As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2022
1933 Act File No. 333-______
1940 Act File No. 811-21973
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | ||
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 | ||
FORM N-2 | ||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT of 1933 |
x | |
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. | ¨ | |
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. | ¨ | |
and/or | ||
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
o | |
AMENDMENT NO. 10 | x | |
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND | ||
(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) | ||
Deidre E. Walsh | ||
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 | ||
(Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. ☑
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto, check the following box ☑.
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box ☑.
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box ☐.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
☐ | when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c) |
If appropriate, check the following box:
☐ | This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed registration statement. |
☐ | This form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is ________. |
☐ | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is________. |
☐ | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is________. |
Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
☑ | Registered closed-end fund. |
☐ | Business development company. |
☐ | Interval fund. |
☑ | A.2 Qualified. |
☑ | Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act). |
☐ | Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). |
☐ | New Registrant. |
BASE PROSPECTUS
Up to 45,429,518 Shares
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
Common Shares
Investment Objectives and Policies. Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, which commenced operations on February 23, 2007. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund will evaluate returns on an after-tax basis, seeking to minimize and defer shareholder federal income taxes.
Portfolio Management Strategies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign common stocks. The Fund will seek to earn high levels of tax-advantaged income and gains by (1) emphasizing investments in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for favorable federal income tax treatment and (2) writing (selling) stock index call options with respect to a portion of its common stock portfolio value.
Call options on broad-based stock indices generally qualify for treatment as Section 1256 contracts, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period.
Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser. The Fund’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”). Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”). Eaton Vance has engaged its affiliate Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL” or the “Sub-Adviser”) as a sub-adviser to the Fund. Prior to March 1, 2021, EVAIL was an indirect, wholly- owned subsidiary of EVC. On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance and EVAIL each became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), whose principal offices are at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.
The Offering. The Fund may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings (each, an “Offering”), the Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”). Common Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in Common Shares. Common Shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale. The Fund may not sell any Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular Offering of the Common Shares.
The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to its NAV. The provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) generally require that the public offering price of common shares (less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per share of a company’s common stock. The Fund’s issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Fund’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for the Fund’s Common Shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, which may increase investors’ risk of loss.
Investing in shares involves certain risks. See “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” beginning at page 25.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
(continued from previous page)
Portfolio Contents. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a combination of (1) dividend-paying domestic and foreign common stocks and (2) common stocks the value of which is subject to covered written index call options. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests (i) at least 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including issuers located in emerging market countries, unless market conditions are not deemed favorable, in which case the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, and (ii) in issuers located in at least five different countries (including the United States). Issuers will be considered to be located outside the United States if domiciled in and tied economically to one or more non-U.S. countries, irrespective of whether their securities trade in the United States. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry. The Fund writes call options on broad-based domestic, foreign country and/or regional stock indices that the Adviser believes collectively approximate the characteristics of its common stock portfolio (or that portion of its portfolio against which options are written) and that present attractive opportunities to earn options premiums. The Fund writes call options on the S&P 500® Index and at least one broad-based foreign stock index, and may also write call options on other domestic and foreign stock indices. Over time, the indices on which the Fund writes call options may vary as a result of changes in the availability and liquidity of various listed index options, changes in stock portfolio holdings, the Adviser’s evaluation of equity market conditions and other factors. Writing index call options involves a tradeoff between the option premiums received and reduced participation in potential future stock price appreciation.
The Fund may consider investments in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, and may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund sells a stock on or shortly after the stock’s ex-dividend date and uses the sale proceeds to purchase one or more other stocks that are expected to pay dividends before the next dividend payment on the stock being sold. Through this practice, the Fund may receive more dividend payments over a given time period than if it held a single stock. By complying with applicable holding period and other requirements while engaging in dividend capture trading, the Fund may enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives. The use of dividend capture trading strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potentially higher short-term gain or loss. The Fund may use derivatives to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts for this purpose, but may also engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures.
The Fund seeks to generate current earnings from dividends on stocks held and from option premiums. The Fund employs a variety of tax-management techniques and strategies as described herein, seeking in part to minimize the Fund’s ordinary income (other than qualified dividend income) and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses and Fund expenses. To the extent that the Fund’s ordinary income (other than qualified dividend income) and net realized short-term gains over net realized long-term losses exceed Fund expenses, dividends with respect to such amounts when paid to Common Shareholders (as defined below) will be taxable as ordinary income.
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 objectives, principal strategies and other policies.
Exchange Listing. As of February 14, 2022, the Fund had 305,198,977 Common Shares outstanding. The Fund’s Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EXG.” As of February 14, 2022, the last reported sale price of a Common Share of the Fund on the NYSE was $9.40. Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 2 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
This Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely information you should know before investing in the shares of the Fund. Please read and retain this Prospectus for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated February 17, 2022, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 60 of this Prospectus, a free copy of our annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available), obtain other information or make shareholder inquiries, by calling toll-free 1-800-262-1122 or by writing to the Fund at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Fund’s SAI and annual and semi-annual reports also are available free of charge on our website at http://www.eatonvance.com and on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may obtain these documents, after paying a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus.
The Fund’s shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this Prospectus. The Fund’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 3 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Table of Contents
Prospectus Summary | 6 |
Summary of Fund Expenses | 21 |
Financial Highlights and Investment Performance | 22 |
The Fund | 24 |
Use of Proceeds | 25 |
Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks | 25 |
Management of the Fund | 42 |
Plan of Distribution | 44 |
Distributions | 45 |
Federal Income Tax Matters | 46 |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan | 49 |
Description of Capital Structure | 50 |
Custodian and Transfer Agent | 55 |
Legal Matters | 55 |
Reports to Shareholders | 55 |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 55 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest | 55 |
Additional Information | 57 |
Incorporation by Reference | 57 |
The Fund’s Privacy Policy | 59 |
Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information | 60 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 4 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus, any accompanying Prospectus Supplement and the SAI contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus as well as in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” section of this Prospectus. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or any accompanying Prospectus Supplement are made as of the date of this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the SAI are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” section of this Prospectus. We urge you to review carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in our securities.
Prospectus dated February 17, 2022
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 5 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Prospectus Summary
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information included elsewhere in this Prospectus, in any related Prospectus Supplement, and in the SAI.
THE FUND
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (the ‘‘Fund’’) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, which commenced operations on February 23, 2007. The Fund seeks to provide current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. Investments are based on Eaton Vance Management’s (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”) and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd.’s (“EVAIL” or the “Sub-Adviser”) internal research and management. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.
THE OFFERING
The Fund may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings (each, an “Offering”), up to 45,429,518 of the Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”), on terms to be determined at the time of the Offering. The Common Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more Prospectus Supplements. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in Common Shares. Common Shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by the Fund, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale. See “Plan of Distribution.” The Fund may not sell any of Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular Offering of Common Shares.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RISKS
The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund will evaluate returns on an after-tax basis, seeking to minimize and defer shareholder federal income taxes. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign common stocks. The Fund seeks to earn high levels of tax-advantaged income and gains by (1) investing in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for favorable federal income tax treatment and/or (2) writing (selling) stock index call options with respect to a portion of its common stock portfolio value.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a combination of (1) dividend-paying domestic and foreign common stocks and (2) common stocks the value of which is subject to covered written index call options.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests (i) at least 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including issuers located in emerging market countries, unless market conditions are not deemed favorable, in which case the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, and (ii) in issuers located in at least five different countries (including the United States). Issuers will be considered to be located outside the United States if domiciled in and tied economically to one or more non-U.S. countries, irrespective of whether their securities trade in the United States. The Fund’s investments in non-U.S. companies may include securities evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”). The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund expects that its assets will normally be invested across a broad range of industries and market sectors. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in stocks of mid-capitalization companies. Eaton Vance generally considers mid-capitalization companies to be those companies having market capitalizations within the range of capitalizations for the S&P MidCap 400® Index (the “S&P MidCap 400®”). As of January 31, 2022, the median market capitalization of companies in the S&P MidCap 400® was approximately $5.8 billion.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 6 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The Fund writes call options on broad-based domestic, foreign country and/or regional stock indices that the Adviser believes collectively approximate the characteristics of its common stock portfolio (or that portion of its portfolio against which options are written) and that present attractive opportunities to earn options premiums. The Fund writes call options on the S&P 500® Index (the “S&P 500®”) and at least one broad-based foreign stock index, and may also write call options on other domestic and foreign stock indices. Over time, the indices on which the Fund writes call options may vary as a result of changes in the availability and liquidity of various listed index options, changes in stock portfolio holdings, the Adviser’s evaluation of equity market conditions and other factors. Writing index call options involves a tradeoff between the option premiums received and reduced participation in potential future stock price appreciation.
The Fund may consider investments in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, and may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund sells a stock on or shortly after the stock’s ex-dividend date and uses the sale proceeds to purchase one or more other stocks that are expected to pay dividends before the next dividend payment on the stock being sold. Through this practice, the Fund may receive more dividend payments over a given time period than if it held a single stock. By complying with applicable holding period and other requirements while engaging in dividend capture trading, the Fund may enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives. The use of dividend capture trading strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potentially higher short-term gain or loss. The Fund may use derivatives to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts for this purpose, but may also engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures.
The Fund generally sells index call options that are exchange-listed and “European style,” meaning that the options may be exercised only on the expiration date of the option. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may also sell index options that trade in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. Index options differ from options on individual securities in that index options (i) typically are settled in cash rather than by delivery of securities and (ii) reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
As the seller of index call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premiums) from option purchasers. The purchaser of an index call option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the applicable index over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). Generally, the Fund sells call options that are slightly “out-of-the-money” (i.e., the exercise price generally will be slightly above the current level of the applicable index when the option is sold). The Fund may also sell index options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money.” Such options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money” provide greater potential for the Fund to realize capital appreciation, but generally would pay a lower premium than options that are slightly “out-of-the-money.” In writing index options, the Fund will, in effect, sell the potential appreciation in the value of the applicable index above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an index call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the applicable index and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the applicable index will determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the index call option.
The Fund’s policy that, under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a combination of (1) dividend-paying domestic and foreign common stocks and (2) common stocks the value of which is subject to covered written index call options is a non-fundamental policy that may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without Common Shareholder approval following the provision of 60 days’ prior written notice to Common Shareholders.
In implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, the Adviser and Sub-Adviser employ a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund as described below.
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 objectives, principal strategies and other policies.
The S&P 500® is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks maintained and published by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) that is market-capitalization weighted and generally representative of the performance of larger stocks traded in the United States.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 7 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the Fund’s overall investment program and executing the Fund’s options strategy. Eaton Vance is also responsible for providing research support to the Sub-Adviser and supervising the performance of the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for structuring and managing the Fund’s common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting (i.e., periodically selling positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund) and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of Eaton Vance.
Eaton Vance is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investments, including decisions about asset allocation and securities selection. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of, the Adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research, which involves consideration of the various company-specific and general business, economic and market factors that may influence the future performance of individual companies and equity investments therein. The Adviser will also consider a variety of other factors in constructing and maintaining the Fund’s stock portfolio, including, but not limited to, stock dividend yields and payment schedules, overlap between the Fund’s stock holdings and the indices on which it has outstanding options positions, realization of tax-loss harvesting (i.e., periodically selling positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund) opportunities and other tax management considerations.
The Adviser believes that a strategy of owning a portfolio of common stocks and selling covered call options (a “buy-write strategy”) with respect to a portion thereof can provide current income and gains and attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund will sell only “covered” call options. 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). Although the Fund generally writes stock index call options with respect to only a portion of its common stock portfolio value, the Fund may in market circumstances deemed appropriate by the Adviser write covered index call options on up to 100% of the value of its assets.
To avoid being subject to the “straddle rules” under federal income tax law, the Fund intends to generally limit the overlap between its stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. Under the “straddle rules,” “offsetting positions with respect to personal property” generally are considered to be straddles. In general, investment positions will be offsetting if there is a substantial diminution in the risk of loss from holding one position by reason of holding one or more other positions. The Fund expects that the index call options it writes will not be considered straddles because its stock holdings will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of each index on which it has open call options positions under applicable guidance established by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). Under certain circumstances, however, the Fund may enter into options transactions or certain other investments that may constitute positions in a straddle. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
The Fund’s index option strategy is designed to produce current cash flow from options premiums and to moderate the volatility of the Fund’s returns. This index option strategy is of a hedging nature, and is not designed to speculate on equity market performance. The Adviser believes that the Fund’s index option strategy moderates the volatility of the Fund’s returns because the option premiums received will help to mitigate the impact of downward price movements in the stocks held by the Fund, while the Fund’s obligations under index calls written constrains the Fund’s ability to participate in upward price movements in portfolio stocks.
The Fund expects normally to sell index call options on a portion of its common stock portfolio value. The Adviser does not intend to sell index call options representing amounts, in the aggregate, greater than the value of the Fund’s common stock portfolio (i.e., take a “naked” position). The Adviser generally sells index call options that are exchange-listed and “European style,” meaning that the options may only be exercised on the expiration date of the option. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may also sell index options that trade in OTC markets. Exchange-traded index options are typically settled in cash and provide that the holder of the option has the right to receive an amount of cash determined by the excess of the exercise-settlement value of the index over the exercise price of the option. The exercise-settlement value is calculated based on opening sales prices of the component index stocks on the option valuation date, which is the last business day before the expiration date.
Generally, the Adviser sells index call options that are slightly “out-of-the-money,” meaning that option exercise prices generally are slightly above the current level of the index at the time the options are written. The Fund may also sell index options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money.” Such options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money” provide greater potential for the Fund to realize capital appreciation on its portfolio stocks but generally would pay a lower premium than options that are slightly “out-of-the-money.” The Adviser expects to follow a primary options strategy of selling index call options with a remaining maturity of between approximately one and three months and maintaining its short call options positions until approximately their option valuation date, at which time replacement call option positions with a remaining maturity within this range are written.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 8 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
In implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, the Adviser employs a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund. These generally include, without limitation: (1) investing in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains and complying with the holding period and other requirements for favorable tax treatment; (2) selling index call options that qualify for treatment as Section 1256 contracts under the Code on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period; (3) limiting the overlap between the Fund’s stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis so that the Fund’s stock holdings and index call options are not subject to the “straddle rules;” (4) engaging in a systematic program of tax-loss harvesting in the Fund’s stock portfolio, periodically selling stock positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund; and (5) managing the sale of appreciated stock positions so as to minimize the Fund’s net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses. When an appreciated security is sold, the Fund intends to select for sale the share lots resulting in the most favorable tax treatment, generally those with holding periods sufficient to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment that have the highest cost basis. However, 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.
The Fund may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund sells a stock on or shortly after the stock’s ex-dividend date and uses the sale proceeds to purchase one or more other stocks that are expected to pay dividends before the next dividend payment on the stock being sold. Through this practice, the Fund may receive more dividend payments over a given time period than if it held a single stock. In order for dividends received by the Fund to qualify for favorable tax treatment, the Fund must comply with the holding period and other requirements set forth in the preceding paragraph. By complying with applicable holding period and other requirements while engaging in dividend capture trading, the Fund may be able to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives because it will receive more dividend payments qualifying for favorable treatment during the same time period than if it simply held its portfolio stocks. The use of dividend capture trading strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potentially higher short-term gain or loss. The Fund may use derivatives to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts for this purpose, but may also engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures.
The foregoing policies relating to investments in common stocks and options writing are the Fund’s primary investment policies. In addition to its primary investment policies, the Fund may invest to a limited extent in other types of securities and engage in certain other investment practices. In addition to writing index call options, the Fund may write call options on up to 20% of the value of its total assets on futures contracts based upon broad-based securities indices. The Fund’s use of such options on index futures would be substantially similar to its use of options directly on indices. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed an investment in these instruments. To seek to protect against price declines in securities holdings with large accumulated gains, the Fund may use various hedging techniques (such as the purchase and sale of futures contracts on stocks and stock indices and options thereon, equity swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks and the purchase and sale of forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures).
LISTING
As of February 14, 2022, the Fund had 305,198,977 Common Shares outstanding. The Fund’s Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EXG.” As of February 14, 2022, the last reported sale price of a Common Share of the Fund on the NYSE was $9.40. Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER, ADMINISTRATOR AND SUB-ADVISER
Eaton Vance is the Fund’s investment adviser and administrator. Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”). On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.
Eaton Vance has engaged its affiliate EVAIL as a sub-adviser to the Fund. On March 1, 2021, upon the closing of the Transaction, EVAIL became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. Prior to March 1, 2021, EVAIL was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EVC.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Fund may sell the Common Shares being offered under this Prospectus in any one or more of the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers; (ii) through agents; (iii) to or through underwriters; or (iv) through dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale.
The Fund may distribute Common Shares from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices that may be changed; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to prevailing market prices; or (iv) negotiated prices; provided, however, that in each case the offering price per Common Share (less any underwriting commission or discount) must equal or exceed the NAV per Common Share.
The Fund from time to time may offer its Common Shares through or to certain broker-dealers, including [_____], that have entered into selected dealer agreements relating to at-the-market offerings.
The Fund may directly solicit offers to purchase Common Shares, or the Fund may designate agents to solicit such offers. The Fund will, in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the 1933 Act, and describe any commissions the Fund must pay to such agent(s). Any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, on a firm commitment basis. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Fund will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and the Fund will set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering their names and the terms of the Fund’s agreement with them.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Fund will sell such Common Shares to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such Common Shares to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
The Fund may engage in at-the-market offerings to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the 1933 Act. An at-the-market offering may be through an underwriter or underwriters acting as principal or agent for the Fund.
Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with the Fund to indemnification by the Fund against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
In order to facilitate the Offering of Common Shares, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of Common Shares or any other Common Shares the prices of which may be used to determine payments on the Common Shares. Specifically, any underwriters may over-allot in connection with the Offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of Common Shares or of any such other Common Shares, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Common Shares or any such other Common Shares in the open market. Finally, in any Offering of Common Shares through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing Common Shares in the Offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Common Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of Common Shares above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
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The Fund may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell Common Shares not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Common Shares covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use Common Shares pledged by the Fund or borrowed from the Fund or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use Common Shares received from the Fund in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this Prospectus, will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials (or a post-effective amendment).
The maximum amount of compensation to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. will not exceed 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security being sold with respect to each particular Offering of Common Shares made under a single Prospectus Supplement.
Any underwriter, agent or dealer utilized in the Offering of Common Shares will not confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Order”), the Fund is authorized to distribute long-term capital gains to shareholders more frequently than once per year. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved a Managed Distribution Plan (“MDP”) pursuant to which the Fund makes monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the MDP. The MDP is subject to regular periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the Board may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders. However, at this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. The Fund may distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains and, therefore, a distribution may include a return of capital. A return of capital is treated as a non-dividend distribution for tax purposes and is not subject to current tax. A return of capital reduces a shareholder’s tax cost basis in fund shares. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions contained in the notice and press release are only estimates and are not provided for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions for tax purposes are reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV for each calendar year.
Subject to its MDP, the Fund makes monthly distributions to Common Shareholders sourced from the Fund’s cash available for distribution. “Cash available for distribution” consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, net option premiums and net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As required by U.S. GAAP, only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a substantial return of capital component. The Fund’s distribution rate may be adjusted from time-to-time. The Board may modify this distribution policy at any time without obtaining the approval of Common Shareholders.
Common Shareholders will automatically have distributions reinvested in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Fund has established a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, unless a Common Shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash, all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST” or the “Plan Agent”) serves as agent for the Common Shareholders in administering the Plan. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Fund distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the Common Shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by AST, as disbursing agent. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by written notice if received by the Plan Agent prior to any distribution record date. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
CLOSED-END STRUCTURE
Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at NAV at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Mutual funds are subject to continuous asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, whereas closed-end funds generally can stay more fully invested in securities consistent with the closed-end fund’s investment objectives and policies. In addition, in comparison to open-end funds, closed-end funds have greater flexibility in the employment of financial leverage and in the ability to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.
However, common shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. Since inception, the market price of the Common Shares has fluctuated and at times traded below the Fund’s NAV, and at times has traded above NAV. In recognition of this possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to NAV and that any such discount may not be in the interest of Common Shareholders, the Fund’s Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount. The Board might consider open market repurchases or tender offers for Common Shares at NAV. There can be no assurance that the Board will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if undertaken, such actions would result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or close to NAV per Common Share. The Board might also consider the conversion of the Fund to an open-end mutual fund. The Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end investment company.
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or you may lose part or all of your investment.
Discount From or Premium to NAV. The Offering is conducted only when Common Shares of the Fund are trading at a price equal to or above the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV may decrease.
Secondary Market for the Common Shares. The issuance of Common Shares through the Offering may have an adverse effect on the secondary market for the Common Shares. The increase in the amount of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from the Offering may put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Fund. Common Shares will not be issued pursuant to the Offering at any time when Common Shares are trading at a price lower than a price equal to the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions.
The Fund also issues Common Shares of the Fund through its dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Common Shares may be issued under the plan at a discount to the market price for such Common Shares, which may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares of the Fund.
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When the Common Shares are trading at a premium, the Fund may also issue Common Shares of the Fund that are sold through transactions effected on the NYSE. The increase in the amount of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from that offering may also put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Fund.
The voting power of current shareholders is diluted to the extent that such shareholders do not purchase shares in any future Common Share offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their percentage interest. In addition, if the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.
Market Discount Risk. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV may decrease.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Fund normally sells stock index call options on a portion of its common stock portfolio value, the Fund’s appreciation potential from equity market performance is more limited than if the Fund did not engage in selling stock index call options. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions.
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. These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and may exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of changes 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. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets. 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, 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. Fixed-income markets may experience periods of relatively high volatility in an environment where U.S. treasury yields are rising.
Issuer Risk. The value of securities held by the Fund may decline for a number of reasons that directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.
Equity Risk. Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of common stocks. Therefore, a principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk. Equity risk is the risk that 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; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; 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. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks held by the Fund. In addition, common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer reduces or eliminates its dividend or fails to make anticipated dividend increases. Common stocks in which the Fund invests are structurally subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of such issuers. Finally, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
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Risks of Investing in Smaller and Mid-Sized Companies. The Fund may make investments in stocks of companies whose market capitalization is considered middle sized or “mid-cap.” Smaller and mid-sized companies often are newer or less established companies than larger capitalization companies. Investments in smaller and mid-sized companies carry additional risks because earnings of these companies tend to be less predictable; they often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities of smaller and mid-sized companies may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, smaller and mid-sized companies have sometimes gone through extended periods when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller and mid-sized companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like.
Risk of Selling Index Call Options. Under normal market conditions, a portion of the Fund’s common stock portfolio value is subject to written index call options. The purchaser of an index call option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the index over the exercise price of the call option as of the valuation date of the option. Because their exercise is settled in cash, sellers of index call options such as the Fund cannot provide in advance for their potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund intends to mitigate the risks of its options activities by writing options on broad-based domestic, foreign country and/or regional stock indices that the Adviser believes collectively approximate the characteristics of the Fund’s common stock portfolio (or that portion of its portfolio against which options are written). The Fund will not, however, hold stocks that fully replicate the indices on which it writes call options. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to generally limit the overlap between its stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund’s stock holdings will normally include stocks not included in the indices on which it writes call options. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the performance of its stock portfolio will vary from the performance of the indices on which it writes call options. For example, with respect to the portion of its stock portfolio against which S&P 500® index call options have been written, the Fund will suffer a loss if the S&P 500® appreciates above the exercise price of the options written while the associated securities held by the Fund fail to appreciate as much or decline in value over the life of the written option. Index options written by the Fund is priced on a daily basis. Their value is affected primarily by changes in the prices and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks in such index, changes in actual or perceived volatility of such index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. The trading price of index call options will also be affected by liquidity considerations and the balance of purchase and sale orders.
A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived and well-executed options program may be adversely affected by market behavior or unexpected events. As the writer of index call options, the Fund will forgo, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the value of the applicable index above the sum of the option premium received and the exercise price of the call option, but retains the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the value of the applicable index decline. When a call option is exercised, the Fund is required to deliver an amount of cash determined by the excess of the value of the applicable index at contract termination over the exercise price of the option. Thus, the exercise of index call options sold by the Fund may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities to generate cash at inopportune times or for unattractive prices.
To the extent that the Fund writes options on indices based upon foreign stocks, the Fund generally sells options on broad-based foreign country and/or regional stock indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code. Options on foreign indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code may trade in substantially lower volumes and with substantially wider bid-ask spreads than other options contracts on the same or similar indices that trade on other markets outside the United States or in OTC markets. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may sell index options that do not qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code, including OTC options. Gain or loss on index options not qualifying as Section 1256 contracts under the Code would be realized upon disposition, lapse or settlement of the positions and would be treated as short-term gain or loss.
The trading price of options may be adversely affected if the market for such options becomes less liquid or smaller. The Fund may close out a call option by buying the option instead of letting it expire or be exercised. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out a call option position by buying the option. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the
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facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options) at some future date. If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which common stocks held by the Fund are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the securities markets that would not be reflected concurrently in the options markets. Index call options are marked to market daily and their value is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities represented in the underlying index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the associated index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market.
To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may sell index options that trade in OTC markets. Participants in these markets are typically not subject to the same credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as members of “exchange based” markets. By engaging in index option transactions in these markets, the Fund may take credit risk with regard to parties with which it trades and also may bear the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from those involved in exchange-traded transactions, which generally are characterized by clearing organization guarantees, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from these protections, which may subject the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with agreed terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract or because of a credit or liquidity problem. Such “counterparty risk” is increased for contracts with longer maturities when events may intervene to prevent settlement. 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 a settlement, may increase the potential for losses to the Fund.
Tax Risk. Reference is made to “Federal Income Tax Matters” for an explanation of the federal income tax consequences and attendant risks of investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in this regard. The tax treatment and characterization of the Fund’s distributions may change over time due to changes in the Fund’s mix of investment returns and changes in the federal tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, potentially with retroactive effect. 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. As described more fully under “Federal Income Tax Matters,” while the Fund generally intends to use a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, cause Common Shareholders to pay more tax than they otherwise would have, or to accelerate Common Shareholders’ recognition of taxable income or gains.
Foreign Security Risk. The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad (such as foreign brokerage costs, custodial expenses and other fees) are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation of assets, 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 or repatriating capital invested in foreign countries, and the imposition of economic sanctions. 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. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on United States exchanges or in the United States over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities). Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the United States dollar, the Fund may be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments held by the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in United States dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the United States dollar will affect the United States dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Foreign securities may not be eligible for the reduced rate of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 15 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Because foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to United States companies, there may be less or less reliable publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions for, or loss of certificates of, portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable United States companies. The risks of foreign investments described above apply to an even greater extent to investments in emerging markets.
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, following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and the UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and entered into full force on May 1, 2021. 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.
Emerging Market Security Risk. The risks of foreign investments described above apply to an even greater extent to investments in emerging markets. The securities markets of emerging countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and developed foreign markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and developed foreign markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be limited. Many emerging countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. The economies of these countries also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries in which they trade. The economies of countries with emerging markets may also be predominantly based on only a few industries or dependent on revenues from particular commodities. In addition, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in foreign markets may be more expensive in emerging markets than in many developed foreign markets, which could reduce the Fund’s income from such securities.
In many cases, governments of emerging countries continue to exercise significant control over their economies, and government actions relative to the economy, as well as economic developments generally, may affect the Fund’s investments in those countries. In addition, there is a heightened possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding taxes on dividend and interest payments, or other similar developments that could affect investments in those countries. There can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Fund to suffer a loss of any or all of its investments.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 16 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Foreign Currency Transactions Risk. The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars 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. The Fund may (but is not required to) engage in transactions to hedge against changes in foreign currencies, and will use such hedging techniques when the Adviser deems appropriate. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the rate currently prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded instruments similar in structure to futures contracts on stocks and stock indices, but change in value to reflect the movements of a currency or basket of currencies rather than a stock or stock index. Settlement is made in a designated currency. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Adverse movements in hedged currencies may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded contracts between currency traders and their customers. Such contracts may be used by the Fund when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security is anticipated. A forward contract can “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Cross-hedging may be performed by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the Adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward contracts may also be used to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets. Income or gains earned on any of the Fund’s foreign currency transactions generally will be treated as fully taxable income (i.e. income other than tax-advantaged dividends).
Currency transactions are dependent upon the creditworthiness of counterparties and 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 derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are generally no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out positions entered into until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as counterparty.
Currency Risk. Since the Fund will invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in U.S. dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 17 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Adverse movements in hedged currencies may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.
Geographic Risk. Because the Fund may, under certain market conditions, invest significantly in a particular geographic region or country, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect that region or country and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that has less exposure to such region or country.
Interest Rate Risk. The premiums from writing index call options and amounts available for distribution from the Fund’s options activity may decrease in declining interest rate environments. The value of the Fund’s common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates. Higher yielding stocks and stocks of issuers whose businesses are substantially affected by changes in interest rates may be particularly sensitive to interest rate risk.
Derivatives Risk. In addition to writing index call options, the risks of which are described above, the Fund may also invest in other derivatives for purposes, such as hedging, to enhance return, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities, non-equity indices and currencies, options on futures contracts, equity and interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, and forward currency exchange contracts. The Fund may invest in derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the asset, index, rate or instrument underlying a derivative, due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create investment leverage in the Fund, which magnifies the Fund’s exposure to the underlying investment. Derivative risks may be more significant when they are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. Derivatives for hedging purposes may not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested in derivatives. 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 instrument. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. Dividends received on securities with respect to which the Fund is obligated to make related payments (pursuant to short sales or otherwise) will not constitute tax-advantaged dividend income and will be taxable as ordinary income. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify as tax-advantaged dividend income.
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. As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter the Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Fund and may, depending on the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on the Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. 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 there can be no assurance that any new government regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance or ability to achieve its investment objective.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 18 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Counterparty Risk. A financial institution or other counterparty with whom the Fund does business (such as trading 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.
Dividend Capture Trading Risk. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, including short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. The Fund may not be able to dispose readily of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, the limited liquidity could affect the market price of the investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such periods, some securities could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investments is worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline.
Market Price of Common Shares. The Fund’s share price will fluctuate and, at the time of sale, shares may be worth more or less than the original investment or the Fund’s then current NAV. The Fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at a price at, above or below its NAV. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their NAV.
Financial Leverage Risk. Although the Fund has no current intention to do so, the Fund is authorized and reserves the flexibility to utilize leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities. In the event that the Fund determines in the future to utilize investment leverage, there can be no assurance that such a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares or fluctuations in borrowing costs may affect the return to Common Shareholders. To the extent the returns derived from securities purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s distributions may be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the returns from the securities purchased with such proceeds are not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, Eaton Vance, in its best judgment, may nevertheless determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or a borrowing program would be borne by Common Shareholders and consequently would result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s average daily gross assets, including proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the fee is higher when leverage is utilized, which may create an incentive for the Adviser to employ financial leverage. In this regard, holders of preferred shares do not bear the investment advisory fee. Rather, Common Shareholders bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers invest the assets of the Fund as they deem appropriate in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy. Accordingly, the success of the Fund depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers to develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the Fund’s investment objectives. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Fund’s investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 19 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
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.
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, 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 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.
Recent Market Conditions. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, changes to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks of disease, 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. For example, a global pandemic or other widespread health crisis could cause substantial market volatility and exchange trading suspensions and closures. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers. 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.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 20 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Market Disruption. Global instability, war, geopolitical tensions and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have previously resulted, and may continue to result in market volatility and may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Fund cannot predict the effects of significant future events on the global economy and securities markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws” and together with the Declaration of Trust, the “Organizational Documents”) include provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. For example, pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the Fund Board is divided into three classes of Trustees with each class serving for a three-year term and certain types of transactions require the favorable vote of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. See “Description of Capital Structure - Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents - Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents.”
Summary of Fund Expenses
The purpose of the table below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a Common Shareholder, would bear directly or indirectly. The table shows Fund expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares for the year ended October 31, 2021.
Common Shareholder Transaction Expenses | ||
Sales Load Paid By You (as a percentage of offering price) | --(1) | |
Offering Expenses (as a percentage of offering price) | None(2) | |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees | $5.00(3) | |
Annual Expenses | Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares(4) | |
Investment Adviser Fee | 0.99%(5) | |
Other Expenses | 0.08% | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.07% | |
EXAMPLE
The following Example illustrates the expenses that Common Shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (i) total annual expenses of 1.07% of net assets attributable to Common Shares in years 1 through 10; (ii) a 5% annual return; and (iii) all distributions are reinvested at NAV:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$11 | $34 | $59 | $131 |
The above table and example and the assumption in the example of a 5% annual return are required by regulations of the SEC that are applicable to all investment companies; the assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance of the Fund’s Common Shares. For more complete descriptions of certain of the Fund’s costs and expenses, see “Management of the Fund.” In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at NAV, participants in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan may receive Common Shares purchased or issued at a price or value different from NAV. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” The example does not include sales load or estimated offering costs, which would cause the expenses shown in the example to increase.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 21 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The example should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses, and the Fund’s actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.
(1) | If Common Shares are sold to or through underwriters, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load. |
(2) | The Adviser will pay the expenses of the Offering (other than the applicable commissions); therefore, Offering expenses are not included in the Summary of Fund Expenses. Offering expenses generally include, but are not limited to, the preparation, review and filing with the SEC of the Fund’s registration statement (including this Prospectus and the SAI), the preparation, review and filing of any associated marketing or similar materials, costs associated with the printing, mailing or other distribution of the Prospectus, SAI and/or marketing materials, associated filing fees, NYSE listing fees, and legal and auditing fees associated with the Offering. |
(3) | You will be charged a $5.00 service charge and pay brokerage charges if you direct the plan agent to sell your Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. |
(4) | Stated as a percentage of average net assets attributable to Common Shares for the period ended October 31, 2021. |
(5) | The adviser fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser is based on the average daily gross assets of the Fund, including all assets attributable to any form of investment leverage that the Fund may utilize. Accordingly, if the Fund were to increase investment leverage in the future, the adviser fee will increase as a percentage of net assets. |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 22 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Financial Highlights and Investment Performance
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This table details the financial performance of the Common Shares, including total return information showing how much an investment in the Fund has increased or decreased each period. 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 by reference and included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request.
Selected data for a Common Share outstanding during the periods stated.
Year Ended October 31, | |||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
Net asset value – Beginning of year | $ 8.090 | $ 8.700 | $ 8.470 | $ 9.400 | $ 8.930 |
Income (Loss) From Operations | |||||
Net investment income(1) | $ 0.047 | $ 0.047 | $ 0.099 | $ 0.085 | $ 0.086 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 2.984 | 0.082 | 0.899 | (0.103) | 1.317 |
Total income (loss) from operations | $ 3.031 | $ 0.129 | $ 0.998 | $ (0.018) | $ 1.403 |
Less Distributions | |||||
From net investment income | $ (0.072) | $ (0.045) | $ (0.099) | $ (0.078) | $ (0.086) |
From net realized gain | (0.493) | — | — | — | — |
Tax return of capital | (0.196) | (0.694) | (0.669) | (0.834) | (0.847) |
Total distributions | $ (0.761) | $ (0.739) | $ (0.768) | $ (0.912) | $ (0.933) |
Premium from common shares sold through shelf offering(1) | $ 0.000(2) | $ — | $ — | $ — | $ — |
Net asset value – End of year | $ 10.360 | $ 8.090 | $ 8.700 | $ 8.470 | $ 9.400 |
Market value – End of year | $ 10.590 | $ 7.130 | $ 8.330 | $ 8.490 | $ 9.340 |
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(3) | 38.57% | 2.35% | 12.85% | (0.51)% | 16.88% |
Total Investment Return on Market Value(3) | 60.71% | (5.79)% | 7.79% | 0.36% | 25.41% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) | $ 3,154,487 | $ 2,449,271 | $ 2,633,939 | $ 2,563,917 | $ 2,833,808 |
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets): | |||||
Expenses | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% |
Net investment income | 0.47% | 0.57% | 1.18% | 0.92% | 0.93% |
Portfolio Turnover | 44% | 43% | 39% | 66% | 65% |
(See related footnotes.)
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 23 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Financial Highlights (continued)
Year Ended October 31, | |||||
2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |
Net asset value – Beginning of year | $ 9.920 | $ 10.610 | $ 10.820 | $ 10.240 | $ 10.220 |
Income (Loss) From Operations | |||||
Net investment income(1) | $ 0.198(5) | $ 0.127 | $ 0.428(5) | $ 0.180 | $ 0.193 |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.212) | 0.159 | 0.338(4) | 1.451 | 0.871 |
Total income (loss) from operations | $ (0.014) | $ 0.286 | $ 0.766 | $ 1.631 | $ 1.064 |
Less Distributions | |||||
From net investment income | $ (0.183) | $ (0.123) | $ (0.964) | $ (0.187) | $ (0.192) |
From net realized gain | — | — | (0.012) | — | — |
Tax return of capital | (0.793) | (0.853) | — | (0.870) | (0.865) |
Total distributions | $ (0.976) | $ (0.976) | $ (0.976) | $ (1.057) | $ (1.057) |
Anti-dilutive effect of share repurchase program(1) | $ — | $ — | $ 0.000(2) | $ 0.006 | $ 0.013 |
Net asset value – End of year | $ 8.930 | $ 9.920 | $ 10.610 | $ 10.820 | $ 10.240 |
Market value – End of year | $ 8.270 | $ 9.140 | $ 9.930 | $ 9.880 | $ 8.920 |
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(3) | 0.70% | 3.49% | 7.93%(4) | 18.21% | 13.18% |
Total Investment Return on Market Value(3) | 1.22% | 1.88% | 10.63% | 23.91% | 16.49% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | |||||
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) | $ 2,692,688 | $ 2,990,526 | $ 3,198,333 | $ 3,261,173 | $ 3,100,273 |
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets): | |||||
Expenses(6) | 1.08% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.06% |
Net investment income | 2.13%(5) | 1.23% | 3.93%(5) | 1.73% | 1.92% |
Portfolio Turnover | 77% | 95% | 210% | 42% | 21% |
(1) | Computed using average shares outstanding. |
(2) | Amount is less than $0.0005. |
(3) | Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or market value with all distributions reinvested. Distributions are assumed to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. |
(4) | During the year ended October 31, 2014, the Fund realized a gain on the disposal of investments which did not meet the Fund’s investment guidelines. The gain was less than $0.01 per share and had no effect on total return for the year ended October 31, 2014. |
(5) | Net investment income per share includes special dividends which amounted to $0.100 and $0.265 per share for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2014, respectively. Excluding special dividends, the ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets would have been 1.05% and 1.50% for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2014, respectively. |
(6) | Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%. Effective September 1, 2015, custody fee credits, which were earned on cash deposit balances, were discontinued by the custodian. |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 24 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
TRADING AND NAV INFORMATION
The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to NAV. The Fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price of Common Shares (less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per share of a company’s common stock. The issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Fund’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for the Fund’s Common Shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. See “Risk Considerations—Discount From or Premium to NAV”.
In addition, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has authorized the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding common shares as of the day of the prior calendar year-end at market prices when shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Fund to purchase a specific amount of shares. The results of the share repurchase program are disclosed in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. See “Description of Capital Structure—Repurchase of Common Shares and Other Discount Measures.”
The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated the high and low closing market prices for Common Shares on the NYSE, and the corresponding NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV per share at which the Fund’s Common Shares were trading as of such date.
Market Price | NAV per Share on Date of Market Price | NAV Premium/(Discount) on Date of Market Price | |||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |||
1/31/2022 | $10.70 | $9.39 | $10.53 | $9.85 | 1.61% | (4.67)% | |||
10/31/2021 | $10.81 | $9.99 | $10.52 | $9.94 | 2.76% | 0.50% | |||
7/31/2021 | $10.30 | $9.55 | $10.35 | $9.88 | (0.48)% | (3.34)% | |||
4/30/2021 | $9.66 | $8.71 | $10.41 | $9.35 | (7.20)% | (6.84)% | |||
1/31/2021 | $9.08 | $7.22 | $9.58 | $8.20 | (5.22)% | (11.95)% | |||
10/31/2020 | $7.96 | $7.13 | $8.76 | $8.09 | (9.13)% | (11.87)% | |||
7/31/2020 | $7.63 | $6.66 | $8.17 | $7.38 | (6.61)% | (9.76)% | |||
4/30/2020 | $9.17 | $4.92 | $9.30 | $5.99 | (1.40)% | (17.86)% | |||
1/31/2020 | $9.18 | $8.38 | $9.28 | $8.79 | (1.08)% | (4.66)% |
On February 14, 2022, the last reported sale price, NAV per Common Share and percentage premium/(discount) to NAV per Common Share, were $9.40, $9.86 and (4.67)%, respectively. As of February 14, 2022, the Fund had 305,198,977 Common Shares outstanding and net assets of $3,009,874,997.
The following table provides information about our outstanding Common Shares as of February 14, 2022:
Title of Class | Amount Authorized | Amount Held by the Fund for its Account | Amount Outstanding |
Common Shares | Unlimited | 0 | 305,198,977 |
The Fund
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 30, 2006 pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund’s principal office is located at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and its telephone number is 1-800-262-1122.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 25 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Use of Proceeds
Subject to the remainder of this section, and unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of any sales of Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Fund anticipates that it will be possible to invest the proceeds of the Offering consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as soon as practicable, but in no event, assuming normal market conditions, later than three months after the receipt thereof. Pending such investment, the proceeds may be invested in short-term money market instruments, securities with remaining maturities of less than one year, cash and/or cash equivalents. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to Common Shareholders or result in a distribution consisting principally of a return of capital.
Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and gains, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. In pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund will evaluate returns on an after-tax basis, seeking to minimize and defer shareholder federal income taxes. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign common stocks. The Fund will seek to earn high levels of tax-advantaged income and gains by (1) investing in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for favorable federal income tax treatment and/or (2) writing (selling) stock index call options with respect to a portion of its common stock portfolio value.
PRIMARY INVESTMENT POLICIES
General Composition of the Fund. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a combination of (1) dividend-paying domestic and foreign common stocks and (2) common stocks the value of which is subject to covered written index call options.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests (i) at least 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including issuers located in emerging market countries, unless market conditions are not deemed favorable, in which case the Fund will invest at least 30% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, and (ii) in issuers located in at least five different countries (including the United States). An issuer will be considered to be located outside of the U.S. if domiciled in, derives a significant portion of its revenue from, or its primary trading venue is outside of the U.S. The Fund’s investments in non-U.S companies may include securities evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”). The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of emerging market issuers. The Fund expects that its assets will normally be invested across a broad range of industries and market sectors. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in stocks of mid-capitalization companies. Eaton Vance generally considers mid-capitalization companies to be those companies having market capitalizations within the range of capitalizations for the S&P MidCap 400® Index (the “S&P MidCap 400®”). As of January 31, 2022, the median market capitalization of companies in the S&P MidCap 400® was approximately $5.8 billion.
The Fund writes call options on broad-based domestic, foreign country and/or regional stock indices that the Adviser believes collectively approximate the characteristics of its common stock portfolio (or that portion of its portfolio against which options are written) and that present attractive opportunities to earn options premiums. The Fund writes call options on the S&P 500® Index (the “S&P 500®”) and at least one broad-based foreign stock index, and may also write call options on other domestic and foreign stock indices. Over time, the indices on which the Fund writes call options may vary as a result of changes in the availability and liquidity of various listed index options, changes in stock portfolio holdings, the Adviser’s evaluation of equity market conditions and other factors. Writing index call options involves a tradeoff between the option premiums received and reduced participation in potential future stock price appreciation. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to limit the overlap between its stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund’s stock holdings normally include stocks not included in the indices on which it writes call options.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 26 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The Fund may consider investments in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, and may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund sells a stock on or shortly after the stock’s ex-dividend date and uses the sale proceeds to purchase one or more other stocks that are expected to pay dividends before the next dividend payment on the stock being sold. Through this practice, the Fund may receive more dividend payments over a given time period than if it held a single stock. By complying with applicable holding period and other requirements while engaging in dividend capture trading, the Fund may enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives. The use of dividend capture trading strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potentially higher short-term gain or loss. The Fund may use derivatives to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts for this purpose, but may also engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures.
The Fund generally sells stock index call options that are exchange-listed and “European style,” meaning that the options may be exercised only on the expiration date of the option. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may also sell index options that trade in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. Index options differ from options on individual securities in that index options (i) typically are settled in cash rather than by delivery of securities and (ii) reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
As the seller of index call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premiums) from option purchasers. The purchaser of an index call option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the applicable index over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). Generally, the Fund sells call options that are slightly “out-of-the-money” (i.e., the exercise price generally will be slightly above the current level of the applicable index when the option is sold). The Fund may also sell index options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money.” Such options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money” provide greater potential for the Fund to realize capital appreciation, but generally would pay a lower premium than options that are slightly “out-of-the-money.” In writing index options, the Fund, in effect, sells the potential appreciation in the value of the applicable index above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an index call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the applicable index and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the applicable index will determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the index call option.
The Fund expects to maintain high turnover in index call options, based on the Adviser’s intent to sell index call options on a portion of its stock portfolio value and roll forward its options positions approximately every one to three months.
The Fund’s policy that, under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in a combination of (1) dividend-paying domestic and foreign common stocks and (2) common stocks the value of which is subject to covered written index call options is a non-fundamental policy that may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without Common Shareholder approval following the provision of 60 days’ prior written notice to Common Shareholders.
In implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, the Adviser and Sub-Adviser employ a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund as described below.
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 objectives, principal strategies and other policies.
The S&P 500® is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks maintained and published by S&P that is market-capitalization weighted and generally representative of the performance of larger stocks traded in the United States.
Investment Strategy. Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the Fund’s overall investment program and executing the Fund’s options strategy. Eaton Vance is also responsible for providing research support to the Sub-Adviser and supervising the performance of the Sub-Adviser. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for structuring and managing the Fund’s common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting (i.e., periodically selling positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund) and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of Eaton Vance. See “Management of the Fund.”
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 27 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Eaton Vance is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investments, including decisions about asset allocation and securities selection. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of, the Adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research, which involves consideration of the various company-specific and general business, economic and market factors that may influence the future performance of individual companies and equity investments therein. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser will also consider a variety of other factors in constructing and maintaining the Fund’s stock portfolio, including, but not limited to, stock dividend yields and payment schedules, overlap between the Fund’s stock holdings and the indices on which it has outstanding options positions, realization of tax-loss harvesting (i.e., periodically selling positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund) opportunities and other tax management considerations.
The Adviser believes that a strategy of owning a portfolio of common stocks and selling covered call options (a “buy-write strategy”) with respect to a portion thereof can provide current income and gains and attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund will sell only “covered” call options. Although the Fund generally writes stock index call options with respect to only a portion of its common stock portfolio value, the Fund may in market circumstances deemed appropriate by the Adviser write covered index call options on up to 100% of the value of its assets.
To avoid being subject to the “straddle rules” under federal income tax law, the Fund intends to generally limit the overlap between its stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. Under the “straddle rules,” “offsetting positions with respect to personal property” generally are considered to be straddles. In general, investment positions will be offsetting if there is a substantial diminution in the risk of loss from holding one position by reason of holding one or more other positions. The Fund expects that the index call options it writes will not be considered straddles because its stock holdings will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of each index on which it has open call options positions under applicable guidance established by the IRS. Under certain circumstances, however, the Fund may enter into options transactions or certain other investments that may constitute positions in a straddle. In addition, in keeping with the Fund's strategy, described below, of selling index call options and purchasing index put options that qualify for treatment as Section 1256 contracts under the Code on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period, the Fund may be limited in the manner in which it writes options on indices based upon foreign stocks. Because many foreign-traded stock index options do not currently qualify for treatment as Section 1256 contracts under the Code, the Fund generally intends to sell options on broad-based foreign country and/or regional stock indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code. Options on foreign indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code may trade in substantially lower volumes and with substantially wider bid-ask spreads than other options contracts on the same or similar indices that trade on other markets outside the United States. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may buy and sell index options that do not qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code.
The Fund’s index option strategy is designed to produce current cash flow from option premiums and to moderate the volatility of the Fund’s returns. This index option strategy is of a hedging nature, and is not designed to speculate on equity market performance. The Adviser believes that the Fund’s index option strategy moderates the volatility of the Fund’s returns because the option premiums received will help to mitigate the impact of downward price movements in the stocks held by the Fund, while the Fund’s obligations under index calls written constrains the Fund’s ability to participate in upward price movements in portfolio stocks.
The Fund expects normally to sell index call options on a portion of its common stock portfolio value. The Adviser does not intend to sell index call options representing amounts, in the aggregate, greater than the value of the Fund’s common stock portfolio (i.e., take a “naked” position). The Adviser generally sells index call options that are exchange-listed and “European style,” meaning that the options may only be exercised on the expiration date of the option. Exchange-traded index options are typically settled in cash and provide that the holder of the option has the right to receive an amount of cash determined by the excess of the exercise-settlement value of the index over the exercise price of the option. The exercise-settlement value is calculated based on opening sales prices of the component index stocks on the option valuation date, which is the last business day before the expiration date. Generally, the Adviser sells index call options that are slightly “out-of-the-money,” meaning that option exercise prices generally will be slightly above the current level of the index at the time the options are written. The Fund may also sell index options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money.” Such options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money” provide greater potential for the Fund to realize capital appreciation on its portfolio stocks but generally would pay a lower premium than options that are slightly “out-of-the-money.” The Adviser expects to follow a options strategy of selling index call options with a remaining maturity of between approximately one and three months and maintaining its short call options positions until approximately their option valuation date, at which time replacement call option positions with a remaining maturity within this range are written.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 28 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The foregoing policies relating to investments in common stocks and options writing are the Fund’s primary investment policies. In addition to its primary investment policies, the Fund may invest to a limited extent in other types of securities and engage in certain other investment practices. In addition to writing index call options, the Fund may write call options on up to 20% of the value of its total assets on futures contracts based upon broad-based securities indices. The Fund’s use of such options on index futures would be substantially similar to its use of options directly on indices. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed an investment in these instruments. To seek to protect against price declines in securities holdings with large accumulated gains, the Fund may use various hedging techniques (such as the purchase and sale of futures contracts on stocks and stock indices and options thereon, equity swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks and the purchase and sale of forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures).
Tax-Managed Investing. Taxes are a major influence on the net after-tax returns that investors receive on their taxable investments. In implementing the Fund’s investment strategy, the Adviser employs a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund. These currently include, without limitation: (1) investing in stocks that pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains and complying with the holding period and other requirements for favorable tax treatment; (2) selling index call options that qualify for treatment as Section 1256 contracts under the Code, on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period; (3) limiting the overlap between the Fund’s stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis so that the Fund’s stock holdings and index call options are not subject to the “straddle rules;” (4) engaging in a systematic program of tax-loss harvesting in the Fund’s stock portfolio, periodically selling stock positions that have depreciated in value to realize capital losses that can be used to offset capital gains realized by the Fund; and (5) managing the sale of appreciated stock positions so as to minimize the Fund’s net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses. When an appreciated security is sold, the Fund intends to select for sale the share lots resulting in the most favorable tax treatment, generally those with holding periods sufficient to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment that have the highest cost basis. However, 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.
Common Stocks. Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of 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 held by the Fund. 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 to which the Fund has exposure. 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.
Foreign Securities. The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other 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. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities). Dividends received with respect to stock of a foreign corporation may qualify for the reduced rates of federal income taxation applicable to qualified dividend income only if such corporation satisfies the requirements to be a “qualified foreign corporation.”
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 29 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Because foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less or less reliable publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.
The Fund may invest in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, which are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly 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 foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. Unsponsored receipts may involve higher expenses, they may not pass through voting or other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than sponsored receipts.
Emerging Markets. The risks of foreign investments described above apply to an even greater extent to investments in emerging markets. The securities markets of emerging market countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and developed foreign markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and developed foreign markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries, and enforcement of existing regulations may be limited. Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. The economies of these countries also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries in which they trade. The economies of countries with emerging markets may also be predominantly based on only a few industries or dependent on revenues from particular commodities. In addition, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in foreign markets may be more expensive in emerging markets than in many developed foreign markets, which could reduce the Fund’s income from such securities.
Index Options Generally. The Fund will pursue its objectives in part by writing (selling) stock index call options with respect to a portion of its common stock portfolio value. The Fund generally sells index options that are exchange-listed and “European style,” meaning that the options may be exercised only on the expiration date of the option. Index options differ from options on individual securities in that index options (i) typically are settled in cash rather than by delivery of securities (meaning the exercise of an index option does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities) and (ii) reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
United States listed options contracts are originated and standardized by the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”). In the United States, the Fund generally sells index call options that are issued, guaranteed and cleared by the OCC. The Fund may also sell index call options in the United States and outside the United States that are not issued, guaranteed or cleared by the OCC, including OTC options. The Adviser believes that there exists sufficient liquidity in the index options markets to fulfill the Fund’s requirements to implement its strategy.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 30 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may sell index options that trade in OTC markets. Participants in these markets are typically not subject to the same credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as members of “exchange based” markets. By engaging in index option transactions in these markets, the Fund may take credit risk with regard to parties with which it trades and also may bear the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from those involved in exchange-traded transactions, which generally are characterized by clearing organization guarantees, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from these protections, which may subject the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with agreed terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract or because of a credit or liquidity problem. Such “counterparty risk” is increased for contracts with longer maturities when events may intervene to prevent settlement. 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 a settlement, may increase the potential for losses to the Fund.
Selling Index Call Options. The Fund’s index option strategy is designed to produce current cash flow from options premiums and to moderate the volatility of the Fund’s returns. This index option strategy is of a hedging nature, and is not designed to speculate on equity market performance.
As the seller of index call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premium) from the purchasers thereof. The purchaser of an index option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the applicable index over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). Generally, the Fund sells index call options that are slightly “out-of-the-money” (i.e., the exercise price generally will be slightly above the current level of the applicable index when the option is sold). The Fund may also sell index options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money.” Such options that are more substantially “out-of-the-money” provide greater potential for the Fund to realize capital appreciation on its portfolio stocks but generally would pay a lower premium than options that are slightly “out-of-the-money.” When it writes index call options, the Fund will, in effect, sell the potential appreciation in the value of the applicable index above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an index call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the applicable index and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the applicable index will determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the index call option.
Prior to expiration, the Fund may close an option position by making an offsetting market purchase of identical option contracts (same type, underlying index, exercise price and expiration). The cost of closing transactions and payments in settlement of exercised options will reduce the net option premiums available for distribution to Common Shareholders by the Fund. The reduction in net option premiums due to a rise in stock prices should generally be offset, at least in part, by appreciation in the value of common stocks held and by the opportunity to realize higher premium income from selling new index options at higher exercise prices.
In certain extraordinary market circumstances, to limit the risk of loss on the Fund’s index option strategy, the Fund may enter into “spread” transactions by purchasing index call options with higher exercise prices than those of index call options written. The Fund will only engage in such transactions when Eaton Vance and the Sub-Adviser believe that certain extraordinary events temporarily have depressed equity prices and substantial short-term appreciation of such prices is expected. By engaging in spread transactions in such circumstances the Fund will reduce the limitation imposed on its ability to participate in such recovering equity markets that exist if the Fund only writes index call options. The premiums paid to purchase such call options are expected to be lower than the premiums earned from the call options written at lower exercise prices. However, the payment of these premiums will reduce amounts available for distribution from the Fund’s option activity.
The Fund will sell only “covered” call options. 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).
If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes on the expiration date a capital gain equal to the premium received by the Fund at the time the option was written. If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the Fund realizes on the expiration date a capital gain if the cash payment made by the Fund upon exercise is less than the premium received from writing the option and a capital loss if the cash payment made is more than the premium received. If a written option is repurchased, the Fund realizes upon the closing purchase transaction a capital gain if the cost of repurchasing the option is less than the premium received from writing the option and a capital loss if the cost of repurchasing the option is more than the premium received.
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For written index options that qualify as Section 1256 contracts, the Fund’s gains and losses thereon generally will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, regardless of holding period. In addition, the Fund generally will be required to “mark to market” (i.e., treat as sold for fair market value) each outstanding index option position at the close of each taxable year (and on October 31 of each year for excise tax purposes) and to adjust the amount of gain or loss subsequently realized to reflect the marking to market. Gain or loss on index options not qualifying as Section 1256 contracts under the Code would be realized upon disposition, lapse or exercise of the positions and would be treated as short-term gain or loss.
The principal factors affecting the market value of an option contract include supply and demand in the options market, interest rates, the current market price of the underlying index in relation to the exercise price of the option, the actual or perceived volatility associated with the underlying index, and the time remaining until the expiration date. The premium received for an option written by the Fund is recorded as an asset of the Fund and its obligation under the option contract as an initially equivalent liability. The Fund then adjusts over time the liability as the market value of the option changes. The value of each written option is marked to market daily and valued at the closing price on the exchange on which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is available, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices or otherwise at fair value.
The transaction costs of buying and selling options consist primarily of commissions (which are imposed in opening, closing and exercise transactions), but may also include margin and interest costs in particular transactions. The impact of transaction costs on the profitability of a transaction may often be greater for options transactions than for transactions in the underlying securities because these costs are often greater in relation to option premiums than in relation to the prices of underlying securities. Transaction costs may be especially significant in option strategies calling for multiple purchases and sales of options over short periods of time or concurrently. Transaction costs associated with the Fund’s options strategy will vary depending on market circumstances and other factors.
Writing index call options can lower the variability of potential return outcomes and can enhance returns in three of four market performance scenarios (down, flat or moderately up). Only when the level of the index at option expiration exceeds the sum of the premium received and the option exercise price would the buy-write strategy be expected to provide lower returns than the stock portfolio-only alternative. The amount of downside protection afforded by the buy-write strategy in declining market scenarios is limited, however, to the amount of option premium received. If an index declines by an amount greater than the option premium, a buy-write strategy consisting of owning all of the stocks in the index and writing index options on the value thereof would generate an investment loss. The Fund’s returns from implementing a buy-write strategy using index options will also be substantially affected by the performance of the Fund’s stock portfolio versus the indices on which it writes call options and by the percentage of portfolio value on which options are written. The returns on the Fund’s portfolio are unlikely to be the same as the returns on the indices on which it writes options.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
In addition to its primary investment strategies as described above, the Fund may engage in the following investment practices.
Temporary Investments. 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 objectives, principal strategies and other policies. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term United States government obligations. In moving to a substantial temporary investments position and in transitioning from such a position back into conformity with the Fund’s normal investment policies, the Fund may incur transaction costs that would not be incurred if the Fund had remained fully invested in accordance with such normal policies. The transition to and from a substantial temporary investments position may also result in the Fund having to sell common stocks and/or close out options positions and then later purchase common stocks and open new options positions in circumstances that might not otherwise be optimal. The Fund’s investment in such temporary investments under unusual market circumstances may not be in furtherance of the Fund’s investment objectives.
When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Securities may be purchased on a “forward commitment” or “when-issued” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. However, the return on a comparable security when the transaction is consummated may vary from the return 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 transacted securities are subject to market fluctuations.
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In forward commitment or when-issued 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. Forward commitment or when-issued transactions may occur a month or more before delivery is due. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction. The Fund does not intend to enter into forward commitment or when-issued transactions for the purpose of investment leverage.
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 and 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 Adviser receives material 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 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.
Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in investments for which there is no readily available trading market or are otherwise illiquid. It may be difficult to sell illiquid investments at a price representing their fair value until such time as such investments may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision by the Fund to sell such investments and the time when it 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 also acquire investments through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such investments. Such restrictions might prevent their sale 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 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 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.
Other Derivative Instruments. In addition to the intended strategy of writing index call options, the Fund may also invest in other derivative instruments for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, market indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objectives and policies. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts in the United States or abroad. In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell derivatives including futures contracts on securities, non-equity indices and currencies, options on futures contracts, equity and interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, and forward currency exchange contracts. In addition, derivatives may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are not currently available. Derivative instruments may be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may invest in derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed an investment in these instruments.
Swaps. Swap contracts may be purchased or sold to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or market conditions, to mitigate non-payment or default risk or to gain exposure to particular securities, baskets of securities, indices or currencies. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) on different currencies, securities, baskets of currencies or securities, indices or other instruments, which returns are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the designated referenced amount of exposure to the underlying instruments. The Fund will enter into swaps only 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. If the
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other party to a swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements are maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. The Fund will not enter into any swap unless the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. Swaps are traded in the over-the-counter market. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the total return performance of the Fund would be unfavorably affected.
Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the designated underlying asset(s), which may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from other designated underlying asset(s).
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).
Futures and Options on Futures. The Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and options thereon to seek to hedge against changes in stock prices or interest rates, for other risk management purposes or to gain exposure to certain securities, indices and currencies. Futures contracts may be based on various securities indices and securities. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to adverse changes in securities prices, which may exceed the Fund’s initial investment in these contracts. The Fund will only purchase or sell futures contracts or related options in compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These transactions involve transaction costs. Sales of futures contracts and related options generally result in realization of short-term or long-term capital gain depending on the period for which the investment is held. To the extent that any futures contract or options on futures contract held by the Fund is a Section 1256 contract under the Code, the contract will be marked-to-market annually and any gain or loss will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of the holding period for such contract.
Short Sales. The Fund may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). In a short sale against-the-box, the short seller is exposed to the risk of being forced to deliver stock that it holds to close the position if the borrowed stock is called in by the lender, which would cause gain or loss to be recognized on the delivered stock. The Fund expects normally to close its short sales against-the-box by delivering newly acquired stock.
Short sales against-the-box can be a tax-efficient alternative to the sale of an appreciated securities position. The ability to use short sales against-the-box as a tax-efficient management technique with respect to holdings of appreciated securities is limited to circumstances in which the hedging transaction is closed out not later than thirty days after the end of the Fund’s 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. Not meeting these requirements would trigger the recognition of gain on the underlying appreciated securities position under the federal tax laws applicable to constructive sales.
Securities Lending. The Fund may seek to earn income by lending portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. 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. Loans are made only to organizations whose credit quality or claims paying ability is considered by the Adviser to be at least investment grade and when the expected return, net of administrative expenses and any finders’ fees, justifies the attendant risk. 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 financial condition of the borrower is monitored by the Adviser on an ongoing basis.
Borrowings. The Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction. Although it does not currently intend to do so, the Fund may in the future from time to time borrow money to add leverage to the portfolio. The Fund may also borrow money for temporary administrative purposes or to meet temporary cash needs.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into 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 such agreements when it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase earned income. Income realized on reverse repurchase agreements is taxable as ordinary income.
When the Fund enters into 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 market value of the Fund’s assets. There is a risk that large fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets could affect NAV and the market price of Common Shares. Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing funds, they constitute a form of leverage and may be subject to leverage risks. Such agreements are treated as subject to investment restrictions as mentioned above under “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 cash available for distribution.
Research Process. The Fund’s portfolio management utilizes the information provided by, and the expertise of, the research staff of the investment adviser and its affiliates in making investment decisions. As part of the research process, portfolio management may consider financially material environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors. Such factors, alongside other relevant factors, may be taken into account in the Fund’s securities selection process.
Portfolio Turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, but the annual turnover rate may exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A high turnover rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Fund. The portfolio turnover rate(s) for the Fund for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020 were 44% and 43%, respectively.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment.
Discount From or Premium to NAV. The Offering is conducted only when Common Shares of the Fund are trading at a price equal to or above the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV may decrease.
Secondary Market for the Common Shares. The issuance of Common Shares through the Offering may have an adverse effect on the secondary market for the Common Shares. The increase in the amount of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from the Offering may put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Fund. Common Shares will not be issued pursuant to the Offering at any time when Common Shares are trading at a price lower than a price equal to the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions.
The Fund also issues Common Shares of the Fund through its dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Common Shares may be issued under the plan at a discount to the market price for such Common Shares, which may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares of the Fund.
When the Common Shares are trading at a premium, the Fund may also issue Common Shares of the Fund that are sold through transactions effected on the NYSE. The increase in the amount of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from that offering may also put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Fund.
The voting power of current shareholders is diluted to the extent that such shareholders do not purchase shares in any future Common Share offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their percentage interest. In addition, if the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.
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Market Discount Risk. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV may decrease.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Fund normally sells stock index call options on a portion of its common stock portfolio value, the Fund’s appreciation potential from equity market performance is more limited than if the Fund did not engage in selling stock index call options. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions.
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. These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and may exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The frequency and magnitude of changes 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. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets. 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, 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. Fixed-income markets may experience periods of relatively high volatility in an environment where U.S. treasury yields are rising.
Issuer Risk. The value of securities held by the Fund may decline for a number of reasons that directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.
Equity Risk. Under normal market conditions, the Fund’s investment program consists of owning a diversified portfolio of common stocks. Therefore, a principal risk of investing in the Fund is equity risk. Equity risk is the risk that 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; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; 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. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of equity securities of an issuer held by the Fund; the price of common stock of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common stocks held by the Fund. In addition, common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer reduces or eliminates its dividend or fails to make anticipated dividend increases. Common stocks in which the Fund invests are structurally subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of such issuers. Finally, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Risks of Investing in Smaller and Mid-Sized Companies. The Fund may make investments in stocks of companies whose market capitalization is considered middle sized or “mid-cap.” Smaller and mid-sized companies often are newer or less established companies than larger capitalization companies. Investments in smaller and mid-sized companies carry additional risks because earnings of these companies tend to be less predictable; they often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities of smaller and mid-sized companies may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, smaller and mid-sized companies have sometimes gone through extended periods when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller and mid-sized companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like.
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Risk of Selling Index Call Options. Under normal market conditions, a portion of the Fund’s common stock portfolio value is subject to written index call options. The purchaser of an index call option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the index over the exercise price of the call option as of the valuation date of the option. Because their exercise is settled in cash, sellers of index call options such as the Fund cannot provide in advance for their potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. The Fund intends to mitigate the risks of its options activities by writing options on broad-based domestic, foreign country and/or regional stock indices that the Adviser believes collectively approximate the characteristics of the Fund’s common stock portfolio (or that portion of its portfolio against which options are written). The Fund will not, however, hold stocks that fully replicate the indices on which it writes call options. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to generally limit the overlap between its stock holdings (and any subset thereof) and each index on which it has outstanding options positions to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund’s stock holdings will normally include stocks not included in the indices on which it writes call options. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the performance of its stock portfolio will vary from the performance of the indices on which it writes call options. For example, with respect to the portion of its stock portfolio against which S&P 500® index call options have been written, the Fund will suffer a loss if the S&P 500® appreciates above the exercise price of the options written while the associated securities held by the Fund fail to appreciate as much or decline in value over the life of the written option. Index options written by the Fund is priced on a daily basis. Their value is affected primarily by changes in the prices and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks in such index, changes in actual or perceived volatility of such index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. The trading price of index call options will also be affected by liquidity considerations and the balance of purchase and sale orders.
A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived and well-executed options program may be adversely affected by market behavior or unexpected events. As the writer of index call options, the Fund will forgo, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the value of the applicable index above the sum of the option premium received and the exercise price of the call option, but retains the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the value of the applicable index decline. When a call option is exercised, the Fund is required to deliver an amount of cash determined by the excess of the value of the applicable index at contract termination over the exercise price of the option. Thus, the exercise of index call options sold by the Fund may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities to generate cash at inopportune times or for unattractive prices.
To the extent that the Fund writes options on indices based upon foreign stocks, the Fund generally sells options on broad-based foreign country and/or regional stock indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code. Options on foreign indices that are listed for trading in the United States or which otherwise qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code may trade in substantially lower volumes and with substantially wider bid-ask spreads than other options contracts on the same or similar indices that trade on other markets outside the United States or in OTC markets. To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may sell index options that do not qualify as Section 1256 contracts under the Code, including OTC options. Gain or loss on index options not qualifying as Section 1256 contracts under the Code would be realized upon disposition, lapse or settlement of the positions and would be treated as short-term gain or loss.
The trading price of options may be adversely affected if the market for such options becomes less liquid or smaller. The Fund may close out a call option by buying the option instead of letting it expire or be exercised. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out a call option position by buying the option. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options) at some future date. If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which common stocks held by the Fund are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the securities markets that would not be reflected concurrently in the options markets. Index call options are marked to market daily and their value is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities represented in the underlying index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the associated index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market.
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To implement its options program most effectively, the Fund may sell index options that trade in OTC markets. Participants in these markets are typically not subject to the same credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as members of “exchange based” markets. By engaging in index option transactions in these markets, the Fund may take credit risk with regard to parties with which it trades and also may bear the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from those involved in exchange-traded transactions, which generally are characterized by clearing organization guarantees, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from these protections, which may subject the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with agreed terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract or because of a credit or liquidity problem. Such “counterparty risk” is increased for contracts with longer maturities when events may intervene to prevent settlement. 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 a settlement, may increase the potential for losses to the Fund.
Tax Risk. Reference is made to “Federal Income Tax Matters” for an explanation of the federal income tax consequences and attendant risks of investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in this regard. The tax treatment and characterization of the Fund’s distributions may change over time due to changes in the Fund’s mix of investment returns and changes in the federal tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations, potentially with retroactive effect. 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. As described more fully under “Federal Income Tax Matters,” while the Fund generally intends to use a variety of techniques and strategies designed to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, cause Common Shareholders to pay more tax than they otherwise would have, or to accelerate Common Shareholders’ recognition of taxable income or gains.
Foreign Security Risk. The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad (such as foreign brokerage costs, custodial expenses and other fees) are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation of assets, 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 or repatriating capital invested in foreign countries, and the imposition of economic sanctions. 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. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on United States exchanges or in the United States over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities). Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the United States dollar, the Fund may be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments held by the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in United States dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the United States dollar will affect the United States dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Foreign securities may not be eligible for the reduced rate of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income.
Because foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to United States companies, there may be less or less reliable publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions for, or loss of certificates of, portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the
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possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable United States companies. The risks of foreign investments described above apply to an even greater extent to investments in emerging markets.
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, following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and the UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and entered into full force on May 1, 2021. 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.
Emerging Market Security Risk. The risks of foreign investments described above apply to an even greater extent to investments in emerging markets. The securities markets of emerging countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and developed foreign markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and developed foreign markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be limited. Many emerging countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values, and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. The economies of these countries also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries in which they trade. The economies of countries with emerging markets may also be predominantly based on only a few industries or dependent on revenues from particular commodities. In addition, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in foreign markets may be more expensive in emerging markets than in many developed foreign markets, which could reduce the Fund’s income from such securities.
In many cases, governments of emerging countries continue to exercise significant control over their economies, and government actions relative to the economy, as well as economic developments generally, may affect the Fund’s investments in those countries. In addition, there is a heightened possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding taxes on dividend and interest payments, or other similar developments that could affect investments in those countries. There can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Fund to suffer a loss of any or all of its investments.
Foreign Currency Transactions Risk. The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars 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. The Fund may (but is not required to) engage in transactions to hedge against changes in foreign currencies, and will use such hedging techniques when the Adviser deems appropriate. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the rate currently prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded instruments similar in structure to futures contracts on stocks and stock indices, but change in value to reflect the movements of a currency or basket of currencies rather than a stock or stock index. Settlement is made in a designated currency. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
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The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Adverse movements in hedged currencies may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded contracts between currency traders and their customers. Such contracts may be used by the Fund when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security is anticipated. A forward contract can “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Cross-hedging may be performed by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the Adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward contracts may also be used to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets. Income or gains earned on any of the Fund’s foreign currency transactions generally will be treated as fully taxable income (i.e. income other than tax-advantaged dividends).
Currency transactions are dependent upon the creditworthiness of counterparties and 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 derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are generally no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out positions entered into until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as counterparty.
Currency Risk. Since the Fund will invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in U.S. dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Adverse movements in hedged currencies may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.
Geographic Risk. Because the Fund may, under certain market conditions, invest significantly in a particular geographic region or country, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect that region or country and may fluctuate more than that of a fund that has less exposure to such region or country.
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Interest Rate Risk. The premiums from writing index call options and amounts available for distribution from the Fund’s options activity may decrease in declining interest rate environments. The value of the Fund’s common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates. Higher yielding stocks and stocks of issuers whose businesses are substantially affected by changes in interest rates may be particularly sensitive to interest rate risk.
Derivatives Risk. In addition to writing index call options, the risks of which are described above, the Fund may also invest in other derivatives for purposes, such as hedging, to enhance return, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities, non-equity indices and currencies, options on futures contracts, equity and interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, and forward currency exchange contracts. The Fund may invest in derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the asset, index, rate or instrument underlying a derivative, due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create investment leverage in the Fund, which magnifies the Fund’s exposure to the underlying investment. Derivative risks may be more significant when they are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. Derivatives for hedging purposes may not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested in derivatives. 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 instrument. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. Dividends received on securities with respect to which the Fund is obligated to make related payments (pursuant to short sales or otherwise) will not constitute tax-advantaged dividend income and will be taxable as ordinary income. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify as tax-advantaged dividend income.
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. As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter the Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Fund and may, depending on the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on the Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. 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 there can be no assurance that any new government regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance or ability to achieve its investment objective.
Counterparty Risk. A financial institution or other counterparty with whom the Fund does business (such as trading 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.
Dividend Capture Trading Risk. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, including short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.
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Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. The Fund may not be able to dispose readily of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, the limited liquidity could affect the market price of the investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such periods, some securities could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investments is worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline.
Market Price of Common Shares. The Fund’s share price will fluctuate and, at the time of sale, shares may be worth more or less than the original investment or the Fund’s then current NAV. The Fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at a price at, above or below its NAV. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their NAV.
Financial Leverage Risk. Although the Fund has no current intention to do so, the Fund is authorized and reserves the flexibility to utilize leverage through the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities. In the event that the Fund determines in the future to utilize investment leverage, there can be no assurance that such a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares or fluctuations in borrowing costs may affect the return to Common Shareholders. To the extent the returns derived from securities purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s distributions may be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the returns from the securities purchased with such proceeds are not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, Eaton Vance, in its best judgment, may nevertheless determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or a borrowing program would be borne by Common Shareholders and consequently would result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s average daily gross assets, including proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the fee is higher when leverage is utilized, which may create an incentive for the Adviser to employ financial leverage. In this regard, holders of preferred shares do not bear the investment advisory fee. Rather, Common Shareholders bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers invest the assets of the Fund as they deem appropriate in implementing the Fund’s investment strategy. Accordingly, the success of the Fund depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers to develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the Fund’s investment objectives. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Fund’s investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance, the Sub-Adviser and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities.
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.
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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.
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, 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 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.
Recent Market Conditions. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, changes to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks of disease, 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. For example, a global pandemic or other widespread health crisis could cause substantial market volatility and exchange trading suspensions and closures. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers. 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.
Market Disruption. Global instability, war, geopolitical tensions and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have previously resulted, and may continue to result in market volatility and may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Fund cannot predict the effects of significant future events on the global economy and securities markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws” and together with the Declaration of Trust, the “Organizational Documents”) include provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. For example, pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the Fund Board is divided into three classes of Trustees with each class serving for a three-year term and certain types of transactions require the favorable vote of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. See “Description of Capital Structure - Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents - Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents.”
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Management of the Fund
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement (as defined below) and the Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement (as defined below), is the responsibility of the Fund’s Board under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the 1940 Act.
THE ADVISER
Eaton Vance acts as the Fund’s investment adviser under an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Eaton Vance has offices at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Eaton Vance and its predecessor organizations have been managing assets since 1924 and managing investment funds since 1931. Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).
On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. In connection with the Transaction, the Fund entered into a new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance. The agreement was approved by shareholders prior to the consummation of the Transaction and was effective upon its closing. Effective March 1, 2021, any fee reduction agreement previously applicable to the Fund was incorporated into its new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance and Eaton Vance’s new investment sub-advisory agreement with EVAIL.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), whose principal offices are at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.
Under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board, Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the Fund’s overall investment program. Eaton Vance also is responsible for providing the Sub-Adviser with research support and supervising the performance of the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser will furnish to the Fund investment advice and office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. The Adviser will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Adviser’s organization and who render investment services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Adviser personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund. In connection with the Transaction, the Fund entered into an investment advisory agreement (the “New Agreement”) with Eaton Vance, which took effect on March 1, 2021. Pursuant to the New Agreement (and the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance in effect prior to March 1, 2021), the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser an investment advisory fee, payable on a monthly basis, at an annual rate of 1.000% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund up to and including $1.5 billion, 0.980% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion, 0.960% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion, and 0.940% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $5 billion. Gross assets of the Fund mean total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies, and/or (iv) any other means. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, including proceeds from borrowings and from the issuance of preferred shares (if applicable). Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Eaton Vance and EVAIL, Eaton Vance (and not the Fund) pays EVAIL a portion of the advisory fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Fund. The Fund is responsible for all expenses not expressly stated by another party (such as the expenses required to be paid pursuant to an agreement with the investment adviser or administrator).
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THE SUB-ADVISER
Eaton Vance has engaged its affiliate EVAIL as the Sub-Adviser to the Fund. The Sub-Adviser’s principal office is located at 125 Old Broad Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2N 1AR, United Kingdom.
On March 1, 2021, upon the closing of the Transaction, EVAIL became an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. Prior to March 1, 2021, EVAIL was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. In connection with the Transaction, the Eaton Vance entered into a new investment sub-advisory agreement with its sub-adviser. The agreement was approved by shareholders prior to the consummation of the Transaction and was effective upon its closing.
Christopher M. Dyer is the Sub-Adviser portfolio manager responsible for the day-to-day structuring and management of the Fund’s investments. Mr. Dyer is a Director and Vice President of the Sub-Adviser, is the Director of Global Equity for the Eaton Vance organization and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2015.
Additional Information Regarding Portfolio Managers
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund. The SAI is available free of charge by calling 1-800-262-1122 or by visiting the Fund’s website at http://www.eatonvance.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this prospectus or the SAI.
The Fund, Adviser and Sub-Adviser have adopted Codes of Ethics relating to personal securities transactions. The Codes of Ethics permit Adviser personnel to invest in securities (including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund) for their own accounts, subject to the provisions of the Codes of Ethics and certain employees are also subject to certain pre-clearance, reporting and other restrictions and procedures contained in such Codes of Ethics.
The Fund’s semiannual shareholder report contains information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement.
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under an Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund. Under the Administration 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.
Plan of Distribution
The Fund may sell the Common Shares being offered under this Prospectus in any one or more of the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers; (ii) through agents; (iii) to or through underwriters; or (iv) through dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale.
The Fund may distribute Common Shares from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices that may be changed; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to prevailing market prices; or (iv) negotiated prices; provided, however, that in each case the offering price per Common Share (less any underwriting commission or discount) must equal or exceed the NAV per Common Share.
The Fund from time to time may offer its Common Shares through or to certain broker-dealers, including [_____], that have entered into selected dealer agreements relating to at-the-market offerings.
The Fund may directly solicit offers to purchase Common Shares, or the Fund may designate agents to solicit such offers. The Fund will, in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the 1933 Act, and describe any commissions the Fund must pay to such agent(s). Any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, on a firm commitment basis. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
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If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Fund will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and the Fund will set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering their names and the terms of the Fund’s agreement with them.
If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Fund will sell such Common Shares to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such Common Shares to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
The Fund may engage in at-the-market offerings to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the 1933 Act. An at-the-market offering may be through an underwriter or underwriters acting as principal or agent for the Fund.
Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with the Fund to indemnification by the Fund against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
In order to facilitate the Offering of Common Shares, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of Common Shares or any other Common Shares the prices of which may be used to determine payments on the Common Shares. Specifically, any underwriters may over-allot in connection with the Offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of Common Shares or of any such other Common Shares, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Common Shares or any such other Common Shares in the open market. Finally, in any Offering of Common Shares through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing Common Shares in the Offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Common Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of Common Shares above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.
The Fund may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell Common Shares not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Common Shares covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use Common Shares pledged by the Fund or borrowed from the Fund or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use Common Shares received from the Fund in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this Prospectus, will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials (or a post-effective amendment).
The maximum amount of compensation to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. will not exceed 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security being sold with respect to each particular Offering of Common Shares made under a single Prospectus Supplement.
Any underwriter, agent or dealer utilized in the Offering of Common Shares will not confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.
Distributions
Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Order”), the Fund is authorized to distribute long-term capital gains to shareholders more frequently than once per year. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved a Managed Distribution Plan (“MDP”) pursuant to which the Fund makes monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the MDP. The MDP is subject to regular periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the Board may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders. However, at this time there are no reasonably
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foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. The Fund may distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains and, therefore, a distribution may include a return of capital. A return of capital is treated as a non-dividend distribution for tax purposes and is not subject to current tax. A return of capital reduces a shareholder’s tax cost basis in fund shares. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions contained in the notice and press release are only estimates and are not provided for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions for tax purposes are reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV for each calendar year.
Subject to its MDP, the Fund makes monthly distributions to Common Shareholders sourced from the Fund’s cash available for distribution. “Cash available for distribution” consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, net option premiums and net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As required by U.S. GAAP, only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a substantial return of capital component. The Fund’s distribution rate may be adjusted from time-to-time. The Board may modify this distribution policy at any time without obtaining the approval of Common Shareholders.
The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Common Shareholders will automatically have distributions reinvested in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
Federal Income Tax Matters
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Accordingly, the Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains (after reduction by certain capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and to avoid paying federal income or excise tax thereon. To the extent it qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends.
At least annually, the Fund intends to distribute any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) or, alternatively, to retain all or a portion of the year’s net capital gain and pay federal income tax on the retained gain. If the Fund retains all or a portion of the year’s net capital gain, it may designate the retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to Common Shareholders of record as of the end of the Fund’s taxable year, who will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as long-term capital gain (regardless of their holding period in the Common Shares) and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on their behalf by the Fund on the retained gain. Common Shareholders of record for the retained capital gain will also be entitled to increase their tax basis in their Common Shares by the difference between the amount of the includable gains and the tax deemed paid by the Common Shareholder. 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. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gain that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“capital gain distributions”), if any, are taxable to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of their holding period in the Common Shares. Distributions of the Fund’s net realized short-term gains are generally taxable as ordinary income.
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If, for any taxable year, the Fund’s total distributions exceed the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to each Common Shareholder (up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s basis in his or her Common Shares) and thereafter as gain from the sale of Common Shares (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce the Common Shareholder’s adjusted basis in his or her Common Shares, thereby increasing his or her potential gain or reducing his or her potential loss on the subsequent sale or other disposition of his or her Common Shares. A corporation that owns Fund shares generally will only be entitled to the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) to the extent of the amount of eligible dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year, and only if holding period and other requirements are met at the shareholder and Fund levels.
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 net long-term capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of individual and other noncorporate shareholders and (ii) for the DRD 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 requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
Certain of the Fund’s investment practices are subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) convert dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income into ordinary income, (ii) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate DRD as ineligible for such treatment, (iii) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (iv) convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (v) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (vi) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (vii) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (viii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (ix) produce income that will not constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement that applies to RICs. While it may not always be successful in doing so, the Fund will seek to avoid or minimize the adverse tax consequences of its investment practices.
The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Fund (including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code (“Section 1256 contracts”). Section 1256 of the Code generally requires any gain or loss arising from a Section 1256 contract to be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. In addition, the Fund generally will be required to “mark to market” (i.e., treat as sold for fair market value) each Section 1256 contract at the close of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code). If a Section 1256 contract held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year is sold in the following year, the amount of any gain or loss realized on such sale will be adjusted to reflect the gain or loss previously taken into account under the “mark to market” rules.
The taxation of equity options that the Fund expects to write that do not qualify as Section 1256 contracts are governed by Code Section 1234. Pursuant to Code Section 1234, the premium received by the Fund for selling a call option is not included in income at the time of receipt. If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the premium is short-term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received for writing the option is short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of the security and any resulting gain or loss will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the security. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold, any resulting gain or loss 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 the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and, in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss. Because the Fund does not have control over the exercise of the call options it writes, such exercise or other required sales of the underlying securities may cause the Fund to realize capital gains or losses at inopportune times.
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Section 1092 of the Code contains special rules that apply to “straddles,” defined generally as the holding of “offsetting positions with respect to personal property.” For example, the straddle rules normally apply when a taxpayer holds stock and an offsetting option with respect to such stock or substantially identical stock or securities. In general, investment positions will be offsetting if there is a substantial diminution in the risk of loss from holding one position by reason of holding one or more other positions. The Fund expects that the index call options it writes will not be considered straddles for this purpose because the Fund’s portfolio of common stocks will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of each index on which it has outstanding option positions under applicable guidance established by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"). Under certain circumstances, however, the Fund may enter into option transactions or certain other investments that may constitute positions in a straddle. If two or more positions constitute a straddle, recognition of a realized loss from one position must generally be deferred to the extent of unrecognized gain in an offsetting position. In addition, long-term capital gain may be recharacterized as short-term capital gain, or short-term capital loss as long-term capital loss. Interest and other carrying charges allocable to personal property that is part of a straddle are not currently deductible but must instead be capitalized. Similarly, “wash sale” rules apply to prevent the recognition of loss by the Fund from the disposition of stock or securities at a loss in a case in which identical or substantially identical stock or securities (or an option to acquire such property) is or has been acquired within a prescribed period.
The Code allows a taxpayer to elect to offset gains and losses from positions that are part of a “mixed straddle.” Generally a “mixed straddle” is a straddle in which one or more but not all positions are Section 1256 contracts. The Fund may be eligible to elect to establish one or more mixed straddle accounts for certain of its mixed straddle trading positions. The mixed straddle account rules require a daily “marking to market” of all open positions in the account and a daily netting of gains and losses from all positions in the account. At the end of a taxable year, the annual net gains or losses from the mixed straddle account are recognized for tax purposes. The net capital gain or loss is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss if attributable to the Section 1256 contract positions, or all short-term capital gain or loss if attributable to the non-Section 1256 contract positions.
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 from a short sale of property is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent 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 the short sale is entered into, gains on short sales generally are short-term capital gains. 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 addition, entering into a short sale may result in suspension of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Fund.
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.
“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 must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stock in its portfolio and the shareholders 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 Common 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 Common 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
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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 income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of 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 passive foreign investment company. 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.
There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s dividend distributions will qualify for favorable treatment as qualified dividend income. 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.
Distributions are taxable as described herein whether Common Shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.
The Fund will inform Common Shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
Selling Common Shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the Common Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold. If the Common Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. Any loss on a disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (or deemed received) with respect to those Common Shares. For purposes of determining whether Common Shares have been held for six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during which the Common Shareholder’s risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in substantially similar or related property, or through certain options or short sales. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed to the extent those Common Shares are replaced by other Common Shares within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the Common Shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise). In that event, the basis of the replacement Common Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
The net investment income of certain U.S. individuals, estates and trusts is subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax. For individuals, the tax is on the lesser of the “net investment income” and the excess of modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly). Net investment income includes, among other things, interest, dividends, and gross income and capital gains derived from passive activities and trading in securities or commodities. Net investment income is reduced by deductions “properly allocable” to this income.
Investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes or other foreign taxes with respect to income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) which may decrease the yield on such securities. These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of an applicable tax treaty. In addition, investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate a Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of a Fund’s distributions.
If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets at taxable year end consists of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to file an election for such taxable year which would require Fund shareholders to include in gross income their pro rata share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund and could allow 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 tax deductions, to deduct their portion of such Fund’s foreign taxes paid in computing their taxable federal income. However, even if the Fund qualifies to make such election for any year, it may determine not to do so.
An investor should be aware that, if Common Shares are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable distribution (including a capital gain distribution), the purchase price likely will reflect the value of the distribution and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution that is likely to reduce the trading value of such Common Shares, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price. Taxable distributions to certain individuals and certain other non-corporate Common Shareholders, including those who have not provided their correct taxpayer identification number and other required certifications, may be subject to “backup” federal income tax withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the Common Shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
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An investor should also be aware that the benefits of the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.
Certain foreign entities including foreign entities acting as intermediaries 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 the 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.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important federal income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the U.S. federal tax law as of the date of this Prospectus, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors. A more complete discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and the Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that an investor is a United States person and holds Common Shares as a capital asset. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the IRS retroactively or prospectively. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Fund offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which Common Shareholders automatically have distributions reinvestment in Common Shares of the Fund unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Fund distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the Common Shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST” or the “Plan Agent”), as disbursing agent. On the distribution payment date, if the net asset value per Common Share is equal to or less than the market price per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, then new Common Shares will be issued. The number of Common Shares shall be determined by the greater of the net asset value per Common Share or 95% of the market price. Otherwise, Common Shares generally will be purchased on the open market by the Plan Agent. Distributions subject to income tax (if any) are taxable whether or not shares are reinvested.
If your shares are in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you can ask the firm or nominee to participate in the Plan on your behalf. If the nominee does not offer the Plan, you will need to request that your shares be re-registered in your name with the Fund’s transfer agent, AST, or you will not be able to participate.
The Plan Agent’s service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each participant will be charged their pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.
Plan participants may withdraw from the Plan at any time by writing to the Plan Agent at the address noted on page 55. If you withdraw, you will receive shares in your name for all Common Shares credited to your account under the Plan. If a participant elects by written notice to the Plan Agent to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her Common Shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct a $5.00 fee plus brokerage commissions from the proceeds.
Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, AST, at 1-866-439-6787.
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Description of Capital Structure
The Fund is an unincorporated business trust established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may authorize separate classes of shares of beneficial interest. The Board has authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of Common Shareholders in compliance with the requirements of the NYSE.
COMMON SHARES
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional Common Shares. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Common Shareholders will be entitled to the payment of distributions when, as and if declared by the Board. The 1940 Act or the terms of any future borrowings or issuance of preferred shares may limit the payment of distributions to the Common Shareholders. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC.
The Fund’s By-Laws include provisions (the “Control Share Provisions”), pursuant to which a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of Fund shares in a “Control Share Acquisition” may exercise voting rights with respect to such shares only to the extent the authorization of such voting rights is approved by other shareholders of the Fund. The By-Laws define a “Control Share Acquisition,” pursuant to various conditions and exceptions, to include an acquisition of Fund shares that would give the beneficial owner, upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power, but for the Control Share Provisions, in the election of Fund Trustees in any of the following ranges: (i) one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power; (ii) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; (iii) one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or (iv) a majority or more of all voting power. Subject to various conditions and procedural requirements, including the delivery of a “Control Share Acquisition Statement” to the Fund’s secretary setting forth certain required information, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of shares in a Control Share Acquisition generally may request a vote of Fund shareholders (excluding such acquiring shareholder and certain other interested shareholders) to approve the authorization of voting rights for such shares at the next annual meeting of Fund shareholders following the Control Share Acquisition. See “Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents” below for more information.
The By-Laws establish qualification criteria applicable to prospective Trustees and generally require that advance notice be given to the Fund in the event a shareholder desires to nominate a person for election to the Board or to transact any other business at a meeting of shareholders. Any notice by a shareholder must be accompanied by certain information as required by the By-Laws. No shareholder proposal will be considered at any meeting of shareholders of the Fund if such proposal is submitted by a shareholder who does not satisfy all applicable requirements set forth in the By-Laws.
In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Board may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the Common Shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides that Common Shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Fund and permits inclusion of a clause to that effect in every agreement entered into by the Fund and in coordination with the Fund’s By-laws indemnifies shareholders against any such liability. Although shareholders of an unincorporated business trust established under Massachusetts law may, in certain limited circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the business trust as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Fund’s Organizational Documents described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.
The Fund has no current intention to issue preferred shares or to borrow money. However, if at some future time there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued distributions on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Fund’s total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares. In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of preferred shares from a nationally recognized statistical rating agency (a “Rating Agency”). These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This
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limitation on the Fund’s ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. If the Fund were in the future to issue preferred shares or borrow money, it would intend, however, to the extent possible to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements and may pay special distributions to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any potential impairment of the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.” Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.
The Fund has no present intention of offering additional Common Shares, except as described herein. Other offerings of its Common Shares, if made, will require approval of the Board. Any additional offering will not be sold at a price per Common Share below the then current net asset value (NAV) (exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing Common Shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.
The Fund generally will not issue Common Share certificates. However, upon written request to the Fund’s transfer agent, a share certificate will be issued for any or all of the full Common Shares credited to an investor’s account. Common Share certificates that have been issued to an investor may be returned at any time.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES AND OTHER DISCOUNT MEASURES
Because shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAVs, the Board has determined that from time-to-time it may be in the interest of Common Shareholders for the Fund to take corrective actions to reduce trading discounts in the Common Shares. The Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the NAV of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Fund, the effect on the Fund’s expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions that may have a material effect on the Fund’s ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the Board will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or, if undertaken, that such actions will result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or approximating their NAV. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to NAV and that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.
The Board of Trustees initially approved a share repurchase program for the Fund on August 6, 2012. Pursuant to the reauthorization of the share repurchase program by the Board of Trustees in March 2019, the Fund is authorized to repurchase up to 10% of its common shares outstanding as of the last day of the prior calendar year at market prices when shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Fund to purchase a specific amount of shares. Results of the share repurchase program are disclosed in the Fund's annual and semiannual reports to shareholders.
PREFERRED SHARES
The Fund has no current intention of issuing any shares other than the Common Shares. However, the Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights (the “preferred shares”) in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the Common Shareholders.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares, have an “asset coverage” of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness of the Fund, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. If the Fund seeks a rating for preferred shares, asset coverage requirements in addition to those set forth in the 1940 Act may be imposed. The liquidation value of any preferred shares would be expected to equal their aggregate original purchase price plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (on a cumulative basis), whether or not earned or declared. The terms of any preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes preferred shares. The Fund may issue
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preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of such preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on any preferred shares may exceed the Fund’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares and the Fund’s leverage structure, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the Fund were not so structured.
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to Common Shareholders. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, would be entitled to elect two of the Fund’s Trustees if any preferred shares are issued. The holders of both the Common Shares and the preferred shares (voting together as a single class with each share entitling its holder to one vote) shall be entitled to elect the remaining Trustees of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time dividends on the preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ dividends thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Board until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, if required by a Rating Agency rating the preferred shares or if the Board determines it to be in the best interests of the Common Shareholders, issuance of the preferred shares may result in more restrictive provisions than required under the 1940 Act. In this regard, holders of preferred shares may be entitled to elect a majority of the Board in other circumstances, for example, if one payment on the preferred shares is in arrears. The differing rights of the holders of preferred and Common Shares with respect to the election of Trustees do not affect the obligation of all Trustees to take actions they believe to be consistent with the best interests of the Fund. All such actions must be consistent with (i) the obligations of the Fund with respect to the holders of preferred shares (which obligations arise primarily from the contractual terms of the preferred shares, as specified in the Declaration of Trust and By-laws of the Fund) and (ii) the fiduciary duties owed to the Fund, which include the duties of loyalty and care.
In the event of any future issuance of preferred shares, the Fund likely would seek a credit rating for such preferred shares from a Rating Agency. In such event, as long as preferred shares are outstanding, the composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by such Rating Agency. Based on previous guidelines established by Rating Agencies for the securities of other issuers, the Fund anticipates that the guidelines with respect to any preferred shares would establish a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. Although no assurance can be given as to the nature or extent of the guidelines that may be imposed in connection with obtaining a rating of any preferred shares, the Fund anticipates that such guidelines would include asset coverage requirements that are more restrictive than those under the 1940 Act, restrictions on certain portfolio investments and investment practices and certain mandatory redemption requirements relating to any preferred shares. No assurance can be given that the guidelines actually imposed with respect to any preferred shares by a Rating Agency would be more or less restrictive than those described in this Prospectus.
CREDIT FACILITY/COMMERCIAL PAPER PROGRAM
The Fund has no current intention to borrow money for the purpose of obtaining investment leverage. If, in the future, the Fund determines to engage in investment leverage using borrowings, the Fund may enter into definitive agreements with respect to a credit facility/commercial paper program or other borrowing program (“Program”), pursuant to which the Fund would expect to be entitled to borrow up to a specified amount. Any such borrowings would constitute financial leverage. Borrowings under such a Program would not be expected to be convertible into any other securities of the Fund. Outstanding amounts would be expected to be prepayable by the Fund prior to final maturity without significant penalty, and no sinking fund or mandatory retirement provisions would be expected to apply. Outstanding amounts would be payable at maturity or such earlier times as required by the agreement. The Fund may be required to prepay outstanding amounts under the Program or incur a penalty rate of interest in the event of the occurrence of certain events of default. The Fund would be expected to indemnify the lenders under the Program against liabilities they may incur in connection with the Program.
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In addition, the Fund expects that any such Program would contain covenants that, among other things, likely would limit the Fund’s ability to pay distributions in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition to those required by the 1940 Act. The Fund may be required to pledge its assets and to maintain a portion of its assets in cash or high-grade securities as a reserve against interest or principal payments and expenses. The Fund expects that any Program would have customary covenant, negative covenant and default provisions. There can be no assurance that the Fund will enter into an agreement for a Program on terms and conditions representative of the foregoing, or that additional material terms will not apply. In addition, if entered into, any such Program may in the future be replaced or refinanced by one or more credit facilities having substantially different terms or by the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities.
EFFECTS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE LEVERAGE
As discussed above, the Fund has no current intention to issue preferred shares or to borrow money for the purpose of obtaining investment leverage. In the event that the Fund determines in the future to utilize investment leverage, there can be no assurance that such a leveraging strategy would be successful during any period in which it is employed. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in distribution rates on any preferred shares or fluctuations in borrowing costs may affect the return to Common Shareholders. To the extent that amounts available for distribution derived from securities purchased with the proceeds of leverage exceed the cost of such leverage, the Fund’s distributions would be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the amounts available for distribution derived from securities purchased with leverage proceeds are not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, distributions to Common Shareholders would be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, Eaton Vance, in its best judgment, may nevertheless determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or a borrowing program would be borne by Common Shareholders and consequently would result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. See “Risk Factors -- Financial Leverage Risk.”
In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s average daily gross assets, including proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares and/or borrowings, so the fees would be higher if leverage is utilized. In this regard, holders of preferred shares would not bear the investment advisory fee. Rather, Common Shareholders would bear the portion of the investment advisory fee attributable to the assets purchased with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering. See “Risk Factors — Financial Leverage Risk.”
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS
Summary of Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents
Pursuant to the Organizational Documents, the Board is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of holders of Common Shares and preferred shares. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay the replacement of a majority of the Board, thereby increasing stability of the composition of the Board. In addition, in the event a Trustee is not elected at an annual meeting at which such Trustee’s term expires, and a nominee presented to shareholders as such Trustee’s successor is also not elected, then the incumbent Trustee shall remain a member of the relevant class of Trustees and hold office until the expiration of the term applicable to Trustees in that class. In a contested Trustee election, a nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote in order to be elected. A Trustee may be removed from office only for cause by a written instrument signed by the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the class of shares of the Fund that elects such Trustee and are entitled to vote on the matter. These provisions similarly could delay the replacement of Trustees, which similarly increases stability of the composition of the Board.
The Organizational Documents establish supermajority voting requirements with respect to certain other matters. The Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund, voting as a class, then entitled to vote to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders (“Principal Shareholders”) of a class of shares and their associates, unless the Board shall by resolution have approved a memorandum of understanding with such holders, in which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. For purposes of these provisions, a Principal Shareholder refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest of the Fund. The transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash; (iii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any
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substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period); or (iv) the sale, lease or exchange to or with the Fund or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period). For information on the Control Share Provisions and the qualification criteria applicable to prospective Trustees in the Fund’s By-Laws, see “Description of Capital Structure – Common Shares.”
The Board believes that these provisions are in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions may provide some protection to the Fund against insurgent campaigns from “activist” investors that may, under some circumstances, impede the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and may otherwise threaten to harm the long-term interests of the Fund and its other shareholders. These provisions promote continuity and stability and enhance the Fund’s ability to pursue the Fund’s investment strategies that are consistent with its stated investment objective and investment policies. Because these provisions may discourage third parties from seeking to obtain control of the Fund or from seeking to effect a tender offer or similar transaction, they may reduce opportunities for Common Shareholders to sell their Common Shares at a short-term premium over the then-current market price. However, they allow the Board to balance the interests of the entire shareholder base in evaluating these and other types of transactions rather than prioritizing the interests of certain shareholders.
The voting thresholds described above that are higher than those (if any) established under Massachusetts or federal. The Board has determined that these voting requirements are in the best interest of holders of Common Shares and preferred shares generally. Reference is made to the Organizational Documents on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.
Conversion to Open-End Fund
The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment company at any time if approved by the lesser of (i) two-thirds or more of the Fund’s then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares (if any), each voting separately as a class, or (ii) more than 50% of the then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares (if any), voting separately as a class if such conversion is recommended by at least 75% of the Trustees then in office. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all shareholders. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings, which would eliminate any future leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board believes that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. Shareholders of an open-end management investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their NAV, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. If the Fund were to convert to an open-end investment company, the Fund expects it would pay all such redemption requests in cash, but would likely reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at NAV plus a sales load.
Custodian and Transfer Agent
State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, is the custodian of the Fund and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Fund. State Street maintains the Fund’s general ledger and computes NAV per share at least weekly. State Street also attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer and other dealings with the Fund’s investments, and receives and disburses all funds. State Street also assists in preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the Fund.
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Legal Matters
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares is passed upon for the Fund by internal counsel for Eaton Vance.
Reports to Shareholders
The Fund will send to Common Shareholders unaudited semi-annual and audited annual reports, including a list of investments held.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Fund’s financial statements. Deloitte and/or its affiliates provide other audit, tax and related services to the Fund.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the investment adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund or Portfolio, as applicable (collectively, for purposes of this section, “Fund” or “Funds”). Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor Morgan Stanley funds, programs, accounts or businesses, (other than funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by former direct or indirect subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp. (“Eaton Vance Investment Accounts”)), the “MS Investment Accounts,” and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Accounts, the ‘‘Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley or the investment adviser may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.
The discussions below with respect to actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest also may be applicable to or arise from the MS Investment Accounts whether or not specifically identified. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled “Potential Conflicts of Interest” in the SAI.
Material Non-public Information. It is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the investment adviser. If such information becomes available, the investment adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. In limited circumstances, however, including for purposes of managing business and reputational risk, and subject to policies and procedures and any applicable regulations, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the investment adviser, on one side of an information barrier may have access to information and personnel on the other side of the information barrier through “wall crossings.” The investment adviser faces conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in such wall crossings. Information obtained in connection with such wall crossings may limit or restrict the ability of the investment adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund(s) (including purchasing or selling securities that the investment adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for a Fund in the absence of a wall crossing).
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Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the investment adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the investment adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the investment adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the investment adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the investment adviser, including the Fund(s), fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser.
Investments by Separate Investment Departments. The entities and individuals that provide investment-related services for the Fund and certain other Eaton Vance Investment Accounts (the “Eaton Vance Investment Department”) may be different from the entities and individuals that provide investment-related services to MS Investment Accounts (the “MS Investment Department” and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Department, the “Investment Departments”). Although Morgan Stanley has implemented information barriers between the Investment Departments in accordance with internal policies and procedures, each Investment Department may engage in discussions and share information and resources with the other Investment Department on certain investment-related matters. A MS Investment Account could trade in advance of a Fund (and vice versa), might complete trades more quickly and efficiently than a Fund, and/or achieve different execution than a Fund on the same or similar investments made contemporaneously, even when the Investment Departments shared research and viewpoints that led to that investment decision. Any sharing of information or resources between the Investment Department servicing the Fund and the MS Investment Department may result, from time to time, in a Fund simultaneously or contemporaneously seeking to engage in the same or similar transactions as an account serviced by the other Investment Department and for which there are limited buyers or sellers on specific securities, which could result in less favorable execution for the Fund than such account.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries. The investment adviser and/or EVD may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of a Fund, to certain financial intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the investment adviser and EVD), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by financial intermediaries may provide such financial intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of a Fund over other investment options with respect to which these financial intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receive lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of a Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by financial intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the investment adviser may restrict, limit or reduce the amount of a Fund’s investment, or restrict the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.
Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of a Fund.
Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley’s activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to a Fund.
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Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, a Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to merger or acquisition.
General Process for Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the investment adviser, related persons of the investment adviser and/or their clients. The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the investment adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The investment adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.
Additional Information
The Prospectus and the SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations. The SAI can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-262-1122.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
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 are no longer being sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are being made available on the Fund’s website (funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php), 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 hold shares at the Fund’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting AST. 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 hold shares at AST, you can inform AST that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-866-439-6787. 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 funds held with AST or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.
Incorporation by Reference
This Prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference” the information filed with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Prospectus, and later information that the Fund files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 59 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the Offering will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and deemed to be part of this Prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents:
• | The Fund’s SAI, dated February 17, 2022, filed with this Prospectus; | |||
• | The Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on December 23, 2021; and | |||
• | the description of the Fund’s Common Shares contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 16, 2007, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby. |
The Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should direct requests for documents by calling (800) 262-1122.
The Fund makes available this Prospectus, SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, at http://www.eatonvance.com. You may also obtain this Prospectus, the SAI, other documents incorporated by reference and other information the Fund files electronically, including reports and proxy statements, on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) or with the payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 60 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
The Fund’s Privacy Policy
The Eaton Vance organization is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. Each entity listed below has adopted privacy policy and procedures (“Privacy Program”) Eaton Vance believes is reasonably designed to protect your personal information and to govern when and with whom Eaton Vance may share your personal information.
· | At the time of opening an account, Eaton Vance generally requires you to provide us with certain information such as name, address, social security number, tax status, account numbers, and account balances. This information is necessary for us to both open an account for you and to allow us to satisfy legal requirements such as applicable anti-money laundering reviews and know-your-customer requirements. |
· | On an ongoing basis, in the normal course of servicing your account, Eaton Vance may share your information with unaffiliated third parties that perform various services for Eaton Vance and/or your account. These third parties include transfer agents, custodians, broker/dealers and our professional advisers, including auditors, accountants, and legal counsel. Eaton Vance may share your personal information with our affiliates. Eaton Vance may also share your information as required or permitted by applicable law. |
· | We believe our Privacy Program is reasonably designed to protect the confidentiality of your personal information and to prevent unauthorized access to that information. |
· | We reserve the right to change our Privacy Program at any time upon proper notification to you. You may want to review our Privacy Program periodically for changes by accessing the link on our homepage: www.eatonvance.com. |
Our pledge of protecting your personal information applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance WaterOak Advisors, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd., Eaton Vance Global Advisors Limited, Eaton Vance Management’s Real Estate Investment Group, Boston Management and Research, Calvert Research and Management, and Calvert Funds.
This notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures.
For more information about Eaton Vance’s Privacy Program or about how your personal information may be used, please call 1-800-262-1122.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 61 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information
Page | |
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions | 2 |
Trustees and Officers | 11 |
Investment Advisory and Other Services | 19 |
Determination of Net Asset Value | 23 |
Portfolio Trading | 24 |
Taxes | 27 |
Other Information | 34 |
Custodian | 34 |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 34 |
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities | 34 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest | 35 |
Incorporation by Reference | 42 |
Financial Statements | 42 |
APPENDIX A: Ratings | 43 |
APPENDIX B: Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures | 53 |
APPENDIX C: Adviser and Sub-Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | 55 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 62 | Prospectus dated February 17, 2022 |
Up to 45,429,518 Shares
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
Common Shares
Prospectus February 17, 2022
Printed on recycled paper.
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 17, 2022
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
1-800-262-1122
Table of Contents
Page | |
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions | 2 |
Trustees and Officers | 11 |
Investment Advisory and Other Services | 19 |
Determination of Net Asset Value | 23 |
Portfolio Trading | 24 |
Taxes | 27 |
Other Information | 34 |
Custodian | 34 |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 34 |
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities | 34 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest | 35 |
Incorporation by Reference | 42 |
Financial Statements | 42 |
APPENDIX A: Ratings | 43 |
APPENDIX B: Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures | 53 |
APPENDIX C: Adviser and Sub-Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | 55 |
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (“SAI”) IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROSPECTUS OF EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND (THE “FUND”) DATED FEBRUARY 17, 2022 (THE “PROSPECTUS”), AS SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS SAI SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH PROSPECTUS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE BY CONTACTING YOUR FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY OR CALLING THE FUND AT 1-800-262-1122.
Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Fund’s Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplements.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
Primary investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The following is a description of the various investment policies that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy, and a summary of certain attendant risks.
Equity Investments. As described in the Prospectus, the Fund invests in common stocks.
Preferred Stocks. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks of both domestic and foreign issuers. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects, with respect to that portion of its total assets invested in preferred stocks, to invest only in preferred stocks of investment grade quality as determined by S&P, Fitch or Moody’s or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event of a downgrade of an assessment of credit quality or the withdrawal of a rating.
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 dividend 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. 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. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks as more fully described in the Prospectus.
Derivative Instruments. 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.
In seeking to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading, the Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts and may engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities and non-equity indices, options on futures contracts, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps, interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures contracts. Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may invest in the foregoing derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive.
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.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 2 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
The regulation of derivatives has undergone substantial change in recent years. In particular, although many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) have yet to be fully implemented or are subject to phase-in periods, it is possible that upon implementation these provisions, or any future regulatory or legislative activity, could limit or restrict the ability of a Fund to use derivative instruments, including futures, options on futures and swap agreements as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. New position limits imposed on a Fund or its counterparty may also impact the Fund’s ability to efficiently utilize futures, options, and swaps.
As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter the Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Fund and may, depending on the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on the Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of the 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 the Fund engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.
Legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. The effects of any new governmental regulation cannot be predicted and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance or ability to achieve its investment objective.
The Fund may use derivative instruments and trading strategies, including the following:
Options on Securities, Indices and Currencies. The Fund may engage in transactions in exchange traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and 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 greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk.
Call Options. The Fund is authorized to write (i.e., sell) call options and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered call option is an option in which the Fund, in return for a premium, gives another party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract.
The principal reason for writing call options is the attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing covered call options, the Fund gives up the opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, the Fund’s ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Fund’s position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options also serve as a partial hedge to the extent of the premium received against the price of the underlying security declining.
Put Options. The Fund is authorized to purchase put options to seek to hedge against a decline in the value of its securities or to enhance its return. By buying a put option, the Fund acquires a right to sell the underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Fund’s risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the securities or instruments until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying securities or instruments will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction and profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out the Fund’s position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. The Fund also may purchase uncovered put options.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 3 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Futures. The Fund may engage in transactions in futures and options on futures. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit collateral (“margin”) equal to a percentage (generally less than 10%) of the contract value. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Fund will pay additional 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. Futures involve substantial leverage risk. The sale of a futures contract limits the Fund’s risk of loss from a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract’s expiration date. In the event the market value of the Fund holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the Fund holdings than would have been realized without the purchase of the futures contract.
The purchase of a futures contract may protect the Fund from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Fund was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Fund believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or the Fund determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Fund may realize a loss relating to the futures position.
The Fund is also authorized to purchase or sell call and put options on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices. Generally, these strategies would be used under the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which the Fund entered into futures transactions. The Fund may purchase put options or write call options on futures contracts and stock indices in lieu of selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly, the Fund can purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities which the Fund intends to purchase.
Risks Associated with Futures. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts and options are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the price of the futures contract or option; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the investment adviser’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations.
The Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration as a CPO.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlement. The Fund will enter into foreign exchange transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or the Fund position or, to seek to enhance returns. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of the Fund’s securities are, or are expected to be, denominated, and to buy U.S. dollars. Proxy hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund 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 that the Fund is engaged in proxy hedging. The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into forward contracts to sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects to have portfolio exposure. Some of the forward foreign currency contracts entered into by the Fund are classified as non-deliverable forwards (“NDF”). NDFs are cash-settled, short-term forward contracts that may be thinly traded or are denominated in non-convertible foreign currency, where the profit or loss at the time at the settlement date is calculated by taking the difference between the agreed upon exchange rate and the spot rate at the time of settlement, for an agreed upon notional amount of funds. NDFs are commonly quoted for time periods of one month up to two years, and are normally quoted and settled in U.S. dollars. They are often used to gain exposure to and/or hedge exposure to foreign currencies that are not internationally traded.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 4 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in spot transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) for purposes of hedging 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. Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on foreign dollar denominated securities owned by the Fund, sold by the Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund.
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. 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. 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.
Currency Options. The Fund may seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities. For example, in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. The Fund may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.
Currency Futures. The Fund may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts while forward foreign exchange transactions are traded in the OTC market. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.
Risk Factors in Hedging Foreign Currency. Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. Although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Fund’s hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that the Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Fund may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.
Swap Agreements. 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 particular predetermined investments or instruments, which can be adjusted for an interest 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. Whether the Fund’s use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the investment adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 5 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
certain standards of creditworthiness. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. Swap agreements are also subject to the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the counterparty. The Fund, however, will segregate liquid assets equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the swap agreement or the amount it would 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 swap agreement. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. The swaps market is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Interest Rate Swaps. 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 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.
Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset(s), which may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating-rate of interest or the total return from other underlying asset(s).
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.
Short Sales. The Fund may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). The Fund may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). 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. Although the Fund reserves the right to utilize short sales, the Adviser is under no obligation to utilize short-sales at all.
Securities Lending. The Fund may seek to earn income by lending 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
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 6 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
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.
Real Estate Investments. Companies primarily engaged in the real estate industry and other real estate-related investments may include publicly traded real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or real estate operating companies that either own properties or make construction or mortgage loans, real estate developers, companies with substantial real estate holdings and other companies whose products and services are related to the real estate industry, such as lodging operators, brokers, property management companies, building supply manufacturers, mortgage lenders, or mortgage servicing companies. REITs tend to be small to medium-sized companies, and may include equity REITs and mortgage REITs. The value of a REIT can depend on the structure of and cash flow generated by the REIT. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that have expenses of their own, so the Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of those expenses. The Fund will not own real estate directly.
Real estate investments are subject to special risks including changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, and the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws, among others. Changes in underlying real estate values may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that investments concentrate in particular geographic regions or property types.
Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, and self-liquidations. In addition, equity and mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax-free pass through of income or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors may also adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to a REIT. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, a REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.
Shares of REITs may trade less frequently and, therefore, are subject to more erratic price movements than securities of larger issuers. REITs are also subject to credit, market, liquidity and interest rate risks.
REITs may issue debt securities to fund their activities. The value of these debt securities may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REIT, the creditworthiness of the REIT, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements, among other things.
Exchange-Traded Funds. The Fund may invest in shares of exchange-traded funds (collectively, “ETFs”) which are designed to provide investment results corresponding to an index. These indexes may be either broad-based, sector or international.
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.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 7 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Further, trading in an ETF may be halted if the trading in one or more of the securities held by an ETF is halted. The existence of extreme market volatility or potential lack of an active trading market for an ETF’s shares could result in such shares trading at a significant premium or discount to their NAV.
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.
Pooled Investment Vehicles. The Fund reserves the right to invest up to 10% of its total assets, calculated at the time of purchase, in the securities of pooled investment vehicles including other investment companies unaffiliated with the Adviser. The 10% limitation does not apply to the Fund’s investment in money market funds and certain other pooled investment vehicles. Pooled investment vehicles include other open-end or closed-end investment companies affiliated or unaffiliated with the investment adviser, exchange-traded funds and other collective investment pools. 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.
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.
Operational Risk. The Fund’s service providers, including the investment adviser, may experience disruptions or operating errors that could negatively impact the Fund. Disruptive events, including (but not limited to) natural disasters and public health crises, may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to conduct business, in particular if the Fund’s employees or the employees of its service providers are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities as a result of any such event. 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 Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 8 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Temporary Investments. The Fund may invest in cash equivalents to invest daily cash balances or for temporary defensive purposes. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. Government obligations.
LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk. 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. 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 and to determine dividend rates for preferred shares. 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. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing certain LIBOR settings on December 31, 2021, and is expected to cease publishing the remaining LIBOR settings on June 30, 2023. Many market participants are in the process of transitioning to the use of alternative reference or benchmark rates.
Although the transition process away from LIBOR has become increasingly well-defined, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR remains uncertain. 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 borrowing or the dividend rate for preferred shares, or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable.
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. 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. Both SOFR and SONIA, as well as certain other proposed replacement rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR need to be made to accommodate the differences. 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.
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. Although there are ongoing efforts among certain government entities and other organizations to address these uncertainties, the ultimate effectiveness of such efforts is not yet known.
Any 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, and such effects may occur prior to the anticipated discontinuation of the remaining LIBOR settings in 2023. Furthermore, the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.
Asset Coverage Requirements. 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 obligations. Assets used as cover or segregated cannot be sold while the position(s) requiring cover 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, residual interest bonds, and participation in revolving credit facilities.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 9 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
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 outstanding shares of the Fund. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
1. | Borrow money, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The 1940 Act currently requires that any indebtedness incurred by a closed-end investment company have an asset coverage of at least 300%; |
2. | Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than (i) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 200%, (ii) indebtedness which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300%, or (iii) the borrowings permitted by investment restriction (1) above. The 1940 Act currently defines “senior security” as any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security and evidencing indebtedness and any stock of a class having priority over any other class as to distribution of assets or payment of dividends. Debt and equity securities issued by a closed-end investment company meeting the foregoing asset coverage provisions are excluded from the general 1940 Act prohibition on the issuance of senior securities; |
3. | 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 purchase of investment assets with the proceeds of a permitted borrowing or securities offering will not be deemed to be the purchase of securities on margin; |
4. | Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except insofar as it may technically be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in selling or disposing of a portfolio investment; |
5. | Make loans to other persons, except by (a) the acquisition of loans, loan interests, debt securities and other obligations in which the Fund is authorized to invest in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) entering into repurchase agreements and (c) lending its portfolio securities; |
6. | Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and sell securities which are secured by-interests in real estate and securities of issuers which invest or deal in real estate. The Fund reserves the freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities; |
7. | Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities. Physical commodities do not include futures contracts with respect to securities, securities indices, currency or other financial instruments; |
8. | With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer, except obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and except securities of other investment companies; and |
9. | Invest 25% or more of its total assets in any single industry or group of industries (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities). |
In regard to 5(c), the value of the securities loaned by the Fund may not exceed 33 1/3% of its total assets.
The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities. The 1940 Act currently requires that the Fund have 300% asset coverage with respect to all borrowings other than temporary borrowings.
For purposes of construing restriction (9), securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities are not considered to represent industries. Municipal obligations backed by the credit of a governmental entity are also not considered to represent industries.
The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment policy which may be changed by the Board without approval of the Fund’s shareholders. As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund may not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a short position is open the Fund either owns an equal amount of such securities or owns 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.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 10 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Upon the Board’s approval, the Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in one or more other management investment companies (or may invest in affiliated investment companies) to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.
Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction set forth in the Prospectus or this SAI states a maximum 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 Fund’s acquisition of such security or asset. Accordingly, 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 Adviser if the security is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel the Fund to dispose of such security or other asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund must always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above. If a Fund is required to reduce borrowings, it will do so in a manner that is consistent with the 1940 Act and guidance of the SEC or its staff, and that complies with any applicable SEC exemptive order.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Fund. The Board members and officers of the Fund 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. Each Trustee holds office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and 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, as amended (the “1940 Act”) or any other regulations or guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 Fund, 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” or “EVM” refers to Eaton Vance Management and “EVD” refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EV is the trustee of each of Eaton Vance and BMR. Effective March 1, 2021, each of Eaton Vance, BMR, EVD and EV are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley. 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 | Fund Position(s)(1) |
Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2) |
Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years | |||||
Interested Trustee | ||||||||||
THOMAS E. FAUST JR. 1958 |
Class I Trustee |
Until 2022. 3 years. Since 2007. |
Chairman of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Inc. (MSIM), member of the Board of Managers and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD. Formerly, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC. Mr. Faust is an interested person because of his positions with MSIM, BMR, Eaton Vance, EVD and EV, which are affiliates of the Fund, and his former position with EVC, which was an affiliate of the Fund prior to March 1, 2021. | 137 | Formerly, Director of EVC (2007-2021) and Hexavest Inc. (investment management firm) (2012-2021). |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 11 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Name and Year of Birth | Fund Position(s)(1) |
Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2) |
Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years | |||||
Noninterested Trustees | ||||||||||
MARK R. FETTING 1954 |
Class III Trustee |
Until 2024. 3 years. 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). | 138 | None | |||||
CYNTHIA E. FROST 1961 |
Class I Trustee |
Until 2022. 3 years. 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). | 137 | None | |||||
GEORGE J. GORMAN 1952 |
Chairperson of the Board and Class II Trustee |
Until 2023. 3 years. Chairperson of the Board since 2021 and 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). | 138 | None | |||||
VALERIE A. MOSLEY 1960 |
Class III Trustee |
Until 2024. 3 years. Since 2014. |
Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmo Ventures (a consulting and investment firm). Founder of Upward Wealth, Inc., dba BrightUP, a fintech platform. 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). | 138 | 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). |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 12 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Name and Year of Birth | Fund Position(s)(1) |
Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2) |
Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years | |||||
WILLIAM H. PARK 1947 |
Class II Trustee |
Until 2023. 3 years. 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). | 138 | None | |||||
HELEN FRAME PETERS 1948 |
Class III Trustee |
Until 2024. 3 years. 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). | 138 | None | |||||
KEITH QUINTON 1958 |
Class II Trustee |
Until 2023. 3 years. 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). | 138 | Formerly, Director (2016-2021) and Chairman (2019-2021) of New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank. | |||||
MARCUS L. SMITH 1966 |
Class III Trustee |
Until 2024. 3 years. Since 2018. |
Private investor and independent corporate director. Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Canada (2012-2017), Chief Investment Officer, Asia (2010-2012), Director of Asian Research (2004-2010) and portfolio manager (2001-2017) at MFS Investment Management (investment management firm). | 138 | Director of First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. (an industrial REIT) (since 2021). 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). |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 13 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Name and Year of Birth | Fund Position(s)(1) |
Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2) |
Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years | |||||
SUSAN J. SUTHERLAND 1957 |
Class II Trustee |
Until 2023. 3 years. 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) (2015-2018) and Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (insurance and reinsurance) (2013-2015). Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013). | 138 | Director of Kairos Acquisition Corp. (insurance/InsurTech acquisition company) (since 2021). | |||||
SCOTT E. WENNERHOLM 1959 |
Class I Trustee |
Until 2022. 3 years. 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). | 137 | None |
(1) | The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years to expire on the date of the third annual meeting following its election. |
(2) | Includes both funds and portfolios in a hub and spoke structure. |
Principal Officers who are not Trustees | ||||||
Name and Year of Birth | Fund Position(s) | Length of Service | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | |||
EDWARD J. PERKIN 1972 |
President | Since 2017 | Chief Equity Investment Officer and Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 22 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2016. | |||
DEIDRE E. WALSH 1971 |
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer | Since 2021 | Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 138 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 2021. | |||
JAMES F. KIRCHNER 1967 |
Treasurer | Since 2013 | Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 138 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. | |||
JILL R. DAMON 1984 |
Secretary | Since 2022 | Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR since 2017. Officer of 138 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. Formerly, associate at Dechert LLP (2009-2017). | |||
RICHARD F. FROIO 1968 |
Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2017 | Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR since 2017. Officer of 138 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). |
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The Board has general oversight responsibility with respect to the business and affairs of 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 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 six 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 Fund’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 is 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 is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of the Fund, 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 Fund’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)
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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. Effective March 1, 2021, he is Chairman of MSIM. He is also a member of the Board of Managers and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD. Mr. Faust previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EVC from 2007 through March 1, 2021 and as President of EVC from 2006 through March 1, 2021. Mr. Faust served as a Director of Hexavest Inc. from 2012-2021. 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 and is the Chairperson of the Contract Review Committee. 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 Independent Chairperson of the Board. 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.
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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 in 2020 founded Upward Wealth, Inc., doing business as BrightUP, a fintech platform 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 until 2020. 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 and a board member of Caribou Financial, Inc., an auto loan refinancing 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. In addition, she is a member of the Risk Audit Committee of the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust.
William H. Park. Mr. Park has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2003 and was formerly the Independent Chairperson of the Board from 2016-2021. 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 served 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 (2017-2021), and as a Director, (2016-2021) and Chairman, (2019-2021) 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 and is the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. Mr. Smith has been a Director of First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., a fully integrated owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, since 2021, where he serves on the Investment and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees. 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 Compensation and Talent Management Committee and Strategy & Finance Committee. 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 Chief Investment Officer, Canada from 2012-2017, Chief Investment Officer, Asia from 2010-2012, and Director of Asian 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 on the Boston advisory board of the Posse Foundation from 2015-2021. Mr. Smith currently sits on the Harvard Medical School Advisory Council on Education, the Board of Directors for Facing History and Ourselves and is a Trustee of the Core Knowledge Foundation.
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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. In addition, Ms. Sutherland is a Director of Kairos Acquisition Corp., which is concentrating on acquisition and business combination efforts within the insurance and insurance technology (also known as “InsurTech”) sectors. 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 Audit 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 Fund has several standing Committees, including the Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Portfolio Management Committee, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee, the Contract Review Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. 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 October 31, 2021, the Governance Committee convened seven 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 Fund’s Secretary at the principal executive office of the Fund. Such recommendations must be accompanied by biographical and occupational data on the candidate (including whether the candidate would be an “interested person” of the Fund), 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 Fund, and a description of any arrangements or understandings regarding recommendation of the candidate for consideration.
Messrs. Wennerholm (Chairperson), Gorman, Park and Quinton and Ms. Peters are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has designated Messrs. Gorman, Park and Wennerholm, 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 October 31, 2021, the Audit Committee convened ten times.
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Messrs. Fetting (Chairperson), Gorman, Park, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm 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; 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 October 31, 2021, the Contract Review Committee convened seven 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 October 31, 2021, the Portfolio Management Committee convened seven times.
Ms. Sutherland (Chairperson) and Messrs. Fetting, Park 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 October 31, 2021, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened seven times.
Messrs. Smith (Chairperson) and Fetting and Ms. Sutherland are members of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to issues specifically related to Eaton Vance Closed-End Funds. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters convened five 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, 2021.
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As of December 31, 2021, no noninterested Trustee or any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any class of securities of Morgan Stanley, EVD, any sub-adviser, if applicable, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with Morgan Stanley or EVD or any sub-adviser, if applicable, collectively (“Affiliated Entity”).
During the calendar years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, 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 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 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, 2020 and December 31, 2021, no officer of any Affiliated Entity served on the Board of Directors of a company where a noninterested Trustee of the Fund 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 Fund are paid by the Fund. (A Board member who is a member of the Eaton Vance organization receives no compensation from the Fund.) During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Trustees of the Fund earned the following compensation in their capacities as Board members from the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 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 |
Fund | $ 10,235 | $ 10,763(2) | $ 11,983 | $ 10,763 | $ 12,841 | $ 10,201 | $ 9,775 | $ 9,850 | $ 10,905(3) | $ 11,184 |
Fund and Fund Complex(1) | $ 364,625 | $ 383,375(4) | $ 427,125 | $ 383,375 | $ 457,125 | $ 363,375 | $ 348,179 | $ 350,875 | $ 388,375(5) | $ 398,375 |
(1) | As of February 14, 2022, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 138 registered investment companies or series thereof. |
(2) | Includes $7,093 of deferred compensation. |
(3) | Includes $10,905 of deferred compensation. |
(4) | Includes $250,000 of deferred compensation. |
(5) | Includes $384,337 of deferred compensation. |
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 Adviser and adopted the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures (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 the Fund’s proxy voting records from time to time and will annually consider approving the Adviser Policies for the upcoming year. For a copy of the Fund Policy and the Adviser Policies, see Appendix B and C, 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 the 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.
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser. 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 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 on behalf of the Fund requires the investment adviser to pay the compensation and expenses of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who are members of the investment adviser’s organization and all personnel of the investment adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities.
As described in the Prospectus, upon the closing of the transaction by which Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”), the Fund entered into a new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance. The Fund will be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Eaton Vance under the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) or the Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). Effective March 1, 2021, any fee reduction agreement previously applicable to the Fund was incorporated into its new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance and Eaton Vance’s new investment sub-advisory agreement with EVAIL.
The Advisory Agreement with the Adviser continues in effect through and including the second anniversary of its execution and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons of the Adviser or the Fund cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Fund’s Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Administration Agreement continues in effect through and including the second anniversary of its execution and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons of Eaton Vance or 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 the Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. Each Agreement provides that the investment adviser may render services to others. Each Agreement also provides that Eaton Vance shall not be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the performance of its duties, or action taken or omitted under the Agreements, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder, and Eaton Vance shall not be liable 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, except that the new sub-advisory agreement with EVAIL (as described below) states that the Fund is a third party beneficiary of such agreement.
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Fund incurred $29,552,529, $24,933,794 and $25,372,009, respectively, in advisory fees.
The Advisory Agreement provides that Eaton Vance may engage one or more investment sub-advisers to assist with some or all aspects of the management of the Fund’s investments subject to such approvals as are required under the 1940 Act. The Advisory Agreement provides that Eaton Vance may terminate any sub-advisory agreement entered into and directly assume any functions performed by the sub-adviser, upon approval of the Board of Trustees, without the need for approval of the shareholders of the Fund.
Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and EVAIL, Eaton Vance pays compensation to the Sub-Adviser for providing sub-advisory services provided to the Fund. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 and, EVAIL received $10,014,904, $8,450,326 and $8,598,783, respectively, in sub-advisory fees.
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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. As described in the Prospectus, following the closing of the Transaction on March 1, 2021, EV and Eaton Vance became indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services.
Prior to March 1, 2021, EV and Eaton Vance were wholly owned subsidiaries of EVC, a Maryland corporation and publicly-held holding company, and BMR was an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. EVC, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, engaged primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities. The Directors of EVC were 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 were deposited in a Voting Trust, the Voting Trustees of which were Mr. Faust, Paul W. Bouchey, Craig R. Brandon, Daniel C. Cataldo, Michael A. Cirami, Cynthia J. Clemson, James H. Evans, Maureen A. Gemma, Laurie G. Hylton, Mr. Langstraat, Thomas Lee, Frederick S. Marius, David C. McCabe, , Edward J. Perkin, Lewis R. Piantedosi, Charles B. Reed, Craig P. Russ, Thomas C. Seto, John L. Shea, Eric A. Stein, John H. Streur, Andrew N. Sveen, Payson F. Swaffield, R. Kelly Williams and Matthew J. Witkos (all of whom are or were officers of Eaton Vance or its affiliates). The Voting Trustees had unrestricted voting rights for the election of Directors of EVC. Prior to March 1, 2021, all of the outstanding voting trust receipts issued under said Voting Trust were owned by certain of the officers of BMR and Eaton Vance who may also have been officers, or officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As indicated under “Trustees and Officers,” all of the officers of the Fund (as well as Mr. Faust who is also a Trustee) are employees of Eaton Vance and/or BMR.
The Sub-Adviser. EVAIL acts as an investment Sub-Adviser to the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Trustees of the Fund, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and EVAIL. Eaton Vance pays EVAIL a portion of its advisory fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Fund.
EVAIL is located at 125 Old Broad Street, London, United Kingdom, EC2N 1AR. EVAIL provides investment advice to institutional clients and pooled investment vehicles. On March 1, 2021, upon the closing of the Transaction, EVAIL became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. Prior to March 1, 2021, EVAIL was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EVC.
As described in the Prospectus, upon the closing of the Transaction, Eaton Vance entered into a new investment sub-advisory agreement with EVAIL.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with EVAIL continues in effect through and including the second anniversary of its execution and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Fund’s Board of Trustees or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Sub-Advisory Agreement terminates automatically on its assignment and may be terminated without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice at the option of either the Adviser, by the Fund’s Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding shares or by EVAIL upon three (3) months’ notice. As discussed above, Eaton Vance may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement with EVAIL and directly assume responsibility for the services provided by EVAIL upon approval by the Board of Trustees without the need for approval of the shareholders of the Fund. The new sub-advisory agreement with Eaton Vance effective March 1, 2021 (as described above) states that the Fund is a third party beneficiary of such agreement.
Code of Ethics. The Adviser, the Sub-Adviser and the Fund have adopted codes of ethics (the “Codes of Ethics”) governing personal securities transactions pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Codes of Ethics, employees of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund) subject to the provisions of the Codes of Ethics and certain employees are also subject to pre-clearance, reporting requirements and/or other procedures.
The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov), or a copy of the Codes of Ethics may be requested by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.
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Portfolio Manager. The portfolio manager of the Fund is listed below. The following table shows, as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, the number of accounts the 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 M. Dyer | ||||
Registered Investment Companies | 9 | $ 8,430.7 | 0 | $ 0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $ 0 | 0 | $ 0 |
Other Accounts | 1 | $ 4.5 | 0 | $ 0 |
The following table shows the dollar range of shares of the Fund beneficially owned by the portfolio manager as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and in the Eaton Vance Family of Funds as of December 31, 2021.
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 |
Christopher M. Dyer | None | $1 - $10,000 |
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 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 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 EVAIL. Compensation of the sub-adviser’s portfolio managers and other investment professionals has the following primary components: (1) a base salary and (2) discretionary variable compensation that is comprised of cash bonus and depending on eligibility, may also include deferred compensation consisting of restricted shares of Morgan Stanley stock and deferred cash that are subject to a fixed vesting and distribution schedule. The sub-adviser’s investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to the sub-adviser’s employees. Compensation of the sub-adviser’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses and deferred compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect shortly after the December 31st fiscal year end of Morgan Stanley.
Method to Determine Compensation. The sub-adviser compensates its portfolio managers based on company and team business results, and individual performance, including 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. 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 sub-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
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of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance.
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 sub-adviser seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. The sub-adviser participates in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary and variable compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries and variable compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of the sub-adviser and Morgan Stanley. While the salaries of the sub-adviser’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, variable compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in company and team performance, manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, variable compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
Investment Advisory Services. Under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board, Eaton Vance will carry out the investment and reinvestment of all or a portion of the assets of the Fund, will furnish continuously an investment program with respect to the Fund, will determine which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and will implement such determinations and will supervise the overall activities of the Sub-Adviser. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Fund investment advice and provide related office facilities and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. Eaton Vance will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Eaton Vance organization and who render investment services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Eaton Vance personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Registration. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) has adopted regulations 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 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 Adviser with respect to the operation of the Fund is subject to CFTC regulation. Because of its management of other strategies, Eaton Vance is registered with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator. Eaton Vance is also registered as a commodity trading advisor. The CFTC has neither reviewed nor approved the Fund’s investment strategies or this SAI.
Administrative Services. Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under the Administration Agreement, but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund. Under the Administration 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.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the Fund is determined by State Street Bank and Trust Company (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 New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is closed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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. |
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· | 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 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, 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 a 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.
The Fund may invest in Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC (Cash Reserves Fund), an affiliated investment company managed by Eaton Vance. Cash Reserves Fund generally values its investment securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation technique in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. This technique involves initially valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. If amortized cost is determined not to approximate fair value, Cash Reserves Fund may value its investment securities in the same manner as debt obligations described above.
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PORTFOLIO TRADING
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions, including the selection of the market and the broker-dealer firm, or other financial intermediary (each an “intermediary”), 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 intermediaries. The investment adviser uses its best efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices that 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 intermediary’s services, responsiveness of the intermediary 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 intermediary, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the intermediary, the value and quality of the services rendered by the intermediary 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 transactions with an intermediary that sells shares of Eaton Vance funds, provided such transactions are not directed to that intermediary as compensation for the promotion or sale of such shares.
As described in the Prospectus, following the closing of the Transaction on March 1, 2021, the investment adviser became an “affiliated person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates, including certain intermediaries (as previously defined). As a result, the investment adviser is subject to certain restrictions regarding transactions with Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediaries, as set forth in the 1940 Act. Under certain circumstances, such restrictions may limit the investment adviser’s ability to place portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund at the desired time or price. Any transaction the investment adviser enters into with a Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediary on behalf of the Fund will be done in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; will be subject to any restrictions contained in the Fund’s investment advisory agreement; will be subject to the investment adviser’s duty to seek best execution; and, will comply with any applicable policies and procedures of the investment adviser, as described below.
Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best execution of orders and applicable rules and regulations, as described above, the Fund may use an affiliated intermediary, including a Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediary, to effect Fund portfolio transactions, including transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts, under procedures adopted by the Board. In order to use such affiliated intermediaries, the Fund’s Board must approve and periodically review procedures reasonably designed to ensure that commission rates and other remuneration paid to the affiliated intermediaries are fair and reasonable in comparison to those of other intermediaries for comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable time period.
Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Fund is permitted to engage in principal transactions in money market instruments, subject to certain conditions, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, a broker-dealer affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Since March 1, 2021, the Fund did not effect any principal transactions with any broker-dealer affiliated with Morgan Stanley.
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 intermediaries and banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers. Such intermediaries 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 intermediaries 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.
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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 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 may enter into CCA arrangements with a number of broker-dealers and other firms, including certain affiliates of the investment adviser. 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.
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The investment companies sponsored by the investment adviser or certain of 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 certain of 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 fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, 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.
Fiscal Year End | Brokerage Commission Paid |
Amount of Transactions Directed to Firms Providing Research |
Commissions Paid on Transactions Directed to Firms Providing Research |
October 31, 2021 | $1,659,903 | $1,933,767,739 | $1,038,439 |
October 31, 2020 | $1,723,208 | ||
October 31, 2019 | $1,666,292 |
The following table shows brokerage commissions paid to broker-dealers affiliated with Morgan Stanley (“Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers”) during the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, as well as the percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid to Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers and the percentage of total brokered transactions effected through Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers for the most recent fiscal year.
Brokerage Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley Affiliated Broker-Dealers for the Fiscal Year Ended |
Percentage of Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid to Morgan Stanley Affiliated Broker-Dealers |
Percentage of Total Brokered Transactions Effected Through Morgan Stanley Affiliated Broker-Dealer | ||
10/31/21 | 10/31/20 | 10/31/19 | 10/31/21 | 10/31/21 |
$0 | $85,102 | $170,068 | 0% | 0% |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund held 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:
Regular Broker or Dealer (or Parent) | Aggregate Value |
Citigroup, Inc. | $28,486,243 |
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TAXES
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Accordingly, the Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, (after reduction by certain 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 or excise tax. To the extent it qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends.
In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things:
(a) derive at least 90% of its annual gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, and foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (a partnership (a) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (b) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described above);
(b) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid--generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, for such year; and
(c) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in paragraph (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. For purposes of paragraph (c) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. In addition, for purposes of the diversification test in (c) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to meet the diversification test in (c) above.
As a result of qualifying as a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net investment income (i.e., its investment company taxable income, as that term is defined in the Code, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), if any, that it distributes to its shareholders in each taxable year, provided that it distributes to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its net investment income and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income (if any) for such taxable year.
In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that the Fund distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income, generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 (or later if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) of such year, and (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gain net income from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out during such year and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, the Fund should not be liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 29 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets.
If the Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC for such taxable year, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of individual and other noncorporate shareholders and (ii) for the dividends-received deduction (“DRD”) 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 requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions paid out of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will, except in the case of distributions of qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends described below, generally be taxable as ordinary 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 must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stock in its portfolio and the shareholders 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 income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of 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 passive foreign investment company (“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 designated 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. If the aggregate qualified dividend income received by the Fund during any taxable year is 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 designated capital gain dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.
A portion of distributions made by the Fund which are derived from dividends from U.S. corporations may qualify for the DRD in the case of corporate shareholders. 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 a 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.
For federal income tax purposes, net capital losses incurred by the Fund in a particular taxable year can be carried forward to offset net capital gains in any subsequent year until such loss carryforwards have been fully used, and such capital losses carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. To the extent subsequent net capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in federal income tax liability to the Fund and would not be distributed as such to shareholders.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 30 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Distributions of net capital gain, if any, designated as capital gains dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued regulations that impose special rules in respect of capital gain dividends received through partnership interests constituting “applicable partnership interests” under Section 1061 of the Code. A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a shareholder as a return of capital which is applied against and reduces the shareholder’s basis in his or her shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the shareholder’s basis in his or her shares, the excess will be treated by the shareholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the shares. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will give rise to short-term capital gain.
The Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate rates on the amount retained. In such case, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who will be treated as if each received a distribution of his or her pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will (i) be required to report his or her pro rata share of such gain on his or her tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for his or her pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for his or her 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 that the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.
Distributions are taxable as described herein whether shareholders receive them in cash or in additional shares of the Fund.
Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a dividend in an amount equal to either (i) if the shares are trading below net asset value, the amount of cash allocated to the shareholder for the purchase of shares on its behalf in the open market, or (ii) if shares are trading at or above net asset value, generally the fair market value of the new shares issued to the shareholder, and will have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
The benefits of the reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.
From time to time, the Fund may make a tender offer for its shares. Shareholders who tender all shares held, or considered to be held, by them will generally be treated as having sold their shares and generally will realize a capital gain or loss. If a shareholder tenders fewer than all of its shares, such shareholder may be treated as having received a distribution under Section 301 of the Code (“Section 301 distribution”) unless the redemption is treated as being either (i) “substantially disproportionate” with respect to such shareholder or (ii) otherwise “not essentially equivalent to a dividend” under the relevant rules of the Code. A Section 301 distribution is not treated as a sale or exchange giving rise to a capital gain or loss, but rather is treated as a dividend to the extent supported by the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, with the excess treated as a return of capital reducing the shareholder’s tax basis in Fund shares, and thereafter as capital gain. Where a redeeming shareholder is treated as receiving a dividend, there is a risk that non-tendering shareholders whose interests in the Fund increase as a result of such tender will be treated as having received a taxable distribution from the Fund. The extent of such risk will vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the tender offer, in particular whether such offer is a single and isolated event or is part of a plan for periodically redeeming the shares of the Fund; if isolated, any such risk is likely remote.
Certain net investment income received by an individual having adjusted gross income in excess of $200,000 (or $250,000 for married individuals filing jointly) may be subject to a tax of 3.8%. Undistributed net investment income of trusts and estates in excess of a specified amount also may be subject to this tax. Dividends and capital gains distributed by the Fund, and gain realized on the sale of Fund shares, will constitute investment income of the type subject to this tax.
The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Fund (including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options) will be governed by Section 1256 of the Code (“Section 1256 contracts”). Section 1256 of the Code generally requires any gain or loss arising from a Section 1256 contract to be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. In addition, the Fund generally will be required to “mark-to-market” (i.e., treat as sold for fair market value) each Section 1256 contract which it holds at the close of each taxable year (and for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed by the Code). If a Section 1256 contract held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year is sold in the following year, the amount of any gain or loss realized on such sale will be adjusted to reflect the gain or loss previously taken into account under the “mark-to-market” rules.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 31 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
The taxation of equity options that the Fund expects to write that do not qualify as section 1256 contracts are governed by Code Section 1234. Pursuant to Code Section 1234, the premium received by the Fund for selling a call option is not included in income at the time of receipt. If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the premium is short-term capital gain to the Fund. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received for writing the option is short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of the security and any resulting gain or loss will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the security. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold, any resulting gain or loss 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 the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and, in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss. Because the Fund does not have control over the exercise of the call options it writes, such exercise or other required sales of the underlying securities may cause the Fund to realize capital gains or losses at inopportune times.
The Code contains special rules that apply to “straddles,” defined generally as the holding of offsetting positions with respect to personal property. For example, the straddle rules normally apply when a taxpayer holds stock and an offsetting option with respect to such stock or substantially identical stock or securities. In general, investment positions will be offsetting if there is a substantial diminution in the risk of loss from holding one position by reason of holding one or more other positions. The Fund expects that the index call options it writes will not be considered straddles for this purpose because the Fund’s portfolio of common stocks will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of the indices on which it has outstanding option positions under applicable guidance established by the IRS. Under certain circumstances, however, the Fund may enter into option transactions or certain other investments that may constitute positions in a straddle. If two or more positions constitute a straddle, recognition of a realized loss from one position must generally be deferred to the extent of unrecognized gain in an offsetting position. In addition, long-term capital gain may be recharacterized as short-term capital gain, or short-term capital loss as long-term capital loss. Interest and other carrying charges allocable to personal property that is part of a straddle are not currently deductible but must instead be capitalized. Similarly, “wash sale” rules apply to prevent the recognition of loss by the Fund from the disposition of stock or securities at a loss in a case in which identical or substantially identical stock or securities (or an option to acquire such property) is or has been acquired within a prescribed period.
The Code allows a taxpayer to elect to offset gains and losses from positions that are part of a “mixed straddle.” Generally a “mixed straddle” is a straddle in which one or more but not all positions are Section 1256 contracts. The Fund may be eligible to elect to establish one or more mixed straddle accounts for certain of its mixed straddle trading positions. The mixed straddle account rules require a daily “marking to market” of all open positions in the account and a daily netting of gains and losses from all positions in the account. At the end of a taxable year, the annual net gains or losses from the mixed straddle account are recognized for tax purposes. The net capital gain or loss is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss if attributable to the Section 1256 contract positions, or all short-term capital gain or loss if attributable to the non-Section 1256 contract positions.
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 from a short sale of property is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent 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 the short sale is entered into, gains on short sales generally are short-term capital gains. 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 addition, entering into a short sale may result in suspension of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Fund.
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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 was acquired on the date of the constructive sale.
The Fund’s transactions in futures contracts and options will be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital, or short-term or long-term), may accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and may defer Fund losses. These rules could, therefore, affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement for qualifying to be taxed as a RIC and the 98% and 98.2% distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.
In particular, the Fund expects to write call options with respect to certain securities held by the Fund. Depending on whether such options are exercised or lapse, or whether the securities or options are sold, the existence of these options will affect the amount and timing of the recognition of income and whether the income qualifies as long-term capital gain.
Further, certain of the Fund's investment practices, such as its transactions in options, are subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) convert dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income into short-term capital gain or ordinary income taxed at the higher rate applicable to ordinary income, (ii) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate DRD as ineligible for such treatment, (iii) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (iv) convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (v) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (vi) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (vii) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (viii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (ix) produce income that will not constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above.
Any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares with a holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received 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 acquires other shares of the same Fund (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the shares. Any disallowed loss will result in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of the other shares acquired.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a sale 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 shares of the Fund (or of another fund), during the period beginning on the date of such sale and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such sale was made, 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.
The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 33 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, 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. Certain distributions declared in October, November or December and paid in the following January will be taxed to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year in which they were declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the non-deductible 4% federal excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.
Dividends and interest received, and gains realized, by the Fund on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively “foreign taxes”) that would reduce the return on its securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States, however, may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors. If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets at taxable year end consists of the 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 portions of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries in respect of foreign securities that the Fund has held for at least the minimum period specified in the Code. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes paid by the Fund. A shareholder’s ability to claim an offsetting foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by the Fund is subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in the shareholder’s not receiving a full credit or deduction (if any) for the amount of such taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize on their U.S. federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but not a deduction) for such foreign taxes. Even if the Fund were eligible to make such an election for a given year, it may determine not to do so.
The Fund may invest in the stock of PFICs. A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (2) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” received on the stock of a PFIC or of any gain from disposition of that stock (collectively “PFIC income”), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders.
If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (“QEF”), then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund will be required to include in income each year its pro rata share of the QEF’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain - which it may have to distribute to satisfy the distribution requirement and avoid imposition of the excise tax - even if the QEF does not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to make a QEF election with respect to any investment in a PFIC.
The Fund may elect to “mark to market” its stock in any PFIC. “Marking-to-market,” in this context, means including in ordinary income each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of a PFIC’s stock over the Fund’s adjusted basis therein as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains (reduced by any prior deductions) with respect to that stock included by the Fund for prior taxable years under the election. The Fund’s adjusted basis in each PFIC’s stock with respect to which it has made this election will be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.
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 receivables or pays such liabilities are generally treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, gains or losses on foreign currency forward contracts and the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency, to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates between the acquisition and disposition dates, are also treated as ordinary income or loss.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 34 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
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 gross proceeds of sales of shares. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from payments made to a shareholder may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. federal income tax treatment that is different from that described above. Such non-U.S. investors may be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the Fund. Capital gain dividends, if any, are not subject to the 30% withholding tax. Exemptions from this withholding tax are also provided for dividends properly designated as interest related dividends or as short-term capital gain dividends paid by the Fund with respect to its qualified net interest income or qualified short-term gain. Unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, backup withholding will apply to certain other payments from the Fund. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors regarding such treatment and the application of foreign taxes to an investment in the Fund.
Code Sections 1471 through 1474 and the U.S. Treasury Regulations and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally require a Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an “IGA”) between the United States and a foreign government. If a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the requested information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not apply to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or capital gain dividends the Fund pays. 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. interest-related dividends). Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of these requirements on their investment in the Fund.
If a shareholder realizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s shares in any single tax year of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, or, in any combination of tax years, $4 million or more for an individual shareholder or $20 million or more 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. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important U.S. federal income tax consequences to shareholders of investing in Fund shares, reflects the U.S. federal tax law as of the date of this SAI, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that an investor is a U.S. shareholder and holds shares as a capital asset. This discussion is based upon present provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the IRS retroactively or prospectively. For instance, the House of Representatives recently passed the Build Back Better Act, which would make significant changes to the Code if enacted into law, and this summary does not contain a description of such potential changes. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the U.S. federal tax treatment of the Fund or the implications to shareholders, and the discussions here and in the prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign tax considerations that may be applicable to their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
State and Local Taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the state or local tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 35 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
OTHER INFORMATION
The Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, in certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability in connection with Fund property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust, in coordination with the Fund’s By-laws, also provides for indemnification out of Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself is unable to meet its obligations. The Fund has been advised by its counsel that the risk of any shareholder incurring any liability for the obligations of the Fund is remote.
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Declaration of Trust provides that no person shall serve as a Trustee if shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him from that office either by a written declaration filed with the Fund’s custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees of the Fund shall promptly call a meeting of the shareholders for the purpose of voting upon a question of removal of any such Trustee or Trustees when requested in writing to do so by the record holders of not less than 10 per centum of the outstanding shares.
The Fund’s Prospectus, any related Prospectus Supplement and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its Rules and Regulations.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, is the custodian of the Fund and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Fund. State Street maintains the Fund’s general ledger and computes net asset value per share at least weekly. State Street also attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer and other dealings with the Fund’s investments, and receives and disburses all funds. State Street also assists in preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Fund’s financial statements. Deloitte and/or its affiliates provide other audit, tax and related services to the Fund.
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CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of February 14, 2022, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
According to filings made on Schedule 13D and 13G pursuant to Sections 13(d) and 13(g), respectively, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the following shareholders own 5% or more of the Fund’s Common Shares. Information in the table below is based on filings made on or before February 14, 2022. To the knowledge of the Fund, no other person owned 5% or more of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund as of such date. Owners of 25% or more of common shares of a fund are presumed to be a control person of such fund.
Title of Class | Name and Address of Owner | Aggregate Share Amount Owned | Percent |
Common Shares | Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 1585 Broadway New York, NY 10036 |
21,903,458 | 7.20% |
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund or Portfolio, if applicable, (collectively for the purposes of this section, “Fund” or “Funds”). Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with the Morgan Stanley funds, any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses (other than funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by former direct or indirect subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp. (“Eaton Vance Investment Accounts”)), the ‘‘MS Investment Accounts, and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Accounts, the “Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley or the investment adviser may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.
The discussions below with respect to actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest also may be applicable to or arise from the MS Investment Accounts whether or not specifically identified.
Material Non-public and Other Information. It is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the investment adviser. If such information becomes available, the investment adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. The investment adviser may also from time to time be subject to contractual ‘‘stand-still’’ obligations and/or confidentiality obligations that may restrict its ability to trade in certain investments on a Fund’s behalf. In addition, the investment adviser may be precluded from disclosing such information to an investment team, even in circumstances in which the information would be beneficial if disclosed. Therefore, the investment team may not be provided access to material non-public information in the possession of Morgan Stanley that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made on behalf of a Fund, and the investment team may initiate a transaction or sell an investment that, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. In addition, certain members of the investment team may be recused from certain investment-related discussions so that such members do not receive information that would limit their ability to perform functions of their employment with the investment adviser or its affiliates unrelated to that of a Fund. Furthermore, access to certain parts of Morgan Stanley may be subject to third party confidentiality obligations and to information barriers established by Morgan Stanley in order to manage potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, including without limitation joint transaction restrictions pursuant to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the investment adviser’s ability to source investments from other business units within Morgan Stanley may be limited and there can be no assurance that the investment adviser will be able to source any investments from any one or more parts of the Morgan Stanley network.
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The investment adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Funds in various circumstances, including because of applicable regulatory requirements or information held by the investment adviser or Morgan Stanley. The investment adviser might not engage in transactions or other activities for, or enforce certain rights in favor of, a Fund due to Morgan Stanley’s activities outside the Funds. In instances where trading of an investment is restricted, the investment adviser may not be able to purchase or sell such investment on behalf of a Fund, resulting in the Fund’s inability to participate in certain desirable transactions. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on a Fund’s portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment’s value during the period its trading is restricted. Also, in situations where the investment adviser is required to aggregate its positions with those of other Morgan Stanley business units for position limit calculations, the investment adviser may have to refrain from making investments due to the positions held by other Morgan Stanley business units or their clients. There may be other situations where the investment adviser refrains from making an investment due to additional disclosure obligations, regulatory requirements, policies, and reputational risk, or the investment adviser may limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of which Morgan Stanley is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution capacity.
Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the investment adviser generally will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and generally will not manage the Funds with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. Morgan Stanley, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its prime brokerage and other businesses, may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held (directly or indirectly) by the Funds in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds, and will not have any obligation or other duty to share information with the investment adviser.
In limited circumstances, however, including for purposes of managing business and reputational risk, and subject to policies and procedures and any applicable regulations, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the investment adviser, on one side of an information barrier may have access to information and personnel on the other side of the information barrier through “wall crossings.” The investment adviser faces conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in such wall crossings. Information obtained in connection with such wall crossings may limit or restrict the ability of the investment adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Funds (including purchasing or selling securities that the investment adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for a Fund in the absence of a wall crossing). In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the investment adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The investment adviser may also implement internal information barriers or ethical walls, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the investment adviser will also apply internally within the investment adviser. As a result, a Fund may not be permitted to transact in (e.g., dispose of a security in whole or in part) during periods when it otherwise would have been able to do so, which could adversely affect a Fund. Other investors in the security that are not subject to such restrictions may be able to transact in the security during such periods. There may also be circumstances in which, as a result of information held by certain portfolio management teams in the investment adviser, the investment adviser limits an activity or transaction for a Fund, including if the Fund is managed by a portfolio management team other than the team holding such information.
Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the investment adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the investment adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the investment adviser to favor such other accounts.
Morgan Stanley currently invests and plans to continue to invest on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliated Investment Accounts in a wide variety of investment opportunities globally. Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts, to the extent consistent with applicable law and policies and procedures, will be permitted to invest in investment opportunities without making such opportunities available to a Fund beforehand. Subject to the foregoing, Morgan Stanley may offer investments that fall into the investment objectives of an Affiliated Investment Account to such account or make such investment on its own behalf, even though such investment also falls within a Fund’s investment objectives. A Fund may invest in opportunities that Morgan Stanley and/or one or more Affiliated Investment Accounts has declined, and vice versa. All of the foregoing may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to a Fund and may create conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to a Fund’s advantage. There can be no assurance that a Fund will have an opportunity to participate in certain opportunities that fall within their investment objectives.
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To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the investment adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the investment adviser, including the Funds, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser. Each client of the investment adviser that is subject to the allocation policies and procedures, including each Fund, is assigned an investment team and portfolio manager(s) by the investment adviser. The investment team and portfolio managers review investment opportunities and will decide with respect to the allocation of each opportunity considering various factors and in accordance with the allocation policies and procedures. The allocation policies and procedures are subject to change. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to the advantage of a Fund.
It is possible that Morgan Stanley or an Affiliated Investment Account, including another Eaton Vance fund, will invest in or advise a company that is or becomes a competitor of a company of which a Fund holds an investment. Such investment could create a conflict between the Fund, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley or the Affiliated Investment Account, on the other hand. In such a situation, Morgan Stanley may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to the portfolio investment. Furthermore, certain Affiliated Investment Accounts will be focused primarily on investing in other funds which may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with a Fund.
In addition, certain investment professionals who are involved in a Fund’s activities remain responsible for the investment activities of other Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the investment adviser and its affiliates, and they will devote time to the management of such investments and other newly created Affiliated Investment Accounts (whether in the form of funds, separate accounts or other vehicles), as well as their own investments. In addition, in connection with the management of investments for other Affiliated Investment Accounts, members of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of or advise companies which may compete with a Fund’s portfolio investments. Moreover, these Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for a Fund.
It should be noted that Morgan Stanley may, directly or indirectly, make large investments in certain of its Affiliated Investment Accounts, and accordingly Morgan Stanley’s investment in a Fund may not be a determining factor in the outcome of any of the foregoing conflicts. Nothing herein restricts or in any way limits the activities of Morgan Stanley, including its ability to buy or sell interests in, or provide financing to, equity and/or debt instruments, funds or portfolio companies, for its own accounts or for the accounts of Affiliated Investment Accounts or other investment funds or clients in accordance with applicable law.
Different clients of the investment adviser, including a Fund, may invest in different classes of securities of the same issuer, depending on the respective clients’ investment objectives and policies. As a result, the investment adviser and its affiliates, at times, will seek to satisfy fiduciary obligations to certain clients owning one class of securities of a particular issuer by pursuing or enforcing rights on behalf of those clients with respect to such class of securities, and those activities may have an adverse effect on another client which owns a different class of securities of such issuer. For example, if one client holds debt securities of an issuer and another client holds equity securities of the same issuer, if the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, the investment adviser and its affiliates may seek a liquidation of the issuer on behalf of the client that holds the debt securities, whereas the client holding the equity securities may benefit from a reorganization of the issuer. Thus, in such situations, the actions taken by the investment adviser or its affiliates on behalf of one client can negatively impact securities held by another client. These conflicts also exist as between the investment adviser’s clients, including the Funds, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley.
The investment adviser and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to other clients which may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, a Fund even though such other clients’ investment objectives may be similar to those of the Fund.
The investment adviser and its affiliates manage long and short portfolios. The simultaneous management of long and short portfolios creates conflicts of interest in portfolio management and trading in that opposite directional positions may be taken in client accounts, including client accounts managed by the same investment team, and creates risks such as: (i) the risk that short sale activity could adversely affect the market value of long positions in one or more portfolios (and vice versa) and (ii) the risks associated with the trading desk receiving opposing orders in the same security
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simultaneously. The investment adviser and its affiliates have adopted policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to mitigate these conflicts. In certain circumstances, the investment adviser invests on behalf of itself in securities and other instruments that would be appropriate for, held by, or may fall within the investment guidelines of its clients, including a Fund. At times, the investment adviser may give advice or take action for its own accounts that differs from, conflicts with, or is adverse to advice given or action taken for any client.
From time to time, conflicts also arise due to the fact that certain securities or instruments may be held in some client accounts, including a Fund, but not in others, or that client accounts may have different levels of holdings in certain securities or instruments. . In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among client accounts, the investment adviser may take action with respect to one account that differs from the action taken with respect to another account. In some cases, a client account 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 investment adviser in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. The investment adviser has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser’s trading practices, including, among other things, the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocations, cross trades and best execution.
In addition, at times an investment adviser investment team will give advice or take action with respect to the investments of one or more clients that is not given or taken with respect to other clients with similar investment programs, objectives, and strategies. Accordingly, clients with similar strategies will not always hold the same securities or instruments or achieve the same performance. The investment adviser’s investment teams also advise clients with conflicting programs, objectives or strategies. These conflicts also exist as between the investment adviser’s clients, including the Funds, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley.
The investment adviser maintains separate trading desks by investment team and generally based on asset class, including two trading desks trading equity securities. These trading desks operate independently of one another. The two equity trading desks do not share information. The separate equity trading desks may result in one desk competing against the other desk when implementing buy and sell transactions, possibly causing certain accounts to pay more or receive less for a security than other accounts. In addition, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates maintain separate trading desks that operate independently of each other and do not share trading information with the investment adviser. These trading desks may compete against the investment adviser trading desks when implementing buy and sell transactions, possibly causing certain Affiliated Investment Accounts to pay more or receive less for a security than other Affiliated Investment Accounts.
Investments by Separate Investment Departments. The entities and individuals that provide investment-related services for the Fund and certain other Eaton Vance Investment Accounts (the “Eaton Vance Investment Department”) may be different from the entities and individuals that provide investment-related services to MS Investment Accounts (the “MS Investment Department and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Department, the ”Investment Departments“). Although Morgan Stanley has implemented information barriers between the Investment Departments in accordance with internal policies and procedures, each Investment Department may engage in discussions and share information and resources with the other Investment Department on certain investment-related matters. The sharing of information and resources between the Investment Departments is designed to further increase the knowledge and effectiveness of each Investment Department. Because each Investment Department generally makes investment decisions and executes trades independently of the other, the quality and price of execution, and the performance of investments and accounts, can be expected to vary. In addition, each Investment Department may use different trading systems and technology and may employ differing investment and trading strategies. As a result, a MS Investment Account could trade in advance of the Fund (and vice versa), might complete trades more quickly and efficiently than the Fund, and/or achieve different execution than the Fund on the same or similar investments made contemporaneously, even when the Investment Departments shared research and viewpoints that led to that investment decision. Any sharing of information or resources between the Investment Department servicing the Fund and the MS Investment Department may result, from time to time, in the Fund simultaneously or contemporaneously seeking to engage in the same or similar transactions as an account serviced by the other Investment Department and for which there are limited buyers or sellers on specific securities, which could result in less favorable execution for the Fund than such account. The Eaton Vance Investment Department will not knowingly or intentionally cause the Fund to engage in a cross trade with an account serviced by the MS Investment Department, however, subject to applicable law and internal policies and procedures, the Fund may conduct cross trades with other accounts serviced by the Eaton Vance Investment Department. Although the Eaton Vance Investment Department may aggregate the Fund’s trades with trades of other accounts serviced by the Eaton Vance Investment Department, subject to applicable law and internal policies and procedures, there will be no aggregation or coordination of trades with accounts serviced by the MS Investment Department, even when both Investment Departments are seeking to acquire or dispose of the same investments contemporaneously.
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Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries. The investment adviser and/or EVD may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Funds, to certain financial intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the investment adviser and EVD), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Funds and/or shareholder servicing. For example, the investment adviser or EVD may pay additional compensation to a financial intermediary for, among other things, promoting the sale and distribution of Fund shares, providing access to various programs, mutual fund platforms or preferred or recommended mutual fund lists that may be offered by a financial intermediary, granting EVD access to a financial intermediary’s financial advisors and consultants, providing assistance in the ongoing education and training of a financial intermediary’s financial personnel, furnishing marketing support, maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, recordkeeping, administrative, shareholder or transaction processing services. Such payments are in addition to any distribution fees, shareholder servicing fees and/or transfer agency fees that may be payable by the Funds. The additional payments may be based on various factors, including level of sales (based on gross or net sales or some specified minimum sales or some other similar criteria related to sales of the Funds and/or some or all other Eaton Vance funds), amount of assets invested by the financial intermediary’s customers (which could include current or aged assets of the Funds and/or some or all other Eaton Vance funds), a Fund’s advisory fee, some other agreed upon amount or other measures as determined from time to time by the investment adviser and/or EVD. The amount of these payments may be different for different financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by financial intermediaries may provide such financial intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Funds over other investment options with respect to which these financial intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receive lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Funds or the amount that the Funds receive to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by financial intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the investment adviser may restrict, limit or reduce the amount of a Fund's investment, or restrict the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.
Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to that of a Fund. Furthermore, from time to time, the investment adviser or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in a Fund, typically to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and/or achieve sufficient scale. The investment adviser and its affiliates may hedge such seed capital exposure by investing in derivatives or other instruments expected to produce offsetting exposure. Such hedging transactions, if any, would occur outside of a Fund.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses (whether or not specifically identified as such, and including Morgan Stanley’s trading and principal investing businesses) will not be required to offer any investment opportunities to a Fund. These businesses may encompass, among other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses have acquired or invested in, and in the future may acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such activities may put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting or creditor rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not a Fund’s interests.
Subject to the limitations of applicable law, a Fund may purchase from or sell assets to, or make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or may acquire an interest, including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.
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Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments.
Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy-side or sell-side, or in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley’s determining in its discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties, which could limit a Fund’s ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or potential investments. Morgan Stanley may have relationships with third-party funds, companies or investors who may have invested in or may look to invest in portfolio companies, and there could be conflicts between a Fund’s best interests, on the one hand, and the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand.
To the extent that Morgan Stanley advises creditor or debtor companies in the financial restructuring of companies either prior to or after filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other jurisdictions, the investment adviser’s flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a Fund’s behalf may be limited.
Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds; such activities may present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis-a-vis a Fund’s investment and may also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to portfolio companies.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley may provide a broad range of financial services to companies in which a Fund invests, including strategic and financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that may include warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts received by the investment adviser) with a Fund, and any advisory fees payable will not be reduced thereby.
Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, a Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to merger or acquisition.
The involvement or presence of Morgan Stanley in the investment banking and other commercial activities described above (or the financial markets more broadly) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Funds. For example, issuers may hire and compensate Morgan Stanley to provide underwriting, financial advisory, placement agency, brokerage services or other services and, because of limitations imposed by applicable law and regulation, a Fund may be prohibited from buying or selling securities issued by those issuers or participating in related transactions or otherwise limited in its ability to engage in such investments.
Morgan Stanley’s Marketing Activities. Morgan Stanley is engaged in the business of underwriting, syndicating, brokering, administering, servicing, arranging and advising on the distribution of a wide variety of securities and other investments in which a Fund may invest. Subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act, including Sections 10(f) and 17(e) thereof, a Fund may invest in transactions in which Morgan Stanley acts as underwriter, placement agent, syndicator, broker, administrative agent, servicer, advisor, arranger or structuring agent and receives fees or other compensation from the sponsors of such products or securities. Any fees earned by Morgan Stanley in such capacity will not be shared with the investment adviser or the Funds. Certain conflicts of interest, in addition to the receipt of fees or other compensation, would be inherent in these transactions. Moreover, the interests of one of Morgan Stanley’s clients with respect to an issuer of securities in which a Fund has an investment may be adverse to the investment adviser’s or a Fund’s best interests. In conducting the foregoing activities, Morgan Stanley will be acting for its other clients and will have no obligation to act in the investment adviser’s or a Fund’s best interests.
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Client Relationships. Morgan Stanley has existing and potential relationships with a significant number of corporations, institutions and individuals. In providing services to its clients, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest with respect to activities recommended to or performed for such clients, on the one hand, and a Fund, its shareholders or the entities in which the Fund invests, on the other hand. In addition, these client relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining whether to offer certain investment opportunities to a Fund.
In acting as principal or in providing advisory and other services to its other clients, Morgan Stanley may engage in or recommend activities with respect to a particular matter that conflict with or are different from activities engaged in or recommended by the investment adviser on a Fund’s behalf.
Principal Investments. To the extent permitted by applicable law, there may be situations in which a Fund’s interests may conflict with the interests of one or more general accounts of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates or accounts managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. This may occur because these accounts hold public and private debt and equity securities of many issuers which may be or become portfolio companies, or from whom portfolio companies may be acquired.
Transactions with Portfolio Companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts. The companies in which a Fund may invest may be counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies or other entities of portfolio investments of Affiliated Investment Accounts (for example, a company in which a Fund invests may retain a company in which an Affiliated Investment Account invests to provide services or may acquire an asset from such company or vice versa). Certain of these agreements, transactions and arrangements involve fees, servicing payments, rebates and/or other benefits to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. For example, portfolio entities may, including at the encouragement of Morgan Stanley, enter into agreements regarding group procurement and/or vendor discounts. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also participate in these agreements and may realize better pricing or discounts as a result of the participation of portfolio entities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain of these agreements may provide for commissions or similar payments and/or discounts or rebates to be paid to a portfolio entity of an Affiliated Investment Account, and such payments or discounts or rebates may also be made directly to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Under these arrangements, a particular portfolio company or other entity may benefit to a greater degree than the other participants, and the funds, investment vehicles and accounts (which may or may not include a Fund) that own an interest in such entity will receive a greater relative benefit from the arrangements than the Eaton Vance funds, investment vehicles or accounts that do not own an interest therein. Fees and compensation received by portfolio companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts in relation to the foregoing will not be shared with a Fund or offset advisory fees payable.
Investments in Portfolio Investments of Other Funds. To the extent permitted by applicable law, when a Fund invests in certain companies or other entities, other funds affiliated with the investment adviser may have made or may be making an investment in such companies or other entities. Other funds that have been or may be managed by the investment adviser may invest in the companies or other entities in which a Fund has made an investment. Under such circumstances, a Fund and such other funds may have conflicts of interest (e.g., over the terms, exit strategies and related matters, including the exercise of remedies of their respective investments). If the interests held by a Fund are different from (or take priority over) those held by such other funds, the investment adviser may be required to make a selection at the time of conflicts between the interests held by such other funds and the interests held by a Fund.
Allocation of Expenses. Expenses may be incurred that are attributable to a Fund and one or more other Affiliated Investment Accounts (including in connection with issuers in which a Fund and such other Affiliated Investment Accounts have overlapping investments). The allocation of such expenses among such entities raises potential conflicts of interest. The investment adviser and its affiliates intend to allocate such common expenses among a Fund and any such other Affiliated Investment Accounts on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the investment adviser deems to be fair and equitable or in such other manner as may be required by applicable law.
Temporary Investments. To more efficiently invest short-term cash balances held by a Fund, the investment adviser may invest such balances on an overnight “sweep” basis in shares of one or more money market funds or other short-term vehicles. It is anticipated that the investment adviser to these money market funds or other short-term vehicles may be the investment adviser (or an affiliate) to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund may invest in Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC (Cash Reserves Fund), an affiliated investment company managed by Eaton Vance, for this purpose. Eaton Vance does not currently receive a fee for advisory services provided to Cash Reserves Fund.
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Transactions with Affiliates. The investment adviser and any investment sub-adviser might purchase securities from underwriters or placement agents in which a Morgan Stanley affiliate is a member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an affiliate might benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. Neither the investment adviser nor any investment sub-adviser will purchase securities on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate that is acting as a manager of a syndicate or selling group. Purchases by the investment adviser on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate acting as a placement agent must meet the requirements of applicable law. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest when the Funds use service providers affiliated with Morgan Stanley because Morgan Stanley receives greater overall fees when they are used.
General Process for Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the investment adviser, related persons of the investment adviser and/or their clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the investment adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The investment adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This SAI is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference” the information filed with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this SAI, and later information that the Fund files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
The documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the Offering will be incorporated by reference into this SAI and deemed to be part of this SAI from the date of the filing of such reports and documents:
• | The Fund’s Prospectus, dated February 17, 2022, filed with this SAI; | ||
• | The Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on December 23, 2021; and | ||
• | the description of the Fund’s Common Shares contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on January 16, 2007, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby. |
The Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this SAI is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this SAI, the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should direct requests for documents by calling (800) 262-1122.
The Fund makes available the Prospectus, SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, at http://www.eatonvance.com. You may also obtain this SAI, the Prospectus, other documents incorporated by reference and other information the Fund files electronically, including reports and proxy statements, on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) or with the payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this SAI, the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 are incorporated herein by reference from the Fund’s most recent Annual Report to Common Shareholders filed with the SEC on December 23, 2021 (Accession No. 0001193125-21-365944) on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30b2-1 under the 1940 Act.
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APPENDIX A
RATINGS
The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this SAI for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on a particular date.
MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (“Moody’s”)
Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of a default or impairment.
GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATINGS SCALE
Aaa: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A: Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa: Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics
Ba: Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca: Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C: Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE
Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime ratings categories.
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ISSUER RATINGS
Issuer Ratings are opinions of the ability of entities to honor senior unsecured debt and debt like obligations. As such, Issuer Ratings incorporate any external support that is expected to apply to all current and future issuance of senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts, such as explicit support stemming from a guarantee of all senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts, and/or implicit support for issuers subject to joint default analysis (e.g. banks and government-related issuers). Issuer Ratings do not incorporate support arrangements, such as guarantees, that apply only to specific (but not to all) senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts.
US MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS AND DEMAND OBLIGATION RATINGS
SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS
The global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to commercial paper issued by U.S. municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer’s self-liquidity.
For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody’s uses one of two other short-term rating scales, the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.
The MIG scale is used for U.S. municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less. Under certain circumstances, the MIG scale is used for bond anticipation notes with maturities of up to five years.
MIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
Demand Obligation Ratings
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned. The components are a long-term rating and a short-term demand obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term demand obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to make payments associated with the purchase-price-upon demand feature (“demand feature”) of the VRDO. The short-term demand obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. VMIG ratings with liquidity support use as an input the short-term counterparty risk assessment of the support provider, or the long-term rating of the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
VMIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
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SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
S&P GLOBAL RATINGS (“S&P”)
ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS
An S&P issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P’s view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS:
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of the following considerations:
· Likelihood of paymentcapacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
· Nature of and provisions of the financial obligation and the promise that it is imputed; and
· Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
AAA: An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C
Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to non-payment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
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B: An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial or, economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C: An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.
D: An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
NR: This indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
A-1: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.
A-2: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C: A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
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ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS
S&P’s issuer credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about an obligor's overall creditworthiness. This opinion focuses on the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due. It does not apply to any specific financial obligation, as it does not take into account the nature of and provisions of the obligation, its standing in bankruptcy or liquidation, statutory preferences, or the legality and enforceability of the obligation.
Sovereign credit ratings are forms of issuer credit ratings.
Issuer credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term.
LONG-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS
AAA: An obligor rated ‘AAA’ has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. ‘AAA’ is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P.
AA: An obligor rated ‘AA’ has very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree.
A: An obligor rated ‘A’ has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in higher-rated categories.
BBB: An obligor rated ‘BBB’ has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.
BB, B, CCC and CC
Obligors rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, and ‘CC’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘CC’ the highest. While such obligors will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligor ‘BB’ is less vulnerable in the near term than other lower-rated obligors. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties and exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
B: An obligor rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable than the obligors rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meets its financial commitments.
CCC: An obligor rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.
CC: An obligor rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
SD and D: An obligor is rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' if S&P considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long -or short-term, including rated and unrated financial obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in non-payment according to terms. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to 'D' or 'SD' if it is conducting a distressed exchange offer.
NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
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SHORT-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS
A-1: An obligor rated ‘A-1’ has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It is rated in the highest category by S&P. Within this category, certain obligors are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments is extremely strong.
A-2: An obligor rated ‘A-2’ has satisfactory capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in the highest rating category.
A-3: An obligor rated ‘A-3’ has adequate capacity to meet its financial obligations. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments.
B: An obligor rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C: An obligor rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment that would result in a 'SD' or 'D' issuer rating, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for it to meet its financial commitments.
SD and D: An obligor is rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' if S&P considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long- or short-term, including rated and unrated obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to term. An obligor is considered in default unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. An obligor's rating is lowered to 'D' or 'SD' if it is conducting a distressed exchange offer.
NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.
MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS
SHORT-TERM NOTES: An S&P U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P opinions about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P’s analysis will review the following considerations: Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt will be given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
D: ‘D’ is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.
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FITCH RATINGS
LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS
Issuer Default Ratings
AAA: Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. The capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. The capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB: Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exist that supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B: Highly speculative. B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
CCC: Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.
CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:
• The issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;
• The issuer had entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation;
• The formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of distressed debt exchange;
• A closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.
RD: Restricted Default. ‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced:
• An unsecured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but
• Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and
• Has not otherwise ceased operating.
This would include:
• The selective payment default on specific class or currency of debt;
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• The uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;
• The extension of multiple waivers of forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.
D: Default. ‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.
• Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
• In all cases, the assignment of default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.
Notes to Long-Term ratings:
The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.
Short-Term Credit Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations
A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D: Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Insurance Financial Strength Ratings
Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Ratings are opinions of the ability of insurance companies to repay punctually senior policyholder claims and obligations and also reflect the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 52 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
S&P Insurer Financial Strength Ratings
An S&P insurer financial strength rating is a forward-looking opinion about the financial security characteristics of an insurance organization with respect to its ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms. Insurer financial strength ratings are also assigned to health maintenance organizations and similar health plans with respect to their ability to pay under their policies and contracts in accordance with their terms.
This opinion is not specific to any particular policy or contract, nor does it address the suitability of a particular policy or contract for a specific purpose or purchaser. Furthermore, the opinion does not take into account deductibles, surrender or cancellation penalties, timeliness of payment, nor the likelihood of the use of a defense such as fraud to deny claims.
Insurer financial strength ratings do not refer to an organization's ability to meet nonpolicy (i.e., debt) obligations. Assignment of ratings to debt issued by insurers or to debt issues that are fully or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts, or guarantees is a separate process from the determination of insurer financial strength ratings, and it follows procedures consistent with those used to assign an issue credit rating. An insurer financial strength rating is not a recommendation to purchase or discontinue any policy or contract issued by an insurer.
Long-Term Insurer Financial Strength Ratings
Category Definition
AAA
An insurer rated 'AAA' has extremely strong financial security characteristics. 'AAA' is the highest insurer financial strength rating assigned by S&P.
AA
An insurer rated 'AA' has very strong financial security characteristics, differing only slightly from those rated higher.
A
An insurer rated 'A' has strong financial security characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions than are insurers with higher ratings.
BBB
An insurer rated 'BBB' has good financial security characteristics, but is more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions than are higher-rated insurers.
BB, B, CCC and CC
An insurer rated 'BB' or lower is regarded as having vulnerable characteristics that may outweigh its strengths. 'BB' indicates the least degree of vulnerability within the range and 'CC' the highest.
BB
An insurer rated 'BB' has marginal financial security characteristics. Positive attributes exist, but adverse business conditions could lead to insufficient ability to meet financial commitments.
B
An insurer rated 'B' has weak financial security characteristics. Adverse business conditions will likely impair its ability to meet financial commitments.
CCC
An insurer rated 'CCC' has very weak financial security characteristics, and is dependent on favorable business conditions to meet financial commitments.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 53 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
CC
An insurer rated 'CC' has extremely weak financial security characteristics and is likely not to meet some of its financial commitments.
SD or D
An insurer rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' is in default on one or more of its insurance policy obligations. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on a policy obligation are at risk. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay substantially all of its obligations in full in accordance with the policy terms. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the insurer has selectively defaulted on a specific class of policies but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other classes of obligations. A selective default includes the completion of a distressed exchange offer. Claim denials due to lack of coverage or other legally permitted defenses are not considered defaults.
NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Fitch Insurer Financial Strength Rating
The Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating provides an assessment of the financial strength of an insurance organization. The IFS Rating is assigned to the insurance company's policyholder obligations, including assumed reinsurance obligations and contract holder obligations, such as guaranteed investment contracts. The IFS Rating reflects both the ability of the insurer to meet these obligations on a timely basis, and expected recoveries received by claimants in the event the insurer stops making payments or payments are interrupted, due to either the failure of the insurer or some form of regulatory intervention. In the context of the IFS Rating, the timeliness of payments is considered relative to both contract and/or policy terms but also recognizes the possibility of reasonable delays caused by circumstances common to the insurance industry, including claims reviews, fraud investigations and coverage disputes.
The IFS Rating does not encompass policyholder obligations residing in separate accounts, unit-linked products or segregated funds, for which the policyholder bears investment or other risks. However, any guarantees provided to the policyholder with respect to such obligations are included in the IFS Rating.
Expected recoveries are based on the agency's assessments of the sufficiency of an insurance company's assets to fund policyholder obligations, in a scenario in which payments have ceased or been interrupted. Accordingly, expected recoveries exclude the impact of recoveries obtained from any government sponsored guaranty or policyholder protection funds. Expected recoveries also exclude the impact of collateralization or security, such as letters of credit or trusteed assets, supporting select reinsurance obligations.
IFS Ratings can be assigned to insurance and reinsurance companies in any insurance sector, including the life & annuity, non-life, property/casualty, health, mortgage, financial guaranty, residual value and title insurance sectors, as well as to managed care companies such as health maintenance organizations.
The IFS Rating uses the same symbols used by the agency for its International and National credit ratings of long-term or short-term debt issues. However, the definitions associated with the ratings reflect the unique aspects of the IFS Rating within an insurance industry context.
Obligations for which a payment interruption has occurred due to either the insolvency or failure of the insurer or some form of regulatory intervention will generally be rated between 'B' and 'C' on the Long-Term IFS Rating scales (both International and National). International Short-Term IFS Ratings assigned under the same circumstances will align with the insurer's International Long-Term IFS Ratings.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 54 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
APPENDIX B
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. |
· | The Board Members will then instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action with respect to the proxy at issue. |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 55 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
If the Board Members are unable to meet and the failure to vote a proxy would have a material adverse impact on the Fund(s) involved, the Adviser will have the right to vote such proxy, provided that it discloses the existence of the material conflict to the Chairperson of the Board as soon as practicable and to the Board at its next meeting. Any determination regarding the voting of proxies of the Fund that is made by the Board Members shall be deemed to be a good faith determination regarding the voting of proxies by the full Board.
V. Reports and Review
The Administrator shall make copies of each Form N-PX filed on behalf of the Fund available for the Boards’ review upon the Boards’ request. The Administrator (with input from the Adviser for the Fund) shall also provide any reports reasonably requested by the Board regarding the proxy voting records of the Fund.
The Adviser shall report any material changes to the Adviser Procedures to the Board as soon as practicable and the Boards will review the Adviser Procedures annually.
The Adviser also shall report any material changes to the Adviser Procedures to the Fund Chief Legal Officer prior to implementing such changes in order to enable the Administrator to effectively coordinate the Fund’s disclosure relating to the Adviser Procedures.
To the extent requested by the Commission, the Policy and the Adviser Procedures shall be appended to the Fund’s statement of additional information included in its registration statement.
_____________________ |
1 | The Eaton Vance Funds may be organized as trusts or corporations. For ease of reference, the Funds may be referred to herein as Trusts and the Funds’ Board of Trustees or Board of Directors may be referred to collectively herein as the Board. |
2 | An Adviser is expected to maintain a process for identifying a potential material conflict of interest. As an example only, such potential conflicts may arise when the issuer is a client of the Adviser and generates a significant amount of fees to the Adviser or the issuer is a distributor of the Adviser’s products. |
3 | If a material conflict of interest exists with respect to a particular proxy and the proxy voting procedures of the relevant Adviser require that proxies are to be voted in accordance with the recommendation of a third party proxy voting vendor, the requirements of this Section IV shall only apply if the Adviser intends to vote such proxy in a manner inconsistent with such third party recommendation. |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 56 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
APPENDIX C
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
EATON VANCE WATEROAK ADVISORS
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED
EATON VANCE GLOBAL ADVISORS LIMITED
EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
I. Introduction
Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Eaton Vance WaterOak Advisors, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Global Advisors Limited and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (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 Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 57 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
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; (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; and (v) Agent’s business continuity program (“BCP”) and any service/operational issues experienced due to the enacting of Agent’s BCP. |
C. Global Proxy Group
The Adviser shall establish a Global Proxy Group which is responsible for establishing the Guidelines (described below) and reviewing such Guidelines at least annually. The Global Proxy Group shall also review recommendations to vote proxies in a manner that is contrary to the Guidelines and when the proxy relates to a conflicted company of the Adviser or the Agent as described below.
The members of the Global Proxy Group shall include the Chief Equity Investment Officer of Eaton Vance Management (“EVM”) and selected members of the Equity Departments of EVM and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”) and EVM’s Global Income Department. The Proxy Administrator is not a voting member of the Global Proxy Group. Members of the Global Proxy Group may be changed from time to time at the Advisers’ discretion. Matters that require the approval of the Global Proxy Group may be acted upon by its member(s) available to consider the matter.
IV. Proxy Voting
A. The Guidelines
The Global Proxy Group shall establish recommendations for the manner in which proxy proposals shall be voted (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines shall identify when ballots for specific types of proxy proposals shall be voted(1) or referred to the Adviser. The Guidelines shall address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and other proposals affecting shareholder rights. In determining the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group considers the recommendations of the Agent as well as input from the Advisers’ portfolio managers and analysts and/or other internally developed or third party research.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 58 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
The Global Proxy Group shall review the Guidelines at least annually and, in connection with proxies to be voted on behalf of the Eaton Vance Funds, the Adviser will submit amendments to the Guidelines to the Fund Boards each year for approval.
With respect to the types of proxy proposals listed below, the Guidelines will generally provide as follows:
1. Proposals Regarding Mergers and Corporate Restructurings/Disposition of Assets/Termination/Liquidation and Mergers
The Agent shall be directed to refer proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee for all proposals relating to Mergers and Corporate Restructurings.
2. Corporate Structure Matters/Anti-Takeover Defenses
As a general matter, the Advisers will normally vote against anti-takeover measures and other proposals designed to limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions (except in the case of closed-end management investment companies).
3. Proposals Regarding Proxy Contests
The Agent shall be directed to refer contested proxy proposals accompanied by its written analysis and voting recommendation to the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee.
4. Social and Environmental Issues
The Advisers will vote social and environmental proposals on a “case-by-case” basis taking into consideration industry best practices and existing management policies and practices.
Interpretation and application of the Guidelines is not intended to supersede any law, regulation, binding agreement or other legal requirement to which an issuer or the Adviser may be or become subject. The Guidelines generally relate to the types of proposals that are most frequently presented in proxy statements to shareholders. In certain circumstances, an Adviser may determine to vote contrary to the Guidelines subject to the voting procedures set forth below.
B. Voting Procedures
Except as noted in Section V below, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee shall instruct the Agent to vote proxies as follows:
1. Vote in Accordance with Guidelines
If the Guidelines prescribe the manner in which the proxy is to be voted, the Agent shall vote in accordance with the Guidelines, which for certain types of proposals, are recommendations of the Agent made on a case-by-case basis.
2. Seek Guidance for a Referred Item or a Proposal for which there is No Guideline
If (i) the Guidelines state that the proxy shall be referred to the Adviser to determine the manner in which it should be voted or (ii) a proxy is received for a proposal for which there is no Guideline, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee shall consult with the analyst(s) covering the company subject to the proxy proposal and shall instruct the Agent to vote in accordance with the determination of the analyst. The Proxy Administrator and/or her designee will maintain a record of all proxy proposals that are referred by the Agent, as well as all applicable recommendations, analysis and research received and the resolution of the matter. Where more than one analyst covers a particular company and the recommendations of such analysts for voting a proposal subject to this Section IV.B.2 conflict, the Global Proxy Group shall review such recommendations and any other available information related to the proposal and determine the manner in which it should be voted, which may result in different recommendations for clients (including Funds).
3. Votes Contrary to the Guidelines or Where Agent is Conflicted
In the event an analyst with respect to companies within his or her coverage area may recommend a vote contrary to the Guidelines, the Proxy Administrator and/or her designee will provide the Global Proxy Group with the Agent’s recommendation for the proposal along with any other relevant materials, including a description of the basis for the analyst’s recommendation via email and the Proxy Administrator and/or designee will then instruct the Agent to vote the proxy in the manner determined by the Global Proxy Group. Should the vote by the Global Proxy Group concerning one or more recommendations result in a tie, EVM’s Chief Equity Investment Officer will determine the manner in which the proxy will be voted. The Adviser will provide a report to the Boards of Trustees of the Eaton Vance Funds reflecting any votes cast on behalf of the Eaton Vance Funds contrary to the Guidelines, and shall do so quarterly. A similar process will be followed if the Agent has a conflict of interest with respect to a proxy as described in Section VI.B.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 59 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
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); or (iii) in markets in which shareholders' rights are limited; and (iv) the Adviser is unable to access or access timely ballots or other proxy information. Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent's recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as provided for herein.
C. Securities on Loan
When a fund client participates in the lending of its securities and the securities are on loan at the record date for a shareholder meeting, proxies related to such securities generally will not be forwarded to the relevant Adviser by the fund’s custodian and therefore will not be voted. In the event that the Adviser determines that the matters involved would have a material effect on the applicable fund’s investment in the loaned securities, the Adviser will make reasonable efforts to terminate the loan in time to be able to cast such vote or exercise such consent. The Adviser shall instruct the fund’s security lending agent to refrain from lending the full position of any security held by a fund to ensure that the Adviser receives notice of proxy proposals impacting the loaned security.
V. Recordkeeping
The Advisers will maintain records relating to the proxies they vote on behalf of their clients in accordance with Section 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Those records will include:
· | A copy of the Advisers’ proxy voting policies and procedures; |
· | Proxy statements received regarding client securities. Such proxy statements received from issuers are either in the SEC’s EDGAR database or are kept by the Agent and are available upon request; |
· | A record of each vote cast; |
· | A copy of any document created by the Advisers that was material to making a decision on how to vote a proxy for a client or that memorializes the basis for such a decision; and |
· | Each written client request for proxy voting records and the Advisers’ written response to any client request (whether written or oral) for such records. |
All records described above will be maintained in an easily accessible place for five years and will be maintained in the offices of the Advisers or their Agent for two years after they are created.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section V, Eaton Vance Trust Company shall maintain records relating to the proxies it votes on behalf of its clients in accordance with laws and regulations applicable to it and its activities. In addition, EVAIL shall maintain records relating to the proxies it votes on behalf of its clients in accordance with UK law.
VI. Assessment of Agent and Identification and Resolution of Conflicts with Clients
A. Assessment of Agent
The Advisers shall establish that the Agent (i) is independent from the Advisers, (ii) has resources that indicate it can competently provide analysis of proxy issues, and (iii) can make recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of the clients and, where applicable, their beneficial owners. The Advisers shall utilize, and the Agent shall comply with, such methods for establishing the foregoing as the Advisers may deem reasonably appropriate and shall do so not less than annually as well as prior to engaging the services of any new proxy voting service. The Agent shall also notify the Advisers in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to information previously provided to an Adviser in connection with establishing the Agent’s independence, competence or impartiality.
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 60 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
B. Conflicts of Interest
As fiduciaries to their clients, each Adviser puts the interests of its clients ahead of its own. In order to ensure that relevant personnel of the Advisers are able to identify potential material conflicts of interest, each Adviser will take the following steps:
· | Quarterly, the Eaton Vance Legal and Compliance Department will seek information from the department heads of each department of the Advisers and of Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”) (an affiliate of the Advisers and principal underwriter of certain Eaton Vance Funds). Each department head will be asked to provide a list of significant clients or prospective clients of the Advisers or EVD. |
· | A representative of the Legal and Compliance Department will compile a list of the companies identified (the “Conflicted Companies”) and provide that list to the Proxy Administrator. |
· | The Proxy Administrator will compare the list of Conflicted Companies with the names of companies for which he or she has been referred a proxy statement (the “Proxy Companies”). If a Conflicted Company is also a Proxy Company, the Proxy Administrator will report that fact to the Global Proxy Group. |
If the Proxy Administrator expects to instruct the Agent to vote the proxy of the Conflicted Company strictly according to the Guidelines contained in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Policies”) or the recommendation of the Agent, as applicable, he or she will (i) inform the Global Proxy Group of that fact, (ii) instruct the Agent to vote the proxies and (iii) record the existence of the material conflict and the resolution of the matter.
· | If the Proxy Administrator intends to instruct the Agent to vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group will then determine if a material conflict of interest exists between the relevant Adviser and its clients (in consultation with the Legal and Compliance Department if needed). If the Global Proxy Group determines that a material conflict exists, prior to instructing the Agent to vote any proxies relating to these Conflicted Companies the Adviser will seek instruction on how the proxy should be voted from: |
· | The client, in the case of an individual, corporate, institutional or benefit plan client; |
· | In the case of a Fund, its board of directors, any committee, sub-committee or group of Independent Trustees (as long as such committee, sub-committee or group contains at least two or more Independent Trustees); or |
· | The adviser, in situations where the Adviser acts as a sub-adviser to such adviser. |
The Adviser will provide all reasonable assistance to each party to enable such party to make an informed decision.
If the client, Fund board or adviser, as the case may be, fails to instruct the Adviser on how to vote the proxy, the Adviser will generally instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Administrator, to abstain from voting in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If however, the failure of the Adviser to vote its clients’ proxies would have a material adverse economic impact on the Advisers’ clients’ securities holdings in the Conflicted Company, the Adviser may instruct the Agent, through the Proxy Administrator, to vote such proxies in order to protect its clients’ interests. In either case, the Proxy Administrator will record the existence of the material conflict and the resolution of the matter.
The Advisers shall also identify and address conflicts that may arise from time to time concerning the Agent. Upon the Advisers’ request, which shall be not less than annually, and within fifteen (15) calendar days of any material change to such information previously provided to an Adviser, the Agent shall provide the Advisers with such information as the Advisers deem reasonable and appropriate for use in determining material relationships of the Agent that may pose a conflict of interest with respect to the Agent’s proxy analysis or recommendations. Such information shall include, but is not limited to, a monthly report from the Agent detailing the Agent’s Corporate Securities Division clients and related revenue data. The Advisers shall review such information on a monthly basis. The Proxy Administrator shall instruct the Agent to refer any proxies for which a material conflict of the Agent is deemed to be present to the Proxy Administrator. Any such proxy referred by the Agent shall be referred to the Global Proxy Group for consideration accompanied by the Agent’s written analysis and voting recommendation. The Proxy Administrator will instruct the Agent to vote the proxy as recommended by the Global Proxy Group.
(1) | The Guidelines will prescribe how a proposal shall be voted or provide factors to be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Agent in recommending a vote pursuant to the Guidelines. |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 61 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
Statement of Additional Information
February 17, 2022
________________
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Eaton Vance Management
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Sub-Adviser
Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd.
125 Old Broad Street
London, United Kingdom, EC2N 1AR
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund | 62 | SAI dated February 17, 2022 |
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 25. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS |
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Included in Part A:
Financial Highlights.
Included in Part B:
Registrant’s Certified Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR filed December 23, 2021 (Accession No. 0001193125-21-365944) and incorporated herein by reference.
_______________________________
(2) EXHIBITS:
C-1 |
C-2 |
ITEM 26. | MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS |
See Form of Distribution Agreement with respect to the Rule 415 shelf offering filed herewith.
See Form of Sub-Placement Agent Agreement between Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and UBS Securities LLC filed herewith.
ITEM 27. | OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION |
The approximate expenses in connection with the offering are as follows:
Registration and Filing Fees | $ 40,008 |
FINRA Fees | $ 500 |
New York Stock Exchange Fees | $ 159,003 |
Costs of Printing and Engraving | $ 0 |
Accounting Fees and Expenses | $ 2,050 |
Legal Fees and Expenses | $ 5,000 |
Total | $ 206,561 |
* The Adviser will pay expenses of the offering (other than the applicable commissions). |
C-3 |
ITEM 28. | PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL |
None.
ITEM 29. | NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES |
Set forth below is the number of record holders as of December 31, 2021, of each class of securities of the Registrant:
Title of Class | Number of Record Holders | |
Common Shares of Beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share | 122,108 |
ITEM 30. | INDEMNIFICATION |
The Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws and the Form of Distribution Agreement filed herewith contain provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Trustees and officers under certain circumstances.
Registrant's Trustees and officers are insured under a standard investment company errors and omissions insurance policy covering loss incurred by reason of negligent errors and omissions committed in their official capacities as such. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in this Item 30, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 31. | BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER |
Reference is made to: (i) the information set forth under the caption “Investment advisory and other services” in the Statement of Additional Information; (ii) the Morgan Stanley 10-K filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) (File No. 001-11758); the most recent Eaton Vance Corp. 10-K filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File No. 001-8100); and (iii) the Form ADV of Eaton Vance Management (File No. 801-15930) and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (File No. 801-111772) filed with the Commission, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 32. | 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, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, with the exception of certain corporate documents and portfolio trading documents which are in the possession and custody of Eaton Vance Management, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. 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, located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. located at 125 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AR.
ITEM 33. | MANAGEMENT SERVICES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 34. | UNDERTAKINGS |
1. Not applicable.
2. Not applicable.
C-4 |
3. The Registrant undertakes to
(a) file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:
(1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;
(c) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;
(d) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(1) if the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B [17 CFR 230.430B]:
(A) Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or
(2) if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C [17 CFR 230.430C]: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
C-5 |
(e) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:
(1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act;
(2) free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrants;
(3) the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and
(4) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
4. The Registrant undertakes that:
(a) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective; and
(b) for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post- effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
5. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference into the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
6. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
7. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of an oral or written request, its Statement of Additional Information.
C-6 |
NOTICE
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Registrant by an officer of the Registrant as an officer and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually, but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Registrant.
C-7 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to the 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 the 17th day of February 2022.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND | ||
By: | Edward J. Perkin* | |
Edward J. Perkin, President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | ||||
Edward J. Perkin* | President (Chief Executive Officer) | ||||
Edward J. Perkin | |||||
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/ Deidre E. Walsh | ||||
Deidre E. Walsh (As attorney-in-fact) | |||||
C-8 |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | Description |
(g) | (1) | Investment Advisory Agreement dated March 1, 2021 between the Registrant and Eaton Vance Management | ||
(2) | Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated March 1, 2021 between Eaton Vance Management and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. | |||
(h) | (3) | Form of Distribution Agreement with respect to the Rule 415 shelf offering | ||
(4) | Form of Sub-Placement Agent Agreement | |||
(k) | (4) | Administrative Services Agreement dated March 1, 2021 between the Registrant and Eaton Vance Management | ||
(l) | Opinion of Internal Counsel | |||
(n) | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |||
(s) | Calculation of Filing Fee Tables | |||
(t) | (1) | Secretary’s Certificate dated January 11, 2022 | ||
(2) | Power of Attorney dated June 18, 2021 |
C-9 |
EXHIBIT (g)(1)
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of March, 2021, between Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”), and Eaton Vance Management, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Adviser”).
1. Duties of the Adviser. The Trust hereby employs the Adviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Trust and to administer its investment affairs, subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
(a) The Adviser hereby accepts such employment, and undertakes to afford to the Trust the advice and assistance of the Adviser’s organization in the choice of investments and in the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust and to furnish for the use of the Trust office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Trust and for administering its investment affairs and to pay the salaries and fees of all officers and Trustees of the Trust who are members of the Adviser’s organization and all personnel of the Adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities. The Adviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.
(b) The Adviser shall provide the Trust with such investment management and supervision as the Trust may from time to time consider necessary for the proper supervision of the Trust’s investments. As investment adviser to the Trust, the Adviser shall furnish continuously an investment program and shall determine from time to time what securities and other investments shall be acquired, disposed of or exchanged and what portion of the Trust’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the applicable restrictions of the Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and registration statement of the Trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Trust, to buy, sell, and otherwise trade in any and all types of securities, commodities, derivatives and investment instruments on behalf of the Trust. Should the Trustees of the Trust at any time, however, make any specific determination as to investment policy for the Trust and notify the Adviser thereof in writing, the Adviser shall be bound by such determination for the period, if any, specified in such notice or until similarly notified that such determination has been revoked. The Adviser shall take, on behalf of the Trust, all actions that it deems necessary or desirable to implement the investment policies of the Trust.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND |
(c) The Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio investments for the account of the Trust either directly with the issuer or with brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other market participants selected by the Adviser, and, to that end, the Adviser is authorized, as the agent of the Trust, to give instructions to the custodian of the Trust as to deliveries of investments and payments of cash for the account of the Trust. In connection with the selection of such brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other market participants and the placing of such orders, the Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute security transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Trust and (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. Subject to the policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Adviser and the Adviser is expressly authorized to cause the Trust to pay any broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a security transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to the Trust and to other accounts over which they exercise investment discretion.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser shall not be deemed to have assumed any duties with respect to, and shall not be responsible for, the distribution of shares of the Trust, nor shall the Adviser be deemed to have assumed or have any responsibility with respect to functions specifically assumed by any transfer agent, administration, custodian or shareholder servicing agent of the Trust.
2. Compensation of the Adviser. For the services, payments and facilities to be furnished hereunder by the Adviser, the Adviser shall be entitled to receive from the Trust the compensation described on Appendix A hereto.
3. Allocation of Charges and Expenses. The Adviser shall pay the entire salaries and fees of all of the Trust’s Trustees and officers employed by the Adviser and who devote part or all of their time to the affairs of the Adviser, and the salaries and fees of such persons shall not be deemed to be expenses incurred by the Trust for purposes of this Section 3. Except as provided in the foregoing sentence, it is understood that the Trust will pay all expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Adviser hereunder, which expenses payable by the Trust shall include, without implied limitation (i) expenses of maintaining the Trust and continuing its existence; (ii) registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act; (iii) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments; (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses; (v) taxes and interest; (vi) governmental fees, (vii) expenses of listing shares of the Trust with a stock exchange, and expenses of issue, sale, repurchase and redemption (if any) of shares of the Trust, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of repurchasing Trust shares; (viii) fees and expenses of registering, qualifying, and maintaining the Trust and its shares under applicable
2 |
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND |
federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements, other offering statements or memoranda, and other reports, forms, and documents required to be filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any other regulatory body, and for printing and distributing the same to shareholders; (ix) expenses of reports and notices to shareholders and of meetings of shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (xi) insurance expenses; (xii) association membership dues; (xiii) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for all services to the Trust (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of net asset values); (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder servicing agents and registrars for all services to the Trust; (xv) expenses for servicing shareholder accounts; (xvi) any direct charges to the Trust or shareholders approved by the Trustees of the Trust; (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the Trust who are not members of the Adviser’s organization; (xviii) any pricing or valuation services employed by the Trust to value its investments including primary and comparative valuation services; (xix) any investment advisory, sub-investment advisory, or similar management fee payable by the Trust; (xx) all expenses incurred in connection with the Trust’s use of a line of credit, other borrowings or leverage; and (xxi) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Trust to indemnify its Trustees, officers and shareholders with respect thereto.
4. Other Interests. It is understood that Trustees and officers of the Trust and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Adviser as trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise and that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of the Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise. It is also understood that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of the Adviser may be or become interested (as directors, trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise) in other companies or entities (including, without limitation, other investment companies) that the Adviser may organize, sponsor or acquire, or with which it may merge or consolidate, and which may include the words “Eaton Vance” or any combination thereof as part of their name, and that the Adviser or its subsidiaries or affiliates may enter into advisory or management agreements or other contracts or relationships with such other companies or entities.
5. Limitation of Liability of the Adviser. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the acquisition, holding or disposition of any security or other investment.
A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Adviser is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Adviser by an officer in his or her capacity as an officer and not individually. The Trust expressly acknowledges the provisions in the Declaration of Trust of the Adviser limiting the personal liability of the trustees, officers, and shareholders of the Adviser, and the Trust hereby agrees that it shall have recourse to the Adviser for payment of claims or obligations as between the Adviser and the Trust arising out of this Agreement and shall not seek satisfaction from the trustees, officers, or shareholders of the Adviser.
3 |
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND |
6. Sub-Investment Advisers. The Adviser may employ one or more sub-investment advisers from time to time to perform any of the Adviser’s duties under this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the Adviser and such sub-investment adviser and approved by the Trustees of the Trust, all as permitted by the 1940 Act. The performance of each such sub-investment adviser of its obligation under any such agreement shall be supervised by the Adviser. Further, the Adviser may, with the approval of the Trustees of the Trust and without the vote of any shareholders of the Trust, terminate any agreement with any sub-investment adviser and/or enter into an agreement with one or more other sub-investment advisers, all as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. In the event a sub-investment adviser is employed, the Adviser retains the authority to immediately assume responsibility for any functions delegated to a sub-investment adviser, subject to approval by the Board and notice to the sub-investment adviser.
7. Duration and Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date of its execution, and, unless terminated as herein provided, shall remain in full force and effect through and including the second anniversary of the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Adviser or the Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement without the payment of any penalty, by action of Trustees of the Trust or the trustees of the Adviser, as the case may be, and the Trust may, at any time upon such written notice to the Adviser, terminate this Agreement by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
8. Amendments of the Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by a writing signed by both parties hereto, provided that no amendment to this Agreement shall be effective until approved in a manner consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
4 |
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND |
9. Limitation of Liability of Trustees and Officers of the Trust. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Trust by an officer in his or her capacity as an officer and not individually. The Adviser expressly acknowledges the provisions in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust limiting the personal liability of the Trustees, officers, and shareholders of the Trust, and the Adviser hereby agrees that it shall have recourse to the Trust for payment of claims or obligations as between the Trust and the Adviser arising out of this Agreement and shall not seek satisfaction from the Trustees, officers, or shareholders of the Trust or any Trustee, officer, or shareholder of the Trust.
10. Use of the Name “Eaton Vance”. The Adviser hereby consents to the use by the Trust of the name “Eaton Vance” as part of the Trust’s name; provided, however, that such consent shall be conditioned upon the employment of the Adviser or one of its affiliates as the investment adviser of the Trust. The name “Eaton Vance” or any variation thereof may be used from time to time in other connections and for other purposes by the Adviser and its affiliates and other investment companies that have obtained consent to the use of the name “Eaton Vance”. The Adviser shall have the right to require the Trust to cease using the name “Eaton Vance” as part of the Trust’s name if the Trust ceases, for any reason, to employ the Adviser or one of its affiliates as the Trust’s investment adviser. Future names adopted by the Trust for itself, insofar as such names include identifying words requiring the consent of the Adviser, shall be the property of the Adviser and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions.
11. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person not a party hereto any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
12. Non-Exclusive Services. The services of the Adviser to the Trust are not to be deemed to be exclusive, the Adviser being free to render services to others and engage in other business activities. It is understood that the Adviser and its affiliates perform investment services, including rendering investment advice, to varied clients. It is understood that the Adviser or any of its affiliates may give advice or take action for other accounts that may differ from, conflict with or be adverse to advice given or taken for the Trust. It is understood that certain securities or instruments may be held in some accounts but not in others, or the accounts may have different levels of holdings in certain securities or instruments and the accounts may remit different levels of fees to the Adviser. In addition, it is understood that the Adviser or any of its affiliates may give advice or take action with respect to the investments of the Trust that may not be given or taken with respect to one or more accounts with similar investment programs, objectives, and strategies. The Trust acknowledges that the Adviser, its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, and/or employees may from time to time have positions in or transact in securities and other investments recommended to clients, including the Trust. Such transactions may differ from or be inconsistent with the advice given, or the timing or nature of the Adviser’s action or actions with respect to the Trust. The Adviser may aggregate the Trust’s orders with orders of its proprietary accounts and/or orders of other clients.
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13. Certain Definitions. The terms “assignment” and “interested persons” when used herein shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act as now in effect or as hereafter amended subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by any rule, regulation or order by the SEC. The term “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall mean the vote, at a meeting of shareholders, of the lesser of (a) 67 per centum or more of the shares of the Trust present or represented by proxy at the meeting if the shareholders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust are present or represented by proxy at the meeting, or (b) more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the SEC, any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the SEC, or any applicable guidance issued by the staff of the SEC, such provision will be deemed to incorporate the effect of such order, rule, regulation, interpretative release, or guidance.
14. Miscellaneous.
(a) If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(b) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(c) This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Deidre E. Walsh
Deidre E. Walsh
Vice President and not individually
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
By: /s/ Maureen A. Gemma
Maureen A. Gemma
Vice President and not individually
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APPENDIX A
For the services, payments and facilities furnished by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from the Trust compensation as set forth below:
Average Daily Gross Assets for the Month | Annual Fee Rate |
Up to and including $1.5 billion | 1.000% |
Over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion | 0.980% |
Over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion | 0.960% |
Over $5 billion | 0.940% |
Compensation is based on the average daily gross assets of the Trust. For purposes of this calculation, “gross assets” of the Trust shall mean total assets of the Trust, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Trust’s investment objectives and policies, and/or (iv) any other means.
In case of initiation or termination of the Agreement during any month with respect to the Trust, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of calendar days during which the Agreement is in effect.
Such compensation shall be paid monthly in arrears. The Adviser may, from time to time, waive all or a part of the above compensation.
EXHIBIT (g)(2)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
between
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
and
EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
for
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
AGREEMENT made as of this 1st day of March, 2021, between Eaton Vance Management, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Adviser”), and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd, a private limited company incorporated in England and Wales (the “Sub-Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Adviser has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”), relating to the provision of portfolio management services to the Trust; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser may delegate any or all of its portfolio management responsibilities under the Advisory Agreement to one or more sub-investment advisers; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser and the Trustees of the Trust desire to retain the Sub-Adviser to render portfolio management services to the Trust in the manner and on the terms set forth in this Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”);
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser agree as follows:
1. Duties of the Sub-Adviser. The Adviser hereby employs the Sub-Adviser to act as investment adviser for and to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Trust and to administer its investment affairs, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Trustees of the Trust, for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. Subject to approval of the Trust's Board and notice to the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser retains complete authority immediately to assume direct responsibility for any function delegated to the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND |
(a) The Sub-Adviser hereby accepts such employment and undertakes to afford to the Trust the advice and assistance of the Sub-Adviser’s organization in the choice of investments and in the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust and to furnish, for the use of the Trust, office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Trust and for administering its investment affairs and to pay the salaries and fees of all officers and Trustees of the Trust who are members of the Sub-Adviser’s organization and all personnel of the Sub-Adviser performing services relating to research and investment activities. The Sub-Adviser shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Adviser or the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Adviser or the Trust.
(b) The Sub-Adviser shall provide the Trust with such investment management and supervision as the Adviser may, from time to time, consider necessary for the proper supervision of the Trust’s investments. The services to be provided by the Sub-Adviser hereunder will apply to the portion of the Trust’s assets that Adviser or the Trustees of the Trust shall from time to time designate, which may consist of all or a portion of the Trust’s assets. As investment sub-adviser to the Trust, the Sub-Adviser shall furnish continuously an investment program and shall determine, from time to time, what securities and other investments shall be acquired, disposed of or exchanged and what portion of the Trust’s assets shall be held uninvested, subject always to the applicable restrictions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and registration statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Sub-Adviser is authorized, in its discretion and without prior consultation with the Adviser or the Trust, to buy, sell, and otherwise trade in any and all types of securities, commodities, derivatives, and investment instruments on behalf of the Trust. Should the Trustees of the Trust or the Adviser at any time, however, make any specific determination as to investment policy for the Trust and notify the Sub-Adviser thereof in writing, the Sub-Adviser shall be bound by such determination for the period, if any, specified in such notice or until similarly notified that such determination has been revoked. The Sub-Adviser shall take, on behalf of the Trust, all actions that it deems necessary or desirable to implement the investment policies of the Trust.
(c) The Sub-Adviser shall place all orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio investments for the account of the Trust either directly with the issuer or with brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other market participants selected by the Sub-Adviser, and, to that end, the Sub-Adviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions to the custodian of the Trust as to deliveries of investments and payments of cash for the account of the Trust. In connection with the selection of such brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants, or other market participants and the placing of such orders, the Sub-Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek to execute security transactions at prices that are advantageous to the Trust and (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. Subject to the policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in selecting brokers or dealers qualified to execute a particular transaction, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) to the Sub-Adviser and the Sub-Adviser is expressly authorized to cause the Trust to
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pay any broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a security transaction which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Sub-Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to the Trust and to other accounts over which they exercise investment discretion.
(d) The Sub-Adviser shall furnish such reports, evaluations, information or analyses to the Trust and the Adviser as the Trust’s Board of Trustees or the Adviser may reasonably request from time to time, or as the Sub-Adviser may deem to be desirable.
(e) The Sub-Adviser shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties under the Agreement and will conduct its activities hereunder in compliance with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and all rules and regulations thereunder, all other applicable federal and state laws, any applicable procedures adopted by the Trust’s Board that have been provided to the Sub-Adviser, and the provisions of the Trust’s registration statement, each as may be amended. The Sub-Adviser will furnish to regulatory authorities having the requisite authority any information or reports in connection with its services in respect to the Trust which may be requested by such authorities in order to ascertain whether the operations of the Trust are being conducted in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
2. Compensation of the Sub-Adviser. For the services, payments and facilities to be furnished hereunder by the Sub-Adviser, to the extent the Adviser receives at least such amount from the Trust pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser shall be entitled to receive from the Adviser the compensation specified in Appendix A hereto. The Adviser is solely responsible for the payment of the compensation to the Sub-Adviser, and the Sub-Adviser agrees to seek payment of its compensation solely from the Adviser. The Trust shall have no liability for Sub-Adviser's compensation hereunder.
3. Allocation of Charges and Expenses. It is understood that the Trust will pay all expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by the Sub-Adviser hereunder or by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, which expenses payable by the Trust shall include, without implied limitation, (i) expenses of maintaining the Trust and continuing its existence; (ii) registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act; (iii) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments; (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses; (v) taxes and interest; (vi) governmental fees; (vii) expenses of listing shares of the Trust with a stock exchange, and expenses of issue, sale, repurchase and redemption (if any) of shares of the Trust, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of repurchasing Trust shares; (viii) fees and expenses of registering, qualifying, and maintaining the Trust and its shares under applicable federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements, other offering statements or memoranda, and other reports, forms, and documents required to
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be filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and any other regulatory body, and for printing and distributing the same to shareholders; (ix) expenses of reports and notices to shareholders and of meetings of shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (xi) insurance expenses; (xii) association membership dues; (xiii) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for all services to the Trust (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of net asset values); (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder servicing agents and registrars for all services to the Trust; (xv) expenses for servicing shareholder accounts; (xvi) any direct charges to the Trust or shareholders approved by the Trustees of the Trust; (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the Trust who are not members of the Adviser’s or the Sub-Adviser’s organizations; (xviii) any pricing or valuation services employed by the Trust to value its investments including primary and comparative valuation services; (xix) any investment advisory, sub-investment advisory, or similar management fee payable by the Trust; (xx) all expenses incurred in connection with the Trust’s use of a line of credit, other borrowings or leverage; and (xxi) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Trust to indemnify its Trustees, officers, and shareholders with respect thereto.
4. Other Interests. It is understood that Trustees, officers, and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in the Sub-Adviser as trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise and that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of the Sub-Adviser are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that the Sub-Adviser may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise. It is also understood that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of the Sub-Adviser may be or become interested (as directors, trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise) in other companies or entities (including, without limitation, other investment companies) that the Sub-Adviser may organize, sponsor, or acquire, or with which it may merge or consolidate, and which may include the words “Eaton Vance Advisers International, Ltd.” or any combination thereof as part of their name, and that the Sub-Adviser or its subsidiaries or affiliates may enter into advisory or management agreements or other contracts or relationships with such other companies or entities.
The services of the Sub-Adviser to the Adviser for the benefit of the Trust are not to be deemed to be exclusive and the Sub-Adviser is free to render services to others and engage in other business activities. It is understood that the Sub-Adviser and its affiliates perform investment services, including rendering investment advice, to varied clients. It is understood that the Sub-Adviser or any of its affiliates may give advice or take action for other accounts that may differ from, conflict with, or be adverse to advice given or taken for the Trust. It is understood that certain securities or instruments may be held in some accounts but not in others, or the accounts may have different levels of holdings in certain securities or instruments and the accounts may remit different levels of fees to the Sub-Adviser. In addition, it is understood that the Sub-Adviser or any of its affiliates may give advice or take action with respect to the investments of the Trust that may not be given or taken with respect to one or more accounts with similar investment programs, objectives, and strategies. The Trust
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acknowledges that the Sub-Adviser, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, and/or employees may from time to time have positions in or transact in securities and other investments recommended to clients, including the Trust. Such transactions may differ from or be inconsistent with the advice given, or the timing or nature of the Sub-Adviser’s action or actions with respect to the Trust. The Sub-Adviser may aggregate the Trust’s orders with orders of its proprietary accounts and/or orders of other clients.
5. Limitation of Liability of the Sub-Adviser. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Adviser or the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the acquisition, holding, or disposition of any security or other investment.
6. Duration and Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date of its execution, and, unless terminated as herein provided, shall remain in full force and effect through and including the second anniversary of the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Sub-Adviser, the Adviser, or the Trust cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
This Agreement may be terminated as to the Trust without the payment of any penalty by (i) the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Trustees of the Trust; (ii) the vote of the Trustees of the Trust; (iii) the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust at any annual or special meeting; or (iv) the Sub-Adviser, in each case on sixty (60) days’ written notice. This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment or in the event that the Advisory Agreement shall have terminated for any reason. In the event of termination for any reason, all records of the Trust shall promptly be returned to the Adviser or the Trust, free from any claim or retention of rights in such record by the Sub- Adviser, although the Sub-Adviser may, at its own expense, make and retain a copy of such records.
7. Amendments of the Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by a writing signed by both parties hereto, provided that no amendment to this Agreement shall be effective until approved in a manner consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
8. Limitation of Liability. A copy of the Declaration of Trust for each the Trust and the Adviser is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of each the Adviser and the Trust by an officer of each respective organization, in his or her capacity as an officer and not individually. The Sub-Adviser expressly acknowledges the provisions in the Declarations of Trust of the
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Trust and of the Adviser limiting the personal liability of Trustees, officers, and the shareholders of the Trust and the Adviser, respectively, and the Sub-Adviser hereby agrees that it shall have recourse to the Trust or the Adviser, respectively, for payment of claims or obligations as between the Trust or the Adviser, respectively, and the Sub-Adviser arising out of this Agreement and shall not seek satisfaction from the Trustees, officers, or shareholders, or any Trustee, officer, or shareholder, of the Trust or the Adviser.
9. Third Party Beneficiaries. The Trust is a third party beneficiary to this Agreement. Aside from the Trust, nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person not a party hereto (including, but not limited to, shareholders of the Trust) any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
10. Books and Records. The Sub-Adviser hereby agrees that all records that it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's or the Adviser's request in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, although the Sub-Adviser may, at its own expense, make and retain a copy of such records. The Sub-Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act.
11. Certain Definitions. The terms “assignment” and “interested persons” when used herein shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act, as now in effect or as hereafter amended subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by any rule, regulation or order by the SEC. The term “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall mean the vote, at a meeting of shareholders, of the lesser of (a) 67 per centum or more of the shares of the Trust present or represented by proxy at the meeting if the shareholders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust are present or represented by proxy at the meeting, or (b) more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the SEC, any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the SEC, or any applicable guidance issued by the staff of the SEC, such provision will be deemed to incorporate the effect of such order, rule, regulation, interpretative release, or guidance.
12. Miscellaneous.
(a) If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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(b) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(c) This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
By: /s/ Maureen A. Gemma
Name: Maureen A. Gemma
Title: Vice President and not individually
EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
A private limited company incorporated in England and Wales, authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom
By: /s/ Christopher Dyer
Name: Christopher Dyer
Title: Director, Vice President and not individually
Acknowledged and agreed to as of the day
and year first above written:
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
By: /s/ Deidre E. Walsh
Name: Deidre E. Walsh
Title: Vice President and not individually
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APPENDIX A
Annual Investment Sub-Advisory Fee
For the services, payments and facilities furnished by the Sub-Adviser under this Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is entitled to receive from the Adviser the compensation set forth below:
Average Daily Gross Assets for the Month | Annual Fee Rate |
Up to and including $1.5 billion | 0.339% |
Over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion | 0.332% |
Over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion | 0.325% |
Over $5 billion | 0.319% |
Compensation is based on the average daily gross assets of the Trust. For purposes of this calculation, "gross assets" of the Trust shall mean total assets of the Trust, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Trust's investment objectives and policies, and/or (iv) any other means).
In case of initiation or termination of the Agreement during any month with respect to the Trust, the fee for that month shall be reduced proportionately on the basis of the number of calendar days during which the Agreement is in effect.
Such compensation shall be paid monthly in arrears. The Sub-Adviser may, from time to time, waive all or a part of the above compensation.
EXHIBIT (h)(3)
FORM OF DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
EATON VANCE [ ] TRUST
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
______________________, 2022
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Re: Distribution Agreement Relating to At-the-Market Offerings
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Eaton Vance [ ] Trust is a Massachusetts business trust operating as a closed-end management investment company (hereinafter referred to as the “Fund”). The Fund has filed an automatic shelf registration statement “as defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-[ ] and 811-[ ]) (the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the 1933 Act, to register additional common shares of the Fund, which may be issued and sold from time to time through various specified transactions, including at-the-market (“ATM”) offerings. “Registration Statement” as used herein includes the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, including materials incorporated therein and any supplements or amendments thereto.
You have informed us that Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. is registered as a broker-dealer under the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and is a member in good standing with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). You have indicated your desire to act as distributor for the Fund’s common shares issued pursuant to the Registration Statement. We have been authorized by the Fund to execute and deliver this Agreement to you by a resolution of our Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”) adopted at a meeting of the Trustees, at which a majority of Trustees, including a majority of our Trustees who are not otherwise interested persons of our investment manager or its related organizations, were present and voted in favor of said resolution approving this Agreement.
1. APPOINTMENT OF DISTRIBUTOR. Upon the execution of this Agreement and in consideration of the agreements on your part herein expressed and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, we hereby appoint you as the distributor for up to [ ] of the common shares of the Fund to be issued pursuant to the Registration Statement through ATM offerings (the “Shares”) and agree that we will issue such Shares as you may sell. You agree to use reasonable efforts to identify opportunities for the sale of Shares, but you are not obligated to sell any specific number of the Shares. The Shares will only be sold on such days as shall be agreed to by you and the Fund.
2. SELECTED DEALERS. You may enter into selected dealer agreements, on such terms and conditions as you determine are not inconsistent with this Agreement, with broker-dealers to act as your agent to effect the sale of the Shares. Such selected broker-dealers shall sell Shares only at market prices subject to a minimum price to be established each day by you and the Fund (see paragraph 3 below). This Agreement shall not be construed as authorizing any dealer or other person to accept orders for sale on our behalf or to otherwise act as our agent for any purpose. You shall not be responsible for the acts of other dealers or agents except as and to the extent that they shall be acting for you or under your direction or authority.
3. SHARE PRICE. The price per Share shall be determined by reference to trades on the Fund’s primary exchange. In no event shall the price be less than the current net asset value per share plus the per share amount of the commission to be paid to you (the “Minimum Price”). You shall suspend the sale of Shares if the per share price of the Shares is less than the Minimum Price.
4. SALES COMMISSION.
(a) You shall be entitled to receive a sales commission from the Fund in an amount equal to 1.00% of the gross sales price per Share, of which 0.80% will be re-allowed to the sub-sales agent.
(b) You may pay to selected broker-dealers such selling agent commissions (not exceeding 80% of the total sales commission) (the “ATM Sales Agent Commission”) as you shall deem advisable, which shall be payable from the commissions payable to you under Section 4(a) above.
5. FURNISHING OF INFORMATION. We will furnish you with copies of the Registration Statement, and we warrant that the statements therein contained are true and correct as of the date of the Registration Statement, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time. We will also furnish you with such other information that you may reasonably request for use in connection with the distribution of the Shares, including, at least annually, audited financial statements of our books and accounts certified by independent public accountants.
6. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. Other than the currently effective Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, you will not use any sales materials or statements except literature or advertising that conforms to the requirements of federal and state securities laws and regulations and that have been filed, where necessary, with the appropriate regulatory authorities. You will furnish us with copies of all material prior to their use and no such material shall be published if we shall reasonably and promptly object.
You shall comply with the applicable federal and state laws and regulations where our shares are offered for sale and conduct your affairs with us and with dealers, brokers or investors in accordance with the Conduct Rules of FINRA.
7. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Fund agrees to indemnify, defend and hold you, your officers, and Directors, and any person who controls you within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands or liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which you, your officers, Directors or any such controlling persons may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Fund’s Registration Statement or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in it or necessary to make the statements in it not misleading, except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by you to the Fund for use in the Registration Statement, (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Fund’s advertisement or sales literature or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in either thereof or necessary to make the statements in either thereof not misleading, except insofar as such claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by you to the Fund for use in such advertisement or sales literature or (iii) any action taken or omitted by the Fund prior to the date of this Agreement. You agree to comply with all of the applicable terms and provisions of the 1934 Act.
(b) You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold the Fund, its officers, Trustees, employees shareholders and agents, and any person who controls the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending against such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Fund, its Trustees, officers, employees, shareholders and agents, or any such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act or under common law or otherwise arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a material fact contained in information furnished in writing by you to the Fund for use in the Registration Statement, or arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated in the Registration Statement necessary to make such information not misleading.
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A party seeking indemnification hereunder ( “Indemnitee”) shall give prompt written notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought (“Indemnitor”) of a written assertion or claim of any threatened or pending legal proceeding which may be subject to indemnity under this Section; provided, however, that failure to notify the Indemnitor of such written assertion or claim shall not relieve the indemnitor of any liability arising from this Section. The Indemnitor shall be entitled, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce a claim subject to this Agreement and such defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Indemnitor and satisfactory to the Indemnitee; provided, however, that if the defendants include both the Indemnitee and the Indemnitor, and the Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be one or more legal defenses available to it which are different from or additional to those available to the Indemnitor (“conflict of interest”), the Indemnitor shall have the right to select separate counsel to defend such claim on behalf of the Indemnitee. In the event that the Indemnitor elects to assume the defense of any suit pursuant to the preceding sentence and retains counsel satisfactory to the Indemnitee, the Indemnitee shall bear the fees and expenses of additional counsel retained by it except for reasonable investigation costs which shall be borne by the Indemnitor. If the Indemnitor (i) does not elect to assume the defense of a claim, (ii) elects to assume the defense of a claim but chooses counsel that is not satisfactory to the Indemnitee or (iii) has no right to assume the defense of a claim because of a conflict of interest, the Indemnitor shall advance or reimburse the Indemnitee, at the election of the Indemnitee, reasonable fees and disbursements of any counsel retained by Indemnitee, including reasonable investigation costs.
8. OTHER ACTIVITIES. Your services pursuant to this Agreement shall not be deemed to be exclusive and you may render similar services and act as an underwriter, distributor, or dealer for other investment companies in the offering of their shares.
9. SUSPENSION OF SALES. We reserve the right at all times to suspend or limit the offering of the shares upon written notice to you and to reject any order in whole or in part.
10. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.
(a) You shall bear all expenses incurred by you in connection with your duties and activities under this Agreement including the payment to selected dealers of any sales commissions for sales of the Fund’s Shares.
(b) The Fund shall bear all costs and expenses of the Fund, including expenses (including legal fees) pertaining to the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, and expenses pertaining to the preparation, printing and distribution of any reports or communications to shareholders, including Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information, annual and interim reports, or proxy materials.
11. TERMINATION. This Agreement (i) may be terminated by the Fund at any time without the payment of any penalty and (ii) may be terminated by you at any time without the payment of any penalty. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless terminated pursuant to this provision or by the mutual agreement of the parties.
12. MISCELLANEOUS. This Agreement shall be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be interpreted and construed to further and promote the operation of the Fund as a closed-end management investment company.
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13. STANDARD OF CARE. You shall be responsible for exercising reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Agreement.
14. DECLARATION OF TRUST AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed by an officer of the Fund on behalf of the Trustees, as trustees and not individually, and that the obligations of this Agreement with respect to the Fund shall be binding upon the assets and properties of the Fund only and shall not be binding upon the assets or properties of the Trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the Fund individually.
If the foregoing meets with your approval, please acknowledge your acceptance by signing each of the enclosed counterparts hereof and returning such counterparts to us, whereupon this shall constitute a binding agreement as of the date first above written.
Very truly yours, |
Eaton Vance [ ] Trust |
Name: |
Title: |
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. |
Name: |
Title: |
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EXHIBIT (h)(4)
FORM OF
SUB-PLACEMENT AGENT AGREEMENT
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
[ ], 2022
UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
RE: At-the-Market Offerings by Eaton Vance [ ]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
From time to time Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”, “we” or “us”) will act as manager of registered at-the-market offerings by Eaton Vance [ ], a Massachusetts business trust (the “Fund”), of up to [ ] common shares (the “Shares”) of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Fund (the “Common Shares”). In the case of such offerings, the Fund has agreed with the Distributor to issue and sell through or to the Distributor, as sales agent and/or principal, the Shares.
We hereby agree to retain UBS Securities LLC (the “Agent” or “you”) as a sub-placement agent with respect to the offerings of the Shares to be issued and sold by the Fund (the “Offerings”), and you agree to act in such capacity, all upon, and subject to, the terms and conditions set forth below:
SECTION 1. Description of Offerings.
(a) The Shares are to be sold on a daily basis or otherwise as shall be agreed to by the Fund and the Distributor on any day (each, an “Offering Date”) that is a trading day for the exchange on which the Fund’s Shares are listed and primarily trade (the “Stock Exchange”) (other than a day on which the Stock Exchange is scheduled to close prior to its regular weekday closing time). Promptly after the Fund and the Distributor have determined the maximum amount of the Shares to be sold by the Distributor for any Offering Date, the Distributor shall advise the Agent of such amount, which shall not in any event exceed the amount available for issuance under the currently effective Registration Statement (as defined below). Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Agent shall use its reasonable best efforts to sell all of the Shares designated in accordance with the plan of distribution set forth in the Prospectus Supplement (as defined below). The gross sales price of the Shares sold under this Section 1(a) shall be the market price at which the Agent sells such Shares.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Distributor may instruct the Agent by telephone (confirmed promptly by e-mail or telecopy) not to sell the Shares if such sales cannot be effected at or above a price agreed to by the Fund and the Distributor with respect to such Shares. In addition, the Distributor may, upon notice to the Agent by telephone (confirmed promptly by e-mail or telecopy), suspend the offering of the Shares at any time; provided, however, that such suspension or termination shall not affect or impair the parties’ respective obligations with respect to the Shares sold hereunder prior to the giving of such notice.
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(c) The Agent agrees not to make any sales of the Shares on behalf of the Distributor pursuant to this Section 1, other than through transactions for which compliance with Rule 153 under the Securities Act will satisfy the prospectus delivery requirements of Section 5(b)(2) of the Securities Act.
(d) The compensation to the Agent, as a sub-placement agent of the Distributor for each sale of the Shares pursuant to this Section 1, shall be the Applicable Selling Agent Commission with respect to the Shares sold, multiplied by the Gross Sales Proceeds, as further described in the Addendum to this Sub-Placement Agent Agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agent shall not be responsible for any fees imposed by any governmental or self-regulatory organization on the Fund or the Distributor in respect of such sales. The compensation to the Distributor, as manager of registered at-the-market offerings by the Fund, for each sale of the Shares pursuant to this Section 1, before any fees imposed by any governmental or self-regulatory organization on the Fund or the Distributor in respect of such sales, shall be the Distributor Retention with respect to the Shares sold, multiplied by the Gross Sales Proceeds, as further described in the Addendum to this Agreement.
(e) The Agent shall provide written confirmation to the Distributor following the close of trading on the Stock Exchange on each Offering Date setting forth for each sale the number of Shares sold, the time of sale, the Gross Sales Price per Share, the compensation payable to the Distributor with respect to such sales, and the compensation payable by the Distributor to the Agent with respect to such sales.
(f) Settlement for sales of the Shares pursuant to this Section 1 will occur in accordance with applicable law but not later than on the second business day following the date on which such sales are made (each such day, a “Settlement Date”). On each Settlement Date, the Shares sold through the Agent for settlement on such date shall be delivered by the Distributor to the Agent against payment of the Gross Proceeds for the sale of such Shares. Settlement for all such Shares shall be effected by free delivery of the Shares to the Agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company in return for payments in same day funds delivered to the account designated by the Distributor. If the Distributor shall default on its obligation to deliver the Shares on any Settlement Date, subject to the terms of Section 4 herein, the Distributor shall (A) hold the Agent harmless against any reasonable loss, claim or damage arising from or as a result of such default by the Distributor and (B) pay the Agent any commission to which it would otherwise be entitled absent such default. If the Agent breaches this Agreement by failing to deliver proceeds on any Settlement Date for the Shares delivered by the Distributor, the Agent will pay the Distributor interest based on the effective overnight Federal Funds rate.
(g) In connection with this Agreement and the Offerings, the Distributor shall provide to the Agent, no more than once per calendar quarter, (i) a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Legal Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Treasurer, the President, a Director or a Senior Vice President of the Distributor to the effect that (A) the representations and warranties of the Distributor in this Agreement are true and correct with the
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same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the date thereof and the Distributor has performed or complied with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the date thereof, (B) to their knowledge, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or threatened by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) and (C) subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has not been any material adverse change or development involving a prospective material adverse change to the business, properties, financial condition or results of operations of the Fund; (ii) a certificate signed by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Distributor relating to authorization, capacity and incumbency matters; and (iii) such other certificates and documents related to the Offerings at the Agent’s reasonable request.
SECTION 2. Representations and Warranties by the Distributor. The Distributor represents, warrants to and agrees with the Agent, as of the date hereof and as of each Offering Date and Settlement Date, that:
(a) An “automatic shelf registration statement” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act on Form N-2 (File No. 333-[ ] and 811-[ ]) (the “Registration Statement”) (i) has been prepared by the Fund in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively called the “Securities Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively called the “1940 Act”); and (ii) has been filed with the Commission under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act;; the Registration Statement sets forth the terms of the offering, sale and plan of distribution of the Shares and contains additional information concerning the Fund and its business; no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act has been received by the Fund; the Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto, became effective upon filing; no stop order of the Commission preventing or suspending the use of any Basic Prospectus (as defined below), the Prospectus Supplement (as defined below) or the Prospectus (as defined below), or the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, has been issued, and no proceedings for such purpose have been instituted or, to the Fund’s knowledge, are contemplated by the Commission. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Registration Statement,” as used herein, means, collectively, the various parts of the registration statement, as amended at the time of effectiveness for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act (the “Effective Time”), as such section applies to the Distributor, including (1) all documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, (2) any information contained or incorporated by reference in a prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, to the extent such information is deemed, pursuant to Rule 430B or Rule 430C under the Securities Act, to be part of the registration statement at the Effective Time, and (3) any registration statement filed to register the offer and sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act. “Basic Prospectus,” as used herein, means the final prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement, including the related statement of additional information, together with any amendments or supplements thereto as of the date of the Agreement. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Prospectus Supplement,” as used herein, means the final prospectus supplement, including the related statement of additional information, relating to the Shares, filed by the Fund with the Commission
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pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act on or before the second business day after the date hereof (or such earlier time as may be required under the Securities Act), in the form furnished by the Fund to the Distributor in connection with the offering of the Shares. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Prospectus,” as used herein, means the Prospectus Supplement together with the Basic Prospectus attached to or used with the Prospectus Supplement. Any reference herein to the registration statement, the Registration Statement, any Basic Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, therein (the “Incorporated Documents”), including, unless the context otherwise requires, the documents, if any, filed as exhibits to such Incorporated Documents.
(b) The Fund is duly registered under the 1940 Act as a closed-end management investment company. A notification of registration of the Fund as an investment company under the 1940 Act on Form N-8A (the “1940 Act Notification”) has been prepared by the Fund in conformity with the 1940 Act and has been filed with the Commission and, at the time of filing thereof and at the time of filing any amendment or supplement thereto, conformed in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the 1940 Act. The Fund has not received any notice from the Commission pursuant to Section 8(e) of the 1940 Act with respect to the 1940 Act Notification or the Registration Statement (or any amendment or supplement to either of them). No person is serving or acting as an officer, trustee or investment adviser of the Fund except in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(c) The Registration Statement, the 1940 Act Notification and the Prospectus as from time to time amended or supplemented each complied when it became effective or was filed, complies as of the date hereof and, as amended or supplemented, will comply, at the time of purchase, each additional time of purchase, if any, and at all times during which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with any sale of Shares, in all material respects, with the requirements of the Securities Act and the 1940 Act; the Registration Statement did not, as of the Effective Time, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; the 1940 Act Notification did not, as of the Effective Time, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; at no time during the period that begins on the earlier of the date of the Basic Prospectus and the date such Basic Prospectus was filed with the Commission and ends at the later of the time of purchase, the latest additional time of purchase, if any, and the end of the period during which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with any sale of Shares did or will the Prospectus, as from time to time amended or supplemented, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the Distributor does not make any representation or warranty with respect to any statement contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information concerning the Agent and furnished in writing by the Agent or on the Agent’s behalf to the Distributor or the Fund expressly for use in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus. The Agent confirms that the seventh paragraph under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus Supplement was the only information furnished in writing to the Distributor and the Fund by or on behalf of the Agent expressly for use in the Prospectus.
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(d) The financial statements incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly the financial position of the Fund as of the dates indicated and the results of operations, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity of the Fund for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act, the 1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and in conformity in all material respects with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved; the other financial and statistical data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Fund; there are no financial statements that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, any Basic Prospectus or the Prospectus that are not included or incorporated by reference as required; the Fund does not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the Registration Statement (excluding the exhibits thereto); and all disclosures contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply in all material respects with Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.
(e) As of the date of this Agreement, the Fund has an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the sections of the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectus and the Prospectus entitled “The Trust” and “Description of capital structure,” and, with respect to any issuance and sale under this Agreement, the Fund shall have as of the date of the most recent amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus, an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the sections of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus entitled “The Trust” and “Description of capital structure”; all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, including the Common Shares, of the Fund have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable (except as described below and in the Registration Statement), have been issued in material compliance with all applicable securities laws and were not issued in violation of any preemptive right, resale right, right of first refusal or similar right; the Shares will be duly listed, and admitted and authorized for trading, subject to official notice of issuance, on the Stock Exchange.
(f) The Fund has been duly formed, is validly existing and is in good standing as a voluntary association with transferable shares of beneficial interest commonly referred to as a “Massachusetts business trust” under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with full power and authority to own, lease and operate and conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Basic Prospectuses and the Prospectus and to issue, sell and deliver the Shares as contemplated herein. The Fund is duly qualified to do business as a foreign entity and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, (i) have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, financial condition or results of operations of the Fund , (ii) prevent or materially interfere with consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or (iii) result in the delisting of Common Shares from the Stock Exchange (the occurrence of any such effect or any such prevention or interference or any such result described in the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) being herein referred to as a “Material Adverse Effect”).
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(g) The Shares have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable (except as described below and in the Registration Statement) and free of statutory and contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal and similar rights; the Shares, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as provided herein, will be free of any restriction upon the voting or transfer thereof pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust or bylaws or any agreement or other instrument to which the Fund is a party. The capital stock of the Fund, including the Shares, conforms in all material respects to each description thereof, if any, contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, any Basic Prospectus or the Prospectus; and the certificates for the Shares, if any, are in due and proper form. The Fund is in material compliance with the rules of the Stock Exchange, including, without limitation, the requirements for continued listing of the Common Shares on the Stock Exchange and the Fund has not received any notice from the Stock Exchange regarding the delisting of the Common Shares from the Stock Exchange.
(h) The Distributor has full corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Distributor. This Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Distributor and is enforceable against the Distributor in accordance with its terms, except as the enforceability hereof and thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and moratorium laws in effect from time to time and by equitable principles restricting the availability of equitable remedies.
(i) No approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any federal, state, local or foreign governmental or regulatory commission, board, body, authority or agency, or of or with any self-regulatory organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority (including, without limitation, the Stock Exchange), or approval of the shareholders of the Fund, is required in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Fund of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than (i) the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, which has been effected, (ii) the listing of the Shares with the Stock Exchange, upon official notice of issuance, (iii) any necessary qualification under the securities or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being offered by the Distributor or (iv) any necessary qualification under the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).
(j) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Fund has not, directly or indirectly, offered or sold any Shares by means of any “prospectus” or “free writing prospectus” (in each case within the meaning of the Securities Act) or used any “prospectus” or “free writing prospectus” (in each case within the meaning of the Securities Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares, and from and after the execution of this Agreement, the Fund will not, directly or indirectly, offer or sell any Shares by means of any “prospectus” or “free writing
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prospectus” (in each case within the meaning of the Securities Act) or use any “prospectus” or “free writing prospectus” (in each case within the meaning of the Securities Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares, other than the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; and the Fund is not an “ineligible issuer” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) as of the eligibility determination date for purposes of Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act with respect to the offering of the Shares contemplated by the Registration Statement.
SECTION 3. Additional Covenants.
(a) The Agent hereby confirms that it is actually engaged in the investment banking and securities business and is a member in good standing with FINRA and hereby agrees that it will undertake to comply with all applicable FINRA rules (as amended from time to time, including without limitation, any successor provision) in connection with acting as sub-placement agent for the sale of the Shares. The Agent further agrees that in acting as sub-placement agent for the sale of the Shares, it will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and the applicable rules and regulations of any state or any securities exchange or self-regulatory organization having jurisdiction over the relevant Offering.
(b) The Agent hereby agrees that in acting as sub-placement agent for the sale of the Shares, it will not use, authorize use of, refer to, or participate in the planning for use of any written communication (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) concerning any Offering, other than the Prospectus. The Agent further agrees that in acting as sub-placement agent for the sale of the Shares, it is not authorized by the Distributor or the Fund or any other seller of the Shares offered pursuant to the Prospectus to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the Prospectus in connection with the sale of such Shares.
(c) The Distributor shall not be under any obligation to the Agent except for obligations assumed hereunder or in writing by the Distributor in connection with any Offering. Nothing contained herein or in any communication in writing from us shall constitute the Distributor and the Agent an association or partners with one another. If such parties should be deemed to constitute a partnership for Federal income tax purposes, then the Agent elects to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and agrees not to take any position inconsistent with that election. The Agent authorizes the Distributor, in its discretion, to execute and file on its behalf such evidence of that election as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service. In connection with any Offering, each party shall be liable for its proportionate amount of any tax, claim, demand or liability that may be asserted against it alone, based upon the claim that either of them constitutes an association, an unincorporated business or other entity, including, in each case, its proportionate amount of any expense incurred in defending against any such tax, claim, demand or liability.
(d) The parties acknowledge and agree that all share related numbers contained in this Agreement shall be adjusted to take into account any stock split effected with respect to the Shares.
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(e) The Agent shall at all times comply with the offering requirements as set forth under the heading “Plan of Distribution” in the Prospectus.
(f) The Fund shall use its best efforts to list, subject to official notice of issuance, the Shares on the Stock Exchange and to maintain such listing.
SECTION 4. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) The Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Agent, its partners, directors and officers, and any person who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons, from and against any reasonable loss, damage, expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which the Agent or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act, the common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage, expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon (i) any material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the Distributor contained in this Agreement, (ii) any material violation by the Distributor of any law, rule or regulation (including any rule of any self-regulatory organization) applicable to the Offerings, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact appearing in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, except to the extent such statements were provided in writing by the Agent for inclusion in the Registration Statement or Prospectus.
(b) The Agent agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Distributor, the Fund, their partners, trustees, directors and officers, and any person who controls the Distributor or the Fund within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons, from and against any loss, damage, expense, liability or claim (including the reasonable cost of investigation) which the Distributor or any such person may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act, the common law or otherwise, insofar as such loss, damage, expense, liability or claim arises out of or is based upon (i) any material breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement of the Agent contained in this Agreement or (ii) any material violation by the Agent of any law, rule or regulation (including any rule of any self-regulatory organization), or (iii) any untrue statement or omission made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished by the Agent.
(c) An indemnified person under Section 4 of this Agreement (the “Indemnified Party”) shall give written notice to the other party (the “Indemnifying Party”) of any loss, damage, expense, liability or claim in respect of which the Indemnifying Party has a duty to indemnify such Indemnified Party under Section 4(a) or (b) of this Agreement (a “Claim”), specifying in reasonable detail the nature of the loss, damage, expense, liability or claim for which indemnification is sought, except that any delay or failure so to notify such other party shall only relieve such other party of its obligations hereunder to the extent, if at all, that you are actually prejudiced by reason of such delay or failure.
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(d) If a Claim results from any action, suit or proceeding brought or asserted against an Indemnified Party, the Indemnifying Party shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of all fees and expenses. The Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in such action, suit or proceeding and participate in such defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnified Party unless (i) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii) the Indemnifying Party has failed within a reasonable time to assume the defense and employ counsel or (iii) the named parties to any such action, suit or proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and Indemnifying Party and such Indemnified Party shall have been advised by its counsel that representation of such Indemnified Party and Indemnifying Party by the same counsel would be inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct (whether or not such representation by the same counsel has been proposed) due to actual or potential differing interests between the Indemnifying Party and the Indemnified Party (in which case the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action, suit or proceeding on behalf of such Indemnified Party). It is understood, however, that the Indemnifying Party shall, in connection with any one action, suit or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions, suits or proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of only one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for all such Indemnified Parties not having actual or potential differing interests with the Indemnifying Party or among themselves, which firm shall be designated in writing by an authorized representative of such parties and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed promptly as they are incurred. The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action, suit or proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such written consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action, suit or proceeding, the Indemnifying Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless any Indemnified Party from and against any loss, liability, damage or expense by reason by such settlement or judgment.
(e) With respect to any Claim not within Paragraph (d) of Section 4 hereof, the Indemnifying Party shall have 20 days from receipt of notice from the Indemnified Party of such Claim within which to respond thereto. If the Indemnifying Party does not respond within such twenty-day period, it shall be deemed to have accepted responsibility to make payment and shall have no further right to contest the validity of such Claim. If the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party within such twenty-day period that it rejects such Claim in whole or in part, the Indemnified Party shall be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to the Indemnified Party under applicable law.
(f) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 4 is unavailable to an Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold an Indemnified Party harmless in respect of any losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to therein, then each applicable Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Indemnified Party and its Affiliates (treated jointly as one person for this purpose), on the one hand, and the Indemnifying Party and its Affiliates, on the other hand, from the offering of the Shares; or (ii) if, but only if, the allocation provided for in clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
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only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Indemnified Party and its Affiliates (treated jointly as one person for this purpose), on the one hand, and of the Indemnifying Party and its Affiliates, on the other, in connection with any statements or omissions or other matters which resulted in such losses, damages, expenses, liabilities or claims, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Indemnified Party and its Affiliates (treated jointly as one person for this purpose), on the one hand, and the Indemnifying Party and its Affiliates, on the other, shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total proceeds from the Offering received by each such party and its Affiliates bear to the aggregate public offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the parties and their Affiliates shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission relates to information supplied by such party or its Affiliate, on one hand, or by the other party or its Affiliate on the other hand and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, damages, expenses, liabilities and claims referred to in this subsection shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating, preparing to defend or defending any Proceeding.
(g) The parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 4 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in subsection (f) above. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
(h) The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 4 and the covenants, warranties and representations of the parties contained in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent, its partners, directors or officers or any person (including each partner, officer or director of such person) who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, or by or on behalf of the Distributor, its directors or officers or any person who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and shall survive any termination of this Agreement or the issuance and delivery of the Shares.
SECTION 5. Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the parties contained in this Agreement, including, without limitation, the indemnity agreement contained in Section 4 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any party or any person controlling any party, or their directors or officers, (ii) acceptance of any Shares and payment therefor and (iii) any termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 6. Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated by either party by five days' written notice to the other; provided, that if this Agreement has become effective with respect to any Offering pursuant to this Agreement, this Agreement may not be terminated by either party with respect to such Offering.
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(b) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless terminated pursuant to Section 6(a) above or otherwise by mutual agreement of the parties; provided that any such termination by mutual agreement shall in all cases be deemed to provide that Section 4 and Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect.
(c) Any termination of this Agreement shall be effective on the date specified in such notice of termination; provided that such termination shall not be effective until the close of business on the date of receipt of such notice by the Distributor or the Agent, as the case may be. If such termination shall occur prior to the Settlement Date for any sale of the Shares, such sale shall settle in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of this Agreement.
SECTION 7. Notices. Except as otherwise herein provided, all statements, requests, notices and agreements under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, overnight courier, mail or facsimile and, if to the Distributor, it shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to:
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Attn:
and if to the Agent, it shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent to:
UBS Securities LLC
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10019
Attn:
Each party to this Agreement may change such address for notices by sending to the parties to this Agreement written notice of a new address for such purpose.
SECTION 8. Parties in Interest. The Agreement herein set forth has been and is made solely for the benefit of the Distributor, the Fund and the Agent and to the extent provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, the controlling persons, trustees, directors and officers referred to in such section, and their respective successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives and executors and administrators. No other person, partnership, association or corporation (including a purchaser, as such purchaser, from the Distributor) shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement.
SECTION 9. No Fiduciary Relationship. The Distributor hereby acknowledges that the Agent is acting solely as sub-placement agent in connection with the sale of the Shares and that the Agent is acting pursuant to a contractual relationship created solely by this Agreement entered into on an arm’s length basis, and in no event do the parties intend that the Agent act or be responsible as a fiduciary to the Distributor or the Fund, their respective management, shareholders or creditors, or any other person in connection with any activity that the Agent may undertake or have undertaken in furtherance of the sale of the Shares, either before or after the date hereof.
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SECTION 10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof.
SECTION 11. Counterparts; Heading. This Agreement may be signed by the parties in one or more counterparts which together shall constitute one and the same agreement among the parties. The Section headings in this Agreement have been inserted as a matter of convenience of reference and are not a part of this Agreement.
SECTION 12. Law; Construction. This Agreement and any claim, counterclaim or dispute of any kind or nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement (“Claim”), directly or indirectly, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.
SECTION 13. Submission to Jurisdiction. Except as set forth below, no Claim may be commenced, prosecuted or continued in any court other than the courts of the State of New York located in the City and County of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which courts shall have jurisdiction over the adjudication of such matters, and each of the Distributor and the Agent consents to the jurisdiction of such courts and personal service with respect thereto. Each of the Distributor and the Agent hereby consents to personal jurisdiction, service and venue in any court in which any Claim arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement is brought by any third party against the Distributor or any indemnified party. Each of the Distributor and the Agent (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) waives all right to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based upon contract, tort or otherwise) in any way arising out of or relating to this Agreement. Each of the Distributor and the Agent agrees that a final judgment in any such action, proceeding or counterclaim brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Distributor and the Agent and may be enforced in any other courts to the jurisdiction of which the Distributor or the Agent is or may be subject, by suit upon such judgment.
SECTION 14. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Distributor and the Agent and their successors and assigns and any successor or assign of any substantial portion of the Distributor’s and the Agent’s respective businesses and/or assets.
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If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Distributor and the Agent, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this Agreement and your acceptance shall constitute a binding agreement between the Distributor and the Agent. Alternatively, the execution of this Agreement by the Distributor and the acceptance by or on behalf of the Agent may be evidenced by an exchange of telegraphic or other written communications.
Very truly yours, | |
EATON VANCE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. | |
By: | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
ACCEPTED as of the date
first above written
UBS SECURITIES LLC | |
(as sub-placement agent) | |
By: | |
Name: | |
Title: | |
By: | |
Name: | |
Title: |
[Signature Page to Sub-Placement Agent Agreement – Eaton Vance [Trust] |
ADDENDUM
TO
SUB-PLACEMENT AGENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
EATON VANCE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
AND
UBS SECURITIES LLC
Compensation payable to the Agent for acting as a sub-placement agent on behalf of the Distributor with respect to a specified sale of Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be determined by multiplying the Gross Sales Proceeds by the Applicable Selling Agent Commission as set forth in the table below:
Gross Sales Commission |
Distributor Retention |
Applicable Selling Agent Commission |
1.00% | 0.20% | 0.80% |
Where:
“Gross Sales Proceeds” with respect to each sale of Shares shall be the Gross Sales Price multiplied by the number of Shares sold;
“Gross Sales Price” with respect to each sale of Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement shall be the gross sales price per share of such Shares.
EXHIBIT (k)(4)
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this 1st day of March, 2021, between Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”), and Eaton Vance Management, a Massachusetts business trust (“Eaton Vance”).
1. Duties of Eaton Vance. The Trust hereby employs Eaton Vance to act as administrator for the Trust and to administer its affairs, subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
Eaton Vance hereby accepts such employment, and undertakes to administer the Trust’s business affairs and, in connection therewith, to furnish for the use of the Trust office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Trust and to pay the salaries and fees of all officers and Trustees of the Trust who are members of Eaton Vance’s organization, and all personnel of Eaton Vance performing services relating to administrative activities. Eaton Vance shall for all purposes herein be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, except as otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or represent the Trust in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of the Trust.
In connection with its responsibilities as administrator of the Trust, Eaton Vance will:
· | assist in preparing all annual, semi-annual and other reports required to be sent to Trust shareholders and/or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and arrange for the filing, printing, and dissemination of such reports to shareholders; |
· | review the provision of services by the Trust’s independent public accounting firm, including, but not limited to, the preparation by such firm of audited financial statements of the Trust and the Trust’s federal, state and local tax returns; and make such reports and recommendations to the Trustees of the Trust concerning the performance of the independent accountants as the Trustees deem appropriate; |
· | arrange for the filing with the appropriate authorities all required federal, state and local tax returns; |
· | arrange for the dissemination to shareholders of the Trust’s proxy materials, and oversee the tabulation of proxies by the Trust’s transfer agent or other duly authorized proxy tabulator; |
· | review and supervise the provision of custodian services to the Trust; and make such reports and recommendations to the Trustees concerning the provision of such services as the Trustees deem appropriate; |
· | oversee the valuation of all such portfolio investments and other assets of the Trust as may be designated by the Trustees (subject to any guidelines, directions and instructions of the Trustees), and review and supervise the calculation of the net asset value of the Trust’s shares by the custodian; |
· | negotiate the terms and conditions under which transfer agency and dividend disbursing services will be provided to the Trust, and the fees to be paid by the Trust in connection therewith; review and supervise the provision of transfer agency and dividend disbursing services to the Trust; and make such reports and recommendations to the Trustees concerning the performance of the Trust’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent as the Trustees deem appropriate; |
· | establish the accounting policies of the Trust; reconcile accounting issues that may arise with respect to the Trust’s operations; and consult with the Trust’s independent accountants, legal counsel, custodian, accounting and bookkeeping agents and transfer and dividend disbursing agent as necessary in connection therewith; |
· | determine the amount of all distributions (if any) to be paid by the Trust to its shareholders; prepare and arrange for the publishing of notices to shareholders regarding such distributions (if required) and provide the Trust’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent and custodian with such information as is required for such parties to effect the payment of distributions and to implement the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan; |
· | make recommendations to the Trustees as to whether the Trust should make repurchase or tender offers for its own shares; arrange for the preparation and filing of all documents required to be filed by the Trust with the SEC in connection with such repurchase or tender offers; arrange for the preparation and dissemination of all appropriate repurchase or tender offer documents and papers on behalf of the Trust; and supervise and conduct the Trust’s periodic repurchase or tender offers for its own shares; |
· | monitor any variance between the market value and net asset value per share, and periodically report to the Trustees available actions that may conform such values; |
· | monitor the activities of any shareholder servicing agent retained by Eaton Vance and periodically report to the Trustees about such activities; |
· | review the Trust’s bills and authorize payments of such bills by the Trust’s custodian; |
· | oversee services provided to the Trust by external counsel; |
· | arrange for the preparation and filing of all other reports, forms, registration statements and documents required to be filed by the Trust with the SEC, any other applicable regulatory body and any securities exchange where Trust shares are listed; and |
· | provide other internal legal, auditing, accounting and administrative services as ordinarily required in conducting the Trust’s business affairs. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Eaton Vance shall not be deemed to have assumed any duties with respect to, and shall not be responsible pursuant to this Agreement for, the management of the Trust’s assets or the rendering of investment advice and supervision with respect thereto or the distribution of shares of the Trust, nor shall Eaton Vance be deemed to have assumed or have any responsibility with respect to functions specifically assumed by any transfer agent, custodian or shareholder servicing agent of the Trust.
2. Sub-Administrators. Eaton Vance may employ one or more sub-administrators from time to time to perform any of Eaton Vance’s duties under this Agreement upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between Eaton Vance and such sub-administrators and approved by the Trustees of the Trust, all as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The performance of each such sub-administrator of its obligation under any such agreement shall be supervised by Eaton Vance. Further, Eaton Vance may, with the approval of the Trustees of the Trust and without the vote of any shareholders of the Trust, terminate any agreement with any sub-administrator and/or enter into an agreement with one or more other sub-administrators, all as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules hereunder. In the event a sub-administrator is employed, Eaton Vance retains the authority to immediately assume responsibility for any functions delegated to a sub-administrator, subject to approval by the Board and notice to the sub-administrator.
3. Compensation of Eaton Vance. The Board of Trustees of the Trust have currently determined that, based on the current level of compensation payable to Eaton Vance by the Trust under the Trust’s present Investment Advisory Agreement with Eaton Vance, Eaton Vance shall receive no compensation from the Trust in respect of the services to be rendered and the facilities to be provided by Eaton Vance under this Agreement. If the Trustees subsequently determine that the Trust should compensate Eaton Vance for such services and facilities, such compensation shall be set forth in a new agreement or in an amendment to this Agreement to be entered into by the parties hereto.
4. Allocation of Charges and Expenses. Eaton Vance shall pay the entire salaries and fees of all of the Trust’s Trustees and officers employed by Eaton Vance and who devote part or all of their time to the affairs of Eaton Vance, and the salaries and fees of such persons shall not be deemed to be expenses incurred by the Trust for purposes of this Section. Except as provided in the foregoing sentence, it is understood that the Trust will pay all its expenses other than those expressly stated to be payable by Eaton Vance hereunder, which expenses payable by the Trust shall include, without implied limitation: (i) expenses of maintaining the Trust and continuing its existence; (ii) registration of the Trust under the 1940 Act; (iii) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments; (iv) auditing, accounting and legal expenses; (v) taxes and interest; (vi) governmental fees; (vii) expenses of listing shares of the Trust with a stock exchange, and expenses of issue, sale, repurchase and redemption (if any) of shares in the Trust, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of repurchasing Trust shares; (viii) fees and expenses of registering, qualifying, and maintaining the Trust and its shares under applicable federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements, other offering statements or memoranda, and other reports, forms, and documents required to be filed by the Trust with the SEC and any other regulatory body, and for printing and distributing the same to shareholders; (ix) expenses of reports and notices to shareholders and of meetings of shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; (x) expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (xi) insurance expenses; (xii) association membership dues; (xiii) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians for all services to the Trust (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of net asset values); (xiv) fees, expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend disbursing agents, shareholder servicing agents and registrars for all services to the Trust; (xv) expenses for servicing shareholder accounts; (xvi) any direct charges to the Trust or shareholders approved by the Trustees of the Trust; (xvii) compensation and expenses of Trustees of the Trust who are not members of Eaton Vance’s organization; (xviii) any pricing or valuation services employed by the Trust to value its investments including primary and comparative valuation services; (xix) any investment advisory, sub-investment advisory or similar management fee payable by the Trust; (xx) all expenses incurred in connection with the Trust’s use of a line of credit, other borrowings or leverage; and (xxi) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and the obligation of the Trust to indemnify its Trustees, officers and shareholders with respect thereto.
5. Other Interests. It is understood that Trustees and officers of the Trust and shareholders of the Trust are or may be or become interested in Eaton Vance as trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise and that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of Eaton Vance are or may be or become similarly interested in the Trust, and that Eaton Vance may be or become interested in the Trust as a shareholder or otherwise. It is also understood that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of Eaton Vance may be or become interested (as directors, trustees, officers, employees, shareholders or otherwise) in other companies or entities (including, without limitation, other investment companies) that Eaton Vance may organize, sponsor or acquire, or with which it may merge or consolidate, and which may include the words “Eaton Vance” or any combination thereof as part of their name, and that Eaton Vance or its subsidiaries or affiliates may enter into advisory or management or administration agreements or other contracts or relationships with such other companies or entities.
6. Limitation of Liability of Eaton Vance. In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Eaton Vance, Eaton Vance shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder.
A copy of the Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of Eaton Vance by an officer in his or her capacity as an officer and not individually. The Trust expressly acknowledges the provisions in the Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance limiting the personal liability of the trustees, officers, and shareholders of Eaton Vance, and the Trust hereby agrees that it shall have recourse to Eaton Vance for payment of claims or obligations as between Eaton Vance and the Trust arising out of this Agreement and shall not seek satisfaction from the trustees, officers, or shareholders of Eaton Vance.
7. Duration and Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement shall become effective upon the date of its execution, and, unless terminated as herein provided, shall remain in full force and effect through and including the second anniversary of the execution of this Agreement and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of Eaton Vance or the Trust.
Either party hereto may, at any time on sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to the other, terminate this Agreement without the payment of any penalty, by action of the Trustees of the Trust or the trustees of Eaton Vance, as the case may be, and the Trust may, at any time upon such written notice to Eaton Vance, terminate this Agreement by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.
8. Amendments of the Agreement. This Agreement may be amended by a writing signed by both parties hereto, provided that no amendment to this Agreement shall be effective until approved (i) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of Eaton Vance or the Trust, and (ii) by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
9. Limitation of Liability of the Trustees and Officers of the Trust. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed on behalf of the Trust by an officer in his or her capacity as an officer and not individually. Eaton Vance expressly acknowledges the provisions in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust limiting the personal liability of the Trustees, officers, and shareholders of the Trust, and Eaton Vance hereby agrees that it shall have recourse to the Trust for payment of claims or obligations as between the Trust and Eaton Vance arising out of this Agreement and shall not seek satisfaction from the Trustees, officers, or shareholders or any Trustee, officer, or shareholder of the Trust.
10. Use of the Name “Eaton Vance.” Eaton Vance hereby consents to the use by the Trust of the name “Eaton Vance” as part of the Trust’s name; provided, however, that such consent shall be conditioned upon the employment of Eaton Vance or one of its affiliates as the investment adviser or administrator of the Trust. The name “Eaton Vance” or any variation thereof may be used from time to time in other connections and for other purposes by Eaton Vance and its affiliates and other investment companies that have obtained consent to the use of the name “Eaton Vance.” Eaton Vance shall have the right to require the Trust to cease using the name “Eaton Vance” as part of the Trust’s name if the Trust ceases, for any reason, to employ Eaton Vance or one of its affiliates as the Trust’s investment adviser or administrator. Future names adopted by the Trust for itself, insofar as such names include identifying words requiring the consent of Eaton Vance, shall be the property of Eaton Vance and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions.
11. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any person not a party hereto any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.
12. Non-Exclusive Services. The services of Eaton Vance to the Trust are not to be deemed to be exclusive, Eaton Vance being free to render services to others and engage in other business activities.
13. Certain Definitions. The term “interested persons” when used herein shall have the meaning specified in the 1940 Act as now in effect or as hereafter amended subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by any rule, regulation or order by the SEC. The term “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” shall mean the vote, at a meeting of shareholders, of the lesser of (a) 67 per centum or more of the shares of the Trust present or represented by proxy at the meeting if the shareholders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust are present or represented by proxy at the meeting, or (b) more than 50 per centum of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In addition, where the effect of a requirement of the 1940 Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified or interpreted by any applicable order or orders of the SEC or any rules or regulations adopted by, or interpretative releases of, the SEC, or any applicable guidance issued by the staff of the SEC, such provision will be deemed to incorporate the effect of such order, rule, regulation, interpretative release, or guidance.
14. Books and Records. Eaton Vance agrees that all records that it maintains for the Trust are the property of the Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Trust any of such records upon the Trust's request in compliance with the requirements of Rule 31a-3 under the 1940 Act, although Eaton Vance may, at its own expense, make and retain a copy of such records. Eaton Vance further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act.
15. Miscellaneous.
(a) If any term or provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
(b) This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(c) This Agreement may be executed by the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature page follows]
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AGREEMENT
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed on the day and year first above written.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Deidre E. Walsh
Deidre E. Walsh
Vice President and not individually
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
By: /s/ Deidre E. Walsh
Maureen A. Gemma
Vice President and not individually
Eaton Vance Management
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 482-8260
www.eatonvance.com
EXHIBIT (l)
February 17, 2022
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have acted as counsel to Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (the “Fund”). I am admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund is a Massachusetts business trust pursuant to the Declaration of Trust dated October 30, 2006, as amended (the “Declaration of Trust”).
I am of the opinion that all legal requirements have been complied with in the creation of the Fund, and that said Declaration of Trust is legal and valid.
The Trustees of the Fund have the powers set forth in the Declaration of Trust, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions therein provided. As provided in the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may authorize one or more series or classes of shares and the number of shares of each series or class authorized is unlimited. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may from time to time issue and sell or cause to be issued and sold shares of the Fund for cash or for property. All such shares, when so issued, shall be fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund.
Based upon the foregoing, and with respect to Massachusetts law (other than the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act), only to the extent that Massachusetts law may be applicable and without reference to the laws of the other several states or of the United States of America, I am of the opinion that under existing law:
1. | The Fund is a trust with transferable shares of beneficial interest organized in compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Declaration of Trust is legal and valid under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
2. | Shares of beneficial interest of the Fund registered by Form N-2 may be legally and validly issued in accordance with the Declaration of Trust upon receipt of payment in compliance with the Declaration of Trust and, when so issued and sold, will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund. |
Securities and Exchange Commission
February 17, 2022
Page 2
Under Massachusetts law, if certain conditions prevail, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust (such as the Fund) could be deemed to have personal liability for the obligations of the Fund. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of liability on the part of shareholders and the Fund’s By-laws provide that the Fund shall, upon request by the shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund and satisfy any judgement thereon. The Declaration of Trust also contains provisions limiting the liability of a series or class to that series or class. Moreover, the Fund’s By-laws also provide for indemnification 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. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations.
I consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the Fund’s registration statement on Form N-2.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Jeanmarie Valle Lee
Jeanmarie Valle Lee, Esq.
Vice President
EXHIBIT (n)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-2 of our report dated December 16, 2021, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (the “Fund”), appearing in the Annual Report on Form N-CSR of the Fund for the year ended October 31, 2021, and to the references to us under the headings “Financial Highlights” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Prospectus and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information, which are part of such Registration Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 15, 2022
Exhibit (s)
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
FORM N-2
(Form Type)
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED GLOBAL DIVERSIFIED EQUITY INCOME FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
Security Type |
Security Class Title |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price |
Fee Rate |
Amount of Registration Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial effective date |
Filing Fee Previously Paid In Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward |
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Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees to Be Paid |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees Previously Paid |
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Carry Forward Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carry Forward Securities |
Equity | Common Stock | Rule 415(a)(6) | $362,625,026.04 | N-2/A | 333-229446(1) | May 9, 2019 | $43,950.76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Offering Amounts | $362,625,026.04 | $33,615.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fees Previously Paid | $43,950.76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fee Offsets | $43,950.76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Fee Due | $0 |
(1) The Fund paid a registration fee of $45,590.16 in connection with the registration of 45,429,518 shares of common stock with an estimated aggregate maximum offering price of $376,156,409.04 in connection with its registration statement on Form N-2/A filed on May 2, 2019 (File No. 333-229446). 1,297,846 shares were sold under this registration leaving $43,950.76 in registration fees available to be carried forward. The Fund is carrying forward the registration of 44,131,672 unsold shares, corresponding to a maximum aggregate offering price $362,625,026.04.
Table 2: Fee Offset Claims and Sources
Table 3: Combined Prospectuses
Security Type | Security Class Title |
Amount of Securities Previously Registered |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price of Registered |
Form Type | File Number |
Initial Effective Date |
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EXHIBIT (t)(1)
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 of each entity duly adopted the following resolution on December 14, 2021:
RESOLVED: | That the persons named in any power of attorney given by any Trustee or officer of the Fund relating to Registration Statements on Form N-2, or any one of them, are authorized to sign each Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, and any amendments thereto, on behalf of the Fund pursuant to such power of attorney. |
By: | /s/ Kimberly M. Roessiger |
Kimberly M. Roessiger | |
Secretary |
Dated: January 11, 2022
SCHEDULE A
Name of Trust/Fund |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (EOI) |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II (EOS) |
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (EFT) |
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (EVN) |
Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities Trust (EOT) |
Eaton Vance Risk-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund (ETJ) |
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR) |
Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust (EVF) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (ETO) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (ETB) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETV) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund (ETY) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (EXG) |
EXHIBIT (t)(2)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned officers and Trustees of the funds listed below (collectively, the “Funds”), do hereby severally constitute and appoint Thomas E. Faust Jr., James F. Kirchner. Kimberly M. Roessiger or Deidre E. Walsh, or any of them, to be true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, or attorney for each of us, to sign for each of us, in the name of each of us in the capacities indicated below, any Registration Statement on Form N-2, including but not limited to the “Registration Statements” defined below, and any and all amendments (including pre-effective and post-effective amendments) to a Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of each of the respective Funds, in respect of shares or units of beneficial interest or common stock and other documents and papers relating thereto.
The “Registration Statements” covered by this Power of Attorney are defined to include the registration statements listed below:
Fund | 1940 Act File No. | 1933 Act File No. |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (EOI) | 811-21614 | 333-229447 |
Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund II (EOS) | 811-21670 | 333-229448 |
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (EFT) | 811-21574 | 333-231534 |
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (EVN) | 811-09141 | 333-233835 |
Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities Trust (EOT) | 811-22269 | 333-234007 |
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR) | 811-21411 | 333-229695 |
Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust (EVF) | 811-09013 | 333-227968 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT) | 811-21400 | 333-230093 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (ETO) | 811-21519 | 333-255236 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (ETB) | 811-21676 | 333-256242 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETV) | 811-21735 | 333-236939 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Diversified Equity Income Fund (ETY) | 811-21832 | 333-229445 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) | 811-21745 | 333-255148 |
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Diversified Equity Income Fund (EXG) | 811-21973 | 333-229446 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands on the date set forth opposite our respective signatures.
Signature | Title | Date |
/s/ Edward J. Perkin Edward J. Perkin
|
President and Principal Executive Officer of EOI, EOS, EVT, ETO, ETB, ETV, ETY, ETW and EXG |
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Eric A. Stein Eric A. Stein
|
President and Principal Executive Officer of EFT, EVN, EOT, EFR and EVF |
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ James F. Kirchner James F. Kirchner
|
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Thomas E. Faust Jr. Thomas E. Faust Jr.
|
Trustee |
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Mark R. Fetting Mark R. Fetting
|
Trustee |
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Cynthia E. Frost Cynthia E. Frost
|
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ George J. Gorman George J. Gorman |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Valerie A. Mosley Valerie A. Mosley |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ William H. Park William H. Park |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Helen Frame Peters Helen Frame Peters |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Keith Quinton Keith Quinton |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Marcus L. Smith Marcus L. Smith |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Susan J. Sutherland Susan J. Sutherland |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
/s/ Scott E. Wennerholm Scott E. Wennerholm |
Trustee
|
June 18, 2021
|
[Power of Attorney] |