an index or the value of an asset in return for a periodic payment from the other party based on a different index or asset. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index rises above a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap.  The Fund usually will enter into interest rate swap transactions on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis. If the interest rate swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis.  Certain federal income tax requirements may limit the Fund’s ability to engage in certain interest rate transactions.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 87 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  Commodity Index-Linked Swaps. Commodity index-linked swap agreements involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of payments dependent upon the price of the underlying commodity index.  Commodity index-linked swaps may be used to obtain exposure to a particular commodity or commodity index without owning or taking physical custody of such commodity.
Swaptions See also “Derivative Instruments and Related Risks” herein.  A swaption is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The Fund may write (sell) and purchase put and call swaptions. Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, the Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When the Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when the Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.
Tax-Managed Investing Taxes are a major influence on the net returns that investors receive on their taxable investments. There are four components of the returns of a mutual fund that invests in equities that are treated differently for federal income tax purposes: price appreciation, distributions of qualified dividend income, distributions of other investment income, and distributions of realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Distributions of income other than qualified dividend income and distributions of net realized short-term gains (on stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income.  Distributions of qualified dividend income and net realized long-term gains (on stocks held for more than one year) are currently taxed at rates up to 20%. The Fund’s investment program and the tax treatment of Fund distributions may be affected by IRS interpretations of the Code and future changes in tax laws and regulations. Returns derived from price appreciation are untaxed until the shareholder disposes of his or her shares. Upon disposition, a capital gain (short-term, if the shareholder has held his or her shares for one year or less, otherwise long-term) equal to the difference between the net proceeds of the disposition and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis is realized.
Trust Certificates Trust certificates are investments in a limited purpose trust or other vehicle formed under state law. Trust certificates in turn invest in instruments, such as credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, preferred securities and other securities, in order to customize the risk/return profile of a particular security. Like an investment in a bond, investments in trust certificates represent the right to receive periodic income payments (in the form of distributions) and payment of principal at the end of the term of the certificate. However, these payments are conditioned on the trust’s receipt of payments from, and the trust’s potential obligations to, the counterparties to the derivative instruments and other securities in which the trust invests. Investments in these instruments are indirectly subject to the risks associated with derivative instruments, including, among others, credit risk, default or similar event risk, counterparty risk, interest rate risk, leverage risk and management risk. It is expected that the trusts that issue credit-linked trust certificates will constitute “private” investment companies, exempt from registration under the 1940 Act. Although the trusts are typically private investment companies, they are generally not actively managed. It is also expected that the certificates will be exempt from registration under the 1933 Act. Accordingly, there may be no established trading market for the certificates and they may constitute illiquid investments.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 88 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

U.S. Government Securities U.S. Government securities include: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations, which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, including: U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year or less); U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one year to ten years); and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally maturities of greater than ten years); and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury; (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality; or (d) the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities also include any other security or agreement collateralized or otherwise secured by U.S. Government securities.  Agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government include but are not limited to: Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Land Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Farm Credit Bank System, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, United States Postal Service, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, Washington D.C. Armory Board and any other enterprise established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government generally is not obligated to provide support to its instrumentalities.  The principal of and/or interest on certain U.S. Government securities could be: (a) payable in foreign currencies rather than U.S. dollars; or (b) increased or diminished as a result of changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the value of foreign currencies. The value of such portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies may be affected favorably by changes in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.  
Unlisted Securities Unlisted securities are neither listed on a stock exchange nor traded over-the-counter. Unlisted securities may include investments in new and early stage companies, which may involve a high degree of business and financial risk that can result in substantial losses and may be considered speculative. Such securities will generally be deemed to be illiquid. Because of the absence of any public trading market for these investments, it may take longer to liquidate these positions than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those originally paid or less than what may be considered the fair value of such securities. Furthermore, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to public disclosure and other investor protection requirements applicable to publicly traded securities. If such securities are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. In addition, in foreign jurisdictions any capital gains realized on the sale of such securities may be subject to higher rates of foreign taxation than taxes payable on the sale of listed securities.
Variable Rate Instruments Variable rate instruments provide for adjustments in the interest or dividend rate payable on the instrument at specified intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, semiannually, etc.) based on market conditions, credit ratings or interest rates and the investor may have the right to “put” the security back to the issuer or its agent. Variable rate instruments normally provide that the holder can demand payment of the instrument on short notice at par with accrued interest.  These instruments may be secured by letters of credit or other 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 purposes of complying with the diversification requirements set forth in Section 5(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 5b-2 thereunder. The Fund may use these instruments as cash equivalents pending longer term investment of its funds.  The rate adjustment features may limit the extent to which the market value of the instruments will fluctuate.
When-Issued Securities, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitments Securities may be purchased on a “forward commitment,” “when-issued” or “delayed delivery” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future beyond normal settlement times) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction.  When the Fund agrees to purchase such securities, it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security from the date of the agreement to purchase.  The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 89 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

  From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment, when-issued or delayed delivery transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction, the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction.
Zero Coupon Bonds, Deep Discount Bonds and Payment-In-Kind (“PIK”) Securities Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations that 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 purchase. The effect of owning debt obligations that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the debt obligation. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at a fixed rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder’s ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. The Fund is required to accrue income from zero coupon bonds on a current basis, even though it does not receive that income currently in cash, and the Fund is required to distribute that income for each taxable year. Thus, the Fund may have to sell other investments to obtain cash needed to make income distributions.
  Bonds and preferred stocks that make “in-kind” payments and other securities that do not pay regular income distributions may experience greater volatility in response to interest rate changes and issuer developments. PIK securities generally carry higher interest rates compared to bonds that make cash payments of interest to reflect their payment deferral and increased credit risk. PIK securities generally involve significantly greater credit risk than coupon loans because the Fund receives no cash payments until the maturity date or a specified cash payment date. Even if accounting conditions are met for accruing income payable at a future date under a PIK bond, the issuer could still default when the collection date occurs at the maturity of or payment date for the PIK bond.  PIK bonds may be difficult to value accurately because they involve ongoing judgments as to the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral.  If the issuer of a PIK security defaults, the Fund may lose its entire investment. PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income and increasing the incentive fees, if any, payable at a compounding rate.  Generally, the deferral of PIK interest increases the loan to value ratio.

 

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 90 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

APPENDIX A

Class A Fees and Ownership

Sales Charges and Distribution and Service Fees. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the following table shows (1) total sales charges paid by Class A, (2) sales charges paid to financial intermediaries, (3) sales charges paid to the principal underwriter, (4) approximate CDSC payments to the principal underwriter, (5) total distribution and service fees paid by Class A, and (6) distribution and service fees paid to financial intermediaries. Distribution and service fees that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

Fund Total Sales
Charges Paid
Sales Charges to
Financial Intermediaries
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter
CDSC Paid to
Principal
Underwriter
Total Distribution
and Service
Fees Paid
Distribution and Service Fees
Paid to
Financial Intermediaries
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund $66,123 $55,988 $10,135 $0 $99,871 $76,151
Focused Value Opportunities Fund $201,483 $172,063 $29,420 $0 $25,988 $17,343

For the fiscal periods ended February 28, 2019 and February 29, 2018, the following total sales charges were paid on sales of Class A, of which the principal underwriter received the following amounts. The balance of such amounts was paid to financial intermediaries.

Fund February 28, 2019
Total Sales
Charges Paid
February 28, 2019
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter
February 28, 2018
Total Sales
Charges Paid
February 28, 2018
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund $117,411 $18,452 $99,371 $15,767
Focused Value Opportunities Fund $22,688 $3,694 $11,236 $1,778

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities. At June 1, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund. In addition, as of the same date, the following person(s) held the share percentage indicated below, which was owned either (i) beneficially by such person(s) or (ii) of record by such person(s) on behalf of customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares and as to which such record owner(s) may exercise voting rights under certain limited circumstances:

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ 15.01%
  LPL Financial San Diego, CA 14.82%
  Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ 11.36%
  Charles Schwab & Co Inc. San Francisco, CA 10.26%
  American Enterprise Investment Services Minneapolis, MN 9.00%
  UBS WM USA Weehawken, NJ 7.97%
  Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC St. Louis, MO 5.68%
Focused Value Opportunities Fund National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ 31.58%
  RBC Capital Markets LLC Minneapolis, MN 19.46%
  Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ 10.74%
  Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO 9.95%
  TD Ameritrade Omaha, NE 6.20%
  LPL Financial San Diego, CA 5.29%

 Beneficial owners of 25% or more of this Class are presumed to be in control of this Class of a Fund for purposes of voting on certain matters submitted to shareholders.

To the knowledge of the Trust, no other person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund as of such date.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 91 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

APPENDIX B

Class C Fees and Ownership

Distribution and Service Fees. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, the following table shows (1) distribution fees paid to the principal underwriter under the Distribution Plan, (2) distribution fees paid by the principal underwriter to financial intermediaries on sales of Class C shares, (3) approximate CDSC payments to the principal underwriter, (4) service fees paid under the Distribution Plan, and (5) service fees paid to financial intermediaries. The distribution fees and service fees paid by the Funds that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

Fund Distribution Fee Paid
to Principal
Underwriter
Distribution Fees Paid by Principal
Underwriter to Financial
Intermediaries
CDSC Paid
to Principal
Underwriter
Service
Fees
Service Fees Paid
to Financial
Intermediaries
Focused Growth Opportunities Fund $131,407 $105,609 $1,000 $43,802 $35,203
Focused Value Opportunities Fund $14,691 $6,404 $0 $4,897 $2,135

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities. At June 1, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund. In addition, as of the same date, the following person(s) held the share percentage indicated below, which was owned either (i) beneficially by such person(s) or (ii) of record by such person(s) on behalf of customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares and as to which such record owner(s) may exercise voting rights under certain limited circumstances:

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund American Enterprise Investment Services Minneapolis, MN 22.80%
  Raymond James Omnibus for Mutual Funds House St. Petersburg, FL 17.27%
  Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ 13.10%
  LPL Financial San Diego, CA 11.27%
  National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ 9.37%
  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. Jacksonville, FL 5.93%
Focused Value Opportunities Fund Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC Saint Louis, MO 54.89%
  National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ 11.02%
  Pershing LLC Jersey City, NJ 9.81%
  Janney Montgomery Scott LLC Philadelphia, PA 5.46%

Beneficial owners of 25% or more of this Class are presumed to be in control of this Class of a Fund for purposes of voting on certain matters submitted to shareholders.

To the knowledge of the Trust, no other person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund as of such date.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 92 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

APPENDIX C

Class I Ownership

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities. At June 1, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund. In addition, as of the same date, the following person(s) held the share percentage indicated below, which was owned either (i) beneficially by such person(s) or (ii) of record by such person(s) on behalf of customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares and as to which such record owner(s) may exercise voting rights under certain limited circumstances:

Focused Growth Opportunities Fund Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. San Francisco, CA 21.21%
  American Enterprise Investment Services Minneapolis, MN 19.88%
  USCGT DAF Growth & Income Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 12.80%
  USCGT DAF Growth Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 9.44%
  LPL Financial San Diego, CA 7.32%
  National Financial Services LLC Jersey City, NJ 6.49%
  EVTC Collective Investment Trust FBO EMP Benefit Plans Moderate Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 6.00%
Focused Value Opportunities Fund USCGT DAF Growth & Income Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 26.69%
  USCGT DAF Growth Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 19.78%
  Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. San Francisco, CA 15.26%
  Raymond James St. Petersburg, FL 10.31%
  EVTC Collective Investment Trust FBO EMP Benefit Plans Moderate Fund c/o Eaton Vance Management Boston, MA 8.58%

Beneficial owners of 25% or more of this Class are presumed to be in control of this Class of a Fund for purposes of voting on certain matters submitted to shareholders.

To the knowledge of the Trust, no other person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of this Class of any Fund as of such date.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 93 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

APPENDIX D

Eaton Vance Funds

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

I.   Overview

The Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Eaton Vance Funds1 have determined that it is in the interests of the Funds’ shareholders to adopt these written proxy voting policy and procedures (the “Policy”). For purposes of this Policy:

· “Fund” means each registered investment company sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization; and
· “Adviser” means the adviser or sub-adviser responsible for the day-to-day management of all or a portion of the Fund’s assets.

II.   Delegation of Proxy Voting Responsibilities

The Board hereby delegates to the Adviser responsibility for voting the Fund’s proxies as described in this Policy. In this connection, the Adviser is required to provide the Board with a copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures (“Adviser Procedures”) and all Fund proxies will be voted in accordance with the Adviser Procedures, provided that in the event a material conflict of interest arises with respect to a proxy to be voted for the Fund (as described in Section IV below) the Adviser shall follow the process for voting such proxy as described in Section IV below.

The Adviser is required to report any material change to the Adviser Procedures to the Board in the manner set forth in Section V below. In addition, the Board will review the Adviser Procedures annually.

III.   Delegation of Proxy Voting Disclosure Responsibilities

Pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund is required to file Form N-PX no later than August 31st of each year. On Form N-PX, the Fund is required to disclose, among other things, information concerning proxies relating to the Fund’s portfolio investments, whether or not the Fund (or its Adviser) voted the proxies relating to securities held by the Fund and how it voted on the matter and whether it voted for or against management.

To facilitate the filing of Form N-PX for the Fund:

· The Adviser is required to record, compile and transmit in a timely manner all data required to be filed on Form N-PX for the Fund that it manages. Such data shall be transmitted to Eaton Vance Management, which acts as administrator to the Fund (the “Administrator”) or the third party service provider designated by the Administrator; and
· the Administrator is required to file Form N-PX on behalf of the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) as required by the 1940 Act. The Administrator may delegate the filing to a third party service party provided each such filing is reviewed and approved by the Administrator.

IV.   Conflicts of Interest

The Board expects the Adviser, as a fiduciary to the Fund it manages, to put the interests of the Fund and its shareholders above those of the Adviser. When required to vote a proxy for the Fund, the Adviser may have material business relationships with the issuer soliciting the proxy that could give rise to a potential material conflict of interest for the Adviser.2 In the event such a material conflict of interest arises, the Adviser, to the extent it is aware or reasonably should have been aware of the material conflict, will refrain from voting any proxies related to companies giving rise to such material conflict until it notifies and consults with the appropriate Board, or any committee, sub-committee or group of Independent Trustees identified by the Board (as long as such committee, sub-committee or group contains at least two or more Independent Trustees) (the “Board Members”), concerning the material conflict.3 For ease of communicating with the Board Members, the Adviser is required to provide the foregoing notice to the Fund’s Chief Legal Officer who will then notify and facilitate a consultation with the Board Members.

Once the Board Members have been notified of the material conflict:

· They shall convene a meeting to review and consider all relevant materials related to the proxies involved. This meeting shall be convened within 3 business days, provided that it an effort will be made to convene the meeting sooner if the proxy must be voted in less than 3 business days;
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 94 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 
· In considering such proxies, the Adviser shall make available all materials requested by the Board Members and make reasonably available appropriate personnel to discuss the matter upon request.
· The Board Members will then instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action with respect to the proxy at issue.

If the Board Members are unable to meet and the failure to vote a proxy would have a material adverse impact on the Fund(s) involved, the Adviser will have the right to vote such proxy, provided that it discloses the existence of the material conflict to the Chairperson of the Board as soon as practicable and to the Board at its next meeting. Any determination regarding the voting of proxies of the Fund that is made by the Board Members shall be deemed to be a good faith determination regarding the voting of proxies by the full Board.

V.    Reports and Review

The Administrator shall make copies of each Form N-PX filed on behalf of the Fund available for the Boards’ review upon the Boards’ request. The Administrator (with input from the Adviser for the Fund) shall also provide any reports reasonably requested by the Board regarding the proxy voting records of the Fund.

The Adviser shall report any material changes to the Adviser Procedures to the Board as soon as practicable and the Boards will review the Adviser Procedures annually.

The Adviser also shall report any material changes to the Adviser Procedures to the Fund Chief Legal Officer prior to implementing such changes in order to enable the Administrator to effectively coordinate the Fund’s disclosure relating to the Adviser Procedures.

To the extent requested by the Commission, the Policy and the Adviser Procedures shall be appended to the Fund’s statement of additional information included in its registration statement.

_____________________
1 The Eaton Vance Funds may be organized as trusts or corporations. For ease of reference, the Funds may be referred to herein as Trusts and the Funds’ Board of Trustees or Board of Directors may be referred to collectively herein as the Board.
2 An Adviser is expected to maintain a process for identifying a potential material conflict of interest. As an example only, such potential conflicts may arise when the issuer is a client of the Adviser and generates a significant amount of fees to the Adviser or the issuer is a distributor of the Adviser’s products.
3 If a material conflict of interest exists with respect to a particular proxy and the proxy voting procedures of the relevant Adviser require that proxies are to be voted in accordance with the recommendation of a third party proxy voting vendor, the requirements of this Section IV shall only apply if the Adviser intends to vote such proxy in a manner inconsistent with such third party recommendation.
Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 95 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

APPENDIX E

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT

BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH

EATON VANCE INVESTMENT COUNSEL

EATON VANCE TRUST COMPANY

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED

EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I. Introduction

Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. and Eaton Vance Trust Company (each an “Adviser” and collectively the “Advisers”) have each adopted and implemented policies and procedures that each Adviser believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and, to the extent applicable, Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Advisers’ authority to vote the proxies of their clients is established by their advisory contracts or similar documentation. These proxy policies and procedures are intended to reflect current requirements applicable to investment advisers registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) . These procedures may change from time to time.

II. Overview

Each Adviser manages its clients’ assets with the overriding goal of seeking to provide the greatest possible return to such clients consistent with governing laws and the investment policies of each client. In pursuing that goal, each Adviser seeks to exercise its clients’ rights as shareholders of voting securities to support sound corporate governance of the companies issuing those securities with the principle aim of maintaining or enhancing the companies’ economic value.

The exercise of shareholder rights is generally done by casting votes by proxy at shareholder meetings on matters submitted to shareholders for approval (for example, the election of directors or the approval of a company’s stock option plans for directors, officers or employees). Each Adviser has established guidelines (“Guidelines”) as described below and generally will utilize such Guidelines in voting proxies on behalf of its clients. The Guidelines are largely based on those developed by the Agent (defined below) but also reflect input from the Global Proxy Group (defined below) and other Adviser investment professionals and are believed to be consistent with the views of the Adviser on the various types of proxy proposals. These Guidelines are designed to promote accountability of a company’s management and board of directors to its shareholders and to align the interests of management with those of shareholders. The Guidelines provide a framework for analysis and decision making but do not address all potential issues.

Except as noted below, each Adviser will vote any proxies received by a client for which it has sole investment discretion through a third-party proxy voting service (“Agent”) in accordance with the Guidelines in a manner that is reasonably designed to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest, as described more fully below. The Agent is currently Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. Where applicable, proxies will be voted in accordance with client-specific guidelines or, in the case of an Eaton Vance Fund that is sub-advised, pursuant to the sub-adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures. Although an Adviser retains the services of the Agent for research and voting recommendations, the Adviser remains responsible for proxy voting decisions.

III. Roles and Responsibilities

A. Proxy Administrator

The Proxy Administrator and/or her designee coordinate the consideration of proxies referred back to the Adviser by the Agent, and otherwise administers these Procedures. In the Proxy Administrator’s absence, another employee of the Adviser may perform the Proxy Administrator’s responsibilities as deemed appropriate by the Global Proxy Group. The Proxy Administrator also may designate another employee to perform certain of the Proxy Administrator’s duties hereunder, subject to the oversight of the Proxy Administrator.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 96 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

B. Agent

The Agent is responsible for coordinating with the clients’ custodians and the Advisers to ensure that all proxy materials received by the custodians relating to the portfolio securities are processed in a timely fashion. Each Adviser shall instruct the custodian for its clients to deliver proxy ballots and related materials to the Agent. The Agent shall vote and/or refer all proxies in accordance with the Guidelines. The Agent shall retain a record of all proxy votes handled by the Agent. With respect to each Eaton Vance Fund memorialized therein, such record must reflect all of the information required to be disclosed in the Fund’s Form N-PX pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to the extent applicable. In addition, the Agent is responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy statements received by issuers and to promptly provide such materials to an Adviser upon request.

Subject to the oversight of the Advisers, the Agent shall establish and maintain adequate internal controls and policies in connection with the provision of proxy voting services to the Advisers, including methods to reasonably ensure that its analysis and recommendations are not influenced by a conflict of interest, and shall disclose such controls and policies to the Advisers when and as provided for herein. Unless otherwise specified, references herein to recommendations of the Agent shall refer to those in which no conflict of interest has been identified. The Advisers are responsible for the ongoing oversight of the Agent as contemplated by SEC Staff Legal Bulletin No. 20 (June 30, 2014) and interpretive guidance issued by the SEC in August 2019 regarding proxy voting responsibilities of investment advisers (Release Nos. IA-5325 and IC-33605). Such oversight currently may include one or more of the following and may change from time to time:

· periodic review of Agent’s proxy voting platform and reporting capabilities (including recordkeeping);
· periodic review of a sample of ballots for accuracy and correct application of the Guidelines;
· periodic meetings with Agent’s client services team;
· periodic in-person and/or web-based due diligence meetings;
· receipt and review of annual certifications received from the Agent;
· annual review of due diligence materials provided by the Agent, including review of procedures and practices regarding potential conflicts of interests;
· periodic review of relevant changes to Agent’s business; and/or
· periodic review of the following to the extent not included in due diligence materials provided by the Agent: (i) Agent’s staffing, personnel and/or technology; (ii) Agent’s process for seeking timely input from issuers (e.g., with respect to proxy voting policies, methodologies and peer group construction); (iii) Agent’s process for use of third-party information; and (iv) the Agent’s policies and procedures for obtaining current and accurate information relevant to matters in its research and on which it makes voting recommendations.

C. Global Proxy Group

The Adviser shall establish a Global Proxy Group which is responsible for establishing the Guidelines (described below) and reviewing such Guidelines at least annually. The Global Proxy Group shall also review recommendations to vote proxies in a manner that is contrary to the Guidelines and when the proxy relates to a conflicted company of the Adviser or the Agent as described below.

The members of the Global Proxy Group shall include the Chief Equity Investment Officer of Eaton Vance Management (“EVM”) and selected members of the Equity Departments of EVM and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”) and EVM’s Global Income Department. The Proxy Administrator is not a voting member of the Global Proxy Group. Members of the Global Proxy Group may be changed from time to time at the Advisers’ discretion. Matters that require the approval of the Global Proxy Group may be acted upon by its member(s) available to consider the matter.

IV. Proxy Voting

A. The Guidelines

The Global Proxy Group shall establish recommendations for the manner in which proxy proposals shall be voted (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines shall identify when ballots for specific types of proxy proposals shall be voted(1) or referred to the Adviser. The Guidelines shall address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and other proposals affecting shareholder rights. In determining the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group considers the recommendations of the Agent as well as input from the Advisers’ portfolio managers and analysts and/or other internally developed or third party research.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 97 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

The Global Proxy Group shall review the Guidelines at least annually and, in connection with proxies to be voted on behalf of the Eaton Vance Funds, the Adviser will submit amendments to the Guidelines to the Fund Boards each year for approval.

With respect to the types of proxy proposals listed below, the Guidelines will generally provide as follows:

1. Proposals Regarding Mergers and Corporate Restructurings/Disposition of Assets/Termination/Liquidation and Mergers

The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee for all proposals relating to Mergers and Corporate Restructurings.

2. Corporate Structure Matters/Anti-Takeover Defenses

As a general matter, the Advisers will normally vote against anti-takeover measures and other proposals designed to limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions (except in the case of closed-end management investment companies).

3. Proposals Regarding Proxy Contests

The Agent shall be directed to refer contested proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee.

4. Social and Environmental Issues

The Advisers will vote social and environmental proposals on a “case-by-case” basis taking into consideration industry best practices and existing management policies and practices.

Interpretation and application of the Guidelines is not intended to supersede any law, regulation, binding agreement or other legal requirement to which an issuer or the Adviser may be or become subject. The Guidelines generally relate to the types of proposals that are most frequently presented in proxy statements to shareholders. In certain circumstances, an Adviser may determine to vote contrary to the Guidelines subject to the voting procedures set forth below.

B. Voting Procedures

Except as noted in Section V below, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee shall instruct the Agent to vote proxies as follows:

1. Vote in Accordance with Guidelines

If the Guidelines prescribe the manner in which the proxy is to be voted, the Agent shall vote in accordance with the Guidelines, which for certain types of proposals, are recommendations of the Agent made on a case-by-case basis.

2. Seek Guidance for a Referred Item or a Proposal for which there is No Guideline

If (i) the Guidelines state that the proxy shall be referred to the Adviser to determine the manner in which it should be voted or (ii) a proxy is received for a proposal for which there is no Guideline, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee shall consult with the analyst(s) covering the company subject to the proxy proposal and shall instruct the Agent to vote in accordance with the determination of the analyst. The Proxy Administrator and/or her designee will maintain a record of all proxy proposals that are referred by the Agent, as well as all applicable recommendations, analysis and research received and the resolution of the matter. Where more than one analyst covers a particular company and the recommendations of such analysts for voting a proposal subject to this Section IV.B.2 conflict, the Global Proxy Group shall review such recommendations and any other available information related to the proposal and determine the manner in which it should be voted, which may result in different recommendations for clients (including Funds).

3. Votes Contrary to the Guidelines or Where Agent is Conflicted

In the event an analyst with respect to companies within his or her coverage area may recommend a vote contrary to the Guidelines, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee will provide the Global Proxy Group with the Agent’s recommendation for the Proposal along with any other relevant materials, including a description of the basis for the analyst’s recommendation via email and the Proxy Administrator and/or designee will then instruct the Agent to vote the proxy in the manner determined by the Global Proxy Group. Should the vote by the Global Proxy Group concerning one or more recommendations result in a tie, EVM’s Chief Equity Investment Officer will determine the manner in which the proxy will be voted. The Adviser will provide a report to the Boards of Trustees of the Eaton Vance Funds reflecting any votes cast on behalf of the Eaton Vance Funds contrary to the Guidelines, and shall do so quarterly. A similar process will be followed if the Agent has a conflict of interest with respect to a proxy as described in Section VI.B.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 98 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

4. Do Not Cast a Vote

It shall generally be the policy of the Advisers to take no action on a proxy for which no client holds a position or otherwise maintains an economic interest in the relevant security at the time the vote is to be cast. In addition, the Advisers may determine not to vote (i) if the economic effect on shareholders' interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant (e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of a client or proxies being considered on behalf of a client that is no longer in existence); (ii) if the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits (e.g., certain international proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security); (iii) in markets in which shareholders' rights are limited; or (iv) the Adviser is unable to access or access timely ballots or other proxy information. Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent's recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as provided for herein.

C. Securities on Loan

When a fund client participates in the lending of its securities and the securities are on loan at the record date for a shareholder meeting, proxies related to such securities generally will not be forwarded to the relevant Adviser by the fund’s custodian and therefore will not be voted. In the event that the Adviser determines that the matters involved would have a material effect on the applicable fund’s investment in the loaned securities, the Adviser will make reasonable efforts to terminate the loan in time to be able to cast such vote or exercise such consent. The Adviser shall instruct the fund’s security lending agent to refrain from lending the full position of any security held by a fund to ensure that the Adviser receives notice of proxy proposals impacting the loaned security.

V. Recordkeeping

The Advisers will maintain records relating to the proxies they vote on behalf of their clients in accordance with Section 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Those records will include:

· A copy of the Advisers’ proxy voting policies and procedures;
· Proxy statements received regarding client securities. Such proxy statements received from issuers are either in the SEC’s EDGAR database or are kept by the Agent and are available upon request;
· A record of each vote cast;
· A copy of any document created by the Advisers that was material to making a decision on how to vote a proxy for a client or that memorializes the basis for such a decision; and
· Each written client request for proxy voting records and the Advisers’ written response to any client request (whether written or oral) for such records.

All records described above will be maintained in an easily accessible place for five years and will be maintained in the offices of the Advisers or their Agent for two years after they are created.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section V, Eaton Vance Trust Company shall maintain records relating to the proxies it votes on behalf of its clients in accordance with laws and regulations applicable to it and its activities. In addition, EVAIL shall maintain records relating to the proxies it votes on behalf of its clients in accordance with UK law.

VI. Assessment of Agent and Identification and Resolution of Conflicts with Clients

A. Assessment of Agent

The Advisers shall establish that the Agent (i) is independent from the Advisers, (ii) has resources that indicate it can competently provide analysis of proxy issues, and (iii) can make recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the clients and, where applicable, their beneficial owners. The Advisers shall utilize, and the Agent shall comply with, such methods for establishing the foregoing as the Advisers may deem reasonably appropriate and shall do so not less than annually as well as prior to engaging the services of any new proxy voting service. The Agent shall also notify the Advisers in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to information previously provided to an Adviser in connection with establishing the Agent’s independence, competence or impartiality.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 99 SAI dated July 1, 2020
 

 

B. Conflicts of Interest

As fiduciaries to their clients, each Adviser puts the interests of its clients ahead of its own. In order to ensure that relevant personnel of the Advisers are able to identify potential material conflicts of interest, each Adviser will take the following steps:

· Quarterly, the Eaton Vance Legal and Compliance Department will seek information from the department heads of each department of the Advisers and of Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”) (an affiliate of the Advisers and principal underwriter of certain Eaton Vance Funds). Each department head will be asked to provide a list of significant clients or prospective clients of the Advisers or EVD.
· A representative of the Legal and Compliance Department will compile a list of the companies identified (the “Conflicted Companies”) and provide that list to the Proxy Administrator.
· The Proxy Administrator will compare the list of Conflicted Companies with the names of companies for which he or she has been referred a proxy statement (the “Proxy Companies”). If a Conflicted Company is also a Proxy Company, the Proxy Administrator will report that fact to the Global Proxy Group.
· If the Proxy Administrator expects to instruct the Agent to vote the proxy of the Conflicted Company strictly according to the Guidelines contained in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Policies”) or the recommendation of the Agent, as applicable, he or she will (i) inform the Global Proxy Group of that fact, (ii) instruct the Agent to vote the proxies and (iii) record the existence of the material conflict and the resolution of the matter.
· If the Proxy Administrator intends to instruct the Agent to vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group will then determine if a material conflict of interest exists between the relevant Adviser and its clients (in consultation with the Legal and Compliance Department if needed). If the Global Proxy Group determines that a material conflict exists, prior to instructing the Agent to vote any proxies relating to these Conflicted Companies the Adviser will seek instruction on how the proxy should be voted from:
· The client, in the case of an individual, corporate, institutional or benefit plan client;
· In the case of a Fund, its board of directors, any committee, sub-committee or group of Independent Trustees (as long as such committee, sub-committee or group contains at least two or more Independent Trustees); or
· The adviser, in situations where the Adviser acts as a sub-adviser to such adviser.

The Adviser will provide all reasonable assistance to each party to enable such party to make an informed decision.

If the client, Fund board or adviser, as the case may be, fails to instruct the Adviser on how to vote the proxy, the Adviser will generally instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Administrator, to abstain from voting in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If however, the failure of the Adviser to vote its clients’ proxies would have a material adverse economic impact on the Advisers’ clients’ securities holdings in the Conflicted Company, the Adviser may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Administrator, to vote such proxies in order to protect its clients’ interests. In either case, the Proxy Administrator will record the existence of the material conflict and the resolution of the matter.

The Advisers shall also identify and address conflicts that may arise from time to time concerning the Agent. Upon the Advisers’ request, which shall be not less than annually, and within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to such information previously provided to an Adviser, the Agent shall provide the Advisers with such information as the Advisers deem reasonable and appropriate for use in determining material relationships of the Agent that may pose a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent’s proxy analysis or recommendations. Such information shall include, but is not limited to, a monthly report from the Agent detailing the Agent’s Corporate Securities Division clients and related revenue data. The Advisers shall review such information on a monthly basis. The Proxy Administrator shall instruct the Agent to refer any proxies for which a material conflict of the Agent is deemed to be present to the Proxy Administrator. Any such proxy referred by the Agent shall be referred to the Global Proxy Group for consideration accompanied by the Agent’s written analysis and voting recommendation. The Proxy Administrator will instruct the Agent to vote the proxy as recommended by the Global Proxy Group.

(1) The Guidelines will prescribe how a proposal shall be voted or provide factors to be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Agent in recommending a vote pursuant to the Guidelines.

Eaton Vance Focused Opportunities Funds 100 SAI dated July 1, 2020

 

PART C - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28.   Exhibits (with inapplicable items omitted)

  (a)     Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance Growth Trust dated August 9, 2016 filed as Exhibit (a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 191 filed November 21, 2016 (Accession No. 0000940394-16-003246) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (b)     Amended and Restated By-Laws of Eaton Vance Growth Trust adopted April 23, 2012 filed as Exhibit (b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 filed July 18, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000814) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (c)     Reference is made to Item 28(a) and 28(b) above.
  (d) (1)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Multi-Market Equity Strategy Fund (now Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund), and Eaton Vance Management dated August 9, 2010 filed as Exhibit (d)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 filed October 12, 2010 (Accession No. 0000940394-10-001024) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC for Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Multi-Market Equity Strategy Fund (now Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund) dated August 9, 2010 filed as Exhibit (d)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 filed October 12, 2010 (Accession No. 0000940394-10-001024) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (3) (a) Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated March 7, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 filed March 7, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-000350) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated April 25, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(3)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 filed June 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-001321) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (4) (a) Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated March 7, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 filed March 7, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-000350) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated July 1, 2020 filed herewith.
    (5) (a) Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated September 30, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 filed September 29, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-001076) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated April 25, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(5)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 filed June 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-001321) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (6) (a) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC for Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund dated September 30, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 121 filed September 29, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-001076) and incorporated herein by reference.
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      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Richard Bernstein Advisors for Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund dated April 25, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(6)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 filed June 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-001321) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (7) (a) Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated December 30, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed December 23, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-001429) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement dated December 13, 2016 between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated December 13, 2016 filed as Exhibit (d)(7)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 filed January 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-000116) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (8) (a) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC for Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund dated December 30, 2011 filed as Exhibit (d)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed December 23, 2011 (Accession No. 0000940394-11-001429) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC for Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund dated December 13, 2016 filed as Exhibit (d)(8)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 filed January 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-000116) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (9)   Investment Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Focused Growth Fund, and Boston Management and Research dated July 20, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (10)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Boston Management and Research and Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC for Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital Focused Growth Fund dated July 20, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(12) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (11) (a) Investment Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund, and Boston Management and Research dated July 31, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(13) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund and Boston Management and Research dated April 25, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(11)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 filed June 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-001321) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (12) (a) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Boston Management and Research and Lloyd George Management (Hong Kong) Limited for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund dated July 31, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(14) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Boston Management and Research and BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund dated April 25, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(12)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 199 filed June 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-001321) and incorporated herein by reference.
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    (13)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Hexavest Global Equity Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated August 29, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(18) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (14)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Hexavest Inc. for Eaton Vance Hexavest Global Equity Fund dated August 29, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(19) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (15)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Hexavest International Equity Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated August 29, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(20) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (16)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Hexavest Inc. for Eaton Vance Hexavest International Equity Fund dated August 29, 2012 filed as Exhibit (d)(21) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (17)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Global Opportunities Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated December 15, 2015 filed as Exhibit (d)(28) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 filed December 14, 2015 (Accession No. 0000940394-15-001533) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (18)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. for Eaton Vance Focused Global Opportunities Fund dated November 1, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(20) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 205 filed January 25, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-000060) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (19)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance International Small-Cap Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated December 15, 2015 filed as Exhibit (d)(32) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 filed December 14, 2015 (Accession No. 0000940394-15-001533) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (20)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. for Eaton Vance International Small-Cap Fund dated November 1, 2017 filed as Exhibit (d)(24) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 205 filed January 25, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-000060) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (21)   Investment Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital SMID-Cap Fund, and Boston Management and Research dated May 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(25) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 filed June 27, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001253) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (22)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Boston Management and Research and Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC for Eaton Vance Atlanta Capital SMID-Cap Fund dated May 18, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(26) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 filed June 27, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001253) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (23)   Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Parametric Research Affiliates Systematic Alternative Risk Premia Fund, and Eaton Vance Management dated August 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(27) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
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    (24)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC for Parametric Research Affiliates Systematic Alternative Risk Premia Fund dated August 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(28) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (25)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Research Affiliates, LLC for Parametric Research Affiliates Systematic Alternative Risk Premia Fund dated August 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(29) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (26)   Investment Advisory Agreement between SARP Commodity Subsidiary, Ltd. and Eaton Vance Management dated August 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(30) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (27)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC for SARP Commodity Subsidiary, Ltd dated August 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (d)(31) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (28)   Investment Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust, on behalf of Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated August 9, 2019 filed as Exhibit (d)(28) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 filed November 25, 2019 (Accession No. 0000940394-19-001542) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (29)   Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance Management and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. for Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund dated August 9, 2019 filed as Exhibit (d)(29) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 filed November 25, 2019 (Accession No. 0000940394-19-001542) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (e) (1) (a) Amended and Restated Master Distribution Agreement effective as of May 1, 2014 between each Trust identified on Schedule A on behalf of each of its series listed on Schedule A, and Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. filed as Exhibit (e)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed April 28, 2014 (Accession No. 0000940394-14-000655) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated March 6, 2020 to Amended and Restated Master Distribution Agreement effective as of May 1, 2014 filed as Exhibit (e)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed March 6, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000444) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2)   Selling Group Agreement between Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and Authorized Dealers filed as Exhibit (e)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 filed to the Registration Statement of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed April 26, 2007 (Accession No. 0000940394-07-000430) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (f)     The Securities and Exchange Commission has granted the Registrant an exemptive order that permits the Registrant to enter into deferred compensation arrangements with its independent Trustees. See in the Matter of Capital Exchange Fund, Inc., Release No. IC-20671 (November 1, 1994).
  (g)     Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between Eaton Vance Funds and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2013 filed as Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 211 of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (File Nos. 002-90946, 811-04015) filed September 24, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-001073) and incorporated herein by reference.
  C-4  
 

 

 

  (h) (1)   Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed September 27, 2010 (Accession No. 0000940394-10-001000) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2)   Amendment Number 1 dated May 16, 2012 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (File Nos. 033-71320, 811-08134) filed May 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000641) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (3)   Amendment dated September 1, 2013 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 211 of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (File Nos. 002-90946, 811-04015) filed September 24, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-001073) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (4)   Amendment dated July 18, 2018 and effective June 29, 2018 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 filed July 31, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001408) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (5)   Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of its series listed on Appendix A and Eaton Vance Management dated May 1, 2012 filed as Exhibit (h)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (6)   Transfer Agency and Shareholder Services Agreement effective September 1, 2016 between BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. and the Funds filed as Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 165 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed September 26, 2016 (Accession No. 0000940394-16-003071) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (7)   Amended and Restated Sub-Transfer Agency Support Services Agreement dated September 1, 2017 between Eaton Vance Management and the Trusts listed on Appendix A filed as Exhibit (h)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 of Eaton Vance Series Trust II (File Nos. 002-42722, 811-02258) filed October 26, 2017 (Accession No. 0000940394-17-002088) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (8) (a) Expense Waivers/Reimbursements Agreement dated July 31, 2016 as amended and effective May 1, 2019 between Eaton Vance Management and each of the entities (on behalf of certain of their series) listed on Schedule A filed as Exhibit (h)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 189 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed April 29, 2019 (Accession No. 0000940394-19-000650) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated July 1, 2020 to the Expense Waivers/Reimbursements Agreement dated July 31, 2016 as amended and effective May 1, 2019 filed herewith.
  (i) (1)   Opinion of Internal Counsel dated November 26, 2018 filed as Exhibit (i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 214 filed November 26, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001798) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2)   Consent of Internal Counsel dated June 25, 2020 filed herewith.
  (j)     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund dated June 25, 2020 filed herewith.
  C-5  
 

 

  (m) (1) (a) Master Distribution Plan for Class A, Advisers Class and Investor Class shares adopted May 1, 2013 on behalf of each Trust and their respective series listed on Schedule A filed as Exhibit (m)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (File Nos. 033-71320, 811-08134) filed May 30, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000754) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated March 6, 2020 to Master Distribution Plan for Class A, Advisers Class and Investor Class shares adopted May 1, 2013 filed as Exhibit (e)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed March 6, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000444) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2) (a) Master Distribution Plan for Class C shares adopted May 1, 2013 on behalf of each Trust and their respective series listed on Schedule A filed as Exhibit (m)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (File Nos. 033-71320, 811-08134) filed May 30, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000754) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated January 27, 2020 to Master Distribution Plan for Class C shares adopted May 1, 2013 filed as Exhibit (e)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed January 27, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000070) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (3) (a) Master Distribution Plan for Class R shares adopted May 1, 2013 on behalf of each Trust and their respective series listed on Schedule A filed as Exhibit (m)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 204 of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (File Nos. 002-90946, 811-04015) filed May 30, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000762) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated January 27, 2020 to Master Distribution Plan for Class R shares adopted May 1, 2013 filed as Exhibit (e)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 228 filed January 27, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000070) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (n) (1) (a) Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Eaton Vance Funds dated December 12, 2019 filed as Exhibit (n) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 filed December 19, 2019 (Accession No. 0000940394-19-001680) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Amended Schedule A dated March 6, 2020 to Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Eaton Vance Funds dated December 12, 2019 filed as Exhibit (n)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed March 6, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000444) and incorporated herein by reference.
  (p) (1) (a) Code of Ethics adopted by the Eaton Vance Funds effective April 8, 2020 filed as Exhibit (p)(1)(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed April 27, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000815) and incorporated herein by reference.
      (b) Code of Ethics adopted by the Eaton Vance Entities effective January 1, 2020 filed as Exhibit (p)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed January 9, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000020) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (2)   Code of Ethics adopted by BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited dated November 2019 filed herewith.
    (3)   Code of Ethics adopted by Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC effective January 1, 2007 as revised January 25, 2018 filed as Exhibit (p)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 214 filed November 26, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001798) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (4)   Code of Ethics adopted August, 2010 by Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC updated March, 2012 filed as Exhibit (p)(6) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 139 filed August 28, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000912) and incorporated herein by reference.
  C-6  
 

 

    (5)   Code of Ethics adopted by Hexavest Inc. revised as of March 20, 2019 effective as of August 14, 2012 filed as Exhibit (p)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 filed November 25, 2019 (Accession No. 0000940394-19-001542) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (6)   Code of Ethics adopted by Parametric Portfolio Associates effective January 1, 2020 filed as Exhibit (p)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 192 of Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust (File Nos. 002-27962, 811-01545) filed January 9, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-000020) and incorporated herein by reference.
    (7)   Code of Ethics adopted by Research Affiliates, LLC dated January 2020 filed herewith.
  (q)     Power of Attorney for Eaton Vance Growth Trust and Worldwide Health Sciences Portfolio dated October 10, 2018 filed as Exhibit (q) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 214 filed November 26, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001798) and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 29.   Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control

Not applicable

Item 30.    Indemnification

Article IV of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust permits Trustee and officer indemnification by By-Law, contract and vote. Article XI of the By-Laws contains indemnification provisions. Registrant’s Trustees and officers are insured under a standard mutual fund errors and omissions insurance policy covering loss incurred by reason of negligent errors and omissions committed in their capacities as such.

The distribution agreement of the Registrant also provides for reciprocal indemnity of the principal underwriter, on the one hand, and the Trustees and officers, on the other.

Item 31.    Business and other Connections of Investment Adviser

Reference is made to: (i) the information set forth under the caption “Management and Organization” in the Statement of Additional Information; (ii) the most recent Eaton Vance Corp. Form 10-K filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File No. 1-8100); and (iii) the Form ADV of Eaton Vance Management (File No. 801-15930), Boston Management and Research (File No. 801-43127), Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC (File No. 801-52179), BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited (File No. 801-4089043127), Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (File No. 801-111772) Hexavest Inc. (File No. 801-63376), Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (File No. 801-71501) and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (File No. 801-60485) filed with the Commission, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 32.    Principal Underwriters

  (a) Registrant’s principal underwriter, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., is the principal underwriter for each of the registered investment companies named below:

 

Calvert Impact Fund, Inc.

Calvert Management Series

The Calvert Fund

Calvert Responsible Index Series, Inc.

Calvert Social Investment Fund

Calvert World Values Fund, Inc.

Calvert Variable Series, Inc.

Calvert Variable Products, Inc.

 

Eaton Vance Growth Trust

Eaton Vance Investment Trust

Eaton Vance Municipals Trust

Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II

Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust

Eaton Vance Series Fund, Inc.

Eaton Vance Series Trust II

Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust

Eaton Vance Variable Trust

 

 

 

  C-7  
 

 

 

  (b)
(1)
Name and Principal
Business Address*
(2)
Positions and Offices
with Principal Underwriter
(3)
Positions and Offices
with Registrant
     
John (Robb) Allen Vice President None
Julie Andrade Vice President None
Brian Arcara Vice President None
Christopher Arthur Vice President None
Ira Baron Vice President None
Jennifer Barron Vice President None
Andrew Beaton Vice President None
Brian Blair Vice President None
Stephanie H. Brady Vice President None
Timothy Breer Vice President None
Susan Brengle Vice President None
Joseph Brody Vice President None
Luke Bordzinski Vice President None
Joseph Bustros Vice President None
Eric Caplinger Vice President None
Kristin Carcio Vice President None
Craig Castriano Vice President None
Daniel C. Cataldo Vice President None
Tiffany Cayarga Vice President None
Patrick Cerrato Vice President None
Gregory Chalas Vice President None
Kristin Chisholm Vice President None
Jin Chung Vice President None
Randy Clark Vice President None
Daniel Clayton Vice President None
Tyler Cortelezzi Vice President None
Patrick Cosgrove Vice President None
Peter Crowley Vice President None
John Cullen Vice President None
Rob Curtis Vice President None
Brian Dailey Vice President None
Kevin Darrow Vice President None
Holly DiCostanzo Vice President None
Andrew Dillon Vice President None
Arthur Driscoll Vice President None
       
  C-8  
 

 

Patrick Duffy Vice President None
Brian Dunkley Vice President None
Anthony Eames Vice President None
Margaret Egan Vice President None
Robert Ellerbeck Vice President None
Maureen Emmerso Vice President None
Daniel J. Ethier Vice President None
Lawrence L. Fahey Vice President None
Bridget Fangueiro Vice President None
John Farley Vice President None
Thomas E. Faust Jr. Director Trustee
Kelly Finneran Vice President None
Scott Firth Vice President None
James Foley Vice President None
Laura Foster Vice President None
Brandon Fritz Vice President None
Kathleen Fryer Vice President None
Jonathan Futterman Vice President None
Anne Marie Gallagher Vice President None
Ryan Gallagher Vice President None
Anthony Gigante Vice President None
Bradford Godfrey Vice President None
Seth Goldzweig Vice President None
Andrew Goodale Vice President None
David Gordon Vice President None
Jacob Greene Vice President None
Daniel Grzywacz Vice President None
Diane Hallett Vice President None
Andrew Haycock Vice President None
Steven Heck Vice President None
Richard Hein Vice President None
Joseph Hernandez Vice President None
Dori Hetrick Vice President None
Toebe Hinckle Vice President None
Suzanne Hingel Vice President None
Robert Holmes Vice President None
Michael Horvath Vice President None
Ted Hovivian Vice President None
Christian Howe Vice President None
  C-9  
 

 

Laurie G. Hylton Director None
Jonathan Isaac Vice President None
Adrian Jackson Vice President None
Michael Jaso Vice President None
Brian Johnson Vice President None
Janice Johnston Vice President None
Dottie Jones Vice President None
Jason Jung Vice President None
Erin Kace Vice President None
Erin Kandamar Vice President None
Doug Keagle Vice President None
Sean Kelly Senior Vice President None
William Kennedy Vice President None
Joseph Kosciuszek Vice President None
Kathleen Krivelow Vice President None
Robert Kuberski Vice President None
Colleen Lavery Vice President None
Benjamin LeFevre Vice President None
Andrew (A.J.) Leimenstoll Vice President None
Paul Leonardo Vice President None
George Lin Vice President None
Brandon Lindley Vice President None
Scott Lindsay Vice President None
Erick Lopez Vice President None
John Loy Vice President None
Coleen Lynch Vice President None
John Macejka Vice President None
Scott Mackey Vice President None
Anne Mahoney Vice President None
James Maki Vice President None
Tim Mamis Vice President None
Frederick S. Marius Vice President, Secretary, Clerk and Chief Legal Officer None
Geoff Marshall Vice President None
Daniel J. McCarthy Vice President None
Jamie McCourt Vice President None
James McCuddy Vice President None
Tim McEwen Vice President None
Ian McGinn Vice President None
Bruce McIntosh Vice President None
  C-10  
 

 

Christine McLean Vice President None
David Michaud Vice President None
Mark Milan Vice President None
John Moninger Senior Vice President None
Chris Morahan Vice President None
Meghan Moses Vice President None
A. John Murphy Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk None
Matthew Navins Vice President None
Christopher Nebons Vice President None
Paul Nicely Vice President None
Jeffrey Nizzardo Vice President None
Andrew Olig Vice President None
David Oliveri Vice President None
Philip Pace Vice President None
Steve Pietricola Vice President None
Benjamin Pomeroy Vice President None
James Putman Vice President None
Ronald Randall Vice President None
Henry Rehberg Vice President None
Lenore Reiner Vice President None
Christopher Remington Vice President None
David Richman Vice President None
William Rockett Vice President None
Christopher Rohan Vice President None
Colleen Rooney Vice President None
Tatyana V. Ryabchenko Vice President None
John Santoro Vice President None
Rocco Scanniello Vice President None
Pierric G. Senay Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer None
Michael Shea Vice President None
John Simchuk Vice President None
Alan Simeon Vice President None
Randy Skarda Vice President None
Jamie Smoller Vice President None
Eileen Storz-Salino Vice President None
Daniel Sullivan Vice President None
Elaine Sullivan Vice President None
Marie Sullivan-Elliot Vice President None
Michael Sullivan Vice President None
  C-11  
 

 

Eileen Tam Vice President None
Brian Taranto Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer None
Robyn Tice Vice President None
David (Geoffrey) Underwood Vice President None
Randolph Verzillo Vice President None
Greg Walsh Vice President None
Luke Webber Vice President None
Scott Weisel Vice President None
David White Vice President None
Steve Widder Vice President None
Andrew Wiginton Vice President None
Tim Williamson Vice President None
Richard Wilson Vice President None
Matthew J. Witkos President, Chief Executive Officer and Director None
Gregor Yuska Vice President None
David Zigas Vice President None
              
* Address is Two International Place, Boston, MA  02110
          
  (c) Not applicable
         

Item 33.    Location of Accounts and Records

All applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession and custody of the Registrant’s custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, and its transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-5120, with the exception of certain corporate documents and portfolio trading documents which are in the possession and custody of the administrator and investment adviser or sub-adviser. Registrant is informed that all applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by registered investment advisers are in the custody and possession of Eaton Vance Management and Boston Management and Research, both located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. located at 125 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AR, BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited located at Suite 3808, One Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong, Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC located at 1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2100, Atlanta, GA 30309, Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC located at Tower 45, 120 West 45th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10036, Hexavest Inc. located at 1250 Rene-Levesque Boulevard West, Suite 4200, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3B 4W8 and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC located at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA 98104 and 518 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

Item 34.    Management Services

Not applicable

Item 35.    Undertakings

None.

  C-12  
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on June 25, 2020.

                  EATON VANCE GROWTH TRUST
                  By: Payson F. Swaffield*
  Payson F. Swaffield, President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 25, 2020.

Signature Title
   
Payson F. Swaffield* President (Chief Executive Officer)
Payson F. Swaffield  
   
James F. Kirchner* Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
James F. Kirchner  
   
Signature Title Signature Title
       
Thomas E. Faust Jr.* Trustee Helen Frame Peters* Trustee
Thomas E. Faust Jr.   Helen Frame Peters  
       
Mark R. Fetting* Trustee Keith Quinton* Trustee
Mark R. Fetting   Keith Quinton  
       
Cynthia E. Frost* Trustee Marcus L. Smith* Trustee
Cynthia E. Frost   Marcus L. Smith  
       
George J. Gorman* Trustee Susan J. Sutherland* Trustee
George J. Gorman   Susan J. Sutherland  
       
Valerie A. Mosley* Trustee Scott E. Wennerholm* Trustee
Valerie A. Mosley   Scott E. Wennerholm  
       
William H. Park* Trustee    
William H. Park      
       
*By: /s/ Maureen A. Gemma  
  Maureen A. Gemma (As attorney-in-fact)  
         

 

  C-13  
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 483 of Regulation C.

Exhibit No. Description
(d) (4) (b) Fee Reduction Agreement between Eaton Vance Growth Trust on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Management dated July 1, 2020
(h) (8) (b) Amended Schedule A dated July 1, 2020 to the Expense Waivers/Reimbursements Agreement dated July 31, 2016 as amended and effective May 1, 2019
(i) (2)   Consent of Internal Counsel dated June 25, 2020
(j)     Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund dated June 25, 2020
(p) (2)   Code of Ethics adopted by BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited dated November 2019
  (7)   Code of Ethics adopted by Research Affiliates, LLC dated January 2020

 

  C-14  

EXHIBIT (d)(4)(b)

 

FEE REDUCTION AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) made as of this 1st day of July 2020, between Eaton Vance Growth Trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) (the “Fund”) and Eaton Vance Management (the “Adviser”).

 

WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement, dated March 7, 2011, (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, which provides that the Adviser shall be entitled to receive compensation at a certain rate; and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser has offered to reduce such fee rate, and the Trust has accepted such fee reduction, such fee reduction being effective as of July 1, 2020; and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser and the Trust wish to memorialize said fee reduction in writing;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Trust and the Adviser hereby jointly and severally agree as follows:

 

1. For so long as the Advisory Agreement shall remain in effect, notwithstanding any provisions of the Advisory Agreement to the contrary, the Adviser will reduce its advisory fee for the Fund in accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Appendix A hereto;

 

2. This Agreement may only be terminated or amended upon the mutual written consent of the Trust and the Adviser; provided, however, that (i) no termination of this Agreement shall be effective unless approved by the majority vote of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Adviser or the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) and by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; (ii) no amendment of this Agreement shall be effective unless approved by the majority vote of the Independent Trustees; and (iii) no amendment of this Agreement that increases the fees set forth herein shall be effective unless approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund;

 

3. For purposes of this Agreement the term “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund” shall mean the vote, at a meeting of Holders, of the lesser of (i) 67 per centum or more of the interests of the Fund present or represented by proxy at the meeting if the Holders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding interests of the Fund are present or represented by proxy at the meeting, or (ii) more than 50 per centum of the outstanding interests of the Fund; and

 

4. This instrument is governed by Massachusetts law.

 

 

 
 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the date set forth above by a duly authorized officer of each party.

 

 

EATON VANCE GROWTH TRUST

(on behalf of Eaton Vance Focused Value
Opportunities Fund)

   
   
By: /s/ Maureen A. Gemma
Name: Maureen A. Gemma
Title: Vice President

 

 

 

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
   
   
By: /s/ Deidre E. Walsh
Name: Deidre E. Walsh
Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

APPENDIX A

 

ADVISORY Fee schedule

Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund

(Effective as of July 1, 2020)

 

 

The Adviser’s asset-based fee is reduced and computed as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets for the Month Annual Fee Rate
Up to $500 million 0.700%
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.675%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.650%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.630%
$5 billion and over 0.615%

 

 

 

EXHIBIT (h)(8)(b)

Schedule A

As of July 1, 2020

 

 

Trust, Series and Class

Contractual
Expense Cap
Effective
Date
Termination
Date
Eaton Vance Growth Trust      
Atlanta Capital Focused Growth Fund Class A 1.05% 2/1/2019 1/31/2021
Atlanta Capital Focused Growth Fund Class C 1.80% 2/1/2019 1/31/2021
Atlanta Capital Focused Growth Fund Class I 0.80% 2/1/2019 1/31/2021
       
Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund Class A 1.05% 2/1/2017 1/31/2021
Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund Class C 1.80% 2/1/2017 1/31/2021
Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund Class I 0.80% 2/1/2017 1/31/2021
Atlanta Capital Select Equity Fund Class R6 0.75% 2/1/2017 1/31/2021
       
Focused Global Opportunities Fund Class I 0.95% 12/15/2015 3/31/2021
       
Focused Value Opportunities Fund Class A 1.05% 6/30/2014 6/30/2021
Focused Value Opportunities Fund Class C 1.80% 6/30/2014 6/30/2021
Focused Value Opportunities Fund Class I 0.80% 6/30/2014 6/30/2021
       
Hexavest Global Equity Fund Class A* 1.15% 5/1/2017 11/30/2020
Hexavest Global Equity Fund Class C* 1.90% 5/1/2017 11/30/2020
Hexavest Global Equity Fund Class I* 0.90% 5/1/2017 11/30/2020
       
Hexavest International Equity Fund Class A* 1.15% 5/1/2017 11/30/2020
Hexavest International Equity Fund Class I* 0.90% 5/1/2017 11/30/2020
       
International Small-Cap Fund Class A 1.40% 12/15/2015 3/31/2021
International Small-Cap Fund Class I 1.15% 12/15/2015 3/31/2021
       
Parametric Research Affiliates Systematic Alternative Risk Premia Fund Institutional Class 0.99% 8/1/2018 11/30/2020
       
Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class A 1.15% 4/28/2018 12/31/2020
Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class C 1.90% 4/28/2018 12/31/2020
Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class I 0.90% 4/28/2018 12/31/2020
Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class R 1.40% 4/28/2018 12/31/2020
       
Eaton Vance Investment Trust      
Short Duration Municipal Opportunities Fund Class A 0.70% 11/14/2016 7/31/2020
Short Duration Municipal Opportunities Fund Class C 1.45% 11/14/2016 7/31/2020
Short Duration Municipal Opportunities Fund Class I 0.55% 11/14/2016 7/31/2020
       
       
*Contractual expense cap includes fund fees and expenses from unaffiliated funds.
 
 

 

 

 

Trust, Series and Class

Contractual
Expense Cap
Effective
Date
Termination
Date
Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II      
Parametric TABS 1-to-10 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class A 0.65% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 1-to-10 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class C 1.40% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 1-to-10 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class I 0.40% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
       
Parametric TABS 5-to-15 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class A 0.65% 4/15/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 5-to-15 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class C 1.40% 4/15/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 5-to-15 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class I 0.40% 4/15/2015 5/31/2021
       
Parametric TABS 10-to-20 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class A 0.65% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 10-to-20 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class C 1.40% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS 10-to-20 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Fund Class I 0.40% 5/3/2015 5/31/2021
       
Parametric TABS Intermediate-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class A 0.90% 6/1/2014 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS Intermediate-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class C 1.65% 6/1/2014 5/31/2021
Parametric TABS Intermediate-Term Municipal Bond Fund Class I 0.65% 6/1/2014 5/31/2021
       
Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust      
Core Plus Bond Fund Class A 0.74% 6/1/2017 1/31/2021
Core Plus Bond Fund Class C 1.49% 6/1/2017 1/31/2021
Core Plus Bond Fund Class I 0.49% 6/1/2017 1/31/2021
       
Emerging and Frontier Countries Equity Fund Class A 1.65% 11/3/2014 2/28/2021
Emerging and Frontier Countries Equity Fund Class I 1.40% 11/3/2014 2/28/2021
       
Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class I 0.85% 5/1/2018 5/31/2021
       
Emerging Markets Local Income Fund Class A 1.20% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Emerging Markets Local Income Fund Class C 1.90% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Emerging Markets Local Income Fund Class I 0.90% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
       
Global Bond Fund (fka Diversified Currency Income Fund) Class A 1.00% 10/14/2019 2/28/2021
Global Bond Fund (fka Diversified Currency Income Fund) Class C 1.70% 10/14/2019 2/28/2021
Global Bond Fund (fka Diversified Currency Income Fund) Class I 0.70% 10/14/2019 2/28/2021
       
Global Income Builder Fund Class A 1.17% 5/1/2019 2/28/2021
Global Income Builder Fund Class C 1.92% 5/1/2019 2/28/2021
Global Income Builder Fund Class I 0.92% 5/1/2019 2/28/2021
Global Income Builder Fund Class R 1.42% 5/1/2019 2/28/2021
       
Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund Class A 1.35% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund Class C 2.05% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund Class I 1.05% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund Class R 1.55% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Fund Class R6 1.02% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
       
Global Small-Cap Equity Fund Class A 1.35% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Small-Cap Equity Fund Class C 2.10% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
Global Small-Cap Equity Fund Class I 1.10% 1/1/2018 2/28/2021
 
 

 

 

 

Trust, Series and Class

Contractual
Expense Cap
Effective
Date
Termination
Date
Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (continued)      
Government Opportunities Fund Class A 1.05% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Government Opportunities Fund Class C 1.80% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Government Opportunities Fund Class I 0.80% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Government Opportunities Fund Class R 1.30% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
       
Multi-Asset Credit Fund Class A 0.99% 8/15/2018 2/28/2021
Multi-Asset Credit Fund Class C 1.74% 8/15/2018 2/28/2021
Multi-Asset Credit Fund Class I 0.74% 8/15/2018 2/28/2021
Multi-Asset Credit Fund Class R6 0.69% 12/16/2019 2/28/2021
       
Parametric Dividend Income Fund Investor Class 0.65% 11/1/2016 6/30/2021
Parametric Dividend Income Fund Institutional Class 0.40% 11/1/2016 6/30/2021
       
Parametric International Equity Fund Class A 0.75% 11/1/2016 5/31/2021
Parametric International Equity Fund Institutional Class 0.50% 11/1/2016 5/31/2021
Parametric International Equity Fund Class R 1.00% 11/1/2016 5/31/2021
Parametric International Equity Fund Class R6 0.47% 11/1/2016 5/31/2021
       
Parametric Tax-Managed International Equity Fund Investor Class 1.05% 3/1/2017 2/28/2021
Parametric Tax-Managed International Equity Fund Class C 1.80% 3/1/2017 2/28/2021
Parametric Tax-Managed International Equity Fund Institutional Class 0.80% 3/1/2017 2/28/2021
       
Short Duration High Income Fund Class A 0.90% 1/1/2017 2/28/2021
Short Duration High Income Fund Class I 0.65% 1/1/2017 2/28/2021
       
Stock Fund Class A 0.98% 1/1/2016 4/30/2021
Stock Fund Class C 1.73% 1/1/2016 4/30/2021
Stock Fund Class I 0.73% 1/1/2016 4/30/2021
       
Eaton Vance NextShares Trust      
Global Income Builder NextShares 0.85% 5/1/2019 2/28/2021
       
Stock NextShares 0.65% 2/25/2016 4/30/2021
       
Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II      
TABS 5-to-15 Year Laddered Municipal Bond NextShares 0.35% 3/28/2016 5/31/2021
       
Eaton Vance Series Fund, Inc.      
Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Class A 1.15% 9/3/2015 11/30/2020
Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Class I 0.90% 9/3/2015 11/30/2020
Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Class R6 0.85% 9/3/2015 11/30/2020
       
Eaton Vance Series Trust II      
Income Fund of Boston Class A 1.00% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Income Fund of Boston Class C 1.75% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Income Fund of Boston Class I 0.75% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Income Fund of Boston Class R 1.25% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
Income Fund of Boston Class R6 0.66% 3/1/2020 2/28/2021
       
 
 

 

 

 

Trust, Series and Class

Contractual
Expense Cap
Effective
Date
Termination
Date
Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust      
Core Bond Fund Class A 0.74% 6/1/2017 4/30/2021
Core Bond Fund Class I 0.49% 6/1/2017 4/30/2021
       
Growth Fund Class A 1.05% 7/10/2014 4/30/2021
Growth Fund Class C 1.80% 7/10/2014 4/30/2021
Growth Fund Class I 0.80% 7/10/2014 4/30/2021
Growth Fund Class R 1.30% 7/10/2014 4/30/2021
       
Real Estate Fund Class A 1.25% 5/1/2007 4/30/2021
Real Estate Fund Class I 1.00% 6/8/2010 4/30/2021
       
Short Duration Inflation-Protected Income Fund Class A 0.75% 1/1/2017 2/28/2021
Short Duration Inflation-Protected Income Fund Class C 1.50% 1/1/2017 2/28/2021
Short Duration Inflation-Protected Income Fund Class I 0.50% 1/1/2017 2/28/2021
       
Small-Cap Fund Class A 1.21% 1/1/2019 4/30/2021
Small-Cap Fund Class C 1.96% 1/1/2019 4/30/2021
Small-Cap Fund Class I 0.96% 1/1/2019 4/30/2021
Small-Cap Fund Class R 1.46% 1/1/2019 4/30/2021
       
Special Equities Fund Class A 1.20% 10/1/2019 4/30/2021
Special Equities Fund Class C 1.95% 10/1/2019 4/30/2021
Special Equities Fund Class I 0.95% 10/1/2019 4/30/2021

 

 

EXHIBIT (i)(2)

CONSENT OF COUNSEL

 

I consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registration Statement of Eaton Vance Growth Trust (1933 Act File No. 002-22019) of my opinion dated November 26, 2018, which was filed as Exhibit (i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 214.

 

  /s/ Jill R. Damon
  Jill R. Damon, Esq.

 

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

June 25, 2020

EXHIBIT (j)

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment to Registration Statement No. 002-22019 on Form N-1A of our reports dated April 17, 2020, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Eaton Vance Focused Growth Opportunities Fund and Eaton Vance Focused Value Opportunities Fund, certain of the funds constituting Eaton Vance Growth Trust (the “Trust”), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Trust for the year ended February 29, 2020, and to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Other Service Providers” in the Statement of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.

 

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

June 25, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT (p)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited

 

 

Compliance Manual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compliance Manual – November 2019

 
 
I. CODE OF ETHICS

 

1.                   GOVERNING PRINCIPLES

 

You have the responsibility at all times to place the interests of Clients first, not to take advantage of Client transactions, and to avoid any conflicts, or the appearance of conflicts, with the interests of Clients. You also have a responsibility to act ethically, legally, and in the best interests of BMO GAM Asia and its Clients at all times. The Code of Ethics sets forth rules regarding these obligations. You are expected not only to follow the specific rules, but also the spirit of the Code of Ethics.

 

2. DEFINITIONS

 

Company, or BMO GAM Asia refers to BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited

 

Chief Compliance Officer, or CCO, refers to the Chief Compliance Officer of BMO GAM Asia.

 

Client is any person or entity, including a Fund or any collective investment schemes or a portfolio of assets under discretionary account, for which BMO GAM Asia provides service which constitutes a regulated activities, including investment management and advisory services. Where BMO GAM Asia is a delegate of another fund manager for the management of a fund, a reference to client is a reference to the delegating fund manager.

 

Immediate Family of any person includes his or her partner, spouse, minor children, and relatives living in his or her principal residence.

 

Investment Professional includes portfolio managers, investment analysts and dealers.

 

Securities means shares, notes, stocks, debentures, treasury stocks, exchange traded funds (ETFs), bonds, interests in collective investment schemes, rights, options, derivatives, or, in general, any interests in or in respect of the instruments above or otherwise commonly known as “securities”, but does not include bankers acceptance, bank certificate of deposit or commercial paper.

 

3.                   CODE OF CONDUCT - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, POLICTIAL CONTRIBUTION AND OUTSIDE BUSINESS INTERESTS

 

This section applies to EVERY EMPLOYEE of the Company, including those persons accredited to BMO GAM Asia for conducting regulated activities. Employee includes temporary staff, and any staff station in BMO GAM Asia office to the extent that he/she has access to BMO GAM Asia trading systems or any material non-public information.

 

3.1. Laws and Regulations

You are required to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to the Securities and Futures Ordinance, SFC Fund Manager Code of Conduct, SFC Code of Conduct, SFC Code on Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds, SFC Internal Control Guideline, SFC Advertising Guideline, SFC Licensing Handbook, all applicable circulars and FAQs as issued and amended by the SFC from time to time, as well as internal policies such as BMO Enterprise Corporate Policies, BMO Code of Conduct, BMO GAM Asia Compliance Manual and this Code of Ethics.

 
 

 

3.2. Conflicts of Interest

 

3.2.1         Introduction

 

It is BMO GAM Asia’s policy to identify the conflicts of interest that may exist between a) ourselves or anyone linked to the firm and our clients; or b) one client and another. We must ensure that clients are not adversely affected by potential risks. Where the potential risk cannot be effectively managed with reasonable confidence to prevent the risk, we disclose this to our client before providing services. We make disclosure in a durable medium; providing sufficient detail to enable that client to take an informed decision with respect to the service in the context of which the conflicts of interest arises.

 

Conflicts of interest between employees acting in their personal capacity and the company and its customers are set out in a separate section III.5 “Policies and Procedures on Personal Securities Transactions”.

 

This section provides guidance in defining, identifying and dealing with situations in which:

 

The personal interests of individual Directors and employees of BMO GAM Asia conflict or might be perceived to conflict with the interests of BMO GAM Asia’s clients or BMO itself;

 

The interests of two or more of BMO GAM Asia’s clients conflict or might be perceived to conflict with each other; and

 

BMO GAM Asia’s corporate interests conflict or might be perceived to conflict with the interests of BMO GAM Asia’s clients.

 

The objectives of the section are to:

 

Outline the framework (principles, processes, monitoring and reporting) to support compliance with BMO Code of Conduct;

 

Reinforce BMO GAM Asia’s reputation for integrity and honesty – even the perception of a conflict of interest might tarnish this reputation and could have significant business implications; and

 

Provide guidance to help protect BMO GAM Asia and its employees from legal liability and regulatory sanction, as well as the penalties and/or civil liability that may occur when conflict situations are not properly identified and managed.

 

For details, please refer to Operating Directive: Managing Employee Conflicts of Interest, where applicable.

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/ConflictInterestOperatingDirective.pdf#search=Managing%20Conflicts%20of%20Interest%20Directive

 

For detail, please refer to BMO Code of Conduct, where applicable.

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/CodeOfConduct_EN.pdf

 
 

3.2.2       Definitions

 

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Bank of Montreal

 

Chairman of the Board

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of BMO GAM Asia

 

Chief Compliance Officer of BMO

The Chief Compliance Officer of BMO Financial Group

 

Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)

The Chief Compliance Officer of BMO GAM Asia

 

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of Interest can take many forms but there are two broad types:

Personal conflicts of interest; and
Business conflicts of interest.

 

Personal conflicts of interest may arise when an employee’s personal activities or interests unrelated to her/his work for BMO GAM Asia/BMO:

 

Would be likely to affect or even appear to affect her/his loyalty to or judgment in carrying out her/his duties on behalf of BMO GAM Asia, a prospective or actual client or supplier (e.g. processing transactions for family members);

 

Has or may appear to have caused her/him to choose her/his personal interests over the interests of BMO GAM Asia, a prospective or actual client or supplier of BMO GAM Asia (e.g. appropriating customer information for their personal benefit); or

 

Causes her/him to take actions or have interests that may make it difficult to perform her/his work at BMO GAM Asia objectively and/or effectively (e.g. being a beneficiary of an estate of a BMO GAM Asia customer who is not a relative of the employee).

 

Business conflicts of interest may arise as a consequence of BMO GAM Asia’s corporate interests and its relationships with multiple clients, counterparties and suppliers. Examples of where such conflicts may occur include:

 

Between different clients;

 

Between clients and BMO GAM Asia itself; or

 

Where BMO GAM Asia has confidential information about a client or former client that could be used in another part of BMO GAM Asia or BMO or in another client relationship.

 

Conflicts of Interest include actual, perceived and/or potential conflicts of interest.

 

 
 

 

Director

A member of the Board of Directors of BMO GAM Asia

 

Proprietary Information

Non-public information related to or associated with the products, services or activities of BMO GAM Asia/BMO, including but not limited to:

Financial information;
Product research and development;
Analysis;
Business plans or strategies;
Client lists;
Computer systems, software or programs; and
Data created or obtained or otherwise owned by the Enterprise for BMO GAM Asia’s or BMO’s business purposes.

 

3.2.3       Background

 

As a global diversified financial institution, BMO/BMO GAM Asia transact with and offer a wide range of services to clients and counterparties in various jurisdictions. In these circumstances actual, potential or perceived Conflicts of Interest may arise in various forms and circumstances.

 

BMO GAM Asia is also subject to legal and regulatory requirements, jurisprudence, fiduciary obligations and industry standards dealing with Conflicts of Interest in various jurisdictions.

 

Although some conflicts must be avoided altogether, many conflicts arise inevitably from the business of asset management and the related services and activities engaged in by BMO. The extent to which BMO may operate in this environment is linked directly to its ability to properly identify and, where appropriate, manage and address conflicts of interest so that client and corporate interests are protected.

 

To effectively mitigate the associated risks, it is essential that BMO GAM Asia has a robust framework that identifies, assesses and manages conflict situations when or before they occur. Failure to do so may result in legal action, censure from regulatory bodies, loss of revenue and reputation.

 

3.2.4       Principles

 

Activities carried out for BMO GAM Asia and those performed in connection with our personal affairs must be conducted in a manner that will protect BMO GAM Asia’s and BMO’s reputation, preserve public trust and manage real or perceived Conflicts of Interest.

 

You are required to avoid conduct that is contrary to the interests of the Company and any Client, or that gives the appearance of such Conflicts of Interest.

 

BMO GAM Asia’s Directors and employees must make all reasonable efforts to avoid Conflicts of Interest. Activities, interests or associations should be avoided that might interfere or even appear to interfere with the independent exercise of good judgement.

 

 
 

When evaluating a potential conflict situation, the facts and potential outcomes must be viewed objectively to determine whether a reasonable, disinterested observer – a fellow employee, client, supplier, auditor or regulator – would have reason to believe that the interests of clients, suppliers etc. would suffer or an unfair advantage or benefit would be conferred directly or indirectly on BMO GAM Asia/BMO or a Director or employee, or shared with others for personal gain.

 

For potential conflicts involving BMO GAM Asia/BMO or its individual employees, management is responsible for determining whether a proposed course of action should be taken and if so, how associated conflicts should be managed. All situations involving actual or potential conflicts must be referred to the Compliance Department and BC&C.

 

3.2.5       Conflict management

 

General measures for dealing effectively with Conflicts of Interest include the following:

 

· Timely identification and disclosure of all relevant information to the appropriate persons within BMO GAM Asia/BMO – preferably before the potential Conflicts of Interest arises.

 

It is essential that sufficient details be disclosed to enable management, Compliance, BC&C and/or reporting line manager to assess the potential conflict and make an informed and appropriate decision about how to deal with it. Any identified Conflicts of Interest together with the corresponding mitigation measures are recorded in the Conflicts of Interest Log maintained by BC&C and being reviewed by Compliance Department on a regular basis.

If an individual believes that he/she is already involved in a possible conflict or, in the case of new employees, that a conflict may have been triggered as a result of taking a position with BMO GAM Asia, the situation must be disclosed immediately so that remedial steps can be initiated as soon as possible.

 

Disclosure alone does not constitute approval or resolution of potential Conflicts of Interest.

 

Unless otherwise indicated in this manual, employees must disclose any potential conflicts to management. Directors will disclose these matters to the Chairman of the Board or his/her designate. In all other circumstances, the conflict situation must be reported to the Compliance Department and BC&C Department.

 

All executive director and employees of BMO GAM Asia must complete a quarterly compliance return to declare any potential Conflicts of Interest. They are also required to complete an annual compliance return, including a declaration of compliance with the Code of Ethics and Compliance Manual (“Annual Compliance Return”) . Conflicts of Interest involving an executive director or employee that occurred would constitute a breach of BMO Code of Conduct and must be reported in the quarterly compliance return and/or the Annual Compliance Return.

 

Prompt review and assessment of the facts to determine whether the proposed activity should proceed and, if so, what measures, conditions etc. must be put in place to properly manage and monitor the potential conflict.

 

 
 

Supporting documentation of all decisions or actions taken in response to the potential conflict, including details of any approvals granted to individuals involved in the potential conflict and the underlying rationale, should be retained.

 

3.2.6        Conflict types and related management processes

 

This section provides examples or common situations that may give rise to Conflicts of Interest and, where applicable, prescribes conflict management measures. The examples are not intended to be exhaustive.

 

(i) Transactions for Own, Immediate Family’s or Closely Related Entity’s Benefit

 

Any BMO GAM Asia transaction involving a client, supplier or other individual/entity with whom a Director or employee has a business or personal connection could be a Conflict of Interest if the employee or Director is in a position to influence BMO GAM Asia’s decisions in the transaction, or may personally gain either directly or indirectly from the transaction. In all such situations the potential conflict must be disclosed as soon as it is identified.

 

(ii) Investing in a business or business opportunity of a BMO GAM Asia/BMO Client

 

Directors and employees must not invest or acquire an interest in a business or business opportunity of a BMO GAM Asia/BMO client unless the investment:

 

Is in a publicly traded company – and then only when the Director or employee is not in possession of Material Confidential Information;

 

Is made through an investment vehicle such as a mutual fund or managed account where the Director or employee has no influence over investment decisions; or

 

In all other circumstances, is made after actual or potential competing interests of BMO GAM Asia or its clients have first been resolved – and then only after the details of the acquisition or investment have been disclosed and approved. All such approvals must be obtained from Compliance and the management.

 

(iii) Accepting Inappropriate Legacies or Other Designations

 

Employees must not accept an inheritance from a client or former client (other than a relative).

 

Directors and employees should also not act as executors, administrators, powers of attorney or trustees of an estate or trust of a client or former client (other than a relative), unless prior approval is obtained. All approvals must be obtained from Compliance and the management.

 

(iv) Borrowing or Lending Money Inappropriately

 

Directors and employees must not borrow money from or lend money to any of BMO GAM Asia’s clients.

 
 

 

(v) Fiduciary Relationships

 

Fiduciary relationships may be imposed by specific statute or regulation or may be created by certain types of well-defined relationships such as when acting as a trustee, agent, executor or administrator. The possible categories of fiduciary relationships are not finite and whether fiduciary duties will apply will depend on the specific facts involved. Key elements of a fiduciary relationship typically include:

 

· The fiduciary has discretionary power;
· The fiduciary can unilaterally exercise that power so as to effect the interests of the beneficiaries;
· The beneficiaries are vulnerable to the exercise of such power by the fiduciary; and
· The beneficiaries reasonably rely on the fiduciary to exercise the power in the beneficiaries’ best interest.

 

Those assuming fiduciary obligations assume a higher standard of care when providing services and must ensure that actions taken are in the best interests of clients and would be reasonably perceived in this way. Many of the types of conflicts outlined in this Section can arise from or be exacerbated by fiduciary relationships.

 

To avoid or effectively manage Conflicts of Interest in dealings with clients, services and products offered by BMO GAM Asia/BMO are designed and managed to ensure that fiduciary obligations are assumed only when intended. Similar to other situations, prompt identification and disclosure of potential conflicts is essential to the mitigation of fiduciary risk.

 

(vi) Misuse of Information and Assets

 

In conducting business activities on behalf of clients, staff may come into possession of potentially sensitive client information.

 

As a general rule employees must:

 

· Safeguard client information and share it with others on a strict “need to know” basis;
· Not use this information for their personal benefit or for the benefit of BMO GAM Asia/BMO or other BMO GAM Asia/BMO clients;
· Respect information barriers (e.g. Chinese walls) designed to control the flow of information between BMO lines of business; and
· Adhere to other physical and logical security controls to which they are subject.

 

Similar restrictions apply to the use and sharing of BMO Proprietary Information and assets. BMO’s premises, materials/supplies, systems, equipment and data are its property.

 

 
 

 

(vii) Personal, Social and Leisure Activities

 

Directors, management and employees all share in the responsibility to protect BMO GAM Asia’s/BMO’s brand and reputation. Although we are all free to pursue personal interests, whether they relate to community involvement, political participation or social and leisure activity, we must do so in a way that clearly separates our individual interests from our roles and responsibilities as BMO GAM Asia/BMO employees.

 

Examples of personal, social and leisure activities that may reflect on both the individual employee and BMO GAM Asia’s/BMO’s corporate interests include the following:

 

Political Involvement

 

Employees may participate in politics – either as candidates or as supporters of candidates, political parties or causes. Political involvement (e.g. public office) must not, however, interfere with the employee’s duties at BMO GAM Asia/BMO or put the employee in a Conflict of Interest situation involving BMO GAM Asia/BMO or its clients.

 

It is also important for the employee to make it clear that political activities are personal, that BMO GAM Asia/BMO does not offer any opinion regarding the activity and is not a sponsor or in any way involved. Before participating in a political activity employee should consult with his/her reporting line manager and Compliance Department to ensure that their participation would not result in a real, potential or perceived Conflicts of Interest.

 

Employee is required to obtain approval from his/her reporting line manager and Compliance Department if he/she pursues political participation by completing and submitting the Declaration of Outside Business Activities” Form to the Compliance Department.

 

Community Involvement

 

There is a long, honorable and very active tradition of community involvement by employees of BMO GAM Asia/BMO. If Employee pursues community involvement in religious, educational, cultural, social and charitable entities or other non-profit entities, employees should consult with their managers and Compliance to ensure that their participation in such activities does not result in actual or perceived Conflicts of Interest.

 

Employee is required to obtain his/her reporting line manager approval if he/she pursues community involvement. If a conflict of interest does not exist, the reporting line manager may approve the employee’s request and the employee is required to notify Compliance Department immediately. Further compliance approval is required if any potential conflicts of interest exist.

Writing, Publication & Speaking Engagements

 

 
 

The use and protection of client information, BMO proprietary information and the BMO brand, including assets such as its name, logo and other trademarked and copyrighted material, is carefully managed by appropriate persons and groups within BMO. Except where prior management approval is granted such information and assets must not be contained in any speech or material written or published by an employee. “Written or published” material includes any form of print or electronic media (e.g. books, articles, information or images posted in the internet via chat rooms, newsgroups, bulletin boards, blogs and social networking sites).

 

3.2.7       Confidential information

 

You must not discuss any information relating to a client or relating to the Company's business plans or activities with anyone inside the Company unless this is necessary for the proper conduct of your job.

 

You should not in any event discuss such matters with anyone outside your department or outside the Company without obtaining prior authorization from the Compliance Department.

 

Breaches of confidentiality will be regarded as a serious disciplinary offence, which may result in your employment being terminated.

 

3.3. Gifts and Entertainment

 

Bribery is the act of giving, promising, offering, soliciting, or receiving, directly or indirectly, a benefit or anything of value in order to:

 

· improperly influence the judgment or conduct of any person who owes a duty of good faith, impartiality or trust; or
· induce or reward the improper performance of a function or activity.

 

In general, you must not offer or accept any gift or business entertainment which would compromise or create the perception that your judgment or honest performance of your duties might be compromised.

 

For details, please refer to the separate Operating Directive: Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption where applicable.

 

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/AntiBriberyAntiCorruptionOperatingDirective.pdf

 

(a) Gifts

 

Gifts are anything of value (not including Entertainment) given or received, voluntarily or without charge. Deciding whether a gift is appropriate often depends on the circumstances, the timing and the nature of the gift.

 

 
 

All gifts that we offer or accept to/from our external parties must have a legitimate business purpose and may only be offered/ accepted in the spirit of business courtesy and relationship management. The gift should be reasonable and justifiable and the intention behind the gift must always be considered.

 

Prohibited Gifts and Benefits

 

The following gifts and benefits may not be offered or accepted by an employee or persons who accredited to BMO GAM Asia:

 

· Gifts that exceed the jurisdictional threshold per external party over the calendar year (excluding taxes). The jurisdictional threshold for Hong Kong and Australia are HK$1,500 and AUD250 respectively (“Jurisdictional Threshold”), as amended from time to time;

 

· Cash, including red envelopes offered/accepted during Chinese New Year. Employees that feel unable to politely decline the offer must promptly register the receipt with their manager. All amounts received must then be donated to a BMO supported charity.

 

Note: This prohibition applies only to red envelopes offered or received physically, electronically, or digitally to/from external parties. It is acceptable for BMO employees to offer each other and their family members red envelopes in recognition of the tradition.

 

· Cash equivalents (in any amount), for example:

- gift certificates / gift cards / pre-paid credit card / vouchers redeemable for cash (Note: gift cards that can only be used to buy goods and services (e.g., Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, moon cake certificates, meal vouchers) are acceptable but must not exceed the Jurisdictional Threshold per external party over the calendar year.

- jewellery

- securities / cheques / money orders

- loans

- lottery tickets

- timeshare (use of vacation property)

· Travel arrangements, meals, refreshments, or accommodations unrelated to business discussion or development or which we would not reimburse as a reasonable business expense,
· Preferential treatment of any kind in a business context,
· Discounts or rebates on merchandise or services not available to the general public or to customers of the offering party,
· Solicited gifts for personal use or benefit or in return for business or service, or
· Unsolicited gifts for personal use or benefit that exceed the Jurisdictional Threshold per external party over a calendar year. This includes payments, rewards, prizes, or other benefits from an external party in return for business referrals.

 

The above prohibitions apply regardless of whether the employee uses BMO funds or their personal funds to finance the gift or benefit for the external party.

 

 
 

Received gifts that exceed the jurisdictional threshold or that are prohibited must be declined or returned. Please contact the Anti-Corruption Office (“ACO”) for further guidance.

 

Permissible Gifts and Benefits

 

The following gifts are acceptable and are not subject to the above prohibited gifts and benefits principles:

 

· advertising or promotional materials with a token value (e.g., pens, notepads, golf umbrellas, calendars);
· gift cards that can only be used to buy goods and services, provided they do not exceed the Jurisdictional Threshold per external party over the calendar year;
· gifts based upon a family relationship or close personal relationship that exists independently of any BMO business;
· bereavement gifts that are customary and reasonable;
· gifts given for infrequent life events (e.g., a wedding gift or congratulatory gift for the birth of a child) provided they are of reasonable value; and
· gifts of food or beverage (e.g., gift baskets) that are not extravagant, are given on an occasion when gifts are customary (promotion or retirement). These gifts may be shared among members of your business unit if they are above the Jurisdictional Threshold per external party over the calendar year.

 

(b) Entertainment

 

Entertainment includes social, hospitality, charitable, sporting, investor or leisure events, conferences, seminars, site visits, or other similar activities, meals, or any transportation or accommodation related to these activities. For an activity to be entertainment, someone representing the providing party must be present at the activity, regardless of whether business is conducted. Otherwise, these activities are gifts.

 

All entertainment that we offer to or accept from external parties must have a legitimate business purpose, be reasonable and justifiable, and may only be offered/ accepted in the spirit of business courtesy and relationship management, and must be in good taste. Employees should always consider the intention behind the entertainment prior to accepting or offering it.

 

All Entertainment must adhere to the following principles:

 

(i) Entertainment must not:
· be frequent, excessive or extravagant,
· create or appear to create a sense of obligation,
· be intended to improperly influence a business decision or give improper advantage,
· be used as a condition for doing business with BMO, or
· compromise BMO’s reputation.

 

(ii) Meals and refreshments in the course of a meeting are permitted provided the purpose is business related, your attendance is related to your duties with BMO, and the frequency of such invitation from any one host is not excessive.

 

 
 
(iii) Accommodation and transportation in connection with business engagements (other than local transportation such as taxis) should not typically be provided to or accepted from external parties. Employees must obtain prior approval from the ACO should they wish to provide or accept accommodation or transportation (except local transportation). Accommodation and transportation must not be lavish for the type and venue of the planned event.

 

(iv) Employees who are invited to speak at a conference or other event in their capacity as an employee, may accept payment or reimbursement for reasonable expenses relating to accommodation and transportation if it is extended to all speaker participants. They may also accept token expressions of gratitude that fall within the provisions of the Operating Directive: Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption related to permissible gifts and benefits. Any additional payment that is received for speaking must be declined.

 

Employees who are invited to attend a conference or other event in their capacity as an employee, but are not a speaker, must seek prior approval from their reporting line manager before accepting the invitation. Generally, attendance-related expenses should be paid by BMO. Seek prior approval from the ACO for any expenses that the host of the organization offers to pay, including the conference fee, accommodation and transportation (except for local transportation such as taxis).

 

(c) Public Officials

 

Public Official is an officer, employee, representative, or other person acting in any capacity on behalf of a:

· government department or agency;
· political party or candidate;
· regulatory, judicial, legislative, or law enforcement body;
· state-owned or controlled enterprise, including Crown corporations, sovereign wealth funds, and export development agencies;
· company or other business entity in which a governmental body has an ownership interest, even if the activities are commercial, rather than governmental;
· government-sponsored pension or retirement plan; or
· public international organizations.

 

Interactions with Public Officials require enhanced scrutiny and sensitivity. As such, employees are prohibited from making payments or offering anything of value to a Public Official (whether directly or indirectly through a third party or intermediary, or to anyone associated with the Public Official) under any of the following circumstances:

 

· if you intend to influence their decision making in their official capacity;
· if your actions could in any way be construed as being intended to do so; or
· if your actions could create the perception that the purpose is to gain or retain business.

 

Examples include: agreeing to hire an intern who is a relative of the Public Official or offering a trip to visit a BMO location when the actual purpose of the trip is not business-related, in exchange for a business opportunity.

 
 

 

Employees specifically must not:

· give or receive anything of value (e.g. gifts, entertainment, etc) to a Public Official without the prior approval of the ACO. This applies regardless of the intent or value; or
· authorize or provide financial services or products to a Public Official that would not otherwise be offered to the general public.

 

(d) Gift and Entertainment Reporting and Tracking

 

Employees are required to log the offering or receipt of gifts and entertainment in BMO GAM Asia’s Gift and Entertainment Tracker in accordance with the following principles:

 

(i) For gifts and entertainment to/from clients/customer/suppliers who are Public Officials, everything needs to be pre-approved by the ACO and logged, regardless of amount;
(ii) Gifts “offered” >US$50/HK$390/AUD67 (no matter promotional or non-promotional) will need to be pre-approved by the ACO and logged;
(iii) Gifts “accepted” >US$50/HK$390/AUD67 will need to be logged after the fact; or
(iv) Entertainment “offered”/“accepted” >US$50/HK$390/AUD67 will need to be logged after the fact.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, entertainment offered or accepted is not counted towards the Jurisdiction Threshold.

 

You may not pay, offer, or commit to pay any amount that might be or appear to be a bribe or kickback in connection with the Company’s business. If you are offered anything, to be on the safe side, check with BC&C Department, Compliance or ACO.

 

3.4. Political Contributions

 

Political contributions can give rise to bribery and corruption risks as they can be bribes in disguise. As such, political contributions must not be made:

· with the intention of influencing an act or decision of a Public Official in their official capacity;
· to induce such Public Official to do or not do an act in violation of their lawful duty; or
· to encourage favourable treatment for BMO or to gain or retain business.

 

Political contributions made on behalf of BMO must comply with applicable requirements and laws and must not be interpreted as an attempt to encourage favorable treatment for BMO.

 

Employee may not engage in or make use of BMO assets or personnel to engage in political fundraising or solicitation activities for their own political interests on BMO premises.

 

 
 

Every employee is required to declare to Compliance Department whether he/she had made any political contribution or donation by way of the completion of the Quarterly Compliance Return. Employee must seek pre-approval from the Anti-Corruption Office (ACO) for making political contribution regardless of the amount. All political contributions are recorded in the Political Contribution Log maintained by Compliance Department for monitoring purpose.

For details, please refer to the Operating Directive: Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption, where applicable.

 

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/AntiBriberyAntiCorruptionOperatingDirective.pdf

 

3.5. Outside Business Activities (“OBA”)

 

You may not serve as a director, officer, employee, trustee, or general partner of any corporation or other entity outside the Company, whether or not you are paid, without the prior written approval of the reporting line manager and/or the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) (or his/her delegate) of BMO GAM Asia (depending on the circumstances).

 

For details, please refer to Operating Directive: Managing Employee Conflicts of Interest (“MCOI Directive”), where applicable.

 

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/ConflictInterestOperatingDirective.pdf#search=Managing%20Conflicts%20of%20Interest%20Directive

 

BMO GAM Asia has an interest in ensuring that there is no actual, potential or perceived conflict between an employee’s duties to BMO GAM Asia or its clients and any proposed Outside Business Activity.

 

When an employee wishes to engage in an Outside Business Activity, the interests of BMO GAM Asia and its clients must continue to come first and her/his responsibilities to BMO GAM Asia must continue to receive their attention and commitment. While not seeking to limit outside activities of employees, BMO/BMO GAM Asia also expects all employees to consider how those activities may reflect on BMO’s / BMO GAM Asia’s public reputation or, in some cases, impact or limit its business.

 

Employees must not engage in outside activities that:

 

Offer products and services that might compete with those of BMO GAM Asia/BMO or, in some situations, clients of BMO/BMO GAM Asia;

 

Involve the potential or perceived use of confidential client information or BMO GAM Asia/BMO proprietary information;

 

Are prohibited by law or by a regulatory agency;

 

Might interfere with their ability to devote their full attention and commitment to their responsibilities with BMO/BMO GAM Asia; or

 

Might otherwise conflict with BMO GAM Asia/BMO’s interests or bring BMO GAM Asia/BMO into disrepute.
 
 

 

General types of Outside Business Activities include the following:

 

Outside Employment – where an employee wishes to take a job with an employer other than BMO GAM Asia/BMO where compensation is received;

 

Outside Business – where an employee has an interest in a venture that is intended for profit. Types of businesses include owning another business (incorporated or otherwise), serving as an officer or partner in another business, or acquiring a significant interest (5% or more of the total outstanding equity securities) in another business;

 

Outside Directorship – where an employee wishes to serve as a director of a corporate entity.

 

(i) General Approval Process for Outside Business Activities

 

a) All Outside Business Activities must be promptly disclosed to reporting line manager and the Compliance department prior to commencing the proposed activity. Employees engaged in Outside Business Activities prior to commencing employment with BMO GAM Asia must promptly disclose such activities and go through the approval process as described in this section.

 

b) Outside Business Activities must also be reported as part of the quarterly compliance return, regardless of whether they have been previously approved by reporting line manager.

 

c) Depending on the circumstances, reporting line manager and/or the CCO may approve an employee’s Outside Business Activity.

 

d) If it is determined that the Outside Business Activity may result in an actual, potential for perceived Conflicts of Interest that cannot be effectively managed, the approval request will be refused and the employee must not pursue or continue the activity if the employee wishes to retain employment with BMO/BMO GAM Asia.

 

e) Employees must also comply with requirements related to Outside Business Activities of any regulator or external organization (e.g. professional association) to which they are subject.

 

f) A record of the disclosure and approval of an Outside Business Activity must be fully documented and shall be retained by reporting line manager in the employee’s personnel file and Compliance Department Either the Declaration of Outside Business Activity Form or External Directorship Information & Approval Form should be used to document the reporting and approval of any Outside Business Activities.

 

g) Re-approval of an Outside Business Activity must be obtained in the event of a material change, either to the employee’s position within BMO or in the nature of the Outside Business Activity. Questions regarding whether a material change has occurred should be referred to the Compliance Department.

 

 
 
h) Exceptions from the general criteria used to approve Outside Business Activities will be considered in accordance with the Operating Directive: Managing Employee Conflicts of Interest.

 

Questions regarding the applicability or interpretation of the approval process should be referred to the Compliance Department.

 

(ii) Approval Process for Outside Employment

 

The general approval process outlined in the (i) above applies to cases of outside employment. If it is determined that the proposed employment does not represent an actual or potential Conflict of Interest, then the reporting line manager may approve the outside employment. However, if the proposed outside employment represents an actual or potential Conflict of Interest, compliance approval is required.

 

Employee is required to submit the “Declaration of OBA – Excluding external directorship” where the approval is documented.

 

(iii) Approval Process for Outside Businesses

 

The general approval process outlined in (i) above applies to proposed outside business ventures. If it is determined that the proposed outside business does not represent an actual or potential Conflict of Interest, then the reporting line manager may approve the outside business. However, if the proposed outside business represents an actual or potential Conflict of Interest, compliance approval is required.

 

Employee is required to submit the “Declaration of OBA – Excluding external directorship” where the approval is documented.

 

(iv) Approval Process for Outside Directorships

 

The general approval process outlined in (i) above applies to proposed outside directorships. Reporting line manager and CCO approval is not required when the directorship involves:

 

A subsidiary of Bank of Montreal;
Any other entity if BMO Management directs or requests the appointment.

 

In these cases, Compliance Department should be informed immediately upon appointment of directorship in order to fulfill regulatory reporting requirements, if applicable. Employees should consider the impact of any significant change in an organization to determine whether approval for their continued involvement should be obtained.

 

In all other circumstances, both reporting line manager and CCO approvals are required to serve as an outside director. Employee is required to submit the “External Directorship Information & Approval Form” where the approval is documented.

 

In addition, if an employee requests to serve as a director of a for-profit entity that is public, further approval from the BMO Compliance Control Room is required.

 

 
 

Indemnity

 

When an employee has been asked by BMO to serve as an outside director, the employee will be indemnified by BMO as long as the employee acts honestly and in good faith and with a view to the best interests of the entity on whose board the individual sits.

 

If the employee wishes to serve as an outside director where BMO did not request the appointment, then the employee will not be indemnified by BMO in connection with the responsibilities and liabilities assumed by the employee as a result of serving as an outside director.

 

Fees and Compensation

 

Any form of compensation (fees, option grants etc.) to be received by an employee as a result of serving as an outside director must be disclosed and approved by reporting line manager.

 

Where BMO has requested that an employee serve as an outside director, directors’ compensation arrangements that exceed nominal value are to be remitted to BMO (i.e. employee’s cost centre) unless otherwise explicitly agreed to by BMO Management.

 

Conduct in Respect of Outside Business Activities

 

Once an Outside Business Activity has been approved, employees must observe the following guidelines:

 

All activities should be conducted away from BMO GAM Asia/BMO premises and outside normal business hours (not including activities in which BMO has asked the employee to participate).

 

No BMO GAM Asia/BMO property (stationery, marketing materials, logos, trademarks, images, equipment etc.) are to be used in connection with these activities.

 

To mitigate the possibility that the employees’ Outside Business Activities may be misconstrued as being sponsored or endorsed by BMO GAM Asia/BMO, the employee should not solicit BMO GAM Asia’s / BMO’s clients or fellow employees either directly or indirectly.

 

No employee may recommend or solicit trades in securities of a company in which he/she is a director or engaged in an Outside Business Activity.

 

If the Outside Business Activity involves a company which is privately held and goes public at a later date, the employee must go through the approval process again.

 

 
 

 

4.                   GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

4.1. Review of Securities Reports

 

The Compliance Department has primary responsibility for enforcing the Company’s Code of Ethics and shall ensure that all Initial and Annual Reports of Securities Holdings and Quarterly Transaction Reports, together with all monthly Securities Statements received will be reviewed in accordance with the section III.5 “Policies and Procedures on Personal Securities Transactions”.

 

4.2. Provision of the Code of Ethics and Certification by Employees

 

The Company is required to provide all employees with a copy of the Code of Ethics and any amendments thereto and is available on SharePoint. Each employee of the Company must certify annually by way of submission of Annual Compliance Return that he or she has acknowledged receipt, read and understood the Code of Ethics and any amendments thereto and has complied and will comply with its provisions

 

4.3. Recordkeeping Requirements

 

To meet legal and regulatory requirements, as well as business needs, certain types of documents must be retained in accordance with the Enterprise Records Retention Schedule (RRS) and the HK regulatory requirements. If there is any inconsistency, the more stringent approach should be adopted.

 

Record retention in BMO GAM Asia must be consistent with BMO policy, our accounting practices and tax and other applicable laws and regulations. BC&C reviews periodically to ensure the records of the business are being retained in an appropriate, current and accurate manner in accordance to the relevant jurisdictions’ regulatory requirements or the RRS, whichever is the stricter.

 

In general, BMO GAM Asia’s business records are kept for not less than 7 years. These records are any physical or electronic information that BMO GAM Asia is obligated to retain to operate its business and comply with laws and regulations, regardless of format or media. No record can be destroyed but may be required to retain for a period longer than 7 years if it is believed to be the subject of any complaint, dispute or litigation. Legal and Compliance Department must be consulted on how to deal with such records.

 

For details, for record keeping policy, please refer to the applicable provisions under the Records Retention Schedule (RRS):

 

https://intranet.bmogc.net/tando/gitrm/Documents/Governance/RecordsManagement/RRS-EN.pdf

 

4.4. Confidentiality

 

All reports and other documents and information supplied by any employee of the Company in accordance with the requirements of this Code of Ethics shall be treated as confidential, but are subject to review by senior management of BMO GAM Asia, or otherwise as required by law, regulation, or court order.

 
 

 

4.5. Interpretations

 

If you have any questions regarding the meaning or interpretation of the provisions of this Code of Ethics, please consult with the CCO or BC&C.

 

4.6. Violations and Sanctions

 

Violations or non-compliance of the requirements as set out in the Code of Ethics must be reported promptly to the CCO or BC&C. Any employee of the Company who violates any provision of this Code of Ethics shall be subject to sanction, including but not limited to censure, a ban on personal securities trading, disgorgement of any profit or taking of any loss, fines, and suspension or termination of employment. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of CCO, taking into account of the nature, level of significance of the event and most importantly, any existence of any actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

 

4.7. Form ADV

 

The Company shall ensure that the provisions of this Code of Ethics are described in Form ADV and upon request will furnish clients with a copy of the Code of Ethics.

 

5. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ON PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

 

5.1. Applicability of the policies

 

5.1.1. Who is Covered. This Policy applies to those who may potentially access sensitive investment information either physically or through system access. This will include all Company employees, temporary staff, persons accredited to BMO GAM Asia for conducting regulated activities and staff station in BMO GAM Asia office even though not working for BMO GAM Asia to the extent that he/she has access to BMO GAM Asia trading systems. It covers not only your personal Securities transactions, but also those of your Immediate Family (your partner, spouse, minor children, and relatives living in your principal residence).

 

5.1.2. What Accounts are Covered. This Policy applies to all Securities transactions in all personal accounts for which you are able to, directly or indirectly, exercise investment and voting control, or in which you or members of your Immediate Family have a direct or indirect beneficial interest. Normally, an account is covered by this Policy if it is (a) in your name, (b) in the name of a member of your Immediate Family, (c) of a partnership in which you or a member of your Immediate Family are a partner with direct or indirect investment discretion, (d) of a trust of which you or a member of your Immediate Family are a beneficiary and a trustee with direct or indirect investment discretion, and (e) of a closely held corporation in which you or a member of your Immediate Family hold shares and have direct or indirect investment discretion.

 

 
 

 

5.2.             Pre-Clearance

 

In general, you must pre-clear all purchases and sales of Securities (see the definition of “Securities” under Section III.2 above) with the CCO (or his delegate), except the following:

 

· a bona fide gift of Securities that you make or receive;
· an automatic, non-voluntary transaction, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, and automatic dividend reinvestment;
· a transaction pursuant to a tender offer that is applicable pro rata to all stockholders;
· sovereign bonds issued by government;
· a purchase or sale of any open-end investment company/mutual fund/unit trust/investment-linked assurance scheme or any similar form of collective investment schemes which you do not have any investment discretion over and which are NOT managed by either BMO or BMO GAM Asia or BMO affiliated companies; or
· the monthly transactions held by your brokers due to your monthly contribution in the Monthly Stocks Savings Plan (“the Plan”) given that you have already obtained pre-clearance on the stocks you selected when you start to join the Plan and there is no subsequent change in the Plan

 

The exemptions from pre-clearance above do not apply to trading in any Security that is placed on a restricted list (for example, because the Company is in the possession of material non-public information about the issuer).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, the exemptions listed above are also applicable to other parts under section III.5 “Policies and Procedures on Personal Securities Transactions”, subject to the compliance of other parts of the compliance manual and applicable regulatory requirements.

 

You will not receive pre-clearance of a transaction for any Security on a day during which there is a pending buy /sell order or trading or recommendation is made for that same Security for a Client, or when other circumstances warrant prohibiting a transaction in a particular Security as stated under Prohibited and Restricted Transactions. Remember that the term “Security” is broadly defined. For example, an option on a Security is itself a Security, and the purchase, sale and exercise of the option is subject to pre-clearance. A pre-clearance approval normally is valid for 1 business day subject to the constraints mentioned in Prohibited and Restricted Transactions below.

 

5.3. Prohibited and Restricted Transactions

 

The following transactions are prohibited and restricted

 

a) BMO GAM Asia Activity. You are prohibited to purchase or sell Securities
i. on a day in which the Company has a pending buy or sell order in the same investment until that order is executed or withdrawn;
ii. within one trading day before or after the Company trading in that investment on behalf of a Client (five trading days for Investment Professionals);
 
 
iii. within one trading day before or after a recommendation on that investment is made or proposed by the Company (five trading days for Investment Professionals);
Note: the restrictions in (ii) and (iii) above need not be applied where client orders have been fully executed and any conflicts of interest have been removed and this exception can be handled on a case-by-case basis by the CCO (or his delegate).
iv. representing cross trades between the employees and funds/clients;
v. that short-selling of any securities recommended by the Company for purchase; or
vi. the requested securities are on BMO or BMO GAM Asia restricted stock lists (depending on the role of employee), where applicable.

 

b) Insider Dealing. You are prohibited from purchasing or selling any security, either personally or for any Client, while you are in possession of material, non-public information concerning the security or its issuer.

 

c) Initial Public Offerings and Secondary Public Offering. You are prohibited to purchase or otherwise acquire any Security in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a Secondary Public Offering available to clients of the Company (including the funds managed by BMO GAM Asia or its connected persons), and should not use their positions to gain access to IPO’s for themselves or any other person. The reason for this rule is that it precludes the appearance that an employee has used our client’s market stature as a means of obtaining for himself or herself “hot” issues which would otherwise not be offered to him or her. Any realization of short-term profits may create at least the appearance that an investment opportunity that should have been available to a Fund or other Client was diverted to the personal benefit of an individual employee of this firm.

 

d) Short Sales. You may not sell short any Security.

 

e) Options. You may not engage in option transactions with respect to any Security.

 

f) Margin Accounts. If an employee maintains a margin account, his or her securities could be sold involuntarily to cover the margin at a time when the same security was being traded for a fund or other Clients. Caution should therefore be exercised in the use of margin accounts.

 

g) Short-term Trading and Holding Period. You are strongly discouraged from engaging in excessive short-term trading of Securities. Employees are required to hold all personal investments for at least 30 calendar days, unless prior written approval of the CCO or his/her delegate is given for an earlier disposal.

 

h) Acting for Personal Benefit. You may not cause or recommend a Client to take action for your personal benefit. Thus, for example, you may not trade in or recommend a security for a Client to support or enhance the price of a security in your personal account, or “front run” a Client.

 

 
 
i) Restrictions on BMO Securities. BMO employees are prohibited from directly or indirectly purchasing or writing options on BMO securities or short selling BMO securities. Also, no BMO employee may enter into financial transactions to hedge or monetize economic exposure to BMO shares or other equity compensation based on BMO shares. For example, forwards, swaps or limited recourse loans linked to BMO shares may not be used to monetize or hedge an employee’s exposure to BMO shares.

 

j) Transactions of Certain Affiliated Persons. Pursuant to Section 17 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 of the USA, the registration statements of the fund advised/sub-advised by BMO GAM Asia and available for US persons provide that the fund shall not purchase or retain in its portfolio any securities issued by an issuer any of whose officers, directors or security holders is an officer or director of the fund, or is an officer or director of the investment adviser of the fund, if after the purchase of the securities of such issuer by the fund one or more of such persons owns beneficially more than 0.5%of the shares or other securities, or both, of such issuer, and such persons owning more than 0.5% of such shares or other securities together own beneficially more than 5% of such shares or securities, or both. To avoid any possibility of an inadvertent violation of this provision, holdings exceeding 0.5% of the shares or other securities of any publicly owned issuers are restricted and must be reported to the Company.

 

For more details, please refer to Operating Directive: Personal Trading in Securities and Prevention of Insider Trading, where applicable.

 

https://intranet.bmogc.net/corporate/portal/lccg/Documents/OpDirectPersTradingSecuritiesPreventionInsiderTradingE.pdf

 

5.4.             Blackout Period

 

NO EMPLOYEE shall exercise a securities transaction on a day during which any Fund or other Client of BMO GAM Asia has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same security until that order is executed or withdrawn. Priority should always be given to securities transactions for any Fund or clients over personal investments.

 

NO INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL shall buy or sell a security within five (5) trading days before or after a Client trades in that security, or a recommendation on that investment is made or proposed to a Client. Other non-investment employees are subject to such restrictions for one (1) trading day. Because your responsibility is to put Client’s interests ahead of your own, you may not delay taking appropriate action for a Client in order to benefit or avoid potential adverse consequences in your personal account. The above may not be applied where client orders have been fully executed and any conflicts have been removed and it is subject to CCO (or his delegate) decision on a case-by-case basis.

 

 
 

 

5.5.             Reporting Requirements

 

You are required to provide the following reports within the specific timeline of your Security holdings and transactions to the Compliance Department. For the avoidance of doubt, the reports mentioned below also include those of the members of your Immediate Family and the covered accounts referred to under “Applicability of the Policies” above.

 

a) Initial Report of Holdings. Within ten (10) calendar days after joining BMO GAM Asia, you must submit to the Compliance Department a report of your holdings of Securities, including the name, stock code and number of shares/principal amount of each Security held upon the time you joined BMO GAM Asia, and the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom you maintained an account for trading or holding any type of securities, together with the relevant statements as a proof.

 

b) Annual Report of Holdings Within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the end of each calendar year, you must submit to the Compliance Department a report of your holdings of Securities as at 31 December of the immediate previous year, including the name, stock code and number of shares/principal amount of each Security, and the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom you maintained an account for trading or holding any type of securities, together with the relevant statements as a proof.

 

c) Quarterly Transaction Report. Within fourteen (14) calendar days after the end of each calendar quarter, you must submit to the Compliance Department a report of your transactions in Securities which require pre-clearance or a gift of such Securities during that quarter, including the date of the transaction, the name, the ticker, and the number of shares/ principal amount of each Security in the transaction, the nature of the transaction (whether a purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition or disposition, including a gift), the price of the Security at which the transaction was effected, and the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through the transaction was effected, together with the relevant monthly statements (quarterly statement will suffice if monthly statement is not issued by the broker) as a proof.

 

5.6. Approval of Brokers, Statements of accounts and Confirmations of Transactions

 

You must obtain pre-approval from the CCO (or his delegate) before opening an outside brokerage account for personal account dealing of Securities. You must ensure that each broker, dealer or bank with which you maintain an account send directly to the Compliance Department copies of monthly statements of account of your personal brokerage accounts. Alternatively, the employee can directly submit the monthly statements of account to Compliance Department by himself/herself on a quarterly basis.

 

For those employees execute personal account trading, they are required to either provide statements of account or confirmations of transactions (upon request) for the purpose of regular monitoring purpose. For those employees who do not provide reports of securities holding or statements of accounts timely, the compliance manager will send chaser email to these employees and copy to the CCO for escalation purpose. Where necessary, CCO will consider to further escalate to Head of GAM Asia.

 
 
5.7. Monthly Stocks Saving Plan (the “Plan”)

 

You are required to obtain one-off prior approval from the CCO (or his delegate) on the stocks you are going to select before you join the Monthly Stocks Savings Plan. Pre-approval requirement will be waived for the monthly transactions held by your brokers if there is no change in the Plan. However, if there is any change in your Plan afterwards, such as change of stocks or change in timing in placing order, re-approval from CCO (or his delegate) is needed.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT (p)(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 
 

INTRODUCTION TO THE CODE OF ETHICS

 

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) sets out standards for business conduct for Research Affiliates, LLC (“Research Affiliates” or “the Company”) based on fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty, and trust, as well as our fiduciary duties. The purpose of the Code is to convey to our Supervised Persons the importance we place on ethical and lawful conduct, and to educate our Supervised Persons on how to live up to not only the letter of the law, but also to our Company’s core values.

 

Therefore, in view of the foregoing and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 204a-1 under the Investment Advisers Act (“Advisers Act”) and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), the Company has adopted this Code to outline and prohibit certain types of activities that are deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to outline pre-approval, reporting and review requirements, where appropriate, along with enforcement procedures. Please note that for all pre-approval, reporting and review requirements listed below, the CCO will report to and/or obtain pre-approval from the CEO.

 

This Code of Ethics (the “Code”) applies to all Supervised Persons, as defined in Section 1.13 below, of Research Affiliates. This Code supersedes all previous versions of the Company’s Code.

 

1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 “Reportable Account”

“Reportable Account” means any arrangement where Securities can be purchased or sold at the discretion of the account holder or at the discretion of an appointed third party manager or trustee for the Beneficial Interest of a Supervised Person. Reportable Account includes, but is not limited to, a brokerage account, a mutual fund account, a retirement account, a third party separately managed account and a custodial account. Reportable Account does not include accounts that hold ONLY Non- Reportable Securities. Reportable Accounts does not include 529 college savings plans.

1.2 “Beneficial Interest” and “Beneficial Owner” of a Reportable Security

In general, a Supervised Person has a “Beneficial Interest” in any Reportable Security or Reportable Account in which he or she has a direct or indirect financial interest. A Supervised Person is presumed to have a “Beneficial Interest” in any Reportable Security or Reportable Account held by a spouse, minor children, relatives who share a Supervised Person’s home or other persons by reason of any contract or other arrangement that provides the Supervised Person with sole or shared voting or investment power over that Reportable Security or Reportable Account.

For example, a Supervised Person generally would be the “Beneficial Owner” of a Reportable Security or Reportable Account that are held: a) in his or her own name individually or with another in joint tenancy, community property, or other joint ownership; b) by a bank or broker as nominee or custodian on the Supervised Person’s’ behalf or pledged as collateral for a loan; c) by members of the Supervised Person’s’ immediate family sharing the same household; d) by a relative not residing in the Supervised Person’s’ home if the person is a custodian, guardian, or otherwise has or shares with the Supervised Person control over the purchase, sale, or voting of Reportable Securities; e) by a trust in which the Supervised Person is a trustee or beneficiary and has, or shares, the power to make

 
 

 

purchase or sale decisions; f) by a partnership or limited liability company in which the Supervised Person is a general partner or managing member, respectively; g) in a portfolio giving the Supervised Person certain performance related fees; h) by another person or entity pursuant to any agreement, understanding, relationship, or other arrangement giving the Supervised Person direct or indirect pecuniary interest; or i) by a corporation in which the Supervised Person has a control position or in which the Supervised Person has or shares investment control over the portfolio Reportable Securities.

1.3 “Exchange Traded Funds” (“ETFs”)

“Exchange Traded Funds” or “ETFs” are shares of ownership in either funds, unit investment trusts or depository receipts that hold portfolios of common stocks that closely track the performance and dividend yield of specific indices.

1.4 “Federal Securities Laws”

“Federal Securities Laws” means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as it applies to fund and investment advisers, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC, Department of Labor or the Department of Treasury.

1.5 “Initial Public Offering”

“Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

1.6 “Limited Offering”

“Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) (15 U.S.C. 77d(2) or 77(d)(6)) or pursuant to 230.504, 230.505, or 230.506 of this chapter.

1.7 “Non-Reportable Security”

“Non-Reportable Security means (a) transactions effected through an automatic investment plan in which regular, periodic purchases or withdrawals are made automatically in or from investment accounts in accordance with a pre-determined schedule and allocation (such as the Company’s 401

(k) Plan or a dividend reinvestment plan); (b) securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (c) money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (d) shares of money market funds; (e) interests in rarities, collectibles, tangible commodities held in physical form (f) fiat currencies; and (g) cryptocurrencies.

1.8 Purchase or Sale of a Reportable Security”

 

“Purchase or Sale of a Reportable Security” means any direct or indirect (including through a managed account) purchase, sale, or transfer of a Beneficial Interest in a Reportable Security, including, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a Security or entering into any other contract for the purchase or sale of such Reportable Security, whether or not such contract is conditioned upon certain events.

 
 

 

1.9 “Prohibited Transactions”

“Prohibited Transactions” means a personal securities transaction prohibited by this Code.

1.10 “Reportable Fund”

“Reportable Fund” means (i) any mutual fund for which the Company may serve as an investment adviser or sub-adviser as defined in section 2(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; or (ii) any fund whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls the Company, is controlled by the Company, or is under common control with the Company. For purposes of this section, control has the same meaning as it does in section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act.

1.11 “Secondary Offering”

“Secondary Offering” means an offering of securities of a publicly traded company that prior to the offering were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

1.12 “Reportable Security” or “Reportable Securities”

“Reportable Security” or “Reportable Securities” means a note, stock, treasury stock, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, shares of open and closed-end investment companies including those of open-end ETF shares and UIT ETF shares, certificate of interest or participation in any profit- sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or any group or index of Securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing. The terms Reportable Security and Reportable Securities also include any financial instrument whose value is determined by reference to a Reportable Security or Reportable Securities, as defined above (including futures, options on futures, swaps, forward contracts, and other derivative instruments).

1.13 “Supervised Persons”

“Supervised Persons” means all officers, directors and employees of the Company and any other person(s) that the Company may deem from time to time to be a supervised person (such as certain independent contractors or certain non-employee members of our parent company’s Board of Directors).

 
 

 

2. DELIVERY AND AVAILIBILITY OF THE COMPLIANCE MANUAL, CODE OF ETHICS, AND ANY AMENDMENTS

The Company shall provide to every Supervised Person a copy of the Compliance Manual, including the Code, and any amendments (“Manual”), and obtain from each Supervised Person through the personal trading monitoring system known as ComplySci (“COMPLYSCI”) an acknowledgement of their receipt and understanding of the Manual. Accordingly, the Research Affiliates Compliance Department provides the Manual to new Supervised Persons at the time they begin their work at Research Affiliates. Hereafter, the Supervised Person is required to certify through the COMPLYSCI system to having received and understood these documents. The Compliance Department also provides these documents to Supervised Persons once each year through the COMPLYSCI system and at the time of any amendments and receives through the COMPLYSCI system each Supervised Person’s certification of their receipt and understanding of the Manual. Further, the Manual is provided to Supervised Persons through RA’s intranet site (MyRA). All Supervised Persons are required to be familiar with this MyRA site and to know how to access these important compliance documents.

 

3. REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Research Affiliates places great importance on the Manual and expects all Supervised Persons to strictly comply with all policies and procedures therein. Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act requires prompt internal reporting of any violations of the Code. Therefore, any and all violations of the Code, past or current, and any concerns of potentially foreseeable future violations should be immediately reported to the CCO. Failure to report either known violations committed by others or information learned that may indicate a potential for future violation of the Code by another Supervised Person will be deemed a personal violation by the non-disclosing member. Further, it is our policy to protect individuals who report violations. Retaliation against any Supervised Person who reports a violation is not tolerated. Any Supervised Person who engages in any retaliatory action against a Supervised Person who has reported or is thinking about reporting a potential violation of these Policies, including the Code, shall be treated as if they violated the Code and shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action.

 

4. COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS

All Supervised Persons must comply with the federal securities laws applicable to both Research Affiliates and its Supervised Persons since Research Affiliates is an SEC registered investment adviser. Advisers Act Rule 204A-1e(4) defines “federal securities laws” in this context to include the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the SEC under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury. Many of the policies and procedures set out in this Manual, including the Code, along with Research Affiliates’ compliance program are designed to aid Research Affiliates and its Supervised Persons to comply with all such laws as they apply to business conducted by Research Affiliates and its Supervised Persons.

 
 

FIDUCIARY DUTY

 

1. INTRODUCTION

The Company and its Supervised Persons have an ongoing fiduciary responsibility to the Company’s clients and must ensure that the needs of the clients always come first. The Company holds its Supervised Persons to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving its clients, the Company and its Supervised Persons must at all times deal with clients in an honest and ethical manner and comply with all the Federal Securities Laws.

 

While affirming its confidence in the integrity and good faith of its Supervised Persons, the Company understands that the knowledge of present or future client portfolio transactions and the power to influence client portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, places them in a position where their personal interests might become conflicted with the interests of the Company’s clients. Such conflicts of interest could arise, for example, if securities are bought or sold for personal accounts in a manner that either competes with the purchase or sale of securities for clients which results in an advantageous position for the personal accounts.

 

A fiduciary is a professional entrusted with the management of a client’s assets. We owe a fiduciary duty to all of our clients and we recognize and understand the requirements of this duty and act accordingly. The SEC has stated that investment advisers owe their clients several specific duties as fiduciaries. Because the Company is a fiduciary to its clients, Supervised Persons should avoid actual and potential conflicts of interest with the Company’s clients.

 

As part of our fiduciary duty, we owe to all our clients:

· Duty of loyalty;
· Duty to act in clients’ best interest;
· Duty to act with care in handling client matters;
· Duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and
· Duty to comply with all applicable laws.

 

In addition, the Company adheres to the CFA Code of Ethics standards. RA strives to put the interests of our clients ahead of our own. Therefore, RA attempts to mitigate or avoid any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid and/or mitigate the effects of engaging in activities that could pose a conflict of interest with our clients. An adviser’s breach of fiduciary duty to its clients may constitute a violation of the anti-fraud provisions of the Advisers Act. Our duty of care and fiduciary obligation requires that Research Affiliates and its Supervised Persons must act fairly and in the best interest of our clients. In addition, this obligation imposes numerous responsibilities including the duty to render disinterested and impartial advice; to make suitable recommendations to clients within the context of their total portfolio and in light of their individual needs, financial circumstances and investment objectives; to exercise a high degree of care to ensure that all material facts are disclosed to clients and adequate and accurate representations of its business and other information about Research Affiliate’s services and investment advice are presented using fair, ethical, and equitable practices.

 
 

Every Supervised Person must read and acknowledge receipt of Research Affiliates’ Code, which addresses how the Company and its Supervised Persons shall fulfill its fiduciary duty to its clients, avoid prohibited transactions and mitigate or eliminate conflicts of interest.

 

2. EXPLICIT PROHIBITIONS

As a SEC registered investment adviser, Research Affiliates has a statutory duty to oversee the investment advisory activities of its Supervised Persons who act on its behalf. Therefore, Research Affiliates has adopted the following prohibitions and standards that must be followed by all Supervised Persons.

Supervised Persons cannot:

· Knowingly compete with, aid, or advise any person, firm, or corporation in competing with us in any way, or engage in any activity in which our personal interests in any manner conflict, or might conflict, with those of the Company or our clients.
· Be employed by or have, directly or indirectly, a significant financial interest in any business that is engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the Company, unless an explicit written waiver is issued by the CCO and the Company’s Management Committee.
· Accept or request, directly or indirectly, any favor or thing of value from any person, firm, or non- affiliated corporation, negotiating, contracting, or in any way dealing with the Company, if the favor or thing of value might influence negotiations, contracts, or transactions; and if we are offered any favor or thing of value, directly or indirectly, we shall immediately report it to the Compliance Department.
· Directly or indirectly, give any favor or thing of value to, or engage in the entertainment of, any person, firm, or non-affiliated corporation, negotiating, contracting, or in any way dealing with the Company, except as may be consistent with generally acceptable ethical standards, our policies and procedures, and accepted business practices and not in violation of any applicable law or client standard of conduct.
· Accept or offer gifts and entertainment; make political or charitable contributions, to obtain or retain client business or contracts with government entities inconsistent with, or in violation of, our Gifts and Entertainment, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or Political Contributions Policies. We cannot consider current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in soliciting political or charitable contributions. (Please note that some clients of the Company require that we disclose all political contributions and solicitations for contributions to or concerning any of their elected or appointed officials. Supervised Persons may be required to certify to the Company that they are in compliance with these guidelines. For more information, see our Gifts and Entertainment, and Political Contributions Policies.)
· Participate in any negotiations or dealings of any sort with any person, firm, or non-affiliated corporation in which we individually have, directly or indirectly, an interest, whether through a personal relationship that is more than mere acquaintance, or through stockholding or otherwise, except an ordinary investment not sufficient to in any way affect our judgment, conduct, or attitude in the matter, or give us a personal interest therein.
 
 

 

 

· Receive, in addition to our regular salary, fees, or other compensation, any money or thing of value, directly or indirectly, or through any substantial interest in any non-affiliated corporation or business of any sort, or through any personal relationship, for negotiating, procuring, recommending, or aiding in any purchase, sale, or rental of property or any loan made by or to the Company; nor shall we have any financial or other personal interest, directly or indirectly, or through any other non-affiliated corporation or business or through any personal relationship, in a purchase, sale, rental or loan.
· Give or release to anyone, unless properly authorized, any information of a confidential nature concerning RA, its affiliates or our clients.
· Use Material Non-Public Information, personally or on behalf of others, for any securities transaction.

 

3. PROHIBITED SALES PRACTICES

As a SEC registered investment adviser, Research Affiliates has a statutory duty to oversee the investment advisory activities of its Supervised Persons who act on its behalf. Therefore, Research Affiliates has adopted the following prohibitions and standards that must be followed by all Supervised Persons.

3.1 Prohibited Sales Tactics

No Supervised Person may engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative practices, such as misrepresenting or omitting material facts.

3.2 Third-party Instructions

Supervised Persons must not accept instructions regarding a client’s account, including any orders to effect securities transactions or liquidate a client’s account, from any person other than the client, unless the client has provided written authorization to Research Affiliates (typically through contract or power of attorney) to do so.

3.3 Selling Away

Supervised Persons must not engage in the sale or promotion of any investment advisory service other than for products or services of Research Affiliates without prior written permission from the CCO. Please also refer to the Codes’ policies on “Outside Business Activities” and procedures for reporting.

3.4 Fraudulent Practices

Supervised Persons must not engage in any act, practice, or course of business which is fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative. For example, prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

· Unfair prices;
· Failure to disclose material facts;
· Fraudulent representations;
· Unsuitable recommendations/investments;
· Falsifying records;
· Circumvention of industry rules and regulations;
 
 
· Failure to maintain proper records;
· Unauthorized transactions in clients’ accounts;
· Failure to disclose conflicts of interest;
· Misusing customer funds or securities; or
· Misusing information gained in a fiduciary capacity.

 

4. STANDARDS TO PROTECT CLIENTS

Every agreement between Research Affiliates and its clients must be in writing and must disclose, in substance, the services to be provided, the term of the contract, the advisory fee or the formula for computing the fee.

In addition, each advisory agreement will address assignments, notifications, confidentiality of provisions, services and a dispute resolution method. Only Research Affiliates’ Management Committee may agree to any written modifications to Research Affiliates’ investment advisory agreements.

All fees charged by Research Affiliates shall be explicitly stated in the advisory agreement or an attachment thereof. Among other things, the anti-fraud provisions of the Advisers Act generally prohibit an investment adviser from charging fees that are unreasonable considering the services to be provided, and/or charging a substantially high fee without disclosing that similar services could be obtained elsewhere at a lower cost.

 
 

INSIDER TRADING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

The Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 (“1988 Act”) further extends the safeguards of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as it pertains to insider trading. The purpose of this Insider Trading Policies and Procedures is to comply with the 1988 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and other applicable regulation. In addition, the policies and procedures herein are designed to provide a program for educating, detecting and preventing insider trading by Supervised Persons of Research Affiliates.

 

1. DEFINITIONS

“Insider” is a person with access to material key information about a publicly traded company before it is announced to the public. Typically, the term refers to corporate officers, directors and key personnel, but may be extended to include family members, relatives and/or others in a position to capitalize on insider information. Additionally, persons may be characterized as "temporary" or "constructive" insiders if they have access to material non-public information for a legitimate purpose in the context of performing a service for a particular company. Examples include, but are not limited to, accountants, attorneys, IT service providers, and even printers who print financial information.

"Insider Information" describes material non-public information regarding corporate events that have not yet been made public. For example, the officers of a firm know in advance if the company is about to be acquired or if the latest earning report is going to differ significantly from information previously released. If information reasonably influences the purchase, sale or market value of a company's securities and such information has not yet been publicized in a widely used medium, then it is considered insider information.

 

“Misappropriation” usually occurs when a person acquires inside information about one company in violation of a duty owed to another company. For example, if an employee of ABC Public Company has knowledge that XYZ Public Company is negotiating a merger with ABC Public Company, that employee has material nonpublic information about both companies and must not trade in such companies’ stocks or pass on the information to anyone that does not already know.

 

“Tipping” is passing along inside information to others. A tip occurs when an insider (the "tipper") discloses inside information to another person (the “recipient”), which causes the recipient to become an insider and therefore subject to a duty not to trade or pass along the information while in possession of that information. The act of tipping violates the 1988 Act and both the tipper and the recipient may be subject to liability for insider trading regardless of whether a benefit was derived from the action.

 

2. PENALTIES FOR INSIDER TRADING

Penalties for trading on or communicating material, nonpublic information are severe, both for the individuals involved in the unlawful conduct and for the employers. A person can be subject to some or all of the penalties set forth below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties may include:

civil injunctions;
disgorgement of profits;
jail sentences;

 

 

 

 
 
fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided (per violation, or illegal trade), whether or not the person actually benefited from the violation; and
Criminal penalties that can result in a maximum fine of up to $5,000,000 and twenty (20) years imprisonment.

 

3. POLICY

RA and its Supervised Persons are prohibited from acting upon material non-public information, which includes tipping.

 

There may be times that a Supervised Person receives insider information during the ordinary course of employment with the Company and regardless if the receipt of such information is advertent or inadvertent, that person will be deemed an “insider.” This may occur under a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to the following:

 

Example 1: RA’s client may be an officer or director of a publicly traded company that is undergoing material structural changes and discloses these changes to a Supervised Person.
Example 2: A Supervised Person inadvertently receives insider information during a research call with a public company, an expert network consultant, a broker-dealer, an investment manager, or others with such information.
Example 3: A Supervised Person receives non-public information regarding a tender offer.

 

If a Supervised Person is unsure or suspects that he/she may have obtained or may be perceived to have obtained insider information, they should notify the CCO immediately.

Prohibited activity while in receipt of material non-public information includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Purchasing or selling a security (or a derivative of such security) for any RA’s client, in a personal account or any proprietary account, or in any other account while in possession of material, non-public information relating to that security or its issuer of affiliates; and
Communicating material, non-public information to another (with the exception of the CCO), whether or not such communication leads to or was intended to lead to, a purchase or sale of securities.

To help avoid possible violations, senior management of RA will exercise great care, in accordance with the procedures outlined below, in the supervision of Supervised Persons and of the securities transactions of their personnel. If there is any question as to whether a contemplated purchase or sale would violate the insider trading rules, Supervised Persons must consult with the CCO prior to effecting the transaction.

 
 
4. PROCEDURES
4.1 Material Non-Public Information

RA believes that strict adherence to applicable federal and state securities laws is in the best interests of our clients, Supervised Persons, the securities industry, and the investing public. We believe that misuse of Material Non-Public Information (defined further below) in trading securities is detrimental to the securities industry and the investing public and is illegal. Therefore, RA maintains and strictly enforces written policies and procedures reasonably designed to be consistent with the nature of our business to prevent the misuse by any of our Supervised Persons of Material Non-Public Information.

No RA Supervised Person shall, either directly or indirectly:

· Purchase, sell, or engage in a transaction, either personally or on behalf of others (such as private accounts managed by RA), involving any asset while in possession of Material Non-Public Information; or

 

· Communicate Material Non-Public Information to any Supervised Person or other person except to, or with the prior consent of, the CCO.

 

4.1.1 Persons Covered by the Policy

This policy applies to every RA Supervised Person, and extends to activities both within and outside their duties at RA. All Supervised Persons must read, become familiar with, acknowledge receipt of, and agree to review at least annually these policies.

These policies are only general guidelines to be followed by all RA Supervised Persons and do not include all laws, rules, regulations, and orders that govern our business activities, and cannot address every possible matter. If any Supervised Person has any questions not addressed in these policies, or believes that application of a policy or procedure would be inappropriate in particular circumstances, he/she must seek the guidance of the CCO.

4.1.2 Material Non-Public Information

These policies set forth guidelines regarding the duty of each Supervised Person of RA to avoid professional or personal investment transactions that may constitute a prohibited activity, and to comply with RA’s policy regarding Material Non-Public Information and insider trading. “Material Non-Public Information” is any information about a company or a security that is not publicly available and that a reasonable investor would consider material when making an investment decision, or information that is reasonably likely to have an effect on the price of a security.

4.1.3 Prohibitions Against Using Material, Non-Public Information

Purchasing, selling, or engaging in a transaction involving any security while in possession of Material Non-Public Information or communication of such information is unlawful subjecting you and the Company to criminal and civil penalties. RA’s Supervised Persons, shall not, for their own benefit or for the benefit of the Company, any client, or any other person, either directly or indirectly, trade or recommend trading on the basis of Material Non-Public Information.

Violation of policies and procedures concerning Material Non-Public Information by any RA Supervised Person is a serious violation of their employment obligations and may subject them to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

 
 

 

4.1.4 When is Information Considered to be “Material?”

Information is generally considered to be “Material” if a reasonable investor would consider it material when making an investment decision or the information is reasonably likely to have an effect on the price of a security. For example, the following types of information about a publicly traded company may be considered “Material”: significant changes in financial condition; proposed dividend increases or decreases; significant changes from analysts’ earnings estimates; significant changes in previously released earnings estimates by a company; significant changes in operations; a significant increase or decline of orders; significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements; significant new products or discoveries; extraordinary management developments; or the purchase: or, sale of substantial assets. Information concerning any changes of these types, even if not significant, may be “Material” in some instances.

4.1.5 When is Information Considered to be “Non-Public?”

Information is generally considered to be “Non-Public” if it was received under circumstances that indicate that it is not yet in general circulation, or if a reasonable person would believe that it was received under an explicit or implicit obligation not to disclose. Information is generally considered to be publicly available if it is available from a news source, together with the passage of enough time for the market to absorb the information.

Material Non-Public Information is sometimes referred to as “inside information,” meaning that the information was obtained directly or indirectly from the company or their employees. However, Material Non-Public Information does not have to be obtained from insiders to the company. For example, certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper article that was expected to affect the market price of a security may be considered to be Material Non-Public Information.

4.1.6 Procedures in Handling the Receipt of Material Non-Public Information

Whenever you believe that you may have received Material Non-Public Information about a security or a company, you shall not:

· Trade in or recommend trading in that security (or related securities) or any other security issued by that company unless expressly permitted to do so by the CCO; or
· Disclose the information to anyone unless expressly permitted to do so by the CCO, CIO or Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”).

If you have any question about whether information is material, inside or non-public, such question must first be resolved before trading, recommending trading, or divulging the information. As such, you must immediately and confidentially communicate all related facts and circumstances to the CLO to enable such counsel to properly investigate the matter and determine whether an opinion from outside legal counsel may be warranted.

You shall not disclose any Material Non-Public Information to any third-party or client. You shall not disregard the restrictions on insider trading imposed by the federal securities laws.

 
 
4.1.7 Prohibition on Spreading False Information

Supervised Persons are prohibited, either directly or indirectly, from intentionally creating false information or spreading rumors intended to affect securities prices, or other potentially manipulative conduct.

4.1.8 Restricted Securities List

RA does not generally have a restricted securities list. If by chance the Company or its Supervised Persons may gain inside information pertaining to a security, a restricted securities list will be maintained. In the unlikely event that a restricted securities list will be maintained, a security will be placed on the Company’s Restricted Securities List, when it has been determined that the Company may have inside information pertaining to the security or the security should not be traded by the Company for other reasons determined by the Management Committee (“Restricted Security”). When a security is placed on the List, Supervised Persons are prohibited from purchasing or selling on behalf of any client account during the time period the security is included on the List. The CCO shall be responsible for maintaining the Company’s Restricted Securities List and will ensure that all Supervised Persons are notified of the securities listed on the Restricted Securities List, along with changes that are made from time to time.

4.1.9 Ongoing Responsibility of Supervised Persons

All Supervised Persons must make an ongoing diligent effort to ensure that a violation of these Insider Trading Policies and Procedures does not occur. This requires all Supervised Persons to:

· Read, understand and agree in writing to comply with the Company’s Insider Trading Policies and Procedures;

 

· Disclose to the CCO any employment, relationship, or other involvement (such as board membership or employment by a family member or relative) with a publicly traded company;

 

· Ensure that no trading occurs in their personal account(s) in any security (or derivative of such security) for which they have material, non-public information;

 

· Make periodic (no less than annual) written certifications to the Company that they have not traded upon or communicated material nonpublic information;

 

· Not disclose insider information obtained from any source whatsoever to any person not already having such knowledge (except the CCO when reporting receipt of such insider information);

 

· Attend all mandatory educational and training required by the Company and read all insider trading materials provided by the CCO or a designee;

 

· Consult with the CCO when questions arise regarding potential receipt of material, non-public information or when potential violations of these Insider Trading Policies and Procedures are suspected;

 

· Adhere to all requirements under the Company’s Code and this Insider Trading Policy and Procedures; and
· Cooperate fully with the CCO and any senior managers during any investigation of potential violations of these Insider Trading Policies and Procedures.
 
 

 

4.1.10 Supervised Persons Training and Education

Supervised Persons will be provided a copy of this Insider Trading Policies and Procedures initially upon hire, annually, and anytime an amendment is made, and must execute acknowledgments as outlined in 4 above. RA also provides periodic educational training with respect to the prohibitions of insider trading, and the Company’s Insider Trading Policies and Procedures, which will be delivered in different ways that may include attendance to seminars, meetings, and/or webinars, and providing written materials for review.

4.1.11 Violations and Sanctions

Any potential violation of RA’s Insider Trading Policies and Procedures will result in an internal review and could result in immediate sanctions (including those outlined in Item 2 above), and termination of employment for all Supervised Person(s) involved. No Supervised Person will be sanctioned for the reporting of any potential or actual violation of the Company’s Insider Trading Policies and Procedures.

Any question you may have regarding these or any other policies and procedures should be discussed with the CCO.

 
 

PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING AND REPORTING POLICY

 

In an effort to prevent any violation of the securities laws, rules and regulations and to avoid any conflict of interests or the appearance of any such conflict of interests between the Company and its clients or between Supervised Persons and the Company or the Company’s clients, all Supervised Persons are prohibited from engaging in a purchase or sale of any of the following (excluding through a third party managed account) in which the Supervised Person has a “Beneficial Interest”: (1) an individual publicly traded “Reportable Security”; (2) a derivative instrument which derives its value from any such individual publicly traded Reportable Security; (3) any instrument that is convertible into any individual, publicly traded Reportable Security; (4) interests in a real estate investment trust; or (5) interests in an initial public offering.

Exceptions to the above prohibitions on personal trading include the following: (1) trading in U.S. government bonds, municipal bonds, sovereign bonds, mutual funds that are not managed or sub-advised by RA, exchange traded funds, derivatives on securities market indices or exchange traded funds, money market instruments, bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, high quality short-term debt instruments (including repurchase agreements), shares of money market funds, interests in rarities, interests in collectibles, tangible commodities held in physical form, and currencies; (2) sales of securities already held within an account; (3) holdings within your RA 401(k) account or another 401(k) account (excluding securities that can be traded through a brokerage window within a 401(k) plan); and

(4) acquisitions of securities by way of gift, inheritance, corporate actions (e.g., stock dividends), stock option plans, or dividend reinvestment plans. Purchases of private securities is generally permitted but all such purchases must be reviewed and pre-approved by the CCO. ETFs and mutual funds are Reportable Securities, but do not have to be pre-cleared.

 

1. DEFINITIONS

Please refer to the Introduction to the Code for all applicable definitions.

 

2. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND HOLDINGS REPORTING, CERTIFICATION, AND MONITORING

The COMPLYSCI system shall be used by the Company to record and monitor information regarding personal trading accounts and to monitor activity and transactions in those accounts. The COMPLYSCI system also facilitates Supervised Person’s electronic requests for pre-approval, reporting and certifications related to securities transactions and Accounts.

Upon its adoption and quarterly thereafter, the Supervised Person shall be provided with a copy of this Personal Securities Trading and Reporting Policy, as then in force, via the COMPLYSCI system and shall (1) acknowledge receipt of these policies; (2) affirm having read the policies; and (3) affirm having been in compliance with these policies, as they were in force, since their previous affirmation. In addition, a Supervised Person shall update his or her current list of accounts, including the disclosure of other investments not held at a brokerage firm (e.g., participation in limited partnerships, private placements, joint ventures, etc.)

 
 
3. NEW SUPERVISED PERSON REPORTING – INITIAL HOLDINGS AND BROKERAGE REPORTS –CONSENTS

Each Supervised Person, during his or her compliance orientation meeting, will be introduced to the COMPLYSCI system, given an overview of the Compliance Manual including the Code, and shall receive, complete, and return to the Compliance Department, copies of the Initial Brokerage Report and Initial Holdings Report forms within 10 days of beginning employment. These initial reports must contain information that is no older than 45 days before the Supervised Person was hired and must include, among other things, (1) the name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Supervised Person maintains an account in which any Securities are held for the Supervised Person’s direct or indirect Beneficial Interest; and (2) the name, number of shares, and principal amount of each Security (except Non-Covered Securities defined below) in which the Supervised Person has direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. The Supervised Person must also execute any necessary consent or instructions to his or her broker, dealer, or bank to authorize the automatic delivery of either i) statements, holdings and transaction data to RA via the COMPLYSCI system; or ii) duplicate statements. Please note that RA does not generally permit Supervised Persons to have an account that does not provide automatic data feeds through COMPLYSCI.

 

4. REPORTABLE ACCOUNTS

A Supervised Person must report any new Reportable Accounts within 10 days of opening the account. Supervised Persons should use the Self Reporting section on the COMPLYSCI system to report the new Reportable Account.

4.1. Third-Party Managed Accounts

Supervised Persons who are grantors or beneficiaries over accounts for which they have “no direct influence or control” or direct indexing accounts must provide and certify the following information within ten (10) days of their initial start date:

· The name of the third-party discretionary manager, or trustee;
· The nature of the relationship between the Supervised Person and the third-party discretionary manager or trustee;
· The custodian where the third-party managed account is held; and
· Duplicate brokerage statements for any third-party managed accounts.

 

5. QUARTERLY REPORTING OF TRANSACTIONS

In order for the Company to monitor compliance with the Code and to comply with Rule 204A-1 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of 1940 Act, every Supervised Person is required to report to the CCO or a designee the information described below.

Within 30 calendar days of each quarter end (by April 30, July 30, October 30, and January 30), the Supervised Person shall review, update, certify and submit a quarterly report of the information required on the COMPLYSCI system for all securities transactions in which the Supervised Person has or acquired any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest or in which the Supervised Person is a Beneficial Owner containing the following information:

 
 
The date of the transaction (either trade date or settlement date), the name of the security, the symbol, the number of shares, the maturity date and/or the interest rate, if applicable, and the principal amount of each security involved;
The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
The price of the security at which the transaction was affected;
The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was affected; and
The name and account number of the personal account.

Unless previously provided through the automated COMPLYSCI system and direct data delivery feeds arranged with the Supervised Person’s account brokers, paper copies of all brokerage account statements for the relevant quarter must be given or delivered to the Compliance Department.

The Supervised Person shall include on each quarterly PITR, transactions in shares of any mutual fund for which RA acts as an investment adviser or sub-advisor.

This 30-day requirement applies to all Supervised Persons, unless a Supervised Person is granted an extension by the CCO due to a delay caused by medical, personal or other considerations, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

6. ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS

Before January 30 of each year, the Supervised Person shall review, update, certify and submit annual Reportable Securities and Reportable Account holdings information as of December 31 of the previous year on the COMPLYSCI system. The report must include the following information, which must be as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report was submitted:

The title and type of security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each reportable security in which the Supervised Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
The name of the broker, dealer or bank with which the Supervised Person maintains an account in which the securities are held; and
The date the Supervised Person submits the report.

 

7. ACCOUNTS HOLDING BOTH REPORTABLE AND NON-REPORTABLE SECURITIES

 

Please note that although Supervised Persons are not required to report Non-Reportable Securities, the Supervised Person is required to report all existing Reportable Accounts and obtain prior approval for any new Reportable Accounts, either of which contain both Reportable Securities and Non-Reportable Securities.

 

8. PRIVATE AND LIMITED OFFERINGS

A Supervised Person may not acquire, directly or indirectly, any Beneficial Interest in a security offered as part of a limited or private offering, without obtaining the prior approval of the CCO. This includes any offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act. A Supervised Person should use the Private Placement Request Form on the COMPLYSCI system to submit his or her requests for pre-approval.

 

 
 
9. COMPLIANCE REVIEW

All COMPLYSCI system activity that warrants the Compliance Department’s attention will be reviewed timely. Additionally, the Compliance Department will review personal securities activity of all Supervised Persons on a periodic basis. The Compliance Department will research and document each potentially material compliance issue as appropriate. If the Compliance Department believes that a compliance violation may have occurred, the enforcement procedures provided in the Company’s Code will be followed.

 
 

DISCLOSURE OF OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES

 

Prior to engaging in an outside activity (“Outside Activity,” as described further below), Supervised Persons must first complete the relevant Outside Activity Disclosure questionnaire using the COMPLYSCI system and discuss with their supervisor and CCO any such Outside Activity. Supervised Persons must also complete through the COMPLYSCI system a quarterly certification regarding all Outside Activities. Examples of Outside Activities that require prior disclosure are those where the Supervised Person will serve as a board member, trustee, employee, manager or officer of a for profit, non-profit, educational or charitable organization. Other examples are activities in which the Supervised Person may spend any significant amount of time during their regular RA work day on such activity, an activity for which the Supervised Person may receive any monetary compensation, or an activity that could create any reputational risk or conflict with the interests of RA or its clients. Any changes regarding your Outside Activities should be reported to the CCO immediately. Please note that volunteerism outside of the RA work day is encouraged and exempted from this policy. "Volunteerism" for purposes of this policy means donated time or services that are occasional in nature and which are outside of board, officer, committee or trustee positions of leadership since these leadership positions can still create risks or conflicts depending upon the nature of these types of activities.

 
 

GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT POLICY

 

RA has adopted a Gifts and Entertainment Policy in order to reduce real or perceived conflicts of interest and to assure compliance with limits and restrictions imposed by law. A conflict of interest occurs when your personal interests interfere or could potentially interfere with your responsibilities to the Company and our clients. You should not accept inappropriate gifts, favors, entertainment, special accommodations, or other things of value that could influence decision-making. Similarly, you should not offer gifts, favors, entertainment or other things of value that could be viewed as overly generous or aimed at influencing decision-making or making a client feel obligated to you or the Company.

 

1. RECEIPT OF GIFTS

Generally, you may not accept from any individual or entity any gifts, services, or other things of more than an aggregate annual value of $250 without pre-approval from the CCO and you must use the COMPLYSCI system to request such prior approval. Unless excluded from this policy as described below, the COMPLYSCI system must be used to log all gifts received from persons or entities in or seeking to be in a contractual relationship with RA. Excluded from this policy are i) gifts received in connection with a bona fide personal relationship (e.g., personal gift received in recognition of a life event, such as a birthday, baby shower, wedding, or anniversary); and ii) items of a purely promotional nature of a minimal value bearing the name or logo of the donor company (e.g., novelties, trinkets).

 

2. GIVING OF GIFTS

Generally, you may not give to any individual or entity any such gifts, services, or other things of more than an aggregate annual value of $250 without pre-approval from the CCO, which must be obtained by using the COMPLYSCI system. Under no circumstances may you give or offer any gifts to representatives of unions, ERISA plans, Taft Hartley Plans, or any governmental plans which exceed applicable federal or state individual, organizational or aggregate limits, as confirmed with the Compliance Department. Unless excluded from this policy as described below, the COMPLYSCI system must be used to log all gifts given to persons or entities with which RA is or is seeking to be in a contractual relationship. The logging of all such gifts should be accomplished on a periodic basis, no less than quarterly, through uploading the RA accounting system sourced gift expense related data into COMPLYSCI. Excluded from this policy are i) gifts given in connection with a bona fide personal relationship (e.g., personal gift given in recognition of a life event, such as a birthday, baby shower, wedding, or anniversary), and ii) items of a purely promotional nature of a minimal value bearing the applicable name or logo associated with the Company.

 

3. CASH GIFTS

You may not give, offer, or accept cash gifts or cash equivalents to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with or on behalf of the Company.

 
 
4. ENTERTAINMENT

Any entertainment provided or received by a Supervised Person may not appear to be extravagant, excessive or affect the independent judgment of the recipient or given with the purpose to obtain, retain, or direct business. Providing entertainment is different than providing a gift since entertainment involves the presence of a RA Supervised Person. Any questions regarding whether or not any entertainment given or received may violate this policy should be discussed with the CCO prior to providing or receiving any such entertainment. Under no circumstances may you give or offer any entertainment to representatives of unions, ERISA plans, Taft Hartley Plans, or any governmental plans that exceed applicable state or federal individual, organizational or aggregate limits.

The COMPLYSCI system must be used to log all entertainment provided to persons or entities with which RA is or is seeking to be in a contractual relationship. The logging of all such entertainment should be accomplished on a periodic basis, no less than quarterly, through uploading the RA accounting system sourced, entertainment expense related data into COMPLYSCI.

 

5. ADDITIONAL REPORTING

In addition to providing information using the COMPLYSCI system as described above, Supervised Persons engaged in the activity of providing gifts and entertainment to persons or entities with which RA is or is seeking to be in a contractual relationship are required to also submit appropriate documentation with their expense reports. The CCO will periodically review the COMPLYSCI logs of all gifts and entertainment related expenses and 1) compare these to the COMPLYSCI requests for preapproval submitted for all gifts given in excess of the $250 limit; and, 2) review entertainment expenses to make sure they are not in violation of the policies and procedures.

 
 

FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT

 

This policy is designed to ensure that RA complies with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). The FCPA makes it unlawful for any U.S. company and its related persons to directly or indirectly bribe foreign officials in order to obtain, retain or direct business. RA maintains a Company-wide policy to comply with the FCPA and all other applicable laws against bribery and other improper payments to foreign officials anywhere in the world.

 

Supervised Persons may not directly or indirectly provide anything of value to any foreign official (including any officer or employee, no matter how low-ranking or high-ranking, of a foreign government, government agency, government-owned enterprise or business, political party, or official or candidate for foreign political office) in order to assist RA or one of its affiliates in obtaining, retaining or directing business. A foreign official includes any officer or employee of a foreign government or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof. Please note that although there are certain “safe harbors” to the FCPA’s prohibition on giving a payment or a thing of value to foreign officials, the use of any such “safe harbors” must be discussed with and approved in writing in advance by the CCO.

 

1. GENERAL RULES
· Direct payments made to foreign officials in order to obtain, retain, or direct business are prohibited.
· Third-party payments are prohibited. RA may not make payments to a third-party, such as a foreign partner, sales agent, or other intermediary, with knowledge that all or a portion of the payment will be passed to a foreign official. Please note that RA would be deemed to know that an agent or other intermediary will make an improper payment if it is aware of, but consciously disregards, a “high probability” that such a payment will be made.
· Any suspected violation of the FCPA must be immediately brought to the attention of the CCO.

 

2. LIMITED EXCEPTIONS

The following sets forth an exception to the above general prohibitions. Please note that any reliance upon the following exception requires the prior written approval of the CCO and payments will only be approved if the action is deemed appropriate and lawful by the CCO:

· Payment or reimbursement of reasonable and bona fide expenses of a foreign official (e.g., travel and lodging expenses) related to the promotion, demonstration or explanation of a product or service, or to the execution or performance of an agreement with a foreign government.

 

3. RECORD-KEEPING AND INTERNAL ACCOUNTING CONTROL PROVISIONS

All Supervised Persons, agents and others must maintain and report complete and accurate records with respect to all transactions undertaken on RA’s behalf, particularly transactions that may give rise to questions under the FCPA, including amounts paid to foreign partners, sales agents or other intermediaries. As such, every Supervised Person and others conducting transactions on RA’s behalf or on behalf of any affiliated entity must timely report to RA’s accounting department on a monthly basis, complete and accurate records with respect to any meals, gifts, entertainment, or anything else of value provided to any foreign official.

 
 
4. ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES

The FCPA is enforced jointly by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). Violators are subject to severe civil and criminal penalties, up to and including imprisonment. The DOJ is responsible for all criminal prosecutions and for civil enforcement against privately-held companies. The SEC has civil jurisdiction over publicly-held companies.

 
 

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY

 

Political contributions made by investment advisers to state government officials have become an area of increasing scrutiny by regulators such as the SEC. The SEC has adopted Rule 206(4)-5 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act) to protect the beneficiaries of state and municipal pension plans and their participants by limiting the ability of investment advisers to improperly influence the decisions of state and local governmental officials responsible for the hiring of investment advisers. Because RA provides or seeks to provide investment advisory services to state or local pension funds, retirement systems or other governmental plans (“government entities”), it is obligated to monitor certain political activities engaged in and contributions made by the Company and its Supervised Persons.

Under Rule 206(4)-5, a contribution is defined as any gift, subscription, loan, advance or deposit of money or anything of value made in connection with any election for federal, state or local office, political action committee (PAC), or local political party. Generally excluded are charitable contributions and the donation of time, such as volunteering and speeches, so long as RA did not solicit the Supervised Person’s efforts and RA’s resources such as office space, telephones and business equipment are not used for the activities.

 

Political contributions are not prohibited, but maximum limits do apply to contributions for state and local elections. Supervised Persons may contribute up to $350 to a candidate per state or local election (primary and general elections are separate) for whom they are entitled to vote, and up to $150 to a candidate per state or local election for whom they cannot vote. The possible consequences to RA from Supervised Persons or RA making contributions exceeding the maximum amounts could be significant. SEC imposed penalties for violating Rule 206(4)-5 may include forfeiture of investment advisory fees (for a two-year period from the date the inappropriate contribution was made), as well as other fines and sanctions.

 

Note: Political contributions to federal elections (Presidential, US Senate, US Congress and US House of Representatives) and PACs not controlled by RA or the contributing party are excluded from the above contribution limits, assuming at the time of contribution the candidate did not hold a state or local government position. However, federal campaign law limitations may apply.

 

RA and its Supervised Persons are prohibited from soliciting or making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with state and local government entities. Also prohibited are “solicitation” and “coordination” activities by RA and its Supervised Persons for state and local government campaign contributions. Activities considered to be solicitations include any fundraising attempts within the Company, or with family members, friends, neighbors or vendors, as well as bundling contributions for state and local candidates. In general, Rule 206(4)-5 provides that RA and its Supervised Persons are prohibited from doing anything indirectly, which, if done directly, would result in a violation of the Rule.

All Supervised Person’s political contributions and related activities under Rule 206(4)-5 shall be subject to pre-clearance by the Compliance Department. Within COMPLYSCI, Supervised Persons must submit a Political Contribution Request along with providing answers to all of the questions asked within COMPLYSCI. The Compliance Department will review each submission and will either approve or deny the request. If the request has been approved, the Supervised Person may then proceed with the

 
 

described political activity. Supervised Persons are required to complete a Political Contributions Certification via COMPLYSCI on a quarterly basis. Such certification shall provide a detailed description of political activities involved in, as well as political contributions made subject to Rule 206(4)-5 during the applicable reporting period. RA will maintain appropriate books and records of each Political Contribution Request, compliance approval/denial, and each quarterly Political Contributions Certification record for the appropriate time required. RA is also required to keep a list of all government plans to which it provides or has provided investment advisory services in the last five years.

 

Rule 206(4)-5 has a look-back provision that will prevent RA from doing business with a government entity if it or its Supervised Persons have made an impermissible contribution in the prior two years. This provision will not only affect the ability of RA to do or to charge fees for certain advisory services until the applicable period lapses, but it will also be a consideration in the background checks of new Supervised Persons. The contribution look-back period for a Supervised Person engaged in a marketing role is two years and the look-back period for a Supervised Person engaged in a non-marketing role is six months. Depending on the role (marketing or non-marketing) a new Supervised Person fills, prior contributions made during the applicable look-back period can trigger a Rule 206(4)-5 violation. As such, RA requires disclosure of prior political contributions made within the prior two-year period as part of the due diligence and background check conducted on new Supervised Persons. Please note that because of when Rule 206(4)-5 went into effect, this look-back provision only applies to contributions made on or after March 14, 2011.

 
 

 

 

EXCEPTIONS

 

The CCO, however, may grant written exceptions to the provisions of the Code.

 
 

ADMINISTRATION AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

 

1. ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE

The CCO or a designee will review all reports and other information submitted under this Code. This review will include, but not be limited to:

An assessment of whether the Supervised Person followed the required procedures;
An assessment of whether the Supervised Person has traded in the same securities as the Company’s clients and if so, determining whether the client terms for the transactions were more favorable;
An assessment of any trading patterns that may indicate abuse, including market timing; and
Performing any other assessment that may be necessary to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.

 

2. RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

The CCO or a designee will be responsible for maintaining the following records pertaining to the Code for the time period specified in Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, as applicable:

A list of all of the Company’s Supervised Persons, which will include every person who was deemed a Supervised Person at any time within the past five years, even if they are no longer deemed as such;
Copies of the Code and all amendments thereto;
Copies of all the written acknowledgments submitted by each Supervised Person;
A record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of the violation;
Copies of each report submitted by a Supervised Person;
Copies of all brokerage statements;
All pre-clearance decisions and the reasons supporting the decision; and
Copies of all written exceptions.
 
 

PRIVACY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

RA places great importance on personal information privacy (as defined below). As a result of applicable local and international privacy laws, the collection and processing of personal information is prohibited unless legally justified. In the case of RA, the processing of personal information is in the pursuit of legitimate business interests, which include human resources, client and vendor relations, marketing, and analytics. Additionally, RA’s collection of certain information is required in accordance with the laws and regulations that govern investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including among others, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (as amended) (“Advisers Act”). In compliance with these regulations, as well as the Gramm Leach Bliley Act (“GLBA”), Regulation S-P and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), we have created these privacy policies and procedures (the “Privacy Policies and Procedures”) to:

· Ensure the confidentiality of records and personal information;
· Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security of records and personal information; and
· Protect against unauthorized access or use of records or personal information that could result in “substantial harm” or “inconvenience” to any interested party.

These Privacy Policies and Procedures, in addition to our external privacy policy and privacy notice, serve as formal documentation of our ongoing commitment to personal information privacy.

2. SCOPE

RA collects certain personal information including individual names, email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, and, in limited circumstances, tax identification numbers, as well as information that identifies individuals’ computers through the use of cookies with specific consent (the “Personal Information”). Personal Information is collected and processed by RA for the purposes of administering client accounts, providing products and services as requested by clients, marketing and analytics purposes, vendor relations, and managing human resource processes for the Supervised Persons of RA (e.g. – payroll, benefits, etc.).

3. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

3.1 Governance

These Privacy Policies and Procedures shall be implemented and supervised by RA’s Data Protection Officer Nathan Kelso with the support of RA’s Legal, Compliance, Marketing, and Information Technology departments.

 

RA also maintains a Data Protection Working Group (the “DPWG”) chaired by the Data Protection Officer. The DPWG will meet quarterly to evaluate changes to these Privacy Policies and Procedures and to address other privacy issues as needed.

 
 

In addition to these Privacy Policies and Procedures, RA maintains an external privacy policy. The Legal and Compliance team is responsible for communicating the external privacy policy to interested parties.

3.2 Restrictions

RA Supervised Persons and affiliates are not permitted to access Personal Information unless they have a specific business need. Any individual accessing Personal Information must exercise the utmost caution in its handling and processing. Additionally, RA Supervised Persons are contractually required to maintain the confidentiality of any Personal Information with which they come in contact.

3.3 Personal Information Sharing

RA does not sell any Personal Information.

RA shares Personal Information with non-affiliated third parties in the following limited circumstances:

1. We disclose Personal Information to companies that assist us in the servicing of accounts.

2.  We may enter into "joint marketing relationships" with third-party financial institutions. Such third- parties will be contractually required to protect the confidentiality of any Personal Information provided.

3.   We may share lists of RA event attendees and clients (to the extent permitted), in addition to aggregated, non-personal data with our affiliates, agents, business and promotional partners, and other third parties. We may also disclose aggregate statistics in order to describe the Websites to current and prospective business partners, or other third parties.

4.  We may disclose or report Personal Information to the extent we reasonably believe, in good faith, that the law requires disclosure or reporting.

5.  We may share Personal Information if we believe it is necessary in order to investigate, prevent or take action regarding inappropriate or illegal activities, fraud, or situations involving potential threats to the safety of any person or property.

6.  We may share Personal Information as part of a corporate transaction with a successor or affiliate or in connection with any acquisition, merger or sale of assets.

3.4 Personal Information Security and Storage

RA uses a variety of commercially reasonable protections to maintain the security of each individual’s online session, including firewall barriers, encryption techniques, and authentication procedures. RA uses best efforts to ensure that any third parties with which we share your Information maintain strict confidentiality procedures and data privacy frameworks, and only use Personal Information as expressly authorized by us.

Personal Information may only be stored on mapped RA systems or applications approved by the DPWG. Such systems or applications, including email and other electronic communications, are monitored by the Compliance and Information Technology teams to ensure that personal data storage and processing is secure, consistent with these Privacy Policies and Procedures, and is limited to those Supervised Persons authorized to access and administer such Personal Information.

 
 

 

 

The Compliance and Information Technology departments also routinely perform audits of third party providers to monitor privacy policies and procedures to safely maintain and store the personal data of RA Supervised Persons and its prospects, clients and affiliates. Personal data maintained by RA may not be transferred to any third party unless approved by the DPWG.

 

3.5 Addressing Individual Rights

Under applicable laws, individuals have specific rights to request: (1) changes to their Personal Information; (2) a copy of their Personal Information maintained by RA; or (3) the deletion of their Personal Information from RA systems or applications. Interested parties shall communicate these requests in writing to dataprivacy@rallc.com. Individuals wishing to delete their Personal Information can: (1) call (888) 412-1255 and leave a message indicating such request, or (2) utilize the “Delete My Information” web form located on the individual’s Website profile page. Requests received must be actioned within 30 calendar days, if not sooner, and will be addressed by RA’s Marketing and Information Technology teams, with supervision by the Legal and Compliance Department.

 

Additionally, applicable laws allow interested parties to “opt out” of only certain kinds of information- sharing with third parties. We do not share Personal Information of any interested party that triggers the “opt out” rights with any third parties. Further, we do not discriminate against any individuals who wish to exercise their rights to “opt out” or delete their Personal Information.

3.6 Breaches

The destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to, Personal Information maintained by RA is a personal data breach. Any such instance must be communicated immediately to the Data Protection Officer for investigation and correction, if necessary, with Legal, Compliance and Information Technology. RA will maintain a record of personal data breaches and take reasonable steps necessary to limit further breaches and informing authorities and affected parties.

 
 

RECORDKEEPING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

RA is subject to specific recordkeeping requirements under the Advisers Act and other state and federal laws affecting our business. RA is also subject to recordkeeping requirements under the 1940 Act for all Investment Company Act funds (mutual funds) it sub-advises.

 

1. TIME TO KEEP RECORDS

We must make and keep true, accurate, and current books and records relating to our investment advisory business in an easily accessible place for not less than five (5) years. During the first two (2) years, these records must be maintained on site in our offices.

Our trading records, if any, must be maintained on-site in our office for the first two (2) years after the end of each calendar year. Applicable records relating to transactions with an Investment Company Act fund (mutual fund) must be preserved for six (6) years.

 

2. STORAGE

Unless otherwise noted below, original records may be archived electronically on micrographic media, including microfilm, microfiche, or any similar medium, or electronic storage media, including any digital storage medium or system that meets the terms of Advisers Act Rule 204-2.

 

3. STANDARD RETENTION

All records we retain must:

· Be arranged and indexed in a way that permits easy location, access and retrieval of any particular record. (See Documentation Procedures.)
· Provide promptly any of the following that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may request:
o A legible, true, and complete copy of the record in the medium and format in which it is stored;
o A legible, true, and complete printout of the record;
o Means to access, view, and print the record; and
o Separately store, for the time required for preservation of the original record, a duplicate copy of the record on any medium allowed by Rule 204-2.

 

4. ELECTRONIC RECORDS

For records stored electronically, we shall:

· Maintain and preserve the records so as to reasonably safeguard them from loss, alteration, or destruction;
· Limit access to the records to properly authorized personnel and the SEC; and
· Reasonably insure that any reproduction of a non-electronic original record on electronic storage media is complete, true, and legible when retrieved.

 

 
 
5. EMAIL

Records of all incoming and outgoing email communications shall be stored, arranged, and indexed like any other electronically stored records in a manner that permits easy location, access, and retrieval. We will separately store a copy of all emails as part of our Disaster Recovery Plan and establish procedures to reasonably safeguard the emails from loss, alteration, or destruction and limit access to these records to properly authorized individuals. Copies of all email communications will be maintained by an email archiving solution and backup tapes will be made and stored offsite and will be kept for the period required for that type of record, but for no less than five (5) years.

 

6. TRADING RECORDS

Since RA currently outsources all of its trading activity to Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”), all documentation of each order or instruction given or received for the purchase, sale, receipt, or delivery of any security as well as documentation of any amendment, modification, or cancellation of any such order or instruction is maintained by Parametric.

Parametric also maintains records of any and all confirmation of trade orders received from banks, brokers, dealers, or other counterparties received in connection with trades. This includes any and all records of electronic communication, such as email, as well as in physical hardcopy form. The Company will directly review these records for completeness and accuracy from time to time.

 

7. MODEL PORTFOLIO AND ASSET ALLOCATION RECOMMENDATIONS

We maintain the initial and final model portfolio and asset allocation, including any modifications thereto, which are made and retained on behalf of any funds we sub-advise. We shall also maintain applicable internal working papers and other records or documents that are necessary to form the basis of any recommendation.

 

8. CUSTODY

Under federal securities law, RA would be deemed to have custody of client assets if an affiliate acts as the General Partner to a limited partnership offered to clients. We do not have, and do not accept, physical care or custody of the assets of any client. Custody shall be maintained with a Qualified Custodian (as defined in the Advisers Act), subject to certain safekeeping standards. If any client sends cash or other assets to us, or if a Supervised Person receives client assets for any reason, the Supervised Person should promptly notify the CCO who will take immediate and appropriate action to return the assets to the client or to deposit them with the designated custodian.

RA complies with the requirements of the Advisers Act regarding custody and its monthly statements to managed accounts reminding each client to compare their statement to the statement from their custodian.

 
 
9. PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING RECORDS

Unless otherwise noted, we will keep records for five (5) years from the year-end in which the composite or portfolio ceases to exist. The rules for retention include:

· All accounts, books, internal working papers, and any other records or documents that are necessary to form the basis for or demonstrate the calculation of the performance or rate of return of any or all managed accounts or securities recommendations in a notice, circular, advertisement, newspaper article, investment letter, bulletin, factsheet, retrospective, or other communication that we circulate or distribute, directly or indirectly, to 10 or more persons (other than persons connected with RA); provided, however, that with respect to the performance of managed accounts, the retention of all account statements, if they reflect all debits, credits, and other transactions in a client’s account for the period of the statement, and all worksheets necessary to demonstrate the calculation of the performance of rate of return of all managed accounts shall be deemed to satisfy these requirements.
· Worksheets necessary to calculate performance (for so long as we use performance calculations resulting from such records, but not less than five (5) years, or, in the case of mutual funds, six (6) years).
· Portfolio statements (6 years for mutual funds).
· Custodial or brokerage statements (6 years for mutual funds).
· List of portfolios in which we have investment discretion.
· Management fee invoices.
· Client letters (performance statements).
· Limited partnership financial statements.

 

10. CLIENT DOCUMENTATION

Unless otherwise noted, client documentation will be maintained for no less than five (5) years from creation date. The rules for retention include:

· Advisory contracts and related amendments (any contracts with mutual funds or advisers to mutual funds must be retained for six (6) years).
· Documentation supporting advisory contracts, e.g. trust agreements, corporate resolutions, and signature lists (any documentation supporting contracts with mutual funds or advisers to mutual funds must be retained for six (6) years).
· New account set-up sheet (six (6) years for mutual fund portfolios).
· Electronic copies of all written communications received and copies of all written communication we send relating to:
o Any recommendation made or proposed to be made and any advice given or proposed to be given;

o   Any receipt, disbursement, or delivery of funds or securities; and

 
 

o   The placing or execution of any order to purchase or sell any security.

Note: We are not required to keep any unsolicited market letters or other similar communications of general public distribution not prepared by or for us.

· A list or other record of all accounts in which we are vested with any discretionary power with respect to the funds, securities, or transactions of any client.
· All powers of attorney and other evidences of the granting of any discretionary authority by any client to us.
· All written agreements (or copies thereof) we have entered into with any client or otherwise relating to our business.
· A copy of each written statement and each amendment or revision thereof, we have given or sent to any client or prospective client, such as Form ADV or a company brochure, and a record of the dates that each written statement and each amendment or revision thereof, was given, or offered to be given, to any client or prospective client who subsequently became a client.
· All written acknowledgements of receipt obtained from clients evidencing receipt of Form ADV or company brochure.

 

11. MARKETING MATERIALS

Generally, five (5) years after the end of the fiscal year when last used. The rules for retention include:

· All marketing materials used in advertising.
· One-on-one presentation materials.
· Responses to requests for proposal (“RFPs”) and requests for information (“RFIs”).
· RA is not required to keep any unsolicited market letters and other similar communications of general public distribution not prepared by or for RA.
· A copy of any notice, circular, or other advertisement offering any report, analysis, publication, or other investment advisory service to more than 10 persons. We are not required to keep a record of the names and addresses of the persons to whom it was sent except that if such notice, circular, or advertisement is distributed to persons named on any list, we shall retain with the copy of such notice, circular, or advertisement a memorandum describing the list and the source thereof.
· A copy of each notice, circular, advertisement, newspaper article, investment letter, bulletin, or other communication that we circulate or distribute, directly or indirectly, to 10 or more persons (excluding persons connected with RA). If any of these documents recommend the purchase or sale of a specific security and does not state the reasons for the recommendation, then a memorandum from us indicating the reason.
· All accounts, books, internal working papers, and any other records or documents that are necessary to form the basis for, or demonstrate the calculation of, the performance or rate of return of any or all managed accounts or securities recommendations in any notice, circular, advertisement, newspaper article, investment letter, bulletin, factsheet, retrospective, or other communication that we circulate or distribute, directly or indirectly, to 10 or more persons (other
 
 

 

 

than persons connected with RA); provided, however, that with respect to the performance of managed accounts, we shall retain all account statements (reflecting all debits, credits, and other transactions in an account for the period of the statement) and all worksheets necessary to demonstrate the calculation of the performance or rate of return of all such accounts.

· All agreements with solicitors, evidence of our efforts to confirm compliance by any solicitors with such agreements, a signed and dated acknowledgment of receipt of our Form ADV Part 2A and 2B (or brochure containing the same information), the written disclosure statement and the Solicitor's Disclosure Document by each client in connection with any such solicitation agreement.

 

12. COMPLIANCE RECORDS

Unless otherwise noted, the following records shall be kept for five (5) years:

· Our Code of Ethics, as in effect at any time.
· A list of all Supervised Persons, Supervised Persons and Covered Associates as such terms are defined in the Advisers Act.
· Quarterly Political Contributions Certifications.
· Personal Investment Transaction Reports/Certifications, each report/certification containing:

o   The date and nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or other transaction);

o The amount of the security (number of shares or units) traded and the unit or share price at which it was effected;
o The title of the investment including, as applicable: the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, and principal amount of each reportable security involved;
o The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected;
o Whether the Supervised Person’s beneficial interest is direct or indirect; and
o The date the report/certification was submitted.
· Initial Public Offering and Limited Offering Pre-Clearance Requests.
· Initial and Annual Brokerage Reports.
· Initial and Annual Holdings Reports/Certifications.
· Acknowledgements of Receipt of the Compliance Manual and understanding of policies and procedures.
· Memos or other written communications regarding personal securities transactions review and documentation of related personal securities trading violations.
· Electronic records of brokerage account holdings and securities transactions supplied by brokers to the COMPLYSCI system.
· Personal brokerage account statements, if applicable.
 
 
· Our compliance policies and procedures, as in effect at any time.
· Any records documenting our annual review of our compliance policies and procedures.
· Any records documenting for the Board of Directors of any fund advised or sub-advised by RA that is registered under the Act of 1940 a written report setting forth the following:
o A summary of existing procedures to detect and prevent insider trading;
o Full details of any investigation, either internal or by a regulatory agency, of any suspected insider trading and the results of such investigation;
o An evaluation of the current procedures and any recommendations for improvement; and
o A description of our continuing educational program regarding insider trading, including the dates of such programs since the last report to management.

 

13. CORPORATE AND ACCOUNTING RECORDS

Unless otherwise noted, the following records shall be kept for five (5) years:

· Journal or journals, including cash receipts and disbursements records, and any other records of original entry forming the basis of entries in any ledger.
· General and auxiliary ledgers (or other comparable records) reflecting asset, liability, reserve, capital, income, and expense accounts.
· Financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, annual financial statements).
· Trial balances.
· Internal audit work papers.
· Invoices.
· Bank records (e.g., checkbooks, bank statements, canceled checks, and cash reconciliations).
· Corporate/business tax-related documents.
· Bills or statements (or copies thereof), paid or unpaid.
· Records relating to our status as a limited liability company, including any charters, minute books, and evidence of interests shall be kept and maintained on our premises for three (3) years after we are registered as an investment adviser.
· Records required to be created and maintained pursuant to the Disaster Recovery Plan.
 
 
14. HUMAN CAPITAL RECORDS

All employment records are maintained and managed by the Vice President, Human Resources and unless otherwise noted the following documents shall be kept for five (5) years:

· Employment Application
· Resume
· Offer Letter
· Employment Agreement
· Payroll Authorization forms (W-4/EDD forms)
· Records of change in payroll rate, title, etc.
· Notices of leave of absence, etc.
· Notices of commendation, warning, discipline or termination
· Miscellaneous
o Background checks
o Reference checks
o Investigative files for harassment, discrimination claims, etc.
o I-9’s
o Medical Enrollment Forms (may contain confidential medical information)
o Family/Medical Leave request forms (if nature of illness is included)
o Return to work releases
o Worker compensation records
o Any other medical information

 

15. RESEARCH MATERIALS

Unless otherwise noted, the following materials should be retained for five (5) years (Please note that if the product of the research is used in marketing materials then review the time requirements above in the section for marketing materials):

· Derivative-based products.
· Equity-based products.
· Research materials used to prepare and maintain models.

 

16. PROXY VOTING MATERIALS

Unless otherwise noted, the following materials should be retained for five (5) years:

· Copies of all proxy voting policies and procedures required by Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.
· A copy of each Proxy received regarding client securities (we may rely on obtaining a copy of a proxy statement from the SEC’s EDGAR system).
· A record of each vote cast on behalf of clients.
 
 
· A copy of each written client request for information on how Proxies were voted on behalf of the client, and a copy of our written response to any (written or oral) client request for information on how Proxies were voted on behalf of the requesting client. We may rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes maintained with a third-party such as a proxy voting service, provided that RA has obtained an undertaking from the third-party to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.
· A copy of any document we created that was material to making a decision on how to vote Proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision.

 

17. OTHER DOCUMENTS

Unless otherwise noted, the following documents should be kept for five (5) years:

 

· Vendor contracts.
· Any agreements relating to our business.
· Mutual Funds. Records for all mutual funds we manage or sub-advise shall be maintained for six

(6) years. All transactions relating to mutual funds shall be preserved for six (6) years.

 

18. DESTRUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

Supervised Persons shall not destroy any Company records at any time without first obtaining the written approval of the COO and CCO. If you have any questions regarding specific records and the applicable current retention period, contact the Compliance Department for current guidelines and policies. Electronic communications will automatically be purged seven (7) years after creation.

 

19. DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
19.1 Safekeeping of Physical Documents

Any and all physical documents retained for safekeeping should be filed in the following manner:

· Each department is responsible for the safekeeping and preservation of relevant hard copy documents. The Executive/Administrative Assistant for each department shall be responsible for documentation filing of their respective department.
· Documents should be maintained and preserved in an organized manner readily available and easily accessible. Documents for the previous two (2) full calendar years must be maintained at our main offices with older documents stored and preserved in an appropriate documentation storage facility. Each department should keep and maintain a log of documentation files including the place of their location.
· Documentation shall be stored in files with appropriate file labels to indicate its contents. The file labels should indicate at a minimum the subject matter, year and detail of the contents. The Executive/Administrative Assistant for each department shall be responsible for maintaining an inventory of all records stored at our main office and in storage.
 
 
19.2 Labeling of Confidentiality or Privileged Communication

Any and all confidential documents, whether in electronic or physical hardcopy paper form, must be labeled “Confidential” in order to give notice of its confidentiality to those who come into contact with the document. Documentation subject to a protected relationship between RA’s in-house attorney or outside counsel and a Supervised Person shall be labeled as a “Privileged Communication,” as needed.

19.3 Electronic Documentation Storage and Maintenance

Storage and maintenance of electronic documents are discussed in various sections of this Manual. Please refer to the applicable section.

 
 

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

 

The rapid expansion and use of electronic media presents unique challenges for investment advisers regarding the retention of documents that are required to be maintained in accordance with those rules promulgated under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). In recent years, the SEC and other regulatory agencies also have expressed concerns surrounding the implementation of appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect the privacy of client records and information. Furthermore, the increased use of the Internet, social media applications, and email exposes an investment adviser’s systems to infiltration by computer viruses, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dangerous, and which, by their nature, attack randomly.

All Supervised Persons are reminded that because RA is subject to SEC regulations, our email and social media usage is subject to recordkeeping requirements as set forth under Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act. Specifically, this Rule requires an investment adviser (and by extension, its Supervised Persons) to maintain various books and records related to its business including, but not limited to: financial and accounting records, advisory business records, communications to and from clients, trading records, marketing and performance records, custody records, and proxy voting records. In addition, confidentiality and ethics must be considered whenever communicating on behalf of the Company and its clients.

 

1. POLICY

All RA business communications are to be made exclusively through RA’s controlled services. Supervised Persons are not allowed to engage in RA business communications through personal email accounts or other personal devices. Use of the Internet by authorized personnel to distribute information on available RA products and services must comply with all applicable laws and contain applicable disclosures as appropriate. Moreover, Supervised Persons shall not use any Bloomberg communication system or text communications through mobile devices to conduct business on behalf of RA and can only be used for internal administrative matters (e.g., to schedule a meeting). Please note: all business communications must be made in an ethical manner. All communications conducted on behalf of RA remain the property of RA and thus no privacy rights are afforded to business communications by Supervised Persons.

 

2. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES (“ECP”)
2.1 Electronic Communications Procedures

The following procedures are designed to ensure that reasonable electronic communication standards are consistently adhered to.

Correspondence: All electronic communications sent or received by a Supervised Person to or from a client, potential client, service provider or another Supervised Person, including email, instant messaging, social media or fax, regarding RA’s advisory business should be treated in the same manner and with the same importance as if such communication was sent or received in paper format. In addition, such communication is subject to the recordkeeping requirements under the Advisers Act, which mandates that certain documentation be maintained by an adviser generally for a period of at least five (5) years from the date the communication was created – the first two (2)

 
 

 

 

years from an easily accessible location. Because all communications sent by RA are electronic, RA will store the communications per the storage requirements per the RA Recordkeeping Policies and Procedures in Section 15. Examples of some of the types of communication that should be retained are given below. It is the responsibility of the Supervised Person who sends or receives the written electronic communication to ensure that such communication is maintained in accordance with RA’s books and record-keeping retention requirements as outlined in this Manual. This includes assessing if the communication falls within the definition of what must be retained, and taking appropriate steps to retain documents that do.

Email: Supervised Persons must take great care in preparing and sending both internal and external emails. Certain emails that are sent to more than one person (including clients, prospective clients, etc.) may be advertisements that are subject to the marketing and advertising rules under the Advisers Act. Thus, the same care should be taken in creating such emails as would be taken when creating a new marketing or promotional piece.

Email, whether business or personal, must be appropriate in both tone and content. Supervised Persons should be aware that the emails that they send or receive through RA’s computers are maintained by RA and at any time and without notice to the Supervised Person are subject to monitoring and review by RA’s compliance team or others as permitted or required by law.

Instant Messaging: Instant messaging is a form of electronic communication that allows one user to communicate with another user in real time. The same procedures that apply to emails listed above, apply to a Supervised Person’s use of instant messaging.

Performance Materials: On October 1, 2017 the SEC’s amendment to Rule 204-2(a)(16) went into effect requiring advisers to maintain books and records supporting performance claims delivered to more than one (1) person. Per the rule, the adviser:

· Must maintain records supporting performance claims in communications delivered to ANY person (e.g., books, internal work papers, etc.);
· Must include performance calculations and rates of return delivered to any person; and
· Must maintain originals of all written communications received and sent relating to performance or rate of return of any managed account or securities recommendation.

Since there are no carve-outs for 1:1 communications, all performance related materials must be maintained by RA. The same procedures that apply to emails listed above, apply to a Supervised Persons distribution of performance materials.

2.2 Harassment and Discrimination

Messages on RA’s voicemail, email or instant messaging systems are subject to the same policies regarding harassment and discrimination as are any other workplace communications. Offensive, harassing, or discriminatory content or inappropriate language such as profanity, in any message, is strictly prohibited, and any such use will subject the Supervised Person to disciplinary action, including termination.

 
 
2.3 Security

The Internet is not a secure environment. Files and email can be intercepted and read by technically savvy Internet users, including competitors. All Supervised Persons should attempt to limit the amount of confidential non-public client information, classified, or proprietary information that is transmitted electronically to only that which is necessary and required to conduct one’s job. All electronic communications containing these types of confidential information must adhere to all procedures and requirements outlined in RA’s Privacy Policies and Procedures.

2.4 Reporting Problems

The CCO and the Company’s Help Desk must be notified if a Supervised Person discovers that: 1) confidential non-public information or sensitive and/or inside information regarding RA’s clients or business has been lost, disclosed to unauthorized parties or suspected of being lost or disclosed; 2) unauthorized use of RA’s systems has taken place, or is suspected of taking place; or 3) passwords or other system access control mechanisms are lost, stolen, or disclosed, or suspected of being lost, stolen, or disclosed. In addition, all unusual system behavior, such as missing files, frequent systems crashes, misrouted messages and the like should be reported immediately to the CCO and the RA Help Desk as one of these issues may indicate a computer virus infection or similar security problem. Please refer to RA’s Cybersecurity Policy for additional important information.

2.5 Monitoring and Surveillance Program

In order to ensure compliance with these procedures, RA reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to monitor (which includes, without limitation, the right to access, intercept, disclose, record or review) all communications created, delivered and/or stored via RA’s systems. Thus, Supervised Persons should be mindful that their emails, blogs, social media sites and instant messages may be reviewed on a random basis. At any time, RA’s compliance team or IT may require a Supervised Person to provide them with any of their electronic access codes, user names and/or passwords.

Supervised Persons are prohibited from using RA’s systems for personal gain.

Erasure Not Reliable: RA maintains communication firewalls and has retained the services of an Internet-based company to archive all incoming and outgoing emails on the Company server. All Supervised Persons should be aware that erasing messages may not be permanent, and erased messages can be retrieved for audit, examination, and review purposes. Therefore, Supervised Persons should not assume an erased message will remain private.

Message Access: Communications on the Company’s voicemail, email, or instant messaging systems are to be accessed only by the intended recipient and by others at the direct request of the intended recipient. However, RA reserves the right, at its discretion, to access communications on any of these Company systems at any time. Any attempt by persons other than those authorized to access messages on any of these systems will constitute a serious violation.

2.6 Escalation to Compliance

Compliance with this ECP and Procedures applies to all Supervised Persons, and all Supervised Persons are expected to communicate any known infraction of this policy to the CCO, who will evaluate accordingly and determine if the activity warrants sanctions, up to and including a recommendation to terminate the individual(s) involved.

 
 

For purposes of this Social Media Policy, “Social Media” includes all means of communicating or posting information or content of any sort on the Internet, including to your own or someone else’s web log or blog, journal or diary, personal web site, social networking, professional networking or affinity web site, web bulletin board or a chat room, as well as any other form of electronic communications. A Social Media messaging system includes any interface which allows one Social Media user to communicate with one or multiple other users, or which otherwise mimics an email, instant messaging, or similar system.

All Supervised Persons must exercise good judgment and take care in their communications outside the workplace. The things a Supervised Person says and does can negatively affect how people think about that person and RA. Supervised Persons should be especially careful when posting opinions on social websites. The casual nature of social websites can lead to misinformation and confusion about the views expressed and can cause embarrassment for both the individual and RA.

It is RA’s policy that except in the limited circumstances applicable to expressly authorized RA business-related usage of Social Media outlined below, Supervised Persons may NOT:

· Conduct RA business through Social Media or any messaging system contained within a Social Media site;
· List their RA email address on any Social Media site (other than as provided for below);
· Use the RA name (except that you may identify your affiliation with RA provided you comply with the other requirements of this policy);
· Use any RA logo or RA related trademarks or service marks;
· Post information about RA, its products or strategies, any securities-related product, its strategic relationship partners or clients or their products or services, or any RA Supervised Persons;
· Disclose confidential information about work at RA, including but not limited to, clients, products or strategies, or otherwise;
· Make any statement that may be considered financial advice or might influence trading in a security;
· Post information that could damage the reputation of RA;
· Use a social or personal website to conduct RA business;
· Post, transfer, disclose or share any of the following:

 

o Material, non-public or insider information;
o Confidential or internally used information about or related to your work at RA, including but not limited to, clients, products, strategies, or otherwise;
o Trade secrets, including, but not limited to, information regarding the development of methodology, systems, processes, products, know-how or technology;
o Attorney-client privileged communications (i.e., text copied from communications between a lawyer in RA’s Legal Department and a RA Supervised Person, a summary of a conversation between a lawyer in RA’s Legal Department and a RA Supervised Person, or text copied from or a summary of any communication between a Supervised Person of RA and an outside attorney or law firm);
o Inappropriate materials that may include discriminatory remarks, harassment, threats of violence, bullying, or obscene, malicious, or similar inappropriate or unlawful conduct; or
o Any false information or rumors.

Note: Activities which are solely charitable in nature that are engaged in by RA and/or its Supervised Persons are not considered RA business for purposes of RA’s Social Media Policies and Procedures.

 
 

 

2.7 Procedures

RA has adopted the following procedures, which all Supervised Persons are expected to follow. Any questions related to these procedures should be escalated to the CCO.

2.8 Business-Related Uses of Social Media

To use Social Media for a Business-Related purpose, the Supervised Person must:

· Seek approval from Compliance Department and use an approved social media account. Generally, the Compliance Department approves certain designated Supervised Persons for posting of RA related content to Social Media platforms; and
· If a business-related message or posting comes to you through a pre-approved Social Media messaging system, this would be deemed a business communication and any response must be pre-approved by Compliance.
· Links to content that has already been preapproved by Compliance that is posted on a pre- approved Social Media account does NOT require additional approval.

Any other business-related use of Social Media requires pre-approval by the Compliance Department.

A Supervised Person that has been designated and approved to post RA’s related content on the Company’s Social Media platforms may not use these platforms in a way that could be interpreted by the SEC to be directly or indirectly, publishing, circulating, or distributing any advertisement which refers, directly or indirectly, to any testimonial of any kind concerning RA or concerning any advice, analysis, report or other service rendered by RA. The SEC staff consistently interprets the term client “testimonial” to include a statement of a client's experience with, or endorsement of, an investment adviser. The SEC has stated that the use of “social plug-ins” by a client such as the “like” feature on a social media site could be viewed as a testimonial. Therefore, the following applies:

· If any person or entity makes any statement about RA or its Supervised Persons through RA’s Social Media platforms that could be viewed as a testimonial or an endorsement, neither RA nor any of its Supervised Persons are permitted to retweet, reply to, or take any other action which could result in a perceived attempt to republish, recirculate or distribute any such testimonial or endorsement;
· If any person or entity is a client of RA and such client makes any statement in conjunction with RA’s Social Media platforms that could be perceived as a client testimonial or endorsement, such statement, if possible, should be immediately deleted in conjunction with providing sufficient notification of the same to the Compliance Group; and
· Any relevant RA Social Media platform functionality that could be used by RA’s clients as a client testimonial or endorsement (e.g., a “like” on Facebook or LinkedIn, or an endorsement of skills on LinkedIn) should be disabled or deleted, if possible, to prevent such actions on the part of clients.
 
 
2.9 Guidelines for Personal Use of Social Media

In connection with any personal use of Social Media (i.e., any use other than an acceptable business- related use of Social Media listed above), a Supervised Person may only list his or her RA email address

(i) on an accurate resume, work history or experience summary posted to the site; or (ii) on his or her LinkedIn profile page.

Please note that the only pre-approved Social Media site for a Supervised Persons personal use is LinkedIn, which may not be used for RA business, unless approved by Compliance and communications and postings are archived.

Supervised Persons should follow the guidelines below:

· If a Supervised Person chooses to list that he or she is employed by RA and the person’s RA title, this information must be accurate and up to date and must be identical to that Supervised Person’s official RA title as on file with RA’s Human Capital Management;
· A Supervised Person cannot make any posts which mention RA, unless the Supervised Person has been approved by Compliance and there is archiving of the posts;
· With the exception of charitable related activities, unauthorized Supervised Persons may not “like”, “recommend”, forward, share, comment to or indicate any support for RA business postings through its RA controlled Social Media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, or Twitter) or website or provide any other indications that could be interpreted as an endorsement, testimonial, advertisement or marketing related to RA or its Supervised Persons, products or services; and
· All Supervised Persons must disable the endorsement functionality on their personal LinkedIn page since any endorsements of such a Supervised Person by a client could be construed as a Supervised Person’s endorsement of RA.

Supervised Person usage of Social Media should also comply with RA’s ECP.

2.10 Monitoring of Social Media Usage

RA monitors Supervised Persons usage of Social Media sites even if not accessed through RA’s systems per the ECP. Any usage by a Supervised Person involving reference to RA (whether business related or personal) that does not conform to these Policies and Procedures or any other relevant RA policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Requirements related to books and records maintenance may be found in Section 15 of this Manual.