As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 22, 2005
1933 Act File No. 333-120666
1940 Act File No. 811-21676
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 [X]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ]
AND/OR
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
AMENDMENT NO. 2 [X]
(CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES)
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COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
MARK P. GOSHKO, ESQ. SARAH E. COGAN, ESQ.
KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART NICHOLSON GRAHAM LLP SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT LLP
75 STATE STREET 425 LEXINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10007
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING: As soon as practicable 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, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.[ ]
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
[X] when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PROPOSED PROPOSED
AMOUNT MAXIMUM MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERING AGGREGATE REGISTRATION
BEING REGISTERED REGISTERED PRICE PER UNIT OFFERING PRICE FEES
(1) (1) (1) (1)(2)(3)
Common Shares of Beneficial 22,500,000 $20.00 $450,000,000 $52,965
Interest, $0.01 par value
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(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee, pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.
(2) Includes Shares that may be offered to the Underwriters pursuant to an option to cover over-allotments.
(3) A registration fee of $126.70 was previously paid in connection with the initial filing filed on November 22, 2004.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATES AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 22, 2005
PROSPECTUS
(EATON VANCE LOGO) SHARES
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND
COMMON SHARES
$20.00 PER SHARE
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Portfolio management strategies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund's
investment program will consist primarily of (1) owning a diversified portfolio
of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P
500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") and (2) selling S&P 500 call
options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of
common stocks. The Fund will use the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (the "BXM") as
its performance benchmark and will seek to achieve higher after-tax returns than
a pure replication of the BXM strategy in part by employing a number of
tax-management techniques and strategies. The BXM is a passive
stock-plus-covered-call index created and maintained by the Chicago Board
Options Exchange (the "CBOE").
(continued on inside front cover)
PER SHARE TOTAL(2)(3)
-------------- --------------
Public Offering Price $20.00 $
Sales Load $ .90 $
Estimated Offering Expenses(1)(2) $ .04 $
Proceeds to the Fund $19.06 $
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(1) Eaton Vance (not the Fund) may pay certain additional compensation to qualifying underwriters. See "Underwriting." Eaton Vance (not the Fund) will pay Citigroup Global Markets Inc. for services provided pursuant to an agreement between Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Eaton Vance. See "Underwriting." The total compensation received by the Underwriters will not exceed 9.0% of the aggregate initial offering price of the common shares offered hereby.
(2) In addition to the sales load, the Fund will pay offering expenses of up to $0.04 per share, estimated to total $ , which will reduce the "Proceeds to the Fund" (above). Eaton Vance or an affiliate has agreed to pay the amount by which the aggregate of all of the Fund's offering costs (other than sales loads) exceeds $0.04 per share. Eaton Vance or an affiliate has agreed to reimburse all Fund organizational costs.
(3) The Underwriters may also purchase up to an additional common shares at the public offering price, less the sales load, within 45 days from the date of this Prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. If such option is exercised in full, the total public offering price, sales load, estimated offering expenses and proceeds to the Fund will be $ , $ , $ , and $ , respectively.
CITIGROUP WACHOVIA SECURITIES
A.G. EDWARDS ADVEST, INC.
ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
H&R BLOCK FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC. FERRIS, BAKER WATTS
INCORPORATED
J.J.B. HILLIARD, W.L. LYONS, INC. JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC
KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER
INCORPORATED
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS WELLS FARGO SECURITIES
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, 2005
(continued from previous page)
Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers. The Fund's investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance" or the "Adviser"). As of January 31, 2005, Eaton Vance and its subsidiaries managed approximately $98 billion on behalf of funds, institutional clients and individuals, including approximately $58.6 billion in equity assets. Eaton Vance has engaged its affiliate Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric" or a "Sub-Adviser") as a sub-adviser to the Fund. Parametric, founded in 1987, specializes in managing broadly diversified, risk-controlled and tax-efficient portfolios for high net worth and investment company clients. Parametric managed approximately $9.2 billion in assets as of January 31, 2005. Eaton Vance has also engaged Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. ("Rampart" or a "Sub-Adviser") as a sub-adviser. Rampart, founded in 1983, specializes in options management and trading for institutional, high net worth and investment company clients. Rampart managed approximately $2.7 billion in assets as of February 28, 2005. Eaton Vance will be responsible for managing the Fund's overall investment program, providing research support to the Sub-Advisers and supervising the performance of the Sub-Advisers. Parametric will be responsible for structuring and managing the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of the Adviser. Parametric has developed specialized programs and systems that allow for efficient implementation of the Fund's strategies. Rampart will be responsible for providing advice on and execution of the Fund's options strategy.
Portfolio contents. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to limit the overlap between its stock portfolio holdings (and any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks of U.S. issuers.
The Fund will seek to generate current earnings in part by employing an options strategy of writing (selling) index call options on the S&P 500. The Fund expects to sell index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be subject to written index call options. Writing index call options involves a tradeoff between the option premiums received and reduced participation in potential future stock price appreciation of the Fund's portfolio of common stocks. Generally, the Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call options that are slightly "out-of-the-money," meaning that option exercise prices generally will be slightly higher than the current level of the index at the time the options are written. The Fund seeks to generate current earnings from option premiums and, to a lesser extent, from dividends on stocks held.
Exchange listing. The Fund's common shares have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ETB." Because the Fund is newly organized, its common shares have no history of public trading. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. The returns earned by holders of the Fund's common shares ("Common Shareholders") who purchase their shares in this offering and sell their shares below net asset value will be reduced.
Eaton Vance believes that the Fund may be appropriate for investors seeking an investment vehicle that combines regular distribution of current earnings and the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund may be particularly well suited for taxpaying investors who can benefit from the minimization and deferral of federal income taxes that the Fund seeks to provide.
The Fund's net asset value and distribution rate will vary and may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in stock prices, option premiums, market interest rates, dividend rates and other factors. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
This Prospectus 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 dated , 2005, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-225-6265 or by writing to the Fund. A table of contents to the Statement of Additional Information is located at page 54 of this Prospectus. This Prospectus incorporates by reference the entire Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information is available along with shareholder reports and other Fund-related materials: at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, DC (call 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation of the reference room); from the EDGAR database on the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov); upon payment of copying fees by writing to the SEC's public reference section, Washington, DC 20549-0102; or by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov. The Fund's address is The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and its telephone number is 1-800-225-6265.
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, and the Underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not, and the Underwriters are 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Summary.......................................... 1 Summary of Fund Expenses.................................... 19 The Fund.................................................... 20 Use of Proceeds............................................. 20 Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks................... 20 Management of the Fund...................................... 36 Distributions............................................... 38 Dividend Reinvestment Plan.................................. 43 Description of Capital Structure............................ 44 Underwriting................................................ 50 Custodian and Transfer Agent................................ 53 Legal Opinions.............................................. 53 Reports to Shareholders..................................... 53 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm............... 53 Additional Information...................................... 53 Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information............................................... 54 The Fund's Privacy Policy................................... 55 |
Until , 2005 (25 days after the date of this Prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade the common shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund's common shares. You should review the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information, especially the information set forth under the heading "Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks."
THE FUND...................... Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund
(the "Fund") is a newly organized, diversified,
closed-end management investment company. 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"), Parametric Portfolio Associates
LLC's ("Parametric" or a "Sub-Adviser") and
Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc.'s
("Rampart" or a "Sub-Adviser") internal
research and proprietary modeling techniques
and software. An investment in the Fund may not
be appropriate for all investors. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objectives.
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THE OFFERING.................. The Fund is offering common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, through a group of underwriters (the "Underwriters") led by Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Advest, Inc., Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated, J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc., Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets, A Division of McDonald Investments Inc., Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. The common shares of beneficial interest are called "Common Shares." The Underwriters have been granted an option by the Fund to purchase up to additional Common Shares solely to cover orders in excess of Common Shares. The initial public offering price is $20.00 per share. The minimum purchase in this offering is 100 Shares ($2,000). See "Underwriting." Eaton Vance or an affiliate has agreed to (i) reimburse all organizational costs and (ii) pay all offering costs (other than sales loads) that exceed $0.04 per Common Share.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
STRATEGIES.................... 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,
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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 will consist primarily of
(1) owning a diversified portfolio of common
stocks that seeks to exceed the total return
performance of the S&P 500 Composite Stock
Price Index (the "S&P 500") and (2) selling S&P
500 call options on a continuous basis on
substantially the full value of its holdings of
common stocks. The
Fund will use the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (the "BXM") as its performance benchmark and will seek to achieve higher after-tax returns than a pure replication of the BXM strategy in part by employing a number of tax-management techniques and strategies. The BXM is a passive stock-plus-covered-call index created and maintained by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (the "CBOE").
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to limit the overlap between its stock portfolio holdings (and any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks of U.S. issuers. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). The Fund normally expects that its assets will 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 or group of industries. 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 ("S&P MidCap 400"). As of December 31, 2004, the median market capitalization of companies in the S&P MidCap 400 was approximately $2.3 billion.
The Fund will seek to generate current earnings
in part by employing an options strategy of
writing (selling) index call options on the S&P
500. The Fund expects to sell index call
options on a continuous basis on substantially
the full value of its holdings of common
stocks. Under normal market conditions, at
least 80% of the value of the Fund's total
assets will be subject to written index call
options. Writing index call options involves a
tradeoff between the option premiums received
and reduced participation in potential future
stock price appreciation of the Fund's
portfolio of common stocks. The Fund seeks to
generate current earnings from option premiums
and, to a lesser extent, from dividends on
stocks held.
The Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call 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 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 S&P 500 call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premiums) from options purchasers. The purchaser of an
S&P 500 call option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). Generally, the Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call options that are slightly "out-of-the-money" (i.e., the exercise price generally will be slightly above the current level of the S&P 500 when the option is sold). The Fund will, in effect, sell the potential appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an S&P 500 call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the S&P 500 and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the S&P 500 will determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the index call option.
The Fund's policies, under normal market conditions, that the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500 and that at least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be subject to written index call options on a continuous basis are non-fundamental policies and 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-Advisers intend to 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.
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks
maintained and published by Standard & Poor's
that is market-capitalization weighted and
generally representative of the performance of
larger stocks traded in the United States. It
is not possible to invest directly in the S&P
500. The BXM is a passive total return index
based on holding the stocks in the S&P 500 and
selling a series of one-month S&P 500 call
options on the full value of the portfolio. The
options are sold at the nearest available
exercise price above the prevailing S&P 500
level (i.e., slightly out-of-the-money). The
short option position is maintained until
expiration, at which time a new one-month call
option is written. It is not possible to invest
directly in the BXM. The Fund is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by the CBOE, and the
CBOE makes no representation regarding the
advisability of investing in the Fund.
INVESTMENT SELECTION
STRATEGIES.................... Eaton Vance will be responsible for managing
the Fund's overall investment program,
providing research support to the Sub-Advisers
and supervising the performance of the
Sub-Advisers. Parametric will be responsible
for structuring and managing the Fund's common
stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting
and other tax-management techniques, relying in
part on the fundamental research and analytical
judgments of the
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Adviser. Parametric has developed specialized
programs and systems that allow for efficient
implementation of the Fund's strategies. The
Fund's investments are actively managed, and
securities may be bought or sold on a daily
basis. Rampart will be responsible for
providing advice on and execution of the Fund's
options strategy.
The Adviser believes that a strategy of owning
a portfolio of common stocks and selling
covered call options (a "buy-write strategy")
can provide current income and gains and
attractive risk-adjusted returns. Compared to
selling call options on individual stocks, the
Adviser believes that selling index call
options can achieve better tax and
transactional efficiency because listed options
on broad-based securities indices are "section
1256 contracts" subject to favorable tax
treatment and because the markets for index
options are generally deeper and more liquid
than options on individual stocks.
Eaton Vance further believes that a strategy of
owning a portfolio of common stocks in
conjunction with writing index call options on
the S&P 500 should generally provide returns
that are superior to owning the same stocks
without an associated call option writing
program under three different stock market
scenarios: (1) down-trending equity markets;
(2) flat market conditions; and (3) moderately
rising equity markets. In the Adviser's
opinion, only in more strongly rising equity
markets would the buy-write strategy generally
be expected to underperform the stock-only
portfolio. For these purposes, the Adviser
considers more strongly rising equity market
conditions to exist whenever the current annual
rate of return for U.S. common stocks (as
represented by the S&P 500) exceeds the
long-term historical average of stock market
returns. The Adviser considers moderately
rising equity market conditions to exist
whenever current annual returns on U.S. common
stocks are positive, but do not exceed the
long-term historical average of stock market
returns.
To avoid being subject to the "straddle rules"
under federal income tax law, the Fund intends
to maintain an overlap of less than 70% between
its stock portfolio (or any subset thereof) and
the S&P 500 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 the
Fund's portfolio of common stocks will be
sufficiently dissimilar from the components of
the S&P 500 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. Parametric will consider a variety of
factors in constructing and maintaining the
Fund's stock portfolio, including, but not
limited
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to, stock performance ratings as determined by
the Adviser, stock dividend yields, overlap
between the stock portfolio holdings and the
S&P 500, projected tracking of the stock
portfolio versus the S&P 500, realization of
loss harvesting opportunities and other tax
management considerations. The Adviser's
evaluation of the future performance potential
of individual stocks will be one among several
considerations in portfolio construction and
will not, on a standalone basis, be
determinative of portfolio construction. The
Adviser's stock ratings will be based primarily
on fundamental research.
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
will moderate 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 will effectively limit the Fund's
ability to participate in upward price
movements in portfolio stocks beyond certain
levels.
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The Fund expects to sell index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks. Under normal conditions, at least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be subject to written index call options. The Adviser does not intend to sell index call options representing amounts greater than the value of the Fund's common stock portfolio (i.e., take a "naked" position). The Adviser intends to sell S&P 500 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 index 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 intends to sell S&P 500 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 Adviser expects initially to follow an options strategy similar to that of the BXM, selling S&P 500 call options with a remaining maturity of approximately one month and maintaining its short call options positions until approximately their option valuation date, at which time replacement call option positions with a remaining maturity of approximately one month are written.
In implementing the Fund's investment strategy, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers intend to 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. These include: (1) selling index call options that qualify for treatment as "section 1256 contracts" on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period; (2) limiting the overlap of the Fund's stock portfolio (and any subset thereof) versus the S&P 500 to less than 70% so that the Fund's stock holdings and S&P 500 call options are not subject to the "straddle rules;" (3) 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 (4) 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.
In addition, the Fund will seek to earn and distribute "qualified dividend income." Under federal income tax law enacted in 2003, the qualified dividend income of individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers is taxed at long-term capital gain tax rates if certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividends are dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of qualified dividend income it receives through to Common Shareholders. For the Fund to receive tax-advantaged treatment of its qualified dividend income, the Fund must hold stock paying qualified dividends for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the associated 181-day period, in the case of certain preferred stocks). In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make related payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to positions in any security that is substantially similar or related property with respect to such stock. Similar provisions apply to each Common Shareholder's investment in the Fund. In order for qualified dividend income paid by the Fund to a Common Shareholder to be taxable at long-term capital gains rates, the Common Shareholder must hold his or her Fund shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date. The provisions of the Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through 2008. Thereafter, qualified dividend income will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates unless further legislative action is taken. 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, including changes resulting from the "sunset" provisions described above that would have the effect of repealing the favorable treatment of qualified dividend income
and reimposing the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income in 2009 unless further legislative action is taken.
The Fund may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by emphasizing higher-yielding stocks in its stock portfolio and 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 the 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 foregoing policies relating to investment 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 invest up to 20% of its total assets 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 objectives and policies), provided that no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in such derivative instruments acquired for non-hedging purposes. 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). By using these techniques rather than selling appreciated securities, the Fund can, within certain limitations, reduce its exposure to price declines in the securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. 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 be treated as fully taxable ordinary
income (i.e., income other than tax-advantaged
dividends). In addition, use of derivatives may
give rise to short-term capital gains and other
income that would not qualify for favorable tax
treatment. See "Investment Objectives, Polices
and Risks."
LISTING....................... The Fund's Common Shares have been approved for
listing on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol "ETB."
|
INVESTMENT ADVISER,
ADMINISTRATOR AND
SUB-ADVISERS.................. Eaton Vance, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary
of Eaton Vance Corp., is the Fund's investment
adviser and administrator. The Adviser and its
subsidiaries managed approximately $98 billion
on behalf of funds, institutional clients and
individuals as of January 31, 2005, including
approximately $58.6 billion in equity assets.
Thirty-one of the funds managed by Eaton Vance
are closed-end funds. Eaton Vance has engaged
Parametric, an indirect, majority-owned
subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., as a
sub-adviser to the Fund. Parametric, founded in
1987, specializes in managing broadly
diversified, risk-controlled and tax-efficient
portfolios for high net worth and investment
company clients. Parametric managed
approximately $9.2 billion in assets as of
January 31, 2005. Eaton Vance has also engaged
Rampart as a sub-adviser. Rampart, founded in
1983, specializes in options management and
trading for institutional, high net worth and
investment company clients. Rampart managed
approximately $2.7 billion in assets as of
February 28, 2005. Eaton Vance will be
responsible for managing the Fund's overall
investment program, providing research support
to the Sub-Advisers and supervising the
performance of the Sub-Advisers. Parametric
will be responsible for structuring and
managing the Fund's common stock portfolio,
including tax-loss harvesting and other
tax-management techniques, relying in part on
the fundamental research and analytical
judgments of the Adviser. Parametric has
developed specialized programs and systems that
allow for efficient implementation of the
Fund's strategies. Rampart will be responsible
for providing advice on and execution of the
Fund's options strategy. See "Management of the
Fund."
DISTRIBUTIONS................. Commencing with the Fund's first distribution,
the Fund intends to make regular quarterly
distributions to Common Shareholders sourced
from the Fund's cash available for
distribution. "Cash available for distribution"
will consist of the Fund's net option premiums,
net realized and unrealized gains on stock
investments, and dividends and interest income,
after payment of Fund expenses. 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 initial
distribution is expected to be declared
approximately 75 days and paid approximately
90-120 days after the completion of this
offering, depending on market conditions.
The Fund's annual distributions will likely
differ from annual net investment income. The
investment income of the Fund will consist of
all dividend and interest income accrued on
portfolio investments, short-term capital gain
(including short-term gains
8
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on terminated option positions and gains on the
sale of portfolio investments held for one year
or less) in excess of long-term capital loss
and income from certain hedging transactions,
less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the
Fund will be accrued each day. To the extent
that the Fund's net investment income for any
year exceeds the total quarterly distributions
paid during the year, the Fund will make a
special distribution at or near year-end of
such excess amount as may be required. Over
time, all of the Fund's investment company
taxable income will be distributed.
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. As provided under federal tax
law, Common Shareholders of record as of the
end of the Fund's taxable year will include
their attributable share of the retained gain
in their income for the year as a long-term
capital gain and will be entitled to a tax
credit or refund for the tax deemed paid on
their behalf by the Fund. The Fund may treat
the cash value of tax credit and amounts
refunded in connection with retained capital
gains as a substitute for equivalent cash
distributions.
If the Fund's total quarterly distributions in
any year exceed the amount of its net
investment income for the year, any such excess
would be characterized as a return of capital
for federal income tax purposes to the extent
not designated as a capital gain dividend.
Distributions in any year may include a
substantial return of capital component. Under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"), for any distribution that
includes amounts from sources other than net
income, the Fund is required to provide Common
Shareholders a written statement regarding the
components of such distribution. Such a
statement will be provided at the time of any
distribution believed to include any such
amounts.
To permit the Fund to maintain more stable
distributions, distribution rates will be based
on projected annual cash available from
distribution. As a result, the distributions
paid by the Fund for any particular quarter may
be more or less than the amount of cash
available for distribution from that quarterly
period. In certain circumstances, the Fund may
be required to sell a portion of its investment
portfolio to fund distributions. Distributions
will reduce the Common Shares' net asset value.
The Fund has applied for an order from the SEC
granting it an exemption from Section 19(b) of
the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 'thereunder to
permit the Fund to include realized long-term
capital gains as a part of its regular
distributions to Common Shareholders more
frequently than would otherwise be permitted by
the 1940 Act (generally once per taxable year).
In the event that such an exemptive order is
obtained, the Fund will consider increasing the
frequency of its regular distributions from
quarterly to monthly. There is no assurance
that the SEC will grant
9
|
the Fund's request for such exemptive order.
The staff of the SEC has indicated that it has
suspended the processing of exemptive
applications requesting the type of relief
referenced above, pending review by the staff
of the results of an industry-wide SEC
inspection focusing on the dividend practices
of closed-end investment companies. There can
be no assurance as to when that review might be
completed or whether, following that review,
the staff would process such applications or
grant such relief. As a result of this
development, the Fund has no current
expectation that it will be in a position to
include long-term capital gains in Fund
distributions more frequently than is permitted
under the 1940 Act, thus leaving the Fund with
the possibility of variability in distributions
(and their tax attributes) as discussed above.
Common Shareholders may elect automatically to
reinvest some or all of their distributions in
additional Common Shares under the Fund's
dividend reinvestment plan. See "Distributions"
and "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN.... The Fund has established a dividend
reinvestment plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan,
a Common Shareholder may elect to have all
distributions automatically reinvested in
additional Common Shares either purchased in
the open market or newly issued by the Fund if
the Common Shares are trading at or above their
net asset value. Common Shareholders may elect
to participate in the Plan by completing the
dividend reinvestment plan application form.
Common Shareholders who do not elect to
participate in the Plan will receive all
distributions in cash paid by check mailed
directly to them by PFPC Inc., as dividend
paying agent. Common Shareholders who intend to
hold their Common Shares through a broker or
nominee should contact such broker or nominee
to determine whether or how they may
participate in the Plan. See "Dividend
Reinvestment Plan."
CLOSED-END STRUCTURE.......... Closed-end funds differ from traditional,
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 that are redeemable at net asset
value at the option of the shareholder and
typically engage in a continuous offering of
their shares.
Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at
a discount from their net asset value. In
recognition of this possibility and that any
such discount may not be in the interest of
Common Shareholders, the 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 net asset value. 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 net
asset value 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... The following describes various principal risks
of investing in the Fund. A more detailed
description of these and other risks of
investing in the Fund are described under
"Investment Objectives, Policies and
Risks -- Risk Considerations" in this
Prospectus and under "Additional Investment
Information and Restrictions" in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
No Operating History. The Fund is a newly
organized, diversified closed-end investment
company with no history of operations and is
designed for long-term investors and not as a
trading vehicle.
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
intends to sell index call options on a
continuous basis on substantially the full
value of its common stock holdings, the Fund's
appreciation potential from equity market
performance will be limited. 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.
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 will invest its managed assets in 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 securities held by the Fund
will fluctuate or fall due to general market or
economic conditions, perceptions regarding the
industries in which the issuers of securities
held by the Fund participate, and the
particular circumstances and performance of
particular companies whose securities the Fund
holds. Although common stocks have historically
generated higher average returns than
fixed-income securities over the long term,
common stocks also have experienced
significantly more volatility in returns. 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;
11
|
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 fails to make anticipated
dividend payments because, among other reasons,
the issuer of the security experiences a
decline in its financial condition. Common
stocks in which the Fund will invest 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 Mid-Cap Companies. The Fund may make
investments in stocks of companies whose market
capitalization is considered middle sized or
"mid-cap." Mid-cap companies often are newer or
less established companies than larger
companies. Investments in mid-cap 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
mid-cap 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, mid-cap
companies have sometimes gone through extended
periods when they did not perform as well as
larger companies. In addition, equity
securities of mid-cap 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. The Fund
expects to sell S&P 500 call options on a
continuous basis on substantially the full
value of its holdings of common stocks. 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 written index call
positions by holding a diversified portfolio of
stocks similar to those on which the S&P 500 is
based. However, the Fund does not intend to
acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly
the same stocks as the S&P 500. Due to tax
considerations, the Fund intends to limit the
overlap between its stock portfolio holdings
(and any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 to
less than 70% on an ongoing basis.
Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the
performance of the securities held will vary
from the performance of the S&P 500. Index
options written by the Fund will be priced on a
daily basis. Their value will be affected
primarily by changes in
12
|
the price and dividend rates of the underlying
common stocks in the S&P 500, changes in actual
or perceived volatility of the S&P 500 and the
remaining time to the options' expiration. The
trading price of S&P 500 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 S&P 500 call options,
the Fund will forgo, during the option's life,
the opportunity to profit from increases in the
value of the S&P 500 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 S&P 500 decline. When a call
option is exercised, the Fund will be required
to deliver an amount of cash determined by the
excess of the value of S&P 500 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.
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
13
|
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.
Tax Risk. Reference is made to
"Distributions -- 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. Distributions paid on
the Common Shares may be characterized
variously as net investment income (taxable at
ordinary income rates), qualified dividends and
capital gains dividends (each taxable at
long-term capital gains rates) or return of
capital (not currently taxable). The ultimate
tax characterization of the Fund's
distributions made in a calendar year may not
finally be determined until after the end of
that calendar year. Distributions to a Common
Shareholder that are return of capital will be
tax free to the amount of the Common
Shareholder's current tax basis in his or her
Common Shares, with any distribution amounts
exceeding such basis treated as capital gain on
a deemed sale of Common Shares. Common
Shareholders are required to reduce their tax
basis in Common Shares by the amount of
tax-free return of capital distributions
received, thereby increasing the amount of
capital gain (or decreasing the amount of
capital loss) to be recognized upon a later
disposition of the Common Shares. In order for
Fund distributions of qualified dividend income
to be taxable at favorable long-term capital
gains rates, a Common Shareholder must meet
certain prescribed holding period and other
requirements with respect to his or her Common
Shares. If positions held by the Fund were
treated as "straddles" for federal income tax
purposes, dividends on such positions would not
constitute qualified dividend income subject to
favorable income tax treatment. Gain or loss on
positions in a straddle are subject to special
(and generally disadvantageous) rules as
described under "Distributions -- Federal
Income Tax Matters."
Distribution Risk. The quarterly distributions
Common Shareholders will receive from the Fund
will be sourced from the Fund's net option
premiums, net realized and unrealized gains on
stock investments, and dividends and interest
income, after payment of Fund expenses. The
Fund's cash available for distribution may vary
widely over the short- and long-term. If stock
prices or stock market volatility declines, the
level of premiums from writing index call
options and the amounts
|
available for distribution from options activity will likely decrease as well. Payments to close out written call options will reduce amounts available for distribution from call option premiums received. Net realized and unrealized gains on the Fund's stock investments will be determined primarily by the direction and movement of the U.S. stock market (and the particular stocks held). Dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors. There can be no assurance that quarterly distributions paid by the Fund to the Common Shareholders will be maintained at initial levels or increase over time.
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. 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). Since the Fund may 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 held by 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.
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 invest up to 20% of its total assets in other derivative investments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes. Derivative transactions including options on securities and securities indices and other transactions in which the Fund may engage (such as futures contracts and options thereon, swaps and short sales) may subject the Fund to increased risk of principal loss due to unexpected movements in stock prices, changes in stock volatility levels and interest rates, and imperfect correlations between the Fund's securities holdings and indices upon which derivative transactions are based. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any over-the-counter derivatives contracts entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or no recovery in such circumstances. Derivatives may disproportionately increase losses and have a potentially large negative impact on the Fund's performance.
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 readily to dispose of such securities at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such securities 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 securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund's net asset value, and at times may make the disposition of securities impracticable.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investment will be 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 shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset value. The net asset value per Common Share will be reduced immediately following this offering by the sales load and the amount of offering expenses paid by the Fund. The trading price of the Common Shares may be less than the initial public offering price. The risk will be greater for investors who sell their Common Shares in a relatively short period after completion of the initial public offering.
Financial Leverage. 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 net asset value 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 is 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 net asset value of Common Shares. In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance will be 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 will be higher when leverage is utilized. 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 an actively managed portfolio. Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart 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, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers to develop and actively implement investment strategies that achieve the Fund's investment objectives. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Fund's investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which it could otherwise have capitalized.
Market Disruption. The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 had a disruptive effect on the securities markets. These terrorist attacks and related events, including the
war in Iraq, its aftermath and continuing occupation of Iraq by coalition forces, have raised short-term market risk and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact trading in common stocks and stock options, interest rates, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets.
Anti-takeover Provisions. The Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could limit the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. See "Description of Capital Structure -- Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust."
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.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Sales load paid by you (as a percentage of offering
price)................................................. 4.50%
Expenses borne by Common Shareholders..................... 0.20%(1)
Dividend reinvestment plan fees........................... None(2)
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PERCENTAGE OF
NET ASSETS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COMMON SHARES
---------------
ANNUAL EXPENSES
Management fees........................................... 1.00%
Other expenses............................................ 0.20%(3)
Total annual expenses..................................... 1.20%
====
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(1) Eaton Vance or an affiliate has agreed to reimburse all organizational costs and pay all offering costs (other than sales load) that exceed $0.04 per Common Share (0.20% of the offering price).
(2) 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.
(3) Estimated expenses based on the current fiscal year.
The expenses shown in the table are based on estimated amounts for the Fund's first year of operations and assume that the Fund issues approximately 12,500,000 Common Shares. If the Fund issues fewer Common Shares, these expenses generally would increase. See "Management of the Fund" and "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
EXAMPLE
The following Example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares (including the sales load of $45 and estimated offering expenses of this offering of $2), assuming (i) total annual expenses of 1.20% of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (ii) a 5% annual return(1):
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ------ ------- ------- -------- $59 $83 $110 $186 |
THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE EXPENSES.
ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER.
(1) The Example assumes that the estimated Other expenses set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate, and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.
THE FUND
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (the "Fund") is a newly organized, diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act" or the "Investment Company Act"). The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 17, 2004 pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has no operating history. The Fund's principal office is located at The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and its telephone number is 1-800-225-6265.
This Prospectus relates to the initial public offering of the Fund's common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (the "Common Shares"). See "Underwriting."
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds of this offering of Common Shares will be approximately $ (or $ assuming exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option in full), which after payment of the estimated offering expenses, will be invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives 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 high-quality, short-term debt securities, cash and/or cash equivalents. Eaton Vance or an affiliate has agreed to (i) reimburse all organizational costs and (ii) pay all offering costs of the Fund (other than sales loads) that exceed $0.04 per Common Share.
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 will consist primarily of (1) owning a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") and (2) selling S&P 500 call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks. The Fund will use the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (the "BXM") as its performance benchmark and will seek to achieve higher after-tax returns than a pure replication of the BXM strategy in part by employing a number of tax-management techniques and strategies. The BXM is a passive stock-plus-covered-call index created and maintained by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (the "CBOE").
PRIMARY INVESTMENT POLICIES
GENERAL COMPOSITION OF THE FUND. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500. Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to limit the overlap between its stock portfolio holdings (and any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 to less than 70% on an ongoing basis. The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks of U.S. issuers. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). The Fund normally expects that its assets will 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 or group of industries. 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 capitaliza-
tions within the range of capitalizations for the S&P MidCap 400 Index ("S&P MidCap 400"). As of December 31, 2004, the median market capitalization of companies in the S&P MidCap 400 was approximately $2.3 billion.
The Fund will seek to generate current earnings in part by employing an options strategy of writing (selling) index call options on the S&P 500. The Fund expects to sell index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be subject to written index call options. Writing index call options involves a tradeoff between the option premiums received and reduced participation in potential future stock price appreciation of the Fund's portfolio of common stocks. Generally, the Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call options that are slightly "out-of-the-money," meaning that option exercise prices generally will be slightly higher than the current level of the index at the time the options are written. The Fund seeks to generate current earnings from index option writing premiums and, to a lesser extent, from dividends on stocks held.
The Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call 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.
As the seller of S&P 500 call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premium) from options purchasers. The purchaser of an S&P 500 call option has the right to receive from the option seller any appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). The exercise-settlement value of the index 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. By writing S&P 500 call options, the Fund will, in effect, sell the potential appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an S&P 500 call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the S&P 500 and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the S&P 500 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 substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks and the Fund's initial expectation to roll forward its options positions on a monthly basis. For its stock holdings, the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to turnover in connection with the Fund's tax loss harvesting, gain matching, dividend capture and other strategies. On an overall basis, the Fund's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%. A high turnover rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater trading costs to the Fund.
The Fund's policies, under normal market conditions, that the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500 and that at least 80% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be subject to written index call options on a continuous basis are non-fundamental policies and 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-Advisers intend to 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.
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks maintained and published by Standard & Poor's that is market-capitalization weighted and generally representative of the performance of larger stocks traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in the S&P 500. The BXM is a passive
total return index based on holding the stocks in the S&P 500 and selling a series of one-month S&P 500 call options on the full value of the portfolio. The options are sold at the nearest available exercise price above the prevailing S&P 500 level (i.e., slightly "out-of-the-money"). The short option position is maintained until expiration, at which time a new one-month call option is written. It is not possible to invest directly in the BXM. The Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the CBOE, and the CBOE makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY. Eaton Vance will be responsible for managing the Fund's overall investment strategy, providing research support to the Sub-Advisers and supervising the performance of the Sub-Advisers. Parametric will be responsible for structuring and managing the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of the Adviser. Parametric has developed specialized programs and systems that allow for efficient implementation of the Fund's strategies. The Fund's investments are actively managed, and securities may be bought or sold on a daily basis. Rampart will be responsible for providing advice on and execution of the Fund's options strategy. See "Management of the Fund."
The Adviser believes that a strategy of owning a portfolio of common stocks and selling covered call options (a "buy-write strategy") can provide current income and gains and attractive risk-adjusted returns. Compared to selling call options on individual stocks, selling index call options can achieve better tax and transactional efficiency because index options are cash-settled "section 1256 contracts" subject to favorable tax treatment and because the markets for index options are generally deeper and more liquid than options on individual stocks.
Eaton Vance further believes that a strategy of owning a portfolio of common stocks in conjunction with writing index call options on the S&P 500 should generally provide returns that are superior to owning the same stocks without an associated call option writing program under three different stock market scenarios: (1) down-trending equity markets; (2) flat market conditions; and (3) moderately rising equity markets. In the Adviser's opinion, only in more strongly rising equity markets would the buy-write strategy generally be expected to underperform the stock-only portfolio. For these purposes, the Adviser considers more strongly rising equity market conditions to exist whenever the current annual rate of return for U.S. stocks exceeds the long-term historical average of stock market returns. The Adviser considers moderately rising equity market conditions to exist whenever current annual returns on U.S. common stocks are positive, but do not exceed the long-term historical average of stock market returns.
To avoid being subject to the "straddle rules" under federal income tax law, the Fund intends to maintain an overlap of less than 70% between its stock portfolio (or any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 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 the Fund's portfolio of common stocks will be sufficiently dissimilar from the components of the S&P 500 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. Parametric will consider a variety of factors in constructing and maintaining the Fund's stock portfolio, including, but not limited to, stock performance ratings as determined by the Adviser, stock dividend yields, overlap between the stock portfolio holdings and the S&P 500, projected tracking of the stock portfolio versus the S&P 500, realization of loss harvesting opportunities and other tax management considerations. The Adviser's evaluation of the future performance potential of individual stocks will be one among several considerations in portfolio construction and will not, on a standalone basis, be determinative of portfolio construction. The Adviser's stock ratings will be based primarily on fundamental research.
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 will moderate 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 will effectively limit the Fund's ability to participate in upward price movements in portfolio stocks beyond certain levels. The Adviser initially expects to follow an options strategy similar to that of the BXM, selling S&P 500 call options with a remaining maturity of approximately one month and maintaining its short call options positions until approximately their option valuation date, at which time replacement call option positions with a remaining maturity of approximately one month are written. The Adviser intends to sell S&P 500 call options on substantially the full value of the Fund's common stock holdings. The Adviser does not intend to sell index call options representing amounts greater than the value of the Fund's common stock portfolio (i.e., take a 'naked' position).
The foregoing policies relating to investment in common stocks and index 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 the intended strategy of selling index call options, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in other 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 objectives and policies), provided that no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in such derivative instruments acquired for non-hedging purposes. Derivative instruments may be used in order to help protect against a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities.
TAX-MANAGED INVESTING. Taxes are a major influence on the net after-tax returns that investors receive on their taxable investments. There are five potential sources of returns for a Common Shareholder: (1) appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Common Shares; (2) distributions of qualified dividend income; (3) distributions of other investment income and net short-term capital gains; (4) distributions of long-term capital gains (and long-term capital gains retained by the Fund); and (5) distributions of return of capital. These different sources of investment returns are subject to widely varying federal income tax treatment. Distributions of other investment income (i.e., non-qualified dividend income) and net realized short-term gains are taxed currently as ordinary income, at rates as high as 35%. Distributions of qualified dividend income and net realized long-term gains (whether distributed or retained by the Fund) are taxed currently at rates up to 15% for individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers. Generally, return from appreciation and depreciation in the value of Common Shares and distributions characterized as return of capital result in adjustment of a Common Shareholder's federal income tax basis in his or her Common Shares and accordingly are not taxable until the Common Shareholder sells his or her Common Shares. Upon sale, a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the net proceeds of such sale and the Common Shareholder's adjusted tax basis is realized. Capital gain is considered long-term and is taxed at rates up to 15% for individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers if the Common Shareholder has held his or her shares more than one year. Otherwise, capital gain is considered short-term and is taxed at rates up to 35%. The after-tax returns achieved by a Common Shareholder will be substantially influenced by the mix of different types of returns subject to varying federal income tax treatment.
In implementing the Fund's investment strategy, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers intend to employ a variety of techniques and strategies designed to skew the mix of Fund returns to the types of returns that are most advantageously taxed, thereby seeking to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund. Such techniques and strategies are expected to include: (1) employing a call options strategy consisting of selling S&P 500 call options that qualify for treatment as "section 1256 contracts", on which capital gains and losses are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of holding period; (2) limiting the overlap of the Fund's stock portfolio (and any subset thereof) versus the S&P 500 to less than 70% so that the Fund's stock holdings and S&P 500 call options are not subject to the "straddle rules;" (3) 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 (4) 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.
In addition, the Fund will seek to earn and distribute "qualified dividend income." Under federal income tax law enacted in 2003, the qualified dividend income of individuals and other noncorporate taxpayers is taxed at long-term capital gain tax rates if certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividends are dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of qualified dividend income it receives through to Common Shareholders. For the Fund to receive tax-advantaged treatment of its qualified dividend income, the Fund must hold stock-paying qualified dividends for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the associated 181-day period, in the case of certain preferred stocks). In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make related payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to positions in any security that is substantially similar or related property with respect to such stock. Similar provisions apply to each Common Shareholder's investment in the Fund. In order for qualified dividend income paid by the Fund to a Common Shareholder to be taxable at long-term capital gains rates, the Common Shareholder must hold his or her Fund shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date. The provisions of the Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through 2008. Thereafter, qualified dividend income will be taxable as ordinary income unless further legislative action is taken. 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, including changes resulting from the "sunset" provisions described above and would have the effect of repealing the favorable treatment of qualified dividend income and reimposing the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income in 2009 unless further legislative action is taken.
The Fund may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by emphasizing higher-yielding stocks in its stock portfolio and 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 the 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 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.
To seek to protect against price declines in securities holdings with large accumulated gains, the Fund may use various hedging techniques (such as the sale of futures contracts on stocks and stock indices and options thereon, equity swaps, covered short sales and forward sales of stocks). By using these techniques rather than selling appreciated securities, the Fund can, within certain limitations, reduce its exposure to price declines in the securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. 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 be treated as fully taxable ordinary income (i.e., income other than tax-advantaged dividends). In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify for favorable tax treatment. As indicated above, in addition to writing index call options, the Fund may invest
up to 20% of its total assets 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), provided that no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in such derivative instruments acquired for non-hedging purposes.
COMMON STOCKS. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500. 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 issuers 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 Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities of issuers located in countries other than the United States. The Fund will not invest in issuers located in emerging market countries. 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."
The Fund may invest in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs 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, may not pass through voting or other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than sponsored receipts.
INDEX OPTIONS GENERALLY. The Fund will pursue its objectives in part by selling S&P 500 call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its common stock portfolio.
The Fund will sell S&P 500 call options that are exchange-listed and that are "European style," meaning that the options may only be exercised 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 and (ii) reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segments of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
Option contracts are originated and standardized by the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC"). Currently, index options are available on 89 indexes, with new listings added periodically. The Fund will sell S&P 500 call options that are generally issued, guaranteed and cleared by the OCC. S&P 500 options currently trade exclusively on the CBOE. The Adviser believes that there exists a large trading volume of S&P 500 options, sufficient to fulfill the Fund's requirements to implement its index options strategy.
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 S&P 500 call options, the Fund will receive cash (the premium) from the purchaser. The purchaser of the option has the right to any appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 over a fixed price (the exercise price) as of a specified date in the future (the option valuation date). Generally, the Fund intends to sell S&P 500 call options that are slightly "out-of-the-money" (i.e., the exercise price generally will be slightly above the current level of the S&P 500 when the option is sold). The Fund will, in effect, sell the potential appreciation in the value of the S&P 500 above the exercise price in exchange for the option premium received. If, at expiration, an S&P 500 call option sold by the Fund is exercised, the Fund will pay the purchaser the difference between the cash value of the S&P 500 and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the S&P 500 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 out 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 the Fund's common stock portfolio 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 Rampart 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. An index call option is considered covered if the Fund maintains with its custodian assets determined to be liquid (in accordance with procedures established by the Board) in an amount equal to the contract value of the index. An index call option also is covered if the Fund holds a call on the same index as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated assets determined to be liquid (in accordance with procedures established by the Board).
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 the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the option and a capital loss if the cost of the closing option is more than the premium received. Because exchange-listed S&P 500 options are "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 on October 31 or at the close of each taxable year. See "Distributions -- Federal Income Tax Matters."
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 equivalent liability. The Fund then adjusts over time the liability as the market value of the option changes. The value of each written option will be 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 as determined by the Board.
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 options 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.
The standard contract size for exchange-listed S&P 500 options is the index level multiplied by $100. There are three items needed to identify a particular S&P 500 option contract: (1) the expiration month, (2) the exercise (or strike) price and (3) the type (i.e., call or put). For example, a January 2005 1200 strike S&P 500 call option provides the option holder the right to receive $100 multiplied by the positive difference between the January option exercise-settlement value of the S&P 500 (determined on January 20, 2005 based on opening sales prices of the component index stocks on that date) and 1200. A call option whose exercise price is above the current price of the underlying index is called "out-of-the-money", and a call option whose exercise price is below the current price of the underlying index is called "in-the-money."
The following is a conceptual example of the returns that may be achieved from a buy-write investment strategy that consist of holding a portfolio of stocks whose performance matches the S&P 500 and selling S&P 500 call options on the full value of the stock position. This example is not meant to represent the performance of actual option contracts or the Fund.
A holder of a portfolio of common stocks writes (sells) January 2005 1200 strike S&P 500 call options on December 17, 2004 when the S&P 500 is at 1198.63. The options writer receives $14.41 (1.20%) per option written. Assume that the portfolio of stocks held by the options writer matches the performance of the S&P 500 over the period until the January exercise-settlement value of the S&P 500 is determined on January 20, 2005.
In the example, the return over the period until option expiration earned by the holder of a portfolio of stocks whose performance matches the S&P 500 and who writes S&P 500 call options on the full value of the portfolio position and maintains the options position until expiration will be as follows: (1) if the S&P 500 declines 1.20%, the option will expire worthless and the holder will have a net return of zero (option premium offsets loss in stock portfolio); (2) if the S&P 500 is flat, the option will again expire worthless and the holder will have a net return of 1.20% (option premium plus no gain or loss on portfolio); (3) if the S&P 500 rises 0.11%, the option will again expire with no value and the holder will
have a net return of 1.31% (option premium plus 0.11% portfolio return); and (4) if the index rises more than 0.11%, the exercise of the option would limit portfolio gain to 0.11% and total net return to 1.31%. If the index value at exercise exceeds the exercise price, returns over the period from the position are capped at 1.31%. On an annualized basis, in this example option premiums increase returns by approximately 12.9% in down, flat and moderately up markets; annualized returns in this example for the buy-write strategy are capped at approximately 14.1% in a strong up market.
As demonstrated in the example, writing S&P 500 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 S&P 500 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 the S&P 500 declines by an amount greater than the option premium, the buy-write strategy would generate an investment loss. Returns from implementing a buy-write strategy using S&P 500 call options will also be substantially affected by the performance of the portfolio of stocks held versus the S&P 500.
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 circumstances, the Fund may temporarily invest a substantial portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalents. 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. 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. 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.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or that are otherwise illiquid. Illiquid securities include securities legally restricted as to resale, such as commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. Section 4(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in Rule 144A
securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
It may be difficult to sell illiquid securities at a price representing their fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision by the Fund to sell the securities 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 securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.
OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. In addition to the intended strategy of selling index call options, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in other derivative instruments (which are instruments that derive their value from another instrument, security or index) acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objectives and policies), provided that no more than 10% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in such derivative instruments acquired for non-hedging purposes. 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 derivative contracts based on equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition, derivatives may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. Derivative instruments may be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities.
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) to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties, 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 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 will be 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 will be 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 returns, 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 will be 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.
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 (normally within seven days) 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 net asset value 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 will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding "borrowings." If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund's cash available for distribution.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The Fund will buy and sell securities to seek to accomplish its investment objectives. Portfolio turnover generally involves expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The Fund expects to maintain high turnover in index call options, based on the Adviser's intent to sell index call options on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks and the Fund's initial expectation to roll forward its options positions on a monthly basis. For its stock holdings, the Fund's annual portfolio turnover rate is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to turnover in connection with the Fund's tax-loss harvesting, gain matching, dividend capture and other strategies. On an overall basis, the Fund's annual turnover rate may exceed 100%. A high turnover rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater trading costs to the Fund.
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
NO OPERATING HISTORY. The Fund is a newly organized, diversified closed-end investment company with no history of operations and is designed for long-term investors and not as a trading vehicle.
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 intends to sell index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its common stock holdings, the Fund's appreciation potential from equity market performance will be limited. 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.
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 will invest its managed assets in 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 securities held by the Fund will fall due to general market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. 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 fails to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial condition. Common stocks in which the Fund will invest 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 MID-CAP COMPANIES. The Fund may make investments in stocks of companies whose market capitalization is considered middle sized or "mid-cap." Mid-cap companies often are newer or less established companies than larger companies. Investments in mid-cap 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 person or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities of mid-cap 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, mid-cap companies have sometimes gone through extended periods when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of mid-cap 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. The Fund expects to sell S&P 500 call
options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of
common stocks. 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 written
index call positions by holding a diversified portfolio of stocks similar to
those on which the S&P 500 is based. However, the Fund does not intend to
acquire and hold a portfolio containing exactly the same stocks as the S&P 500.
Due to tax considerations, the Fund intends to limit the overlap between its
stock portfolio holdings (and any subset thereof) and the S&P 500 to less than
70% on an ongoing basis. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the
performance of the securities held will vary from the performance of the S&P
500. Index options written by the Fund will be priced on a daily basis. Their
value will be affected primarily by changes in the price and dividend rates of
the underlying common stocks in the S&P 500, changes in actual or perceived
volatility of the S&P 500 and the remaining time to the options' expiration. The
trading price of S&P 500 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 S&P 500 call options, the Fund will forgo, during the option's life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the value of the S&P 500 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 S&P 500 decline. When a call option is exercised, the Fund will be required to deliver an amount of cash determined by the excess of the value of S&P 500 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.
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 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 substantially 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.
TAX RISK. Reference is made to "Distributions -- 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. Distributions paid on the Common Shares may be characterized variously as net investment income (taxable at ordinary income rates), qualified dividends and capital gains dividends (each taxable at long-term capital gains rates) or return of capital (not currently taxable). The ultimate tax characterization of the Fund's distributions made in a calendar year may not finally be determined until after the end of that calendar year. Distributions to a Common Shareholder that are return of capital will be tax free to the amount of the Common Shareholder's current tax basis in his or her Common Shares, with any distribution amounts exceeding such basis treated as capital gain on a deemed sale of Common Shares. Common Shareholders are required to reduce their tax basis in Common Shares by the amount of tax-free return of capital distributions received, thereby increasing the amount of capital gain (or decreasing the amount of capital loss) to be recognized upon a later disposition of the Common Shares. In order for Fund distributions of qualified dividend income to be taxable at favorable long-term capital gains rates, a Common Shareholder must meet certain prescribed holding period and other requirements with respect to his or her Common Shares. If positions held by the Fund were treated as "straddles" for federal income tax purposes, dividends on such positions would not constitute qualified dividend income subject to favorable income tax treatment. Gain or loss on positions in a straddle are subject to special (and generally disadvantageous) rules as described under "Distributions -- Federal Income Tax Matters."
DISTRIBUTION RISK. The quarterly distributions Common Shareholders will receive from the Fund will be sourced from the Fund's net option premiums, net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments, and dividends and interest income, after payment of Fund expenses. The Fund's cash available for distribution may vary widely over the short- and long-term. If stock prices or stock market volatility declines, the level of premiums from writing index call options and the amounts available for distribution from options activity will likely decrease as well. Payments to close out written call options will reduce amounts available for distribution from call option premiums received. Net realized and unrealized gains on the Fund's stock investments will be determined primarily by the direction and movement of the U.S. stock market (and the particular stocks held). Dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer's board of directors. There can be no assurance that quarterly distributions paid by the Fund to the Common Shareholders will be maintained at initial levels or increase over time.
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. 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). Since the Fund may 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 held by 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. Foreign securities may not be eligible for the reduced rate of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income.
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 invest up to 20% of its total assets in other derivative investments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes. Derivative transactions including options on securities and securities indices and other transactions in which the Fund may engage (such as futures contracts and options thereon, swaps and short sales) may subject the Fund to increased risk of principal loss due to unexpected movements in stock prices, changes in stock volatility levels and interest rates, and imperfect correlations between the Fund's securities holdings and indices upon which derivative transactions are based. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any over-the-counter derivatives contracts entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or no recovery in such circumstances. Derivatives may disproportionately increase losses and have a potentially large negative impact on the Funds' performance.
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 readily to dispose of such securities at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such securities 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 securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund's net asset value, and at times may make the disposition of securities infeasible.
INFLATION RISK. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investment will be 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 shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset value. The net asset value per Common Share will be reduced immediately following this offering by the sales load and the amount of offering expenses paid by the Fund. The trading price of the Common Shares may be less than the initial public offering price. The risk will be greater for
investors who sell their Common Shares in a relatively short period after completion of the initial public offering.
FINANCIAL LEVERAGE. 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 net asset value 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 is 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 net asset value of Common Shares. In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance will be 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 will be higher when leverage is utilized. 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 an actively managed portfolio. Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart 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, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers to develop and actively implement investment strategies that achieve the Fund's investment objectives. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Fund's investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which it could otherwise have capitalized.
MARKET DISRUPTION. The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001 had a disruptive effect on the securities markets. These terrorist attacks and related events, including the war in Iraq, its aftermath and continuing occupation of Iraq by coalition forces, have raised short-term market risk and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact trading in common stocks and stock options, interest rates, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could limit the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. See "Description of Capital Structure -- Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust."
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-Advisers under each Sub-Advisory Agreement (as defined below), is the responsibility of the 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"). The Adviser's principal office is located at The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, MA 02109. Eaton Vance, its affiliates and predecessor companies have been managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and of investment funds since 1931. Eaton Vance (or its affiliates) currently serves as the investment adviser to investment funds and various individual and institutional clients with combined assets under management of approximately $98 billion as of January 31, 2005, including approximately $58.6 billion in equity assets. Eaton Vance is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., a publicly-held holding company, which through its subsidiaries and affiliates engages primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities.
Under the general supervision of the Board, Eaton Vance will be responsible for managing the Fund's overall investment program, providing the Sub-Advisers with research support and supervising the performance of the Sub-Advisers. As described below under the caption "The Sub-Advisers," Parametric will be responsible for structuring and managing the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of the Adviser; Rampart will responsible for providing advice on and execution of the Fund's options strategy. 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 return for these services, facilities and payments, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Advisory Agreement an annual fee in the amount of 1.00% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund. Gross assets of the Fund means total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage that the Fund may in the future determine to utilize, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to any future investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility/commercial paper program or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred shares 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 any future 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 any borrowings and from the issuance of preferred shares.
Walter A. Row and other Eaton Vance investment professionals comprise the investment team responsible for managing the Fund's overall investment program, providing the Sub-Advisers with research support and supervising the performance of the Sub-Advisers. Mr. Row is the portfolio manager responsible for the day-to-day management of Eaton Vance's responsibilities with respect to the Fund's investment portfolio.
Mr. Row is a Vice President and the Director of Equity Research at Eaton Vance. He is a member of Eaton Vance's Equity Strategy Committee, manages two other Eaton Vance registered closed-end investment companies that utilize buy-write strategies and has been an equity analyst and member of Eaton Vance's equity research team since 1996.
THE SUB-ADVISERS
Eaton Vance has engaged its affiliate Parametric as a sub-adviser to the Fund. Parametric will be responsible for structuring and managing the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax-loss harvesting and other tax-management techniques, relying in part on the fundamental research and analytical judgments of the Adviser. Parametric has developed specialized programs and systems that allow for efficient implementation of the Fund's strategies. Parametric's principal office is located at 1151 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 981209. Parametric was founded in 1987. In September of 2003, Eaton Vance Corp, the parent company of Eaton Vance, acquired an 80% interest in the firm with the remaining 20% owned primarily by Parametric employees. Parametric specializes in managing broadly diversified, risk controlled and tax-efficient portfolios for high net worth investors and investment company clients. Parametric managed approximately $9.2 billion in assets as of January 31, 2005.
Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement (a "Sub-Advisory Agreement") between Eaton Vance and Parametric, Eaton Vance (and not the Fund) will pay Parametric a fee at an annual rate equal to 0.25% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, Eaton Vance, upon approval by the Board, may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement, and Eaton Vance may assume full responsibility for the services provided by Parametric without the need for approval by shareholders of the Fund.
David Stein, Ph.D., and Thomas Seto are the Parametric portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's common stock portfolio.
Mr. Stein is Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Parametric, where he leads the investment, research and technology activities. Prior to joining Parametric, Mr. Stein held senior research, development and portfolio management positions at GTE Investment Management Corp., the Vanguard Group and IBM Retirement Funds.
Mr. Seto is a Vice President and the Director of Portfolio Management at Parametric, where he is responsible for all portfolio management, including taxable, tax-exempt, quantitative-active and international strategies. Prior to joining Parametric, Mr. Seto served as the Head of U.S. Equity Index Investments at Barclays Global Investors.
Eaton Vance has engaged Rampart to serve as a sub-adviser to the Fund to provide advice on and execution of the Fund's options strategy. Rampart's principal office is located at One International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 and was founded in 1983. Rampart provides customized investment management services within its core competency in options program management to a spectrum of institutional, high net worth and investment company clients. Rampart managed approximately $2.7 billion in assets as of February 28, 2005.
Mr. Egalka is responsible for the development and implementation of Rampart's options strategy utilized in managing the Fund.
Mr. Egalka is President and CEO of Rampart. He is also President of Rampart Securities, Inc., an affiliate of Rampart and a NASD member broker/dealer. Mr. Egalka oversees the development and implementation of investment strategies and tactics for Rampart.
Under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement (a "Sub-Advisory Agreement") between Eaton Vance and Rampart, Eaton Vance (and not the Fund) will pay Rampart a fee at an annual rate equal to 0.05% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, Eaton Vance, upon approval by the Board, may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement, and Eaton Vance may assume full responsibility for the services provided by Rampart without the need for approval by shareholders of the Fund.
The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have adopted codes of ethics relating to personal securities transactions (the "Codes of Ethics"). The Codes of Ethics permit Adviser and Sub-Adviser personnel to invest in securities (including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund) for their
own accounts, subject to certain pre-clearance, reporting and other restrictions and procedures contained in such Codes of Ethics.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.
THE ADMINISTRATOR
Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund, but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund. Under an Administration Agreement with the Fund (the "Administration Agreement"), Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Board. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Fund all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund. Eaton Vance's administrative services include recordkeeping, preparation and filing of documents required to comply with federal and state securities laws, supervising the activities of the Fund's custodian and transfer agent, providing assistance in connection with the Board and shareholders' meetings, providing service in connection with any repurchase offers and other administrative services necessary to conduct the Fund's business. In addition to the management fee, the Fund pays all costs and expenses of its operation, including compensation of its Trustees (other than those affiliated with the Adviser), custodial expenses, dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of preparing Fund documents and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes and filing or other fees, if any.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Commencing with the Fund's first distribution, the Fund intends to make regular quarterly distributions to Common Shareholders sourced from the Fund's cash available for distribution. "Cash available for distribution" will consist of the Fund's net option premiums, net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments, and dividends and interest income, after payment of Fund expenses. 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 initial distribution is expected to be declared approximately 75 days and paid approximately 90-120 days after the completion of this offering, depending on market conditions.
The Fund's annual distributions will likely differ from annual net investment income. The investment income of the Fund will consist of all dividend and interest income accrued on portfolio investments, short-term capital gain (including short-term gains on terminated option positions and gains on the sale of portfolio investments held for one year or less) in excess of long-term capital loss and income from certain hedging transactions, less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the Fund will be accrued each day. To the extent that that Fund's net investment income for any year exceeds the total quarterly distributions paid during the year, the Fund will make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may be required. Over time, all of the Fund's investment company taxable income will be distributed.
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. As provided under federal tax law, Common Shareholders of record as of the end of the Fund's taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as a long-term capital gain and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax paid on their behalf by the Fund. The Fund may treat the cash value of tax credit and amounts refunded in connection with retained capital gains as a substitute for equivalent cash distributions.
If, for any calendar year, as discussed above, the total distributions made exceed the Fund's net investment taxable income and net capital gains, the excess generally 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. 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 of his or her Common Shares. Distributions in any year may include a substantial return of capital component. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other than net income, the Fund is required to provide Common Shareholders a written statement regarding the components of such distribution. Such a statement will be provided at the time of any distribution believed to include any such amounts.
To permit the Fund to maintain more stable distributions, distribution rates will be based on projected annual cash available for distribution. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular quarter may be more or less than the amount of cash available for distribution from that quarterly period. In certain circumstances, the Fund may be required to sell a portion of its investment portfolio to fund distributions. Distributions will reduce the Common Shares' net asset value.
Common Shareholders may elect automatically to reinvest some or all of their distributions in additional Common Shares under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. See "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
The Fund has applied for an order from the SEC granting it an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder to permit the Fund to include realized long-term capital gains as a part of its regular distributions to Common Shareholders more frequently than would otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act (generally once per taxable year). In the event that such an exemptive order is obtained, the Fund will consider increasing the frequency of its regular distributions to Common Shareholders from quarterly to monthly. The Fund will not designate more than the permitted number of capital gain distributions until it receives such an exemptive order. The staff of the SEC has indicated that it has suspended the processing of exemptive applications requesting the type of relief referenced above, pending review by the staff of the results of an industry-wide SEC inspection focusing on the dividend practices of closed-end investment companies. There can be no assurance as to when that review might be completed or whether, following that review, the staff would process such applications or grant such relief. As a result of this development, the Fund has no current expectation that it will be in a position to include long-term capital gains in Fund distributions more frequently than is permitted under the 1940 Act, thus leaving the Fund with the possibility of variability in distributions (and their tax attributes) as discussed above. Failure to receive exemptive relief would increase the likelihood that in certain taxable years the Fund would retain all or a portion of the year's net capital gain and pay tax on the retained gain as described above. The Adviser does not believe that retaining capital gains and paying tax thereon would have a material adverse affect on the Fund or the Common Shareholders.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based on the advice of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, counsel to the Fund. The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company under 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 income and net short-term capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its regulated investment company status and to avoid paying any federal income or excise tax thereon. To the extent it qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company 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 or capital gains distributions.
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. As provided under federal tax law, Common Shareholders of record as of the end of the Fund's taxable year will include their attributable share of the retained gain in their income for the year as long-term capital gain (regardless of holding period in the Common Shares) and will be entitled to a tax credit or refund for the tax paid on their behalf by the Fund. Common Shareholders of record for the retained capital gain will also be entitled to increase their tax basis in their Common Shares by 65 percent of the allocated gain. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gain ("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 gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.
If, for any calendar 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. See below for a summary of the maximum tax rates applicable to capital gain (including capital gain distributions). A corporation that owns Fund shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends-received deduction with respect to all (or any prescribed percentage) of the distributions it receives from the Fund. Fund distributions that are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be designated by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
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 capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions generally would 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. 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 dividends received deduction 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, and (viii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions. While it may not always be successful in doing so, the Fund will seek to avoid or minimize any adverse tax consequences of its investment practices.
In the case of Fund transactions involving S&P 500 call options (or other listed options on broad-based securities indices), Code Section 1256 generally will require any gain or loss arising from the lapse, closing out or exercise of such positions to be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. In addition, the Fund generally will be required to "mark to market" (i.e., treat as sold for fair market value) each such position which it holds on October 31 or at the close of each taxable year. 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. In addition to most index call options, section 1256 contracts include certain other options contracts, certain regulated futures contracts and certain other financial contracts.
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 S&P 500 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. 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." A "mixed straddle" is any 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 a 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 have 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.
Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (the "Tax Act"), certain dividend distributions paid by the Fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Common Shares) to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates applicable to net long-term capital gains (15% or 5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied by the Common Shareholder and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund itself. For this purpose, "qualified dividend income" means dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations and "qualified foreign corporations," provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. In order for qualified dividends paid by the Fund to a Common Shareholder to be taxable at long-term capital gains rates, the Common Shareholder must hold his or her Common Shares for more than 60 days during the 121-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date. For the Fund to receive tax-advantaged dividend income, the Fund must hold stock paying qualified dividend income for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the associated 181-day period, in the case of certain preferred stocks). In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make related payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to positions in any security that is substantially similar or related property with respect to such stock. Gains on option positions treated as short-term and other short-term gains, interest income and non-qualified dividends are not eligible for the lower tax rate. The special rules relating to the taxation of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund generally apply to taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Fund's distributions that are characterized as dividends, other than capital gain distributions, will be fully taxable at ordinary income tax rates unless further Congressional action is taken. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund's dividend distributions will qualify for favorable treatment under the Tax Act. 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, including changes resulting from the "sunset" provisions described above that would have the effect of repealing the favorable treatment of qualified dividend income and reimposing the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income in 2009 unless further legislative action is taken.
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 Common Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold and the sale proceeds. If the Common Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. The maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as the maximum ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less, or (ii) 15% for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well as any capital gain distributions) (5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). 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 distributions 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.
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 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 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 at the fourth lowest rate of tax applicable to a single individual (in 2005, 28%).
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.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important federal income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the 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. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that an investor is a U.S. person and holds Common 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. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other federal, state or local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Pursuant to the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan (the "Plan"), a Common Shareholder may elect to have all distributions (including capital gain distributions) automatically reinvested in Common Shares. Common Shareholders may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the dividend reinvestment plan application form. Common Shareholders electing not to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to them by PFPC Inc., as dividend paying agent.
PFPC Inc. (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 PFPC Inc., 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.
Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Agent or an independent broker-dealer for the participants' accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional previously authorized but unissued Common Shares from the Fund ("newly issued Common Shares") or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market ("open-market purchases") on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for the distribution, the net asset value per Common Share is equal to or less than the market price per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as "market premium"), the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in newly issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant's account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the net asset value per Common Share on the date the Common Shares are issued, provided that the maximum discount from the then current market price per Common Share on the date of issuance may not exceed 5%. If on the distribution payment date the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the market value plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as "market discount"), the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases.
In the event of a market discount on the distribution payment date, the Plan Agent will have up to 30 days after the distribution payment date to invest the distribution amount in Common Shares acquired in open-market purchases. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its open-market purchases, the market price of a Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent could exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares,
resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the distribution had been paid in newly issued Common Shares on the distribution payment date. Therefore, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full distribution amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will invest the uninvested portion of the distribution amount in newly issued Common Shares.
The Plan Agent maintains all Common Shareholders' accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by Common Shareholders for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent on behalf of the Plan participant, and each Common Shareholder proxy will include those Common Shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for Common Shares held pursuant to the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants. In the case of Common Shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record Common Shareholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of distributions payable either in Common Shares or in cash. However, each Plan participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of distributions.
Common Shareholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not available to Common Shareholders not participating in the Plan. If the market price (plus commissions) of the Common Shares is above their net asset value, participants in the Plan will receive Common Shares purchased at a discount to market price and having a current value that exceeds the cash distributions they would have otherwise received on their Common Shares. If the market price (plus commissions) of the Common Shares is below their net asset value, Plan participants will receive Common Shares with a net asset value that exceeds the cash distributions they would have otherwise received on their Common Shares. There may, however, be insufficient Common Shares available in the market at prices below net asset value to satisfy the Plan's requirements, in which case the Plan Agent will acquire newly issued Common Shares. Also, since the Fund does not redeem its Common Shares, the price on resale of Common Shares may be more or less than their net asset value.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, upon 30 days' notice to Plan participants, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. A Plan participant will be charged a $5.00 service charge and pay brokerage charges whenever he or she directs the Plan Agent to sell Common Shares held in a distribution reinvestment account.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 43027, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3027. Please call 1-800-331-1710 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time if you have questions regarding the Plan.
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 dated and filed with the Secretary of The Commonwealth on November 17, 2004 (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 New York Stock Exchange.
COMMON SHARES
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share. 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. Upon 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 agreements 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 Declaration of Trust and By-laws 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 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 "Distributions -- 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 (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 METHODS
Because shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, 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 net asset value 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 net asset value. The Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, may from time to time review other possible actions to reduce trading discounts in the Common Shares.
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 Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes preferred shares. The Fund may issue 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 as redetermined on any preferred shares could approach or exceed the Fund's return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares, and the Fund's leveraged capital structure would result 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. 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 dividends in default 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, for example, be entitled to elect a majority of the Board if only one dividend on the preferred shares is in arrears.
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, 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 facility/ commercial paper 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 facility/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 facility/program against liabilities they may incur in connection with the facility/program.
In addition, the Fund expects that any such credit facility/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 credit facility/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 credit facility/program on terms and conditions representative of the foregoing, or that additional material terms will not apply. In addition, if entered into, any such credit facility/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 net asset value 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 net asset value of Common Shares.
In addition, the fee paid to Eaton Vance will be 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.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST
The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board and could have the effect of depriving Common Shareholders of an opportunity to sell their Common Shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The Board is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board. 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 elected such Trustee and are entitled to vote on the matter.
In addition, 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 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 5%-or-greater holder of a class of shares (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 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 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).
The Board has determined that provisions with respect to the Board and the
75% voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater
than the minimum requirements under Massachusetts law or the 1940 Act, are in
the best interest of Common Shareholders generally. Reference should be made to
the Declaration of Trust 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 New York Stock Exchange 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 net asset value, 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 net asset value plus a sales load.
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the Fund's underwriting agreement dated , 2005, each Underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, and the Fund has agreed to sell to such Underwriter, the number of Common Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter.
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITERS COMMON SHARES
------------ -------------
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. ..............................
Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC...............................
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. ..................................
Advest, Inc. ...............................................
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated .........................
Banc of America Securities LLC..............................
H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. .........................
Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated...........................
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. ..........................
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC.................................
KeyBanc Capital Markets, A Division of McDonald Investments
Inc. .....................................................
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated........................
RBC Capital Markets Corporation.............................
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.................................
--------
Total.....................................................
========
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Common Shares included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to purchase all the Common Shares (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if they purchase any of the Common Shares.
The Underwriters, for whom Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Advest, Inc., Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, Banc of America Securities LLC, H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated, J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc., Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, KeyBanc Capital Markets, A Division of McDonald Investments Inc., Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives, propose to offer some of the Common Shares directly to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and some of the Common Shares to dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed $ per Common Share. The sales load the Fund will pay of $0.90 per Common Share is equal to 4.5% of the initial offering price. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed $ per Common Share on sales to certain other dealers. If all of the Common Shares are not sold at the initial public offering price, the representatives may change the initial public offering price and other selling terms. Investors must pay for any Common Shares purchased on or before , 2005. The representatives have advised the Fund that the Underwriters do not intend to confirm any sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
The Fund has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 45 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to additional Common Shares at the public offering initial price less the sales load. The Underwriters may exercise such option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent such option is exercised, each Underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional Common Shares approximately proportionate to such Underwriter's initial purchase commitment.
The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have agreed that, for a period of 180 days from the date of this Prospectus, they will not, without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc., on behalf of the Underwriters, dispose of or hedge any Common Shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., in its sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these agreements at any time without notice.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the Common Shares. Consequently, the initial public offering price for the Common Shares was determined by negotiation among the Fund, the Adviser and the representatives. There can be no assurance, however, that the price at which the Common Shares will sell in the public market after this offering will not be lower than the price at which they are sold by the Underwriters or that an active trading market in the Common Shares will develop and continue after this offering. The Common Shares have been authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to notice of issuance.
The following table shows the sales load that the Fund will pay to the Underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the Underwriters' option to purchase additional Common Shares.
PAID BY FUND
---------------------------
NO EXERCISE FULL EXERCISE
----------- -------------
Per share................................................... $ $
-------- --------
Total....................................................... $ $
======== ========
|
The Fund, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have each agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make because of any of these liabilities.
The Fund has agreed to pay the Underwriters $0.005 per Common Share as a partial reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the offering. The Adviser has agreed to pay the amount by which the Fund's offering costs (other than the sales load but inclusive of the reimbursement of Underwriter expenses of $0.005 per share) exceed $0.04 per share. The Adviser has agreed to pay all of the Fund's organizational expenses.
Additional compensation. The Adviser (and not the Fund) may pay to certain qualifying Underwriters who meet specified sales targets ("Qualifying Underwriters") from its own assets an annual fee of up to 0.15% of the Fund's average daily gross assets attributable to Common Shares sold by such Qualifying Underwriters (including a proportionate share of assets that may in the future be acquired using leverage). Such sales targets may be waived or lowered with respect to any Underwriter in the sole discretion of the Adviser. The sum of these fees will not exceed % of the total initial price to the public of the Common Shares offered hereby and will be payable in arrears at the end of each calendar quarter during the continuance of the Advisory Agreement or other advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser (and not the Fund) will pay to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. from its own assets a structuring fee for advice relating to the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services related to the sale and distribution of the Common Shares in an amount equal to $ , which is % of the total initial price to the public of the Common Shares offered hereby. The sum of the noted fees to be paid to the Qualifying Underwriters and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., the amounts paid by the Fund to reimburse certain Underwriter and other expenses and the sales load to be paid by the Fund will not exceed 9.00% of the total initial price to the public of the Common Shares offered hereby.
In connection with the requirements for listing the Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange, the Underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more Common Shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial owners in the United States. The minimum investment requirement is 100 Common Shares.
Certain Underwriters may make a market in the Common Shares after trading in the Common Shares has commenced on the New York Stock Exchange. No Underwriter is, however, obligated to conduct market-making activities and any such activities may be discontinued at any time without notice, at the sole discretion of the Underwriter. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, the Common Shares as a result of any market-making activities undertaken by any Underwriter. This Prospectus is to be used by any Underwriter in connection with the offering and, during the period in which a Prospectus must be delivered, with offers and sales of the Common Shares in market-making transactions in the over-the-counter market at negotiated prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of the sale.
In connection with the offering, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. on behalf of the Underwriters, may purchase and sell Common Shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of Common Shares in excess of the number of Common Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. "Covered" short sales are sales of Common Shares made in an amount up to the number of Common Shares represented by the Underwriters' over-allotment option. In determining the source of Common Shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the Underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of Common Shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase Common Shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of Common Shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The Underwriters may also make "naked" short sales of Common Shares in excess of the over-allotment option. The Underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing Common Shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the Underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of Common Shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of bids for or purchases of Common Shares in the open market while the offering is in progress.
The Underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the Underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when Citigroup Global Markets Inc. repurchases Common Shares originally sold by that syndicate member in order to cover syndicate short positions or make stabilizing purchases.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of Common Shares. They may also cause the price of Common Shares to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The Underwriters may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise. If the Underwriters commence any of these transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
A Prospectus in electronic format may be available on the website maintained by one or more of the Underwriters. The representatives may agree to allocate a number of Common Shares to the Underwriters for sale to their online brokerage account holders. The representatives will allocate Common Shares to Underwriters that may make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Common Shares may be sold by the Underwriters to securities dealers who resell Common Shares to online brokerage account holders.
The Fund anticipates that, from time to time, certain Underwriters may act as brokers or dealers in connection with the execution of the Fund's portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be Underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as brokers while they are Underwriters.
Certain Underwriters have performed investment banking and advisory
services for the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates from time to
time, for which they have received customary fees and expenses. Certain
Underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform
services for the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers in the ordinary course of
business.
Prior to the initial public offering of Common Shares, an affiliate of the Adviser will purchase Common Shares from the Fund in an amount satisfying the net worth requirements of Section 14(a) of the 1940 Act.
The principal business address of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"), 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 is the custodian of the Fund and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Fund. IBT maintains the Fund's general ledger and computes net asset value per share daily. IBT 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. IBT also assists in preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC.
PFPC Inc., P.O. Box 43027, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3027 is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the Fund.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will be passed upon for the Fund by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, and for the Underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.
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, Boston, Massachusetts is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund and will audit the Fund's financial statements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information 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 Statement of Additional Information can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-225-6265.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions.......... 2 Trustees and Officers....................................... 5 Investment Advisory and Other Services...................... 12 Determination of Net Asset Value............................ 18 Portfolio Trading........................................... 19 Taxes....................................................... 22 Other Information........................................... 27 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm............... 28 Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................... 30 Notes to Financial Statements............................... 31 Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures............ A-1 |
THE FUND'S PRIVACY POLICY
The Eaton Vance organization is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. Each of the financial institutions identified below has in effect the following policy ("Privacy Policy") with respect to nonpublic personal information about its customers:
- Only such information received from you, through application forms or otherwise, and information about your Eaton Vance fund transactions will be collected. This may include information such as name, address, social security number, tax status, account balances and transactions.
- None of such information about you (or former customers) will be disclosed to anyone, except as permitted by law (which includes disclosure to employees necessary to service your account). In the normal course of servicing a customer's account, Eaton Vance may share information with unaffiliated third parties that perform various required services such as transfer agents, custodians and broker/dealers.
- Policies and procedures (including physical, electronic and procedural safeguards) are in place that are designed to protect the confidentiality of such information.
- We reserve the right to change our Privacy Policy at any time upon proper
notification to you. Customers may want to review our Privacy Policy
periodically for changes by accessing the link on our homepage:
www.eatonvance.com.
Our pledge of privacy applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Boston Management and Research, and Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
In addition, our Privacy Policy only applies to those Eaton Vance customers who are individuals and who have a direct relationship with us. If a customer's account (i.e., fund shares) is held in the name of a third-party financial adviser/broker-dealer, it is likely that only such adviser's privacy policies apply to the customer. This notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures.
For more information about our Privacy Policy, please call 1-800-262-1122.
SHARES
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND
COMMON SHARES
J.J.B. HILLIARD, W.L. LYONS, INC.
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC
KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS
LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER
INCORPORATED
RBC CAPITAL MARKETS
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC
CE-TMBWFRH
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION APRIL 22, 2005
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APRIL , 2005
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND
THE EATON VANCE BUILDING
255 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
(800) 225-6265
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions.......... 2
Trustees and Officers....................................... 5
Investment Advisory and Other Services...................... 12
Determination of Net Asset Value............................ 18
Portfolio Trading........................................... 19
Taxes....................................................... 22
Other Information........................................... 27
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm............... 28
Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................... 30
Notes to Financial Statements............................... 31
Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures............ A-1
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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 BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND (THE "FUND") DATED APRIL , 2005 (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 1-800-225-6265.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, WHICH IS NOT A PROSPECTUS, IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Fund's Prospectus.
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. Eaton Vance and the Sub-Advisers may not buy any of the following instruments or use any of the following techniques unless they believe that doing so will help to achieve the Fund's investment objectives.
EQUITY INVESTMENTS. As described in the Prospectus, the Fund invests primarily 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 stocks involve 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. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks as more fully described in the Prospectus.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. Derivative instruments (which are instruments that
derive their value from another instrument, security or index) acquired for
hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to
securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent
with its investment objectives and policies), provided that no more than 10% of
the Fund's total assets may be invested in such derivative instruments acquired
for non-hedging purposes. These strategies may be executed through the use of
derivative contracts in the U.S. or abroad. In the course of pursuing these
investment strategies, the Fund may: purchase and sell exchange-listed and
over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity and fixed-income
indices and other instruments; purchase and sell futures contracts and options
thereon; and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or
collars. In addition, derivatives may include new techniques, instruments or
strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. Transactions in
derivative instruments involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to:
unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, interest rates, indices, or
the other financial instruments' prices; the inability to close out a position;
default by the counterparty; imperfect correlation between a position and the
desired hedge; tax constraints on closing out positions; and portfolio
management constraints on securities subject to such transactions. The loss on
derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed
an investment in these instruments. In addition, the entire premium paid for
purchased options may be lost before they can be profitably exercised.
Transaction costs are incurred in opening and closing positions. Derivative
instruments may sometimes increase or leverage exposure to a particular market
risk, thereby increasing price volatility. Over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative
instruments, equity swaps and forward sales of stocks involve an enhanced risk
that the issuer or counterparty will fail to perform its contractual
obligations. Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may
become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of
market volatility, a commodity exchange may suspend or limit trading in an
exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily
illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily
limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can
vary from the previous day's settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached,
no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the
closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the SEC takes the
position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for
written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative
instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such
contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price
quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Code limit the use of derivative instruments. The Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of a Commodity Pool Operator ("CPO") under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefor is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will be advantageous.
Foreign exchange traded futures contracts and options thereon may be used only if the Adviser determines that trading on such foreign exchange does not entail risks, including credit and liquidity risks, that are materially greater than the risks associated with trading on CFTC-regulated exchanges.
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).
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. Short-selling exposes the Fund to unlimited risk with respect to that security due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which an instrument can rise. Although the Fund reserves the right to utilize short sales, the Adviser is under no obligation to utilize short sales at all.
SECURITIES LENDING
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may lend a portion of its portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. Loans will be made only to organizations whose credit quality or claims paying ability is considered by the Adviser to be at least investment grade. All securities loans will be collateralized on a continuous basis by cash, cash equivalents (such as money market instruments) or other liquid securities held by the custodian and maintained in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The Fund may receive loan fees in connection with loans that are collateralized by securities or on loans of securities for which there is special demand. The Fund may also seek to earn income on securities loans by reinvesting cash collateral in securities consistent with its investment objectives and policies, seeking to invest at rates that are higher than the "rebate" rate that it normally will pay to the borrower with respect to such cash collateral. Any such reinvestment will be subject to the investment policies, restrictions and risk considerations described in the Prospectus and in this SAI.
Securities loans may result in delays in recovering, or a failure of the borrower to return, the loaned securities. The defaulting borrower ordinarily would be liable to the Fund for any losses resulting from such delays or failures, and the collateral provided in connection with the loan normally would also be available for that purpose. Securities loans normally may be terminated by either the Fund or the borrower at any time. Upon termination and the return of the loaned securities, the Fund would be required to return the related cash or securities collateral to the borrower and it may be required to liquidate longer term portfolio securities in order to do so. To the extent that such securities have decreased in value, this may result in the Fund realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. The Fund also may incur losses if it is unable to reinvest cash collateral at rates higher than applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs. These risks are substantially the same as those incurred through investment leverage and will be subject to the investment policies, restrictions and risk considerations described in the Prospectus and in this SAI.
The Fund will receive amounts equivalent to any interest or other distributions paid on securities while they are on loan, and the Fund will not be entitled to exercise voting or other beneficial rights on loaned securities. The Fund will exercise its right to terminate loans and thereby regain these rights whenever the Adviser considers it to be in the Fund's interest to do so, taking into account the related loss of reinvestment income and other factors.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS
The Fund may invest temporarily in cash or cash equivalents. 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.
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
(a) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset
coverage of at least 200%, (b) indebtedness which immediately after
issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300%, or (c) 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 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, currencies, interest 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).
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), a large economic or market sector shall not be construed as a group of 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.
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 assets 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.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees of the Fund are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Fund. The Trustees 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. 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 Trustee and officer is The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. As used in this SAI, "EVC" refers to Eaton Vance Corp., "EV" refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., "BMR" refers to Boston Management and Research, and "EVD" refers to Eaton Vance Distributors Inc. EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of Eaton Vance and BMR. Eaton Vance has engaged Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric" or the "Sub-Adviser") to serve as sub-adviser to the Fund to structure and manage the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax harvesting and other tax management techniques, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement") among the Fund, the Adviser and Parametric. Eaton Vance has also engaged Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. ("Rampart" or the "Sub-Adviser") to serve as sub-adviser to the Fund to provide advice on and execution of the construction
of the Fund's equity portfolio and options strategy, pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement") among the Fund, the Adviser and Rampart.
NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
TERM OF OFFICE FUND COMPLEX OTHER
NAME AND POSITION(S) AND LENGTH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
DATE OF BIRTH WITH THE FUND OF SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD
------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------------------- ------------- ---------------------
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
James B. Hawkes....... Trustee(2) and Since 11/17/04 Chairman, President and Chief 195 Director of EVC
11/9/41 Vice President Three Years Executive Officer of BMR,
Eaton Vance, EVC and EV;
Director of EV; Vice
President and Director of
EVD. Trustee and/or officer
of 195 registered investment
companies in the Eaton Vance
Fund Complex. Mr. Hawkes is
an interested person because
of his positions with BMR,
Eaton Vance, EVC and EV,
which are affiliates of the
Fund.
NON-INTERESTED
TRUSTEES
Samuel L. Hayes, Chairman of the Chairman of the Jacob H. Schiff Professor of 194 Director of Tiffany
III...................
2/23/35 Board and Board since Investment Banking Emeritus, & Co. (specialty
Trustee(2) 2/7/05 and Harvard University Graduate retailer) and Telect,
Trustee Since School of Business Inc.
3/21/05 Administration. (telecommunication
Three Years services company)
William H. Park....... Trustee(3) Since 3/21/05 President and Chief Executive 194 None
9/19/47 Three Years Officer, Prizm Capital
Management, LLC (investment
management firm) (since
2002). Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial
Officer, United Asset
Management Corporation (a
holding company owning
institutional investment
management firms) (1982-
2001).
Ronald A. Perlman..... Trustee(3) Since 3/21/05 Professor of Law, Georgetown 194 None
7/10/40 Three Years University Law Center (since
1999). Tax Partner, Covington
& Burling, Washington, DC
(1991-2000).
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NUMBER OF
PORTFOLIOS IN
TERM OF OFFICE FUND COMPLEX OTHER
NAME AND POSITION(S) AND LENGTH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS
DATE OF BIRTH WITH THE FUND OF SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD
------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------------------- ------------- ---------------------
Norton H. Reamer...... Trustee(4) Since 3/21/05 President, Chief Executive 194 None
9/21/35 Three Years Officer and Director of Asset
Management Finance Corp. (a
specialty finance company
serving the investment
management industry) (since
October 2003). President,
Unicorn Corporation (an
investment and financial
advisory services company)
(since September 2000).
Formerly, Chairman, Hellman,
Jordan Management Co., Inc.
(an investment management
company) (2000-2003).
Formerly, Advisory Director
of Berkshire Capital
Corporation (investment
banking firm) (2002-2003).
Formerly, Chairman of the
Board, United Asset
Management Corporation (a
holding company owning
institutional investment
management firms) and
Chairman, President and
Director, UAM Funds (mutual
funds) (1980-2000).
Lynn A. Stout......... Trustee(4) Since 3/21/05 Professor of Law, University 194 None
9/14/57 Three Years of California at Los Angeles
School of Law (since July
2001). Formerly, Professor of
Law, Georgetown University
Law Center.
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(1) Includes both master and feeder funds in master-feeder structure.
(2) Class I Trustees whose term expires in 2005.
(3) Class II Trustees whose term expires in 2006.
(4) Class III Trustees whose term expires in 2007.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES
TERM OF OFFICE
POSITION(S) AND LENGTH
NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH WITH THE FUND OF SERVICE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
---------------------- ------------------- -------------- --------------------------------------------
Duncan W. Senior Vice President and Chief Equity
Richardson.......... President and Chief Since 3/21/05
10/26/57 Executive Officer Investment Officer of Eaton Vance and BMR.
Officer of 44 registered investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Thomas E. Faust Executive Vice President of Eaton Vance,
Jr. ................ Vice President Since 3/21/05
5/31/58 BMR, EVC and EV; Chief Investment Officer of
Eaton Vance and BMR and Director of EVC.
Chief Executive Officer of Belair Capital
Fund LLC, Belcrest Capital Fund LLC, Belmar
Capital Fund LLC; Belport Capital Fund LLC
and Belrose Capital Fund LLC (private
investment companies sponsored by Eaton
Vance). Officer of 60 registered investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
James L. O'Connor..... Treasurer and Since 3/21/05 Vice President of BMR, Eaton Vance and
4/1/45 Principal Financial EVD. Officer of 118 registered investment
and Accounting companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
Officer
Paul M. O'Neil........ Chief Compliance Since 3/21/05 Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.
7/11/53 Officer Officer of 186 registered investment
companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.
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The Board of Trustees of the Fund has several standing Committees, including the Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Special Committee. Each such Committee is comprised of only noninterested Trustees.
The Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fund is comprised of the non-interested Trustees. Ms. Stout currently serves as chairperson of the Governance Committee. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees with respect to the structure, membership and operation of the Board of Trustees and the Committees thereof, including the nomination and selection of non-interested Trustees and the compensation of non-interested Trustees.
The Governance Committee will, when a vacancy exists or is anticipated, consider any nominee for noninterested Trustee recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation is submitted to the Governance Committee, contains sufficient background information concerning the candidate and is received in a sufficiently timely manner.
Messrs. Reamer (Chairman), Hayes and Park and Ms. Stout are members of the
Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has
designated Messrs. Hayes, Park and Reamer, each a non-interested 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 Rule 306 of Regulation S-K for inclusion in the proxy statement of the Fund.
Messrs. Hayes (Chairman), Park, Pearlman, Reamer and Ms. Stout are currently members of the Special Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The purposes of the Special Committee are to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees 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 of the Fund service providers (including Eaton Vance or any affiliated entity thereof) has an actual or potential conflict of interest with the interests of the Fund, or investors therein; and (iii) any other matter appropriate for review by the non-interested Trustees, unless the matter is within the responsibilities of the Audit Committee or the Governance Committee of the Fund.
As of the date of this SAI, the Governance Committee has met times, the Audit Committee and Special Committee have met times.
When considering approval of the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and Parametric, and the Adviser and Rampart, the Special Committee considered, among other things, the following:
- A report comparing the fees and expenses of the Fund and certain profitability analyses prepared by Eaton Vance, Rampart and Parametric;
- Information on the relevant peer group(s) of funds;
- The economic outlook and the general investment outlook in the relevant investment markets;
- Eaton Vance's, and Parametric's results and financial condition and the overall organization of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser;
- Eaton Vance's and Rampart's results and financial condition and the overall organization of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser;
- Arrangements regarding the distribution of Fund shares;
- The procedures used to determine the fair value of the Fund's assets;
- The allocation of brokerage and the benefits received by the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers as the result of brokerage allocation, including allocations to soft dollar brokerage and allocations to firms that sell Eaton Vance fund shares;
- Eaton Vance's management of the relationship with the custodian, subcustodians and fund accountants;
- The resources devoted to Eaton Vance's compliance efforts undertaken on behalf of the funds it manages and the record of compliance with the investment policies and restrictions and with policies on personal securities transactions;
- Parametric's compliance efforts with respect to the accounts it manages;
- Rampart's compliance efforts with respect to the accounts it manages;
- The quality, nature, cost and character of the administrative and other non-investment management services provided by Eaton Vance and its affiliates and by Parametric and Rampart;
- The terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, and the reasonableness and appropriateness of the particular fee paid by the Fund for the services described therein;
- Operating expenses (including transfer agency expenses) to be paid to third parties; and
- Information to be provided to investors, including the Fund's shareholders.
In evaluating the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and Eaton Vance, the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Parametric, and the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Rampart, the Special Committee reviewed material furnished by Eaton Vance and Parametric at the initial Board meeting held on March 21, 2005, including the above referenced considerations and information relating to the education, experience and number of investment professionals and other personnel who would provide services under the Advisory Agreement and under the Sub-Advisory Agreements. The Special Committee also took into account the time and attention to be devoted by senior management to the Fund and the other funds in the complex. The Special Committee evaluated the level of skill required to manage the Fund and concluded that the human resources available at Eaton Vance were appropriate to fulfill effectively the duties of the Adviser on behalf of the Fund. The Special Committee also considered the business reputation of the Adviser, its financial resources and professional liability insurance coverage and concluded that Eaton Vance would be able to meet any reasonably foreseeable obligations under the Advisory Agreement. The Special Committee also considered the business reputations of Parametric's and Rampart's respective investment strategies and their past experience in implementing these strategies.
The Special Committee received information concerning the investment philosophy and investment process to be applied by Eaton Vance, Rampart and Parametric in managing the Fund. In this regard, the Special Committee considered Eaton Vance's in-house research capabilities as well as other resources available to Eaton Vance personnel, including research services that may be available to Eaton Vance as a result of securities transactions effected for the Fund and other investment advisory clients. The Special Committee concluded that Eaton Vance's, Parametric's and Rampart's investment process, research capabilities and philosophy were well suited to the Fund, given the Fund's investment objective and policies.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, the Special Committee also reviewed the level of the Adviser's profits in respect of the management of the Eaton Vance funds, including the Fund. The Special Committee considered the other profits realized by Eaton Vance and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. The Special Committee also considered profit margins of Eaton Vance in comparison with available industry data. In addition, the Special Committee considered the fiduciary duty assumed by the Adviser in connection with the service rendered to the Fund and the business reputation of the Adviser, its financial resources and its professional liability insurance coverage. In evaluating the fees to be paid to Parametric and Rampart, the Special Committee considered and discussed fees paid to other investment sub-advisers in similar circumstances, as well as fees charged by Parametric and Rampart respectively to their other clients.
The Special Committee did not consider any single factor as controlling in determining whether or not to approve the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements. Nor are the items described herein all encompassing of the matters considered by the Special Committee. In assessing the information provided by Eaton Vance, Parametric, Rampart and their affiliates, the Special Committee also took into consideration the benefits to shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of a large family of funds which provides a large variety of shareholder services.
Based on its consideration of all factors that it deemed material and assisted by the advice of its independent counsel, the Special Committee concluded that the approval of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, including the fee structure (described herein) is in the interests of shareholders. The Special Committee also considered that the Adviser would enter into a Structuring Fee Agreement with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., whereby the Adviser (and not the Fund) would pay Citigroup Global Markets Inc. to provide upon request certain market data and reports to support shareholder services pursuant to the agreement.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Fund and all Eaton Vance Funds overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2004.
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY
DOLLAR RANGE OF SECURITIES OWNED IN ALL REGISTERED
EQUITY SECURITIES FUNDS OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN THE
NAME OF TRUSTEE OWNED IN THE FUND EATON VANCE FUND COMPLEX
--------------- ----------------- ----------------------------------
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
James B. Hawkes........................
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Samuel L. Hayes, III...................
William H. Park........................
Ronald A. Pearlman.....................
Norton H. Reamer.......................
Lynn A. Stout.......................... *
|
* Includes shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned through a Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan.
As of December 31, 2004, no non-interested Trustee or any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any class of securities of EVC, EVD, Parametric or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric.
During the calendar years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, no non-interested Trustee (or their immediate family members) had:
1. Any direct or indirect interest in Eaton Vance, EVC, EVD, Parametric, Rampart or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric;
2. Any direct or indirect material interest in any transaction or
series of similar transactions with (i) the Fund; (ii) another fund managed
by EVC, Rampart or Parametric, distributed by EVD or a person controlling,
controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric;
(iii) EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric; (iv) a person controlling,
controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric;
or (v) an officer of any of the above; or
3. Any direct or indirect relationship with (i) the Fund; (ii) another fund managed by EVC, Rampart or Parametric, distributed by EVD or a person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric; (iii) EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric; (iv) a person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Rampart or Parametric; or (v) an officer of any of the above.
During the calendar years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004 no officer of EVC, EVD, Parametric, Rampart or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC, EVD, Parametric or Rampart 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.
Trustees of the Fund who are not affiliated with the Adviser may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Trustees' Plan"). Under the Trustees' Plan, an eligible Trustee may elect to have his deferred fees invested by the Fund in the shares of one or more funds in the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, and the amount paid to the Trustees under the Trustees' Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments. Deferral of Trustees' fees in accordance with the Trustees' Plan will have a negligible effect on the Fund's assets, liabilities, and net income per share, and will not obligate the Fund to retain the services of any Trustee or obligate the Fund to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee. The Fund does not have a retirement plan for its Trustees.
The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Fund are paid by the Fund. (A Trustee of the Fund who is a member of the Eaton Vance organization receives no compensation from the Fund.) For the Fund's fiscal year ending 2005, it is anticipated that the Trustees of the Fund will earn the following compensation in their capacities as Trustees. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Trustees earned the compensation set forth below in their capacities as Trustees from the funds in the Eaton Vance fund complex(1).
SAMUEL L. WILLIAM H. RONALD A. NORTON H. LYNN A.
SOURCE OF COMPENSATION HAYES, III PARK PERLMAN REAMER STOUT
---------------------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------
Fund*...........................
Fund Complex....................
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* Estimated
(1) As of 2005, the Eaton Vance fund complex consisted of registered investment
companies or series thereof.
(2) Includes $ of deferred compensation.
(3) Includes $ of deferred compensation.
PROXY VOTING POLICY. The Fund is subject to the Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, pursuant to which the Trustees have delegated proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser and adopted the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Policies") which are attached as Appendix A to this SAI. The Trustees will review the Fund's proxy voting records from time to time and will annually consider approving the Policies for the upcoming year. In the event that a conflict of interest arises between the Fund's shareholders and the Adviser or any of its affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund, the Adviser will generally refrain from voting the proxies related to the companies giving rise to such conflict until it consults with the Board of the Fund, except as contemplated under the Policies. The Board's Special Committee will instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action. The Fund's and the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are attached as Appendix A to this SAI.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12 month period ended June 30, 2005 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122, and (2) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER. Eaton Vance, its affiliates and its predecessor companies have been managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and of investment companies since 1931. They maintain a large staff of experienced fixed-income, senior loan and equity investment professionals to service the needs of their clients. The equity group covers stocks ranging from blue chip to emerging growth companies. Eaton Vance and its affiliates act as adviser to a family of mutual funds, and individual and various institutional accounts. The fixed-income group focuses on all kinds of taxable investment-grade and high-yield securities, tax-exempt investment-grade and high-yield securities, and U.S. government securities. The senior loan group focuses on senior floating rate loans, unsecured loans and other floating rate debt securities such as notes, bonds and asset backed securities, including corporations, hospitals, retirement plans, universities, foundations and trusts.
The Fund will be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Eaton Vance under the Advisory Agreement or the Administration Agreement. Such costs and expenses to be borne by the Fund include, without limitation: custody and transfer agency fees and expenses, including those incurred for determining net asset value and keeping accounting books and records; expenses of pricing and valuation services; the cost of share certificates; membership dues in investment company organizations; expenses of acquiring, holding and disposing of securities and other investments; fees and expenses of registering under the securities laws, stock exchange listing fees and governmental fees; rating agency fees and preferred share remarketing expenses; expenses of reports to shareholders, proxy statements and other expenses of shareholders' meetings; insurance premiums; printing and mailing
expenses; interest, taxes and corporate fees; legal and accounting expenses; compensation and expenses of Trustees not affiliated with Eaton Vance; expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares; and investment advisory and administration fees. The Fund will also bear expenses incurred in connection with any litigation in which the Fund is a party and any legal obligation to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto, to the extent not covered by insurance.
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee, payable on a monthly basis, at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund. Gross assets of the Fund shall be calculated by deducting accrued liabilities of the Fund not including the amount of any preferred shares outstanding or the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed.
The Advisory Agreement with the Adviser continues in effect for an initial period of two years until March 21, 2007, and from year to year thereafter so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of the noninterested Trustees of the Fund or of the Adviser, such vote being cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board of Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. The Fund's Administration Agreement continues in effect from year to year so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by the vote of a majority of the Fund's Trustees. Each agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days' written notice by the Trustees of the Fund or Eaton Vance, as applicable, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. Each agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties to the Fund under such agreements on the part of Eaton Vance, Eaton Vance shall not be liable to the Fund for any loss incurred, to the extent not covered by insurance.
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. Pursuant to these provisions, Eaton Vance has engaged Rampart, as a sub-adviser to provide assistance with the development, implementation and execution of the Fund's options strategy and Parametric, as a sub-adviser to structure and manage the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax harvesting and other tax management techniques. 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.
Eaton Vance is a business trust organized under Massachusetts law. EV serves as trustee of Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance and EV are subsidiaries of EVC, a Maryland corporation and publicly-held holding company. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates EVC engages primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities. The Directors of EVC are James B. Hawkes, John G. L. Cabot, Thomas E. Faust Jr., Leo I. Higdon, Jr., John M. Nelson, Vincent M. O'Reilly, William H. Smith, Jr., and Ralph Z. Sorenson. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common Stock of EVC are deposited in a voting trust, the voting trustees of which are Messrs. Hawkes, Faust, Jeffrey P. Beale, Alan R. Dynner, Thomas J. Fetter, Scott H. Page, Duncan W. Richardson, William M. Steul, Payson F. Swaffield, Michael W. Weilheimer and Wharton P. Whitaker (all of whom are officers of Eaton Vance). The voting trustees have unrestricted voting rights for the election of Directors of EVC. All of the outstanding voting trust receipts issued under said voting trust are owned by certain of the officers of BMR and Eaton Vance who are also officers, 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. Hawkes who is also a Trustee) hold positions in the Eaton Vance organization.
EVC and its affiliates and their officers and employees from time to time enter into transactions with various banks, including the custodian of the Fund, Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT"). It is Eaton Vance's opinion that the terms and conditions of such transactions were not and will not be influenced by existing or potential custodial or other relationships between the Fund and such banks.
THE SUB-ADVISER. Parametric acts as an investment sub-adviser to the Fund and structures and manages the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax harvesting and other tax management techniques, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and Parametric (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement"). Parametric's principal office is located at 1151 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 981209. Parametric was founded in 1987. In September of 2003, Eaton Vance Corp, the parent company of Eaton Vance, acquired an 80% interest in the firm with the remaining 20% owned primarily by Parametric employees. Parametric specializes in managing broadly diversified, risk controlled and tax-efficient portfolios for institutional, high net worth investors and investment company clients and their advisers. Parametric managed approximately $9.2 billion in assets as of January 31, 2005.
Under the terms of its Sub-Advisory Agreement, Parametric provides structure and manages the Fund's common stock portfolio, including tax harvesting and other tax management techniques, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees and the Adviser. For services rendered by Parametric under its Sub-Advisory Agreement, Eaton Vance pays Parametric a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 0.25% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with Parametric continues until March 21, 2007 and from year to year thereafter if approved 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 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 Parametric upon 3 months notice. As discussed above, Eaton Vance may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Parametric and directly assume responsibility for the services provided by Parametric upon approval by the Board of Trustees without the need for approval of the shareholders of the Fund.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with Parametric provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, Parametric is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund.
Rampart acts as the Fund's investment sub-adviser and provides advice and assistance in pursuing the Fund's options strategy pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and Rampart (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement"). Rampart, a Massachusetts corporation, was founded in 1983 by its current owners Ronald M. Egalka and David R. Fraley. The Sub-Adviser provides customized investment management services within a core competency in options to a spectrum of institutional clients. Since its inception, the Sub-Adviser has continuously expanded its computer modeling and analytical capabilities and created tools to capitalize on opportunities in the capital markets. Rampart's principal office is located at One International Place, Boston, MA 02110. As of February 28, 2005 Rampart had approximately $2.7 billion of assets under management.
Under the terms of its Sub-Advisory Agreement, Rampart provides advice and assistance with the development, implementation and execution of the Fund's options strategy, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees and the Adviser. For services rendered by Rampart under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, Eaton Vance pays Rampart a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 0.05% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with Rampart continues until March 21, 2007 and
from year to year thereafter if approved 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 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 Rampart upon 3 months
notice. As discussed above, Eaton Vance
may terminate the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Rampart and directly assume responsibility for the services provided by Rampart upon approval by the Board of Trustees without the need for approval of the shareholders of the Fund.
The Sub-Advisory Agreement with Rampart provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, Rampart is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS. The portfolio managers of the Fund are Walter A. Row of Eaton Vance, David Stein and Thomas Seto of Parametric and Ronald M. Egalka of Rampart. Each portfolio manager manages other investment companies and/or investment accounts in addition to the Fund. The following tables show, as of February 28, 2005, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets 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 those accounts.
NUMBER OF TOTAL ASSETS
ACCOUNTS OF ACCOUNTS
NUMBER PAYING A PAYING A
OF TOTAL ASSETS OF PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTS* FEE FEE
-------- --------------- ----------- ------------
WALTER A. ROW
Registered Investment Companies**............ 3 $ 1,623 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles............. 0 $ 0 0 $0
Other Accounts............................... 0 $ 0 0 $0
DAVID STEIN
Registered Investment Companies.............. 7 $ 949 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles............. 0 $ 0 0 $0
Other Accounts............................... 5,268 $ 8,650 0 $0
THOMAS SETO
Registered Investment Companies.............. 7 $ 949 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles............. 0 $ 0 0 $0
Other Accounts............................... 5,268 $ 8,650 0 $0
RONALD M. EGALKA
Registered Investment Companies.............. 2 $1,701,280,407 $
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles............. 0 $ 0 $
Other Accounts............................... 307 $1,040,844,649 $
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* In millions of dollars.
** For registered investment companies, assets represent net assets of all open-end investment companies and gross assets of all closed-end investment companies.
None of the portfolio managers beneficially owned shares of the Fund as of the date of this SAI.
It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio managers' management of the Fund's investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts for which the Fund manager is responsible for 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, a 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.
EATON VANCE'S COMPENSATION STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO DETERMINE COMPENSATION. Compensation of the Adviser's portfolio managers and other investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, and (3) annual stock-based compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of EVC's nonvoting common stock and/or restricted shares of EVC's nonvoting common stock. The Adviser's investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all the Adviser's employees. Compensation of the Adviser's investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year-end of EVC.
The Adviser compensates its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus appropriate peer groups or benchmarks. Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year-end. Fund performance is evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter periods. For funds that are tax-managed or otherwise have an objective of after-tax returns, performance is measured net of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to risk-adjusted performance. 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 Adviser seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. The Adviser participates in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of the Adviser and its parent company. The overall annual cash bonus pool is based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus operating income. While the salaries of the Adviser's portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
PARAMETRIC'S COMPENSATION STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO DETERMINE COMPENSATION. Compensation of Parametric portfolio managers and other investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) a quarterly cash bonus, and (3) annual stock-based compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of EVC's nonvoting common stock. Parametric investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to Parametric employees. Compensation of Parametric investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Stock-based compensation awards and adjustments in base salary and bonus are typically paid and/or put into effect at or shortly after calendar year-end.
Parametric seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their
responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the
investment management industry. The
performance of portfolio managers is evaluated primarily based on success in achieving portfolio objectives for managed funds and accounts. The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as product development) will include consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the managers' performance in meeting them.
Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of Parametric and EVC, its parent company. Cash bonuses are determined based on a target percentage of Parametric profits. While the salaries of Parametric portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate substantially from year to year, based on changes in financial performance and other factors.
RAMPART'S COMPENSATION STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO DETERMINE COMPENSATION. The identified Rampart portfolio manager is a founding shareholder. The compensation of the identified portfolio manager has two primary components: (1) a base salary, and (2) an annual cash bonus. There are also certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all Rampart employees. Compensation of Rampart investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the June 30 fiscal year-end of Rampart.
Method to Determine Compensation. Rampart compensates its founding shareholders/identified portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their responsibilities. The performance of portfolio managers is evaluated primarily based on success in achieving portfolio objectives for managed funds and accounts. Rampart seeks to compensate all portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. This is reflected in the founding shareholders/identified portfolio managers' salaries.
Salaries and profit participations are also influenced by the operating performance of Rampart. While the salaries of Rampart's founding shareholders/identified portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, profit participations may fluctuate substantially from year to year, based on changes in financial performance.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Adviser, Parametric, Rampart and the Fund have adopted Codes of Ethics governing personal securities transactions. Under the Codes of Ethics, Eaton Vance, Rampart and Parametric employees may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund) subject to certain pre-clearance and reporting requirements and other procedures.
The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's public reference room in Washington, DC (call 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation of the public reference room); on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov); or by sending a written request and payment of copying fees to the SEC's public reference section, at Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Under the general supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, Eaton Vance will carry out the investment and reinvestment 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-Advisers. 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.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Under the Administration Agreement, Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Fund all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs 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 executive and administrative services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Eaton Vance personnel who perform management and administrative services for the Fund. Eaton Vance's administrative services include recordkeeping, preparation and filing of documents required to comply with federal and state securities laws, supervising the activities of the Fund's custodian and transfer agent, providing assistance in connection with the Trustees' and shareholders' meetings, providing services in connection with repurchase offers, if any, and other administrative services necessary to conduct the Fund's business.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined no less frequently than daily, on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for trading, as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The Fund's net asset value per share is determined by IBT, in the manner authorized by the Trustees of the Fund. Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding.
The Trustees of the Fund have established the following procedures for fair valuation of the Fund's assets under normal market conditions. Marketable securities listed on foreign or U.S. securities exchanges generally are valued at closing sale prices or, if there were no sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices therefor on the exchange where such securities are principally traded (unless an active over-the-counter market in an exchange listed security better reflects current market value). Marketable securities listed in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sale prices are not available are valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices. An option is valued at the last sale price as quoted on the principal exchange or board of trade on which such option or contract is traded, or in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. When the Fund writes a call option it records the premium as an asset and equivalent liability and thereafter adjusts the liability to the market value of the option determined in accordance with the preceding sentence.
The Adviser and the valuation committee may implement new pricing
methodologies or expand mark-to-market valuation of debt securities whose market
prices are not readily available in the future, which may result in a change in
the Fund's net asset value per share. The Fund's net asset value per share will
also be affected by fair value pricing decisions and by changes in the market
for such debt securities. In determining the fair value of a debt security, the
Adviser will consider relevant factors, data, and information, including: (i)
the characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the debt
security, including the cost, size, current interest rate, period until next
interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate of the debt security, the
terms and conditions of the debt security and any related agreements, and the
position of the debt security in the borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature,
adequacy and value of the collateral, including the Fund's rights, remedies and
interests with respect to the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the
borrower, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial
statements and information about the borrower's business, cash flows, capital
structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the market for the
debt security, including price quotations for and trading in the debt security
and interests in similar debt securities and the market environment and investor
attitudes towards the debt security and interests in similar debt securities;
(v) the experience, reputation, stability and financial condition of the agent
and any intermediate participants in the debt security; and (vi) general
economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the debt security.
The fair value of each debt security is reviewed and approved by the Adviser's
valuation committee and the Fund's Trustees.
Debt securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary market are normally valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more pricing services at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices. OTC options are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices provided by dealers. Financial futures contracts listed on commodity exchanges and exchange-traded options are valued at closing settlement prices. Short-term obligations having remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value, unless the Trustees determine that under particular circumstances such method does not result in fair value. As authorized by the Trustees, debt securities (other than short-term obligations) may be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service which determines valuations based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities. Securities for which there is no such quotation or valuation and all other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Fund's Trustees considering relevant factors, data and information, including the market value of freely tradable securities of the same class in the principal market on which such securities are normally traded.
All other securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
The daily valuation of foreign equity securities held by the Fund generally is determined as of the close of trading on the principal exchange on which such securities trade. Events occurring after the close of trading on foreign exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities to more accurately reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The Fund may rely on an independent pricing service in making any such adjustment. Foreign securities held by the Fund will be valued in U.S. dollars; such values will be computed by the custodian based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation service.
PORTFOLIO TRADING
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions, including the selection of the market and the executing firm, are made by Eaton Vance, the Fund's Adviser, Parametric or Rampart as the Sub-Advisers. As used below, "Adviser" refers to Eaton Vance, Parametric, and Rampart, as applicable. The Adviser is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other accounts managed by it. The Adviser places the portfolio security transactions for execution with many firms. The Adviser uses its best efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at reasonably competitive spreads or (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive commission rates. In seeking such execution, the Adviser will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, including without limitation the full range and quality of the executing firm's services, the value of the brokerage and research services provided, the responsiveness of the firm to the 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 executing firm, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the firm in this and other transactions, and the reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any.
Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such transactions will be conducted in conformity with the rules under the 1940 Act. 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, but the price paid or received usually includes an undisclosed dealer markup or markdown. 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 Adviser, be reasonable in relation to the value of the services provided, commissions exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of the Adviser's clients in part for providing brokerage and research services to the Adviser.
As authorized in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the 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 that particular transaction or on the basis of overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. Brokerage and research services may include advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and the "Research Services" referred to in the next paragraph.
It is a common practice of the investment advisory industry and of the advisers of investment companies, institutions and other investors to receive research, analytical, statistical and quotation services, data, information and other services, products and materials which assist such advisers in the performance of their investment responsibilities ("Research Services") from broker-dealer firms which execute portfolio transactions for the clients of such advisers and from affiliates of executing broker-dealers. Advisers also commonly receive Research Services from research providers that are not affiliated with an executing broker-dealer, but which have entered into payment arrangements involving an executing broker-dealer ("Third Party Research Services"). Under a typical Third Party Research Services payment arrangement, the research provider agrees to provide services to an Adviser in exchange for specified payments to the research provider by a broker-dealer that executes portfolio transactions for clients of the Adviser. The Adviser and the executing broker-dealer enter into a related agreement specifying the amount of brokerage business the Adviser will direct to the executing broker-dealer to offset payments made by the executing broker-dealer for Third Party Research Services received by the Adviser. For example, the Adviser may agree to direct brokerage business generating $45,000 in commissions on portfolio transactions to a broker-dealer firm as consideration for the executing broker-dealer making payments of $30,000 to a provider of Third Party Research Services. The ratio of the commissions to be paid to an executing broker-dealer as consideration for Third Party Research Services over the cost borne by the executing broker-dealer in connection with providing such services to the Adviser is referred to herein as the "Third Party Research Services Payment Ratio."
Consistent with the foregoing practices, the Adviser receives Research Services from many broker-dealer firms with which the Adviser places the Fund's transactions and from third parties with which these broker-dealers have arrangements. The Fund and the Adviser may also receive Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings, which Research Services are reviewed and evaluated by the Adviser in connection with its investment responsibilities.
These Research Services include such matters as general economic, political, business and market information, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio strategies and transactions, proxy voting data and analysis services, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities market, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, financial, industry and trade publications, news and information services, pricing and quotation equipment and services, and research oriented computer hardware, software, databases and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by the Adviser in connection with client accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful and of value to the 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 advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because the Adviser receives such Research Services. The Adviser evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms and attempts to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt of Research Services which the Adviser believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients.
In the event that the Adviser executes Fund securities transactions with a broker-dealer and the associated commission is consideration for Third Party Research Services (as described above), the Adviser has agreed to reduce the advisory fee payable by the Fund by an amount equal to the commission payment associated with the transaction divided by the applicable Third Party Research Services Payment Ratio.
Some executing broker-dealers develop and make available directly to their brokerage customers proprietary Research Services ("Proprietary Research Services"). As a general matter, broker-dealers bundle the cost of Proprietary Research Services with trade execution services rather than charging separately for each. In such circumstances, the independent cost or other value of the Proprietary Research Services cannot be determined. The advisory fee paid by the Fund will not be reduced in connection with the receipt of Proprietary Research Services by the Adviser.
The investment companies sponsored by the Adviser or its affiliates may allocate brokerage commissions to acquire information relating to the performance, fees and expenses of such companies and other mutual funds, which information is used by the Directors or Trustees of such companies to fulfill their responsibility to oversee the quality of the services provided by various entities, including the Adviser. Such companies may also pay cash for such information.
Subject to the requirement that the Adviser shall use its best efforts to seek and execute Fund security transactions at advantageous prices and at reasonably competitive spreads or commission rates, the Adviser is authorized to consider as a factor in the selection of any broker-dealer firm with whom fund orders may be placed the fact that such firm has sold or is selling Fund shares or shares of other investment companies sponsored by the Adviser or its affiliates. This policy is not inconsistent with a rule of the NASD, which provides that no firm which is a member of the NASD shall favor or disfavor the distribution of shares of any particular investment company or group of investment companies on the basis of brokerage commissions received or expected by such firm from any source.
The Fund and the Adviser may also receive Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings; such Research Services are reviewed and evaluated by the Adviser in connection with its investment responsibilities. The investment companies sponsored by the Adviser or its affiliates may allocate trades in such offerings to acquire information relating to the performance, fees and expenses of such companies and other mutual funds, which information is used by the Directors or Trustees of such companies to fulfill their responsibility to oversee the quality of the services provided by various entities, including the 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 Adviser or its affiliates. Whenever
decisions are made to buy or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of such
other accounts simultaneously, the Adviser will allocate the security
transactions (including "hot" 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
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 Trustees of the Fund that the benefits from the Adviser's organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
TAXES
The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based on the advice of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, counsel to the Fund. The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Qualification as a RIC requires, among other things, that the Fund: (i)
derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from: (a)
dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options,
futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing
in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and (b) net income derived from
interests in certain publicly traded partnerships that are treated as
partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and that derive less than 90%
of their gross income for the items described in (a) above (each a "Qualified
Publicly Traded Partnership"); and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the
end of each quarter of each taxable year: (a) at least 50% of the value of the
Fund's total assets is represented by (I) cash and cash items, U.S. government
securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and (II)
other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one
issuer, to an amount 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
(b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in the
securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other
regulated investment companies) of (i) any one issuer, (ii) any two or more
issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same
or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses or (iii) any one
or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships.
As a RIC, the Fund (as that term is defined in the Code, but without regard to the deductions for dividends paid) generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, that it distributes in each taxable year to its shareholders, provided that it distributes at least 90% of its investment company taxable income for such taxable year. The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. 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% of its capital gain net income (which is the excess of its realized net long-term capital gain over its realized net short-term capital loss), generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards, and (iii) 100% of any 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.
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 capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions generally would 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. 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, be taxable as ordinary dividend income. Under the "Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003" (the "Tax Act"), certain income distributions paid by the Fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund Shares) to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates applicable to net long-term capital gains (15%, or 5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements and other requirements are satisfied by the Common Shareholder and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund itself. For this purpose, "qualified dividend income" means dividends received by the Fund from United States corporations and "qualified foreign corporations," provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. These special rules relating to the taxation of ordinary income dividends paid by RICs generally apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002 and beginning before January 1, 2009. Thereafter, the Fund's dividends, other than capital gain dividends, will be fully taxable at ordinary income tax rates unless further Congressional action is taken. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund's dividend distributions will qualify for favorable treatment under the Tax Act.
Shareholders receiving any distribution from the Fund in the form of additional shares pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan will be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date.
Dividends of investment company taxable income designated by the Fund and
received by corporate shareholders of the Fund will qualify for the DRD to the
extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic
corporations for the taxable year. A dividend received by the Fund will not be
treated as a qualifying dividend (i) if the stock on which the dividend is paid
is considered to be "debt-financed" (generally, acquired with borrowed funds),
(ii) if the Fund fails to meet certain holding period requirements for the stock
on which the dividend is paid or (iii) to the extent that the Fund is under an
obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with
respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the
DRD may be disallowed or reduced if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy
the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or by
application of the Code.
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. 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 be taxable as ordinary income.
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 cash, 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 pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will (i) be required to report his pro rata share of such gain on his tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for his pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for his shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Selling Shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Shares sold and the sale proceeds. If the Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. The maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as the maximum ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or
less, or (ii) 15% for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well as certain capital gain distributions)(5% for individuals in the 10% or 15% tax brackets).
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 distributions 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 Common 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) 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.
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.
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.
In the case of Fund transactions involving S&P 500 call options (or other listed options on broad-based securities indices), Code Section 1256 generally will require any gain or loss arising from the lapse, closing out or exercise of such positions to be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. In addition, the Fund generally will be required to "mark to market" (i.e., treat as sold for fair market value) each such position which it holds on October 31 or at the close of each taxable year. 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. In addition to most index call options, Section 1256 Contracts include certain other options contracts, certain regulated futures contracts, and certain other financial contracts.
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 S&P 500 under applicable guidance established by the IRS. Under certain circumstances, however, the Fund may
enter into options transaction 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." A "mixed straddle" is any 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 are 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, these rules may also terminate the running 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 have 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.
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% distribution requirement for avoiding excise taxes. The Fund will monitor its transactions, will make the appropriate tax elections and will make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any futures contract, option or hedged investment in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund from being taxed as a regulated investment company.
Further, 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
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 dividends received deduction 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) and (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 qualify as
good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described
above.
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. Shareholders will generally not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies" ("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. In most instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain of its requirements.
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.
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 Service as well as shareholders with respect to whom the Fund has received certain information from the Service 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, at a rate of 28% for amounts paid during 2004. An individual's TIN is generally his or her social security number. 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 furnished to the Service.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important federal income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the federal tax law as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, 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 Common 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 Service retroactively or prospectively. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other federal, state or local tax considerations that may be applicable to their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
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, together 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 sole 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% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund's Prospectus 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.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Boston, Massachusetts is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, providing audit services, tax return preparation, and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation of filings with the SEC.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Trustees and Shareholder of
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (the "Fund") as of April 14, 2005 and the related statement of operations for the period from November 17, 2004 (date of organization) through April 14, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund as of April 14, 2005, and the results of its operations for the period from November 17, 2004 (date of organization) through April 14, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 15, 2005
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS OF APRIL 14, 2005
ASSETS
Cash...................................................... $100,000
Offering costs............................................ 500,000
Receivable from Adviser................................... 15,000
--------
Total assets.............................................. $615,000
--------
LIABILITIES
Accrued offering costs.................................... $500,000
Accrued organizational costs.............................. 15,000
--------
Total liabilities......................................... $515,000
--------
Net assets applicable to 5,000 common shares of beneficial
interest issued and outstanding........................... $100,000
========
NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE................ $ 20.00
========
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 17, 2004 (DATE OF ORGANIZATION) THROUGH APRIL 14,
2005
INVESTMENT INCOME........................................... $ --
--------
EXPENSES
Organization costs........................................ $ 15,000
Expense reimbursement..................................... $(15,000)
--------
Net expenses........................................... $ --
--------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME....................................... $ --
========
|
See notes to financial statements.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1: ORGANIZATION
The Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (the "Fund") was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 17, 2004, and has been inactive since that date except for matters relating to its organization and registration as a diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the sale of 5,000 common shares to Eaton Vance Management, the Fund's Investment Adviser (the "Adviser").
Eaton Vance Management, or an affiliate, has agreed to reimburse all organizational costs, estimated at approximately $15,000. Eaton Vance Management, or an affiliate, directly provided certain other organizational services to the Fund at no expense. The costs of such services are not material.
Eaton Vance Management, or an affiliate, has agreed to pay all offering costs (other than sales loads) that exceed $0.04 per common share. The total estimated fund offering costs are $609,950, of which the Fund would pay $500,000 and Eaton Vance Management would pay $109,950 based on such estimate. The total estimated Fund offering costs includes the $.005 per common share the Fund has agreed to pay the underwriters as partial reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with the offering.
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. Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment program will consist primarily of (1) owning a diversified portfolio of common stocks that seeks to exceed the total return performance of the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500") and (2) selling S&P 500 call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its holdings of common stocks. The Fund will use the CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (the "BXM") as its performance benchmark and will seek to achieve higher after-tax returns than a pure replication of the BXM strategy in part by employing a number of tax-management techniques and strategies. The BXM is a passive stock-plus-covered-call index created and maintained by the Chicago Board Options Exchange.
NOTE 2: ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require management to make estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
The Fund's share of offering costs will be recorded within paid in capital as a reduction of the proceeds from the sale of common shares upon the commencement of Fund operations. The offering costs reflected above assume the sale of 12,500,000 common shares.
NOTE 3: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee, payable on a monthly basis, at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund. Gross assets of the Fund shall be calculated by deducting accrued liabilities of the Fund not including the amount of any preferred shares outstanding or the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed.
Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement among the Fund, the Adviser and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric"), the Adviser has agreed to pay a sub-advisory fee to Parametric, in an annual amount equal to 0.25% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund.
Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement among the Fund, the Adviser and Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. ("Rampart"), the Adviser has agreed to pay a sub-advisory fee to Rampart, in an annual amount equal to 0.05% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund.
NOTE 4: FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income, including any net realized gain on investments.
APPENDIX A
EATON VANCE FUNDS
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
I. OVERVIEW
The Boards of Trustees (the "Boards") of the Eaton Vance Funds (the "Funds") recognize that it is their fiduciary responsibility to actively monitor the Funds' operations. The Boards have always placed paramount importance on their oversight of the implementation of the Funds' investment strategies and the overall management of the Funds' investments. A critical aspect of the investment management of the Funds continues to be the effective assessment and voting of proxies relating to the Funds' portfolio securities. While the Boards will continue to delegate the day-to-day responsibilities relating to the management of the proxy-voting process to the relevant investment adviser or sub-adviser, if applicable, of the Fund (or its underlying portfolio in the case of a master-feeder arrangement), the Boards 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 the term "Fund" shall include a Fund's underlying portfolio in the case of a master-feeder arrangement and the term "Adviser" shall mean the adviser to a Fund or its sub-adviser if a sub-advisory relationship exists.
II. DELEGATION OF PROXY VOTING RESPONSIBILITIES
Pursuant to investment advisory agreements between each Fund and its Adviser, the Adviser has long been responsible for reviewing proxy statements relating to Fund investments and, if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so, to vote proxies on behalf of the Funds. The Boards hereby formally delegate this responsibility to the Adviser, except as otherwise described in this Policy. In so doing, the Boards hereby adopt on behalf of each Fund the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Adviser(s) to each Fund as the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Fund. The Boards recognize that the Advisers may from time to time amend their policies and procedures. The Advisers will report material changes to the Boards in the manner set forth in Section IV below. In addition, the Boards will annually review and approve the Advisers' proxy voting policies and procedures.
III. DELEGATION OF PROXY VOTING DISCLOSURE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") recently enacted certain new reporting requirements for registered investment companies. The Commission's new regulations require that funds (other than those which invest exclusively in non-voting securities) make certain disclosures regarding their proxy voting activities. The most significant disclosure requirement for the Funds is the duty pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 promulgated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), to file Form N-PX no later than August 31st of each year beginning in 2004.
Under Form N-PX, each Fund will be 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 in the matter and whether it voted for or against management.
The Boards hereby delegate to each Adviser the responsibility for recording, compiling and transmitting in a timely manner all data required to be filed on Form N-PX to Eaton Vance Management, which acts as administrator to each of the Funds (the "Administrator"), for each Fund that such Adviser manages. The Boards hereby delegate the responsibility to file Form N-PX on behalf of each Fund to the Administrator.
IV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Boards expect each Adviser, as a fiduciary to the Fund(s) it manages, to put the interests of each Fund and its shareholders above those of the Adviser. In the event that in connection with its proxy
voting responsibilities a conflict of interest arises between a Fund's shareholders and the Fund's Adviser or the Administrator (or any of their affiliates) or any affiliated person of the Fund, the Adviser, to the extent it is aware or reasonably should have been aware of the conflict, will refrain from voting any proxies related to companies giving rise to such conflict until it notifies and consults with the appropriate Board(s) concerning the conflict.
Once the Adviser notifies the relevant Board(s) of the conflict, the Board(s) shall convene a meeting of the Boards' Fund Special Committee (the "Committee") to review and consider all relevant materials related to the proxies involved. In considering such proxies, the Adviser shall make available all materials requested by the Committee and make reasonably available appropriate personnel to discuss the matter with the Committee upon the Committee's request. The Committee will instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action. If the Committee is unable to meet and the failure to vote a proxy would have a material adverse impact on the Fund(s) involved, each Adviser will have the right to vote such proxy, provided that it discloses the existence of the conflict to the Committee at its next meeting.
V. REPORTS
The Administrator shall make copies of each Form N-PX filed on behalf of the Funds available for the Boards' review upon the Boards' request. The Administrator (with input from the Adviser for the relevant Fund(s)) shall also provide any reports reasonably requested by the Boards regarding the proxy voting records of the Funds.
Each Adviser shall annually report any material changes to such Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures to the relevant Board(s) and the relevant Board(s) will annually review and approve the Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures. Each Adviser shall report any changes to such Adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures to the Administrator prior to implementing such changes in order to enable the Administrator to effectively coordinate the Funds' disclosure relating to such policies and procedures.
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
I. INTRODUCTION
Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research and Eaton Vance Investment Counsel (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 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, such as the Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. These proxy policies and procedures reflect the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requirements governing advisers and the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts set out in the Department of Labor Bulletin 94-2 C.F.R. 2509.94-2 (July 29, 1994).
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 is adopting the formal written guidelines described in detail below and will utilize such guidelines in voting proxies on behalf of its clients. 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.
In seeking to ensure a level of consistency and rationality in the proxy voting process, the guidelines contained in these policies and procedures are designed to address the manner in which certain matters that arise regularly in proxies will generally be voted. However, each Adviser takes the view that these guidelines should not be used as mechanical instructions for the exercise of this important shareholder right. Except in the instance of routine matters related to corporate administrative matters which are not expected to have a significant economic impact on the company or its shareholders (on which the Advisers will routinely vote with management), the Advisers will review each matter on a case-by-case basis and reserve the right to deviate from these guidelines when they believe the situation warrants such a deviation. In addition, no set of guidelines can anticipate all situations that may arise. In special cases, the Proxy Administrator (the person specifically charged with the responsibility to review and vote proxies on behalf of each Adviser's clients) may seek insight from the Adviser's analysts, portfolio managers and/or Chief Equity Investment Officer on how a particular proxy proposal will impact the financial prospects of a company, and vote accordingly. The guidelines are just that: guidelines rather than hard and fast rules, simply because corporate governance issues are so varied.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines relate to the types of proposals that are most frequently presented in proxy statements to shareholders. Absent unusual circumstances, each Adviser will utilize these guidelines when voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
A. ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Advisers believe that a Board of Directors should primarily be independent, not have significant ties to management and consist of members who are all elected annually. In addition, the Advisers believe that important Board committees (e.g., audit, nominating and compensation committees) should be entirely independent. In general,
- The Advisers will support the election of directors that result in a Board made up of a majority of independent directors.
- The Advisers will support the election for independent directors to serve on the audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees of a Board of Directors.
- The Advisers will hold all directors accountable for the actions of the Board's committees. For example, the Advisers will consider withholding votes for nominees who have recently approved compensation arrangements that the Advisers deem excessive or propose equity-based compensation plans that unduly dilute the ownership interests of shareholders.
- The Advisers will support efforts to declassify existing Boards, and will vote against proposals by companies to adopt classified Board structures.
- The Advisers will vote against proposals for cumulative voting, confidential stockholder voting and the granting of pre-emptive rights.
B. APPROVAL OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Advisers believe that the relationship between the company and its auditors should be limited primarily to the audit engagement and closely allied audit-related and tax services, although non-audit services may be provided so long as they are consistent with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
and, if required, have been approved by an independent audit committee. The Advisers will also consider the reputation of the auditor and any problems that may have arisen in the auditor's performance of services.
C. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Advisers believe that appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans, approved by shareholders, can be an effective way to align the interests of shareholders and the interests of management, employees, and directors. However, the Advisers are opposed to plans that substantially dilute shareholders' ownership interests in the company or have objectionable structural features.
- The Advisers will generally vote against plans where total potential dilution (including all equity-based plans) seems likely to exceed 15% of shares outstanding over ten years and extends longer than ten years.
- The Advisers will generally vote against plans if annual option grants exceed 2% of shares outstanding.
These total and annual dilution thresholds are guidelines, not ceilings, and when assessing a plan's impact on client shareholdings the Advisers will consider other factors such as specific industry practices, company and stock performance and management credibility. The Proxy Administrator may consult with the relevant analyst(s) or portfolio manager(s) or, if appropriate, the Chief Equity Investment Officer, to determine when or if it may be appropriate to exceed these guidelines.
- The Advisers will typically vote against plans that have any of the following structural features:
- Ability to re-price underwater options without shareholder approval.
- The unrestricted ability to issue options with an exercise price below the stock's current market price.
- Automatic share replenishment ("evergreen") feature.
- The Advisers are supportive of measures intended to increase long-term stock ownership by executives. These may include:
- Requiring senior executives to hold a minimum amount of stock in the company (frequently expressed as a certain multiple of the executive's salary).
- Using restricted stock grants instead of options.
- Utilizing phased vesting periods or vesting tied to company specific milestones or stock performance.
- The Advisers will generally support the use of employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value.
In assessing a company's executive compensation plan, the Advisers will weigh all components of the plan. For example, the grant of stock options to executives of a company in a particular year may appear excessive if that grant goes above 2% of the shares outstanding of the company. However, such grants may be appropriate if the senior management of the company has accepted significantly reduced cash compensation for the year in lieu of receiving a greater number of options.
D. CORPORATE STRUCTURE MATTERS/ANTI-TAKEOVER DEFENSES
As a general matter, the Advisers oppose anti-takeover measures and other proposals designed to limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions. In general,
- Because a classified board structure prevents shareholders from electing a full slate of directors annually, the Advisers will typically vote against proposals to create classified boards and vote in favor of shareholder proposals to declassify a board.
- The Advisers will vote for proposals to subject shareholder rights plans ("poison pills") to a shareholder vote.
- The Advisers will vote for shareholder proposals that seek to eliminate supermajority voting requirements and oppose proposals seeking to implement supermajority voting requirements.
- The Advisers will generally vote against proposals to authorize preferred stock whose voting, conversion, dividend and other rights are determined at the discretion of the board of directors when the stock is issued, when used as an anti-takeover device. However, such "blank check" preferred stock may be issued for legitimate financing needs and the Adviser may vote for proposals to issue such preferred stock when it believes such circumstances exist.
- The Advisers will vote for proposals to lower barriers to shareholder action (for example, limiting rights to call special meetings or act by written consent).
- The Advisers will vote against proposals for a separate class of stock with disparate voting rights.
- The Advisers will consider on a case-by-case basis on board approved proposals regarding changes to a company's capitalization; however, the Advisers will generally vote in favor of proposals authorizing the issuance of additional common stock (except in the case of a merger, restructuring or another significant corporate event which will be handled on a case-by-case basis), provided that such issuance does not exceed three times the number of currently outstanding shares.
E. STATE OF INCORPORATION/OFFSHORE PRESENCE
Under ordinary circumstances, the Advisers will not interfere with a choice to reincorporate or reorganize a company in a different jurisdiction, provided that management's decision has been approved by the board of directors. The Advisers recognize that there may be benefits to reincorporation (such as tax benefits and more developed business laws in the jurisdiction of reincorporation). Each proposal to reincorporate in offshore tax havens will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether such actions are in the best interests of the shareholders of the company, including the Advisers' clients.
F. ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL POLICY ISSUES
The Advisers believe that "ordinary business matters" are primarily the responsibility of management and should be approved solely by the company's board of directors. The Advisers recognize that certain social and environmental issues raised in shareholder proposals are the subject of vigorous public debate and many are the subject of legal statutes or regulation by federal and/or state agencies. The Advisers generally support management on these types of proposals, although they may make exceptions where they believe a proposal has substantial economic implications. The Advisers expect that the companies in which they invest their clients' assets will act as responsible corporate citizens.
G. CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE ADVISERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM VOTING
The Advisers will seek to vote all proxies for clients who have delegated the responsibility to vote such proxies to the Advisers. Under certain circumstances, the costs to their clients associated with voting such proxies would far outweigh the benefit derived from exercising the right to vote. In those circumstances, the Advisers will make a case-by-case determination on whether or not to vote such proxies. In the case of countries which required so-called "share blocking," the Adviser may also abstain from voting. The Advisers will not seek to vote proxies on behalf of their clients unless they have agreed to take on that responsibility on behalf of a client. Finally, the Advisers may be required to abstain from voting on a particular proxy in a situation where a conflict exists between the Adviser and its client. The policy for resolution of such conflicts is described below in Section 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 (if such proxies are available on the SEC's EDGAR system or a third party undertakes to promptly provide a copy of such documents to the Advisers, the Advisers do not need to retain a separate copy of the proxy statement);
- 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 for two years after they are created.
IDENTIFICATION AND RESOLUTION OF CONFLICTS WITH CLIENTS
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 conflicts of interest, each Adviser will take the following steps:
- Quarterly, the Eaton Vance Legal and Compliance Departments 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 the Eaton Vance Funds). Each department head will be asked to provide a list of significant clients or prospective clients of the Advisers or EVD. For example, a department head would report the fact that EVD was in discussions with a corporate client considering management of the corporation's 401(k) plan assets.
- A representative of the Legal and Compliance Departments 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 expects to receive or has received proxy statements (the "Proxy Companies"). If a Conflicted Company is also a Proxy Company, the Proxy Administrator will report that fact to the Eaton Vance Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Equity Investment Officer.
The Chief Legal Officer and Chief Equity Investment Officer will then determine if a conflict of interest exists between the relevant Adviser and its client. If they determine that a conflict exists, they or their designees will take the following steps to seek to resolve such conflict prior to voting any proxies relating to these Conflicted Companies.
- For clients other than a Fund, if the Proxy Administrator expects to vote
the proxy of the Conflicted Company strictly according to the guidelines
contained in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Policies"),
she will (i) inform the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Equity Investment
Officer (or their designees) of that fact, (ii) vote the proxies and
(iii) record the existence of the conflict and the resolution of the
matter.
- If (i) the client involved is a Fund, or (ii) the Proxy Administrator intends to vote in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines contained herein or, if the issues raised by the proxy are not contemplated by these Policies, and the matters involved in such proxy could have a material
economic impact on the client(s) involved, the Adviser will seek instruction on how the proxy should be voted from:
- The client, in the case of an individual or corporate client;
- In the case of a Fund its board of directors, or any committee identified by the board; 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 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 vote such proxies in order to protect its clients' interests. In either case, the Proxy Administrator will record the existence of the conflict and the resolution of the matter.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE INCOME FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
Eaton Vance Management
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
SUB-ADVISER
Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC
1151 Fairview Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
SUB-ADVISER
Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. One International Place Boston, MA 02110
CUSTODIAN
Investors Bank & Trust Company
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
TRANSFER AGENT
PFPC Inc.
P.O. Box 43027
Providence, RI 02940-3027
(800) 331-1710
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Deloitte & Touche LLP
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 25. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Included in Part A:
Not applicable.
Included in Part B:
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's Report
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Notes to Financial Statement
(2) EXHIBITS:
(a) (1) Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated November 17, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's initial Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-120666 and 811-21676) as to the Registrant's common shares of beneficial interest ("Common Shares") filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 22, 2004 (Accession No. 0000898432-04-000976) ("Initial Common Shares Registration Statement").
(2) Amendment to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to the Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's initial Common Shares Registration Statement as filed with the Commission on March 23, 2005 (Accession No. 0000950135-05-001628) ("Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1").
(b) (1) By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Initial Common Shares Registration Statement.
(2) Amended and Restated By-Laws dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) Specimen Certificate for Common Shares of Beneficial Interest incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(e) Dividend Reinvestment Plan incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) (1) Investment Advisory Agreement dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Sub-Advisory Agreement with Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(3) Sub-Advisory Agreement with Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(h) (1) Form of Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Pre- Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Master Selected Dealer Agreement filed herewith.
(3) Master Agreement Among Underwriters filed herewith.
(i) The Securities and Exchange Commission has granted the Registrant an exemptive order that permits the Registrant to enter into deferred compensation arrangements with its independent Trustees. See in the matter of Capital Exchange Fund, Inc., Release No. IC- 20671 (November 1, 1994).
(j) (1) Master Custodian Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust Company dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Extension Agreement dated August 31, 2000 to Master Custodian
Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust Company filed as Exhibit
(g)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 of Eaton Vance
Municipals Trust (File Nos. 33-572, 811-4409) filed with the
Commission on January 23, 2001 (Accession No.
0000940394-01-500027) and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Delegation Agreement dated December 11, 2000, with Investors Bank & Trust Company filed as Exhibit (j)(e) to the Eaton Vance Prime Rate Reserves N-2, Amendment No. 5 (File Nos. 333-32267, 811-05808) filed April 3, 2002 (Accession No. 0000940394-01-500126) and incorporated herein by reference.
(k) (1) Supplement to the Transfer Agency and Services Agreement dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(2) Transfer Agency and Services Agreement as amended and restated on June 16, 2003, filed as Exhibit (k)(2) to the Registration Statement of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (File Nos. 333-
107050 and 811-21400) filed July 15, 2003 (Accession No. 0000898432- 03- 000638) and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Administration Agreement dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(4) Form of Structuring Fee Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(5) Organizational and Expense Reimbursement Arrangement filed herewith.
(6) Form of Additional Compensation Agreement filed herewith.
(l) Opinion and Consent of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP as to Registrant's Common Shares filed herewith.
(m) Not applicable.
(n) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm filed herewith.
(o) Not applicable.
(p) Letter Agreement with Eaton Vance Management filed by herewith.
(q) Not applicable.
(r) (1) Code of Ethics adopted by Eaton Vance Corp., Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and the Eaton Vance Funds effective September 1, 2000, as revised February 1, 2005 filed as Exhibit (r)(1) to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 of Eaton Vance Global Enhanced Equity Income Fund (File Nos. 333- 122540, 811-21711) filed February 4, 2005 (Accession No. 0000898432- 05-000098) and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Code of Ethics for Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. effective September 1, 2004, filed as Exhibit (r)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 of Eaton Vance Enhanced Equity Income Fund (File Nos. 333-118180, 811-21614) filed September 24, 2004 (Accession No. 0000950135-04-004565) and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Code of Ethics for Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
(s) Power of Attorney dated February 7, 2005 incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
ITEM 26. MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS
See Form of Underwriting Agreement incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1.
ITEM 27. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The approximate expenses in connection with the offering are as follows:
Registration and Filing Fees $ 52,965
------------------
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Fees 45,500
New York Stock Exchange Fees 40,000.00
Costs of Printing and Engraving 265,000.00
Accounting Fees and Expenses 15,000.00
Legal Fees and Expenses 250,000.00
==================
Total $ 668,465
------------------
|
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 April 21, 2005, 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 1 |
ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION
The Registrant's By-Laws filed in the Registrant's Initial Common Shares Registration Statement contain and the form of Underwriting Agreement filed in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 contains 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 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) 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, Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, and its transfer agent, PFPC Inc., 4400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-5120, with the exception of certain corporate documents and portfolio trading documents which are in the possession and custody of Eaton Vance Management, The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, MA 02109. 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.
ITEM 33. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 34. UNDERTAKINGS
1. The Registrant undertakes to suspend offering of Common Shares until
the prospectus is amended if (1) subsequent to the effective date of this
Registration Statement, the net asset value declines more than 10 percent from
its net asset value as of the effective date of this Registration Statement or
(2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as
stated in the prospectus.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
5. 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 pursuant to 497(h) 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.
6. 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.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
NOTICE
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write 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.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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 Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 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 21st day of April 2005.
EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED BUY-WRITE
INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Duncan W. Richardson
-----------------------------
Duncan W. Richardson
President and Chief Executive
Officer
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------- --------------
/s/Duncan W. Richardson Duncan W. President and Chief Executive Officer April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
Richardson
/s/ James L. O'Connor Treasurer and Principal Financial and April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
James L. O'Connor Accounting Officer
James B. Hawkes* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
James B. Hawkes
Samuel L. Hayes III* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
Samuel L. Hayes
William H. Park* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
William H. Park
Ronald A. Pearlman* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
Ronald A. Pearlman
Norton H. Reamer* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
Norton H. Reamer
Lynn A. Stout* Trustee April 21, 2005
---------------------------------
Lynn A. Stout
|
*By: /s/Thomas E. Faust Jr.. ---------------------------- Thomas E. Faust Jr. (As Attorney-in-Fact) |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(h)(2) Master Selected Dealer Agreement
(h)(3) Master Agreement Among Underwriters
(k)(5) Organizational and Expense Reimbursement Arrangement
(k)(6) Form of Additional Compensation Agreement
(l) Opinion and Consent of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP as to Registrant's Common Shares
(n) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(p) Letter Agreement with Eaton Vance Management
EXHIBIT (h)(2)
S[LOGO]
MASTER SELECTED DEALER AGREEMENT
July 1, 1999
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with registered public offerings of securities for which we are acting as manager or co-manager of an underwriting syndicate or unregistered offerings of securities for which we are acting as manager or co-manager of the initial purchasers, you may be offered the right as a selected dealer to purchase as principal a portion of such securities. This will confirm our mutual agreement as to the general terms and conditions applicable to your participation in any such selected dealer group.
1. APPLICABILITY OF THIS AGREEMENT. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be applicable to any offering of securities ("Securities"), whether pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or exempt from registration thereunder, in respect of which Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (acting for its own account or for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate) is responsible for managing or otherwise implementing the sale of the Securities to selected dealers ("Selected Dealers") and has expressly informed you that such terms and conditions shall be applicable. Any such offering of Securities to you as a Selected Dealer is hereinafter called an "Offering". In the case of any Offering where we are acting for the account of any underwriting or similar group or syndicate ("Underwriters"), the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, and binding upon, such Underwriters, including, in the case of any Offering where we are acting with others as representatives of Underwriters, such other representatives.
2. CONDITIONS OF OFFERING; ACCEPTANCE AND PURCHASES. Any Offering will be
subject to delivery of the Securities and their acceptance by us and any other
Underwriters, may be subject to the approval of all legal matters by counsel and
the satisfaction of other conditions, and may be made on the basis of
reservation of Securities or an allotment against subscription. We will advise
you by telecopy, telex or other form of written communication ("Written
Communication", which term, in the case of any Offering described in Section
3(a) or 3(b) hereof, may include a prospectus or offering circular) of the
particular method and supplementary terms and conditions (including, without
limitation, the information as to prices and the offering date referred to in
Section 3(c) hereof) of any Offering in which you are invited to participate. To
the extent such supplementary terms and conditions are inconsistent with any
provision herein, such terms and conditions shall supersede any such provision.
Unless otherwise indicated in any such Written Communication, acceptances and
other communications
by you with respect to an Offering should be sent to the appropriate Syndicate Department of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. We may close the subscription books at any time in our sole discretion without notice, and we reserve the right to reject any acceptance in whole or in part.
Unless notified otherwise by us, Securities purchased by you shall be paid for on such date as we shall determine, on one day's prior notice to you, by wire transfer payable in immediately available funds to the order of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., in an amount equal to the Public Offering Price (as hereinafter defined) or, if we shall so advise you, at such Public Offering Price less the Concession (as hereinafter defined). If Securities are purchased and paid for at such Public Offering Price, such Concession will be paid after the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to such Securities. Unless notified otherwise by us, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by you shall be made through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, if you are a member, unless you have otherwise notified us prior to the date specified in a Written Communication to you from us or, if you are not a member, settlement may be made through a correspondent who is a member pursuant to instructions which you will send to us prior to such specified date.
3. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.
(a) REGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of any Offering of Securities which are registered under the Securities Act ("Registered Offering"), we will make available to you as soon as practicable after sufficient copies are made available to us by the issuer of the Securities such number of copies of each preliminary prospectus and of the final prospectus relating thereto as you may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
You represent and warrant that you are familiar with Rule 15c2-8 under the Exchange Act relating to the distribution of preliminary and final prospectuses and agree that you will comply therewith. You agree to make a record of your distribution of each preliminary prospectus and when furnished with copies of any revised preliminary prospectus, you will promptly forward copies thereof to each person to whom you have theretofore distributed a preliminary prospectus.
You agree that in purchasing Securities in a Registered Offering you will rely upon no statement whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final prospectus delivered to you by us. You will not be authorized by the issuer or other seller of Securities offered pursuant to a prospectus or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the prospectus in connection with the sale of such Securities.
(b) OFFERINGS PURSUANT TO OFFERING CIRCULAR. In the case of any Offering of Securities, other than a Registered Offering, which is made pursuant to an offering circular or other document comparable to a prospectus in a Registered Offering, we will make available to you as soon as practicable after sufficient copies are made available to us by the issuer of the Securities such number of copies of each preliminary offering circular and of the final offering circular relating thereto as you may reasonably request. You agree that you will comply with applicable Federal, state and other laws, and the
applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder, governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by brokers or dealers.
You agree that in purchasing Securities pursuant to an offering circular you will rely upon no statements whatsoever, written or oral, other than the statements in the final offering circular delivered to you by us. You will not be authorized by the issuer or other seller of Securities offered pursuant to an offering circular or by any Underwriters to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the offering circular in connection with the sale of such Securities.
(c) OFFER AND SALE TO THE PUBLIC. The Offering of Securities is made
subject to the conditions referred to the prospectus or offering circular
relating to the Offering and to the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. With respect to any Offering of Securities, we will inform you by a
Written Communication of the public offering price, the selling concession, the
reallowance (if any) to dealers and the time when you may commence selling
Securities to the public. After such public offering has commenced, we may
change the public offering price, the selling concession and the reallowance to
dealers. The offering price, selling concession and reallowance (if any) to
dealers at any time in effect with respect to an Offering are hereinafter
referred to, respectively, as the "Public Offering Price", the "Concession" and
the "Reallowance". With respect to each Offering of Securities, until the
provisions of this Section 3(c) shall be terminated pursuant to Section 4
hereof, you agree to offer Securities to the public only at the Public Offering
Price, except that if a Reallowance is in effect, a Reallowance from the Public
Offering Price not in excess of such Reallowance may be allowed as consideration
for services rendered in distribution to dealers who are actually engaged in the
investment banking or securities business who are either members in good
standing of the NASD who agree to abide by the applicable rules of the NASD (see
Section 3(e) below) or foreign banks, dealers or institutions not eligible for
membership in the NASD who represent to you that they will promptly reoffer such
Securities at the Public Offering Price and will abide by the conditions with
respect to foreign banks, dealers and institutions set forth in Section 3(e)
hereof.
(d) OVER-ALLOTMENT; STABILIZATION; UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS. We may, with respect to any Offering, be authorized to over-allot in arranging sales to Selected Dealers, to purchase and sell Securities for long or short account and to stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities. You agree that upon our request at any time and from time to time prior to the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to any Offering, you will report to us the amount of Securities purchased by you pursuant to such Offering which then remain unsold by you and will, upon our request at any such time, sell to us for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters such amount of such unsold Securities as we may designate at the Public Offering Price less an amount to be determined by us not in excess of the Concession. If, prior to the later of (a) the termination of the provisions of Section 3(c) hereof with respect to any Offering, or (b) the covering by us of any short position created by us in connection with such Offering for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters, we purchase or contract to purchase for our account or the account of one or more Underwriters in the open market or otherwise any Securities purchased by you under this Agreement as part of such Offering, you agree to pay us on demand for the account of the Underwriters an amount equal to the Concession with respect to such Securities (unless you shall have purchased such Securities pursuant to Section 2 hereof at the Public Offering Price and you have not received or been credited with any Concession, in which case we shall not
be obligated to pay such Concession to you pursuant to Section 2) plus transfer taxes and broker's commissions or dealer's mark-up, if any, paid in connection with such purchase or contract to purchase.
(e) NASD. You represent and warrant that you are actually engaged in the investment banking or securities business and either are a member in good standing of the NASD or, if you are not such a member, you are a foreign bank, dealer or institution not eligible for membership in the NASD which agrees to make no sales within the United State, its territories or its possessions or to persons who are citizens thereof or residents therein, and in making other sales to comply with the NASD's interpretation with respect to free-riding and withholding. You further represent, by your participation in an Offering, that you have provided to us all documents and other information required to be filed with respect to you, any related person or any person associated with you or any such related person pursuant to the supplementary requirements of the NASD's interpretation with respect to review of corporate financing as such requirements relate to such Offering.
You agree that, in connection with any purchase or sale of the Securities wherein a selling concession, discount or other allowance is received or granted, you will (a) if you are a member of the NASD, comply with all applicable interpretive material ("IM") and Conduct Rules of the NASD, including, without limitation, IM 2110-1 (relating to Free-Riding and Withholding) and Conduct Rule 2740 (relating to Selling Concessions, Discounts and Other Allowances) or (b) if you are a foreign bank or dealer or institution not eligible for such membership, comply with IM 2110-1 and with Conduct Rules 2730 (relating to Securities Taken in Trade), 2740 (relating to Selling Concessions) and 2750 (relating to Transactions With Related Persons) as though you were such a member and Conduct Rule 2420 (relating to Dealing with Non-Members) as it applies to a non-member broker or dealer in a foreign country.
You further agree that, in connection with any purchase of securities from us that is not otherwise covered by the terms of this Agreement (whether we are acting as manager, as member of an underwriting syndicate or a selling group or otherwise), if a selling concession, discount or other allowance is granted to you, clauses (a) and (b) of the preceding paragraph will be applicable.
(f) RELATIONSHIP AMONG UNDERWRITERS AND SELECTED DEALERS. We may buy Securities from or sell Securities to any Underwriter or Selected Dealer and, with our consent, the Underwriters (if any) and the Selected Dealers may purchase Securities from and sell Securities to each other at the Public Offering Price less all or any part of the Concession. We shall have full authority to take such action as we deem advisable in all matters pertaining to any Offering under this Agreement. You are not authorized to act as agent for us, any Underwriter or the issuer or other seller of any Securities in offering Securities to the public or otherwise. Neither we nor any Underwriter shall be under any obligation to you except for obligations assumed hereby or in any Written Communication from us in connection with any Offering. Nothing contained herein or in any Written Communication from us shall constitute the Selected Dealers an association or partners with us or any Underwriter or with one another. If the Selected Dealers, among themselves or with the Underwriters, should be deemed to constitute a partnership for Federal income tax purposes, then you elect to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and agree not to take any position inconsistent with that election. You authorize us, in
our discretion, to execute and file on your behalf such evidence of that election as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service. In connection with any Offering you shall be liable for your proportionate amount of any tax, claim, demand or liability that may be asserted against you alone or against one or more Selected Dealers participating in such Offering, or against us or the Underwriters, based upon the claim that the Selected Dealers, or any of them constitute an association, an unincorporated business or other entity, including, in each case, your proportionate amount of any expense incurred in defending against any such tax, claim, demand or liability.
(g) BLUE SKY LAWS. Upon application to us, we shall inform you as to any advice we have received from counsel concerning the jurisdictions in which Securities have been qualified for sale or are exempt under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions, but we do not assume any obligation or responsibility as to your right to sell Securities in any such jurisdiction.
(h) COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. You agree that in selling Securities pursuant to any Offering (which agreement shall also be for the benefit of the issuer or other seller of such Securities), you 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 Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, the applicable rules and regulations of the NASD, the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or other regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the Offering and the applicable laws, rules and regulations specified in Section 3(b) hereof. Without limiting the foregoing, (a) you agree that, at all times since you were invited to participate in an Offering of Securities, you have complied with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to such Offering, in each case after giving effect to any applicable exemptions and (b) you represent that your incurrence of obligations hereunder in connection with any Offering of Securities will not result in the violation by you of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act, if such requirements are applicable to you.
4. TERMINATION; SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto. This Agreement may be supplemented or amended by us by written notice thereof to you, and any such supplement or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective with respect to any Offering to which this Agreement applies after the date of such supplement or amendment. Each reference to "this Agreement" herein shall, as appropriate, be to this Agreement as so amended and supplemented. The terms and conditions set forth in Section 3(c) hereof with regard to any Offering will terminate at the close of business on the 30th day after the commencement of the public offering of the Securities to which such Offering relates, but in our discretion may be extended by us for a further period not exceeding 30 days and in our discretion, whether or not extended, may be terminated at any earlier time.
5. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding on, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and other persons specified in Section 1 hereof, and the respective successors and assigns of each of them.
6. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement and the terms and conditions set forth herein with respect to any Offering together with such supplementary terms and conditions with respect to such Offering as may be contained in any Written Communication from us to you in connection therewith shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the
laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed within the State of New York.
Please confirm by signing and returning to us the enclosed copy of this Agreement that your subscription to or your acceptance of any reservation of any Securities pursuant to an Offering shall constitute (i) acceptance of and agreement to the terms and conditions of this Agreement (as supplemented and amended pursuant to Section 4 hereof; together with and subject to any supplementary terms and conditions contained in any Written Communication from us in connection with such Offering, all of which shall constitute a binding agreement between you and us, individually or as representative of any Underwriters, (ii) confirmation that your representations and warranties set forth in Section 3 hereof are true and correct at that time, (iii) confirmation that your agreements set forth in Sections 2 and 3 hereof have been and will be fully performed by you to the extent and at the times required thereby and (iv) in the case of any Offering described in Section 3(a) or 3(b) hereof, acknowledgment that you have requested and received from us sufficient copies of the final prospectus or offering circular, as the case may be, with respect to such Offering in order to comply with your undertakings in Section 3(a) or 3(b) hereof.
Very truly yours,
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
By: ________________________
Name:
Title:
CONFIRMED:.....................................1999
...................................................
(Name of Dealer)
by:................................................
Name:
Title:
Address: __________________________________________
Fax: ______________________________________________
EXHIBIT (h)(3)
S[LOGO]
MASTER AGREEMENT AMONG UNDERWRITERS
REGISTERED SEC OFFERINGS
(INCLUDING MULTIPLE SYNDICATE OFFERINGS),
STANDBY UNDERWRITINGS AND EXEMPT OFFERINGS
(OTHER THAN OFFERINGS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES)
July 1, 1999
Ladies and Gentlemen:
From time to time SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. ("SALOMON SMITH BARNEY") may invite you (and others) to participate on the terms set forth herein as an underwriter or an initial purchaser, or in a similar capacity, in connection with certain offerings of securities that are managed solely by us or with one or more other co-managers. If we invite you to participate in a specific offering and sale (an "OFFERING") to which this Master Agreement Among Underwriters (the "SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU") shall apply, we will send the information set forth below in Section 1.1 to you by one or more wires, telexes, facsimile or electronic data transmissions or other written communications (each a "WIRE" and collectively, an "AAU"). Each Wire will indicate that it is a Wire pursuant to the SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU. The Wire inviting you to participate in an Offering is referred to herein as the "INVITATION WIRE". You and we hereby agree that by the terms hereof the provisions of this SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU automatically shall be incorporated by reference in each AAU, EXCEPT THAT ANY SUCH AAU MAY ALSO EXCLUDE OR REVISE ANY PROVISION OF THIS SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU OR MAY CONTAIN SUCH ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS AS MAY BE SPECIFIED IN SUCH AAU.
I. GENERAL
1.1. TERMS OF AAU; CERTAIN DEFINITIONS; CONSTRUCTION. Each AAU shall relate to an Offering and shall identify (i) the securities to be offered in the Offering (the "SECURITIES"), their principal terms, the issuer or issuers (each an "ISSUER") and any guarantor (each a "GUARANTOR") thereof and, if different from the Issuer, the seller or sellers (each a "SELLER") of the Securities, (ii) the underwriting agreement, purchase agreement, standby underwriting agreement, distribution agreement or similar agreement (as identified in such AAU and as amended or supplemented, including a terms agreement or pricing agreement pursuant to any of the foregoing, collectively, the "UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT") providing for the purchase, on a several and not joint basis, of the Securities by the several underwriters, initial purchasers or others acting in a similar capacity on whose behalf the Manager (as defined below) executes the Underwriting Agreement (including the Manager and the Co-Managers (as defined below), the "UNDERWRITERS"), (iii) if applicable, that the Underwriting Agreement includes an option (an "OVER-ALLOTMENT OPTION") to purchase Additional Securities (as defined
below) to cover over-allotments, if any, (iv) if applicable, that the Offering is part of an offering that includes concurrent offerings by two or more syndicates (an "INTERNATIONAL OFFERING"), each of which will offer and sell Securities subject to such restrictions as shall be specified in any Intersyndicate Agreement (as defined below) referred to in such AAU, (v) the price at which the Securities are to be purchased by the several Underwriters from any Issuer or Seller thereof (the "PURCHASE PRICE"), (vi) the offering terms, including, if applicable, the price or prices at which the Securities initially will be offered by the Underwriters (the "OFFERING PRICE"), any selling concession to dealers (the "SELLING CONCESSION"), reallowance (the "REALLOWANCE"), management fee, global coordinators' fee, praecipium or other similar fees, discounts or commissions (collectively, the "FEES AND COMMISSIONS") with respect to the Securities, (vii) the proposed pricing date ("PRICING DATE") and settlement date (the "SETTLEMENT DATE"), (viii) any contractual restrictions on the offer and sale of the Securities pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, Intersyndicate Agreement or otherwise, (ix) any co-managers for such Offering (the "CO-MANAGERS"), (x) your proposed participation in the Offering, (xi) if applicable, the trustee, fiscal agent or similar agent (the "TRUSTEE") for the indenture, trust agreement, fiscal agency agreement or similar agreement (the "INDENTURE") under which such Securities will be issued and (xii) any other principal terms of the Offering.
The term "MANAGER" means SALOMON SMITH BARNEY. The term "UNDERWRITERS" includes the Manager and the Co-Managers. The term "FIRM SECURITIES" means the number or amount of Securities that the several Underwriters are initially committed to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement (which may be expressed as a percentage of an aggregate number or amount of Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters as in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement). The term "ADDITIONAL SECURITIES" means the Securities, if any, that the several Underwriters have an option to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement to cover over-allotments, if any. The number, amount or percentage of Firm Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the Underwriting Agreement plus any additional Firm Securities that such Underwriter has become obligated to purchase under the Underwriting Agreement or Article XI hereof is hereinafter referred to as the "ORIGINAL PURCHASE OBLIGATION" of such Underwriter and the ratio which such Original Purchase Obligation bears to the total of all Firm Securities set forth in the Underwriting Agreement (or, in the case of a standby Underwriting Agreement, to 100%) is hereinafter referred to as the "UNDERWRITING PERCENTAGE" of such Underwriter.
References herein to statutory sections, rules, regulations, forms and interpretive materials shall be deemed to include any successor provisions.
1.2. ACCEPTANCE OF AAU. You shall have accepted an AAU for an Offering if we receive your acceptance, prior to the time specified in the Invitation Wire for such Offering, by wire, telex, facsimile or electronic data transmission or other written communication (any such manner of communication being deemed "IN WRITING") (or orally, if promptly confirmed In Writing) in the manner specified in the Invitation Wire, of our invitation to participate in the Offering. If we receive your timely acceptance of the invitation to participate, such AAU shall constitute a valid and binding contract between us. Your acceptance of the Invitation Wire shall also constitute acceptance by you of
the terms of subsequent Wires to you relating to the Offering unless we receive In Writing, within the time and in the manner specified in such subsequent Wire, a notice from you to the effect that you do not accept the terms of such subsequent Wire, in which case you shall be deemed to have elected not to participate in the Offering.
1.3. UNDERWRITERS' QUESTIONNAIRE. Your acceptance of the Invitation Wire shall confirm that you have no exceptions to the Underwriters' Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (or to any other questions addressed to you in any Wires relating to the Offering previously sent to you), other than exceptions noted by you In Writing in connection with the Offering and received from you by us before the time specified in the Invitation Wire or any subsequent Wire.
II. OFFERING MATERIALS
2.1. REGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of an Offering that will be registered in whole or in part (a "REGISTERED OFFERING") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 ACT"), you understand that the Issuer has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "COMMISSION") a registration statement including a prospectus relating to the Securities. The term "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" means such registration statement as amended or deemed to be amended to the effective date of the Underwriting Agreement and, in the event that the Issuer files an abbreviated registration statement to register additional Securities pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the 1933 Act, such abbreviated registration statement. The term "PROSPECTUS" means the prospectus, together with the final prospectus supplement, if any, relating to the Offering first used to confirm sales of Securities and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, the term "PROSPECTUS" shall mean, collectively, each prospectus or offering circular, together with each final prospectus supplement or final offering circular supplement, if any, relating to the Offering, in the respective forms first used or made available for use to confirm sales of Securities. The term "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" means any preliminary prospectus relating to the Offering or any preliminary prospectus supplement together with a prospectus relating to the Offering and, in the case of a Registered Offering that is an International Offering, the term "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall mean, collectively, each preliminary prospectus or preliminary offering circular relating to the Offering or each preliminary prospectus supplement or preliminary offering circular supplement, together with a prospectus or offering circular, respectively, relating to the Offering. As used herein the terms "REGISTRATION STATEMENT", "PROSPECTUS" and "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall include in each case the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein. The Manager will furnish to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain, copies of each Prospectus and Preliminary Prospectus (but excluding for this purpose, unless otherwise required pursuant to regulations under the 1933 Act, documents incorporated therein by reference) as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof have been made available by the Issuer.
2.2. UNREGISTERED OFFERINGS. In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you understand that no registration statement has been filed with the Commission. The term "OFFERING CIRCULAR" means an offering circular or
memorandum, if any, or any other written materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with an Offering that is not a Registered Offering. The term "PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR" means any preliminary offering circular or memorandum, if any, or any other written preliminary materials authorized by the Issuer to be used in connection with such an Offering. As used herein, the terms "OFFERING CIRCULAR" and "PRELIMINARY OFFERING CIRCULAR" shall include the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein. We will either, as soon as practicable after the later of the date of the Invitation Wire or the date made available to us by the Issuer, furnish to you (or make available for your review in our office) a copy of any Preliminary Offering Circular or any proof or draft of the Offering Circular. In any event, in any Offering involving an Offering Circular, the Manager will furnish to you, or make arrangements for you to obtain, as soon as practicable after sufficient quantities thereof are made available by the Issuer, copies of the final Offering Circular, as amended or supplemented, if applicable (but excluding for this purpose documents incorporated therein by reference).
III. MANAGER'S AUTHORITY
3.1. AUTHORITY OF MANAGER TO DETERMINE FORM OF DOCUMENTS, TERMS OF
OFFERING, ETC. You authorize the Manager to act as lead manager of the Offering
of the Securities by the Underwriters (the "UNDERWRITERS' SECURITIES") or by the
Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts (the "CONTRACT
SECURITIES"), if any, contemplated by the Underwriting Agreement. You authorize
the Manager, on your behalf, (a) to determine the form of the Underwriting
Agreement, (b) to execute and deliver the Underwriting Agreement to the Issuer,
Guarantor or Seller, (c) to determine the form of any agreement or agreements
between or among the syndicates participating in the International Offering of
which the Offering is a part (each an "INTERSYNDICATE AGREEMENT"), and (d) to
execute and deliver any such Intersyndicate Agreement. You authorize the Manager
(i) to exercise any Over-allotment Option for the purchase any of or all the
Additional Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters pursuant to
the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) to agree, on your behalf and on behalf of the
Co-Managers, to any addition to, change in or waiver of any provision of, or the
termination of, the Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement
(other than an increase in the Purchase Price or in your Original Purchase
Obligation to purchase Securities, in either case from that contemplated by the
applicable AAU), (iii) to add or remove prospective Underwriters to or from the
syndicate, (iv) to exercise, in the Manager's discretion, all the authority
vested in the Manager in the Underwriting Agreement and (v) except as described
below in this Section 3.1, to take any other action as may seem advisable to the
Manager in respect of the Offering (including, without limitation, actions and
communications with the Commission, the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), state blue sky or securities commissions, stock
exchanges and other regulatory bodies or organizations). If, in accordance with
the terms of the applicable AAU, the Offering of the Securities is at varying
prices based on prevailing market prices or prices related to prevailing market
prices or at negotiated prices, you authorize the Manager to determine, on your
behalf in the Manager's discretion, any Offering Price and the Fees and
Commissions applicable to the Offering from time to time. You authorize the
Manager on your behalf to arrange for any currency transactions (including
forward and hedging currency transactions) as
the Manager deems necessary to facilitate settlement of the purchase of the
Securities, but you do not authorize the Manager on your behalf to engage in any
other forward or hedging transactions in connection with the Offering unless
such transactions are specified in an applicable AAU or are otherwise consented
to by you. You further authorize the Manager, subject to the provisions of
Section 1.2 hereof, (i) to vary the offering terms of the Securities in effect
at any time, including, if applicable, the Offering Price and Fees and
Commissions set forth in the applicable AAU, (ii) to determine, on your behalf,
the Purchase Price and (iii) to increase or decrease the number, amount or
percentage of Securities being offered. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions
of this Section 3.1, the Manager shall notify the Underwriters, prior to the
signing of the Underwriting Agreement, of any provision in the Underwriting
Agreement that could result in an increase in the amount or percentage of Firm
Securities set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the Underwriting
Agreement by more than 25% (or such other percentage as shall have been
specified in the applicable Invitation Wire or otherwise consented to by you) as
a result of the failure or refusal of another Underwriter or Underwriters to
perform its or their obligations thereunder.
3.2. OFFERING DATE. The Offering is to be made as soon after the Underwriting Agreement is entered into by the Issuer, Guarantor or Seller and the Manager as in the Manager's judgment is advisable, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU. You agree not to sell any Securities prior to the time the Manager releases such Securities for sale to purchasers. The date on which such Securities are released for sale is referred to herein as the "OFFERING DATE".
3.3. ADVERTISING; SUPPLEMENTAL OFFERING MATERIAL. Any public advertisement of the Offering shall be made by the Manager on behalf of the Underwriters on such date as the Manager shall determine. You agree not to advertise the Offering prior to the date of the Manager's advertisement thereof without the Manager's consent. If the offering is made in whole or in part in reliance on Rule 144A (or upon another exemption from registration), you agree not to engage in any general solicitation and to abide by any other restrictions in the AAU or the Underwriting Agreement in connection therewith relating to any advertising or publicity. Any advertisement you may make of the Offering after such date will be your own responsibility and at your own expense and risk. In addition to your agreement to comply with restrictions on the Offering pursuant to Sections 10.10 and 10.11 hereof, you also agree that you will not, in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities in the Offering, without the consent of the Manager, give to any prospective purchaser of the Securities or other person not in your employ any written information concerning the Offering, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller, other than information contained in any Preliminary Prospectus, Prospectus, Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular or in any computational materials ("COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS") or other offering materials prepared by or with the consent of the Manager for use by the Underwriters in connection with the Offering and, in the case of a Registered Offering, filed with the Commission or the NASD, as applicable (the "SUPPLEMENTAL OFFERING MATERIALS"). You further agree to cease distribution of any COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS on the Offering Date.
3.4. INSTITUTIONAL AND RETAIL SALES. You authorize the Manager to sell to institutions or retail purchasers such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement as the Manager shall determine. The Selling Concession on any such sales shall be credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager shall determine.
3.5. SALES TO DEALERS. You authorize the Manager to sell to Dealers
(as defined below) such Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting
Agreement as the Manager shall determine. A "DEALER" shall be a person who is
(a) a broker or dealer (as defined in the By-Laws of the NASD) actually engaged
in the investment banking or securities business and (i) a member in good
standing of the NASD or (ii) a foreign bank, broker, dealer or other institution
not eligible for membership in the NASD that, in the case of either clause
(a)(i) or (a)(ii), makes the representations and agreements applicable to such
institutions contained in Section 10.6 hereof or (b) in the case of Offerings of
Securities that are exempt securities under Section 3(a)(12) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 ACT"), and such other Securities as
from time to time may be sold by a "bank" (as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the
1934 Act (a "BANK")), a Bank that is not a member of the NASD and that makes the
representations and agreements applicable to such institutions contained in
Section 10.6 hereof. If the price for any such sales by the Manager to Dealers
exceeds an amount equal to the Offering Price less the Selling Concession set
forth in the applicable AAU, the amount of such excess, if any, shall be
credited to the accounts of the Underwriters as the Manager shall determine.
3.6. DIRECT SALES. The Manager will advise you promptly, on the date of the Offering, as to the Securities purchased by you pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement that you shall retain for direct sale. At any time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU, any such Securities that are held by the Manager for sale but not sold, may, on your request and at the Manager's discretion, be released to you for direct sale, and Securities so released to you shall no longer be deemed held for sale by the Manager. You may allow, and Dealers may reallow, a discount on sales to Dealers in an amount not in excess of the Reallowance set forth in the applicable AAU. You may not purchase Securities from, or sell Securities to, any other Underwriter or Dealer at any discount or concession other than the Reallowance, except with the consent of the Manager.
3.7. RELEASE OF UNSOLD SECURITIES. From time to time prior to the
termination of the applicable AAU, on the request of the Manager, you shall
advise the Manager of the amount of Securities remaining unsold which were
retained by or released to you for direct sale and of the amount of Securities
and Other Securities (as defined below) purchased for your account remaining
unsold which were delivered to you pursuant to Article V hereof or pursuant to
any Intersyndicate Agreement, and, on the request of the Manager, you shall
release to the Manager any such Securities and Other Securities remaining unsold
(i) for sale by the Manager to institutions, Dealers or retail purchasers, (ii)
for sale by the Issuer or Seller pursuant to delayed delivery contracts or (iii)
if, in the Manager's opinion, such Securities or Other Securities are needed to
make delivery against sales made pursuant to Article V hereof or any
Intersyndicate Agreement.
3.8. INTERNATIONAL OFFERINGS. In the case of an International
Offering, you authorize the Manager (i) to make representations on your behalf
as set forth in any Intersyndicate Agreement or Underwriting Agreement and (ii)
to purchase or sell for your account pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement
(a) Securities, (b) any other securities of the same class and series, or any
securities into which the Securities may be converted or for which the
Securities may be exchanged or exercised and (c) any other securities designated
in the applicable AAU or applicable Intersyndicate Agreement (the securities
referred to in clauses (b) and (c) above being referred to collectively as the
"OTHER SECURITIES").
IV. DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACTS
4.1. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SALES. You agree that arrangements for sales of Contract Securities will be made only through the Manager acting either directly or through Dealers (including Underwriters acting as Dealers), and you authorize the Manager to act on your behalf in making such arrangements. The aggregate amount of Securities to be purchased by the several Underwriters shall be reduced by the respective amounts of Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters as hereinafter provided. Subject to the provisions of Section 4.2, the aggregate amount of Contract Securities shall be attributed to the Underwriters as nearly as practicable in their respective Underwriting Percentages, except that, as determined by the Manager in its discretion, (i) Contract Securities directed and allocated by a purchaser to specific Underwriters shall be attributed to such Underwriters and (ii) Contract Securities for which arrangements have been made for sale through Dealers shall be attributed to each Underwriter approximately in the proportion that Securities of such Underwriter held by the Manager for sales to Dealers bear to all Securities so held. The fee with respect to Contract Securities payable to the Manager for the accounts of the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement shall be credited to the accounts of the respective Underwriters in proportion to the Contract Securities attributed to such Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of this Section 4.1, less, in the case of each Underwriter, the concession to Dealers on Contract Securities sold through Dealers and attributed to such Underwriter.
4.2. EXCESS SALES. If the amount of Contract Securities attributable to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 4.1 would exceed such Underwriter's Original Purchase Obligation reduced by the amount of Underwriters' Securities sold by or on behalf of such Underwriter, such excess shall not be attributed to such Underwriter, and such Underwriter shall be regarded as having acted only as a Dealer with respect to, and shall receive only the concession to Dealers on, such excess.
V. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES; FACILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION
5.1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES; FACILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION. In order to facilitate the distribution and sale of the Securities, you authorize the Manager
to buy and sell Securities and any Other Securities, in addition to Securities sold pursuant to Article III hereof, in the open market or otherwise (including, without limitation, pursuant to any Intersyndicate Agreement), for long or short account, on such terms as it shall deem advisable, and to over-allot in arranging sales. Such purchases and sales and over-allotments shall be made for the accounts of the several Underwriters as nearly as practicable in their respective Underwriting Percentages or, in the case of an International Offering, such purchases and sales shall be for such accounts as set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Any securities which may have been purchased by the Manager for stabilizing purposes in connection with the Offering prior to the execution of the applicable AAU shall be treated as having been purchased pursuant to this Section 5.1 for the accounts of the several Underwriters or, in the case of an International Offering, for such accounts as are set forth in the applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. Your net commitment pursuant to the foregoing authorization shall not exceed at the close of business on any day an amount equal to 20% of your Underwriting Percentage of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Firm Securities, it being understood that, in calculating such net commitment, the initial Offering Price shall be used with respect to the Securities so purchased or sold and, in the case of all Other Securities, shall be the purchase price thereof. Your net commitment for short account (i.e., "naked short") shall be calculated by assuming that all Securities that may be purchased upon exercise of any over-allotment option then exercisable are acquired (whether or not actually acquired) and, in the case of an International Offering, after giving effect to the purchase of any Securities or Other Securities that the Manager has agreed to purchase for your account pursuant to any applicable Intersyndicate Agreement. On demand you shall take up and pay for any Securities or Other Securities so purchased for your account and any Securities released to you pursuant to Section 3.7 hereof and you shall deliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities so sold or over-allotted for your account or released to you. The Manager agrees to notify you if it engages in any stabilization transaction requiring reports to be filed pursuant to Rule 17a-2 under the 1934 Act and to notify you of the date of termination of stabilization. You agree not to stabilize or engage in any syndicate covering transaction (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M under the 1934 Act ("Regulation M")) in connection with the Offering without the prior consent of the Manager. You further agree to provide to Salomon Smith Barney any reports required of you pursuant to Rule 17a-2 not later than the date specified therein and you authorize Salomon Smith Barney to file on your behalf with the Commission any reports required by such Rule.
If the limitations of Rule 101 of Regulation M ("Rule 101") do not apply to you with respect to the Securities, Other Securities or other reference securities (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M) because they satisfy the exception for actively-traded securities in subsection (c)(1) of Rule 101 or the exception for Rule 144A securities in subsection (b)(10) of Rule 101, you agree that promptly upon notice from the Manager (or, if later, at the time stated in the notice) you will comply with Rule 101 as though such exception were not available but the other provisions of Rule 101 (as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions) did apply. If the securities in question are NASDAQ securities (as defined in Rule 100 of Regulation M) you may engage in passive market making in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M (except that the daily net purchase volume limitation will not apply and the maximum
displayed bid size shall be 5,000 shares excluding transactions effected in the SOES system) unless the notice from the Manager also states that passive market making is not permitted.
5.2. PENALTY WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES REPURCHASED BY THE MANAGER. If pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.1 and prior to the termination of the Manager's authority to cover any short position incurred under the applicable AAU or such other date as the Manager shall specify in a Wire, either (A) the Manager purchases or contracts to purchase for the account of any Underwriter in the open market or otherwise any Securities which were retained by, or released to, you for direct sale or any Securities sold pursuant to Section 3.4 for which you received a portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU, or any Securities which may have been issued on transfer or in exchange for such Securities, and which Securities were therefore not effectively placed for investment or (B) if the Manager has advised you by Wire that trading in the Securities will be reported to the Manager pursuant to the "Initial Public Offering Tracking System" of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and the Manager determines, based on notices from DTC, that your customers sold an amount of Securities during any day that exceeds the amount previously notified to you by Wire, then you authorize the Manager either to charge your account with an amount equal to such portion of the Selling Concession set forth in the applicable AAU received by you with respect to such Securities or, in the case of clause (B), such Securities as exceed the amount specified in such Wire or to require you to repurchase such Securities or, in the case of clause (B), such Securities as exceed the amount specified in such Wire, at a price equal to the total cost of such purchase, including transfer taxes, accrued interest, dividends and commissions, if any.
5.3. COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATION M. You represent that, at all times since you were invited to participate in the Offering, you have complied with the provisions of Regulation M applicable to such Offering, in each case as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions. If you have been notified in a Wire that the Underwriters may conduct passive market making in compliance with Rule 103 of Regulation M in connection with the Offering, you represent that, at all times since your receipt of such Wire, you have complied with the provisions of such Rule applicable to such Offering, as interpreted by the Commission and after giving effect to any applicable exemptions.
5.4. STANDBY UNDERWRITINGS. You authorize the Manager in its discretion, at any time on, or from time to time prior to, the expiration of the conversion right of convertible securities identified in the applicable AAU in the case of securities called for redemption, or the expiration of rights to acquire securities in the case of rights offerings, for which, in either case, standby underwriting arrangements have been made: (i) to purchase convertible securities or rights to acquire Securities for your account, in the open market or otherwise, on such terms as the Manager determines and to convert convertible securities or exercise rights so purchased; and (ii) to offer and sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares for your account, in the open market or otherwise, for long or short account (for purposes of such commitment, such common stock or depositary shares being considered the equivalent of convertible securities or rights), on such terms consistent with the terms of the Offering set forth in
the Prospectus or Offering Circular as the Manager determines. On demand you shall take up and pay for any securities so purchased for your account or you shall deliver to the Manager against payment any securities so sold, as the case may be. During such period you may offer and sell the underlying common stock or depositary shares, but only at prices set by the Manager from time to time, and any such sales shall be subject to the Manager's right to sell to you the underlying common stock or depositary shares as above provided and to the Manager's right to reserve your Securities purchased, received or to be received upon conversion. You agree not to bid for, purchase, attempt to induce others to purchase, or sell, directly or indirectly, any convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares, provided, however, that no Underwriter shall be prohibited from (a) selling underlying common stock owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the day the convertible securities were first called for redemption, (b) converting convertible securities owned beneficially by such Underwriter on such date or selling underlying common stock issued upon conversion of convertible securities so owned, (c) exercising rights owned beneficially by such Underwriter on the record date for a rights offering or selling the underlying common stock or depositary shares issued upon exercise of rights so owned or (d) purchasing or selling convertible securities or rights or underlying common stock or depositary shares as a broker pursuant to unsolicited orders.
VI. PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT
6.1. PAYMENT AND SETTLEMENT. You shall deliver to the Manager on the date and at the place and time specified in the applicable AAU (or on such later date and at such place and time as may be specified by the Manager in a subsequent Wire) the funds specified in the applicable AAU, payable to the order of Salomon Smith Barney Inc., for (i) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you, (ii) an amount equal to the Offering Price plus (if not included in the Offering Price) accrued interest, amortization of original issue discount or dividends, if any, specified in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, less the applicable Selling Concession in respect of such of the Firm Securities to be purchased by you as shall have been retained by or released to you for direct sale as contemplated by Section 3.6 hereof or (iii) the amount set forth or indicated in the applicable AAU, as the Manager shall advise. You shall make similar payment as the Manager may direct for Additional Securities, if any, to be purchased by you on the date specified by the Manager for such payment. The Manager will make payment to the Issuer or Seller against delivery to the Manager for your account of the Securities to be purchased by you, and the Manager will deliver to you the Securities paid for by you which shall have been retained by or released to you for direct sale. If the Manager determines that transactions in the Securities are to be settled through the facilities of DTC or other clearinghouse facility, payment for and delivery of Securities purchased by you shall be made through such facilities, if you are a member, or, if you are not a member, settlement shall be made through your ordinary correspondent who is a member.
VII. EXPENSES
7.1. MANAGEMENT FEE. You authorize the Manager to charge your account as compensation for the Manager's and Co-Managers' services in connection with the Offering, including the purchase from the Issuer or Seller of the Securities, as the case may be, and the management of the Offering, the amount, if any, set forth as the management fee, global coordinators fee, praecipium or other similar fee in the applicable AAU. Such amount shall be divided among the Manager and any Co-Managers named in the applicable AAU as they may determine.
7.2. GENERAL EXPENSES. You authorize the Manager to charge your account with your Underwriting Percentage of all expenses of a general nature incurred by the Manager and Co-Managers under the applicable AAU in connection with the Offering, including the negotiation and preparation thereof, or in connection with the purchase, carrying, marketing and sale of any securities under the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, transfer taxes, costs associated with approval of the Offering by the NASD and the costs of currency transactions (including forward and hedging currency transactions) entered into to facilitate settlement of the purchase of Securities permitted under Section 3.1 hereof.
VIII. MANAGEMENT OF SECURITIES AND FUNDS
8.1. ADVANCES; LOANS; PLEDGES. You authorize the Manager to advance the Manager's own funds for your account, charging current interest rates, or to arrange loans for your account for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement and in connection therewith, to hold or pledge as security therefor all or any securities which the Manager may be holding for your account under the applicable AAU and any Intersyndicate Agreement, to execute and deliver any notes or other instruments evidencing such advances or loans and to give all instructions to the lenders with respect to any such loans and the proceeds thereof. The obligations of the Underwriters under loans arranged on their behalf shall be several in proportion to their respective Original Purchase Obligations and not joint. Any lender is authorized to accept the Manager's instructions as to the disposition of the proceeds of any such loans. In the event of any such advance or loan, repayment thereof shall, in the discretion of the Manager, be effected prior to making any remittance or delivery pursuant to Section 8.2, 8.3 or 9.2 hereof.
8.2. RETURN OF AMOUNT PAID FOR SECURITIES. Out of payment received by the Manager for Securities sold for your account which have been paid for by you, the Manager will remit to you promptly an amount equal to the price paid by you for such Securities.
8.3. DELIVERY AND REDELIVERY OF SECURITIES FOR CARRYING PURPOSES. The Manager may deliver to you from time to time prior to the termination of the applicable AAU pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof against payment, for carrying purposes
only, any Securities or Other Securities purchased by you under the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement which the Manager is holding for sale for your account but which are not sold and paid for. You shall redeliver to the Manager against payment any Securities or Other Securities delivered to you for carrying purposes at such times as the Manager may demand.
IX. TERMINATION; INDEMNIFICATION
9.1. TERMINATION. Each AAU shall terminate at the close of business on the later of the date on which the Underwriters pay the Issuer or Seller for the Securities and 45 full days after the applicable Offering Date, unless sooner terminated by the Manager. The Manager may in its discretion by notice to you prior to the termination of such AAU alter any of the terms or conditions of the Offering to the extent permitted by Articles III or IV hereof, or terminate or suspend the effectiveness of Article V hereof, or any part thereof. No termination or suspension pursuant to this paragraph shall affect the Manager's authority under Section 3.1 hereof to take actions in respect of the Offering or under Article V hereof to cover any short position incurred under such AAU or in connection with covering any such short position to require you to repurchase Securities as specified in Section 5.2 hereof.
9.2. DELIVERY OR SALE OF SECURITIES; SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS. Upon termination of each AAU or prior thereto at the Manager's discretion, the Manager shall deliver to you any Securities paid for by you pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof and held by the Manager for sale pursuant to Section 3.4 or 3.5 hereof but not sold and paid for and any Securities or Other Securities that are held by the Manager for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the termination of such AAU, if the aggregate initial Offering Price of any such Securities and the aggregate purchase price of any Other Securities so held and not sold and paid for does not exceed an amount equal to 20% of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Securities, the Manager may, in its discretion, sell such Securities and Other Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, at such prices, on such terms, at such times and in such manner as it may determine. Within the period specified by applicable NASD Rules or, if no period is so specified, as soon as practicable after termination of such AAU, your account shall be settled and paid. The Manager may reserve from distribution such amount as the Manager deems advisable to cover possible additional expenses. The determination by the Manager of the amount so to be paid to or by you shall be final and conclusive. Any of your funds in the Manager's hands may be held with the Manager's general funds without accountability for interest
Notwithstanding any provision of this Master AAU other than Section 10.12, upon termination of each AAU or prior thereto at the Manager's discretion, the Manager (i) may allocate to the accounts of the Underwriters the expenses described in Section 7.2 hereof and any losses incurred upon the sale of Securities or Other Securities pursuant to the applicable AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement (including any losses incurred upon the sale of securities referred to in Section 5.4(ii) hereof), (ii) may deliver to the Underwriters any unsold Securities or Other Securities purchased
pursuant to Section 5.1 hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement and (iii) may deliver to the Underwriters any unsold Securities purchased pursuant to the applicable Underwriting Agreement, in each case in the Manager's discretion. The Manager shall have full discretion to allocate expenses and Securities to the accounts of any Underwriter as the Manager decides, except that (a) no Underwriter (other than the Manager or a Co-Manager) shall bear more than its share of such expenses, losses or Securities (such share shall not exceed such Underwriter's Underwriting Percentage and shall be determined pro rata among all such Underwriters based on their Underwriting Percentages), (b) no such Underwriter shall receive Securities that, together with any Securities purchased by such Underwriter pursuant to Section 6.1 (but excluding any Securities that such Underwriter is required to repurchase pursuant to Section 5.2) exceed such Underwriter's Original Purchase Obligation and (c) no Co-Manager shall bear more than its share, as among the Manager and the other Co-Managers, of such expenses, losses or Securities (such share to be determined pro rata among the Manager and all Co-Managers based on (1) their relative Underwriting Percentages as a percentage of the total combined Underwriting Percentages of the Manager and all Co-Managers, or (2) if the Manager so determines, their relative Offering Economics (as hereinafter defined) as a percentage of the combined Offering Economics of the Manager and all Co-Managers together. The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "OFFERING ECONOMICS" equals the sum of its Management Fee Share, its Underwriting Fee Share and its Selling Concession Share (each as hereinafter defined). The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "MANAGEMENT FEE SHARE" is the dollar amount of its share, as agreed among the Manager and any Co-Managers, of the amount payable by all Underwriters to some or all of the Manager and any Co-Manager as a global coordinators' fee, praecipium, management fee or other fee. The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "UNDERWRITING FEE SHARE" is the dollar amount of its Underwriting Percentage of the aggregate initial Offering Price of the Firm Securities less the Purchase Price thereof, less the Selling Concession thereon. The Manager's or a Co-Manager's "SELLING CONCESSION SHARE" is the dollar amount of any Selling Concession credited to it on sales from the institutional pot or on sales made for the account of any other Underwriter. If any Securities or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) above were not paid for by you pursuant to Section 6.1 hereof, you shall pay to the Manager an amount per security equal to the amount set forth in Section 6.1(i), in the case of Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (iii) above, or the purchase price of such securities, in the case of Securities or Other Securities returned to you pursuant to clause (ii) above.
9.3. POST-SETTLEMENT EXPENSES. Notwithstanding any settlement on the termination of the applicable AAU, you agree to pay any transfer taxes which may be assessed and paid after such settlement on account of any sales or transfers under such AAU or any Intersyndicate Agreement for your account and your Underwriting Percentage of (i) all expenses incurred by the Manager in investigating, preparing to defend or defending against any action, claim or proceeding which is asserted or instituted by any party (including any governmental or regulatory body) relating to (a) the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Supplemental Offering Materials, (b) the violation of any applicable restrictions on the offer, sale, resale or purchase of Securities or Other
Securities imposed by United States Federal or state laws or foreign laws and
the rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder or
pursuant to the terms of such AAU, the Underwriting Agreement or any
Intersyndicate Agreement or (c) any claim that the Underwriters constitute a
partnership, an association or an unincorporated business or other separate
entity and (ii) any liability, including attorneys' fees, incurred by the
Manager in respect of any such action, claim or proceeding, whether such
liability shall be the result of a judgment or arbitrator's determination or as
a result of any settlement agreed to by the Manager, other than any such expense
or liability as to which the Manager actually receives indemnity pursuant to
Section 9.4, contribution pursuant to Section 9.5, indemnity or contribution
pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement or damages from an Underwriter for breach
of its representations, warranties, agreements, or covenants contained in the
applicable AAU. None of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.3 shall
relieve any defaulting or breaching Underwriter from liability for its defaults
or breach.
9.4. INDEMNIFICATION. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless each other Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, to the extent and upon the terms which you agree to indemnify and hold harmless any of the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, any person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors and, in the case of a Registered Offering, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and, in the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, its officers, in each case as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless any investment banking firm identified in a Wire as the qualified independent underwriter as defined in Rule 2720 of the NASD's Conduct Rules ("QIU") for an Offering and each person, if any, who controls such QIU within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities related to, arising out of or in connection with such investment banking firm's activities as QIU for the Offering. You agree with the other Underwriters to reimburse such QIU for all expenses, including fees and expenses of counsel as they are incurred, in connection with investigating, preparing for, or defending any action, claim or proceeding related to, arising out of, or in connection with such QIU's activities as a QIU for the Offering. Each Underwriter shall be responsible for its Underwriting Percentage of any amount due to such QIU on account of the foregoing indemnity. You agree that such QIU shall have no additional liability to any Underwriter or otherwise as a result of its serving as QIU in connection with the Offering. You further agree that to the extent the indemnification provided to a QIU under this Section 9.4 is unavailable to such QIU or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (and expenses relating thereto), whether as a matter of law or public policy or as a result of the default of any Underwriter in performing its obligations under this Section 9.4, you and each other Underwriter shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such QIU as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (and expenses relating thereto) in proportion to your Underwriting Percentage.
9.5. CONTRIBUTION. Notwithstanding any settlement on the termination of the applicable AAU, you agree to pay upon request of the Manager, as contribution, your Underwriting Percentage of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, paid or incurred by any Underwriter to any person other than an Underwriter, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), any Preliminary Offering Circular or Offering Circular (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or Supplemental Offering Materials or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (other than an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company in writing by the Underwriter on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made expressly for use therein) and your Underwriting Percentage of any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Underwriter (with the approval of the Manager) on whose behalf the request for contribution is being made in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage or liability or any action in respect thereof; provided that no request shall be made on behalf of any Underwriter guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) from any Underwriter who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. None of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.5 shall relieve any defaulting or breaching Underwriter from liability for its defaults or breach.
9.6. SEPARATE COUNSEL. If any claim is asserted or action or proceeding commenced pursuant to which the indemnity provided in Section 9.4 may apply, the Manager may take such action in connection therewith as it deems necessary or desirable, including retention of counsel for the Underwriters, and in its discretion separate counsel for any particular Underwriter or group of Underwriters, and the fees and disbursements of any counsel so retained shall be allocated among the several Underwriters as determined by the Manager. Any Underwriter may elect to retain at its own expense its own counsel and, on advice of such counsel but only with the consent of the Manager, may settle or consent to the settlement of any such claim, action or proceeding. The Manager may settle or consent to the settlement of any such claim, action or proceeding. Whenever the Manager receives notice of the assertion of any claim, action or proceeding to which the provisions of Section 9.4 would apply, it will give prompt notice thereof to each Underwriter, and whenever you receive notice of the assertion of any claim or commencement of any action or proceeding to which the provisions of Section 9.4 would apply, you will give prompt notice thereof to the Manager. The Manager also will furnish each Underwriter with periodic reports, at such times as it deems appropriate, as to the status of such claim, action or proceeding, and the action taken by it in connection therewith.
9.7. SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENTS. Regardless of any termination of an AAU, your agreements contained in Article V and Sections 3.1, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 and 11.2 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of the Underwriting Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf of the Issuer, the Guarantor, the Seller, its directors or officers or any person controlling the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller and (iii) acceptance of any payment for any Securities.
X. REPRESENTATIONS AND COVENANTS OF UNDERWRITERS
10.1. KNOWLEDGE OF OFFERING. You understand that it is your responsibility to examine the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, relating to the Offering, any amendment or supplement thereto, any Preliminary Prospectus or Preliminary Offering Circular and the material, if any, incorporated by reference therein and any Supplemental Offering Materials and you will familiarize yourself with the terms of the Securities, any applicable Indenture and the other terms of the Offering thereof which are to be reflected in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, and the applicable AAU and Underwriting Agreement. The Manager is authorized, with the advice of counsel for the Underwriters, to approve on your behalf any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be.
10.2. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS. You will keep an accurate record of the names and addresses of all persons to whom you give copies of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) or any Offering Circular or any Preliminary Offering Circular and, when furnished with any subsequent amendment to the Registration Statement, any subsequent Prospectus, any subsequent Offering Circular or any memorandum outlining changes in the Registration Statement or any Prospectus or Offering Circular, you will, upon request of the Manager, promptly forward copies thereof to such persons.
10.3. ACCURACY OF UNDERWRITERS' INFORMATION. You confirm that the information that you have given or are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters' Questionnaire attached as Exhibit A hereto (and to any other questions addressed to you in the Invitation Wire or other Wires), which information has been furnished to the Issuer for use in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or the Offering Circular, as the case may be, or has otherwise been relied upon in connection with the Offering, is complete and accurate. You shall notify the Manager immediately of any development before the termination of the applicable AAU which makes untrue or incomplete any information that you have given or are deemed to have given in response to the Underwriters' Questionnaire (or such other questions).
10.4. NAME; ADDRESS. Unless you have promptly notified the Manager in writing otherwise, your name as it should appear in the Prospectus or the Offering Circular and any advertisement, if different, and your address are as set forth on the signature pages hereof.
10.5. CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. You represent that your commitment to purchase the Securities will not result in a violation of the financial responsibility requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the 1934 Act or of any similar provision of any applicable rules of any securities exchange to which you are subject or, if you are a financial institution subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System, the United States Comptroller of the Currency or the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, will not place you in violation of any applicable capital requirements or restrictions of such regulator or any other regulator to which you are subject.
10.6. COMPLIANCE WITH NASD REQUIREMENTS. You represent that you are
a member in good standing of the NASD, a Bank that is not a member of the NASD
or a foreign bank or dealer not eligible for membership in the NASD. In making
sales of Securities, if you are such a member, you agree to comply with all
applicable interpretive material ("IM") and rules of the NASD, including,
without limitation, IM-2110-1 (the NASD's interpretation with respect to
free-riding and withholding) and Rule 2740 of the NASD's Conduct Rules, or, if
you are such a foreign bank or dealer, you agree to comply, as applicable, with
IM-2110-1 and Rules 2730, 2740 and 2750 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as though
you were such a member and Rule 2420 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as it applies
to a nonmember broker or dealer in a foreign country. If you are a Bank, you
agree, to the extent required by applicable law or the Conduct Rules of the
NASD, that you will not, in connection with the public offering of any
Securities that do not constitute "exempted securities" within the meaning of
Section 3(a)(12) of the 1934 Act or such other Securities as from time to time
may be sold by a Bank, purchase any Securities at a discount from the Offering
Price from any Underwriter or dealer or otherwise accept any Fees and
Commissions from any Underwriter or Dealer, and you agree to comply, as
applicable, with Rule 2420 of the NASD's Conduct Rules as though you were a
member.
10.7. FURTHER STATE NOTICE. The Manager will file a Further State Notice with the Department of State of New York, if required.
10.8. COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 15C2-8. In the case of a Registered Offering and any other Offering to which the provisions of Rule 15c2-8 under the 1934 Act are made applicable pursuant to the AAU or otherwise, you agree to comply with such Rule in connection with the Offering. In the case of an Offering other than a Registered Offering, you agree to comply with applicable Federal and state laws and the applicable rules and regulations of any regulatory body promulgated thereunder governing the use and distribution of offering circulars by underwriters.
10.9. DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNTS. In the case of a Registered Offering of Securities issued by an Issuer that was not, immediately prior to the filing of the Registration Statement, subject to the requirements of Section 13(d) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, you agree that you will not make sales to any account over which you exercise discretionary authority in connection with such sale except as otherwise permitted by the applicable AAU for such Offering.
10.10. OFFERING RESTRICTIONS. If you are a foreign bank or dealer and you are not registered as a broker-dealer under Section 15 of the 1934 Act, you agree that while you are acting as an Underwriter in respect of the Securities and in any event during the term of the applicable AAU, you will not directly or indirectly effect in, or with persons who are nationals or residents of, the United States, its territories or possessions any transactions (except for the purchases provided for in the Underwriting Agreement and transactions contemplated by Articles III and V hereof) in Securities or any Other Securities.
It is understood that, except as specified in the applicable AAU, no action
has been taken by the Manager, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller to permit you to offer Securities in any jurisdiction other than the United States, in the case of a Registered Offering, where action would be required for such purpose.
10.11. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS. You agree to make to each other Underwriter participating in an Offering the same representations, warranties and agreements, if any, made by the Underwriters to the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller in the applicable Underwriting Agreement or any Intersyndicate Agreement and you authorize the Manager to make such representations, warranties and agreements to the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller on your behalf.
10.12. LIMITATION ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE MANAGER TO PURCHASE AND SELL SECURITIES FOR THE ACCOUNT OF CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS. Notwithstanding any provision of this AAU authorizing the Manager to purchase or sell any Securities or Other Securities (including arranging for the sale of Contract Securities) or over-allot in arranging sales of Securities for the accounts of the several Underwriters, the Manager may not, in connection with the Offering of any Securities, make any such purchases, sales and/or over-allotments for the account of any Underwriter that, not later than its acceptance of the Invitation Wire relating to such Offering, has advised the Manager that, due to its status as, or relationship to, a bank or bank holding company such purchases, sales and/or over-allotments are prohibited by applicable law. If any Underwriter so advises the Manager, the Manager may allocate any such purchases, sales and over-allotments (and the related expenses) which otherwise would have been allocated to your account based on your respective Underwriting Percentage to your account based on the ratio of your Original Purchase Obligation to the Original Purchase Obligations of all Underwriters other than the advising Underwriter or Underwriters or in such other manner as the Manager shall determine.
XI. DEFAULTING UNDERWRITERS
11.1. EFFECT OF TERMINATION. If the Underwriting Agreement is terminated as permitted by the terms thereof, your obligations hereunder with respect to the Offering of the Securities shall immediately terminate except (i) as set forth in Section 9.7, (ii) that you shall remain liable for your Underwriting Percentage (or such other percentage as may be specified pursuant to Section 9.2) of all expenses and for any purchases or sales which may have been made for your account pursuant to the provisions of Article V hereof or any Intersyndicate Agreement and (iii) that such termination shall not affect any obligations of any defaulting or breaching Underwriter.
11.2. SHARING OF LIABILITY. If any Underwriter shall default in its obligations (i) pursuant to Section 5.1, 5.2 or 5.4, (ii) to pay amounts charged to its account pursuant to Section 7.1, 7.2 or 8.1 or (iii) pursuant to Section 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6 or 11.1, you will assume your proportionate share (determined on the basis of the respective Underwriting Percentages of the non-defaulting Underwriters) of such obligations, but no such assumption shall relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability to the non-defaulting Underwriters, the Issuer, the Guarantor or the Seller for its default.
11.3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PURCHASES. The Manager is authorized to arrange for the purchase by others (including the Manager or any other Underwriter) of any Securities not purchased by any defaulting Underwriter in accordance with the terms of the applicable Underwriting Agreement or, if the applicable Underwriting Agreement does not provide arrangements for defaulting Underwriters, in the discretion of the Manager. If such arrangements are made, the respective amounts of Securities to be purchased by the remaining Underwriters and such other person or persons, if any, shall be taken as the basis for all rights and obligations hereunder, but this shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
XII. MISCELLANEOUS
12.1. OBLIGATIONS SEVERAL. Nothing contained in this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU or any AAU constitutes you partners with the Manager or with the other Underwriters and the obligations of you and each of the other Underwriters are several and not joint. Each Underwriter elects to be excluded from the application of Subchapter K, Chapter 1, Subtitle A, of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Each Underwriter authorizes the Manager, on behalf of such Underwriter, to execute such evidence of such election as may be required by the United States Internal Revenue Service.
12.2. LIABILITY OF MANAGER. The Manager shall be under no liability to you for any act or omission except for obligations expressly assumed by the Manager in the applicable AAU.
12.3. TERMINATION OF MASTER AGREEMENT AMONG UNDERWRITERS. This SALOMON SMITH BARNEY Master AAU may be terminated by either party hereto upon five business days' written notice to the other party; provided that with respect to any Offering for which an AAU was sent prior to such notice, this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU as it applies to such Offering shall remain in full force and effect and shall terminate with respect to such Offering in accordance with Section 9.1 hereof.
12.4. GOVERNING LAW. THIS SALOMON SMITH BARNEY MASTER AAU AND EACH AAU SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
12.5. AMENDMENTS. This Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU may be amended from time to time by consent of the parties hereto. Your consent shall be deemed to have been given to an amendment to this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU, and such amendment shall be effective, five business days following written notice to you of such amendment if you do not notify Salomon Smith Barney in writing prior to the close of business on such fifth business day that you do not consent to such amendment. Upon effectiveness, the provisions of this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU as so amended shall apply to each AAU thereafter entered into except as
otherwise specifically provided in any such AAU.
12.6. NOTICES. Any notice to any Underwriter shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed, sent by wire, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission or other written communication or delivered in person to such Underwriter at the address which shall have been provided to Salomon Smith Barney as provided in Section 10.4 hereof. Any such notice shall take effect upon receipt thereof.
Please confirm your acceptance of this Salomon Smith Barney Master AAU by signing and returning to us the enclosed duplicate copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
By: _______________________________
Name:
Title:
CONFIRMED:.............................................1999
...........................................................
(Name of Underwriter)
By:........................................................
Name:
Title:
(If person signing is not an officer or a partner,
please attach instrument of authorization)
Address: __________________________________________________
Telephone: ________________________________________________
Fax: ________________________________________________
EXHIBIT A
JUNE 1, 1999
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.
UNDERWRITERS' QUESTIONNAIRE
In connection with each Offering covered by the Salomon Smith Barney Inc. Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 1, 1999, we confirm that except as set forth in a timely reply by us to the Invitation Wire:
(1) Neither we nor any of our directors, officers or partners have a material relationship (as "material" is defined in Regulation C under the 1933 Act) with the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Seller.
(2) (If the offer and sale of the Securities are to be registered under the 1933 Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Form F-1:) Neither we nor any "group" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) of which we are a member is the beneficial owner (determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor, nor do we have any knowledge that more than 5% of any class of voting securities of the Issuer or the Guarantor is held or to be held subject to any voting trust or other similar agreement.
(3) Other than as may be stated in the Salomon Smith Barney Master Agreement Among Underwriters dated June 1, 1999, the applicable AAU, the Intersyndicate Agreement or dealer agreement, if any, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Offering Circular, we do not know and have no reason to believe that there is an intention to over-allot or that the price of any security may be stabilized to facilitate the offering of the Securities.
(4) Except as described in the Prospectus or Offering Circular, as the case may, be and the Invitation Wire, we do not know of any discounts or commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers, including all cash, securities, contracts or other consideration to be received by any dealer in connection with the sale of the securities.
(5) We have not prepared any report or memorandum for external use in connection with the Offering. (If there are any exceptions, (i) furnish four (4) copies of each report and memorandum to Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. 10013, Attention: Investment Banking Department/Transaction Structuring Group, (ii) identify each class of person who received such material and the number of copies distributed to each such class, and (iii) indicate when such distribution commenced and ceased.)
(6) (If the offer and sale of the Securities are to be registered
under the 1933 Act pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 or
Form F-1:) We have not within the past twelve months prepared or had
prepared for us any engineering, management or similar report or
memorandum relating to broad aspects of the business, operations or
products of the Issuer or the Guarantor. (The immediately preceding
sentence does not apply to reports solely comprised of recommendations to
buy, sell or hold the Issuer's or the Guarantor's securities, unless such
recommendations have changed within the past six months or to information
already contained in documents filed with the Commission. If there are any
exceptions, (i) furnish four (4) copies of each report and memorandum to
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. 388 Greenwich Street, New York, N.Y. 10013,
Attention: Investment Banking Department/Transaction Structuring Group,
(ii) identify each class of persons who received such material and the
number of copies distributed to each such class, and (iii) indicate when
such distribution commenced and ceased.)
(7) We are not an "affiliate" of the Issuer or the Guarantor for purposes of Rule 2720 of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.'s ("NASD") Conduct Rules. We understand that under Rule 2720 (except as provided in Rule 2720(b)(1)(C) thereof) two entities are "affiliates" of each other if one entity controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the second entity and that "control" is presumed to exist if one entity (or, in the case of an NASD member, the entity and all "persons associated with" it (as defined in the NASD By-Laws)) beneficially owns 10% or more of the second entity's outstanding voting securities or, if the second entity is a partnership, if the first entity has a partnership interest in 10% or more of the second entity's distributable profits or losses.
(8) (If the Securities are not investment grade debt securities or preferred stock, or equity securities for which there exists a "bona fide independent market" (as defined in Rule 2720(b)(3) of the NASD's Conduct Rules) or otherwise exempted under Rule 2720(b)(7)(D) of the NASD's Conduct Rules:) We do not have a "conflict of interest" with the Issuer or the Guarantor under Rule 2720 of the NASD's Conduct Rules. In that regard, we specifically confirm that we, our "parent" (as defined in Rule 2720), affiliates and "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws), in the aggregate do not (i) beneficially own 10% or more of the Issuer's or the Guarantor's "common equity", "preferred equity", or "subordinated debt" (as each such term is defined in Rule 2720), or (ii) in the case of an Issuer or Guarantor which is a partnership, beneficially own a general, limited or special partnership interest in 10% or more of
the Issuer's or Guarantor's distributable profits or losses.
(9) (If filing with the NASD is required:) Neither we nor any of our directors, officers, partners or "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws) nor, to our knowledge, any "related person" (defined by the NASD to include counsel, financial consultants and advisors, finders, members of the selling or distribution group, any NASD member participating in the offering and any other persons associated with or related to and members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing) or any other broker-dealer, (a) within the last 12 months have purchased in private transactions, or intend before, at or within six months after the commencement of the public offering of the Securities to purchase in private transactions, any securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party (as hereinafter defined), (b) within the last 12 months had any dealings with the Issuer, the Guarantor, any Seller or any subsidiary or controlling person thereof (other than relating to the proposed Underwriting Agreement) as to which documents or information are required to be filed with the NASD pursuant to its Corporate Financing Rule, or (c) during the 12 months immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement (or, if there is none, the Offering Circular), have entered into any arrangement which provided or provides for the receipt of any item of value (including, but not limited to, cash payments and expense reimbursements) and/or the transfer of any warrants, options or other securities from the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party to us or any related person.
(10) (If filing with the NASD is required:) There is no association or affiliation between us and (i) any officer or director of the Issuer, the Guarantor or any Issuer Related Party, or (ii) any securityholder of five percent or more (or, in the case of an initial public offering of equity securities, any securityholder) of any class of securities of the Issuer, the Guarantor or an Issuer Related Party; it being understood that for purposes of paragraph (9) above and this paragraph (10), the term "Issuer Related Party" includes any Seller, any affiliate of the Issuer the Guarantor or a Seller and the officers or general partners, directors, employees and securityholders thereof. (If there are any exceptions, state the identity of the person with whom the association or affiliation exists and, if relevant, the number of equity securities or the face value of debt securities owned by such person, the date such securities were acquired and the price paid for such securities).
(11) (If the Securities are not issued by a real estate investment trust:) No portion of the net offering proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be paid to us or any of our affiliates or "persons associated with" us (as defined in the NASD By-Laws) or members of the immediate family of any such person.
(12) (If the Securities are debt securities and their offer and sale is to be registered under the 1933 Act:) We are not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 0-2 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939) of the Trustee for the Securities or of its parent, if any. Neither the Trustee nor its parent, if any, nor any of their directors or executive officers is a "director, officer, partner, employee, appointee or
representative" of ours (as those terms are defined in the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or in the relevant instructions to Form T-1). We and our directors, partners, and executive officers, taken as a group, did not on the date specified in the Invitation Wire, and do not, own beneficially 1% or more of the shares of any class of voting securities of the Trustee or of its parent, if any. If we are a corporation, we do not have outstanding and have not assumed or guaranteed any securities issued otherwise than in our present corporate name.
(13) (If the Issuer is a public utility:) We are not a "holding company" or a "subsidiary company" or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "public-utility company", each as defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.
(14) If we are, or we are affiliated with, a U.S. or non-U.S. bank, we hereby represent that our participation in the offering of the Securities on the terms contemplated in the applicable AAU and the proposed Underwriting Agreement does not contravene any U.S. or state banking law restricting the exercise of securities powers in the United States.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings given to them in the applicable AAU.
Exhibit (k) (5) As of April __, 2005
To Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund
With Reference to the Investment Advisory Agreement entered into by Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance") with Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund (the "Fund") we hereby notify you of the following:
In connection with the organization and initial offering of the common shares of the Fund, Eaton Vance hereby agrees to (i) reimburse all organizational costs of the Fund and (ii) pay all offering costs of such offering of the Fund (other than sales load, but inclusive of the reimbursement of underwriter expenses of $0.005 per share) that exceeds $0.04 per share.
This instrument is executed under seal and shall be governed by Massachusetts law.
Very truly yours,
Eaton Vance Management
By: /s/James B. Hawkes
----------------------------------
Name: James B. Hawkes
Title: President, and not Individually
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ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO
ON BEHALF OF THE FUND
By: /s/James L. O'Connor
----------------------------------
Name: James L. O'Connor
Title: Treasurer, and not Individually
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EXHIBIT (k) (6)
FORM
OF
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AGREEMENT
April [ ], 2005
Eaton Vance Management
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated April [ ], 2005 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), by and among Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund, a closed-end management investment company (the "Fund"), Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance" or the "Investment Adviser"), Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, Rampart Investment Management Company, Inc. and each of the respective Underwriters named therein, with respect to the issue and sale of the Fund's common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Shares"), as described therein. Reference is also made to (i) the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated [ ], 2005 (the "Investment Advisory Agreement") between Eaton Vance and the Fund and (ii) the registration statement on Form N-2 regarding the Common Shares of the Fund (the "Registration Statement"). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.
Eaton Vance hereby confirms its agreement with each Qualifying Underwriter (as defined in Section 1 hereof) with respect to the additional compensation referred to in the "Underwriting" section of the Registration Statement, payable by Eaton Vance to each of the Qualifying Underwriters. Eaton Vance agrees to pay to each Qualifying Underwriter additional compensation (collectively, the "Additional Compensation") as provided for in Section 3 hereof; provided, however, that such Additional Compensation shall not exceed an amount equal to 0.15% per annum of the aggregate average daily gross assets of the Fund (including assets attributable to any preferred shares of the Fund and borrowings used for financial leverage that may be outstanding); and provided, further, that such payments shall not exceed the "Maximum Additional Compensation Amount" (as defined in Section 4 hereof). The Additional Compensation shall be payable as set forth in Section 3 hereof.
Section 1. Qualifying Underwriters. For the purposes of this Additional Compensation Agreement, each Underwriter (other than Citigroup Global Markets Inc.) which sells Common Shares of the Fund with an aggregate purchase price to the public of at least $50,000,000 shall be a "Class I Qualifying Underwriter" and each Underwriter (other than Citigroup Global Markets Inc.) which sells Common Shares of the Fund with an aggregate purchase price to the public of at least $100,000,000 shall be a "Class II Qualifying
Underwriter;" provided, however, that the amounts required to qualify as a Class
I Qualifying Underwriter or a Class II Qualifying Underwriter may be reduced
with respect to any Underwriter in the sole discretion of Eaton Vance. Class I
Qualifying Underwriters and Class II Qualifying Underwriters are referred to
collectively herein as "Qualifying Underwriters." A Qualifying Underwriter which
qualifies as a Class II Qualifying Underwriter shall not also be a Class I
Qualifying Underwriter. Within 60 days following the Closing Date, the
Qualifying Underwriters shall prepare or cause to be prepared and provide to
Eaton Vance a chart listing each of the Qualifying Underwriters, which chart
shall indicate the aggregate purchase price to the public of the Common Shares
sold by each Qualifying Underwriter and the Pro Rata Percentage (as defined in
Section 2 hereof) of each Qualifying Underwriter and shall be appended as
Schedule A to this Additional Compensation Agreement. Such Schedule A shall be
prepared in good faith by the Qualifying Underwriters and shall be subject to
verification by Eaton Vance.
Section 2. Pro Rata Percentage. Each Qualifying Underwriter shall be assigned a "Pro Rata Percentage," the numerator of which shall equal the aggregate purchase price to the public of the Common Shares sold by such Qualifying Underwriter as set forth on Schedule A hereto and the denominator of which shall equal the aggregate purchase price to the public of all of the Common Shares purchased by the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
Section 3. Payment of Additional Compensation.
(a) Eaton Vance shall pay the Additional Compensation, quarterly in arrears, to each Class I Qualifying Underwriter in an amount equal to the product of such Qualifying Underwriter's Pro Rata Percentage multiplied by 0.0250% of the aggregate average daily gross assets of the Fund (including assets attributable to any preferred shares of the Fund and borrowings used for financial leverage that may be outstanding) for such quarter.
(b) Eaton Vance shall pay the Additional Compensation, quarterly in arrears, to each Class II Qualifying Underwriter in an amount equal to the product of such Qualifying Underwriter's Pro Rata Percentage multiplied by 0.0375% of the aggregate average daily gross assets of the Fund (including assets attributable to any preferred shares of the Fund and borrowings used for financial leverage that may be outstanding) for such quarter.
(c) All Additional Compensation payable hereunder shall be paid to each Qualifying Underwriter by wire transfer of immediately available funds within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter to a bank account designated by such Qualifying Underwriter. At the time of each payment of Additional Compensation hereunder, Eaton Vance shall deliver to each Qualifying Underwriter receiving an installment of Additional Compensation a statement indicating the amount of the aggregate average daily gross assets of the Fund for such quarter (including assets attributable to any preferred shares of the Fund and borrowings used for financial leverage that may be outstanding) on which such payment was based.
(d) The initial payments of Additional Compensation hereunder shall be paid with respect to the calendar quarter ending June 30, 2005. In the event that this Additional Compensation Agreement terminates prior to the end of a calendar quarter, the Additional
Compensation required to be paid hereunder shall be due and payable within 15 days following the termination hereof and shall be pro-rated in respect of the period prior to such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any payment hereunder would otherwise fall on a day which is not a business day, it shall be due on the next day which is a business day. All Additional Compensation payable hereunder shall be in addition to any fees paid by the Investment Adviser pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
Section 4. Maximum Additional Compensation Amount. The "Maximum
Additional Compensation Amount" payable by the Investment Adviser hereunder
shall be [ ]% of the aggregate initial price to the public of the Common Shares.
[ ] will receive additional compensation which will not exceed [ ]% of the
aggregate initial price to the public of the Common Shares and [ ] will received
additional compensation which will not exceed [ ]% of the aggregate initial
price to the public of the Common Shares.
Section 5. Term. This Additional Compensation Agreement shall continue coterminously with and so long as the Investment Advisory Agreement remains in effect between the Fund and Eaton Vance, or any similar investment advisory agreement with a successor in interest to or affiliate of Eaton Vance remains in effect, as, and to the extent, that such investment advisory agreement is renewed periodically in accordance with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This Additional Compensation Agreement shall terminate on the earliest to occur of (a) with respect to any Qualifying Underwriter, the payment by Eaton Vance to such Qualifying Underwriter of the Maximum Additional Compensation Amount, (b) with respect to the Fund, the dissolution and winding up of the Fund and (c) with respect to the Fund, the date on which the Investment Advisory Agreement or other investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Eaton Vance or any successor in interest to Eaton Vance, including but not limited to an affiliate of Eaton Vance, shall terminate.
Section 6. Not an Investment Adviser. Eaton Vance acknowledges that the Qualifying Underwriters are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund. No provision of this Additional Compensation Agreement shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of any Qualifying Underwriter, and the Qualifying Underwriters are not hereby agreeing, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio securities or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services.
Section 7. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting any Qualifying Underwriter or its respective affiliates from acting as such for any other clients (including other registered investment companies or other investment advisers).
Section 8. No Liability. Eaton Vance agrees that no Qualifying Underwriter shall have liability to Eaton Vance or the Fund for any act or omission to act by such Qualifying Underwriter in the course of its performance under this Additional Compensation Agreement, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of such Qualifying Underwriter. Eaton Vance agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Qualifying Underwriter and its respective officers, directors, agents and employees against any loss or expense arising out of or in connection with such Qualifying Underwriter's performance under this Additional
Compensation Agreement. This provision shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of this Additional Compensation Agreement.
Section 9. Assignment. This Additional Compensation Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of each other party.
Section 10. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Additional Compensation Agreement may be amended or waived except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
Section 11. Governing Law. This Additional Compensation Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Section 12. Counterparts. This Additional Compensation Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Additional Compensation Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to us a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement among Eaton Vance and the Qualifying Underwriters in accordance with its terms.
Very truly yours,
[ ]
By: ________________________________ Name:
Title:
[ ]
By: ________________________________
Name:
Title:
CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
as of the date first above written:
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
By: _________________________________
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE A
AGGREGATE PURCHASE PRICE TO PUBLIC
NAME OF QUALIFYING UNDERWRITER CLASS OF COMMON SHARES SOLD PRO RATA PERCENTAGE
------------------------------ ----- ---------------------------------- -------------------
[ ] [ ] [ ] %
[ ] [ ] [ ] %
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Exhibit (l)
[KIRKPATRICK & LOCKHART NICHOLSON GRAHAM LETTERHEAD]
April 22, 2005
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Dear Sirs:
This opinion is furnished in connection with the registration by Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund, a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ("Fund"), of 22,500,000 shares of beneficial interest, par value of $.01 per share ("Shares"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-120666), as amended ("Registration Statement"), in the amounts set forth under "Amount Being Registered" on the facing page of the Registration Statement.
As counsel for the Fund, we are familiar with the proceedings taken by it in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares. In addition, we have examined and are familiar with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Fund, the By-Laws of the Fund, and such other documents as we have deemed relevant to the matters referred to in this opinion.
Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares, upon issuance and sale in the manner referred to in the Registration Statement, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable (except as described in the Registration Statement) shares of beneficial interest of the Fund.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name in the Prospectus constituting a part thereof.
Very truly yours,
/s/Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP ---------------------------------------------- Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP |
EXHIBIT (n)
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM'S CONSENT
We consent to the use in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund on Form N-2 filed by the Fund under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") (Registration No. 333-120666) and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (Registration No. 811-21676) of our report dated April 15, 2005, relating to the financial statements of Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund as of April 14, 2005, in the Statement of Additional Information which is part of such registration statement.
We also consent to the references to our Firm under the heading "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP -------------------------- Boston, Massachusetts April 22, 2005 |
EXHIBIT (p)
Eaton Vance Management
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Telephone: (617) 482-8260
Telecopy: (617) 338-8054
April 14, 2005
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Ladies and Gentlemen:
With respect to our purchase from you, at the purchase price of $100,000 of 5,000 shares of beneficial interest, net asset value of $20.00 per share ("Initial Shares") in Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Income Fund, we hereby advise you that we are purchasing such Initial Shares for investment purposes without any present intention of redeeming or reselling.
Very truly yours,
EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT
By: /s/ William M. Steul
----------------------------
William M. Steul
Treasurer and Vice President
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