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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 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. 235

x

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

o

 

AMENDMENT NO. 208

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 January 1, 2021 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.

 

 

January 1, 2021

PICTURE  

 

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Class A Shares - EARAX   Class C Shares - ECRAX   Class I Shares - EIRAX  

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Class A Shares - ERBAX   Class C Shares - ERBCX   Class I Shares - ERBIX  
Prospectus Dated
January 1, 2021

 

 

 

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

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

3

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

10

Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

15

Investment Objectives & Principal Policies and Risks

16

Management and Organization

32

Valuing Shares

34

Purchasing Shares

35

Sales Charges

38

Redeeming Shares

41

Shareholder Account Features

42

Additional Tax Information

44

Financial Highlights

46

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

46

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

48

Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations

50


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds2Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


Fund Summaries

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy 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 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 38 of this Prospectus and page 21 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

0.84%

0.84%

0.84%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

0.25%

1.00%

None

Other Expenses

0.12%

0.12%

0.12%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

0.15%

0.15%

0.15%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.36%

2.11%

1.11%

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

$706

$981

$1,277

$2,116

$706

$981

$1,277

$2,116

Class C shares

$314

$661

$1,134

$2,250

$214

$661

$1,134

$2,250

Class I shares

$113

$353

$612

$1,352

$113

$353

$612

$1,352

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 70% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

In seeking its investment objective, the Fund has the flexibility to allocate its assets in markets around the world and among various asset classes, including equity, fixed-income, commodity, currency and cash investments.  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds3Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

 

The Fund is managed in a macro-driven, top-down style that emphasizes and de-emphasizes various global market segments and asset classes at different times.  Market segments chosen for emphasis and/or de-emphasis may vary from general market consensus views and the Fund may at times seek to identify areas where, in the sub-adviser’s opinion, there is scarcity of capital and/or potentially overlooked investment opportunities.  Exposures will vary among asset classes based on the sub-adviser’s assessment of a range of proprietary and non-proprietary quantitative indicators and the firm’s macro-economic analysis and judgment.  In using this “beta” management style, it is expected that the macro-economic analysis will evolve over time and may include consideration of the following:  historical risk and return characteristics; global market valuations; global yield curves; asset class, regional, and country correlations; profit cycle analyses and style and sector rotation; expected beta; estimate revisions and earnings surprises; investor sentiment; and other factors. In selecting securities and other instruments, the portfolio managers employ quantitative screening and optimization tools to achieve desired market exposures while seeking to manage security-specific and other observable market risks.  The portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis and rebalanced as necessary to seek to ensure that desired market exposures and risk parameters are maintained.  Securities may be sold if they exhibit performance that might counteract the desired exposures or to implement a revised allocation based on a modified top-down view. A security may also be sold if the sub-adviser believes it exhibits unusual volatility or price movement.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund currently expects to invest 0-75% of its net assets in equity securities, 25-90% in fixed-income securities and other fixed and floating-rate income instruments, 0-25% in commodities (primarily through the use of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in commodities or commodities-related investments) and/or currencies, and 0-25% in cash and cash equivalents. The Fund may also invest in derivatives (as described below) to obtain such exposures. To the extent the Fund holds cash as collateral for derivatives, or enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge current portfolio holdings, the ranges described above may be exceeded. The expected long-term (over a true secular cycle of at least 10 years) target allocation of the Fund is 60% in fixed-income securities and 40% in equity securities. There is no requirement to manage the Fund within this target allocation. The Fund’s actual asset allocation may be materially different depending on market conditions, and the Fund’s asset allocation over shorter or longer market cycles may differ materially from the target.

The Fund may invest without limit in both developed and emerging markets, including frontier markets. Such investments may include securities denominated in foreign currencies and securities trading in the form of depositary receipts. The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities of any credit quality including securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities (“junk”), and expects to invest principally in fixed-income securities that are issued by corporations, issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, obligations of other sovereign nations, municipal obligations, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, inflation-linked debt securities or zero coupon bonds. The Fund may also invest in senior loans and variable rate obligations.  The Fund may invest in stocks of companies of any capitalization, publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”). The Fund may invest in ETFs, a type of pooled investment vehicle, in order to manage cash positions or seek exposure to certain markets or market sectors.  The Fund currently expects to gain exposures to certain types of investments principally through ETFs.  The Fund may invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), subject to certain terms and conditions. Investment in cash or cash equivalents may include U.S. and foreign bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, repurchase agreements, bankers’ acceptances and other short-term instruments with a remaining maturity of 397 days or less.  

The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek return, to seek to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of the fixed-income securities in its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities, currencies or commodities.  The Fund expects to use derivatives principally when seeking to gain exposure to equity or fixed-income securities using futures contracts on securities indices and/or when seeking to gain or reduce exposure to certain currencies by buying or selling forward foreign currency exchange contracts, but may also purchase or sell forwards or other types of futures contracts; options on futures contracts; exchange-traded and over-the-counter options; equity collars, equity-linked securities and equity swap agreements; interest rate, total return, inflation and credit default swaps; forward rate agreements; and credit linked notes and other similarly structured products. The Fund may also engage in covered short sales (on individual securities held or on an index or basket of securities whose constituents are held in whole or in part or for which liquid assets have been segregated) and forward commitments.  There is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives. The Fund may also lend its securities.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds4Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

 

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. No active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.

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; 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.

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 United States 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.

Economic data as reported by sovereign entities may be delayed, inaccurate or fraudulent. In the event of a default by a sovereign entity, there are typically no assets to be seized or cash flows to be attached. Furthermore, the willingness or ability of a sovereign entity to restructure defaulted debt may be limited. Therefore, losses on sovereign defaults may far exceed the losses from the default of a similarly rated U.S. debt issuer.

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.  Such risks may be greater in frontier 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.

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.

Sector Risk.  Because the Fund may 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 such sector(s) and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly.

Credit Risk. Investments in fixed income securities or other income instruments (referred to below as “debt instruments”) are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled principal and interest. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may reduce the capacity of the party obligated to make principal and interest payments on such instruments and may lead to defaults. Such non-payments and defaults may reduce the value of Fund shares and income distributions. The value of debt instruments also may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability to make


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds5Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

principal and interest payments. In addition, the credit ratings of debt instruments may be lowered if the financial condition of the party obligated to make payments with respect to such instruments deteriorates.  In the event of bankruptcy of the issuer of a debt instrument, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing the instrument. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect net asset value.

Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of income securities will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates. The value of these securities is likely to increase when interest rates fall and decline when interest rates rise.  Duration measures a fixed-income security’s price sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates.  Generally, securities with longer durations or maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations or maturities, causing them to be more volatile.  Conversely, fixed-income securities with shorter durations or maturities will be less volatile but may provide lower returns than fixed-income securities with longer durations or maturities. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. In a declining interest rate environment, the proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate.  Certain instruments held by the Fund may pay an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between certain major international banks. LIBOR is expected to be phased out by the end of 2021. While the effect of the phase out cannot yet be determined, it may result in, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments based on LIBOR and changes in the value of such instruments.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event underlying a derivative (“reference instrument”), due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create leverage in the Fund, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference instrument.  Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.  Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Fund. Use of derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and a transaction may be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of a derivative (including one used for hedging) may not correlate perfectly with the underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying reference instrument. If a derivative’s counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value of Fund shares may decline and the Fund could experience delays in the return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment, particularly when there is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives.  A derivative investment also involves the risks relating to the reference instrument underlying the investment.

When-Issued and Forward Commitment Risk.  Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis are subject to the risk that when delivered they will be worth less than the agreed upon payment price.

ETN Risk.  ETNs are debt obligations and their payments of interest or principal are linked to the performance of a reference investment (typically an index). ETNs are subject to the performance of their issuer and may lose all or a portion of their entire value if the issuer fails or its credit rating changes. An ETN that is tied to a specific index may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and weighting of the components of that index.  ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by the reference investment and the cost of owning an ETN may exceed the cost of investing directly in the reference investment.  The market trading price of an ETN may be more volatile than the reference investment it is designed to track. The Fund may purchase an ETN at prices that exceed its net asset value and may sell such investments at prices below such net asset value. The Fund may not be able to liquidate ETN holdings at the time and price desired, which may impact Fund performance.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds6Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although certain U.S. Government-sponsored agencies (such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association) may be chartered or sponsored by acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.  U.S. Treasury securities generally have a lower return than other obligations because of their higher credit quality and market liquidity.  

Lower Rated Investments Risk.  Investments rated below investment grade and comparable unrated investments (sometimes referred to as “junk”) have speculative characteristics because of the credit risk associated with their issuers. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances typically have a greater effect on the ability of issuers of lower rated investments to make principal and interest payments than they do on issuers of higher rated investments. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a lower rated investment may lose significant value before a default occurs. Lower rated investments typically are subject to greater price volatility and illiquidity than higher rated investments.

Municipal Obligations Risk. The amount of public information available about municipal obligations is generally less than for corporate equities or bonds, meaning that the investment performance of municipal obligations may be more dependent on the analytical abilities of the investment adviser and sub-adviser than stock or corporate bond investments. The secondary market for municipal obligations also tends to be less well-developed and less liquid than many other securities markets, which may limit the Fund’s ability to sell its municipal obligations at attractive prices. The differences between the price at which an obligation can be purchased and the price at which it can be sold may widen during periods of market distress. Less liquid obligations can become more difficult to value and be subject to erratic price movements. The increased presence of nontraditional participants (such as proprietary trading desks of investment banks and hedge funds) or the absence of traditional participants (such as individuals, insurance companies, banks and life insurance companies) in the municipal markets may lead to greater volatility in the markets because non-traditional participants may trade more frequently or in greater volume.

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.

Commodity-Related Investments Risk. The value of commodity 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 the Fund’s commodity investments to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes are unpredictable. Exposure to commodities and commodity markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodity 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 commodity investments.

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.

Additional Risks of Loans. Loans are traded in a private, unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank resale market and are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before a loan can be bought or sold. These restrictions may impede the Fund’s ability to buy or sell loans (thus affecting their liquidity) and may negatively impact the transaction price. See also “Market Risk” above. It also may take longer than seven days for transactions in loans to settle. Due to the possibility of an extended loan settlement process, the Fund may hold cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks or other lenders to meet short-term liquidity needs, such as to satisfy redemption requests from Fund shareholders.  The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the issuer, the nature of the collateral securing the loan and possibly other factors.  Loans with fewer covenants that


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds7Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 of such actions or if 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 loans to sovereign entities) may have substantially different lender protections and covenants as compared to loans to U.S. entities and may involve greater risks.  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.  Loans may be structured such that they are not securities under securities law, and in the event of fraud or misrepresentation by a borrower, lenders may not have the protection of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws.  Loans are also subject to risks associated with other types of income investments, including credit risk and risks of lower rated investments.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risk.  Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of commercial or residential mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables.  Movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain types of mortgage- and asset-backed securities.  Although certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities are guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and principal by a government entity, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.  The purchase of mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued by non-government entities may entail greater risk than such securities that are issued or guaranteed by a government entity.  Mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued by non-government entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but may also be subject to greater volatility than government issues and can also be subject to greater credit risk and the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or other assets.  Investments in mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to both extension risk, where borrowers pay off their debt obligations more slowly in times of rising interest rates, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their debt obligations sooner than expected in times of declining interest rates.

Leverage Risk.  Certain Fund transactions may give rise to leverage.  Leverage can result from a non-cash exposure to an 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.

Zero-Coupon Bond Risk. Zero-coupon bonds may experience greater volatility in market value due to changes in interest rates. The Fund accrues income on the discount amortization of these investments, which it is required to distribute each year. The Fund may be required to sell investments to obtain cash needed for income distributions.

Short Sale Risk. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed security. Short sale risks include, among others, the potential loss of more money than the actual cost of the investment, and the risk that the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.

Risks Associated with Active and Quantitative 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.  The portfolio managers also use quantitative investment techniques and analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund.  There can be no assurance that these techniques will achieve the desired results.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds8Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

 

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 two broad-based securities market indices and with a blended 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.

PICTURE  

Calendar year-by-year total return (Class A)

Year

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year Total Return

7.59%

13.50%

3.08%

-0.92%

6.73%

14.70%

-7.63%

12.51%

 

During the period from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2019, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 6.25%for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and the lowest quarterly return was -10.01%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 September 30, 2020) was 4.19%.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds9Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019

One Year

Five Years

Life of Fund

Class A Return Before Taxes

6.04%

3.51%

5.59%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions

5.11%

3.03%

5.19%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares

4.42%

2.78%

4.56%

Class C Return Before Taxes

10.63%

3.96%

5.54%

Class I Return Before Taxes

12.82%

5.00%

6.61%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

8.72%

3.05%

2.95%

MSCI ACWI Index (reflects net dividends, which reflect the deduction of withholding taxes)

26.60%

8.40%

11.09%

Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)*

15.83%

5.36%

6.33%

*  The blended index consists of 60% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and 40% MSCI ACWI Index, rebalanced monthly.

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. The Fund commenced operations on September 30, 2011.  (Source for MSCI ACWI Index: MSCI)  MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose.  MSCI provides no warranties, has not prepared or approved this data, and has no liability hereunder.  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”).

Investment Sub-Adviser.  Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (“RBA”).

Portfolio Managers

Richard Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at RBA, has managed the Fund since its inception in September 2011.

Matthew Griswold, CFA, Director of Investments at RBA, has managed the Fund since January 2017.

Henry Timmons, CFA, Director of ETFs at RBA, has managed the Fund since January 2017.

For important information about purchase and sale of shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Important Information Regarding Fund Shares” on page 15 of this Prospectus.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds10Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to seek 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 38 of this Prospectus and page 21 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

0.88%

0.88%

0.88%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

0.25%

1.00%

None

Other Expenses

0.13%

0.13%

0.13%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

0.06%

0.06%

0.06%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.32%

2.07%

1.07%

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

$702

$969

$1,257

$2,074

$702

$969

$1,257

$2,074

Class C shares

$310

$649

$1,114

$2,208

$210

$649

$1,114

$2,208

Class I shares

$109

$340

$590

$1,306

$109

$340

$590

$1,306

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 29% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities and derivative instruments that provide exposure to equity securities (the “80% Policy”). The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in fixed-income securities, including securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities (“junk”); other fixed and floating-rate income instruments; and/or in currencies. The Fund may invest an unlimited amount of its assets in foreign securities issued by companies domiciled in developed or emerging market countries including frontier markets. Such investments may include securities denominated in foreign currencies and securities trading in the form of depositary receipts. The Fund may invest in stocks of companies of any capitalization, publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”). 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 invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), subject to certain terms and conditions.

The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek return, to seek 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 expects to use derivatives principally when seeking to gain exposure to equity securities using futures contracts on securities indices and/or when seeking to gain or reduce exposure to certain currencies by buying or selling forward foreign currency exchange contracts.  However, the Fund may also purchase or sell forwards or other types of futures contracts; options on futures contracts; exchange-traded and over-the-counter options; equity collars; equity-linked securities; equity swap agreements and other derivatives as described in the prospectus. The Fund may also engage in covered short sales (on individual securities held or on an index or basket of securities whose constituents are held in whole or in part or for which liquid assets have been segregated) and forward commitments.  There is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives. The Fund may also lend its securities.

The Fund is managed in a macro-driven, top-down style that emphasizes and de-emphasizes various global equity market segments at different times.  Market segments chosen for emphasis and/or de-emphasis may vary from general market consensus views and the Fund may at times seek to identify areas where, in the sub-adviser’s opinion, there is scarcity of capital and/or potentially overlooked investment opportunities.  In using this “beta” management style, leading exposures will vary among growth and value; small, mid and large cap; U.S. and non-U.S., and developed and emerging markets, based on the sub-adviser’s assessment of a range of proprietary and non-proprietary quantitative indicators and the firm’s macro-economic analysis and judgment.  It is expected that the macro-economic factors and indicators will evolve over time and may include the following:  global equity market valuations; global yield curves; asset class, regional, and country correlations; profit cycle analyses and style and sector rotation; expected beta; estimate revisions and earnings surprises; investor sentiment and other factors. In selecting securities and other instruments, the portfolio managers employ quantitative screening and optimization tools to achieve desired market exposures while seeking to manage stock-specific and other observable market risks.  The portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis and rebalanced as necessary to seek to ensure that desired market exposures and risk parameters are maintained.  Stocks may be sold if they exhibit performance that might counteract the desired exposures or to implement a revised allocation based on a modified top-down view.  A security may also be sold if the sub-adviser believes it exhibits unusual volatility or price movement.

The Fund will exercise a flexible strategy and is not limited by investment style or by an issuer’s location, size, market capitalization or industry sector.  The strategy may have none, some or all of its assets invested in a particular market segment at a given time, and across market segments in relative proportions that change over time.  At any time, up to 100% of the Fund’s assets may be invested in either U.S. or foreign securities, including issuers domiciled in emerging market countries.

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. No active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.

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; 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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds12Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

 

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.

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 United States 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.  Such risks may be greater in frontier 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.

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.

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 such sector(s) and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly.

Credit Risk. Investments in fixed income and other debt obligations, including loans, (referred to below as “debt instruments”) are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled principal and interest. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may reduce the capacity of the party obligated to make principal and interest payments on such instruments and may lead to defaults. Such non-payments and defaults may reduce the value of Fund shares and income distributions. The value of debt instruments also may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability to make principal and interest payments. In addition, the credit ratings of debt instruments may be lowered if the financial condition of the party obligated to make payments with respect to such instruments deteriorates.  In the event of bankruptcy of the issuer of a debt instrument, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing the instrument. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect net asset value.

Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of income securities will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates. The value of these securities is likely to increase when interest rates fall and decline when interest rates rise.  Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security, while maturity refers to the amount of time until a fixed-income security matures.  Generally, securities with longer durations or maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations or maturities, causing them to be more volatile.  Conversely, fixed-income securities with shorter durations or maturities will be less volatile but may provide lower returns than fixed-income securities with longer durations or maturities. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. In a declining interest rate environment, the proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate.  Certain instruments held by the Fund may pay an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which is the average


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds13Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between certain major international banks. LIBOR is expected to be phased out by the end of 2021. While the effect of the phase out cannot yet be determined, it may result in, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments based on LIBOR and changes in the value of such instruments.

Lower Rated Investments Risk.  Investments rated below investment grade and comparable unrated investments (sometimes referred to as “junk”) have speculative characteristics because of the credit risk associated with their issuers. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances typically have a greater effect on the ability of issuers of lower rated investments to make principal and interest payments than they do on issuers of higher rated investments. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a lower rated investment may lose significant value before a default occurs. Lower rated investments typically are subject to greater price volatility and illiquidity than higher rated investments.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event underlying a derivative (“reference instrument”), due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create leverage in the Fund, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference instrument.  Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.  Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Fund. Use of derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and a transaction may be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of a derivative (including one used for hedging) may not correlate perfectly with the underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying reference instrument. If a derivative’s counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value of Fund shares may decline and the Fund could experience delays in the return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment, particularly when there is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives.  A derivative investment also involves the risks relating to the reference instrument underlying the investment.

When-Issued and Forward Commitment Risk.  Securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis are subject to the risk that when delivered they will be worth less than the agreed upon payment price.

ETN Risk.  ETNs are debt obligations and their payments of interest or principal are linked to the performance of a reference investment (typically an index). ETNs are subject to the performance of their issuer and may lose all or a portion of their entire value if the issuer fails or its credit rating changes. An ETN that is tied to a specific index may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and weighting of the components of that index.  ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by the reference investment and the cost of owning an ETN may exceed the cost of investing directly in the reference investment.  The market trading price of an ETN may be more volatile than the reference investment it is designed to track. The Fund may purchase an ETN at prices that exceed its net asset value and may sell such investments at prices below such net asset value. The Fund may not be able to liquidate ETN holdings at the time and price desired, which may impact Fund performance.

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.

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.

Leverage Risk.  Certain Fund transactions may give rise to leverage.  Leverage can result from a non-cash exposure to an 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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds14Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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.

Short Sale Risk. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed security. Short sale risks include, among others, the potential loss of more money than the actual cost of the investment, and the risk that the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.

Risks Associated with Active and Quantitative 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.  The portfolio managers also use quantitative investment techniques and analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund.  There can be no assurance that these techniques will achieve the desired results.

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.

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. Updated Fund performance information can be obtained by visiting www.eatonvance.com.

PICTURE  

Calendar year-by-year total return (Class A)

Year

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year Total Return

-6.40%

12.69%

29.48%

2.65%

-0.74%

9.70%

20.70%

-11.94%

25.35%

 

During the period from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2019, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 12.31%for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, and the lowest quarterly return   was -14.75%for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The year-to-date total return through the end of the most recent calendar quarter (December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020) was 4.81% .


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds15Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019

One Year

Five Years

Life of Fund

Class A Return Before Taxes

18.16%

6.46%

8.04%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions

16.19%

5.34%

7.36%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares

12.68%

5.07%

6.64%

Class C Return Before Taxes

23.45%

6.92%

7.92%

Class I Return Before Taxes

25.67%

7.99%

9.00%

MSCI ACWI Index (reflects net dividends, which reflect the deduction of withholding taxes)

26.60%

8.40%

8.86%

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. The Fund commenced operations on October 12, 2010.  (Source for MSCI ACWI Index: MSCI)  MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose.  MSCI provides no warranties, has not prepared or approved this data, and has no liability hereunder.  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”).

Investment Sub-Adviser.  Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (“RBA”).

Portfolio Managers

Richard Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at RBA, has managed the Fund since its inception in October 2010.

Matthew Griswold, CFA, Director of Investments at RBA, has managed the Fund since January 2017.

Henry Timmons, CFA, Director of ETFs at RBA, has managed the Fund since January 2017.

For important information about purchase and sale of shares, taxes and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Important Information Regarding Fund Shares” on page 15 of this Prospectus.


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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.


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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 and entered into a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.  The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020. There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict. The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an 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


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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.

The Fund may invest in securities and other instruments (including loans) issued, guaranteed, or backed by sovereign or government entities.  Economic data as reported by sovereign or government entities and other issuers may be delayed, inaccurate or fraudulent. Many sovereign or government debt obligations may be rated below investment grade.  Any restructuring of a sovereign or government debt obligation held by the Fund will likely have a significant adverse effect on the value of the obligation.  In the event of default of a sovereign or government debt, the Fund may be unable to pursue legal action against the issuer or secure collateral on the debt, as there are typically no assets to be seized or cash flows to be attached. Furthermore, the willingness or ability of a sovereign or government entity to restructure defaulted debt may be limited. Therefore, losses on sovereign or government defaults may far exceed the losses from the default of a similarly rated U.S. corporate debt issuer.

Emerging Markets Investments. The risks of foreign investments can be more significant in emerging markets, which include frontier 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. Securities markets within emerging market countries may experience 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. 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. In particular, trade disputes may result in governmental actions that could have an adverse effect on investments in emerging market countries, including but not limited to restrictions on investments in, or required divestment of, particular issuers or industries. 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. 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. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by an issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets. The prices at which investments may be acquired may be affected by trading by persons with information that is not publicly available and by securities transactions by brokers in anticipation of transactions in particular securities. 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.  These foregoing risks may be even greater in frontier markets.

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 or to seek to enhance returns.


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Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar Instruments.  The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in Eurodollar and Yankee Dollar instruments.  Eurodollar instruments are bonds that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars held in banks outside the United States, primarily in Europe.  Eurodollar instruments are usually issued on behalf of multinational companies and foreign governments by large underwriting groups composed of banks and issuing houses from many countries.  Yankee Dollar instruments are U.S. dollar denominated bonds issued in the United States by foreign banks and corporations.

These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, and may carry many of the same risks as investing in foreign investments, as well as additional risks, including adverse political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income payable on such obligations, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and the possible establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions that might adversely affect the repayment of principal and the payment of interest.

Fixed-Income Securities and Other Debt Instruments.  Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments include all types of fixed and floating-rate bonds and notes, such as convertible securities and other hybrid securities (other than preferred stock); corporate commercial paper; mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities; inflation-indexed bonds issued by both governments and corporations; structured notes, including “indexed” securities; loans; loan participations and assignments; delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; and bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, bank deposits (or investments structured to provide the same type of exposure) and bankers’ acceptances of foreign and domestic banks and other debt instruments. Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments are issued by: foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises; sovereign entities; international agencies or supranational entities; the U.S. Government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises (or guaranteed thereby); central or quasi-sovereign banks and U.S. and foreign corporations.  Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments include deep discount bonds, such as zero coupon bonds, deferred interest bonds, bonds or securities on which the interest is payable in-kind (“PIK securities”), which are debt obligations that are issued at a significant discount from face value, and securities purchased on a forward commitment or when-issued basis. While zero coupon bonds do not make periodic payments of interest, deferred interest bonds provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins. PIK securities provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest in cash or in the form of additional securities.

Commodities-Related Investments.  Commodity-related investments include, but are not limited to, commodities contracts, commodity futures or options thereon (investments in contracts for the future purchase or sale of commodities); commodity exchange-traded funds (exchange-traded funds that track the price of a single commodity, such as gold or oil, or a basket of commodities); commodity exchange traded notes (non-interest paying debt instruments whose price fluctuates (by contractual commitment) with an underlying commodities index); total return swaps based on a commodity index (permitting one party to receive/pay the total return on a commodity index against payment/receipt of an agreed upon spread/interest rate); commodity-linked notes (providing a return based on a formula referenced to a commodity index); sovereign issued oil warrants (a sovereign obligation the coupon on which is contingent on the price of oil); precious metals; and any other commodities-related investment permitted by law.  Commodities-related investments may be used to gain exposure to a particular type of commodity, basket of commodities, commodity market or commodity index, or to hedge such exposures or a position in a commodity producing country.  

The risks associated with investing in commodities include regulatory, health, economic and political developments, weather events and natural disasters, pestilence, market disruptions and the fact that commodity prices may have greater volatility than investments in traditional securities.  The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture, and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies.  The metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, economic cycles, changes in inflation or expectations about inflation, interest rates, currency fluctuations, metal sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation and fluctuation in supply and demand.  Commodity-related investments are often offered by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage, and insurance sectors.  As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.  Although investments in commodities typically move in different directions than traditional equity and fixed-income securities, when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions, there is no guarantee that these investments will perform differently, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-related investments have been parallel to those of equity and fixed-income securities.


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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, to change the effective duration of the fixed-income securities in its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities, currencies or commodities.   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 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 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.  


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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.

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.  


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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.

Forward Rate Agreements.  Under a forward rate agreement, the Fund locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the Fund 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 Fund the difference between the two rates. Any such gain received by the Fund would be taxable.  These instruments are traded in the OTC market.

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.

Equity-Linked Securities.  Equity-linked securities are primarily used as an alternative means to more efficiently and effectively access the securities markets of emerging market countries and may also be known as participation notes, equity swaps, and zero strike calls and warrants.  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 stocks, or sometimes a single stock.  The Fund deposits an amount of cash with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) in an amount near or equal to the selling price of the underlying security in exchange for an equity-linked security.  Upon sale, the Fund receives cash from the broker or custodian equal to the current value of the underlying security.

In addition to the risks of the underlying security, there is the risk that the issuer of an equity-linked security may default on its obligation under the security.  In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out such a transaction with the other party or obtain an offsetting position with any other party, at any time prior to the end of the term of the underlying agreement.  This may impair the Fund’s ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous.

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate 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.

Credit Default Swaps.  Credit default swap agreements (“CDS”) enable the Fund to buy or sell credit protection on an individual issuer or basket of issuers (i.e., the reference instrument).  The Fund may enter into CDS to gain or short exposure to a reference instrument. Long CDS positions are utilized to gain exposure to a reference instrument (similar to buying the instrument) and are akin to selling insurance on the instrument. Short CDS positions are utilized to short exposure to a reference instrument (similar to shorting the instrument) and are akin to buying insurance on the instrument.  

Under a CDS, 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.  The Fund’s obligations under a CDS will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund).

In response to market events, federal and certain state regulators have proposed regulation of the CDS market. These regulations may limit the Fund’s ability to use CDS and/or the benefits of CDS. CDS may be difficult to value and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty). The Fund may have difficulty, be unable or may incur additional costs to acquire any securities or instruments it is required to deliver under a CDS.  The Fund many have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a CDS either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement.  The Fund also may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a CDS if the reference instrument has declined in value.

Credit Options.  Credit options are options whereby the purchaser has the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a transaction involving either an asset with inherent credit risk or a credit derivative at terms specified at the inception of the option.  


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Credit Linked Notes. A credit linked note (“CLN”) is a type of hybrid instrument in which a special purpose entity issues a structured note (the “note issuer”) with respect to which the reference instrument is a single bond, a portfolio of bonds or the unsecured credit of an issuer, in general (each a “reference credit”). The purchaser of the CLN (the “note purchaser”) invests a par amount and receives a payment during the term of the CLN that equals a fixed or floating rate of interest equivalent to a high rated funded asset (such as a bank certificate of deposit) plus an additional premium that relates to taking on the credit risk of the reference credit. Upon maturity of the CLN, the note purchaser will receive a payment equal to: (i) the original par amount paid to the note issuer, if there is no occurrence of a designated event of default, restructuring or other credit event (each a “credit event”) with respect to the issuer of the reference credit; or (ii) the market value of the reference credit, if a credit event has occurred. Depending upon the terms of the CLN, it is also possible that the note purchaser may be required to take physical delivery of the reference credit in the event of a credit event. Most CLNs use a corporate bond (or a portfolio of corporate bonds) as the reference credit. However, almost any type of fixed-income security (including foreign government securities), index or derivative contract (such as a credit default swap) can be used as the reference credit.

Inflation Swaps.  Inflation swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest.  This can involve an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments based on a reference index (an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index) or an exchange of floating rate payments based on two different reference indices where one of the reference indices is an inflation 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 in a lump sum at the swap’s maturity.

Total Return Swaps.  A total return swap is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of a reference instrument during the specified period, in return for periodic payments from the other party that are based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return of the reference instrument or another reference instrument.  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.

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.

Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities on a “forward commitment” or “when-issued” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future). In such a transaction, the Fund is securing what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction.

The yield on a comparable security when the transaction is consummated may vary from the yield on the security at the time that the forward commitment or when-issued transaction was made. 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 or when-issued transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to


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consummate the transaction, the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Forward commitment or when-issued transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due. No payment or delivery is made, however, until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction.  These transactions may create leverage in the Fund.

Credit Risk.  Investments in debt instruments are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled principal and interest. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may reduce the capacity of the party obligated to make principal and interest payments on such instruments and may lead to defaults. Such non-payments and defaults may reduce the value of Fund shares and income distributions. The value of debt instruments also may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability to make principal and interest payments. In addition, the credit ratings of debt instruments may be lowered if the financial condition of the party obligated to make payments with respect to such instruments deteriorates. In the event of bankruptcy of the issuer of a debt instrument, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing the instrument. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or similar counsel, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses and adversely affect net asset value. The Fund is also exposed to credit risk when it engages in certain types of derivatives transactions and when it engages in transactions that expose the Fund to counterparty risk. See “Derivatives.”

In evaluating the quality of a particular instrument, the investment adviser (or sub-adviser, if applicable) may take into consideration, among other things, a credit rating assigned by a credit rating agency, the issuer’s financial resources and operating history, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the ability of its management, its debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements, and relative values based on anticipated cash flow, interest and asset coverage, and earnings prospects. Credit rating agencies are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of certain investments. Credit ratings issued by rating agencies are based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the issuer’s financial condition and the rating agency’s credit analysis, if applicable, at the time of rating. As such, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The ratings assigned are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security.

For purposes of determining compliance with the Fund’s credit quality restrictions, if any, the Fund’s investment adviser (or sub-adviser, if applicable) relies primarily on the ratings assigned by credit rating agencies but may, in the case of unrated instruments, perform its own credit and investment analysis to determine an instrument’s credit quality. A credit rating may have a modifier (such as plus, minus or a numerical modifier) to denote its relative status within the rating. The presence of a modifier does not change the security credit rating (for example, BBB- and Baa3 are within the investment grade rating) for purposes of the Fund’s investment limitations.

Lower Rated Investments.  Investments in obligations rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities (sometimes referred to as “junk”) generally entail greater economic, credit and liquidity risks than investment grade securities.  Lower rated investments have speculative characteristics because of the credit risk associated with their issuers.  Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances typically have a greater effect on the ability of issuers of lower rated investments to make principal and interest payments than they do on issuers of higher rated investments.  An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a lower rated investment may lose significant value before a default occurs.  Lower rated investments generally are subject to greater price volatility and illiquidity than higher rated investments.

Because of the greater number of investment considerations involved in investing in investments that receive lower ratings, investing in lower rated investments depends more on the investment adviser’s judgment and analytical abilities than may be the case for investing in investments with higher ratings.  While the investment adviser will attempt to reduce the risks of investing in lower rated or unrated securities through active portfolio management, diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments and trends in the economy and the financial markets, there can be no assurance that a broadly diversified portfolio of such securities would substantially lessen the risks of defaults brought about by an economic downturn or recession.

Asset-Backed Securities.  Asset-Backed securities represent interests in a pool of assets other than mortgages, such as home equity loans, automobile receivables or credit card receivables.  Most asset-backed securities involve consumer or commercial debts with maturities of less than 10 years.  However, almost any type of fixed-income asset (including other fixed-income securities) may be used to create an asset-backed security.  Asset-backed securities may take the form of commercial paper, notes or pass-through certificates.  A structured asset-backed security is a multiclass instrument that is typically backed by a pool of auto loans, credit card receivables, home equity loans or student loans.


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Unscheduled prepayments of asset-backed securities may result in a loss of income if the proceeds are invested in lower-yielding securities.  Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many asset-backed securities, which increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates.  In addition, issuers of asset-backed securities may have limited ability to enforce the security interest in the underlying assets, and credit enhancements (if any) may be inadequate in the event of default.  Asset-backed securities 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 asset-backed securities may be affected by the factors described above and other factors, such as interest rate risk, 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 asset-backed securities representing interests in a pool of utilities receivables may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations.  Under certain market conditions, asset-backed securities may be less liquid and may be difficult to value. If a structured asset-backed security is subordinated to other classes backed by the same pool of collateral, the likelihood that it will make payments of principal may be substantially limited.

Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”).  MBS represent participation interests in pools of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgage loans. MBS may be issued by the U.S. Government (or one of its agencies or instrumentalities) or privately issued but collateralized by mortgages that are insured, guaranteed or otherwise backed by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or instrumentalities. Adjustable rate mortgages are mortgages whose interest rates are periodically reset when market rates change. Unlike conventional debt obligations, MBS provide monthly payments derived from the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans.  

MBS include classes of collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), including fixed- or floating-rate tranches, and various other MBS. In choosing among CMO classes, the investment adviser will evaluate the total income potential of each class and other factors.  

MBS issued by non-government entities are subject to the risks that the underlying mortgage borrowers fail to make timely payments of interest and principal 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 entity, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.

The mortgage loans underlying MBS are generally subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment, although investment in seasoned MBS can mitigate this risk. Under certain interest and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recover the full amount of its investment in MBS, notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee.  Because faster than expected prepayments must usually be invested in lower yielding securities, MBS are less effective than conventional bonds in “locking in” a specified interest rate. For premium bonds, the risk of prepayment may be enhanced. In a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many MBS. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. MBS that are purchased at a premium generate current income that exceeds market rates for comparable investments, but tend to decrease in value as they mature.

CMOs are subject to the same types of risks affecting MBS as described above. CMOs with complex or highly variable prepayment terms generally entail greater market and liquidity risks than other MBS. For example, their prices are more volatile and their trading market may be more limited. The structure of certain CMO interests held by the Fund may cause the Fund to be paid interest and/or principal on its investment only after holders of other interests in that particular CMO have received the full repayment of principal or interest on their investments.

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities.  Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property, such as loans for hotels, shopping centers, office buildings and apartment buildings.  Generally, the interest and principal payments on these loans are passed on to investors in CMBS according to a schedule of payments.

CMBS are subject to the risks described under “Asset-Backed Securities” above. CMBS also are subject to many of the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans and are therefore different from the risks of other types of mortgage-backed securities. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit a greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.


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The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS have certain distinct risk characteristics. Commercial mortgage loans generally lack standardized terms, which may complicate their structure, tend to have shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and may not be fully amortizing. Commercial properties themselves tend to be unique and are more difficult to value than single-family residential properties. In addition, commercial properties, particularly industrial and warehouse properties, are subject to environmental risks and the burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Zero Coupon and 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.  Deep discount bonds also are issued at a discount from face value, but may make periodic interest payments at a below market interest rate.  

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 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.

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 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.  

The Fund is required to accrue income from zero coupon and deep discount bonds and PIK securities 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. Such distributions could reduce the Fund’s cash position and require it to sell securities and incur a gain or loss at a time it may not otherwise want to in order to provide the cash necessary for these distributions.

U.S. Treasury and Government Securities.  U.S. Treasury securities (“Treasury Securities”) include U.S. Treasury obligations that differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance.  U.S. Government agency securities (“Agency Securities”) include obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities and government-sponsored enterprises.  Agency Securities may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or they may be backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the obligations, or the credit of the agency, instrumentality or enterprise.  

Government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”), the Private Export Funding Corporation (“PEFCO”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Federal Farm Credit Banks (“FFCB”) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (“TVA”), although chartered or sponsored by Congress, are not funded by congressional appropriations and the debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by them are neither guaranteed nor issued by the U.S. Government.  Treasury Securities and Agency Securities also include any security or agreement collateralized or otherwise secured by Treasury Securities or Agency Securities, respectively.

Because of their high credit quality and market liquidity, U.S. Treasury and Agency Securities generally provide a lower current return than obligations of other issuers.  While the U.S. Government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the past, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

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


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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.  Investments in a pooled investment vehicle will count towards a Fund's 80% Policy (or other investment ranges described herein) if the vehicle invests at least 80% of its net assets in the type of securities included in the Fund's 80% Policy or other investment policy.

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), which are debt securities that typically are listed on exchanges and their terms generally provide for a return that tracks specified market indices.  ETNs may not trade in the secondary market, but typically are redeemable by the issuer.  

Unlike ETFs and closed-end investment companies, ETNs are not registered investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act.  While ETNs do not have management fees, they are subject to certain investor fees.  In addition, as debt securities, ETNs are subject to the additional credit risk of the issuer.

Preferred Stock.  Preferred stock is a class of equity security that pays a specified dividend that typically must be paid before any dividends can be paid to common stockholders and takes precedence over common stock in the event of the issuer’s liquidation.  Although preferred stocks represent an ownership interest in an issuer, preferred stocks generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights and have economic characteristics similar to fixed-income securities. Preferred stocks generally are issued with a fixed par value and pay dividends based on a percentage of that par value at a fixed or variable rate.  Dividend payments on preferred stocks may be subordinate to interest payments on the issuer’s debt obligations.  Certain preferred stocks may be convertible to common stock.  Additionally, preferred stocks often have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price of the preferred stock at the date of issuance.

Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific and market risks generally applicable to equity securities and credit and interest rate risks generally applicable to fixed-income securities.  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. Preferred stocks are considered an equity security.

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.

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.


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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.

Municipal Obligations.  Municipal obligations include bonds, notes, floating-rate notes and commercial paper issued by a municipality, a group of municipalities or participants in qualified issues of municipal debt for a wide variety of both public and private purposes.  Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as payments from the user of the facility being financed.  Municipal obligations also include municipal lease obligations and certificates of participations in municipal leases.  A municipal lease obligation 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.  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.

Certain municipal obligations may be purchased on a “when-issued” basis, which means that payment and delivery occur on a future settlement date. The price and yield of such securities are generally fixed on the date of commitment to purchase.

The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, which do not make cash interest payments during a portion or all of the life of the bond. Instead, such bonds are sold at a deep discount to face value, and the interest consists of the gradual appreciation in price as the bond approaches maturity.  Zero coupon bonds can be an attractive financing method for issuers with near-term cash-flow problems or seeking to preserve liquidity.  Principal only investments entitle the Fund to receive the stated value of such investment when held to maturity.

Certain municipal obligations are issued with interest rates that adjust periodically.  Such municipal floating-rate debt obligations are generally indexed to LIBOR, the Securities Industry and Financial Market Association index, the Consumer Price Index or other indices. Municipal floating-rate debt obligations include, but are not limited to, municipal floating-rate notes, floating-rate notes issued by tender option bond trusts, auction rate preferred securities, synthetic floating-rate securities (e.g., a fixed-rate instrument that is subject to a swap agreement converting a fixed rate to a floating rate) and other municipal instruments with floating interest rates (such as variable rate demand preferred shares and variable rate term preferred shares).  

The interest on tax-exempt municipal obligations is (in the opinion of the issuer’s counsel) exempt from regular federal income and state or local taxes, as applicable. Income from certain types of municipal obligations generally may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (the “AMT”) for individuals.  Investors subject to AMT should consult their tax advisors.

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.  General obligation bonds issued by municipalities can be adversely affected by economic downturns and the resulting decline in tax revenues, pension funding risk, other post-employment benefit risk, budget imbalances, taxing ability risk, lack of political willpower and federal funding risk, among others.  Revenue bonds can be adversely affected by the negative economic viability of the facility or revenue source.  Many municipal obligations provide the issuer the option to “call,” or redeem, its securities. As such, the effective maturity of a municipal obligation may be reduced as the result of such call provisions and, if an investment is called in a declining interest rate environment, the proceeds from the called bond may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate.

The values of zero coupon bonds and principal only investments are subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than municipal obligations that pay interest currently.  The Fund is required to distribute to shareholders income imputed to any zero coupon bonds or principal only investments even though such income may not be received by the Fund as distributable cash. Such distributions could reduce the Fund’s reserve position and require it to sell securities and incur a gain or loss at a time it may not otherwise want to in order to provide the cash necessary for these distributions.


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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 or 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.  Most loans are rated below investment grade or, if unrated, are of similar credit quality.

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.

Certain loans (“senior loans”) hold a senior position in the capital structure of a business entity, are typically secured with specific collateral and have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated debtholders and stockholders of the borrower. Junior loans may be secured or unsecured subordinated loans, second lien loans and subordinated bridge loans.  Floating-rate loans typically have rates of interest which are re-determined daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium.

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 loans 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.  Bankruptcy laws in foreign jurisdictions, including emerging markets, may differ significantly from U.S. bankruptcy law and the Fund’s rights with respect to a loan governed by the laws of a foreign jurisdiction may be more limited.  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.

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.

Although the overall size and number of participants in the market for many loans has grown over the past decade, such loans continue to trade in a private, unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank secondary market and the amount of available public information about loans may be less extensive than that available for registered or exchange listed securities. With limited exceptions, the investment adviser will take steps intended to insure that it does not receive material nonpublic information about the issuers of loans that also issue publicly traded securities. Therefore, the investment adviser may


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds30Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


have less information than other investors about certain of the loans in which it seeks to invest. Purchases and sales of loans are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before a loan can be bought or sold.  These restrictions may (i) impede the Fund’s ability to buy or sell loans, (ii) negatively impact the transaction price, (iii) impact the counterparty and/or credit risks borne by the Fund, (iv) impede the Fund’s ability to timely vote or otherwise act with respect to loans, (v) expose the Fund to adverse tax or regulatory consequences and/or (vi) result in delayed settlement of loan transactions.  It may take longer than seven days for a transaction in loans to settle, which may impact the Fund’s process for meeting redemptions.  See “Liquidity Risk.”  This is partly due to the nature of manner in which loans trade and the contractual restrictions noted above, which require a written assignment agreement and various ancillary documents for each transfer, and frequently require discretionary consents from both the borrower and the administrative agent.  In light of the foregoing, the Fund may hold cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow to meet its cash needs, including satisfying redemption requests.  

Assignments of loans through private negotiations may cause the purchaser of an assignment to have different and more limited rights than those held by the assigning investor.  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.  In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan (if any) 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. No active trading market may exist for certain loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a loan and which may make it difficult to value the loan.  To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

In addition to the risks generally associated with debt instruments, such as credit, market, interest rate and liquidity risks, loans are also subject to the risk that the value of any collateral securing a loan may decline, be insufficient to meet the obligations of the borrower or be difficult to liquidate.  The specific collateral used to secure a loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the loan’s value.  The Fund’s access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy, other insolvency laws or by the type of loan the Fund has purchased.  For example, if the Fund purchases a participation instead of an assignment, it would not have direct access to collateral of the borrower.  As a result, a floating rate loan may not be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value.  Additionally, collateral on loan instruments may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets will satisfy a borrower’s obligations under the investment.

Loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate a loan to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower, or take other action detrimental to the holders of a loan including, in certain circumstances, invalidating a loan or causing interest previously paid to be refunded to the borrower.  Any such actions by a court could negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Loans that are secured and senior to other debtholders of a borrower tend to have more favorable loss recovery rates as compared to more junior types of below investment grade debt obligations. Due to their lower place in the borrower’s capital structure and, in some cases, their unsecured status, junior loans involve a higher degree of overall risk than senior loans of the same borrower.

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.

U.S. federal securities laws afford certain protections against fraud and misrepresentation in connection with the offering or sale of a security, as well as against manipulation of trading markets for securities. The typical practice of a lender in relying exclusively or primarily on reports from the borrower may involve the risk of fraud, misrepresentation, or market manipulation by the borrower. It is unclear whether U.S. federal securities law protections are available to an investment in a loan. In certain circumstances, loans may not be deemed to be securities, and in the event of fraud or misrepresentation by a borrower, lenders may not have the protection of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. However, contractual provisions in the loan documents may offer some protections, and lenders may also avail themselves of common-law fraud protections under applicable state law.  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds31Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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 sub-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 sub-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.

Interest Rate Risk.  In general, the value of income securities will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates. The value of these securities is likely to increase when interest rates fall and decline when interest rates rise.  Generally, securities with longer durations or maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations or maturities, causing them to be more volatile.  Conversely, fixed-income securities with shorter durations or maturities will be less volatile but may provide lower returns than fixed-income securities with longer durations or maturities.  In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended.  In a declining interest rate environment, the proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate.

LIBOR.  The London Interbank Offered Rate or 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.  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.  In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR.  It is currently anticipated that this phase-out will occur starting at the end of 2021.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR is expected to be well-defined in advance of the anticipated discontinuation, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate or rates. 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 borrowing for the Fund, 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. Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products.  Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects may occur prior to the discontinuation date.

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. 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 in 2018, with the expectation that it could be used on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. Bank working


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds32Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate in England.  Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund.

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 sub-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.

Repurchase Agreements.  A repurchase agreement is the purchase by the Fund of securities from a counterparty in exchange for cash that is coupled with an agreement to resell those securities to the counterparty at a specified date and price. 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. When a repurchase agreement is entered into, the Fund typically receives securities with a value that equals or exceeds the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the agreement. The value of such securities will be marked to market daily, and cash or additional securities will be exchanged between the parties as needed. Except in the case of a repurchase agreement entered into to settle a short sale, the value of the securities delivered to the Fund will be at least equal to the repurchase price during the term of the repurchase agreement. The terms of a repurchase agreement entered into to settle a short sale may provide that the cash purchase price paid by the Fund is more than the value of purchased securities that effectively collateralize the repurchase price payable by the counterparty. Since in such a transaction the Fund normally will have used the purchased securities to settle the short sale, the Fund will segregate liquid assets equal to the marked to market value of the purchased securities that it is obligated to return to the counterparty under the repurchase agreement.

In the event of the insolvency of the counterparty to a repurchase agreement, recovery of the repurchase price owed to the Fund may be delayed. In a repurchase agreement, such an insolvency may result in a loss to the extent that the value of the purchased securities decreases during the delay or that value has otherwise not been maintained at an amount equal to the repurchase price. Repurchase agreements may create leverage in the Fund.

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 Richard Bernstein Funds33Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.

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.

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds34Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.

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.

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 has resulted in a substantial economic downturn, which may continue for an extended period of time. 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 has, negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries and industries, and could continue to affect the market in significant and unforeseen ways. Other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future may have similar effects. The coronavirus outbreak and public and private sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many countries working from home for indefinite periods of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, and lack of availability of certain goods. The impact of such responses could adversely affect the information technology and operational systems upon which the Fund and the Fund’s service providers rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. 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.  The Equity Strategy Fund's 80% Policy will not be changed unless shareholders are given at least 60 days’ advance written notice of the change.  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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds35Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

Management and Organization

Management. Each Fund’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”), 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 $515 billion on behalf of mutual funds, institutional clients and individuals.

On October 8, 2020, Morgan Stanley and EVC announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Morgan Stanley will acquire EVC (the “Transaction”).  The Fund’s investment adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC and would become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley as a result of the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to the completion or waiver of customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, consummation of the Transaction may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser. The consummation of the Transaction also may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s sub-advisory agreement, if applicable.  Therefore, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has approved a new investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser and has approved a new sub-advisory agreement with the sub-adviser, if applicable, to be effective upon consummation of the Transaction and will submit such agreements to the Fund’s shareholders for approval at a joint special meeting of shareholders to be held on February 18, 2021 (or any adjournment thereof). Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close of business on December 11, 2020, who have voting power with respect to such shares, are entitled to be present and to vote at the meeting.  For purposes of the above two paragraphs only, references to “the Fund” are to each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio(s), as applicable.

Pursuant to investment sub-advisory agreements, Eaton Vance has delegated the investment management of each Fund to Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (“RBA”), a registered investment adviser. RBA is located at Tower 45, 120 West 45th Street, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10036. Eaton Vance pays RBA a portion of its fees for sub-advisory services provided to each Fund.

Each Fund’s annual shareholder 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 and each Fund’s investment sub-advisory agreement.

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy 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
(for each level) *

up to $500 million

0.850%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.800%

$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion

0.775%

$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion

0.750%

$5 billion and over

0.730%

* Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement dated May 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.

Prior to May 1, 2017, Eaton Vance received a monthly fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets

Annual Fee Rate
(for each level)

up to $500 million

0.900%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.850%

$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion

0.825%

$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion

0.800%

$5 billion and over

0.780%


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds36Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the effective annual rate of the advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance, based on average daily net assets of the Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund, was 0.84%.

Richard Bernstein, Matthew Griswold, CFA and Henry Timmons, CFA serve as portfolio managers of the Fund. Richard Bernstein has managed the Fund since its inception in 2011 and Mr. Griswold and Mr. Timmons have managed the Fund since January 2017. Mr. Bernstein is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of RBA (since its founding in 2009). Prior to founding RBA, Mr. Bernstein was Chief Investment Strategist (2006-2009) and Chief U.S. Strategist (2001-2006) at Merrill Lynch & Co. Mr. Griswold is the Director of Investments at RBA (since 2010). Prior to joining RBA, Mr. Griswold was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at State Street Global Advisors (1996-2008). Mr. Timmons is Director of ETFs at RBA (since 2011). Prior to joining RBA, Mr. Timmons was a Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co. LLC (2005-2009).

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy 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
(for each level)

up to $500 million

0.900%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.850%

$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion

0.825%

$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion

0.800%

$5 billion and over

0.780%

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the effective annual rate of the advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance, based on average daily net assets of the Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund, was 0.88%.

Richard Bernstein, Matthew Griswold, CFA and Henry Timmons, CFA serve as portfolio managers of the Fund. Mr. Bernstein has managed the Fund since its inception in 2010 and Mr. Griswold and Mr. Timmons have managed the Fund since January 2017.  For more information on Messrs. Bernstein, Griswold and Timmons, please see above.

The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ 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.

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).


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds37Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.

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, the United Kingdom 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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds38Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds39Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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(s) and sub-adviser(s) are 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); 

·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 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds40Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


·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.

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds41Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 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).  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds42Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares of a Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund during the month following the eight 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 eight 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 Richard Bernstein Funds43Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds44Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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.

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.  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds45Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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.

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. 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds46Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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.

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds47Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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.

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

Distributions of a Fund’s investment income and net realized short-term capital gains generally will be taxed as ordinary income. Distributions of 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 the 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 each Fund’s income distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. A 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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds48Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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.

Each 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 may decrease the 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 a 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 the 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 (“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 a 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 Richard Bernstein Funds49Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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 table reflects the financial results for a single Fund share.  The total returns in the table 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 reports 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.

 

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2020

2019

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class A

Class C

Class I

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$14.370

$14.030

$14.440

$15.110

$14.790

$15.190

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.097

$(0.010)

$0.133

$0.161

$0.054

$0.199

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

1.284

1.258

1.294

(0.542)

(0.531)

(0.552)

Total income (loss) from operations

$1.381

$1.248

$1.427

$(0.381)

$(0.477)

$(0.353)

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.191)

$(0.078)

$(0.227)

$(0.071)

$—

$(0.109)

From net realized gain

(0.420)

(0.420)

(0.420)

(0.288)

(0.283)

(0.288)

Total distributions

$(0.611)

$(0.498)

$(0.647)

$(0.359)

$(0.283)

$(0.397)

Net asset value - End of year

$15.140

$14.780

$15.220

$14.370

$14.030

$14.440

Total Return(2)

9.93%

9.14%

10.24%

(2.43)%

(3.16)%

(2.22)%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$97,873

$101,075

$546,890

$76,453

$121,049

$467,649

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

1.21%

1.96%

0.96%

1.22%

1.97%

0.97%

Net investment income (loss)

0.68%

(0.07)%

0.92%

1.14%

0.39%

1.40%

Portfolio Turnover

70%

70%

70%

85%

85%

85%

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds50Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

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

$14.330

$14.030

$14.390

$13.060

$12.830

$13.130

$12.250

$12.040

$12.310

Income From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income(1)

$0.157

$0.045

$0.196

$0.156

$0.053

$0.192

$0.150

$0.058

$0.184

Net realized and unrealized gain

0.934

0.920

0.952

1.176

1.147

1.164

0.824

0.802

0.833

Total income from operations

$1.091

$0.965

$1.148

$1.332

$1.200

$1.356

$0.974

$0.860

$1.017

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.154)

$(0.048)

$(0.191)

$(0.062)

$—

$(0.096)

$(0.164)

$(0.070)

$(0.197)

From net realized gain

(0.157)

(0.157)

(0.157)

Total distributions

$(0.311)

$(0.205)

$(0.348)

$(0.062)

$—

$(0.096)

$(0.164)

$(0.070)

$(0.197)

Net asset value - End of year

$15.110

$14.790

$15.190

$14.330

$14.030

$14.390

$13.060

$12.830

$13.130

Total Return(2)

7.67%

6.91%

8.04%

10.24%

9.35%

10.40%

8.02%

7.17%

8.34%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$87,728

$141,787

$563,130

$84,551

$124,228

$415,089

$91,816

$134,720

$274,566

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

1.20%

1.95%

0.95%

1.26%

2.01%

1.01%

1.30%

2.05%

1.05%

Net investment income

1.05%

0.31%

1.32%

1.15%

0.40%

1.40%

1.20%

0.48%

1.47%

Portfolio Turnover

44%

44%

44%

41%

41%

41%

51%

51%

51%

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds51Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2020

2019

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class A

Class C

Class I

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$16.500

$16.210

$16.530

$17.590

$17.350

$17.630

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.093

$(0.025)

$0.134

$0.100

$(0.020)

$0.141

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

2.675

2.617

2.667

(0.386)

(0.386)

(0.393)

Total income (loss) from operations

$2.768

$2.592

$2.801

$(0.286)

$(0.406)

$(0.252)

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.155)

$(0.019)

$(0.198)

$(0.003)

$—

$(0.047)

From net realized gain

(1.283)

(1.283)

(1.283)

(0.801)

(0.734)

(0.801)

Total distributions

$(1.438)

$(1.302)

$(1.481)

$(0.804)

$(0.734)

$(0.848)

Net asset value - End of year

$17.830

$17.500

$17.850

$16.500

$16.210

$16.530

Total Return(2)

17.89%

16.96%

18.11%

(1.29)%

(2.05)%

(1.06)%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$156,477

$67,549

$548,888

$117,095

$124,789

$540,946

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

1.26%

2.01%

1.01%

1.26%

2.01%

1.01%

Net investment income (loss)

0.57%

(0.16)%

0.83%

0.62%

(0.13)%

0.87%

Portfolio Turnover

29%

29%

29%

69%

69%

69%

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds52Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

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

$16.720

$16.500

$16.760

$14.810

$14.610

$14.840

$13.940

$13.750

$13.970

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.082

$(0.047)

$0.128

$0.115

$(0.001)

$0.156

$0.161

$0.057

$0.201

Net realized and unrealized gain

1.731

1.703

1.730

2.290

2.267

2.300

0.995

0.981

0.995

Total income from operations

$1.813

$1.656

$1.858

$2.405

$2.266

$2.456

$1.156

$1.038

$1.196

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.045)

$—

$(0.090)

$(0.120)

$(0.001)

$(0.161)

$(0.286)

$(0.178)

$(0.326)

From net realized gain

(0.898)

(0.806)

(0.898)

(0.375)

(0.375)

(0.375)

Total distributions

$(0.943)

$(0.806)

$(0.988)

$(0.495)

$(0.376)

$(0.536)

$(0.286)

$(0.178)

$(0.326)

Net asset value - End of year

$17.590

$17.350

$17.630

$16.720

$16.500

$16.760

$14.810

$14.610

$14.840

Total Return(2)

11.01%

10.15%

11.27%

16.63%

15.80%

16.99%

8.38%

7.60%

8.67%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$138,250

$163,931

$722,505

$144,164

$164,218

$597,452

$172,992

$189,050

$485,693

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

1.23%

1.98%

0.98%

1.25%

2.00%

1.00%

1.26%

2.01%

1.01%

Net investment income (loss)

0.47%

(0.27)%

0.74%

0.74%

(0.01)%

1.00%

1.15%

0.41%

1.43%

Portfolio Turnover

43%

43%

43%

24%

24%

24%

57%

57%

57%

(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. 

 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds53Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


 

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  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds54Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


·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) 

·

·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 Richard Bernstein Funds55Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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

The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

·

·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 reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family). 

·Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply. 

·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 Richard Bernstein Funds56Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds57Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds58Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds59Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds60Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds61Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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

1.1Minimum Purchase Amounts 

·$250 initial purchase minimum 

·$50 subsequent purchase minimum 

1.2Minimum 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 Richard Bernstein Funds62Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds63Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


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 Richard Bernstein Funds64Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 


Waivers Specific to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”)

Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver:

Front-End Sales Load Waiver on Class A-shares

·Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund at net asset value pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds65Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



PICTURE  

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.

 

6493 1.1.21

© 2021 Eaton Vance Management

 

Printed on recycled paper.




PICTURE  

 

Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund

Class A Shares - EVCGX   Class C Shares - ECCGX   Class I Shares - EICGX

Prospectus Dated
January 1, 2021

Important Note.  Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the 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 Fund's 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 Fund 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 Fund 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.

Information in this Prospectus

 

Page

 

Page

Fund Summary

2

Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks

7

Investment Objective

2

Management and Organization

13

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

2

Valuing Shares

14

Portfolio Turnover

2

Purchasing Shares

15

Principal Investment Strategies

2

Sales Charges

18

Principal Risks

3

Redeeming Shares

21

Performance

5

Shareholder Account Features

22

Management

6

Additional Tax Information

24

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

6

Financial Highlights

26

Tax Information

6

Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations

28

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

6

 

 

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




Fund Summary

Investment Objective

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

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 18 of this Prospectus and page 21 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 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

1.15%

1.15%

1.15%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

0.30%

1.00%

None

Other Expenses

0.35%

0.35%

0.35%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.80%

2.50%

1.50%

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

$747

$1,109

$1,494

$2,569

$747

$1,109

$1,494

$2,569

Class C shares

$353

$779

$1,331

$2,664

$253

$779

$1,331

$2,664

Class I shares

$153

$474

$818

$1,791

$153

$474

$818

$1,791

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 9% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in the China region (the “80% Policy”). The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies that, in the opinion of the investment sub-adviser, will benefit from the economic development and growth of the People’s Republic of China. The China region includes Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, and may include securities trading in the form of depositary receipts. A company will be considered to be located in the China region if it is domiciled in the China region or has at least 50% of its assets in, or derives 50% or more of its revenues or profits from, the China region. The Fund may invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities in any one country in the China region. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets outside the China region. The Fund invests in companies with a broad range of market capitalizations, including smaller, less seasoned companies. More than 25% of the Fund’s total assets may be denominated in a single currency. The Fund may invest in private placements. The Fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a “diversified” fund.

The Fund may engage in derivative transactions such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts to attempt to mitigate the adverse effects of foreign currency fluctuations during the period between the purchase of a security and its settlement.  The Fund may also seek to gain exposure to common stocks through the use of equity-linked securities (such as participation notes (“p-notes”)).  The Fund expects to use p-notes to invest indirectly in certain stocks that trade in a market that restricts foreign investors, such as the Fund, from investing directly in the market.  The Fund’s investments in equity-linked securities will not exceed 10% of the Fund’s net assets.

The investment sub-adviser invests primarily in common stocks of China region companies expected to grow in value over time, regardless of short-term market fluctuations. In selecting securities for the Fund, the investment sub-adviser seeks to invest in quality companies benefiting from secular growth trends that it believes are undervalued. Quality is determined by analysis of a company’s financial statements and is measured by a company’s demonstrated ability to consistently compound free cash flow at a steady rate. Quality companies typically have sustainable business models, robust balance sheets and proven management teams who are aligned with majority shareholders, among other characteristics. Stocks will generally be sold when they have achieved their perceived long-term value or to pursue more attractive investment options. The investment sub-adviser may also consider financially material environmental, social and governance factors in evaluating an issuer. These considerations may be taken into account alongside other factors 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.

China Region Risk. Economies of countries in the China region differ from the U.S. economy in various ways, such as rate of growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. As export-driven economies, the economies of countries in the China region are affected by developments in the economies and governmental actions of their principal trading partners, such as the imposition of trading restrictions and tariffs. China’s governmental actions and the actions of other governments can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in the China region or a particular issuer or industry, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of investments. For example, a government may restrict investment in companies or industries considered important to national interests, intervene in the financial markets, maintain strict currency controls, or impose repatriation restrictions. Although China and certain other countries in the China region may be larger and/or more established than many emerging markets, markets in these countries carry the high levels of risk associated with emerging markets.

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; 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.

Borrowing Risk. Borrowing cash to increase investments (sometimes referred to as “leverage”) may exaggerate the effect on the Fund’s net asset value of any increase or decrease in the value of the security purchased with the borrowing. 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 applicable federal securities laws 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 cause the required asset coverage to be less than the prescribed amount. Borrowings involve additional expense to the Fund.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund3Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 United States 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.

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.

Growth Risk. Because the Fund normally invests primarily in stocks of 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.

Geographic and Sector Risk.  Because the Fund may invest significantly in a particular geographic region or country and 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 that region or country or a particular sector and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that invests more broadly.

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.

Participation Note Risk. Participation notes (“P-Notes”) are subject to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the foreign securities underlying the P-Notes. As the purchaser of a P-Note, the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of the counterparty issuing the P-Note and does not have the same rights under the P-Note as it would as the owner of the underlying security.  If the counterparty becomes insolvent, the Fund could lose the total value of its investment in the P-Note. In addition, there is no assurance that there will be a trading market for a P-Note or that the trading price of a P-Note will equal the value of the underlying security.

Restricted Securities Risk.  Unless registered for sale to the public under applicable federal securities law, restricted securities can be sold only in private transactions to qualified purchasers pursuant to an exemption from registration. The sale price realized from a private transaction could be less than the Fund’s purchase price for the restricted security. It may be difficult to identify a qualified purchaser for a restricted security held by the Fund and such security could be deemed illiquid. It may also be more difficult to value such securities.

Issuer Diversification Risk. The Fund is “non-diversified,” which means it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund that is “diversified.” Non-diversified funds may focus their investments in a small number of issuers, making them more susceptible to risks affecting such issuers than a more diversified fund might be.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund4Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event underlying a derivative (“reference instrument”), due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create leverage in the Fund, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference instrument.  Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.  Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Fund. Use of derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and a transaction may be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of a derivative (including one used for hedging) may not correlate perfectly with the underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying reference instrument. If a derivative’s counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value of Fund shares may decline and the Fund could experience delays in the return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment, particularly when there is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives.  A derivative investment also involves the risks relating to the reference instrument underlying the investment.

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.

PICTURE Calendar year-by-year total return (Class A)

Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year Total Return

8.36%

-22.89%

22.69%

15.47%

-0.80%

-5.01%

1.73%

49.38%

-9.97%

23.24%

For the ten years ended December 31, 2019, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 19.30%for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, and the lowest quarterly return was -24.40%for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.  The year-to-date total return through the end of the most recent calendar quarter (December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020) was 6.89%.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund5Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019

One Year

Five Years

Ten Years

Class A Return Before Taxes

16.15%

8.58%

5.89%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions

15.54%

7.34%

4.95%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares

10.42%

6.90%

4.76%

Class C Return Before Taxes

21.35%

9.11%

5.78%

Class I Return Before Taxes

23.55%

10.20%

6.83%

MSCI Golden Dragon Index (reflects net dividends, which reflect the deduction of withholding taxes)

23.78%

8.15%

6.72%

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C.   The Class I performance shown above for the period prior to October 1, 2009 (commencement of operations) is the performance of Class A shares at net asset value without adjustment for any differences in the expenses of the two classes. If adjusted for such differences, returns would be different. Investors cannot invest directly in an Index.  (Source for the MSCI Golden Dragon Index: MSCI).  MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose.  MSCI provides no warranties, has not approved this data and has no liability hereunder.

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 may be the same as Return Before Taxes for a 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.  Boston Management and Research (“BMR”).

Investment Sub-Adviser.  BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited (“BMO GAM (Asia)”).

Portfolio Managers

June Lui, (lead portfolio manager), Portfolio Manager of BMO GAM (Asia), has managed the Fund since May 2015.

Christopher Darling, Senior Portfolio Manager of BMO GAM (Asia), has managed the Fund since July 2016.

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 the 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 the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund6Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks

The investment objective and principal investment policies and risks of the 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 the Fund may engage from time to time.  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.

Investments in the China Region. Economies of countries in the China regions differ from the U.S. economy in various ways, such as rate of growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. As export-driven economies, the economies of countries in the China region are affected by developments in the economies and government actions of their principal trading partners, such as the imposition of trading restrictions.  Although larger and/or more established than many emerging markets, markets in the China region carry the high levels of risk associated with emerging markets. Accounting, auditing, financial, and other reporting standards, practices and disclosure requirements in China are different, sometimes in fundamental ways, from those in the United States and certain Western European countries.  For example, financial reporting for companies domiciled in China does not have as much regulatory oversight as reporting for companies in the United States.  Consequently, investments in the China region are subject to the risk of confiscatory taxation, nationalization or expropriation of assets, potentially frequent changes in the law, and imperfect information.  

Monsoons and natural disasters also can affect the value of investments.  China’s governmental actions and the actions of other governments can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in the China region, which could adversely affect the value and liquidity of investments. For example, a government may restrict investment in companies or industries considered important to national interests, or intervene in the financial markets, such as imposing trading restrictions, or banning or curtailing short selling.  The Chinese government also maintains strict currency controls and imposes repatriation restrictions in order to achieve economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervenes in the currency market. The imposition of currency controls and repatriation restrictions may negatively impact the performance and liquidity of the Fund as capital may become trapped in the China region. Chinese yuan currency exchange rates can be very volatile and can change quickly and unpredictably.  Although the Chinese Government has begun to institute legal and economic reform policies, there can be no assurances that it will continue to pursue such policies or, if it does, that such policies will succeed.

The China Region is highly dependent upon trading with key partners, including the U.S., and export growth continues to play a major role in China’s economic growth. Increasing trade tensions, particularly regarding tariffs and trading arrangements between the U.S. and China has may result in additional tariffs or other actions that could have an adverse effect on an investment in the China region, including but not limited to restrictions on investments in certain Chinese companies. Reductions in spending on Chinese products or increased tariffs on trade activity between China and the U.S., and other key trading partners could have an adverse impact on the Chinese economy and Chinese investments. In addition, as demonstrated by protests in recent years over Hong Kong’s semi-autonomous political structure and economic and legal freedoms, Hong Kong’s evolving relationship with the central government in Beijing has been a source of political unrest and may result in economic disruption.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund7Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 and entered into a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.  The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020.  There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict.  The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an 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.

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. Securities markets within emerging market countries may experience 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. 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. In particular, trade disputes may result in governmental actions that could have an adverse effect on investments in emerging market countries, including but not limited to restrictions on investments in, or required divestment of, particular issuers or industries. 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. 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. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by an issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets. The prices at which investments may be acquired may be affected by trading by persons with information that is not publicly available and by securities transactions by brokers in anticipation of transactions in particular securities. Disruptions due to work stoppages and trading improprieties in foreign


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund8Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

Participation Notes.  The Fund may gain exposure to securities in certain foreign markets through investments in participation notes (“P-Notes”). For instance, the Fund may purchase P-Notes to invest in foreign markets that restrict foreign investors, such as the Fund, from investing directly in individual securities.  P-Notes are generally issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity security. P-Notes involve transaction costs.

An investment in a P-Note involves additional risks beyond the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying security and the P-Note may perform differently from its underlying security. While the holder of a P-Note is entitled to receive from the broker-dealer or bank any dividends paid by the underlying security, the holder is not entitled to the same rights (e.g., voting rights) as an owner of the underlying stock. P-Notes are considered general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them as the counterparty. As such, the Fund must rely on the creditworthiness of the counterparty for its investment returns on the P-Notes.  If the counterparty becomes insolvent, the Fund could lose the total value of its investment in the P-Note. Additionally, issuers of P-Notes and the calculation agent may have broad authority to control the foreign exchange rates related to the P-Notes and discretion to adjust a P-Note’s terms in response to certain events. There is also no assurance that there will be a secondary trading market for a P-Note or that the trading price of a P-Note will equal the value of the underlying security. P-Notes may be considered illiquid.

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 mitigate the adverse effects of foreign currency fluctuations during the period between the purchase of a security and its settlement or as a substitute for the purchase and sale of securities.  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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund9Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 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 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.

Equity-Linked Securities.  Equity-linked securities are primarily used as an alternative means to more efficiently and effectively access the securities markets of emerging market countries and may also be known as participation notes, equity swaps, and zero strike calls and warrants.  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 stocks, or sometimes a single stock.  The Fund deposits an amount of cash with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) in an amount near or equal to the selling price of the underlying security in exchange for an equity-linked security.  Upon sale, the Fund receives cash from the broker or custodian equal to the current value of the underlying security.

In addition to the risks of the underlying security, there is the risk that the issuer of an equity-linked security may default on its obligation under the security.  In addition, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out such a transaction with the other party or obtain an offsetting position with any other party, at any time prior to the end of the term of the underlying agreement.  This may impair the Fund’s ability to enter into other transactions at a time when doing so might be advantageous.

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund10Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 or sub-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.

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund11Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Issuer Diversification.  A “non-diversified” fund can invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than diversified funds. Concentrating investments could result in greater potential losses than for funds investing in a broader variety of issuers.  However, the Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. This requires the Fund to limit its investments so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, at least 50% of the Fund’s total assets are invested in (i) cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and (ii) single issuers that are less than 5% of the total assets of the Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer.  In addition, at the end of each fiscal quarter, no single issuer (excluding cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) can exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets.

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, sub-adviser and/or their 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.

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 has resulted in a


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund12Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



substantial economic downturn, which may continue for an extended period of time. 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 has, negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries and industries, and could continue to affect the market in significant and unforeseen ways. Other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future may have similar effects. The coronavirus outbreak and public and private sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many countries working from home for indefinite periods of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, and lack of availability of certain goods. The impact of such responses could adversely affect the information technology and operational systems upon which the Fund and the Fund’s service providers rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. 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.  The Fund's 80% Policy will not be changed unless shareholders are given at least 60 days’ advance written notice of the change.  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 time 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. The Fund’s investment adviser is Boston Management and Research (“BMR”), an indirect subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).  Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC.  Eaton Vance and BMR have 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 $515 billion on behalf of mutual funds, institutional clients and individuals.

On October 8, 2020, Morgan Stanley and EVC announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Morgan Stanley will acquire EVC (the “Transaction”).  The Fund’s investment adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC and would become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley as a result of the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to the completion or waiver of customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, consummation of the Transaction may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser. The consummation of the Transaction also may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s sub-advisory agreement, if applicable.  Therefore, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has approved a new investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser and has approved a new sub-advisory agreement with the sub-adviser, if applicable, to be effective upon consummation of the Transaction and will submit such agreements to the Fund’s shareholders for approval at a joint special meeting of shareholders to be held on February 18, 2021 (or any adjournment thereof). Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close of business on December 11, 2020, who have voting power with respect to such shares, are entitled to be present and to vote at the meeting.  For purposes of the above two paragraphs only, references to “the Fund” are to each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio(s), as applicable.

Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement, BMR has delegated the investment management of the Fund to BMO GAM (Asia), a registered investment adviser. BMO GAM (Asia) is located at One Exchange Square, Suite 3808, Central, Hong Kong. BMR pays BMO GAM (Asia) a portion of the advisory fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Fund. BMO GAM (Asia) and its affiliates (together “LGM Investments”) act as investment adviser to various individual and


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund13Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



institutional clients and currently manages approximately $5.1 billion in assets.  BMO GAM (Asia) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.  BMO GAM (Asia) is domiciled outside of the United States. Because of this, it would be difficult for the Fund to bring a claim or enforce a judgment against them.

The Fund’s annual shareholder report covering the fiscal period ended August 31 provides information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements.

Under its investment advisory agreement with the Fund, BMR receives a monthly investment advisory fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets for the Month

Annual Fee Rate
(for each level)*

Up to $500 million

1.00%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.91%

$1 billion but less than $1.5 billion

0.83%

$1.5 billion but less than $2 billion

0.75%

$2 billion but less than $3 billion

0.66%

$3 billion and over

0.58%

* Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement effective May 1, 2017.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the effective annual rate of investment advisory fee, based on average daily net assets of the Fund, was 1.00%.

Prior to December 31, 2019, BMR and BMO GAM (Asia) had contractually agreed to reimburse expenses to the extent they exceed 1.85% for Class A shares, 2.55% for Class C shares, and 1.55% for Class I shares of the Fund.

June Lui and Christopher Darling act as portfolio managers of the Fund.  In addition to his role at BMO GAM (Asia), Mr. Darling is an employee of LGM Investments Limited (“LGMI”), an affiliate of BMO GAM (Asia) located in London.  LGMI is regulated by the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority and also registered with the SEC as an investment adviser.  Ms. Lui joined BMO GAM (Asia) in January 2015.  Previously, Ms. Lui was assistant fund manager (2012-2014) and analyst at F&C Asset Management from 2006, specializing in Greater China and Asia ex Japan equities.  Mr. Darling has been employed by BMO GAM (Asia) since 2006 and serves as Portfolio Manager.

The SAI 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 serves as the administrator of the Fund, providing the Fund with administrative services and related office facilities. In return, the Fund is authorized to pay Eaton Vance a monthly administrative fee equal to 0.15% annually of average daily net assets.

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.

Organization. The Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust, a Massachusetts business trust.  The Fund offers multiple classes of shares.  Each Class represents a pro rata interest in the Fund but is subject to different expenses and rights.  The Fund does 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).

Valuing Shares

The 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, the 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. The Fund may accept purchase and redemption orders as of the time of their receipt by certain financial intermediaries (or their designated intermediaries).


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund14Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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, the 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 the Fund’s NAV. Because foreign investments held by the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s transfer agent.  The 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.

The 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, the United Kingdom 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 Fund does 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund15Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.  The 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 the 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 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.  The 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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund16Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing.  The Fund is 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(s) and sub-adviser(s) are 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 Fund.

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 the 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, the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s systematic purchase, exchange or redemption plan, (ii) made as the result of automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions, or (iii) initiated by the Fund (e.g., for transactions due to a failure to meet applicable account minimums); 

·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 the Fund, the ReFlow liquidity program is described under “Investment Objectives & Principal Policies and Risks” above). 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund17Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the Fund:

·transactions made by model-based discretionary advisory accounts; or 

·transactions made by funds that invest in the 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 the 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. The 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 Fund.

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 0.30% 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.  The 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 the 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 Greater China Growth Fund18Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund19Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Right of Accumulation.  Under the right of accumulation, the sales charge you pay is reduced if the current market value of your holdings in the 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 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 the 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.”


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund20Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Conversion Feature.  Effective November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares of the Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund during the month following the eight 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 eight years after the Effective Date. In addition, Class C shares held in an account with the 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.

Distribution and Service Fees. Class A and Class C shares have in effect plans under Rule 12b-1 that allow the 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 0.30% 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund21Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Fund's 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.  


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund22Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



If your shares are held directly with the Fund's 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 the 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.  

The 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, the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund will manage liquidity successfully in all market environments. As a result, the 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 the 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.

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. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund23Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Information about the Fund.  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.

The Fund will file information regarding its portfolio holdings with the SEC on its Form N-PORT.  The 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.  The 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 the 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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund24Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s net asset value has decreased since your purchase, you will lose money as a result of this redemption.  The Fund has also designated an anti-money laundering compliance officer.

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

The Fund expects to pay any required distributions annually and intends to distribute any net realized capital gains annually.   Distributions of investment income and net short-term capital gains generally will be taxed as ordinary income.  Distributions of net long-term capital gains (net gains from investments held for more than one year) generally will be taxable as long-term capital gains.  Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the 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 the Fund.  Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” (as further described in the SAI) will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided the holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level.  The


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund25Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Fund’s distributions will generally not qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.  The Fund’s distributions will be taxable whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.  It may also be necessary, in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment and to avoid any Fund-level tax, for the Fund to make a special income and/or capital gains distribution at the end of the calendar year.

Investors who purchase shares at a time when the 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).  In that case, the Fund’s yield on those securities would be decreased.  These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of an applicable tax treaty.

Under certain circumstances, shareholders may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes.  The Fund may elect to allow Fund shareholders to include in gross income their pro rata share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund (even though such amounts are not received by the shareholders) and could allow Fund shareholders, provided certain requirements are met, to use their pro rata portion of such foreign income taxes as a foreign tax credit against their federal income taxes or, alternatively, for shareholders who itemize their deductions, to deduct their portion of the Fund’s foreign taxes paid in computing their taxable federal income.  If eligible, the Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all, of its taxable years.  However, even if the Fund qualifies to make such election for any year, it may determine not to do so.  In addition, investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the Fund’s distributions.

The 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 (“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 SAI.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund26Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Financial Highlights

The financial highlights are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period(s) indicated.  Certain information in the table reflects the financial results for a single Fund share.  The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the 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 the Fund’s financial statements are incorporated herein by reference and included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2020

2019

2018

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class A

Class C

Class I

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$23.200

$21.690

$23.420

$24.560

$23.090

$24.790

$25.480

$24.120

$25.680

Income (loss) from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.086

$(0.106)

$0.109

$0.094

$(0.170)

$0.302

$0.094

$(0.090)

$0.168

Net realized and unrealized gain

4.785

4.483

4.883

0.604

0.675

0.466

1.861

1.770

1.889

Total income from operations

$4.871

$4.377

$4.992

$0.698

$0.505

$0.768

$1.955

$1.680

$2.057

Less distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.074)

$—

$(0.145)

$(0.153)

$—

$(0.233)

$(0.165)

$—

$(0.237)

From net realized gain

(0.717)

(0.717)

(0.717)

(1.905)

(1.905)

(1.905)

(2.710)

(2.710)

(2.710)

Total distributions

$(0.791)

$(0.717)

$(0.862)

$(2.058)

$(1.905)

$(2.138)

$(2.875)

$(2.710)

$(2.947)

Net asset value - End of year

$27.280

$25.350

$27.550

$23.200

$21.690

$23.420

$24.560

$23.090

$24.790

Total Return(2)

21.44%

20.59%

21.81%

3.65%

2.94%

3.94%

7.69%

6.93%

8.06%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$85,096

$2,261

$17,646

$78,942

$3,736

$21,552

$72,953

$12,163

$9,875

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

1.80%

2.50%

1.50%

1.83%

2.53%

1.53%

1.82%

2.52%

1.52%

Net investment income (loss)

0.36%

(0.47)%

0.45%

0.41%

(0.80)%

1.29%

0.36%

(0.37)%

0.64%

Portfolio Turnover

9%

9%

9%

17%

17%

17%

12%

12%

12%

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund27Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2017

2016

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class A

Class C

Class I

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$20.380

$19.400

$20.500

$19.210

$18.450

$19.260

Income (loss) from operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.168

$(0.018)

$0.281

$0.092

$(0.042)

$0.091

Net realized and unrealized gain

5.111

4.877

5.096

2.210

2.124

2.281

Total income from operations

$5.279

$4.859

$5.377

$2.302

$2.082

$2.372

Less distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.179)

$(0.139)

$(0.197)

$—

$—

$—

From net realized gain

(1.132)

(1.132)

(1.132)

Total distributions

$(0.179)

$(0.139)

$(0.197)

$(1.132)

$(1.132)

$(1.132)

Net asset value - End of year

$25.480

$24.120

$25.680

$20.380

$19.400

$20.500

Total Return(2)

26.19%

25.27%

26.48%

12.50%

11.73%

12.90%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$75,137

$12,855

$11,067

$66,709

$13,856

$8,307

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses(3)

1.91%

2.62%

1.61%

1.95%

2.65%

1.65%

Net investment income (loss)

0.78%

(0.09)%

1.29%

0.49%

(0.24)%

0.49%

Portfolio Turnover

14%

14%

14%

8%

8%

8%

(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, if applicable. 

 

(3)The investment adviser and sub-adviser reimbursed certain operating expenses (equal to 0.05% and 0.08% of average daily net assets for the years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively).  Absent this reimbursement, total return would be lower. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund28Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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  


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund29Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



·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) 

·

·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 Greater China Growth Fund30Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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

The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

 

·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 reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family). 

·Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply. 

·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 Greater China Growth Fund31Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund32Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund33Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund34Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund35Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund36Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



·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. 

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

1.1Minimum Purchase Amounts 

·$250 initial purchase minimum 

·$50 subsequent purchase minimum 

1.2Minimum 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 Greater China Growth Fund37Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund38Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund39Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Waivers Specific to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”)

Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver:

Front-End Sales Load Waiver on Class A-shares

·Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund at net asset value pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund40Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



PICTURE  

 

More Information

About the Fund:  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 the 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 the 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 the 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 Fund's Investment Company Act No. is 811-01241.

 

3078 1.1.21

© 2021 Eaton Vance Management

 

Printed on recycled paper.

 

 




PICTURE  

 

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund

Class A Shares - ETHSX   Class C Shares - ECHSX   Class I Shares - EIHSX   Class R Shares - ERHSX

Prospectus Dated
January 1, 2021

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.

Information in this Prospectus

 

Page

 

Page

Fund Summary

2

Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks

7

Investment Objective

2

Management and Organization

14

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

2

Valuing Shares

16

Portfolio Turnover

2

Purchasing Shares

16

Principal Investment Strategies

3

Sales Charges

20

Principal Risks

3

Redeeming Shares

23

Performance

5

Shareholder Account Features

24

Management

6

Additional Tax Information

26

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

6

Financial Highlights

28

Tax Information

6

Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations

31

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

6

 

 

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




Fund Summary

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth by investing in a worldwide and diversified portfolio of health sciences companies.

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 20 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

Class R

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

5.75%

None

None

None

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption)

None

1.00%

None

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

Class R

Management Fees (1)

0.85%

0.85%

0.85%

0.85%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

0.25%

1.00%

None

0.50%

Other Expenses

0.16%

0.16%

0.16%

0.16%

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

0.01%

0.01%

0.01%

0.01%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.27%

2.02%

1.02%

1.52%

Expense Reimbursement(1)(2)

(0.04)%

(0.04)%

(0.04)%

(0.04)%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement

1.23%

1.98%

0.98%

1.48%

(1) “Management Fees” reflect a base contractual advisory fee of 0.63%, a performance fee adjustment increase of 0.07% (based on the performance fee adjustment for the most recent fiscal year) and an administrative fee of 0.15%.  See page 15 of this Prospectus for more information about the calculation of the performance fee adjustment.  

(2)The investment adviser, sub-adviser and administrator have agreed to reimburse the Fund’s expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.15% for Class A shares, 1.90% for Class C shares, 0.90% for Class I shares and 1.40% for Class R shares.  This expense reimbursement will continue through December 31, 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, any performance-based adjustment to an asset-based investment advisory fee, borrowing costs (including borrowing costs of any acquired funds), taxes or litigation expenses.  Amounts reimbursed may be recouped by the investment adviser, sub-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

$693

$951

$1,228

$2,017

$693

$951

$1,228

$2,017

Class C shares

$301

$630

$1,084

$2,152

$201

$630

$1,084

$2,152

Class I shares

$100

$321

$559

$1,244

$100

$321

$559

$1,244

Class R shares

$151

$476

$825

$1,809

$151

$476

$825

$1,809


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund2Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 38% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities (primarily common stocks) of companies principally engaged in the discovery, development, production or distribution of products (or services) related to scientific advances in health care, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, managed health care and medical equipment and supplies (“health sciences companies”) (the “80% Policy”). A company will be considered to be a health sciences company if, at the time of investment, 50% or more of the company’s sales, earnings or assets will arise from or will be dedicated to the application of scientific advances related to health care. The Fund invests in U.S. and foreign securities and will normally be invested in issuers located in and tied economically to at least three different countries. The Fund may invest in securities of both larger established and smaller emerging companies domiciled in developed or emerging markets, some of which may be denominated in foreign currencies or trade in the form of depositary receipts. The Fund has a policy of investing at least 25% of its assets in investments in the medical research and health care industry. Companies in the medical research and health care industry are categorized by the Global Industry Classification Standard as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences and health care equipment and services companies. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in royalty bonds, which are debt securities that are collateralized by royalties from pharmaceutical patents. The Fund may also 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 and may lend its securities.

The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices or currency exchange rates, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. The Fund expects to use derivatives primarily to seek to generate income by writing covered call options or put options. The Fund may also enter into a combination of option transactions on individual securities. In addition, the Fund may seek to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Permitted derivatives include: the purchase or sale of forward or futures contracts; options on futures contracts; exchange-traded and over-the-counter options; equity collars and equity swap agreements. The Fund may also engage in covered short sales (on individual securities held or on an index or basket of securities whose constituents are held in whole or in part or for which liquid assets have been segregated).  There is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives.  

Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research. The portfolio managers seek to purchase stocks that are reasonably priced in relation to their fundamental value, and that they believe will grow in value over time regardless of short-term market fluctuations. In making investment decisions, the portfolio managers utilize the information provided by, and the expertise of, the investment adviser’s and sub-adviser’s research staff. In selecting stocks, 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, estimates of the company’s net value, the potential to increase market share (for larger companies), and the potential of research and development projects (for smaller companies). The portfolio managers may consider selling a holding whenever there is a fundamental change to the investment thesis, the investment’s valuation target is reached, a security’s price falls below acquisition cost or to pursue more attractive investment opportunities. The portfolio managers seek to manage investment risk by maintaining issuer diversification among the Fund’s holdings, and by conducting an analysis of the risk and return characteristics of securities (as described above) in which the Fund invests. 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 securities selection process.

 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund3Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



 

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; 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.

Health Sciences Concentration Risk. Because the Fund invests 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.  These developments include product obsolescence, the failure of a company to develop new products and the expiration of patent rights. The value of Fund shares can also be impacted by regulatory activities that affect health sciences companies. For instance, increased regulation can increase the cost of bringing new products to market and thereby reduce profits.  The Fund has historically held approximately 60 stocks or less at any one time; therefore, the Fund is more sensitive to developments affecting particular stocks than would be a fund that invests more broadly.  

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 United States 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.

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.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event underlying a derivative (“reference instrument”), due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create leverage in the Fund, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference instrument.  Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.  Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a cash investment position, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position held by the Fund. Use of derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund4Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



judgment, and a transaction may be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of a derivative (including one used for hedging) may not correlate perfectly with the underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying reference instrument. If a derivative’s counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value of Fund shares may decline and the Fund could experience delays in the return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment, particularly when there is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives.  A derivative investment also involves the risks relating to the reference instrument underlying the investment.

Short Sale Risk. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed security. Short sale risks include, among others, the potential loss of more money than the actual cost of the investment, and the risk that the third party to the short sale may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Fund.

Royalty Bonds Risk. Royalty Bonds are typically offered in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, 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.

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.

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.

Restricted Securities Risk.  Unless registered for sale to the public under applicable federal securities law, restricted securities can be sold only in private transactions to qualified purchasers pursuant to an exemption from registration. The sale price realized from a private transaction could be less than the Fund’s purchase price for the restricted security. It may be difficult to identify a qualified purchaser for a restricted security held by the Fund and such security could be deemed illiquid. It may also be more difficult to value such securities.

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.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund5Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 two broad-based securities market indices.   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.  

PICTURE  

Calendar year-by-year total return (Class A)

Year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Year Total Return

11.13%

4.75%

15.49%

44.56%

27.39%

8.39%

-14.89%

16.24%

5.98%

25.99%

For the ten years ended December 31, 2019,  the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 14.87% for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, and the lowest quarterly return was -12.10% for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.  The year-to-date total return through the end of the most recent calendar quarter (December 31, 2019 to September 30, 2020) was 6.38%.

Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2019

One Year

Five Years

Ten Years

Class A Return Before Taxes

18.78%

6.17%

12.81%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions

17.52%

4.54%

10.54%

Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Class A Shares

12.35%

4.56%

10.10%

Class C Return Before Taxes

23.90%

6.62%

12.63%

Class I Return Before Taxes

26.28%

7.69%

13.75%

Class R Return Before Taxes

25.64%

7.17%

13.20%

MSCI World Health Care Index (reflects net dividends, which reflect the deduction of withholding taxes)

23.24%

8.49%

12.28%

S&P 500® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

31.49%

11.69%

13.55%

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (5.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. S&P Dow Jones Indices are a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P DJI”) and have been licensed for use.  S&P® and S&P 500® are registered trademarks of S&P DJI; Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); S&P DJI, Dow Jones and their respective affiliates do not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the Fund, will not have any liability with respect thereto and do not have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P Dow Jones Indices.  (Source for MSCI World Health Care Index:  MSCI.)  MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose.  MSCI provides no warranties, has not prepared or approved this data, and has no liability hereunder.  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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund6Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



 

Management

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

Investment Sub-Adviser.  Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”).

Portfolio Managers

Jason Kritzer, CFA, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund and the Portfolio (the Portfolio the Fund previously invested in) since July 2016.  

Samantha Pandolfi, CFA, Vice President of EVAIL, has managed the Fund and the Portfolio (the Portfolio the Fund previously invested in) since July 2016.  

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 the 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 the 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, the 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 the 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 the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund7Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks

The investment objective and principal investment policies and risks of the 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 the Fund may engage from time to time.   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.

Health Sciences Companies.  Health sciences companies are companies principally engaged in the discovery, development, production or distribution of products (or services) related to scientific advances in health care, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, managed health care and medical equipment and supplies. A company will be considered to be a health sciences company if, at the time of investment, 50% or more of the company’s sales, earnings or assets will arise from or will be dedicated to the application of scientific advances related to health care.   The Fund has a policy of investing at least 25% of its assets in investments in the medical research and health care industry. Companies in the medical research and health care industry are categorized by the Global Industry Classification Standard as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences and health care equipment and services companies.

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund8Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 and entered into a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.  The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020.  There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict.  The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an 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.

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. Securities markets within emerging market countries may experience 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. 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. In particular, trade disputes may result in governmental actions that could have an adverse effect on investments in emerging market countries, including but not limited to restrictions on investments in, or required divestment of, particular issuers or industries. 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. 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. The possibility of fraud, negligence, undue influence being exerted by an issuer or refusal to recognize ownership exists in some emerging markets. The prices at which investments may be acquired may be affected by trading by persons with information that is not publicly available and by securities transactions by brokers in anticipation of transactions in particular securities. 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund9Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 or to seek to enhance returns.

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 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 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 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund10Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 is 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.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund11Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

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.

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 Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are restricted as to resale.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund12Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

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 and sub-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.

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 and sub-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 and sub-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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund13Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

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.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund14Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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, sub-adviser and/or their 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.

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 has resulted in a substantial economic downturn, which may continue for an extended period of time. 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 has, negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries and industries, and could continue to affect the market in significant and unforeseen ways. Other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future may have similar effects. The coronavirus outbreak and public and private sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many countries working from home for indefinite periods of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, and lack of availability of certain goods. The impact of such responses could adversely affect the information technology and operational systems upon which the Fund and the Fund’s service providers rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. 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.  The Fund's 80% Policy will not be changed unless shareholders are given at least 60 days’ advance written notice of the change.  Unless otherwise stated, the Fund's investment objective and certain other policies may be changed without shareholder approval.  Any proposed material change in the investment objective will be submitted to shareholders for their approval. 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


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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.  Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”), Two International Place, Boston, MA  02110, serves as the investment adviser and manages the Fund’s investments pursuant to an investment advisory agreement and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”). 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 $515 billion on behalf of mutual funds, institutional clients and individuals.  

On October 8, 2020, Morgan Stanley and EVC announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Morgan Stanley will acquire EVC (the “Transaction”).  The Fund’s investment adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC and would become an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley as a result of the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to the completion or waiver of customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.

Pursuant to the 1940 Act, consummation of the Transaction may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser. The consummation of the Transaction also may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of the Fund’s sub-advisory agreement, if applicable.  Therefore, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has approved a new investment advisory agreement with its investment adviser and has approved a new sub-advisory agreement with the sub-adviser, if applicable, to be effective upon consummation of the Transaction and will submit such agreements to the Fund’s shareholders for approval at a joint special meeting of shareholders to be held on February 18, 2021 (or any adjournment thereof). Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close of business on December 11, 2020, who have voting power with respect to such shares, are entitled to be present and to vote at the meeting.  For purposes of the above two paragraphs only, references to “the Fund” are to each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio(s), as applicable.

Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement, Eaton Vance has delegated a portion of the investment management of the Fund to Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”), a subsidiary of EVC, 125 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AR, United Kingdom, a registered investment adviser.  Eaton Vance pays EVAIL a portion of its advisory fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Fund.  

The Fund’s annual report covering the fiscal period ended August 31 provides information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the Fund’s investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements.

Eaton Vance receives a monthly asset-based investment advisory fee from the Fund as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets

Annual Fee Rate

Up to $500 million

0.675%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.590%

$1 billion but less than $1.5 billion

0.520%

$1.5 billion but less than $2 billion

0.490%

$2 billion but less than $2.5 billion

0.470%

$2.5 billion and over

0.450%

Eaton Vance may receive a performance-based upward or downward adjustment to the asset-based investment advisory fee of up to 0.15% (annually) of the average daily net assets of the Fund depending upon whether, and to what extent, the investment performance of the Fund differs by at least one percentage point from the record of the MSCI World Health Care Index over a 36-month performance period.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the annual effective rate of the investment advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance, including an upward performance adjustment, was 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund16Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



The Fund is managed by Jason Kritzer and Samantha Pandolfi.  Prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019, Mr. Kritzer and Ms. Pandolfi managed Worldwide Health Sciences Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) in which the Fund previously invested.  Mr. Kritzer has served as a portfolio manager since July 2016, has been an analyst at Eaton Vance for more than five years and is a Vice President of Eaton Vance.  Ms. Pandolfi has served as a portfolio manager since July 2016 and is a Vice President of EVAIL.  Prior to joining EVAIL in November 2017, Ms. Pandolfi held identical positions at Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (“EVMI”) (2015-2017). 

The SAI provides additional information about the investment management team, including information about compensation, other accounts managed by the team members, and each team member’s ownership of Fund shares.

Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement, Eaton Vance receives a monthly fee from the Fund for administrative services of 0.15% annually of average daily net assets.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the administration fee amounted to 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

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.

Organization. The Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Growth Trust, a Massachusetts business trust.  The Fund offers multiple classes of shares.  Each Class represents a pro rata interest in the Fund but is subject to different expenses and rights.  The Fund does 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).

Valuing Shares

The 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, the 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. The 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 the 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, the 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 investment 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 the Fund’s NAV.  Because foreign investments held by the 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 the 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund17Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Purchasing Shares

Set forth below is information about the manner in which the 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 the 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 the Fund’s transfer agent.  The 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.

The 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, the United Kingdom 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 Fund does 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, Class C and Class R 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.  The 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 the 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 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.  The 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.  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund18Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Fund is 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(s) and sub-adviser(s) are 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 Fund.

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 the Fund.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund19Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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, the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s systematic purchase, exchange or redemption plan, (ii) made as the result of automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions, or (iii) initiated by the Fund (e.g., for transactions due to a failure to meet applicable account minimums); 

·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 the 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 the Fund:

·transactions made by model-based discretionary advisory accounts; or 

·transactions made by funds that invest in the 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 the 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. The 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 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund20Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



·the total operating expenses associated with owning each class. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund21Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Fund.

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.  The 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 the 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.

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.

Class R shares are offered at net asset value with no front-end sales charge to employer sponsored retirement plans and Individual Retirement Account rollover clients of financial intermediaries who charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services.  Class R shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 0.50% annually of average daily net assets.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund22Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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 the 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 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 the 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund23Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares of the Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund during the month following the eight 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 eight years after the Effective Date. In addition, Class C shares held in an account with the 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.

Distribution and Service Fees. Class A, Class C and Class R shares have in effect plans under Rule 12b-1 that allow the 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.  Class R shares pay distribution fees to the principal underwriter of 0.25% annually of average daily net assets and such fees are paid to financial intermediaries.  Although there is no intention to do so, Class R could pay distribution fees of up to 0.50% annually upon Trustee approval.  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 and Class R 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.  After the sale of Class R shares, the principal underwriter generally pays service fees to financial


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund24Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



intermediaries based on the value of shares sold 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.

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 Fund's 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.  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund25Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Fund's 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 the 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.  

The 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, the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund will manage liquidity successfully in all market environments. As a result, the 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 the 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.

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. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund26Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Information about the Fund.  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.

The Fund will file information regarding its portfolio holdings with the SEC on its Form N-PORT.  The 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.  The 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 the 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.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund27Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund’s net asset value has decreased since your purchase, you will lose money as a result of this redemption.  The Fund has also designated an anti-money laundering compliance officer.

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

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

Distributions of the Fund’s investment income 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)


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund28Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



generally will be taxed as long-term capital gains. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the 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 the Fund. Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” (as further described in the SAI) 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 the 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 the Fund’s income distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. The 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 the 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.

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 may decrease the Fund’s yield on such securities. These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of any applicable tax treaty.  If eligible, the Fund may elect to allow Fund shareholders to include in gross income their pro rata share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund (even though such amounts are not received by the shareholders) and could allow Fund shareholders, provided certain requirements are met, to use their pro rata portion of such foreign income taxes as a foreign tax credit against their federal income taxes or, alternatively, for shareholders who itemize their deductions, to deduct their portion of the Fund’s foreign taxes paid in computing their taxable federal income.  The Fund may qualify for and make this election in some, but not necessarily all of its taxable years.  In addition, investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the Fund’s distributions.

The 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 (“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 SAI.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund29Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Financial Highlights

The financial highlights are intended to help you understand the 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 the 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 the Fund’s financial statements are incorporated herein by reference and included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2020

2019

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class R

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class R

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$11.610

$11.690

$11.930

$12.400

$11.700

$11.770

$12.010

$12.460

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.061

$(0.032)

$0.094

$0.033

$0.069

$(0.040)

$0.098

$0.042

Net realized and unrealized gain

2.377

2.384

2.443

2.547

0.413

0.437

0.424

0.440

Total income from operations

$2.438

$2.352

$2.537

$2.580

$0.482

$0.397

$0.522

$0.482

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net investment income

$(0.072)

$—

$(0.101)

$(0.034)

$(0.035)

$—

$(0.065)

$(0.005)

From net realized gain

(0.596)

$(0.542)

(0.596)

(0.596)

(0.537)

(0.477)

(0.537)

(0.537)

Total distributions

$(0.668)

$(0.542)

$(0.697)

$(0.630)

$(0.572)

$(0.477)

$(0.602)

$(0.542)

Net asset value - End of year

$13.380

$13.500

$13.770

$14.350

$11.610

$11.690

$11.930

$12.400

Total Return(2)(3)

21.74%

20.70%

22.04%

21.46%

4.35%

3.54%

4.60%

4.07%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$761,814

$62,657

$192,629

$60,480

$698,865

$63,886

$169,013

$57,674

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses(3)

1.22%

1.97%

0.97%

1.47%

1.09%(4)

1.84%(4)

0.84%(4)

1.34%(4)

Net investment income (loss)

0.50%

(0.26)%

0.75%

0.25%

0.61%(4)

(0.35)% (4)

0.84%(4)

0.35%(4)

Portfolio Turnover of the Portfolio(5)

32%

32%

32%

32%

Portfolio Turnover of the Fund

38%

38%

38%

38%

3%(6)

3%(6)

3%(6)

3%(6)

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund30Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2018

2017

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class R

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class R

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$10.710

$10.850

$10.960

$11.410

$11.140

$11.350

$11.340

$11.810

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(1)

$0.033

$(0.048)

$0.061

$0.008

$(0.002)

$(0.079)

$0.025

$(0.029)

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

1.248

1.259

1.280

1.333

0.733

0.740

0.756

0.790

Total income (loss) from operations

$1.281

$1.211

$1.341

$1.341

$0.731

$0.661

$0.781

$0.761

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From net realized gain

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

Total distributions

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(0.291)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

$(1.161)

Net asset value - End of year

$11.700

$11.770

$12.010

$12.460

$10.710

$10.850

$10.960

$11.410

Total Return(2)(3)

12.31%

11.49%

12.59%

12.08%

8.50%

7.67%

8.82%

8.25%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$654,296

$177,727

$173,054

$60,883

$707,485

$204,069

$173,116

$61,724

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses(3)

1.06%

1.81%

0.81%

1.31%

1.30%

2.05%

1.05%

1.55%

Net investment income (loss)

0.31%

(0.45)%

0.56%

0.07%

(0.02)%

(0.76)%

0.24%

(0.27)%

Portfolio Turnover of the Portfolio(5)

37%

37%

37%

37%

36%

36%

36%

36%

(See related footnotes.)


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund31Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Year Ended August 31,

 

2016

 

Class A

Class C

Class I

Class R

Net asset value - Beginning of year

$13.210

$13.530

$13.400

$13.980

Income (Loss) From Operations

 

 

 

 

Net investment loss(1)

$(0.074)

$(0.165)

$(0.046)

$(0.110)

Net realized and unrealized gain

(0.824)

(0.843)

(0.842)

(0.888)

Total income from operations

$(0.898)

$(1.008)

$(0.888)

$(0.998)

Less Distributions

 

 

 

 

From net realized gain

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

Total distributions

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

$(1.172)

Net asset value - End of year

$11.140

$11.350

$11.340

$11.810

Total Return(2)(3)

(7.31)%

(8.00)%

(7.13)%

(7.64)%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

$857,636

$294,299

$176,958

$66,361

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets:(4)

 

 

 

 

Expenses(3)

1.48%

2.23%

1.23%

1.73%

Net investment loss

(0.64)%

(1.39)%

(0.39)%

(0.89)%

Portfolio Turnover of the Portfolio(5)

70%

70%

70%

70%

(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, if applicable.   

 

 

(3)The investment adviser, sub-adviser and administrator reimbursed certain operating expenses (equal to 0.07%, 0.06%, 0.05% and less than 0.005% of average daily net assets for the years ended August 31, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively).  Absent this reimbursement, total return would be lower. 

(4)Includes the Fund’s share of the Portfolio’s allocated expenses for the period while the Fund was investing in the Portfolio. 

(5)Portfolio turnover represents the rate of portfolio activity for the period while the Fund was investing in the Portfolio. 

(6)For the period from August 12, 2019 through August 31, 2019 when the Fund was making investments directly in securities. 

References to Portfolio herein are to Worldwide Health Sciences Portfolio, a Massachusetts business trust in which the Fund invested all of its investable assets prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019 and which had the same investment objective and polices as the Fund during such period.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund32Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund33Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



·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) 

·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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund34Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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

The following information applies to Class A share purchases if you have an account with or otherwise purchase Fund shares through Ameriprise Financial:

Effective January 15, 2021, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial retail brokerage account are eligible for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

·  

·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 reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family). 

·Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 7-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares or conversion of Class C shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply. 

·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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund35Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund36Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund37Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund38Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund39Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund40Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



·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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund41Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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

1.1Minimum Purchase Amounts 

·$250 initial purchase minimum 

·$50 subsequent purchase minimum 

1.2Minimum 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund42Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund43Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund44Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



Waivers Specific to Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”)

Effective July 1, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Stifel platform or account or who own shares for which Stifel or an affiliate is the broker-dealer of record are eligible for the following additional sales charge waiver:

Front-End Sales Load Waiver on Class A-shares

·Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years will be converted to Class A shares of the same Fund at net asset value pursuant to Stifel’s policies and procedures. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund45Prospectus dated January 1, 2021 



PICTURE  

 

More Information

About the Fund:  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 the 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 the 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 the 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 Fund's Investment Company Act No. is 811-01241.

 

1915 1.1.21

© 2021 Eaton Vance Management

 

Printed on recycled paper.




STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 1, 2021

 





 

 

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Class A Shares - EARAX   Class C Shares - ECRAX   Class I Shares - EIRAX

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Class A Shares - ERBAX   Class C Shares - ERBCX   Class I Shares - ERBIX

 

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

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides general information about the Funds.  Each Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment company. 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

21

Investment Restrictions

4

 

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: Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC 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 January 1, 2021, 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.

© 2021 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.”

 

Investment Type

Permitted for or Relevant to:

 

Richard Bernstein
All Asset Strategy Fund

Richard Bernstein
Equity Strategy Fund

Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”)

Auction Rate Securities

 

 

Build America Bonds


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds2SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

Direct Investments

 

 

Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments

 

 

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

Hybrid Securities

Illiquid Investments

Indexed Securities

Inflation-Indexed (or Inflation-Linked) Bonds

Junior Loans

Liquidity or Protective Put Agreements


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds3SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Type

Permitted for or Relevant to:

 

Richard Bernstein
All Asset Strategy Fund

Richard Bernstein
Equity Strategy Fund

Loans

Lower Rated Investments

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)

Money Market Instruments

Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”)

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

 

 

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds4SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Other Disclosures Regarding Investment Practices

Permitted for or Relevant to:

 

Richard Bernstein
All Asset Strategy Fund

Richard Bernstein
Equity Strategy 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

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 Sectors

 

 

Tax-Managed Investing

 

 

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 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; 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds5SAI dated January 1, 2021 



(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). 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds6SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 142 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.

 

142

 

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).

 

143

 

None


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds7SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

142

 

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).

 

143

 

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).  Formerly, Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012).  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992).  Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).

 

143

 

Director of DraftKings, Inc. (digital sports entertainment and gaming company) (since September 2020).  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).  Formerly, Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (2013-2020).

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).

 

143

 

None


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds8SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

143

 

None

KEITH QUINTON
1958

 

Trustee

 

Since 2018

 

Private investor, researcher and lecturer. 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).

 

143

 

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).

 

143

 

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. Director of Ascot Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries (insurance and reinsurance) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of Hagerty Holding Corp. (insurance and reinsurance) (2015-2018). Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).

 

143

 

Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).

SCOTT E. WENNERHOLM
1959

 

Trustee

 

Since 2016

 

Private investor. 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).

 

142

 

None

(1)Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure. 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds9SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Principal Officers who are not Trustees

Name and Year of Birth

 

Trust Position(s)

 

Length of Service

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

ERIC A. STEIN
1980

 

President

 

Since 2020

 

Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Prior to November 1, 2020, Mr. Stein was a co-Director of Eaton Vance’s Global Income Investments. Officer of 118 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2020.

DEIDRE E. WALSH
1971

 

Vice President

 

Since 2021

 

Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 143 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  

MAUREEN A. GEMMA
1960

 

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

 

Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008

 

Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 143 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 143 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 143 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.

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds10SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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:


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds11SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 member of the executive committee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc. and trustee emeritus of Wellesley College.

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 founded Upward Wealth, a company focused on helping everyday workers grow their net worth and reinforce their self-worth.  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 was also a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers.  She is a Director of Groupon, Inc., an ecommerce provider, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness.  She is also a Director of DraftKings, Inc., a digital sports entertainment and gaming company.  Ms. Mosley previously served as a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT from 2013-2020.  She serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including New Profit, a social venture firm that identifies, invests in and helps scale social entrepreneurs.  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.  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 and Zeal Capital, venture funds focused predominately on underrepresented entrepreneurs.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds12SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds13SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 August 31, 2020, the Governance Committee convened four 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 August 31, 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 August 31, 2020, the Contract Review Committee convened five times.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds14SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 August 31, 2020, the Portfolio Management Committee convened eight 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 August 31, 2020, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened nine times.

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)

Richard Bernstein All
Asset Strategy Fund


None


None


None


None

$10,001-
$50,000


None


None


None


None


None


None

Richard Bernstein
Equity Strategy Fund


None

Over
$100,000

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(3)

(1) Interested Trustee. 

(2)Noninterested Trustees. 

(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’


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds15SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 August 31, 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)

$28,629

$30,683

$31,825

$31,073

$38,719

$28,920

$27,807

$27,807

$30,683

$31,825

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 January 1, 2021, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 143 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 13 Funds as of August 31, 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,


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds16SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds17SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 sub-adviser and adopted the proxy voting policies and procedures of the investment sub-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 review annually the Adviser Policies.  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 the Fund and provide related office facilities and personnel subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board.  The investment sub-adviser furnishes investment research, advice and supervision, furnishes an investment program and determines what securities will be purchased, held or sold by the Fund and what portion, if any, of the Fund’s assets will be held uninvested. Each Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement requires the investment adviser or sub-adviser, as the case may be, to pay the compensation and expenses of all officers and Trustees who are members of the investment adviser's or sub-adviser's organization and all personnel of the investment adviser or sub-adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities.

For a description of the compensation each Fund pays to the investment adviser, see the Prospectus.  The following table sets forth the net assets of each Fund at August 31, 2020 and the investment advisory and administration fees for the last three fiscal years:

 

 

Advisory and Administration Fee for Fiscal Years Ended

Fund

Net Assets at 8/31/20

8/31/20

8/31/19

8/31/18

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$745,837,895

$5,487,788

$5,964,174

$5,877,114

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

$772,913,740

$6,458,961

$7,471,430

$8,627,274

Pursuant investment sub-advisory agreements, between Eaton Vance and Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (“RBA”), Eaton Vance pays compensation to RBA for providing sub-advisory services to the Funds. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees for the last three fiscal years:

 

Sub-Advisory Fee for Fiscal Years Ended

Fund

8/31/20

8/31/19

8/31/18

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$2,449,268

$2,660,665

$2,622,032

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

$2,864,248

$3,310,903

$3,820,768


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds18SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Each Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the investment adviser or sub-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.  The Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement may also be terminated in certain circumstances by the sub-adviser upon not less than 20 business days’ written notice to the investment adviser. Each Agreement provides that the investment adviser or sub-adviser may render services to others.  Each Agreement also provides that the investment adviser or sub-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, 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, sub-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, the sub-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.

Information About RBA.  RBA is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed under the name Richard Bernstein Capital Management LLC in May 2009.  RBA has been an investment adviser registered with the SEC since June 2010. RBA provides advisory services to clients including investment companies, institutional clients, separately managed accounts and high net worth individuals. At September 30, 2020, RBA’s assets under management totaled approximately $4.2 billion.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds19SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

 Richard Bernstein

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

2

$1,529.3

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

3

$283.0

0

$0

Other Accounts

14

$8,860.2

1

$376.1

 Matthew Griswold

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

2

$1,529.3

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

3

$283.0

0

$0

Other Accounts

14

$8,860.2

1

$376.1

 Henry Timmons

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

2

$1,529.3

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

3

$283.0

0

$0

Other Accounts

14

$8,860.2

1

$376.1

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 August 31, 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

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

 

 

 Richard Bernstein

$100,001 - $500,000

Over $1,000,000

 Matthew Griswold

$10,001 - $50,000

$100,001 - $500,000

 Henry Timmons

$1 - $10,000

$1 - $10,000

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

 

 

 Richard Bernstein

Over $1,000,000

Over $1,000,000

 Matthew Griswold

$10,001 - $50,000

$100,001 - $500,000

 Henry Timmons

$1 - $10,000

$1 - $10,000


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds20SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 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 discretion in a manner that he believes is equitable to all interested persons.  The investment adviser and sub-adviser have adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser's and sub-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 RBA.  Compensation of RBA’s portfolio managers and other investment professionals has several components, depending upon the position of the employee: (1) in all cases, a base salary; and (2) a discretionary cash bonus payable annually and based on individual performance and overall firm profits.  

The investment management team also participates in the firm’s non-qualified deferred compensation program where a portion of their annual bonus is deferred, subject to a vesting schedule and certain other conditions and investment in RBA’s two sub-advised mutual funds.  The program provides an incentive for employee retention.  

A select few employees – including several on the investment team – also have “phantom” equity stakes in the company which would only realize value if a transaction were to occur (not anticipated in the short term). As the firm continues to grow and perform, bonuses will also grow to help retain key personnel.

RBA investment personnel also receive certain insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all of the firm’s employees.  Compensation of all RBA employees is reviewed and evaluated annually.  Salaries are paid throughout the year, with any adjustments typically put into effect on January 1st of the respective year.  Cash bonuses and profit participations are typically paid at or shortly after year-end.

Method used by RBA to Determine Compensation.  RBA seeks to compensate its portfolio managers in a manner that is commensurate with their job performance and with the scale and complexity of their responsibilities, and that is competitive with other investment management firms.  Because all of RBA’s portfolio managers share responsibility for all of the firm’s managed funds and accounts, each manager’s performance is evaluated based on, inter alia, the individual and composite pre-tax performance of all such funds and accounts (including versus peer groups of funds, as determined by, e.g., Lipper and/or Morningstar) and the respective manager’s perceived contribution to that performance, considering both current-year and longer-term performance objectives and results.

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 the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to its management of each Fund. Accordingly, neither the Funds nor the investment adviser or sub-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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds21SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 August 31, 2020, Eaton Vance earned the following pursuant to the agreement:

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

$11,472

$12,450

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, the sub-adviser 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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds22SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Securities Lending Agent.  State Street serves as securities lending agent.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, State Street provided the following administrative services pursuant to a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the Funds listed in the table(s) below, subject to guidelines and restrictions provided by the Funds: (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 Funds at loan termination.  Income and fees accrued from securities lending activities for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 are shown in the following table(s).

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Securities Lending
Activities

Gross income from securities lending activities

$167,292

Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services

 

Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split

$18,066

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

$3,172

Administrative fees not included in revenue split

$0

Indemnification fee not included in revenue split

$0

Rebate (paid to borrowers)

$43,677

Other fees not included in revenue split

$0

Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities

$64,915

Net income from securities lending activities

$102,377

 

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Securities Lending
Activities

Gross income from securities lending activities

$396,776

Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services

 

Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split

$44,376

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

$6,607

Administrative fees not included in revenue split

$0

Indemnification fee not included in revenue split

$0

Rebate (paid to borrowers)

$94,312

Other fees not included in revenue split

$0

Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities

$145,295

Net income from securities lending activities

$251,481

 

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).


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds23SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, although may do so to the extent that the Eaton Vance funds may be lawfully offered in a


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds24SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 or sub-adviser.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds25SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 or sub-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.

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds26SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 an 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 November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares during the month following the eight 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 eight years after the Effective Date.  Such conversion shall be effected on the basis of the relative NAVs per share of the two classes without


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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.

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.


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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 an 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, sub-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.


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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, sub-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.

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 period.  

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,


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds30SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.  


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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 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.


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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.

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


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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 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.


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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.

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.


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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.

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


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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.

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.


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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.

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


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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 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.


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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 RIC 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 RIC, 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 RICs, 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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds40SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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,


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds41SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds42SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the periods specified in the table, 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

8/31/20

8/31/19

8/31/18

8/31/20

8/31/20

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$360,298

$525,123

$337,936

$660,801,072

$347,048

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

$175,430

$308,208

$373,473

$348,042,549

$131,688

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 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, and 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

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Bank of America Corp.

$1,235,572

 

Bank of New York Mellon Corp.

$742,004

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Bank of America Corp..

$2,098,865

 

Morgan Stanley

$959,964


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds43SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 accounting firm for the Funds listed below for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, as previously filed electronically with the SEC on October 26, 2020:

Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund
Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund
(Accession No. 0001193125-20-276682)


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds44SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds45SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds46SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds47SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds48SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds49SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds50SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds51SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds52SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds53SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds54SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds55SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds56SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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) governmental actions or policies that may limit investment opportunities, such as restrictions on investment in, or required divestment of, certain issuers or industries; 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 Richard Bernstein Funds57SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds58SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds59SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds60SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds61SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 and entered into a transition period, during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020. There remains 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. The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an increased likelihood of a recession in the UK.  These consequences may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds62SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.  

 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds63SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 may include commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. 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 Richard Bernstein Funds64SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds65SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds66SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  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. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR.  It is currently anticipated that this phase-out will occur no earlier than the end of 2021.

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 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.

 

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. Although the transition process away from LIBOR is expected to be well-defined in advance of the anticipated discontinuation date, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate or rates. 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. Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.  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 may occur prior to the discontinuation date.

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 Richard Bernstein Funds67SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds68SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds69SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

For additional disclosures relating to Junior and Senior Loans, see “Junior Loans” and “Senior Loans” herein.

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 Richard Bernstein Funds70SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds71SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds72SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

 

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds73SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds74SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds75SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds76SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

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.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds77SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

 

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.    


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds78SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds79SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds80SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds81SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds82SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds83SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds84SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds85SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds86SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds87SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds88SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Richard Bernstein Funds89SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds90SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds91SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds92SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 may 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 Richard Bernstein Funds93SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Richard Bernstein Funds94SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX A

Class A Fees and Ownership

Sales Charges and Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$143,143

$123,831

$19,312

$100

$193,731

$159,971

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

80,192

66,844

13,378

15,000

287,353

246,030

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and August 31, 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

August 31, 2019
Total Sales
Charges Paid

August 31, 2019
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter

August 31, 2018
Total Sales
Charges Paid

August 31, 2018
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$193,752

$29,752

$505,883

$78,998

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

143,745

18,788

390,416

60,088

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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:

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

39.68%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

New York, NY

9.25%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

7.36%

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

6.62%

 

American Enterprise Investment Service

Minneapolis, MN

6.55%

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

50.14%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

New York, NY

8.60%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

7.59%

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 Richard Bernstein Funds95SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX B

Class C Fees and Ownership

Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 Fees 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

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

$851,422

$734,383

$5,000

$283,807

$244,794

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

$818,673

$739,666

$5,000

$272,891

$246,548

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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:

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

25.50%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

22.02%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

11.96%

 

American Enterprise Investment Service

Minneapolis, MN

8.83%

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

7.66%

 

Raymond James

St. Petersburg, FL

5.22%

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

21.72%

 

American Enterprise Investment Service

Minneapolis, MN

14.52%

 

Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC

Saint Louis, MO

11.68%

 

Raymond James

St. Petersburg, FL

10.13%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

9.99%

 

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

9.02%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

6.36%

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

5.43%

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 Richard Bernstein Funds96SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX C

Class I Ownership

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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:

Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

30.39%

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

23.72%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

16.82%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

10.92%

Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

Jacksonville, FL

52.31%

 

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

12.31%

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

9.00%

 

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

8.38%

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 Richard Bernstein Funds97SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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; 

·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. 


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds98SAI dated January 1, 2021 



·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.

_____________________

1The 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. 

2An 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. 

3If 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 Richard Bernstein Funds99SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX E

RICHARD BERNSTEIN ADVISORS LLC

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I.  Introduction

Richard Bernstein Advisors LLC (the “Firm”) is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).  The Firm has adopted these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures pursuant to Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act (the “Procedures”).  These Procedures generally will govern whenever the Firm has authority to vote proxies relating to securities held in advisory client accounts, including fund accounts and separately managed accounts for which the Firm serves as investment adviser, investment sub-adviser, manager or in such other similar capacity, as applicable (each, a “Client,” and collectively, “Clients”).  However, with respect to any Client that is an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (a “Registered Fund”), these Procedures may be superseded by the procedures adopted by the Registered Fund.

II.  The Proxy Voting Process 

All proxies are reviewed by the Firm’s Chief Investment Officer (the “CIO”), in consultation with the Firm’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”), to ensure that proxies are voted according to these Procedures.  This includes confirming that ISS (as further described above) is voting proxies in accordance to these Procedures (as applicable).  In addition, the CCO reviews, revises and updates the Procedures as necessary and appropriate.

III.  General Principle

The Firm will vote any proxy or other beneficial interest in an equity security in a prudent manner the Firm believes to be in the best economic interest of the Client holding such security or on whose behalf the Firm is voting such security, considering all factors that the Firm believes to be relevant and without undue influence from individuals or groups (other than such Client, or Clients, as the case may be) who may have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote.  In limited circumstances, the Firm may refrain from voting proxies where it believes that voting would be inappropriate, weighing various factors and the anticipated costs and benefits to its Clients.  The Firm may engage an independent, third-party proxy voting service to assist it in discharging its proxy-voting obligations, subject to adherence, in all material respects, to the guidelines herein (including, in particular, Section IV.B.1. herein).

In this regard, the Firm has retained an independent third party proxy voting service provider, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), to assist it in coordinating, administering (including the maintenance of required records), processing and voting of certain Client proxies. These services also include proxy voting recommendations and research. As a general rule, the Firm will vote proxies in accordance with the recommendations of ISS, except in certain circumstances, so long as the Firm believes the recommendations to be in the best interest of the Client. The Firm retains all authority to vote Client proxies, does not delegate such authority to ISS (or any other party), and may vote against any recommendation from ISS if it determines that doing so is in the best interests of the relevant Client and otherwise is consistent with these Procedures. The CCO reviews ISS’s proxy voting policies and procedures on at least an annual basis to ensure that such policies and procedures seek to appropriately address any applicable conflicts of interest.

IV.  Specific Proposals

As mentioned above, the Firm will use its best judgment to vote proxies in the best interests of Clients and will typically follow the recommendations of ISS.  In the event that the Firm decides to vote a proxy (or a particular proposal within a proxy) in a manner different from the ISS recommendation, the Firm will document the reasons supporting the decision.  In the case of a conflict, the Firm will seek to vote the proxy in the best interest of Clients.  For specific proposals where the Firm elects not to vote proxies in accordance with the recommendations of ISS, the Firm will follow the following procedures:

A.  Routine Matters

Routine matters are typically proposed by Management (as defined below) of a company and meet the following criteria: (i) they do not measurably change the structure, management, control or operation of the company; (ii) they do not measurably change the terms of, or fees or expenses associated with, an investment in the company; and (iii) they are consistent with customary industry standards and practices, as well as the laws of the state of incorporation applicable to the company.  

For routine matters, the Firm will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s management, directors, general partners, managing members or trustees (collectively, “Management”), as applicable, unless, in the Firm’s opinion, such recommendation is not in the best interests of the Client.  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds100SAI dated January 1, 2021 



1.  General Matters

The Firm will generally vote for proposals:  

·to set time and location of annual meeting; 

·to change the fiscal year of the company; and 

·to change the name of a company.   

2.  Board Members  

a. Election or Re-Election.  The Firm will generally vote for Management proposals to elect or re-elect members of a board of directors/trustees (the “Board”).   

b. Fees to Board Members.  The Firm will generally vote for proposals to increase fees paid to the Board members, unless it determines that the compensation exceeds market standards.

3.  Capital Structure

The Firm will generally vote for proposals to change capitalization, including to increase authorized common shares or to increase authorized preferred shares, as long as the proposal does not either: (i) establish a class or classes of shares or interests with terms that may disadvantage the class held by the Client; or (ii) result in disproportionate voting rights for preferred shares or other classes of shares or interests.  

4.  Appointment of Auditors

The Firm will generally vote for the approval of auditors and proposals authorizing the Board to fix auditor fees, unless:

·the Firm has serious concerns about the accountants presented, including their independence, or the audit procedures used; or  

·the auditors are being changed without explanation. 

B.  Non-Routine Matters

Non-routine matters involve a variety of issues and may be proposed by a company’s Management or beneficial owners (i.e., shareholders, members, partners, etc. (collectively, the “Owners”)).  These proxies may involve one or more of the following:  (i) a measurable change in the structure, management, control or operation of the company; (ii) a measurable change in the terms of, or fees or expenses associated with, an investment in the company; or (iii) a change that is inconsistent with industry standards and/or the laws of the state of incorporation applicable to the company.  

1.  Board Members  

a.  Term Limits.  The Firm will generally vote for proposals to require a reasonable retirement age (e.g., 72) for Board members, and will vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to attempt to limit tenure.   

b.  Replacement. The Firm will generally vote against proposals that make it more difficult to replace Board members, including proposals: 

·to stagger the Board; 

·to overweight Management representation on the Board;  

·to introduce cumulative voting (cumulative voting allows the Owners to “stack” votes behind one or a few individuals for a position on the Board, thereby giving minority Owners a greater chance of electing the Board member(s));  

·to introduce unequal voting rights; 

·to create supermajority voting; or 

·to establish pre-emptive rights.  

c.  Liability and Indemnification.  In order to promote accountability, the Firm will generally vote against proposals to limit the personal liability of Board members for any breach of fiduciary duty or failure to act in good faith. 

d.  Ownership Issues.  The Firm will generally vote for proposals that require Management to own a minimum interest in the company.  The purpose of this policy is to encourage the alignment of Management’s  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds101SAI dated January 1, 2021 



interests with the interests of the Owners.  However, the Firm will generally vote against proposals for stock options or other compensation that grant an ownership interest for Management if such proposals offer greater than [15%] of the outstanding securities of a company because such options may dilute the voting rights of other Owners.  

2.  Compensation, Fees and Expenses

In general, the Firm will vote against proposals to increase compensation, fees or expenses to be paid to the Owners, unless the Firm determines that the benefits resulting to the company and its Owners justifies the increased compensation, fees or expenses.  

3.  Voting Rights

The Firm will generally vote against proposals:  

·to introduce unequal voting or dividend rights among the classes;   

·to change the amendment provisions of a company’s charter documents by removing Owner approval requirements; 

·to require supermajority (⅔) approval for votes rather than a simple majority (½);  

·to restrict the Owners’ right to act by written consent; or 

·to restrict the Owners’ right to call meetings, propose amendments to the articles of incorporation or other governing documents of the company or nominate Board members. 

The Firm will generally vote for proposals that eliminate any of the foregoing rights or requirements.   

4.  Takeover Defenses and Related Actions

The Firm will generally vote against any proposal to create any plan or procedure designed primarily to discourage a takeover or other similar action, including “poison pills”.  Examples of “poison pills” include:

·large increases in the amount of stock authorized but not issued; 

·blank check preferred stock (stock with a fixed dividend and a preferential claim on company assets relative to common shares, the terms of which are set by the Board at a future date without further action by the Owners);  

·compensation that would act to reward Management as a result of a takeover attempt, whether successful or not, such as revaluing purchase price of stock options, or “golden parachutes”;  

·fixed price amendments that require a certain price to be offered to all of the Owners based on a fixed formula; and  

·greenmail provisions that allow a company to make payments to a bidder in order to persuade the bidder to abandon its takeover plans. 

The Firm will generally vote for proposals that eliminate any of the foregoing rights or requirements, as well as proposals to:  

·require that golden parachutes or golden handcuffs be submitted for ratification by the Owners; and 

·to opt out of state anti-takeover laws deemed by the Firm to be detrimental. 

The Firm will generally vote on a case-by-case basis regarding other proposals that may be used to prevent takeovers, such as the establishment of employee stock purchase or ownership plans.

5.  Reincorporation

The Firm will generally vote for a change in the state of incorporation if the change is for valid business reasons (such as reincorporating in the same state as the headquarters of any controlling company).  


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds102SAI dated January 1, 2021 



6.  Debt Issuance and Pledging of Assets for Debt

The Firm will generally vote proxies relating to the issuance of debt, the pledging of assets for debt, and an increase in borrowing powers on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration relevant factors, including, for example:

·the potential increase in the company’s outstanding interests or shares, if any (e.g., convertible bonds); and 

·the potential increase in the company’s capital, if any, over the current outstanding capital.   

7.  Mergers or Acquisitions

The Firm will vote proxies relating to mergers or acquisitions on a case-by-case basis, but will generally vote for any proposals that the Firm believes will offer fair value to its Clients.  

8.  Termination or Liquidation of the Company

The Firm will vote proxies relating to the termination or liquidation of a company on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration one or more of the following factors:

·terms of liquidation; 

·past performance of the company; and 

·strategies employed to save the company. 

9.  Social & Environmental Issues and Corporate Responsibility

The Firm will vote proxies relating to social and environmental issues on a case-by-case basis, but will generally vote for any proposals that will reduce discrimination, improve protections to minorities and disadvantaged classes, and increase conservation of resources and wildlife.  

The Firm will generally vote against any proposals that place arbitrary restrictions on the company’s ability to invest, market, enter into contractual arrangements or conduct other activities.  The Firm will also generally vote against proposals:

·to bar or restrict charitable contributions; or 

·to limit corporate political activities. 

10.  All Other Matters

All other decisions regarding proxies will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the general policy, as set forth above.

C.  Abstaining from Voting or Affirmatively Not Voting

The Firm will abstain from voting (which generally requires submission of a proxy voting card) or affirmatively decide not to vote if the Firm determines that abstaining or not voting is in the best interests of the relevant Client(s).  In making such a determination, the Firm will consider various factors, including, but not limited to: (i) the costs associated with exercising the proxy (e.g., translation or travel costs); (ii) any legal restrictions on trading resulting from the exercise of a proxy; and (iii) whether the Firm has sold the underlying securities since the record date for the proxy.  The Firm will not abstain from voting or affirmatively decide not to vote merely to avoid a conflict of interest.

V.  Conflicts of Interest

The Firm will make its best efforts to avoid material conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies.  However, where material conflicts of interest arise, the Firm is committed to resolving the conflict in its Clients’ best interest.  The CCO will resolve any material conflicts of interest related to proxy voting. A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the Firm has a business relationship with (or is actively soliciting business from) either the company soliciting the proxy or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote. Any Firm employee with knowledge of a potential personal conflict of interest (e.g., familial relationship with company management) relating to a particular proposal shall disclose that potential conflict to the CCO and remove himself or herself from the proxy voting process.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds103SAI dated January 1, 2021 



As mentioned above, as the Firm utilizes the services of ISS as an independent third party proxy voting service provider, it generally will be the case that voting proxies in accordance with the recommendations of ISS will significantly mitigate the risk of a conflict of interest. Where, however, proxies are voted by the Firm contrary to the recommendations of ISS or where a potential or actual conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest has been brought to the attention of or been identified by the CCO, the CCO will assess and address such conflict of interest. Some examples in which potential conflicts may exist include instances where the Firm or its affiliates also manage the issuer’s pension plan or if a supervised person or a close relative of a supervised person has a significant personal or business relationship with an issuer or an individual director (or directorship candidate), officer (or candidate for corporate office) or proxy contest participant.

If a conflict of interest arises, the Firm will:

·Rely solely on (and vote in accordance with) the recommendations of ISS, as referenced above, or other independent third party consulted or engaged (generally or specifically) for such purpose; OR 

·Prepare a report that (1) describes the conflict of interest; (2) discusses procedures used to address such conflict of interest; (3) discloses any contacts from outside parties (other than routine communications from proxy solicitors) regarding the proposal; and (4) confirms that the recommendation was made solely on the merits and without regard to any other consideration. The Firm will retain a copy of such report. 

VI.  Procedures for Proxies

When applicable, the CIO, in consultation with the CCO, will be responsible for determining whether each proxy is for a “routine” matter or not, as described above.  All proxies identified as “routine” will be voted by the CCO in accordance with the Procedures.  Any proxies that are not clearly “routine” will be submitted to the CIO, who in consultation with the CCO will determine how to vote each such proxy by applying the Procedures.  Upon making a decision, the proxy will be executed and returned to the CCO for submission to the company.  Upon receipt of an executed proxy, the CCO will update the investing fund’s or other Client’s proxy voting record.  The CCO is responsible for the actual voting of all proxies in a timely manner.  The CCO also is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of these Procedures.  

In the event the Firm determines that it should rely on the advice of an independent third party, including a proxy voting service, regarding the voting of a proxy, the Firm will submit the proxy to such third party and the CCO will execute the proxy in accordance with such third party’s decision.

VII.  Record of Proxy Voting/Retention

The CCO will maintain these Procedures.

The CCO will maintain proxy statements received regarding Client securities (provided, however, that the Firm may rely on the SEC’s EDGAR system if the company filed its proxy statements via EDGAR or may rely on a third party as long as the third party has provided the Firm with an undertaking to provide a copy of the proxy statement promptly upon request; such proxies, however, will still be recorded by the CCO).

The CCO will maintain a record of each vote cast on behalf of a Client (provided, however, that the Firm may rely on a third party subject to the undertaking requirement).

The CCO will maintain a copy of any document prepared by the Firm that was material to making a voting decision or that memorialized the basis for the decision, including, when applicable: (i) the determination as to whether a proxy was routine or not; (ii) the voting decision with regard to such proxy; and (iii) any documents created by the CIO or others, that were material to making the voting decision.

The Firm will maintain a record of each written request from a Client or investor in a fund for proxy voting information and the Firm’s written response to any such request.

The CCO will maintain such records in its offices for two years from the end of the fiscal year during which the record was created, and for an additional three years in an easily accessible place.

The Firm also relies, for recordkeeping purposes, on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast that are maintained with ISS. The Firm’s agreement with ISS provides that ISS is required to furnish or make available to the Firm a copy of such documents promptly upon the Firm’s request.


Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Funds104SAI dated January 1, 2021 



STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 1, 2021

 





 

 

Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund

Class A Shares - EVCGX   Class C Shares - ECCGX   Class I Shares - EICGX

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

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides general information about the Fund. The Fund is a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. The 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

19

 

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: China Region Countries

73

Appendix B: Class C Fees and Ownership

71

 

Appendix E: Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

75

Appendix C: Class I Ownership

72

 

Appendix F: BMO Global Asset Management Corporate Governance Guidelines

77

 

This SAI is NOT a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the Fund Prospectus dated January 1, 2021, 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.

© 2021 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.  The Fund described in this SAI has not established a Subsidiary;

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

“Trust” means Eaton Vance Growth Trust.

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.”

 

Investment Type

Permitted for or
Relevant to the Fund:

Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”)

 

Auction Rate Securities

 

Build America Bonds

 

Call and Put Features on Securities

 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund2SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”)  

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”)

 

Commodity-Related Investments

 

Common Stocks

Contingent Convertible Securities

Convertible Securities

(1)

Credit Linked Securities

 

Derivative Instruments and Related Risks

Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments

 

Direct Investments

(2)

Emerging Market Investments

(3)

Equity Investments

(4)

Equity-Linked Securities

Event-Linked Instruments

 

Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)

 

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”)

 

Fixed-Income Securities

(1)

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign Investments

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

Forward Rate Agreements

 

Futures Contracts

(5)

Hybrid Securities

 

Illiquid Investments

Indexed Securities

 

Inflation-Indexed (or Inflation-Linked) Bonds

 

Junior Loans

 

Liquidity or Protective Put Agreements

 

Loans

 

Lower Rated Investments

(1)


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund3SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Type

Permitted for or
Relevant to the Fund:

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)

 

Money Market Instruments

Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”)

 

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

 

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

(6)

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 to or
Relevant to the Fund:

Asset Coverage

Average Effective Maturity

 

Borrowing for Investment Purposes

 

Borrowing for Temporary Purposes

Cybersecurity Risk


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund4SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Other Disclosures Regarding Investment Practices

Permitted to or
Relevant to the Fund:

Diversified Status

 

Dividend Capture Trading

 

Duration

 

Investing in a Portfolio

 

Investments in the Subsidiary

 

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk

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)The Fund will attempt to promptly dispose of any convertible debt instrument that is rated or determined by the investment adviser to be below investment grade subsequent to acquisition by the Fund.  Except during unusual market conditions, the Fund will not invest in debt securities, other than investment grade convertible debt instruments. 

(2)The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in direct investment in smaller companies based in China growth companies. 

(3)The Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in a particular geographic region or country.  For a discussion of risks of investing in such region or country, see Appendix D. 

(4)Equity investments also include special classes of shares available only to foreign investors in markets that restrict ownership by foreign investors to certain classes of equity securities. 

(5)The Fund limits investment in stock and index futures to not more than 20% of its total assets. 

(6)The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in warrants, including warrants traded in over-the-counter markets. 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

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

(1)

Borrow money or issue senior securities except as permitted by the 1940 Act;

(2)

Purchase securities or evidences of interest therein on “margin,” that is to say in a transaction in which it has borrowed all or a portion of the purchase price and pledged the purchased securities or evidences of interest therein as collateral for the amount so borrowed;

(3)

Engage in the underwriting of securities;

(4)

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;

(5)

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 any one industry; or


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund5SAI dated January 1, 2021 



(6)

Buy 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), commodities or commodity contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities.

In connection with Restriction (1) above, the 1940 Act currently permits investment companies to borrow money so long as there is 300% asset coverage of the borrowing (i.e., borrowings do not exceed one-third of the investment company’s total assets after subtracting liabilities other than the borrowings).  There is no current intent to borrow money, except for the limited purposes described in the Prospectus.

Notwithstanding its investment policies and restrictions, the 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 the Fund.  A nonfundamental investment policy may be changed by the Board with respect to the Fund without approval by the Fund’s shareholders.  The 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 the 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 the Fund to dispose of such security or other asset.  However, the Fund must always be in compliance with the borrowing policy set forth above.  If the Fund is required to reduce borrowings, it will do so within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations.

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 the 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 the 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 the 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, “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 Greater China Growth Fund6SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 142 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.

 

142

 

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).

 

143

 

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).

 

142

 

None


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund7SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

143

 

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).  Formerly, Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012).  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992).  Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).

 

143

 

Director of DraftKings, Inc. (digital sports entertainment and gaming company) (since September 2020).  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).  Formerly, Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (2013-2020).

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).

 

143

 

None


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund8SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

143

 

None

KEITH QUINTON
1958

 

Trustee

 

Since 2018

 

Private investor, researcher and lecturer. 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).

 

143

 

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).

 

143

 

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. Director of Ascot Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries (insurance and reinsurance) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of Hagerty Holding Corp. (insurance and reinsurance) (2015-2018). Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).

 

143

 

Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund9SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

 

Private investor. 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).

 

142

 

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

ERIC A. STEIN
1980

 

President

 

Since 2020

 

Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Prior to November 1, 2020, Mr. Stein was a co-Director of Eaton Vance’s Global Income Investments. Officer of 118 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2020.

DEIDRE E. WALSH
1971

 

Vice President

 

Since 2021

 

Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 143 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.

MAUREEN A. GEMMA
1960

 

Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

 

Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008

 

Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 143 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 143 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 143 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 the Fund. The Board has engaged an investment adviser and (if applicable) a sub-adviser(s) (collectively the “adviser”) to manage the Fund and an administrator to administer the Fund and is responsible for overseeing such adviser and administrator and other service providers to the Trust and the Fund. The Board is currently composed of eleven Trustees, including ten Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund10SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

The 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 the Fund and the Trust and is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of the 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 the 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 the 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 Fund and its 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 the 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 Fund 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund11SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 member of the executive committee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc. and trustee emeritus of Wellesley College.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund12SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 founded Upward Wealth, a company focused on helping everyday workers grow their net worth and reinforce their self-worth.  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 was also a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers.  She is a Director of Groupon, Inc., an ecommerce provider, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness.  She is also a Director of DraftKings, Inc., a digital sports entertainment and gaming company.  Ms. Mosley previously served as a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT from 2013-2020.  She serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including New Profit, a social venture firm that identifies, invests in and helps scale social entrepreneurs.  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.  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 and Zeal Capital, venture funds focused predominately on underrepresented entrepreneurs.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund13SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 August 31, 2020, the Governance Committee convened four 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 the 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 the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the 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 the 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 the Fund.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Audit Committee convened twelve times.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund14SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Fund, 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 Fund 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 August 31, 2020, the Contract Review Committee convened five 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 Fund and its investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Fund’s 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 Fund; 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 August 31, 2020, the Portfolio Management Committee convened eight 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 Fund; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board and the Fund’s CCO; and (iii) serve as a “qualified legal compliance committee” within the rules promulgated by the SEC.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened nine times.

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

Name of Trustee

Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned in
Funds Overseen by Trustee in the
Eaton Vance Family of Funds

Interested Trustee

 

 

Thomas E. Faust Jr.

None

Over $100,000

Noninterested Trustees

 

 

Mark R. Fetting

None

Over $100,000

Cynthia E. Frost

None

Over $100,000

George J. Gorman

$10,001 - $50,000

Over $100,000

Valerie A. Mosley

None

Over $100,000

William H. Park

None

Over $100,000

Helen Frame Peters

None

Over $100,000

Keith Quinton

None

Over $100,000

Marcus L. Smith

None

Over $100,000

Susan J. Sutherland

None

Over $100,000(1)

Scott E. Wennerholm

None

Over $100,000(1)

 

(1)Includes shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned through the Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund15SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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”).*

* For a portion of 2020, Mr. Quinton was deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, with respect to Greater China Growth Fund because he owned 2,000 shares of common stock of Bank of Montreal, the parent company of BMO GAM (Asia), which is the sub-adviser to the Greater China Growth Fund and exercised covered call options on such stock. Mr. Quinton no longer owns these shares. 

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.

The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust are paid by the Fund (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 August 31, 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)

$28,629

$30,683

$31,825

$31,073

$38,719

$28,920

$27,807

$27,807

$30,683

$31,825

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 January 1, 2021, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 143 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, she received $82,500 from the Trust and Fund Complex. 

(2)The Trust consisted of 13 Funds as of August 31, 2020 

(3)Includes $40,000 of deferred compensation. 

(4)Includes $ 

362,238 of deferred compensation.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund16SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Fund Organization

Trust. The 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 the Fund).  The Trustees of the Trust have divided the shares of the Fund into multiple classes.  Each class represents an interest in the 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 the 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.  

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 the Fund is a legal claim belonging only to the Trust and


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund17SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 the Fund are readily marketable and will ordinarily substantially exceed its liabilities. In light of the nature of the 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 sub-adviser and adopted the corporate governance guidelines, including the proxy voting policies and procedures of the investment sub-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 review annually the Adviser Policies.  For a copy of the Fund Policy and Adviser Policies, see Appendix E and Appendix F, 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 Services. The investment adviser manages the investments and affairs of the Fund and provides related office facilities and personnel subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board.  The investment the sub-adviser furnishes investment research, advice and supervision, furnishes an investment program and determines what securities will be purchased, held or sold by the Fund and what portion, if any, of the Fund’s assets will be held uninvested. The Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement requires the investment adviser or sub-adviser, as the case may be, to pay the compensation and expenses of all officers and Trustees who are members of the investment adviser’s or sub-adviser’s organization and all personnel of the investment adviser or sub-adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities.

For a description of the current compensation that the Fund pays the investment adviser under its investment advisory agreement, see the Prospectus.  


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund18SAI dated January 1, 2021 



The following table sets forth the net assets of the Fund and the advisory fees for the last three fiscal years.

 

Advisory Fee for Fiscal Years Ended

Net Assets at 8/31/20

8/31/20

8/31/19

8/31/18

$105,003,687

$1,055,313

$983,714

$1,037,916

 

Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between BMR and BMO GAM (Asia), BMR pays compensation to BMO GAM (Asia) for providing sub-advisory services to the Fund.  The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees for the last three fiscal years:

Sub-Advisory Fee for Fiscal Years Ended

8/31/20

8/31/19

8/31/18

$607,086

$565,597

$596,770

The Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the investment adviser or sub-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 or sub-adviser may render services to others.  Each Agreement also provides that the investment adviser or sub-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.

While the Trust is a Massachusetts business trust, the investment sub-adviser, together with certain officers of the Trust, are not residents of the United States, and substantially all of their respective assets may be located outside of the United States.  It may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon the individuals identified above, or to realize judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities of the investment adviser and such individuals under the federal securities laws of the United States.  The Trust has been advised that there is substantial doubt as to the enforceability in the countries in which the investment sub-adviser and such individuals reside of such civil remedies and criminal penalties as are afforded by the federal securities laws of the United States.

Information About BMR and Eaton Vance. BMR and Eaton Vance are business trusts organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  EV serves as trustee of BMR and 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, 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 BMR and 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, sub-adviser, principal underwriter, and the 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, the sub-adviser and the principal underwriter may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund) subject to the provisions of the Codes and certain employees are also subject to pre-clearance, reporting requirements and/or other procedures.

Information About BMO GAM (Asia).  BMO Global Asset Management (“BMO GAM (Asia)”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Montreal.  Bank of Montreal, a publicly-traded Canadian banking institution, is a highly-diversified financial services organization involved in personal and commercial banking, capital markets and private client servicing.  


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund19SAI dated January 1, 2021 



BMO GAM (Asia) and its affiliates in relation to the LGM Investments business (together “LGM”) act as investment adviser to various individual and institutional clients.  At September 30, 2020 LGM’s assets under management totaled approximately $4.6 billion.  LGM’s only business is portfolio management.

Portfolio Managers.  The portfolio managers (each referred to as a “portfolio manager”) of the Fund are listed below.  The following table shows, as of the Fund’s 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

Christopher Darling

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

1

$105.3

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

5

$359.4

0

$0

Other Accounts

1

$405.0

1

$405.0

June Lui

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

1

$105.3

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

4

$348.8

0

$0

Other Accounts

1

$405.0

1

$405.0

Neither portfolio manager owned any equity securities of the Fund as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 nor in the Eaton Vance family of funds as of December 31, 2019.

It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of the 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 the Fund and other accounts he or she advises.  In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the 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 the 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 and sub-adviser have adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser's and sub-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 BMO GAM (Asia).  It is the aim of the BMO GAM (Asia) remuneration policy to award competitive remuneration which is aligned to the performance of the business and its risk profile and as warranted by individual contribution and achievements.

Remuneration is provided as salary, pension, discretionary performance bonuses and other benefits. In addition, long-term equity-based awards may be made to selected senior employees. BMO GAM (Asia) is committed to the development and retention of its employees and recognises the importance of appropriate reward and recognition. It is an objective of the Company to provide total compensation to its employees that is warranted by corporate, business unit/function and individual performance and is comparable to market competitors, whilst being consistent with and promoting sound and effective risk management and the achievement of fair outcomes for all customers. The approach to remuneration does not encourage risk-taking that exceeds the level of tolerated risk as approved by the Board. The remuneration policy is consistent with the business strategy, objectives, values and long-term interests of the Group and our clients.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund20SAI dated January 1, 2021 



BMO GAM (Asia) operates the following remuneration structure:

·Basic salary that is measured annually against competitive benchmarks in the market as determined by independent sector surveys.  

·Equity-based long-term awards which are made under the terms of the Bank of Montreal ‘Restricted Share Unit’ (RSU) plan. Long-term awards are made to senior professionals and vest after a minimum of three years subject to continuing employment.  

·Annual cash bonus awards as warranted by financial and non-financial performance.  

There are additional specific requirements to the BMO GAM (Asia) Remuneration Policy that apply to certain Capital Requirements Directive (“CRD”) Code Staff/ Identified Staff/ Material Risk Takers in relation to their variable remuneration awards.

Method to Determine Compensation. The cash bonus (Short Term Incentive Award (“STIP”) and long-term award pools are determined annually by reference to both financial and non-financial company performance considerations.

Individual performance is assessed by the relevant line manager. The annual performance review is completed by the employee and their manager at the end of each business year.  Performance is assessed in relation to pre-agreed objectives, both financial and non-financial. For fund managers the financial assessment is primarily based on the investment performance of the funds for which the respective managers are responsible. The percentage of fund manager variable remuneration linked to investment performance depends upon their position, role, level of seniority and any other responsibilities they may have within their wider teams and more broadly across the Group. Non-financial factors include compliance with the company’s policies and procedures, adherence to risk management processes and provisions for treating customers fairly. The process requires formal sign-off by the employee and their manager including confirmation of continuing competence.

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 the Fund.  Accordingly, neither the Fund nor the investment adviser or sub-adviser with respect to the operation of the Fund 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 the Fund's investment strategies or this SAI.

Administrative Services. As indicated in the Prospectus, Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under an Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement, and in return, the Fund is authorized to pay Eaton Vance an annual fee of 0.15% of its average daily net assets for providing administrative services to the Fund.  Under the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the 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 the Fund.

As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had net assets of $105,003,687.  For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Eaton Vance earned administration fees from the Fund of $158,297, $147,557 and $155,687, respectively.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund21SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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. The Fund pays a pro rata share of such fee. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, Eaton Vance earned $31,605 from the Fund pursuant to the agreement.

Expenses. The 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, the sub-adviser, the principal underwriter or the administrator).  In the case of expenses incurred by the Trust, the 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.

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Principal Underwriter.  Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”), Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 is the principal underwriter of the 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 the 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 the Fund.  State Street has custody of all cash and securities of the Fund, maintains the general ledger of the Fund and computes the daily net asset value of shares of the Fund.  In such capacity it attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer or other dealings with the 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 the Fund and such banks.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the 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 the Fund.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund22SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund23SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund24SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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, the United Kingdom 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the Fund can be suspended and the payment of the redemption price deferred when the Exchange is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings), during periods when trading on the Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC, or during any emergency as determined by the SEC which makes it impracticable for the 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 Greater China Growth Fund25SAI dated January 1, 2021 



As disclosed in the Prospectus, the 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, the 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 the Fund, which allow the Fund to distribute securities pro rata or as selected by the investment adviser or sub-adviser.

The 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.  The 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, the 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, the Fund may pay the redemption price of shares of the 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 the Fund’s valuation procedures and selected by the investment adviser or sub-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 the Fund from time to time and the 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. The 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.


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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.

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 the 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 the 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 an 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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund27SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares during the month following the eight 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 eight 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.

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 0.30% 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 a 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 the 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.  Any


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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.

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 the Fund.  See the Fund's 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 the 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 the 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), 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 the 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 an 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 the Fund’s Board.  In addition to the foregoing, disclosure of portfolio holdings may be made to the 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, the 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 Fund, the investment adviser, sub-adviser and principal underwriter will not receive any monetary or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of information concerning the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

The Policies may not be waived, or exception made, without the consent of the CCO of the Fund.  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 the Fund, whether it could provide the recipient with an advantage over Fund shareholders or whether the


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund29SAI dated January 1, 2021 



proposed disclosure gives rise to a conflict of interest between the Fund’s shareholders and its investment adviser, sub-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.

The Policies are designed to provide useful information concerning the 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 the 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 Fund.

TAXES

The following is a summary of some of the tax consequences affecting the 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.


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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.

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.  


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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 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund32SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund33SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund34SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund35SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund36SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund37SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund38SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 RIC 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 RIC, 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 RICs, 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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund39SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.  The 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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund40SAI dated January 1, 2021 



seek best overall execution for the 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.

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


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund41SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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.

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the three fiscal years ended August 31, 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.  The Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to affiliated brokers during the past three fiscal years.

Fiscal Year End

Brokerage Commissions Paid

Amount of Transactions
Directed to Firms
Providing Research

Commissions Paid on
Transactions Directed to
Firms Providing Research

August 31, 2020

$24,475

$25,642,772

$18,147

August 31, 2019

$25,905

 

 

August 31, 2018

$29,334

 

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held no securities of the Fund’s “regular brokers or dealers,” as that term is defined in Rule 10b-1 of the 1940 Act.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund appear in its annual report to shareholders and are incorporated by reference into this SAI.  A copy of the 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 incorporates by reference the audited financial information and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, as previously filed electronically with the SEC on October 26, 2020 (Accession No. 0001193125-20-276682).


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund42SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund43SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund44SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund45SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund46SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund47SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund48SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund49SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund50SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund51SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund52SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund53SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund54SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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) governmental actions or policies that may limit investment opportunities, such as restrictions on investment in, or required divestment of, certain issuers or industries; 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 Greater China Growth Fund55SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund56SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund57SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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”).   


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund58SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund59SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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 and entered into a transition period, during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020. There remains 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.  The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an increased likelihood of a recession in the UK.  These consequences may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  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.  


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund60SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund61SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

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 may include commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund62SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.”

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund63SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Greater China Growth Fund64SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  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. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR.  It is currently anticipated that this phase-out will occur no earlier than the end of 2021.

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 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.

 

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. Although the transition process away from LIBOR is expected to be well-defined in advance of the anticipated discontinuation date, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate or rates. 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. Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.  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 may occur prior to the discontinuation date.

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 Greater China Growth Fund65SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund66SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund67SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

For additional disclosures relating to Junior and Senior Loans, see “Junior Loans” and “Senior Loans” herein.

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 Greater China Growth Fund68SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund69SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund70SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

 

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 Greater China Growth Fund71SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund72SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund73SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund74SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund75SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund76SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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)).


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund77SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund78SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Greater China Growth Fund79SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund80SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund81SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund82SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund83SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Greater China Growth Fund84SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund85SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Greater China Growth Fund86SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund87SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund88SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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):


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund89SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.      

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund90SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund91SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 may 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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund92SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

 

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 Greater China Growth Fund93SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX A

Class A Fees and Ownership

Sales Charges and Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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.

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

Service Fees Paid
to Financial
Intermediaries

$34,619

$29,009

$5,610

$0

$238,612

$169,160

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and August 31, 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.

August 31, 2019
Total Sales
Charges Paid

August 31, 2019
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter

August 31, 2018
Total Sales
Charges Paid

August 31, 2018
Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter

$111,254

$10,962

$53,974

$8,911

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the 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:

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

15.18%

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

11.28%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

New York, NY

10.85%

Wells Fargo Cleaning Services LLC

Saint Louis, MO

9.11%

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

8.71%

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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund94SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX B

Class C Fees and Ownership

Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 Fund that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

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

$23,888

$18,268

$400

$7,963

$6,089

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the 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:

JP Morgan Securities LLC

Brooklyn, NY

22.78%

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

20.20%

Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC

Saint Louis, MO

10.27%

American Enterprise Investment SVC

Minneapolis, MN

8.27%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

6.66%

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

6.55%

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

5.69%

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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund95SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX C

Class I Ownership

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 1, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, owned approximately 1.18% of the oustanding shares of this Class of the 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:

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

31.08%

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

19.40%

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

7.01%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

6.05%

American Enterprise Investment SVC

Minneapolis, MN

6.00%

Beneficial owners of 25% or more of this Class are presumed to be in control of this Class of the 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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund96SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX D

CHINA REGION COUNTRIES

The information set forth in this Appendix has been extracted from various government and private publications.  The Trust’s Board of Trustees makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information, nor has the Board of Trustees attempted to verify it.  Moreover, the information is as of the date of this SAI (or such other date as set forth below).  This information is expected to change substantially during the period in which this SAI is in use.  No representation is made that any correlation will exist between the economies or stock markets of Asian Region countries and the Fund’s performance.

THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The world’s most populous nation and the third largest by landmass, China occupies an area of approximately 9.6 million square kilometers and has a population of more than 1.4 billion, almost one fifth of the world’s total.

The founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 1949 brought relative stability to China after a century of conflict.  Under the leadership of Mao Zedong, the CCP launched numerous campaigns to modernize the country’s industry and agriculture. However, the limitations of these policies were revealed in the mass famines of the 1960s, and they were subsequently abandoned after Mao’s death in 1976. Market reforms launched in the early 1980s by Mao’s successor, Deng Xiaoping, led to rapid economic growth which continues to this day. China’s economy expanded from US$380 billion on Deng’s retirement in 1991 to US$14.3 trillion in 2019.  China’s economy is now the second largest in the world, having overtaken the UK in 2006, Germany in 2007 and Japan in 2010.

Exports were the major economic growth driver between 2001 (when China joined the World Trade Organization) and 2008-09 (the global financial crisis). This allowed China to accumulate the largest foreign exchange reserve in history, which stood at almost US$3.1 trillion as of October 2020.  Net exports rose from 2.1% of nominal GDP in 2001 and peaked in 2007 at 8.8% of nominal GDP, before dropping to 2.9% in 2019 as domestic fixed asset investment and consumption supplanted exports as the main growth drivers for the Chinese economy.  

The Fifth Plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, held in late 2015, marked a watershed in China’s economic policy making. The key change was to shift the focus from quantity to quality:  rebalancing the economy away from fixed asset dependence and towards domestic consumption; reducing income disparities between east-west; and halting the environmental degradation caused by the rapid economic growth of the previous twenty years.  Growth would now be led by innovation, consumption and the service sector, as Chinese enterprises increasingly moved up the value chain.  

The comprehensive reform package that resulted from this policy shift included changes to China’s administrative organization, taxation system, land system, financial structure, resources pricing mechanism and the Hukou (household registration) system, representing a highly ambitious, multi-year effort to rebalance the Chinese economy. The private sector economy is being given more operating freedom and policy support, while state-owned enterprises will relinquish some administrative privileges and gradually be subject to the same competitive environment as privately-owned companies, under the same profit seeking principle.

The majority of Chinese stocks are traded on one of the country’s domestic exchanges, the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the smaller Shenzhen Stock Exchange, while the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is home to many of the largest Chinese-listed companies. A gradual liberalization of Chinese exchanges is taking place, with the eventual aim of allowing full foreign participation in Chinese domestic trading and Chinese trading of foreign shares. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme was launched in November 2014 to facilitate cross-border investment, with a similar Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme launched at the end of 2016. Efforts also continue in the direction of full convertibility for the RMB, including the encouragement of its use in regional trade and the positioning of Hong Kong as an offshore settlement center.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund97SAI dated January 1, 2021 



HONG KONG

As a trade entrepot and finance center, Hong Kong’s fortunes have been inexorably linked to mainland China since the British colony was established in 1841. China remains Hong Kong’s largest trading partner, accounting for up 55% of Hong Kong exports in 2018.     

Until Hong Kong was handed back to the PRC in 1997, political factors restricted the development of economic ties between Hong Kong and China.  Since 1997, however, there has been increasingly close economic integration based on the principles of the Basic Law, which provides the legal framework for post-colonial Hong Kong. The last two decades have also witnessed a major structural change in Hong Kong’s economy, with service sector growth outpacing manufacturing as more and more labor-intensive manufacturing has been relocated to Southern China.    In view of the growing economic interaction between Hong Kong and Southern China, it is increasingly meaningful to consider the concept of a Greater Hong Kong or Pearl River Delta economy consisting of Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.

The competitive devaluation of the Asian currencies together with a general slowdown in the global economy in 1997-98 had a severe impact on Hong Kong’s asset and residential property prices.   The government announced a property reflation package in late 2002 targeted at controlling land supply as well as stimulating demand for properties (rental coupon, subsidized loans, suspension of land sales).   Since then, supported by a new Hong Kong immigration policy and policy tilts by the mainland government, investment interests in Hong Kong residential and commercial properties have been revitalized.  CEPA or the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement was announced in mid-2003 and represented one important step forward in terms of integrating the Hong Kong and Mainland economies.   Professionals such as lawyers, accountants, architects, investment bankers are now allowed to operate on a sole proprietorship basis in the Mainland while foreign banks are allowed greater flexibility in terms of RMB business in China as well as ownership of Mainland banks.   Last but not least, Hong Kong banks have been allowed to begin limited RMB business in Hong Kong.   This policy is likely to reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a financial center for China and represents one important step made by the Mainland government towards the opening of China’s capital account and the eventual free convertibility of the RMB.

The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. (“SEHK”) is one of the largest stock markets in Asia with a total market capitalization as of November 2020 of approximately USD5,800billion.   

There are no regulations governing foreign investment or exchange controls in Hong Kong.  Investors have total flexibility in the movement of capital and the repatriation of profits.   Funds invested in Hong Kong can be repatriated at will; dividends and interest are freely remittable.

TAIWAN

One of the basic questions investors raise about Taiwan relates to political risk vis à vis China.   In general, this risk should be considered relatively low.   As China becomes increasingly integrated into the global trading system, the economic cost and risk to the stability of China’s regime from military confrontation with Taiwan grows higher.   This is because, at a minimum, any attack on Taiwan would likely result in widespread embargoes from the US and its allies as well as a sharp reduction in FDI.   Although China’s explicit goal for Taiwan is a one country, two systems structure similar to that of Hong Kong, it appears that their main priority is to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence. Despite the pro-independent Democratic Progressive Party’s Tsai Ing-wen becoming President in the January 2016 election, the risk of Taiwan pushing for independence remains low given that Taiwan would require support from the US to pursue this policy.   It seems unlikely that under the Trump administration the US has any appetite for getting more involved in Sino-Taiwan relations.  It would therefore be more accurate to describe the current political relationship between China and Taiwan as a “stand-off”.     

Economic integration between China and Taiwan has nevertheless increased in recent years.   China has lower labor costs and more natural resources, while Taiwan brings decades of experience trading with the G7 economies, capital, technology and trained entrepreneurs.  After President Ma Ying-Jeou was re-elected in March 2012, further economic integration with China followed, including the easing of restrictions on Taiwanese investment in China and raising the quota on Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan. However, many in Taiwan, especially young people, view the growing economic power of mainland China with deep apprehension.

Between 1995 and 2019 Taiwan’s GDP grew from USD280 billion to USD605 billion. This economic growth was accompanied by the transformation of domestic production from labor-intensive to capital-intensive industries in the 1970s and finally to higher technology industries in the 1980s. The main trend from the 1990s to date has been the transformation into an increasingly high-tech and service-driven economy. The Taiwan stock market - once widely viewed as a speculative market - is increasingly driven by fundamentals and the investment direction set by foreign investors. Importantly, the government is in the process of accelerating its liberalization of the market and recently there has been a significant rise in foreign ownership, which increased from 16% in 2000 to almost 40% by late 2019.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund98SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX E

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.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund99SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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; 

·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.

_____________________

1The 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. 

2An 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. 

3If 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 Greater China Growth Fund100SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX F

Responsible Investment Solutions

For professional/qualified investors only

 

 

Corporate

Governance

Guidelines (CGG)

 

January 2018


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund101SAI dated January 1, 2021 



BMO Global Asset Management

Corporate Governance Guidelines (CGG)

January 2018


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund102SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Contents

1. Overview of key principles and approach4 

2. Role, structure and operation of boards5 

3. Board Committees10 

4. Compensation12 

5. Audit, Risk and control14 

6. Shareholder rights15 

7. Reporting17 

8. Social and environmental responsibility19 

9. Voting Matters21 

Appendices

Appendix 1: Sustainability reporting and disclosure23 

Appendix 2: Corporate debt and responsible investment25 

Appendix 3: Canadian Voting Requirements for Routine and Non-Routine Matter28 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund103SAI dated January 1, 2021 



BMO Global Asset Management is the brand name for various affiliated entities of BMO Financial Group that provide investment management services across Asia, Canada, the U.S. and EMEA.  These guidelines set our expectations of investee companies in terms of good governance.1

As an asset management business, we seek to act in the best interests of clients including when carrying out our investment activities. Our investment clients are retail and institutional investors, including corporate pension funds. These activities include: voting and engagement services, ethical and sustainable investment funds, and tools to assist in the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment analysis.

The voting policies are applied to all client portfolios. Our institutional clients have the right to determine how we vote their securities. BMO Global Asset Management will comply with those requests.

In addition to these guidelines, general and country-specific voting guidelines are maintained and applied within the  voting process. Voting guidelines are drawn from the Corporate Governance Guidelines (CGG), but are more granular in nature and provide greater detail on resolutions that will and will not be supported. In executing votes, where companies put forward a strong case for not complying with our voting guidelines, we will take this into account and adjust our vote if we believe the company is acting in the best interests of shareholders. We apply our CGG to client portfolios in a manner that considers our clients’ respective investment objectives and best interests. This could result in our voting on a matter the same way or differently for different clients.

We have undertaken to write these guidelines in plain and clear language. However, in certain places it has been necessary to use terms that are not plain language where certain guidelines relate specifically to these terms. In such instances, we have placed these terms in quotation marks and defined them in a glossary at the end of this document.

 

 

 

1These guidelines do not apply to Pyrford International Limited, BMO Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited’s Hong Kong-domiciled ETFs and other funds, and BMO Global Asset Management Portugal S.A. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund104SAI dated January 1, 2021 



1. OVERVIEW OF KEY PRINCIPLES AND APPROACH

These guidelines establish a consistent philosophy and approach to corporate governance and the exercising of voting rights. The approach is based on the overarching principles of:

·An empowered and effective board and management team; 

·Appropriate checks and balances in company management structures; 

·Effective systems of internal control and risk management covering all material risks, including ethical and ESG issues; 

·A commitment to promoting throughout the company a culture of transparency and accountability that is grounded in sound business ethics; 

·Compensation policies that reward the creation of long-term shareholder value through the achievement of corporate objectives; and 

·A commitment to protecting the rights and interests of all shareholders in the company. 

We recognise that such principles may be expressed differently in different markets. Therefore, our voting policies take account of local practices and are applied in a pragmatic fashion that reflects an integrated understanding of local and international good practice. In all cases, we aim to achieve the same result: the preservation and enhancement of long-term shareholder value through management accountability and transparency in reporting.

Achieving best practice in corporate governance is a dynamic process between the board, management and shareholders. We encourage companies to engage in the process of shaping and meeting evolving standards of best practice. Although our voting is strongly rooted in a clear set of corporate governance principles, it strives to approach each company’s case on its merits and relies on staff expertise, discretion, and dialogue with companies to do so2. For this reason, we encourage companies to contact us with information about particular governance practices and challenges unique to the company. When we do not vote with the company’s recommendations we may choose to inform the company of our voting decision and provide comments to explain the specific concerns with the resolutions that we did not support.

 

 

2 These votes will usually be by proxy, except where specific circumstances make attendance by a representative of our company desirable.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund105SAI dated January 1, 2021 



2. ROLE, STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF BOARDS

We use the term “board” to describe the board of directors and similar supervisory decision making bodies. The board is ultimately responsible for the management of the company. This is mainly achieved through the delegation of powers  to the executive management. The board should receive  the report of executive management on the conduct of the business, and it should question management on these matters. However, certain matters should be reserved for the board.  It is responsible for setting and testing strategy proposed by the executive management, determining risk appetite for the business, ensuring the independence and effectiveness of external audit, and for succession planning of both the executive management and the board as a whole.

The structure, composition and operation of boards will vary from country to country and company to company. Certain elements of effective boards are universal, and these are detailed below under the following sub-headings:

·Roles and independence; 

·Competence, objectivity and renewal; 

·Effective functioning of boards; and 

·Communication and accountability to shareholders. 

Other factors will vary depending on the nature of the company’s business, its country of domicile, its size and complexity, its stage of development, its ownership structure, and the goals of the board and the skills of the individuals on the board. Wherever possible, we will strive to reflect in our voting the individual circumstances facing each company, based on its understanding of how they may affect its long-term profitability. We welcome and encourage the initiative from companies to draw attention to specific areas where they believe departures from these guidelines are justified.

ROLES AND INDEPENDENCE

The composition of the board is of the utmost importance. Boards should have meaningful representation of both executive and non-executive directors. Non-executives should normally be wholly independent of the company, although we recognise that, in certain cases, connected non-executives have a valuable role to play. In building an effective board, the company should seek candidates from the widest pool of relevant talent so as to ensure properly informed board discussions.

The role of the chair and separation of principal roles

The chair sets the agenda of the board in consultation with the company secretary, the executive management and the directors. The chair is the person ultimately responsible for the appointment and removal of the chief executive officer (CEO).

The roles of the chair and CEO are substantively different and generally should be separated. We regard separation of the roles as important for securing a proper balance of authority and responsibility between executive management and the board, as well as preserving accountability within the board. If for any reason the roles are combined, e.g. over an unexpected transitional period, this should be explained and justified in the report and accounts. In all such cases, a strong senior independent non-executive director should be nominated.

We would not expect a retiring CEO to assume the role of chair. In such cases, we would look for reasoned justification from the company to explain this deviation from good practice.

Executive directors

Including executives in board meetings is essential to enhance discussion and allow independent directors to gain the fullest understanding of company operations. We encourage the appointment of key executives to the board alongside the CEO and the chief financial officer (CFO). The presence of other executives provides additional company knowledge for the board and also ensures that the board is not solely dependent on the CEO for input relating to the company’s operations and strategies. However, the number of executive directors should not outweigh the number of independent non-executives.

Boards that lack meaningful executive participation through board membership should use the board evaluation report  to describe how the board achieves interaction between its directors and company executives.

Non-executive directors

Non-executive directors have a valuable contribution to make to the development of the company. This is a demanding role.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund106SAI dated January 1, 2021 



We pay attention to the number of directorships an individual director holds, and seek to be satisfied that directors have sufficient time and energy to perform the role properly, particularly during occasions requiring exceptional commitments of time. Factors that determine the appropriate number of directorships are the size of the company, its complexity, its circumstances, other commitments that a director has and  the results of board evaluation, among others. We consider that holding multiple directorships in large companies can be excessive even for a full-time non-executive director, especially if participating in board committees. Multiple directorships should be avoided for a full-time executive. For complex companies, particularly in developed markets, we may vote against non-executive directors who hold more than four directorships.  In emerging markets, where the pool of talent for non-executive directors may be limited we have a higher threshold, but may vote against non-executives who have over six directorships (not including directorships within a single corporate group). In addition, nominating committees should carefully consider the time required for other demanding leadership roles, such as the boards of private companies and large non-profit organisations.

Proportion of non-executive directors on the board

Strong decisions arise from open and direct interplay between boards and company executives. It is important to have enough independent non-executive directors for an adequate diversity  of views and to fulfil committee membership quotas. We  expect all widely-held companies to have a majority of independent directors.

For companies with controlling shareholders, we encourage boards to have a majority of independent directors. However, in cases where the controlling or majority shareholder opts to put forward a majority of non-independent directors to the board, there should be a sufficient number of independent non-executives on the board to allow key committees – audit, compensation and nomination – to operate with independence. For this to be achieved we would, in most cases, expect there  to be a minimum of one-third of fully independent directors on the board.

Independence of non-executive directors

Independence of individual directors is valued, but a well- balanced board is valued above all. We will support non- independent directors when they bring skills, sector knowledge and other experience that justify their presence on the board, particularly where the appropriate balance of independence is maintained.

The criteria for the independence of directors draw on a variety of standards, including the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance, national corporate governance codes, listing rules and guidance given by the International Corporate Governance Network, among others. We favour a principles-based approach, which seeks to ensure that directors are able to act in the interests of the company and its shareholders. Companies should consider using the corporate governance report or annual shareholder meeting materials to explain the board evaluation process, and to justify the value that non-independent directors bring to the board.

For public companies, independent non-executive directors should:

·Not be former executives of the company. We do not support the idea of a “cooling off” period for former executives, although in the case of individuals who have served in a junior capacity, a hiatus may be appropriate; 

·Not have close family ties with the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees; 

·Not have served on the board for more than 12 years, as they may lose their independent perspective; 

·Not hold cross-directorships or have significant links with other directors (see ‘Interlocking boards’ below); 

·Not be major shareholders or representatives of any special interest group, including government representatives in cases of state ownership or representatives of affiliated companies; 

·Have no significant commercial involvement with the company as professional advisers, major suppliers or customers; 

·


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund107SAI dated January 1, 2021 



·Not be entitled to performance-related pay, stock options, pensions, or benefit from large donations to charitable causes of their choice; 

·Not normally hold other directorships in companies in a closely-related industry. 

Interlocking boards

We seek to ensure that directors are not only independent from the company, but also of one another. We expect companies to disclose interlocking board relationships and to explain how the independence of individual directors is preserved when directors jointly serve on two or more of the same boards3.

3Such interlocking relationships can raise concerns when there is an imbalance of power between the two directors. The most common situation is when one of the individuals is an executive on the first board, and, therefore, is evaluated and remunerated by his fellow director. Therefore, on the second board where he is expected to serve as an independent non-executive, his independence may be compromised. 

Extensive board service and independence

Prolonged membership on a board jeopardises independence as directors may become close with management and overly invested in prior strategic decisions. After a certain length of board service, directors may not be considered fully independent and it may be inappropriate for such directors to serve on committees, such as the audit committee, where independence is a key criterion. We recognise that there is no fixed time period that can automatically trigger a director’s loss of independence, but use a 12-year benchmark as a general guidance. If a board values such a director’s experienced perspective, he should be considered an affiliated director.

Effective boards rely on directors with fresh perspectives. While balanced boards may include some long-standing directors, boards should strive to have a substantial majority of directors with less than 12 years’ tenure to prevent board entrenchment. The nominating committee should review the mix of new and long-standing directors necessary to achieve a balanced board. We consider that no more than one-third of non-executive directors should have served for more than 12 years.

In markets where board entrenchment is widespread and considered a significant governance risk, we encourage companies to establish tenure limits for non-executive directors, and to adopt a pro-active approach to non-executive succession planning and board refreshment.

Independence of employee representatives

While a number of countries have legislation mandating a certain percentage of employee representatives on the board, we do not consider these individuals to be fully independent. Hence, we expect companies domiciled in countries with mandatory co-determination (the process by which employees elect their representatives to the board) or employee representation to ensure that the board and its committees have adequate representation of truly independent directors.

Other associations that might impact independence

The nominating committee should also evaluate the impact that other relationships between directors might have on their independence. For instance, relationships through academic institutions, charities, or social clubs could impact independence and should be reviewed during the director evaluation process.

COMPETENCE, OBJECTIVITY AND RENEWAL

Diversity, competencies and perspectives

A relevant and suitably diverse mix of skills and perspectives is critical to the quality of the board and the strategic direction of the company. Companies should therefore strive to widen the pool of potential candidates for board and management roles to ensure that they draw on the richest possible combination of competencies and outlooks. In particular we believe that the promotion of gender diversity is important as part of enhancing long-term board effectiveness. The use of specialist recruitment consultants, who are willing and capable of producing candidate lists with desired diversity characteristics, and other appropriate sources, including public advertisement, should be considered.

In all cases, candidates must be selected for their ability to enhance company performance. Boards should recruit members with the required combination of skills and experience, and should affirm the value of individual diversity, including diversity of gender, ethnic origin, nationality, professional background and many other factors that may enhance the board’s overall performance. While boards cannot be transformed overnight, we look for a statement that sets out the board’s approach to promoting diversity at the board and executive management level and throughout the company. We welcome disclosure of specific diversity targets set by the board and reporting on performance against these targets.

Re-election of directors


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund108SAI dated January 1, 2021 



To ensure that it retains an open and critical perspective, the board needs to be continually renewed. For this reason, all directors should be required to submit themselves for re-election at regular intervals. We prefer to have all directors standing for annual election to strengthen the accountability of the board to shareholders. Failing that, we encourage the chairman of the board, as well as the chairmen of the audit, remuneration and nomination committees to stand for annual re-election to strengthen accountability on the core functions of the board. We also believe that a minimum of one-third of board members should stand for election annually.

After 12 years, directors should be subject to annual re-election. In many jurisdictions, local law allows shareholders to propose a shareholder resolution for removing a director, or local codes of governance best practice recommend tenure limits, to ensure boards are subject to continual refreshment. Where this is not the case, all directors should be required to submit themselves for annual re-election. Where companies do not facilitate such a process, we may withhold our support from the chair of the nomination or governance committee or, where such a committee does not exist, the chair of the board.

Nomination of directors

We strongly believe that a board nominating committee composed of a majority of independent non-executive directors is best placed to identify and put forward suitable candidates for the board. Shareholders should only put forward candidates where there is clear evidence of ineffective board oversight and unwillingness to correct the problem or where a cumulative voting system or similar arrangements encourage direct shareholder participation in board nominations. We expect companies to put forward only one candidate for each available position as an indication that the company is clear about the value individual directors bring to the board. We encourage companies to specify the candidate’s qualifications, experience and skills that are of particular relevance and importance to  the board.

Balanced composition

We will consider voting against the chairman or members of nominating committees who have not constructed appropriately balanced, independent boards. Indicators include: an over-reliance on long-standing members where one-third of non-executive directors have served for more than 12 years; an over-reliance on affiliated directors; and a lack of appropriate diversity characteristics, including gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, etc, that reflect the nature, scope and aspirations of the business. We consider that extended service on the board erodes non-executives’ independence due to their involvement in previous business decisions. Therefore, after 12 years, directors should be subject to annual re-election, and should not serve on key  board committees.

Retiring directors

We would not normally expect a retiring executive director to retain a seat on the board as a non-executive director, except in highly unusual circumstances. However, for two-tier boards, we recognise that there may be instances in which the contribution of former directors will be valuable in enhancing the supervisory board’s understanding of the business. In such cases, we would accept that no more than one member of the supervisory board be a retiring executive, but would expect that all other members be fully independent. Particular scrutiny would apply in the case of retiring CEOs if nominated for chair (See “Role of chair” above).

EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF BOARDS

Board size

In the case of a two-tier board structure, neither board should be large: between five and 10 members typically is appropriate. A unitary board normally should have between five and 15 members. In the case of overly large boards and in the absence of a commitment to reduce board size, we may withhold support from one or more directors, unless clear justification has been provided explaining the need for such a large board.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund109SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Two-tier boards

We are agnostic as to the merits of a two-tier board as opposed to a unitary board, and we recognise that a two-tier board structure is the norm in many markets. At the same time, we are aware that there can be challenges in communication between a supervisory board and a management board. Where there is more than one body forming the board, companies should maintain an effective mechanism for the various elements of the board to work together, and should explain how this happens. This system should ensure that the most effective use is made of all the individuals involved in the governance process, so that companies can capitalise on the unique skills and experiences of their directors.

Board evaluation

Evaluation is an important tool for improving board performance. All boards should implement an evaluation process that considers the effectiveness of the entire board, the contributions made by each member, its systems for interaction between the board and company management and any areas for improvement. The nominating or governance committee may oversee the evaluation process and should report general findings and areas for improvement publicly to shareholders. All companies should utilise professional assistance to facilitate evaluations on a periodic basis.

Board meetings & attendance

The board should meet at regular intervals to ensure effective oversight of the company. We regard six meetings per year as a minimum guidance, and often more frequent meetings are necessary.

Director attendance at board meetings is crucial for making valuable contributions to the board and fulfilling fiduciary duties. We also expect directors to attend the annual meeting, and to facilitate communication with the shareholders whom they represent. The company should disclose the attendance record of individual directors in the annual report, as well as mechanisms for shareholders to communicate directly with the board. We may withhold support from directors with a poor attendance record or boards who fail to accommodate shareholder dialogue.

Non-executive director (NED) only meetings

NEDs should meet without executive board members present on a regular basis and when circumstances demand. They should also have at least one meeting per year to hold an unconstrained discussion away from day-to-day business matters. Ideally, this should be chaired by a senior or lead independent director, although the chair may be present provided they are a non-executive. Conversely, in the case of two-tiered boards, supervisory boards should meet with executives on a regular basis to minimise the risk that NEDs could become marginalised from the business.

Training

All directors should receive appropriate training when appointed, and subsequently on regular occasions, in particular as a consequence of the board evaluation process. We encourage companies to develop director training plans that include educating directors on relevant environmental, social and governance matters.

COMMUNICATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO SHAREHOLDERS

The board should proactively make itself available for consultation with shareholders on any substantive matter, whether or not it forms the subject of a vote, and should, to this end, appoint a senior or lead independent director to fulfil a formal liaison role. This is most important in cases where the CEO also holds the chair position, the Chair has executive responsibilities or was not independent on appointment. Directors should consult shareholders prior to seeking approval for resolutions at the AGM) and other meetings where any resolution could be considered contentious or consultation is otherwise deemed appropriate.

The NEDs should also seek to establish lines of communication with an appropriately large and diverse group of institutional shareholders, in separate meetings and by periodically joining the regular meetings that executive directors hold with institutional shareholders. In particular, we have been advocating that companies adopt a communications forum in which company NEDs can interact with shareholders about matters relating to governance ahead of annual general meetings.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund110SAI dated January 1, 2021 



3. BOARD COMMITTEES

We encourage companies to move towards fully independent audit and compensation committees, as well as a nomination committee composed of a majority of independent directors. All board committees should report on their activities annually to shareholders (see section on “Reporting” below).

Audit

The audit committee provides an important safeguard for shareholders and for other stakeholders that rely upon the integrity of the report and accounts as a basis for their dealings with the company.

The audit committee should consist exclusively of NEDs, all of whom should be independent, and consist of at least three individuals. At least one should have recent and relevant financial, accounting or audit experience, and all audit committee members should be financially literate. The committee should be responsible for assessing the effectiveness, independence, qualifications, expertise and resources of the external auditors as well as the quality of audit, and oversee the process of review and issue of the accounts.

If there is no formal risk management committee in place, the audit committee should normally be accountable for the proper oversight of risk management and internal controls. This includes reviewing all significant financial and extra-financial risks.

The audit committee should also be responsible for monitoring and approving related-party transactions, and should ensure that any material related-party transactions do not disadvantage minority shareholders. If the audit committee includes non- independent directors, the review of related-party transactions should be conducted exclusively by independent audit committee members. This is particularly important for related-party transactions that involve executive management or controlling shareholders.

In countries where it is not customary to have a board audit committee (such as Italy, Japan and Brazil), the individual statutory auditors should be independent and fulfil the role of the committee. We do not consider this system to be as robust, since it separates the audit oversight from the core responsibility inherent in being a director.

The audit committee is also responsible for publishing the annual audit report, which is essential for the ability of investors to evaluate the overall health of the business (see section on “Reporting” below). In the event of a significant restatement of accounts or material weakness in internal controls, the chair of the audit committee, possibly in conjunction with the senior auditor, should make themselves available to shareholders  upon request.

Compensation

The compensation committee is responsible for setting the compensation of executive directors and senior executives and should co-ordinate with the company’s human resources function to develop a coherent and effective compensation strategy throughout the company. As a best practice we believe that compensation committees should consist exclusively of independent non-executive directors. We encourage compensation committees to engage in direct dialogue with an appropriate group of institutional shareholders so as to seek in developing compensation policies. (See “Compensation Committee Report” below).

The compensation committee must consult with other board functions to ensure that pay mechanisms are well aligned with strategic goals and the company’s appetite for risk.

In particular it must work with the board to determine the appropriate balance in the allocation of profits to employees as incentive payment, to shareholders as dividends, and for retention or reinvestment in the business itself. The committee’s fiduciary duty is also to ensure that the amount of payment to management is fair and appropriate. Finally, the committee should be attentive to compensation across the company to assure itself that management is driving risk and strategy properly and addressing other important issues linked to pay such as discrimination and glass ceilings.

Nomination

A nomination committee should oversee all board and senior executive appointments. Normally it should be a committee of independent non-executive directors and the company chair, drawing on executive advice as required. We prefer a fully independent committee. However, we recognise that in some instances, a non-independent director or representative of a large shareholder may be appropriate.

Corporate governance

We recognise that companies may choose to have the nominating committee or a specific corporate governance committee responsible for corporate governance practices and procedures. Regardless of the structure, the committee should monitor emerging regulatory and industry standards, strive to achieve global good practice and should consult with shareholders to understand investor expectations.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund111SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Corporate responsibility and sustainability

We believe that corporate responsibility, ethics or sustainability committees are highly desirable. In some cases, such as those of large companies exposed to significant ESG risks, they are essential. Such committees should serve both as a source  of external perspective on emerging business and societal concerns, and ensure that the company has proper internal control systems in place to identify and manage any risks that such issues may pose to the business.

Business ethics

Whether it is through a committee such as the audit committee or a general board review, it is important that the board affirm its responsibility for reviewing internal business ethics systems. The committee should also ensure that there is an effective mechanism for the internal reporting of wrongdoing, whether within the company itself, or involving other parties, such as suppliers, customers, contractors or business partners. In particular, given extraterritorial anticorruption legislation – such as the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) and the UK Bribery Act – there is scope for more rigorous enforcement of bribery and corruption. As a result, anticorruption measures should come under particular scrutiny by the board. Business ethics control systems should include employee hotlines and other appropriate “whistleblowing” mechanisms related to financial fraud and any other breach of company policies and ethical codes. The audit committee may serve as the body to receive whistleblowing reports where no other acceptable body exists.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund112SAI dated January 1, 2021 



4. COMPENSATION

Levels of compensation and other incentives should be designed to promote the long-term success of the company and reflect the work carried out and the executives’ contribution to the company. No director should be involved in setting their own compensation. Given the strong upward trend in total compensation, we expect a careful use and robust justification of benchmarks and comprehensive disclosure of performance targets as well as actual performance against pre-set targets. We also expect justification of base pay levels awarded, and that a significant proportion of total compensation should be variable and subject to appropriately challenging performance conditions. We do not set guidelines for levels of compensation beyond the principles mentioned below.

Level of pay

We are aware that the level of executive pay has become a standalone issue in many markets, and has resulted in significant reputational and regulatory risks for companies and industries where pay levels were seen by regulators, investors and the general public as excessive and insufficiently aligned with performance. We expect boards to demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to the views and expectations of shareholders and other key stakeholders in their main markets when setting executive pay.

Relationship to strategy and risk

We expect companies to demonstrate the alignment of their remuneration policy with their overall business strategy and planning. Performance metrics should relate to the company’s articulated strategy and risk tolerance. Targets should be constructed to align executive incentives to the interests of long-term shareholders, and should not create incentives for executives to undertake short-term risks that might imperil longer- term performance. We advocate the introduction of risk-related underpins—or preconditions—to bonus awards, to ensure that in appropriate incentive payments are not awarded in the event the company’s financial strength or credit quality might deteriorate.

Disclosure

We seek appropriately detailed disclosure of board and management compensation packages (See “Compensation committee report” below). The purpose of the compensation report should be to enlighten and enhance understanding; it should not be used simply as a compliance document. The annual compensation report should disclose the total amount of compensation including cash, options, stock and benefits that executives may receive under different performance scenarios.

Following the award of the bonus, companies should provide a meaningful analysis in the compensation report of the extent to which the relevant targets were actually met. Pension arrangements for executives and employees should be disclosed in detail, including expected funding, pay-out scenarios and differences in contribution rates for executives and the general workforce. Companies should also include details on how, and in which cases, the compensation committee might exercise its authority to withhold or reclaim all or part of non-base pay from executives. The compensation report should be written in plain language and include the tax implications for the company.

At a minimum, the compensation of all directors, including all non-executive and executive directors, should be disclosed individually. We look for banded disclosure of those individuals at sub-board level who make a significant contribution to the company. This enables shareholders to better understand the company’s compensation strategy and succession planning.

Executive contracts

We encourage executive contracts to not be for more than 12 months, except in unusual cases, for example where an initial 24-month period is required for recruitment. In such cases, the notice period should reduce month by month until the agreed period of no more than 12 months is attained. We also believe that, prior to agreeing employment contracts, companies should actively consider the potential rewards on severance in the event of inadequate performance, and clarify the performance conditions under which such severance benefits are to be payable. We encourage companies to seek mitigation in case a director has taken up employment elsewhere and to adjust the length and size of any payments accordingly. We regard one year’s base pay and pension entitlements as sufficient severance and recommend that companies make larger severance packages the subject of a shareholder vote.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund113SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Share schemes/ share compensation arrangements

We believe that strict guidelines should be observed with regard to the issue, or potential issue, of shares for incentive schemes, also known as equity-based compensation plans, both as to the proportion of shares issued and to the rate at which these are issued each year. By way of guidance, we would expect no more than a total of 10% of a company’s equity to be used for all share schemes within a 10-year period, with no more than 5% being available for discretionary schemes during this period. “Treasury shares” should be included within these limits. Good practice is to include all shares used, whether market purchase or newly issued, within these limits. We will accept deviation from these limits where we are convinced that the commercial drivers outweigh the dilution impacts. If the company is insufficiently transparent regarding the details of such schemes, we may abstain or even vote against them.

Equity Incentive Plans

We support the principle of motivating and rewarding executives through the granting of equity incentives.

Performance targets for equity incentive plans should be clearly disclosed and challenging. We believe that the compensation committee is in the best position to determine the most appropriate performance metrics for driving the long-term business strategy. However, overall compensation packages should reflect a range of performance targets and should not rely too heavily on the achievement of a single performance metric. In cases where a relative performance measure, such as total shareholder return, is employed, use of an absolute performance metric can serve as an underpin to ensure that rewards are scaled back when the company’s overall performance suffers. Generally, we believe executive pay plans should reflect a balance of financial, operational, and relative performance targets. We strongly believe that exceptional performance over a significant period merits an exceptional level of compensation. We oppose retesting of performance conditions and may withhold support of compensation plans where the compensation committee has used its discretion to relax any performance targets previously approved by shareholders.

We will consider one-off equity awards on a case-by-case basis in light of justification provided by the company. However, frequent use of exceptional awards raises questions over the adequacy of the overall compensation strategy and effectiveness of succession planning. We will take particular care when reviewing equity awards granted for the purposes of recruitment or retention when such awards are not linked to meaningful performance targets. We encourage the inclusion of social, environmental and other non-financial goals for performance bonus payments where these factors have a significant impact on the company’s performance. We also expect a discussion of the process undertaken by the company to identify such factors and an explanation as to why it considers these factors to be relevant. If the company chooses not to include any such factors in an industry where they are significant contributors to business success, the company should explain the reasons for this.

Holding periods, vesting and malus/clawback policies

Bonus payments and long-term incentive schemes should be structured to reward long-term growth in shareholder value, and be subject to “performance-vesting” conditions. We encourage companies to include deferred shares as a portion of short-term bonuses. Longer-term incentive plans should be fully share-based, and vesting periods should extend from at least three to five years or longer. We also encourage companies to require longer-term holding periods post vesting. As an alternative to promote a long-term perspective, a strictly enforced shareholding requirement could be adopted. No shares could be sold until the shareholding requirement was met, and the requirement would be substantially higher than is currently typical – perhaps four to six times base salary.

The compensation committee should maintain a “malus” authority to withhold all or part of performance-based pay from executives before it has vested in cases where it deems it appropriate. The compensation committee should also have “clawback” authority to recover sums already paid out to executives. This might occur following a significant restatement of accounts, where previously granted awards were paid on the basis of inaccurate figures or where the long-term outcomes of a specific strategy result in significant value destruction for shareholders.

In particular, where representations that executives made to the audit committee about the integrity of controls have been revealed to be inaccurate, or where executives have failed to exercise due caution in the discharge of their duties, the company should consider seeking the reclamation of performance awards. Clawback policies may also be supplemented with extended deferral periods for share and bonus plans.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund114SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Employee ownership

Widespread employee ownership can contribute positively to shareholder value, as it further aligns employees’ interests with those of shareholders. Such devices should not, however, be instituted as anti-takeover devices, and should be included within company-wide dilution limits. While we generally support broad-based stock option plans, employee discounts should not exceed 20% on a fixed date, the company should not extend loans to purchase options, and options should not be re-priced without shareholder approval. Non-executive directors should not be entitled to options and therefore should not be included in any such schemes.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund115SAI dated January 1, 2021 



5. AUDIT, RISK AND CONTROL

We recommend that the independent members of the audit committee meet on a regular basis with the company’s auditors and without company management. This may enable a better flow of information between auditors and the board.

Appointment of auditors

The auditors’ performance and appointment should be reviewed periodically. Where the same firm remains as auditor for a period of time, there should be a policy of regular rotation of the lead audit partner. We  believe that systematic rotation of audit firms  is both desirable and in the best interests of shareholders. Specifically, we encourage the practice of putting the audit contract out to tender every ten years.

We consider it to be desirable over the medium term to broaden the choice of auditors available to companies, and hence would encourage companies to actively consider using the  broadest pool of audit firms wherever these can demonstrably meet the required standard of competence and global coverage.  We expect audit quality to be the main consideration in the selection of the auditor and expect that shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on the appointment and payment of auditors.

Auditor liability

We recognise the disproportionate risk that “joint & several liability” may place upon audit firms. However, we will only consider supporting arrangements to cap auditor liability in exceptional circumstances, i.e. where the risk of a catastrophic  and disproportionate claim can be demonstrated. In such circumstances, we expect companies to approach auditor liability in a manner consistent with the following guidelines:

1.Directors must assure themselves that audit quality will be preserved and enhanced. 

2.Auditor liability should be based on the principle of proportionality rather than a fixed monetary cap. 

3.Shareholder approval should be sought on a forward-looking rather than retrospective basis. 

4.Audit committees should ensure that a full explanation of the reasons for putting such a resolution to shareholders is disclosed. 

5.Directors should ensure that the effect of agreements throughout the company’s subsidiaries provide for proportionality. 

Fees paid to a company’s auditors in addition to audit fees

Where auditors carry out consultancy work in addition to auditing the company, this should be disclosed and the audit committee should consider whether there is a risk that an auditor’s impartiality may be jeopardised. The range, nature and tendering process for any such non-audit work should be supervised by the audit committee, whose responsibilities in this area should be fully disclosed. While we generally discourage non-audit work to be undertaken by the company’s auditor, we recognise that there are certain areas of non-audit work where the company’s auditors may provide valuable expertise, without compromising independence. However, substantial non-audit fees, or non-audit fees in excess of audit fees, may be an indicator of compromised independence. In the event that non-audit fees exceed audit fees for more than one year, we may not support the reappointment of the auditor or the payment of auditor fees in its voting at AGMs.

Related-party transactions

Many companies are involved in material related-party transactions, which represent a significant risk for shareholders. This risk is mitigated in companies with fully independent audit committees whose responsibility it is to ensure that  such transactions are conducted on the basis of arm’s-length valuations. We strongly encourage companies to establish such committees (see “Board committees” above) and to secure prior shareholder approval for material related-party transactions. In light of continued concerns, we recommend that each company disclose any shareholdings that its controlling shareholders may have in other companies or investment vehicles that have a material interest in the company.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund116SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Risk management

The board as a whole is responsible for defining a company’s risk tolerance relative to its strategy and operations, and is also responsible for monitoring the company’s performance relative to defined risks. Financial, operational and reputational risks that are relevant to the company’s business should be included in this oversight, including material ESG and ethical risks.

Depending on the size and complexity of the company, a standalone risk management committee might be warranted. We do not have a specific expectation that a company establish a risk management committee, but expect that in the absence of such a committee the board can demonstrate that it is alert to, and regularly monitors, company risks on an enterprise-wide basis. A risk management committee is a common feature of large bank boards, for example, but it need not be limited to financial institutions. However, a standalone risk committee may enhance board effectiveness in situations where the audit committee is already stretched. It is a healthy practice for the board as a whole to review the company’s risk management as a standing item of regular board meetings.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund117SAI dated January 1, 2021 



6. SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS

Liaison with shareholders

Companies should be ready, where practicable, to enter into dialogue with shareholders based on an understanding of shared objectives. They should be proactive in making sure important news is imparted, subject to appropriate inside information procedures, and should react helpfully to investor questions. In investment meetings with shareholders, companies should be prepared to address relevant corporate ESG issues.

Issuance of Shares

We respect a company’s right to issue shares to raise capital. However, share issuance should be strictly limited to that which is necessary to maintain business operations and drive forward company strategy. We will not support requests to increase authorised share capital that exceed 50% of existing capital, unless specific justification has been provided (e.g. to complete an acquisition or undertake a “stock split”).

Pre-emption Rights

We believe that “pre-emptive rights” for existing shareholders are absolutely essential. Shares may be issued for cash without pre-emptive rights or for compensation purposes, subject to shareholder approval. Companies should adhere to strict limits for issuing new shares as a proportion of the issued share capital and also be subject to “flow rates” where appropriate. While practices varies globally, we normally consider appropriate limits in most developed and emerging markets to range between 5% and 10% in one year for general purposes. We will vote against requests to issue shares without pre-emptive rights above these limits, unless companies have provided satisfactory justification. Investment trusts and similar closed-end companies should not issue new shares or reissue shares at a discount to net asset value (NAV), unless dilution is limited, the discount is limited to 5%, and any reissuance is at a lesser discount to NAV than the discount applied when such shares were originally purchased.

Share repurchase

We expect companies to repurchase shares in the market when it is advantageous for the company and its shareholders. Authority to repurchase shares should be subject to shareholder approval, be limited to one year, and not exceed 10% of the issued equity. Any share repurchase must benefit all holders on equal terms taking account of option adjustments.

Controlled companies and share classes with differential voting rights

We favour a share structure that gives all shares equal voting rights. We do not support the issue of shares with impaired  or enhanced voting rights and are likely to withhold support  for capital-raising by companies with a capital structure that involves unequal voting rights.

We recognise that in some markets, differential voting structures are long-standing and widespread. Where differential voting structures exist, this structure should be transparently disclosed to the market. In the case of “controlled companies”, we will review any request to issue shares with enhanced voting rights to determine why these are necessary and how they will reflect the interests of minority shareholders. We support the principle of one share, one vote, and encourage companies to take steps to eliminate differential voting structures over time or prevent their introduction.

Voting caps

We oppose voting caps in principle and believe that all shares should be entitled to full voting rights irrespective of the holding period. However, we recognise the widespread use of voting caps in certain markets, and the benefits accruing to shareholders not subject to a cap. Therefore, at a minimum, we expect companies to disclose clearly any caps, and encourage them not to introduce new caps and to phase out existing caps over time.

Mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and other corporate restructuring

Takeover bids and corporate restructuring are important as a means to maintain an efficient and competitive environment. However, some bids do not add to shareholder value, so in contested takeover bids, normally, we will seek to discuss matters with management and the bidder. We expect boards to conduct thorough due diligence prior to pursuing any merger or acquisition and to seek to maximise shareholder value in any deal. We will normally support incumbent management, provided the financial terms, synergistic benefits, and management quality are sound.

We consider the ESG risk implications of any corporate activity as part of the assessment, particularly in high-impact industries. We also expect the board to evaluate any potential ESG or ethical risks or liabilities of any business combination, including supply chains. We expect companies to take appropriate consultative measures with employees and communities affected by corporate restructuring.

Poison pills


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund118SAI dated January 1, 2021 



We regard artificial devices to deter bids, known as “poison pills,” as inappropriate and inefficient, unless they are strictly controlled and of very limited duration. In some markets, the use of shares with enhanced voting rights is common,  and may be used to block mergers and acquisitions, thereby performing the same function as poison pills. We believe that any control-enhancing mechanism or poison pill that entrenches management and protects the company from market pressures is not in the interests of shareholders. As a result we will normally vote against such anti-takeover devices.

Pension and other similar significant corporate liabilities

Companies should be aware of, and report to shareholders on, significant liabilities such as those arising from unfunded or under-funded pension commitments. The extent of the liability should be reported and the plans, if any, that have been put in place to cover the deficit should be reported, including a reasonable time scale for action. The principal assumptions used in calculating amounts should form part of this disclosure. Other significant liabilities could include specific operational or ESG risks that the company faces. The company should provide some indication of how these risks can result in “contingent liabilities”.

Shareholder resolutions

We consider all shareholder resolutions that appear on the ballot and vote in accordance with our understanding of the long-term benefit to shareholders. Companies should always provide a comprehensive discussion of management’s position on all shareholder resolutions, and be available to respond  to reasonable enquiries from shareholders (see “Liaison with shareholders” above) 4.

4In circumstances where we have serious concerns about a company’s ESG practices and have been unsuccessful in establishing a fruitful dialogue, we may ourselves put forward resolutions to invite other shareholders to support calls for the adoption of better practices. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund119SAI dated January 1, 2021 



7. REPORTING

The report and accounts (or annual report) is an important link in the chain of accountability. The annual report and any proxy voting materials should be made available to shareholders in good time for consideration and discussion prior to the AGM. We look for a minimum of 20 working days. Such materials should be easily accessible, preferably on the company website.

Companies should have meaningful and transparent disclosure, so that investors can obtain a clear understanding of all important and relevant issues. The annual report should provide a full review of the business model and strategy; key performance indicators used to gauge how the company is progressing against its objectives; principal risks and any significant factors affecting the company’s future performance, including any significant ESG or ethical issues; key achievements; and standards followed during the accounting period.

In all markets, we favour reports that are:

·Comprehensive, covering the strategic direction of the business and all material issues, including any significant changes in the regulatory context and key ESG issues; 

·Balanced, with even-handed treatment of both good and bad aspects; 

·Transparent, with narrative text that utilises plain language, and accounting notes that provide investors with a full understanding of the circumstances underlying the reported figures; 

·Underpinned by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive business performance, are comparable over time, and are supported by detailed information on how they are calculated; 

·Consistent and joined-up with other company reporting, including the compensation policy and corporate responsibility or sustainability reporting. 

Directors

Adequate biographical information on the directors should  be provided for shareholders in advance of the AGM. This should include information about directors’ qualifications and experience, term of office, date of first appointment, level of independence, board committee memberships and other personal and professional commitments that may influence the quality of their contribution and independence, e.g. other directorships, family and social ties, and affiliations with related companies or organisations. For all newly appointed directors, we encourage disclosure of qualifications, experience and skills that are considered by the board to be of particular relevance and importance to the company.

Nomination committee report

The committee should report annually on its activity, in particular providing a detailed discussion of its process for identifying and appointing executive and non-executive directors and the processes it employs to ensure that board membership reflects an appropriate diversity of perspectives, gender, experiences and cultural backgrounds. Where necessary, the report should include a thorough discussion of the board’s view of the independence of certain members. The report should also include high-level results of the board evaluation process.

Audit committee report

The audit committee should report on its conduct during the year and, in particular, on any specific matters of judgement relating to the application of accounting principles or the scope of the audit. It should also comment on the process for ensuring the independence of the auditors and for evaluating the impact of non-audit work. The audit committee report should include a narrative description of any related-party transactions, with particular reference to how these might impact the interests of minority shareholders. Any qualification of the audit statement and all matters raised in the auditor’s report need to be fully explained.

System of internal controls and risk management

If the audit committee’s remit includes risk management, the audit committee report should also address the board’s oversight of enterprise-wide risks. Either as part of the audit committee report or a standalone report, the company should explain the results of the board’s review of internal controls, including any identified or potential weaknesses in internal controls and how the board plans to respond to these.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund120SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Compensation report

We expect all companies to publish an annual compensation report in line with international good governance standards. Good compensation reporting outlines a company’s overall philosophy and its policies and formulas for determining annual, short and long-term pay. We look for compensation reports to break down fixed versus variable pay and to clearly align total pay packages with long-term shareholder value. The compensation report should clearly disclose specific long-term performance targets and total potential pay-outs.

If short-term performance targets cannot be disclosed due to commercial sensitivity, we expect retrospective disclosure of short-term targets and of actual performance against these targets.

We recommend that all companies put the compensation report to a shareholder vote, and encourage companies to actively consult their shareholders prior to the AGM. Our experience of voting on compensation reports in the UK and other countries has shown that this is a valuable mechanism  that improves dialogue and understanding between the board and shareholders.

Corporate responsibility or sustainability committee report

We encourage companies to report on any significant ESG or ethical risks and opportunities in their annual reports as well as the systems in place to manage these issues. This may be supported by more detailed disclosure, as appropriate, in a separate corporate responsibility or sustainability report (see Appendix 1).

Code of corporate governance

Companies should provide a full and clear statement of all matters relating to the application of the principles, sub- principles and provisions of the relevant national code of corporate governance. The way the provisions are put into effect should be clearly discussed, and any deviations should be supported by meaningful explanations.

Code of conduct

Companies should maintain a code of conduct reflecting corporate values and promoting ethical business practices. Such codes should address business-critical compliance issues including anticorruption practices.

Reincorporation in a tax or governance haven

We will typically vote against resolutions for a company to reincorporate in a new legal jurisdiction offering lower legal and governance protections to shareholders, regardless of whether this results in a lesser corporate tax burden. Aggressive tax strategies, even if structured legally, can pose potentially significant reputational and commercial risks for companies.

We expect the company’s board to ensure that the company’s approach to tax policy is both prudent and sustainable, and to disclose to shareholders that the board is providing appropriate oversight of its tax policy. Companies should provide a suitable amount of information for investors to understand their tax practices and associated risks.

Listings

Companies that are listed on an exchange should comply with the rules and listing requirements of that exchange.

Shareholder resolutions and access to the proxy statement

We encourage companies to engage in constructive dialogue with shareholders and other external stakeholders, to remove the need for irrelevant shareholder proposals. Where engagement is unsuccessful, we support shareholders’ right to submit a shareholder proposal for consideration by all investors. In these instances, companies should behave respectfully, by communicating promptly and fully with shareholders and refraining from obstructing the process. The board should provide a full and reasoned response to any shareholder proposal on the ballot. We consider all shareholder resolutions put forward and vote in accordance with our understanding of the long-term benefit to shareholders. We support shareholder resolutions relating to the right to nominate or remove directors, and relating to an advisory shareholder vote on pay.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund121SAI dated January 1, 2021 



8. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Social and environmental factors can present serious risks to corporations and impact the bottom line. A well-run company should have formal systems to identify, assess and manage significant risks including those associated with social and environmental factors. Companies should provide appropriate public disclosure of such factors, and give shareholders a proper accounting of their record in managing these areas, as well as evidence of strategies and targets to achieve good practice.

The US in particular has an open filing process that results in a wide variety of advisory shareholder proposals, particularly on social and environmental issues. The quality and nature of such proposals varies substantially. In general, we evaluate proposals based on the relevance of the issue to the company and the desirability of the specific action requested in the “resolved” clause. We recognise that some proposals may identify important company risks even if the proposal is poorly constructed. In such cases, we encourage companies to  identify, mitigate and report on their risk management  approach effectively.

Sustainability reporting

Disclosure of significant social and environmental risk factors should be included in the annual report. Certain high risk or high impact operations that are of substantial interest to investors and the public may require “modular” reporting alongside reporting that aggregates all company activity. We recommend disclosure in line with internationally accepted standards of best practice which increases our understanding of an organisation’s ability to create and sustain value in the short, medium and long term. We generally support shareholder proposals asking companies to report on implementation of social and environmental policies and assessments where there is reason for concern.

Audit of social and environmental management systems

We appreciate that auditing and assurance practices for social and environmental systems require further development, but consider third-party auditing of sustainability reports to be best practice. We encourage companies to move towards third-party verification, and will generally support resolutions calling for it where there is reason for concern.

Labour practices and standards

Companies may incur significant risks as a result of the employment practices (e.g. health and safety, anti-harassment, etc.) of their own operations and those of their suppliers and sub-contractors. Codes of conduct that address such risks, and include detailed and effective procedures for their supply chain, are usually in companies’ best interests. Where there is cause for concern, we favour codes based on internationally recognised standards (e.g. core conventions of the International Labour Organization), independent monitoring or auditing of implementation, and reporting of aggregate audit results. We look for regular, public reporting on code implementation.

Human rights

Companies may incur extraordinary risks to their operations, staff or reputation as a result of operating in conflict zones or in locations at risk of human rights abuses. Risks may also be encountered via supply chains when primary product inputs are sourced from at-risk areas. Where there is cause for concern, we support resolutions asking companies to develop and implement policies and management systems addressing human rights and security management. These policies should reflect internationally recognised standards (e.g. United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and should apply to suppliers and sub-contractors.

Diversity and equal employment opportunity

Recruiting and hiring from the widest possible talent pool is in the best interests of companies, as is maintaining a diverse workforce. We support efforts to strengthen non-discrimination policies, achieve diversity objectives and address “glass ceilings” at all levels within organisations. In the environment where many industries and companies are facing shortages of skilled workers and, therefore, increasing competition for talent, it is advisable and appropriate for company policies and practices to exceed legal requirements in order to attract and retain employees. Where there is cause for concern, we may support resolutions calling for the introduction of practices to this effect.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund122SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Political and charitable donations

Charitable and political donations should be consistent with the company’s stated sustainability strategy. (See “Reporting” above). We discourage corporate political donations and generally support proposals asking companies to develop a comprehensive policy statement that addresses all relevant aspects of their political involvement and disclose the individuals and organisations that receive political donations as well as substantial dues associated with lobbying organisations. We also recommend that the board provide ultimate oversight for political donations and related activity. In addition, we believe that companies that undertake charitable giving should have transparent policies and undertake charitable giving programs with due regard for the interests of shareholders.

Environment

Companies should determine how key environmental risks and opportunities fit into their core business strategy. As part of this process, companies should identify, assess and manage their environmental impacts. This may include minimising key environmental impacts, reporting on environmental management systems and performance, and discussing related financial impacts. Areas of increasing business interest include energy use, emissions to air and water, waste and the utilisation of natural resources. Where there are matters of concern, we may vote in favour of resolutions seeking improvements in reporting and/or management of environmental practices where these are proportionate to the risks faced.

Climate change

Some companies may be exposed to business risks stemming from the effects of climate change either directly on their business operations, or indirectly through taxation, regulation or changing patterns of customer demand. Where these are material risks, companies should describe how their business strategy addresses the question of climate change including disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions and any related targets. Where there are matters of concern, we may support resolutions calling on companies to improve their public disclosure of climate change-related policies and practices.

Products

We will vote on all other matters relating to the social, environmental, ethical and brand implications of a company’s products, production processes and activities, in accordance with our understanding of shareholders’ long-term interests. A company’s policies and processes are important in evaluating risks, and we strongly encourage companies to provide appropriate disclosures in the annual report. We look for evidence that companies are well prepared for changes that could have profound implications for their business.

Supply chains

As part of standard social and environmental management and business ethics policies and systems, companies should clarify the extent to which their operational standards and performance expectations apply to their suppliers. This may include anti- corruption, environmental, health and safety, human rights, animal welfare and climate change policies, among others.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund123SAI dated January 1, 2021 



9. VOTING MATTERS

Annual general meetings

There should be an annual physical meeting of the shareholders, and all the directors of the company should attend.

Vote disclosure

We expect companies to disclose the voting results of their general meetings, both at the meeting and on their websites, with a detailed breakdown of votes for and against, as well as abstentions.

We believe that companies have a right to know how their shareholders have voted, and we therefore write to companies to explain any cases of votes against management and abstentions when considered appropraite.

In the spirit of transparency, we also make available to both  our institutional and retail fund customers, as well as to the public, a comprehensive record of our voting by publishing all our votes and comments on our website5. A summary of our  voting statistics can be found in our annual Responsible Investment report6.

Shareblocking

We believe that shareblocking, i.e. the practice of preventing shares from being transferred for a fixed period prior to the vote at a company meeting, acts to discourage shareholder participation and should be replaced with a “record date”. Where shareblocking exists, we will follow client policy and may be prevented from voting because of concerns about failed trade settlements and extraordinary cost to clients.

Stocklending

We observe that stock lending is a widespread market practice involving the sale and contractually pre-agreed repurchase of a stock. We believe that stock lending is an important factor in preserving the liquidity of markets and in facilitating hedging strategies; it can also provide investors with a significant additional return on their investments because the sale-repurchase transaction may include a profit margin. Importantly, however, if the term of the ‘loan’ coincides with an annual or extraordinary general meeting, the transfer of the voting right impairs the ability of the underlying shareowner to exercise his voting rights. In rare instances, this has led to abuse, where borrowers have deliberately entered into transactions to sway the outcome of a shareholder vote without any intention of owning the stock long-term. We consider that the balance to be struck between stock lending and voting is a matter for individual decision by clients.

Record dates

We recommend that a record date be set a maximum of five working days prior to company general meetings for custodians and registrars to establish clearly those shareholders eligible to vote. This will give time for all relevant formalities to be completed and serves the same purpose as shareblocking without the disruptions noted above.

Voting Systems

All companies should conduct voting by poll, rather than relying on a show of hands.

We believe that shareholders have the right to appoint any reasonable person as proxy to vote their shares, either in person or electronically.

We encourage the introduction of electronic voting systems that are accurate and provide an effective audit trail of votes cast.

 

 

 

 

5http://vds.issproxy.com/SearchPage.php?CustomerID=3660  

6http://www.fandc.com/corporate/about-us/responsible-investment/ 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund124SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Bundled resolutions

Resolutions put to company meetings should cover single issues, or issues that are clearly interdependent. Any other practice potentially reduces the value of votes, and can lead to opposition to otherwise acceptable proposals. We will normally oppose resolutions that contain such inappropriately bundled provisions.

Any other business

We expect to vote on resolutions where the content has been made clear to shareholders and is in the interests of the company and its shareholders. Where a resolution  invites shareholders to vote on “any other business”, we  will systematically vote against it.

Political and charitable donations

We welcome the opportunity to vote on company donations, if material. We support charitable acts at an appropriate level, especially where an active donations policy supports the company’s engagement with its local or wider community. With respect to donations to political parties or to organisations closely associated with political parties, we consider that these are inappropriate and should be strictly avoided. However, in countries where the practice is widespread and deep-rooted, companies should at the very least submit their political donations policy and the past year’s donations record to a shareholder vote.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund125SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX 1

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE

We expect high standards of transparency from the companies in which we invest. This should include a narrative account within the annual report about the trends and factors affecting the performance and future development of the business. This is an important mechanism for improving the quality of dialogue between companies and their owners, covering the full range of factors underpinning long-term profitability. This includes material ESG issues.

In high-impact sectors, we expect companies to publish more detailed information for a wider group of stakeholders such as employees, local communities, non-profit organisations, and government representatives. While we recognise that ESG reporting will vary across geography and sector, we have identified some overarching best practice guidelines, set  out here.

Our 12 steps to best practice ESG reporting

Basic

·Identify significant ESG risks and opportunities for the business 

·Establish and explain board accountability for ESG issues 

·Set out policies for significant ESG issues and explain how they are implemented and monitored 

·Establish and disclose targets and Key Performance Indicators for significant ESG issues covering global operations 

·Describe systems for training board members and staff on ESG issues 

·Report on performance against policies 

Best practice

·Explain how ESG policies link to key operational and financial drivers 

·Describe procedures for consulting key stakeholders and provide feedback on the range of views 

·Discuss challenges and set-backs as well as success stories 

·Describe procedures for verifying data including external verification 

·Take account of widely-accepted reporting standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative 

·Describe how ESG objectives are embedded into the corporate culture, including how they are reflected in remuneration policies and other performance management tools 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund126SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX 2

CORPORATE DEBT AND RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT

The relevance of fixed income instruments, as well as other asset classes as a component of sustainable investment, was identified in the UN Principles for Responsible Investment, originally launched in 2006. While much of the focus in responsible investment to date has been on equities, increasing attention is being paid to other asset classes – corporate debt in particular.

Shareholders play a particular stewardship role by exercising their ownership rights, including voting, to urge companies to pay appropriate attention to the management of material ESG risks. However, it is also the case that a firm’s creditors and bondholders are key financial stakeholders, and share a common interest with shareholders for companies to appropriately manage their ESG risks to contribute to strong long-term financial performance.

Fiduciary responsibility for fixed-income as well as equity assets

We are engaging with investee companies, as both a shareholder and creditor, to encourage companies to pursue policies and practices that enhance the sustainability of all corporate asset classes.

This interest has been motivated in part by greater recognition from pension funds and their trustees that fiduciary responsibility to address long-term ESG risks is relevant for bond investments as well as for equities. This is particularly the case for clients whose portfolio “derisking” had the effect of shifting asset allocation from equities into bonds.

Why ESG issues are relevant to bondholders

In most companies and in most sectors, debt forms a core part of a company’s long-term permanent capital. This is particularly true in the case of financial institutions and many utilities. In this context, a company’s providers of debt capital share a similar exposure to long-term ESG risks as its shareholders.

However, while creditors are theoretically more cushioned from financial problems than shareholders, both are affected by a company’s ability to generate long-term operating profits and cash flows to allow for debt service, dividend payments and capital appreciation. Financial, operational and reputational risks relating to ESG factors can affect a company’s ability to generate stable cash flows to honour its financial obligations.

This is not an abstract notion. A number of visible corporate case studies illustrate well how ESG factors can result in significant financial, operational and reputational risks for all investors. Indeed, there is a clear convergence among corporate creditors and shareholders on many issues affecting a company’s management of risks relating to ESG performance.

It is also worth noting that compared to equity investors, creditors have limited upside potential in investment returns, as income is “fixed”, not variable. This can cause creditors to be relatively risk-averse, and focus on companies avoiding the downside – namely the possibility that their financial contracts will not be honoured. In this regard, robust identification and management of material ESG risks is a form of enterprise risk management that serves to promote the long-term stability of the company and ultimately protect creditor interests, along with the value, performance and liquidity of fixed income portfolios.

What we expect from bond issuers

As an investor in bonds and other forms of corporate debt instruments, we expect debt issuers to conduct their business in a way that protects creditor interests. This includes showing proper respect for shareholder interests, since a sustainable company must maintain access to both equity and debt capital.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund127SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Our fixed income engagement focuses on those aspects of governance that reflect a company’s overall risk profile – a key concern for creditors. These include:

1.Clarity on financial policy. Clarity on financial policy. Companies should be transparent to both creditors and shareholders with regard to their financial policies. Particularly with regard to creditors, a company’s reporting should include a policy statement on the use of debt and the level of credit quality the company wishes to utilise. It is not wrong for a company to pursue a higher-risk strategy involving debt finance. This strategy should be clear to both existing and prospective debt investors so that it can be reflected both in pricing and the fundamental investment decision. 

2.Risk management. The company’s risk management and risk governance are fundamental concerns for both creditors and shareholders. This not only relates to basic internal controls, but also to risk management in the broadest enterprise-wide context-- incorporating financial, operational and reputational factors. In this context, ESG and ethical factors can present significant risks to the company and its investors. 

3.Board effectiveness. Bondholders want boards to be aware of creditors’ interests, and to demonstrate appropriate regard for maintaining and building the long-term financial health of the company. Creditors also want strong and effective boards that are able to oversee company management and provide appropriate checks and balances to prevent abuse. 

4.Audit process. A particular focus of creditors is a robust audit process, including an independent audit, appropriate accounting policies and high standards of transparency and disclosure in financial reporting. 

5.Compensation. Performance metrics reflecting a company’s own financial strength and stability can and should be reflected in company incentive structures. Such metrics can include relevant ESG metrics and feature as a components of a balanced scorecard guiding annual bonus awards. 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund128SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX 3

CANADIAN REGULATORY VOTING REQUIREMENTS FOR ROUTINE AND NON-ROUTINE MATTERS

For the purpose of complying with Canadian securities law relating to proxy voting disclosure for portfolio securities held by an investment fund, the following are considered (i) routine matters and (ii) non-routine matters on which the investment fund may vote (for certainty, investment funds can vote both categories):

Routine matters

·Election of directors 

·Appointment of auditors Issuance of shares 

Non-routine matters

·Mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and other corporate restructuring 

·Shareholder rights other than issuance of shares 

·Code of corporate governance 

·Compensation 

·Social and environmental responsibility 


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund129SAI dated January 1, 2021 



BMO Global Asset Management

 

 

 

Contact us

 

Institutional business:

+44(0)20 7011 4444

Institutional.enquiries@bmogam.com

bmogam.com

 

Telephone calls may be recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2018 BMO Global Asset Management. All rights reserved. BMO Global Asset Management is a trading name of F&C Management Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. CM16299 (04/18). AT, BE, DK, FI, FR, DE, GR, IS, IE, IT, LI, LU, NL, NO, PT, ES, SE, UK, CH.


Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund130SAI dated January 1, 2021 



STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 1, 2021

 





 

 

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund

Class A Shares - ETHSX    Class C Shares - ECHSX    Class I Shares - EIHSX   Class R Shares - ERHSX

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

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides general information about the Fund. The Fund is a diversified, open-end management investment companies.  The 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

4

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings and Related Information

24

Management and Organization

5

 

Taxes

26

Investment Advisory and Administrative Services

15

 

Portfolio Securities Transactions

36

Other Service Providers

19

 

Financial Statements

38

Calculation of Net Asset Value

20

 

Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks

38

Purchasing and Redeeming Shares

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Class A Fees and Ownership

71

 

Appendix D: Class R Fees and Ownership

74

Appendix B: Class C Fees and Ownership

72

 

Appendix E: Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

75

Appendix C: Class I Ownership

73

 

Appendix F: Adviser and Sub-Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

77

 

This SAI is NOT a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the Fund Prospectus dated January 1, 2021, 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.

© 2021 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.  The Fund described in this SAI has not established a Subsidiary;

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

“Trust” means Eaton Vance Growth Trust.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund2SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Type

Permitted for or Relevant to the 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

Direct Investments

Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments

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

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”)

 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund3SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Investment Type

Permitted for or Relevant to the Fund

Mortgage Dollar Rolls

 

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 the 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

 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund4SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Other Disclosures Regarding Investment Practices

Permitted for or Relevant to the Fund

Investments in the Subsidiary

 

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk

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

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

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

(3)Make loans to any person except by (a) the acquisition of debt securities and making portfolio investments, (b) entering into repurchase agreements and (c) lending portfolio securities;  

(4)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; 

(5)Underwrite securities of other issuers;  

(6)Invest in real estate including interests in real estate limited partnerships (although it may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate) or in commodities or commodity contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities; or 

(7)Invest in the securities of any one industry, except the medical research and health care industry (and except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if as a result 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such industry.  Companies in the medical research and health care industry are categorized by the Global Industry Classification Standard as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences and health care equipment and services companies. 

 

The 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund5SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Notwithstanding its investment policies and restrictions, the 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 the Fund.  A nonfundamental investment policy may be changed by the Board with respect to the Fund without approval by the Fund’s shareholders.  The 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 the 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 the Fund to dispose of such security or other asset.  However, the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund6SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 142 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.

 

142

 

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).

 

143

 

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).

 

142

 

None


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund7SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

143

 

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).  Formerly, Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012).  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992).  Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).

 

143

 

Director of DraftKings, Inc. (digital sports entertainment and gaming company) (since September 2020).  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).  Formerly, Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (2013-2020).

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).

 

143

 

None


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund8SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

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).

 

143

 

None

KEITH QUINTON
1958

 

Trustee

 

Since 2018

 

Private investor, researcher and lecturer. 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).

 

143

 

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).

 

143

 

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. Director of Ascot Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries (insurance and reinsurance) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of Hagerty Holding Corp. (insurance and reinsurance) (2015-2018). Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).

 

143

 

Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).

SCOTT E. WENNERHOLM
1959

 

Trustee

 

Since 2016

 

Private investor. 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).

 

142

 

None

(1)Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund9SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Principal Officers who are not Trustees

Name and Year of Birth

 

Trust Position(s)

 

Length of Service

 

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

ERIC A. STEIN
1980

 

President

 

Since 2020

 

Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Prior to November 1, 2020, Mr. Stein was a co-Director of Eaton Vance’s  Global Income Investments. Officer of 118 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2020.

DEIDRE E. WALSH
1971

 

Vice President

 

Since 2021

 

Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 143 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.

MAUREEN A. GEMMA
1960

 

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 143 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 143 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 143 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 the Fund. The Board has engaged an investment adviser and (if applicable) a sub-adviser(s) (collectively the “adviser”) to manage the Fund and an administrator to administer the Fund and is responsible for overseeing such adviser and administrator and other service providers to the Trust and the Fund. The Board is currently composed of eleven Trustees, including ten Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the 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.

The 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 the Fund and the Trust and is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of the 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund10SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 the 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 the 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 Fund and its 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 the 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 Fund 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.

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 member of the executive committee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc. and trustee emeritus of Wellesley College.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund11SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 founded Upward Wealth, a company focused on helping everyday workers grow their net worth and reinforce their self-worth.  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 was also a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers.  She is a Director of Groupon, Inc., an ecommerce provider, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness.  She is also a Director of DraftKings, Inc., a digital sports entertainment and gaming company.  Ms. Mosley previously served as a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT from 2013-2020.  She serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including New Profit, a social venture firm that identifies, invests in and helps scale social entrepreneurs.  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.  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 and Zeal Capital, venture funds focused predominately on underrepresented entrepreneurs.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund12SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


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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 August 31, 2020, the Governance Committee convened four 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 the 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 the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the 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 the 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 the Fund.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 Fund 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 August 31, 2020, the Contract Review Committee convened five 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 Fund and its investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Fund’s 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 Fund; 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 August 31, 2020, the Portfolio Management Committee convened eight times.


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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 Fund; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board and the Fund’s CCO; and (iii) serve as a “qualified legal compliance committee” within the rules promulgated by the SEC.  During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened nine times.

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

Name of Trustee

Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities Beneficially Owned in
Funds Overseen by Trustee in the
Eaton Vance Family of Funds

Interested Trustee

 

 

Thomas E. Faust Jr.

$10,001 - $50,000

Over $100,000

Noninterested Trustees

 

 

Mark R. Fetting

None

Over $100,000

Cynthia E. Frost

None

Over $100,000

George J. Gorman

None

Over $100,000

Valerie A. Mosley

None

Over $100,000

William H. Park

$50,001 - $100,000

Over $100,000

Helen Frame Peters

None

Over $100,000

Keith Quinton 

None

Over $100,000

Marcus L. Smith 

None

Over $100,000

Susan J. Sutherland

$50,001 - $100,000(1)

Over $100,000(1)

Scott E. Wennerholm

None

Over $100,000(1)

 

(1)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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund15SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust are paid by the Fund (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 August 31, 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)

$28,629

$30,683

$31,825

$31,073

$38,719

$28,920

$27,807

$27,807

$30,683

$31,825

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 January 1, 2021, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 143 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 13 Funds as of August 31, 2020.  

(3)Includes $40,000 of deferred compensation. 

(4)Includes 362,238 of deferred compensation. 

Fund Organization

Trust. The 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 the Fund).  The Trustees of the Trust have divided the shares of the Fund into multiple classes.  Each class represents an interest in the 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 the 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


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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.  

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 the 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 the Fund are readily marketable and will ordinarily substantially exceed its liabilities. In light of the nature of the 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.


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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 sub-adviser and adopted the proxy voting policies and procedures of the investment adviser and sub-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 review annually the Adviser Policies.  For a copy of the Fund Policy and Adviser Policies, see Appendix E and Appendix F, 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 Services. The investment adviser manages the investments and affairs of the Fund and provides related office facilities and personnel subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board.  The investment adviser and the sub-adviser furnish investment research, advice and supervision, furnish an investment program and determine what securities will be purchased, held or sold by the Fund and what portion, if any, of the Fund’s assets will be held uninvested. Each Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement requires the investment adviser or sub-adviser to pay the salaries and fees of all officers and Trustees who are members of the investment adviser's or sub-adviser's organization and all personnel of the investment adviser or sub-adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities.

For a description of the current asset-based investment advisory fee rate that the Fund pays Eaton Vance, see the Prospectus.  Prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019, the Fund invested its assets in Worldwide Health Sciences Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), a separate registered investment company with the same objective and policies as the Fund, and the Portfolio was subject to the same investment advisory fee schedule as the Fund.  Eaton Vance may receive a performance-based upward or downward adjustment to the asset-based investment advisory fee.

The performance fee adjustment to the asset-based investment advisory fee of the Fund is as follows: the asset-based investment advisory fee is subject to upward or downward adjustment depending upon whether, and to what extent, the investment performance of the Fund/Portfolio differs by at least one percentage point from the record of the MSCI World Health Care Index over a 36-month period.  Each percentage point difference is multiplied by a performance adjustment rate of 0.015%.  The maximum adjustment plus/minus is 0.15%.  One twelfth (1/12) of this adjustment is applied each month to the average daily net assets of the Fund/Portfolio over the entire performance period.  This adjustment shall be based on a rolling period of up to and including the most recent 36 months.  Fund performance shall be measured by total return as computed under Rule 482 under the 1933 Act.

Prior to April 28, 2018, Eaton Vance received a monthly advisory fee as follows:

Average Daily Net Assets

Annual Fee Rate

Up to $500 million

0.775%

$500 million but less than $1 billion

0.690%

$1 billion but less than $1.5 billion

0.620%

$1.5 billion but less than $2 billion

0.560%

$2 billion but less than $2.5 billion

0.500%

$2.5 billion and over

0.480%


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The following table sets forth the net assets at August 31, 2020 and the advisory fees during the last three fiscal years.

 

 

Advisory Fees for Fiscal Years Ended(1)

 

Net Assets at August 31, 2020

August 31, 2020

August 31, 2019(2)

August 31, 2018

Fund

$1,077,579,710

$7,124,432

$360,562

N/A

Portfolio(2)

N/A

N/A

$5,456,309

$5,673,788

(1) For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the investment advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance by the Fund included an upward performance adjustment of $749,435. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, the investment advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance by the Fund included an upward performance adjustment of $15,300 and the investment advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance by the Portfolio included a downward adjustment of $603,975.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018, the investment advisory fee paid to Eaton Vance by the Portfolio included a downward performance adjustment of $1,201,141.    

(2) The Fund invested in the Portfolio prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019.  

Pursuant to expense reimbursement agreements described in the prospectus, Eaton Vance was allocated $250,365, $496,897 and $321,242 in total of Fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively, for the Fund.  

Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between Eaton Vance and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”), Eaton Vance pays compensation to EVAIL for providing sub-advisory services to the Fund.  EVAIL serves as sub-adviser to the Fund.  Prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019, EVAIL served as sub-adviser to the Portfolio and the Portfolio was subject to the same sub-advisory fee schedule as the Fund.  For the period from July 1, 2016 to October 31, 2017, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (“EVMI”) served as sub-advisor to the Portfolio pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement.  Eaton Vance paid compensation to EVAIL and EVMI for providing sub-advisory services to the Portfolio.  The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to EVAIL and EVMI for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018.

 

Sub-Advisory Fees for Fiscal Years Ended

 

August 31, 2020

August 31, 2019

August 31, 2018

Total

$2,032,044

$2,041,341

$2,114,732

EVAIL

$2,032,044

$2,041,341

$1,737,492

EVMI

$0

$0

$377,240

Pursuant to expense reimbursement agreements described in the prospectus, EVAIL was allocated $108,605, $235,913 and $159,136 in total of Fund operating expenses for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020 and August 31, 2019 and the period November 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, respectively.  EVMI was allocated $26,688 in total of Fund operating expenses for the period September 1, 2017 to October 31, 2017.  

Pursuant to a research support agreement in effect from July 1, 2016 to April 27, 2018 between Eaton Vance and OrbiMed, Eaton Vance paid compensation to OrbiMed for providing sub-advisory services to the Portfolio. The following table sets forth the sub-advisory fees paid to OrbiMed for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.

Sub-Advisory Fees for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2018(1)(2)

$150,760

 

(1)Eaton Vance paid to OrbiMed a portion of the performance adjustment paid to Eaton Vance pursuant to the investment advisory agreement based on the aggregate “in-the-money” amount of relative performance of the Portfolio attributable to OrbiMed’s tenure as investment adviser of the Portfolio.   

(2)For the period September 1, 2017 to April 28, 2018, the investment sub-advisory fee paid included a downward performance adjustment of $468,434.    

Pursuant to expense reimbursement agreements described in the prospectus, OrbiMed was allocated $146,295 in total of Fund operating expenses for the period September 1, 2017 to April 27, 2018.

Each Investment Advisory Agreement and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with the investment adviser or sub-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 or sub-adviser may render services to others.  Each Agreement also provides that the investment adviser or sub-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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund19SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 BMR and Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance is a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  EV serves as trustee of BMR and 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, 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 BMR and 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, sub-adviser, principal underwriter, and the 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, the sub-adviser and the principal underwriter may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund) subject to the provisions of the Codes and certain employees are also subject to pre-clearance, reporting requirements and/or other procedures.

Information About EVAIL.  EVAIL provides investment advice to institutional clients and pooled investment vehicles.  EVAIL is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC and was originally organized in 2015. As of October 31, 2020, EVAIL’s assets under management totaled approximately $17.9 billion.

Portfolio Managers.  The members of the portfolio management team (each referred to as a “portfolio manager”) of the Fund are listed below.   The following table shows, as of the Fund’s 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

 Jason Kritzer

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

1

$1,084.0

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

0

$0

0

$0

Other Accounts

0

$0

0

$0


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund20SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

Number of
All Accounts

Total Assets of
All Accounts

Number of Accounts
Paying a Performance Fee

Total Assets of Accounts
Paying a Performance Fee

 Samantha Pandolfi

 

 

 

 

Registered Investment Companies

1

$1,084.0

0

$0

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

0

$0

0

$0

Other Accounts

0

$0

0

$0

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

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

Jason Kritzer

$100,001 - $500,000

$500,001 - $1,000,000

Samantha Pandolfi

None

None

It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of the 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 the Fund and other accounts he or she advises.  In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the 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 the 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 and a sub-adviser have adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser's and sub-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 and EVAIL. Compensation of the investment adviser's and sub-adviser's (collectively as used herein, the “investment adviser”) 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 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund21SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 the Fund.  Accordingly, neither the Fund nor the investment adviser or sub-adviser with respect to the operation of the Fund 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 the Fund's investment strategies or this SAI.

Administrative Services. As indicated in the Prospectus, Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under an Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement for providing administrative services to the Fund.  Under the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the 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 the Fund.

As of August 31, 2020, the Fund had net assets of $1,077,579,710.  For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2020, August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018, the administration fee amounted to $1,517,718, $1,522,562 and $1,587,350, respectively, which was equivalent to 0.15%, 0.15% and 0.15%, respectively, of the Fund’s average daily net assets.   

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.  The Fund pays a pro rata share of such fee.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, Eaton Vance earned $154,753 from the Fund pursuant to the agreement.

Expenses. The 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, the sub-adviser, the principal underwriter or the administrator).  In the case of expenses incurred by the Trust, the 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund22SAI dated January 1, 2021 



OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

Principal Underwriter.  Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”), Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 is the principal underwriter of the 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 the 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 the Fund.  State Street has custody of all cash and securities of the Fund, maintains the general ledger of the Fund and computes the daily net asset value of shares of the Fund.  In such capacity it attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer or other dealings with the 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 the Fund and such banks.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the 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 the Fund.

Securities Lending Agent.  State Street serves as securities lending agent.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 August 31, 2020 are shown in the following table(s).


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund23SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Fund

Securities Lending
Activities

Gross income from securities lending activities

$38,884

Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services

 

Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split

$5,770

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

$7

Administrative fees not included in revenue split

$0

Indemnification fee not included in revenue split

$0

Rebate (paid to borrowers)

$145

Other fees not included in revenue split

$0

Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities

$5,922

Net income from securities lending activities

$32,962

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. 


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund24SAI dated January 1, 2021 



·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.

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, the United Kingdom 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 the 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.

Class R Share Purchases.  Class R shares are available for purchase by clients of financial intermediaries who charge an advisory, management or consulting or similar fee for their services; accounts affiliated with those financial intermediaries; and in connection with certain employer sponsored retirement plans and Individual Retirement Account rollover 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 the 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund25SAI dated January 1, 2021 



personal holding company with the 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 the Fund or class, the investment climate and market conditions and the volume of sales and redemptions of shares.  The Class A, Class C and Class R 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 the Fund can be suspended and the payment of the redemption price deferred when the Exchange is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings), during periods when trading on the Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC, or during any emergency as determined by the SEC which makes it impracticable for the 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.

As disclosed in the Prospectus, the 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, the 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 the Fund, which allow the Fund to distribute securities pro rata or as selected by the investment adviser or sub-adviser.

The 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.  The 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, the 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, the Fund may pay the redemption price of shares of the 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 the Fund’s valuation procedures and selected by the investment adviser or sub-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 the Fund from time to time and the 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund26SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Other Information. The 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.

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 the 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 the 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 an 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.


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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 November 5, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares during the month following the eight 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 eight 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.

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 Class C shares 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 Trust also has in effect a compensation-type Distribution Plan for Class R shares (the “Class R Plan”) adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.  The Class R Plan provides for the payment of a monthly distribution fee to the principal underwriter of up to an annual rate of 0.50% of average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares.  The Trustees of the Trust have currently limited Class R distribution payments to 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares.  The Class R Plan also provides that Class R shares will pay a service fee to the principal underwriter in an amount equal on an annual basis of up to 0.25% of that portion of average daily net assets attributable to Class R shares for personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.  Service fees are paid monthly in arrears.  For the distribution and service fees paid by Class R shares, see Appendix D.

The Board believes that each Plan will be a significant factor in the expected growth of the Fund’s assets, and will result in increased investment flexibility and advantages which 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


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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.  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.

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 the Fund.  See the Fund's 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 the 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 the 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), 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 the 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 an 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 the Fund’s Board.  In addition to the foregoing, disclosure of portfolio holdings may be made to the 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, the 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  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund29SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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

The Policies may not be waived, or exception made, without the consent of the CCO of the Fund.  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 the 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 the Fund’s shareholders and its investment adviser, sub-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.

The Policies are designed to provide useful information concerning the 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 the 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 Fund.

TAXES

The following is a summary of some of the tax consequences affecting the 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.


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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.

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.  


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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 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund32SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund33SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund34SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund35SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund36SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.   


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund37SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund38SAI dated January 1, 2021 



“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.

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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund39SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 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 RIC 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 RIC, 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 RICs, 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund40SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund41SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.  The 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 the 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


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund42SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund43SAI dated January 1, 2021 



Securities considered as investments for the 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 the 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 the 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 the 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.

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the three fiscal years ended August 31, 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.  The Fund/Portfolio 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/Portfolio

2020

2019

2018

2020

2020

Fund

$359,324

$0

N/A

$614,724,438

$260,202

Portfolio(1)

N/A

$417,393

$426,132

N/A

N/A

(1)Prior to the close of business on August 9, 2019, the Fund invested its assets in the Portfolio.  

 

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the Fund held no securities of the Fund’s “regular brokers or dealers,” as that term is defined in Rule 10b-1 of the 1940 Act.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements of, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund appear in its annual report to shareholders and are incorporated by reference into this SAI.  A copy of the 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 incorporates by reference the audited financial information and the reports of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, as previously filed electronically with the SEC on October 26, 2020 (Accession No. 0001193125-20-276682).


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund44SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund45SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


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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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund47SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund48SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund49SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund50SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund51SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund52SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund53SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund54SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund55SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund56SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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) governmental actions or policies that may limit investment opportunities, such as restrictions on investment in, or required divestment of, certain issuers or industries; 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund57SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund58SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund59SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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”).   


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund60SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund61SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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 and entered into a transition period, during which the EU and the UK Government have engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU. The UK will continue to be treated as if it is a member of the EU for the duration of the transition period, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2020. There remains 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.  The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an increased likelihood of a recession in the UK.  These consequences may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  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.  


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund62SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund63SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

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 may include commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund64SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.”

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund65SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund66SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  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. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR.  It is currently anticipated that this phase-out will occur no earlier than the end of 2021.

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 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.

 

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. Although the transition process away from LIBOR is expected to be well-defined in advance of the anticipated discontinuation date, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate or rates. 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. Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.  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 may occur prior to the discontinuation date.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund67SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund68SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund69SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

For additional disclosures relating to Junior and Senior Loans, see “Junior Loans” and “Senior Loans” herein.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund70SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund71SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund72SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.

 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund73SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund74SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund75SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund76SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund77SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund78SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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)).


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund79SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund80SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund81SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund82SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund83SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund84SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund85SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund86SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund87SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund88SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund89SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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):


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund90SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.      

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund91SAI dated January 1, 2021 



 

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.

 

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund92SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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 may 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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund93SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

 

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund94SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX A

 Class A Fees and Ownership

Sales Charges and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020, the following table shows (1) total sales charges paid by the Fund, (2) sales charges paid to financial intermediaries, (3) sales charges paid to the principal underwriter, (4) approximate CDSC payments to the principal underwriter, (5) distribution and service fees paid to the principal underwriter under the Distribution Plan, and (6) distribution and service fees paid to financial intermediaries.  Distribution fees that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

Total Sales
Charges Paid

Sales Charges to
Financial Intermediaries

Sales Charges to
Principal Underwriter

CDSC Paid to
Principal Underwriter

Distribution and Service
Fees Paid to
Principal Underwriter

Distribution and Service
Fees Paid to
Financial Intermediaries

$206,099

$168,482

$37,617

$3,000

$1,792,106

$1,622,925

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018, total sales charges of $195,828 and $156,070, respectively, were paid on sales of Class A, of which the principal underwriter received $28,997 and $42,938, respectively.  The balance of such amounts was paid to financial intermediaries.

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the 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:

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

10.46%

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

10.02%

Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC

Saint Louis, MO

8.87%

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

8.49%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

6.12%

 

 

 

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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund95SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX B

Class C Fees and Ownership

Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 Fund that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

Distribution Fees 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

$469,982

$416,278

$2,000

$156,660

$138,620

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the 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:

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

19.78%

Raymond James

St. Petersburg, FL

17.24%

Pershing LLC

Jersey City, NJ

10.28%

Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC

Saint Louis, MO

9.98%

LPL Financial

San Diego, CA

9.42%

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund96SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX C

Class I Ownership

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the Fund. In addition, as of the same date, the following record owners held the amounts of Class I shares indicated below, which were held either (i) individually or (ii) on behalf of their customers who are the beneficial owners of such shares and as to which they have voting power under certain limited circumstances:

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Jacksonville, FL

19.04%

Raymond James

St. Petersburg, FL

15.12%

American Enterprise Investment Svc

Minneapolis, MN

11.25%

 

 

 

National Financial Services LLC

Jersey City, NJ

9.08%

Wells Fargo Clearing Svcs LLC

Saint Louis, MO

8.19%

UBS WM USA

Weehawken, NJ

7.02%

LPL Financial

San Diego, CA

6.13%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

New York, NY

5.98%

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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund97SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX D

Class R Fees and Ownership

Distribution and Service Fees.  For the fiscal year ended August 31, 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 R shares, (3) total service fees paid, and (4) service fees paid to financial intermediaries. The distribution fees and service fees paid by the Fund that were not paid to financial intermediaries were retained by the principal underwriter.

Distribution Fees Paid to
Principal Underwriter

Distribution Fees Paid by
Principal Underwriter to Financial Intermediaries

Total Service
Fees Paid

Service Fees Paid to
Financial Intermediaries

$144,790

$145,357

$144,790

$145,357

 

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.  At December 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 the 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:

Sammons Financial Network LLC

West Des Moines, IA

75.43%

Hartford Life Insurance Company

Windsor, CT

10.80%

Beneficial owners of 25% or more of this Class are presumed to be in control of this Class of the 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 the Fund as of such date.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund98SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX E

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund99SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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; 

·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.

_____________________

1The 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. 

2An 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. 

3If 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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund100SAI dated January 1, 2021 



APPENDIX F

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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund101SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund102SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.  

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,


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund103SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund104SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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.

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.


Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund105SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 Worldwide Health Sciences Fund106SAI dated January 1, 2021 



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 as Exhibit (d)(4)(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 filed June 25, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001070) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

(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.


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(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.

 

 

 

(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.


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(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.

 

 

(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.


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(23)

 

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.

 

 

(24)

 

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 November 20, 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. 82 of Eaton Vance Investment Trust (File Nos. 033-01121, 811-04443) filed November 20, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001470) 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)

(1)

(a)

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.

 

 

 

(b)

Amendment dated August 13, 2020 and effective May 29, 2020 to 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)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 of Eaton Vance Investment Trust (File Nos. 033-01121, 811-04443) filed September 24, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001312) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(h)

(1)

(a)

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.

 

 

 

(b)

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.

 

 

 

(c)

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.


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(d)

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.

 

 

 

(e)

Amendment dated August 13, 2020 and effective May 29, 2020 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (h)(1)(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 of Eaton Vance Investment Trust (File Nos. 033-01121, 811-04443) filed September 24, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001312) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

(2)

 

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.

 

 

(3)

 

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.

 

 

(4)

 

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.

 

 

(5)

(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 January 1, 2021 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 December 23, 2020 filed herewith.

 

(j)

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund, Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund, Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund and Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund dated December 23, 2020 filed herewith.

 

(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 November 20, 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. 82 of Eaton Vance Investment Trust (File Nos. 033-01121, 811-04443) filed November 20, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001470) and incorporated herein by reference.


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(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 September 2, 2020 filed as Exhibit (n) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 of Eaton Vance Series Trust II (File Nos. 002-42722, 811-02258) filed October 26, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001388) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

(b)

Amended Schedule A dated November 20, 2020 to Amended and Restated Multiple Class Plan for Eaton Vance Funds dated September 2, 2020 filed as Exhibit (n)(1)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 82 of Eaton Vance Investment Trust (File Nos. 033-01121, 811-04443) filed November 20, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001470) 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 as Exhibit (p)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 filed June 25, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001070) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

(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.

 

 

(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.


C-6



 

(q)

(1)

 

Power of Attorney for Eaton Vance Growth Trust dated November 1, 2020 filed as s Exhibit (q) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 234 filed November 24, 2020 (Accession No. 0000940394-20-001483) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

(2)

 

Secretary’s Certificate dated December 23, 2020 filed herewith.

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 Advisers

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. 801-40890), 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

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

Ryan Landers

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


C-10



Cory McGrath

Vice President

None

Bruce McIntosh

Vice President

None

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

Pamela Parker

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

Brian Smith

Vice President

None

Jamie Smoller

Vice President

None

Eileen Storz-Salino

Vice President

None


C-11



Daniel Sullivan

Vice President

None

Elaine Sullivan

Vice President

None

Marie Sullivan-Elliot

Vice President

None

Michael Sullivan

Vice President

None

Eileen Tam

Vice President

None

Brian Taranto

Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

None

Robyn Tice

Vice President

None

Will Turner

Vice President

None

David (Geoffrey) Underwood

Vice President

None

Randolph Verzillo

Vice President

None

Allen Wagner

Vice President

None

Greg Walsh

Vice President

None

Luke Webber

Vice President

None

Scott Weisel

Vice President

None

Mike Weldon

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.


C-12



Item 34.    Management Services

Not applicable

Item 35.    Undertakings

None.


C-13



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 December 23, 2020. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EATON VANCE GROWTH TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

Eric A. Stein*

 

Eric A. Stein, 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 December 23, 2020.

Signature

Title

 

 

Eric A. Stein*

President (Chief Executive Officer)

Eric A. Stein

 

 

 

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-14



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

(h)

(5)

(b)

Amended Schedule A dated January 1, 2021 to the Expense Waivers/Reimbursements Agreement dated July 31, 2016 as amended and effective May 1, 2019

(i)

(2)

 

Consent of Internal Counsel dated December 23, 2020

(j)

 

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund, Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund, Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund and Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund dated December 23, 2020

(q)

(2)

 

Secretary’s Certificate dated December 23, 2020


C-15

EXHIBIT (h)(5)(b)

Schedule A

As of January 1, 2021

 

 

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

11/30/2021

Hexavest Global Equity Fund Class C*

1.90%

5/1/2017

11/30/2021

Hexavest Global Equity Fund Class I*

0.90%

5/1/2017

11/30/2021

 

 

 

 

Hexavest International Equity Fund Class A*

1.15%

5/1/2017

11/30/2021

Hexavest International Equity Fund Class I*

0.90%

5/1/2017

11/30/2021

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class A

1.15%

4/28/2018

12/31/2021

Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class C

1.90%

4/28/2018

12/31/2021

Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class I

0.90%

4/28/2018

12/31/2021

Worldwide Health Sciences Fund Class R

1.40%

4/28/2018

12/31/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*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

 

 

 

 

Taxable Municipal Bond Fund Class A

0.80%

12/30/2020

12/31/2021

Taxable Municipal Bond Fund Class C

1.55%

12/30/2020

12/31/2021

Taxable Municipal Bond Fund Class I

0.55%

12/30/2020

12/31/2021

Taxable Municipal Bond Fund Class R6

0.55%

12/30/2020

12/31/2021

 

 

 

 

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

11/30/2021

Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Class I

0.90%

9/3/2015

11/30/2021

Emerging Markets Debt Opportunities Fund Class R6

0.85%

9/3/2015

11/30/2021

 

 

 

 

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. 235 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.

 

 

December 23, 2020

Boston, Massachusetts


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 October 16, 2020, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of the Funds listed on the attached Schedule A, 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 August 31, 2020, and to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectuses and “Other Service Providers” in the Statements of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.

 

 

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

December 23, 2020


 

Schedule A

 

 

Eaton Vance Growth Trust

 

Report DateFund Name 

 

October 16, 2020Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein Equity Strategy Fund 

October 16, 2020Eaton Vance Richard Bernstein All Asset Strategy Fund 

October 16, 2020Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences Fund 

October 16, 2020Eaton Vance Greater China Growth Fund 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT (q)(2)

 

SECRETARY’S CERTIFICATE

 

 

 

The undersigned, Secretary for each of the respective entities listed on the attached Schedule A (each referred to in the following resolution as the “Fund”) hereby certifies that the Board of Trustees/Directors of each entity duly adopted the following resolution on December 16, 2020:

 

VOTED:That the persons named in any power of attorney given by any Trustee/Director or officer of the Fund relating to registration statements on Form N-1A, or any one of them, are authorized to sign each Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, and any amendments thereto, on behalf of the Fund pursuant to such power of attorney. 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Maureen A Gemma

 

Maureen A. Gemma

 

Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:  December 23, 2020


SCHEDULE A

 

Name of Trust/Corporation

Eaton Vance Growth Trust

Eaton Vance Investment Trust

Eaton Vance Municipals Trust

Eaton Vance Municipals Trust  II

Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust

Eaton Vance NextShares Trust

Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II

Eaton Vance Series Fund, Inc.

Eaton Vance Series Trust

Eaton Vance Series Trust  II

Eaton Vance Special Investment Trust

Eaton Vance Variable Trust

 

Name of Portfolio

Core Bond Portfolio

Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio

Emerging Markets Local Income Portfolio

Global Income Builder Portfolio

Global Macro Absolute Return Advantage Portfolio

Global Macro Capital Opportunities Portfolio

Global Macro Portfolio

Global Opportunities Portfolio

Greater India Portfolio

High Income Opportunities Portfolio

International Income Portfolio

Senior Debt Portfolio

Stock Portfolio

Tax-Managed Growth Portfolio

Tax-Managed International Equity Portfolio

Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Growth Portfolio

Tax-Managed Small-Cap Portfolio

Tax-Managed Value Portfolio

5-to-15 Year Laddered Municipal Bond Portfolio