As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2019

1933 Act File No. 333-210445

1940 Act File No. 811-09141

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
	REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT of 1933	¨
	PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO.	¨
	POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3	x
	and/or
	REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940	o
	AMENDMENT NO. 16	x
EATON VANCE MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(617) 482-8260
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)
Maureen A. Gemma
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

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, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. x

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

¨ When declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c)

x Immediately upon filing pursuant to no-action relief granted to Registrant on June 26, 2013

 

BASE PROSPECTUS

Up to 2,610,553 Shares

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust

Common Shares

Important Note.  Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Trust’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Trust’s website (funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you hold shares at the Trust’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Trust electronically by contacting AST.  If you own your shares through a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank), you must contact your financial intermediary to sign up.

You may elect to receive all future Trust shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares at AST, you can inform AST that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-866-439-6787. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you must contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports.  Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with AST or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.

Investment Objective and Policies. Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the “Trust”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, which commenced operations on January 29, 1999. The Trust’s investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. The Trust pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in investment grade municipal securities. The Trust may also invest a portion of its assets in higher risk, higher yielding municipal securities of lesser quality. The Trust’s net asset value (“NAV”) and distribution rate will vary, and may be affected by several factors, including changes in interest rates and the credit quality of municipal issuers. Fluctuations in NAV may be magnified as a result of the Trust’s use of leverage, which is a speculative investment technique. An investment in the Trust may not be appropriate for all investors, particularly those subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Closed-end fund shares frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. There is no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

Investment Adviser. The Trust’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”). As of January 31, 2019, Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed approximately $444.7 billion of fund and separate account assets on behalf of clients, including 40 open-end and closed-end municipal bond funds with combined assets of approximately $15.0 billion.

The Offering. The Trust may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings (each, an “Offering”), the Trust’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”). Common Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in Common Shares. Common Shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Trust and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale. The Trust may not sell any Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular Offering of the Common Shares. (continued on inside cover page)

The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to NAV. The Trust cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) generally require that the public offering price of common shares (less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per share of a company’s common stock (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). The Trust’s issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Trust’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for the Trust’s Common Shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, which may increase investors’ risk of loss.

Investing in shares involves certain risks, including that the Trust will invest substantial portions of its assets in below investment grade quality securities with speculative characteristics. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks” beginning at page 24.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

(continued from previous page)

Portfolio Contents. During normal market conditions, the Trust will invest at least 80% of its total assets in debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax (“municipal obligations”).

At least 65% of the Trust’s total assets normally will be invested in municipal obligations rated at least investment grade at the time of investment (which are those rated Baa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or BBB or higher by either S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)), or, if unrated, determined by Eaton Vance to be of at least investment grade quality. From time to time, the Trust may hold a significant number of municipal obligations not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“Rating Agency”). When the Trust invests in unrated municipal obligations, it may be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s research capabilities than when it invests in rated municipal obligations.

The Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch (but no more than 30% of total assets may be rated lower than B by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations considered to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance. Investment in municipal obligations of below investment grade quality involves special risks as compared with investment in higher grade municipal obligations. These risks include greater sensitivity to a general economic downturn, greater market price volatility and less secondary market trading. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds.” Such securities are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s ability to pay interest and repay principal owed.

The Trust may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and related options, including futures contracts and related options based on various debt securities and securities indices, as well as interest rate swaps and forward rate contracts, to seek to hedge against changes in interest rates, as a substitute for the purchase of securities or for other risk management purposes.

Interest income from certain types of municipal obligations may be a tax preference item for purposes of the AMT for individual investors. Distributions to corporate investors of certain interest income may also be indirectly subject to the AMT. The Trust may not be suitable for investors subject to the AMT.

During unusual market conditions, the Trust may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective and other policies.

Leverage. The Trust currently uses leverage created by investments in residual interest bonds. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term tax-exempt interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. The Trust previously had auction preferred shares (“APS”) and Institutional MuniFund Term Preferred Shares (“iMTP”) outstanding. On February 26, 2016, the Trust issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On November 30, 2017, the Trust had outstanding 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS, with a liquidation preference per share of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On March 26, 2018 the Trust redeemed 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its outstanding iMTP and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. As of November 30, 2018, the Trust had no APS or iMTP outstanding and had no outstanding borrowings.

The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage (from residual interest bonds and any borrowings) may result in higher income to holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”) over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The fee paid to Eaton Vance will be calculated on the basis of the Trust’s gross assets, the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders, so the fees will be higher when leverage is utilized. In this regard, holders of debt or 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 from the use of leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Use of Leverage and Related Risks” at page 28, “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Additional Risk Considerations” at page 31 and “Description of Capital Structure” at page 47.

Exchange Listing. As of March 25, 2019, the Trust had 39,668,251 Common Shares outstanding, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVN.” As of March 25, 2019, the last reported sales price of a Common Share of the Trust on the NYSE was $12.08. Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.

 

This Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely information you should know before investing in the shares of the Trust. Please read and retain this Prospectus for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated March 27, 2019, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders when available and other information about the Trust can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-262-1122 or by writing to the Trust at the address below or from the Trust’s website (http://www.eatonvance.com). A table of contents to the SAI is located at page 51 of this Prospectus. This Prospectus incorporates by reference the entire SAI. The SAI is available along with other Trust-related materials on the EDGAR database on the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov); or by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov. The Trust’s principal office is located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110, and its telephone number is 1-800-262-1122.

The Trust'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 Trust has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Trust is not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction 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.

 

Table of Contents

Prospectus Summary	6
Summary of Trust Expenses	19
Financial Highlights and Investment Performance	20
The Trust	23
Use of Proceeds	23
Portfolio Composition	24
Investment Objective, Policies and Risks	24
Management of the Trust	41
Plan of Distribution	42
Distributions	43
Federal Income Tax Matters	44
Dividend Reinvestment Plan	46
Description of Capital Structure	47
Custodian and Transfer Agent	50
Legal Opinions	50
Reports to Shareholders	50
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	50
Additional Information	50
Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information	51
The Trust's Privacy Policy	52

 

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Prospectus, any accompanying Prospectus Supplement and the SAI contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus as well as in any accompanying Prospectus Supplement. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks” section of this Prospectus. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or any accompanying Prospectus Supplement are made as of the date of this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus, any accompanying Prospectus Supplement and the SAI are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks” section of this Prospectus. We urge you to review carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in our securities.

Prospectus dated March 27, 2019

 

Prospectus Summary

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information included elsewhere in this Prospectus, in any related Prospectus Supplement, and in the SAI.

THE TRUST

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the “Trust”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Trust commenced operations on January 29, 1999. The Trust’s investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. The Trust pursues its investment objective by investing primarily in investment grade municipal securities. The Trust may also invest a portion of its assets in higher risk, higher yielding municipal securities of lesser quality. Investments are based on the municipal securities research, trading and portfolio management of the Trust’s investment adviser, Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”). The Trust’s NAV and distribution rate will vary and may be affected by several factors, including changes in interest rates, the cost of leverage financing, portfolio holdings, realized and projected returns and the credit quality of municipal issuers. An investment in the Trust may not be appropriate for all investors, particularly those that are not subject to federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

THE OFFERING

The Trust may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings (each, an “Offering”), up to 2,610,553 of the Trust’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”), on terms to be determined at the time of the Offering. The Common Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more prospectus supplements. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in Common Shares. Common Shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by the Trust, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Trust and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale. See “Plan of Distribution.” The Trust may not sell any of Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular Offering of Common Shares.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

Investment Objective. The Trust’s investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. This income will be earned by investing primarily in investment grade municipal obligations. Securities will be purchased and sold in an effort to maintain a competitive yield and to enhance return based upon the relative value of the securities available in the marketplace.

Portfolio Parameters. During normal market conditions, substantially all of the Trust’s total assets (at least 80%) will be invested in debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax (“municipal obligations”). At least 65% of the Trust’s total assets will normally be invested in municipal obligations rated at least investment grade at the time of investment (which are those rated Baa or higher by Moody’s or BBB or higher by either S&P or by Fitch), or, if unrated, determined by Eaton Vance to be of at least investment grade quality. From time to time, the Trust may hold a significant amount of municipal obligations not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“Rating Agency”). When the Trust invests in unrated municipal obligations, it may be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s research capabilities than when it invests in rated municipal obligations.

The Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch (but no more than 30% of total assets may be rated lower than B by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations considered to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance. For purposes of rating restrictions, if an instrument is rated differently by the Rating Agencies, the higher rating is used. The Trust will not purchase securities that are in default at the time of purchase. Investment in municipal obligations of below investment grade quality involves special risks as compared with investment in higher grade municipal obligations. These risks include greater sensitivity to a general economic downturn, greater market price volatility and less secondary market trading. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds.” Such securities are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s ability to pay interest and repay principal owed. See “Investment objective, policies and risks—Additional risk considerations.” For a description of municipal obligation ratings, see Appendix A to the SAI.

The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Trust is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a Rating Agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue or withdraws its assessment. Credit quality can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular security or the issuer’s current financial condition.

Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial paper issued by a municipality for a wide variety of both public and private purposes, the interest on which is, in the opinion of issuer’s counsel (or on the basis of other reliable authority), exempt from regular federal income tax. Public purpose municipal bonds include general obligation and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility, or from the proceeds of a specific revenue source. Some revenue bonds are payable solely or partly from funds that are subject to annual appropriations by a state’s legislature. Municipal notes include bond anticipation, tax anticipation and revenue anticipation notes. Bond, tax and revenue anticipation notes are short-term obligations that will be retired with the proceeds of an anticipated bond issue, tax revenue or facility revenue, respectively. Municipal lease obligations are obligations in the form of a lease, installment purchase or conditional sales contract (which typically provide for the title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) that is issued by state or local governments to acquire equipment and facilities. Participations in municipal leases are undivided interests in a portion of the total obligation. Participations entitle their holders to receive a pro rata share of all payments under the lease. The Trust may invest in pooled investment vehicles, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in order to seek exposure to municipal markets or municipal market sectors.

Some of the securities in which the Trust invests may include so-called “zero-coupon” bonds, whose values are subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount from face value and pay interest only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the security. The Trust is required to take into account income from zero-coupon bonds on a current basis, even though it does not receive that income currently in cash, and the Trust is required to distribute substantially all of its income for each taxable year. Thus, the Trust may have to sell other investments to obtain cash needed to make income distributions.

The Trust may purchase municipal obligations that are additionally secured by insurance, bank credit agreements, or escrow accounts. The credit quality of companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature reduces certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price paid for insured obligations may reduce the Trust’s current yield. Only a portion (and possibly at times none) of the municipal obligations held by the Trust will have such credit enhancements (including insurance) and the Trust is not required to separately purchase credit enhancements such as insurance on those municipal obligations that do not have credit enhancements. The insurance feature does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligations or the NAV of the Trust’s shares. To the extent that securities held by the Trust are insured as to principal and interest payments by insurers whose claims-paying ability is downgraded by a Rating Agency, the value of such security may be affected.

The Trust may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and related options, including futures contracts and related options based on various debt securities and securities indices, as well as interest rate swaps and forward rate contracts to seek to hedge against changes in interest rates, as a substitute for the purchase of securities or for other risk management purposes.

Interest income from certain types of municipal obligations may be a tax preference item for purposes of the AMT for individual investors. Distributions to corporate investors of certain interest income may also be indirectly subject to the AMT. The Trust may not be suitable for investors subject to the AMT.

The Trust has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions set forth in the SAI, which may not be changed without a shareholder vote. Except for such restrictions and the 80% requirement set forth above, the investment objective and policies of the Trust may be changed by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”) without shareholder action.

During unusual market conditions, the Trust may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective and other policies.

Investment Process. A team of Eaton Vance investment professionals is responsible for the overall management of the Trust’s investments. The Trust’s investments are actively managed, and may be bought or sold on a daily basis. The Adviser uses a variety of techniques that are designed to help control risk and seek to minimize the Trust’s exposure to loss of principal value due to defaults and declines in the value of portfolio investments. Eaton Vance’s process for selecting obligations for purchase and sale emphasizes the creditworthiness of the issuer or other person obligated to repay the obligation and the relative value of the obligation in the market. In evaluating creditworthiness, the Adviser considers ratings assigned by Rating Agencies and generally performs additional credit and investment analysis. There is no guarantee that Eaton Vance will be successful in achieving the Trust’s investment objective.

LISTING

As of March 25, 2019, the Trust had 39,668,251 Common Shares outstanding, which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVN.” As of March 25, 2019, the last reported sales price of a Common Share of the Trust on the NYSE was $12.08. Any new Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.

 

USE OF LEVERAGE

Residual interest bonds create investment leverage in the Trust because they provide more than one dollar of exposure to municipal bonds for each dollar the Trust invests in them. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. To initiate a residual interest bond investment, the Trust may sell a bond it holds to a special purpose vehicle (“SPV”) for cash. The SPVs are generally privately offered under the 1933 Act and are not registered under the 1940 Act in reliance on the exclusion provided by Section 3(c)(7) thereof. At the same time, the Trust buys a residual interest in the assets and cash flows of the SPV, the assets of which consist of a bond that is identical to that sold to the SPV by the Trust (the “SPV Bond”). The SPV also issues and sells notes paying floating rates of interest (“Floating-Rate Notes”) to third parties. The Floating-Rate Notes have interest rates that generally reset weekly based on changes in a reference interest rate (such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) Municipal Bond Swap Index) and their holders have the option to tender to the SPV for redemption at par value at each reset date. The income earned on the SPV Bond is, in effect, first used to pay the interest payable on the Floating-Rate Note, with any remaining income then going to the residual interest bond. The holder of the Floating-Rate Note effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. As the holder of the residual interest bond, the Trust receives the residual cash flow from the SPV.

A residual interest bond investment held by the Trust generally gives the Trust the right (1) to cause the holders of the Floating-Rate Notes to tender their notes at par value and (2) to require the SPV to terminate and transfer the SPV Bond to the Trust. Should the Trust exercise this right, it would generally pay the SPV the par value of the Floating-Rate Notes and exchange the residual interest bond for the underlying SPV Bond. The SPV also may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain termination events as defined in the SPV’s trust agreement, such as a downgrade in the credit quality of the underlying SPV Bond, bankruptcy of or payment failure by the issuer of the SPV Bond, the inability to remarket Floating-Rate Notes that have been tendered due to insufficient buyers in the market or the SPV’s failure to obtain renewal of the liquidity support agreement provided for the Floating-Rate Notes. The Trust may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements with brokers by which the Trust agrees to reimburse the broker, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the SPV Bond and the liquidation value of the Floating-Rate Notes, as well as shortfalls in interest cash flows. Such agreements may expose the Trust to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the residual interest bonds. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Trust would not be required to make such a reimbursement.

The Trust will segregate or earmark liquid assets at its custodian equal to the value of economic leverage created by residual interest bonds, whether initiated by the Trust or purchased on the secondary market.

Investments in residual interest bonds typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality and maturity. Because the residual interest bond is an inverse floating rate security and only pays a residual income, compared to fixed rate municipal bonds, the value of residual interest bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Moreover, the income earned on such bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. When residual interest bonds are held by the Trust, an increase in short- or long-term market interest rates may adversely affect the income received from such bonds or the net asset value of Common Shares.

The Trust previously had iMTP and APS outstanding. On March 9, 1999, the Trust issued 2,620 Series A and 2,620 Series B APS, with a liquidation preference per share of $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends. As of March 26, 2018, 2,620 Series A, 2,620 Series B and 806 Series C APS had been redeemed. On May 27, 2009, in connection with the merger of the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 5,027,606 Common Shares and 806 shares of Series C APS in exchange for the common shares and APS, respectively, to the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust. On February 26, 2016, the Trust repurchased 1,651 shares of Series A, 1,815 shares of Series B and 749 shares of Series C APS at a price per share equal to 94.5% of the liquidation preference per share (or $23,625 per share) and issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The iMTP had seniority over the Common Shares. On March 26, 2018, the Trust redeemed 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its iMTP and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. At November 30, 2018, the Trust had no iMTP or APS outstanding and had no outstanding borrowings, but did have leverage in the form of residual interest bonds. The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage (from any borrowings and residual interest bonds) may result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful.

 

The costs of the financial leverage program (from any issuance of preferred shares, any borrowings and investment in residual interest bonds) are borne by Common Shareholders and consequently result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. During periods in which the Trust is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Trust did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Trust’s gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders. In this regard, holders of debt or 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 from the use of leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Use of Leverage and Related Risks” and “Management of the Trust - The Adviser.”

Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Trust’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Trust to special risks. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Additional Investment Practices” and “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Additional Risk Considerations.”

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR

Eaton Vance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., is the Trust's investment adviser and administrator. As of January 31, 2019, Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed approximately $444.7 billion of fund and separate account assets on behalf of clients, including 40 open-end and closed-end municipal bond funds with combined assets of approximately $15.0 billion. See “Management of the Trust.”

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Trust may sell the Common Shares being offered under this Prospectus in any one or more of the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers; (ii) through agents; (iii) to or through underwriters; or (iv) through dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Trust and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale.

The Trust may distribute Common Shares from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices that may be changed; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to prevailing market prices; or (iv) negotiated prices; provided, however, that in each case the offering price per Common Share (less any underwriting commission or discount) must equal or exceed the NAV per Common Share.

The Trust from time to time may offer its Common Shares through or to certain broker-dealers, including UBS Securities LLC, that have entered into selected dealer agreements relating to at-the-market offerings.

The Trust may directly solicit offers to purchase Common Shares, or the Trust may designate agents to solicit such offers. The Trust will, in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the 1933 Act, and describe any commissions the Trust must pay to such agent(s). Any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, on a firm commitment basis. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Trust in the ordinary course of business.

If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Trust will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and the Trust will set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering their names and the terms of the Trust’s agreement with them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Trust will sell such Common Shares to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such Common Shares to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

The Trust may engage in at-the-market offerings to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the 1933 Act. An at-the-market offering may be through an underwriter or underwriters acting as principal or agent for the Trust.

Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with the Trust to indemnification by the Trust against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Trust in the ordinary course of business.

 

In order to facilitate the Offering of Common Shares, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of Common Shares or any other Common Shares the prices of which may be used to determine payments on the Common Shares. Specifically, any underwriters may over-allot in connection with the Offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of Common Shares or of any such other Common Shares, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Common Shares or any such other Common Shares in the open market. Finally, in any Offering of Common Shares through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing Common Shares in the Offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Common Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of Common Shares above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

The Trust may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell Common Shares not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Common Shares covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use Common Shares pledged by the Trust or borrowed from the Trust or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use Common Shares received from the Trust in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this Prospectus, will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials (or a post-effective amendment).

The maximum amount of compensation to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. will not exceed 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security being sold with respect to each particular Offering of Common Shares made under a single Prospectus Supplement.

Any underwriter, agent or dealer utilized in the initial Offering of Common Shares will not confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.

DISTRIBUTIONS

The Trust intends to make regular monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders. The amount of each monthly distribution will vary depending on a number of factors, including distributions payable on any preferred shares or other costs of financial leverage. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distribution on the Common Shares and the Trust’s distribution policy could change. Over time, the Trust will distribute all of its net investment income (after it pays accrued distributions on any outstanding preferred shares or other costs of financial leverage).

The net investment income of the Trust will consist of all interest income accrued on portfolio investments, short-term capital gain (including short-term gains on options, futures and forward 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 Trust. Expenses of the Trust will be accrued each day. Substantially all of the Trust’s investment company taxable income will be distributed each year. In addition, at least annually, the Trust intends to distribute any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). To the extent that the Trust’s net investment income and net capital gain for any year exceed the total monthly distributions paid during the year, the Trust will make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may be required. If the Trust’s total monthly distributions in any year exceed the amount of its net investment income and net capital gain for the year, any such excess would be characterized as a return of capital for federal income tax purposes. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other than net income, the Trust 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.

Common Shareholders may automatically reinvest some or all of their distributions in additional Common Shares pursuant to the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Trust has established a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, unless a Common Shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash, all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST” or the “Plan Agent”) serves as agent for the Common Shareholders in administering the Plan. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all Trust distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the Common Shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by AST, as disbursing agent. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by written notice if received by the Plan Agent prior to any distribution record date. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

CLOSED-END STRUCTURE

Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at NAV at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Mutual funds are subject to continuous asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, whereas closed-end funds generally can stay more fully invested in securities consistent with the closed-end fund's investment objective(s) and policies. In addition, in comparison to open-end funds, closed-end funds have greater flexibility in the employment of financial leverage and in the ability to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.

However, shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. Since inception, the market price of the Common Shares has fluctuated and at times traded below the Trust’s NAV, and at times has traded above NAV. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of Common Shareholders, the Trust's Board of Trustees (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 Trust to an open-end management investment company. The Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Trust's investment objective and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Trust to an open-end management investment company. Investors should note that any outstanding preferred shares issued by the Trust could make a conversion to open-end form more difficult because of the voting rights of preferred shareholders, the costs of redeeming preferred shares and other factors. See “Description of Capital Structure.”

SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment.

Discount From or Premium to NAV. The Offering will be conducted only when Common Shares of the Trust are trading at a price equal to or above the Trust’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Trust’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to net asset value. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Trust’s NAV may decrease.

Market Discount Risk. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Trust’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Trust’s NAV may decrease.

Secondary Market for the Common Shares. The issuance of Common Shares through the Offering may have an adverse effect on the secondary market for the Common Shares. The increase in the amount of the Trust’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from the Offering may put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Trust. Common Shares will not be issued pursuant to the Offering at any time when Common Shares are trading at a price lower than a price equal to the Trust’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions.

The Trust also issues Common Shares of the Trust through its dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Common Shares may be issued under the plan at a discount to the market price for such Common Shares, which may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares of the Trust.

When the Common Shares are trading at a premium, the Trust may also issue Common Shares of the Trust that are sold through transactions effected on the NYSE. The increase in the amount of the Trust’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from that offering may also put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Trust.

The voting power of current shareholders will be diluted to the extent that such shareholders do not purchase shares in any future Common Share offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their percentage interest. In addition, if the Adviser is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Trust’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Trust may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.

 

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 Trust, which will generally trade in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. 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.

Interest Rate and Income Risk. The prices of municipal obligations tend to fall as interest rates rise. When interest rates decline, the value of municipal obligations held by the Trust can be expected to rise. Interest rate risk is the risk that the municipal obligations in the Trust’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because of prevailing low interest rates. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term municipal obligations tend to fluctuate more in price in response to changes in market interest rates than prices of shorter-term municipal obligations. A decline in the prices of the municipal obligations owned by the Trust would cause a decline in the NAV of the Trust, which could adversely affect the trading price of the Common Shares. This risk is usually greater among municipal obligations with longer maturities or durations. Market risk is often greater among certain types of income securities, such as zero-coupon bonds, which do not make regular interest payments. As interest rates change, these bonds often fluctuate in price more than coupon bonds that make regular interest payments. Because the Trust may invest in these types of income securities, it may be subject to greater market risk than a fund that invests only in current interest paying securities. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Interest Rate and Income Risk.”

Call and Reinvestment Risks. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of callable bonds with high interest coupons will “call” (or prepay) their bonds before their maturity date. If a call were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the Trust would likely replace such called security with a lower yielding security. If that were to happen, it could decrease the Trust’s dividends and possibly could affect the market price of Common Shares. Similar risks exist when the Trust invests the proceeds from matured or traded municipal obligations at market interest rates that are below the Trust’s current earnings rate.

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more municipal bonds in the Trust’s portfolio will decline in price, or fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the bond experiences a decline in its financial status. Because the Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in below investment grade securities, it will be subject to a high level of credit risk. In general, lower rated municipal bonds carry a greater degree of risk that the issuer will lose its ability to make interest and principal payments, which could have a negative impact on the Trust’s NAV or dividends. Securities rated in the fourth highest category (i.e., Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P or Fitch) are considered investment grade quality, but may have speculative characteristics. In evaluating the creditworthiness, the Adviser considers ratings assigned by Ratings Agencies and generally performs additional credit and investment analysis. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Credit Risk.”

Liquidity Risk. The secondary market for some municipal obligations is less liquid than that for widely traded taxable debt obligations or widely traded municipal obligations. No established resale market exists for certain of the municipal obligations in which the Trust may invest. The Trust has no limitation on the amount of its assets that may be invested in securities that are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. In certain situations, the Trust could find it more difficult to sell such securities at desirable times and/or prices. The Trust may not be able to readily dispose of such securities at prices that approximate those at which the Trust could sell such securities if they were more widely traded or at which the Trust has valued such securities and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Trust may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Liquidity Risk.”

Municipal Bond Market Risk. Investing in the municipal bond market involves certain risks. Certain securities in which the Trust will invest will not be registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available about the municipal obligations in the Trust’s portfolio is generally less than for corporate equities or bonds, and the investment performance of the Trust may, therefore, be more dependent on the analytical abilities of Eaton Vance than if the Trust were a stock fund or taxable bond fund.

The ability of municipal issuers to make timely payments of interest and principal may be diminished during general economic downturns and as governmental cost burdens are reallocated among federal, state and local governments. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Issuers of municipal obligations might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, the Trust could experience delays in collecting principal and interest to which it is entitled, and may obtain only a limited recovery or no recovery in such circumstances. To enforce its rights in the event of default in the payment of interest or repayment of principal, or both, the Trust may take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase the Trust’s operating expenses. Any income derived from the Trust’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.

Fixed income markets have recently experienced a period of relatively high volatility. As a result of the Federal Reserve’s action to end its quantitative easing stimulus program as well as the possibility that it may unwind the program and its recent decision to raise the target fed funds rate, fixed income markets could experience continuing high volatility, which could negatively impact the Trust’s performance. Many state and municipal governments are under significant economic and financial stress. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Municipal Bond Market Risk.”

Insurance Risk. Municipal obligations may be insured as to their scheduled payment of principal and interest. Although the insurance feature may reduce some financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price sometimes paid for insured obligations may reduce the current yield on the insured obligation. Insured obligations also may be secured by bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. Changes in the ratings of an insurer may affect the value of an insured obligation, and in some cases may even cause the value of a security to be less than a comparable uninsured obligation. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of the Trust’s shares. The credit rating of an insured obligation reflects the credit rating of the insurer, based on its claims-paying ability. The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of each insured obligation. Although defaults on insured municipal obligations have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have met their claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than expected default rate could strain the insurer’s loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders. Because a significant portion of insured municipal obligations that have been issued and are outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies, such as a credit rating downgrade, could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the municipal obligations insured by that insurance company and on the municipal bond markets as a whole.

Risks of Municipal Lease Obligations (“MLOs”) and Certificates of Participation. MLOs are obligations in the form of a lease, installment purchase or conditional sales contract (which typically provide for the title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) that is issued by state or local governments to acquire equipment and facilities. Interest income from MLOs is generally exempt from local and state taxes in the state of issuance. MLOs, like other municipal debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Risks of Municipal Lease Obligations (”MLOs“) and Certificates of Participation.”

Current Regulatory Environment Risk. From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of municipal obligations, and it can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal obligations. This could in turn affect the Trust’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels.

It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Trust from using such instruments as part of its investment strategy, which could negatively impact the Trust. For example, some legislative and regulatory proposals, such as those in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), would, upon implementation, impose limits on the maximum position that could be held by a single trader in certain contracts and would subject some derivatives transactions to new forms of regulation that could create barriers to some types of investment activity. Other provisions require many swaps to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on dealers that enter into swaps with a pension plan, endowment, retirement plan or government entity, and require banks to move some derivatives trading units to a non-guaranteed affiliate separate from the deposit-taking bank or divest them altogether. While many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act must be implemented through future rulemaking, and any regulatory or legislative activity may not necessarily have a direct, immediate effect upon the Trust, it is possible that, upon implementation of these measures or any future measures, they could potentially limit or completely restrict the ability of the Trust to use these instruments as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Trust engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Trust from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.

At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Trust. Legislation or regulation may change the way in which the Trust itself is regulated. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Trust’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Current Economic Conditions Risk. The financial crisis in the U.S. and global economies over the past several years, including the European sovereign debt crisis, has resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and in the net asset values of many investment companies, including to some extent the Trust. Conditions in the U.S. and global economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in fixed income instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. The financial condition of federal, state and local governments may be sensitive to market events, which may, in turn, adversely affect the marketability of notes and bonds they issue. Recent declines in real estate prices and general business activity are reducing tax revenues of many state and local governments and could affect the economic viability of projects that are the sole source of revenue to support various private activity bonds. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Because the situation is widespread and largely unprecedented, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market conditions. The severity or duration of these conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

United States Credit Rating Downgrade Risk. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA” with a negative outlook. Moody’s affirmed the Aaa long-term sovereign credit rating of the U.S. on November 21, 2011 while maintaining its negative outlook. The downgrade by S&P and any future downgrades by other Rating Agencies could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase borrowing costs generally. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on municipal issuers and the Trust. In addition, following S&P’s downgrade of the U.S., the major Rating Agencies have also placed many municipalities on review for potential downgrades, which could impact the market price, liquidity and volatility of the municipal securities held by the Trust in its portfolio. If the universe of municipal securities meeting the Trust’s ratings and credit quality requirements shrinks, it may be more difficult for the Trust to meet its investment objective and the Trust’s investments may become more concentrated in fewer issues.

State Specific Risk. The Trust has no current intention to invest 25% or more of its gross assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in the same state (or U.S. territory), but reserves the flexibility to do so in the future. If the Trust focuses its investments in any one state (or U.S. territory), the Trust may be more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular state (or territory). Certain municipal bond issuers in Puerto Rico have recently experienced financial difficulties and rating agency downgrades, and two such issuers have defaulted on their payment obligations.

Sector Concentration Risk. The Trust may invest 25% or more of its total assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in the same economic sector, such as revenue obligations of health care facilities or hospitals, airport revenue obligations or industrial development bonds. This may make the Trust more susceptible to adverse economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular state or economic sector. For example, health care related issuers are susceptible to changes in Medicaid reimbursement policies, and national and state health care legislation. As concentration increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the NAV of the Trust’s shares.

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. As indicated above, the Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch (but not, with respect to more than 30% of its total assets, lower than B by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations that the Adviser considers to be of comparable quality. Such obligations are commonly called “junk bonds” and will have speculative characteristics in varying degrees. For purposes of rating restrictions, if an instrument is rated differently by the Rating Agencies, the higher rating is used. Below investment grade securities held by the Trust are subject to higher risk. Also, their yields and market values may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Fluctuations in value do not affect the cash income from the securities, but are reflected in the Trust’s net asset value. The greater risks and fluctuations in yield and value occur, in part, because investors generally perceive issuers of lower rated and unrated securities to be less creditworthy. These issuers may be particularly susceptible to market downturns, adverse economic or political events or other developments such as weather or other catastrophic events.

Secondary market trading in below investment grade securities may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.”

Unrated Securities Risk. The Trust may invest in unrated obligations for which Eaton Vance will make a credit quality determination for purposes of the Trust’s credit quality policy. To the extent that the Trust invests in such unrated obligations, the Trust’s credit quality will be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s credit analysis than if the Trust invested in only rated obligations. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value.

 

Residual Interest Bond Risk. Residual interest bonds create investment leverage in the Trust because they provide more than one dollar of exposure to municipal bonds for each dollar the Trust invests in them. As a result, the value of residual interest bonds may increase or decrease at a rate that is a multiple of the rate by which the value of the municipal bonds underlying the residual interest bonds increase or decrease. The market values of residual interest bonds will generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed rate tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, the Trust may invest in residual interest bonds with shorter-term maturities or that contain limitations on the extent to which the interest rate may vary. The Trust may also use derivatives to offset the volatility of residual interest bonds.

Residual interest bonds pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. Because the residual interest bond is an inverse floating rate security and only pays a residual income, compared to fixed rate municipal bonds, the value of residual interest bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Moreover, the income earned on such bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. In the extreme, increases in short-term interest rates may eliminate the interest paid to the Trust by residual interest bond investments.

Residual interest bonds have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market for these securities is relatively volatile. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Residual Interest Bond Risk.”

Leverage Risk. As discussed above, the Trust currently uses leverage created by investing in residual interest bonds. The Trust will comply with the asset segregation requirements of the 1940 Act in making such investments. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage.

The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage (from residual interest bonds and any borrowings) may result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that costs of leverage may affect the return to Common Shareholders. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Trust’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such funds 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 Trust’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful.

As discussed under “Management of the Trust,” the fee paid to Eaton Vance is calculated on the basis of the Trust's gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating rate note holders, so the fees will be higher when leverage is utilized. In this regard, holders of any 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 use of leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee.

The Trust may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more Rating Agencies that may issue ratings for any preferred shares issued by the Trust. Any bank lender in connection with a credit facility or commercial paper program may also impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. Such restrictions imposed by a Rating Agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Trust by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede Eaton Vance from managing the Trust's portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies. See “Description of Capital Structure - Preferred Shares.”

Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Trust’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Trust to special risks. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Additional Investment Practices” and “Investment Objective, Policies, and Risks - Additional Risk Considerations.”

 

Derivatives Risk. In addition to investing in residual interest bonds, the Trust may invest without limitation in other derivative instruments (which are instruments that derive their value from another instrument, security or index) acquired for hedging purposes or investment purposes. These derivative instruments may include financial futures contracts and related options, interest rate swaps and forward rate contracts. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed amounts invested in these instruments. Derivative transactions, including options on securities and securities indices and other transactions in which the Trust may subject the Trust to increased risk of principal loss due to unexpected movements in securities prices and interest rates, and imperfect correlations between the Trust’s securities holdings and indices upon which derivative transactions are based. Derivatives can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and may have a potentially large impact on the Trust’s performance. The Trust also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any OTC derivatives contracts entered into by the Trust. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Trust may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Trust 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 Trust’s performance.

The use of derivatives to enhance income is considered to be speculative in nature. The use of derivatives may result in greater losses than if they had not been used, may require the Trust to sell or purchase portfolio investments at inopportune times or for prices other than current market value, may limit the amount of appreciation the Trust can realize on an investment or may cause the Trust to hold a security it might otherwise sell. Segregated liquid assets, amounts paid by the Trust as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to derivatives transactions are not otherwise available to the Trust for investment or operational purposes. Certain derivative transactions may have economic characteristics similar to leverage. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Leverage Risk.”

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

Counterparty Risk. Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Trust’s counterparties with respect to its derivatives positions and liquidity providers for the Trust’s residual interest bonds or other investments supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the municipals markets have in recent years incurred significant financial hardships, including bankruptcy and material loss of credit standing as a result of exposure to investments that have experienced defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations. By using derivatives or other instruments that expose the Trust to counterparties, the Trust assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience future financial hardship. “Additional Risk Considerations - Counterparty Risk.”

Hedging Risk. The Trust’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risks involves costs and will be subject to Eaton Vance’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Trust’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that Eaton Vance’s judgment in this respect will be correct. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Trust will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so. Hedging transactions have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets of the Trust, which creates the possibility that the loss on such instruments may be greater than the gain, if any, in the value of the underlying asset in the Trust’s portfolio; the limited availability of such instruments; the loss of principal; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; illiquidity of the derivative investments; and the imperfect correlation between the tax-exempt and taxable markets. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use hedging transactions depends on the Eaton Vance’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of hedging transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Trust to sell or purchase portfolio investments at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Trust can realize on an investment, or may cause the Trust to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.

 

Swaps Risk. Whether the use of swap agreements will be successful will depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of reference instruments are likely to produce greater returns than other instruments. Swap agreements may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and they may have terms of greater than seven days. The Trust’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Trust under the swap). Developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Trust’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements, as well as to participate in swap agreements in the future. If there is a default by the counterparty to a swap, the Trust will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreement, but any recovery may be delayed depending on the circumstances of the default.

Private Activity Bonds. Private activity bonds, formerly referred to as industrial development bonds, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal obligations, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. Interest on certain “private activity bonds” issued after August 7, 1986 is exempt from regular federal income tax, but such interest (including a distribution by the Trust derived from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the recipient to or increase the recipient’s liability for the AMT. For corporate shareholders, the Trust’s distributions derived from interest on all municipal obligations (whenever issued) are included in “adjusted current earnings” for purposes of the AMT as applied to corporations (to the extent not already included in alternative minimum taxable income as income attributable to private activity bonds).

Futures Risk. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying reference instrument, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). Closing a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument or commodity with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Trust realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Trust realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Trust realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Trust realizes a capital loss. The Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of a Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to the Trust and therefore, neither the Adviser nor the Trust are subject to registration or regulation thereunder.

Structured Notes Risk. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of investments because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

Inflation Risk/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value 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. In addition, during periods of rising inflation, short-term interest rates and the Trust’s cost of leverage would likely increase, reducing returns to the Common Shareholders to the extent that such increased cost is not offset by commensurately higher income. Also, distribution rates of any preferred shares would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time − the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Trust’s investments.

Duration and Maturity Risk. The Trust has no set policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will expose the Trust to certain magnified risks. These risks include interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risks as discussed above.

 

Tax Risk. The value of the Trust’s investments and its NAV may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal obligations normally is not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal obligations in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal obligations. From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of municipal obligations, and it can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal obligations. This could, in turn, affect the Trust’s NAV and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels. The Trust is not a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, for other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for investors who are otherwise indifferent to the federal income tax consequences of their investments. See “Distributions” and “Federal income tax matters.”

The Trust will invest in municipal obligations in reliance at the time of purchase on an opinion of bond counsel to the issuer that the interest paid on those securities will be excludable from gross income under the regular federal income tax, and the Adviser will typically not independently verify that opinion. Subsequent to the Trust’s acquisition of such a municipal security, however, the security may be determined to pay, or to have paid, taxable income. As a result, the treatment of dividends previously paid or to be paid by the Trust as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting the Trust’s Common Shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities.

Interest income from certain types of municipal obligations may be a tax preference item for purposes of the AMT for individual investors. Distributions to corporate investors of certain interest income may also be indirectly subject to the AMT.

Management Risk. The Trust is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers invest the assets of the Trust as they deem appropriate in implementing the Trust’s investment strategy. Accordingly, the success of the Trust depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers to develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the Trust’s investment objective. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Trust’s investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Trust to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities.

Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies by Trust service providers to conduct business, such as the Internet, the Trust is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cybersecurity failures or breaches by the Trust’s investment adviser or administrator and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the custodian or transfer agent), and the issuers of securities in which the Trust invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Trust’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Trust shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. While various Trust service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Trust cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Trust and issuers in which the Trust invests.

Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk. The Adviser provides a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Trust. For example, the Adviser may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to those of the Trust. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Adviser may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients, which include closed-end funds, open-end funds and other commingled funds. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests.

 

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk. Securities may be purchased on a “forward commitment,” “when-issued” or “delayed delivery” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. When the Trust agrees to purchase such securities, it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security from the date of the agreement to purchase. The Trust does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment, when-issued or delayed delivery transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction.

Other Investment Companies and ETF Risk

The Trust may, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, invest in the securities of other investment companies. Such securities may be leveraged. As a result, the Trust may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks. The Trust, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Trust’s own operations.

The Trust may invest in the securities of ETFs, to the extent permitted by law. ETFs are designed to provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component securities (or commodities) of the benchmark index. ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis. The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities (or commodities) fluctuate according to market volatility. Investments in ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities. Typically, the ETF bears its own operational expenses, which are deducted from its assets. To the extent that the Trust invests in ETFs, the Trust must bear these expenses in addition to the expenses of its own operation.

Market Disruption. Instability in the Middle East, the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, geopolitical tensions elsewhere and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have previously, and may continue to result in market volatility and may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets. Such events may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Trust cannot predict the effects of significant future events on the global economy and securities markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.

Anti-takeover Provisions. The Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Trust or to change the composition of its Board. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Trust, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Trust and interfering with the normal operation of the Trust. See “Description of Capital Structure - Certain Provisions of the Declaration of Trust - Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

 

Summary of Trust Expenses

The purpose of the table below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares (“Common Shareholder”), would bear directly or indirectly. The table reflects average leverage attributable to floating-rate notes for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018 in an amount equal to 40.26% of the Trust’s gross assets (including floating-rate notes) and shows Trust expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares.

Common Shareholder transaction expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)		--(1)
Offering expenses borne by the Trust		None(2)
Dividend reinvestment plan fees		None(3)
Annual expenses	Percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares(4)
Management fee	1.18%(5)
Interest expenses	1.61%(6)
Other expenses	0.11%
Total annual expenses	2.90%
Dividends on preferred shares(7)	0.03%
Total annual Trust operating expenses and dividends on preferred shares	2.93%

 

EXAMPLE

The following example illustrates the expenses that Common Shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (i) total annual Trust operating expenses of 2.93% of net assets attributable to Common Shares in years 1 through 10; (ii) a 5% annual return; and (iii) all distributions are reinvested at NAV:

1 Year	3 Years	5 Years	10 Years
$30	$91	$154	$325

The above table and example and the assumption in the example of a 5% annual return are required by regulations of the SEC that are applicable to all investment companies; the assumed 5% annual return is not a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance of the Trust’s Common Shares. For more complete descriptions of certain of the Trust’s costs and expenses, see “Management of the Trust.” In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at NAV, participants in the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan may receive Common Shares purchased or issued at a price or value different from NAV. See “Distributions” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” The example does not include sales load or estimated offering costs, which would cause the expenses shown in the example to increase.

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be higher or lower. The Trust’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

(1)

If Common Shares are sold to or through underwriters, the prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable sales load.

(2)

The Adviser will pay the expenses of the Offering (other than the applicable commissions); therefore, Offering expenses are not included in the Summary of Trust Expenses. Offering expenses generally include, but are not limited to, the preparation, review and filing with the SEC of the Trust’s registration statement (including this prospectus and the SAI), the preparation, review and filing of any associated marketing or similar materials, costs associated with the printing, mailing or other distribution of the prospectus, SAI and/or marketing materials, associated filing fees, NYSE listing fees, and legal and auditing fees associated with the Offering.

(3)

You will be charged a $5.00 service charge and pay brokerage charges if you direct the plan agent to sell your Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account.

(4)

Stated as a percentage of average net assets attributed to Common Shares for the year ended November 30, 2018.

(5)

The advisory fee paid by the Trust to the Adviser is based on the average weekly gross assets of the Trust, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders, as described under “Management of the Trust – The Adviser”. Accordingly, if the Trust were to increase investment leverage in the future, the advisory fee will increase as a percentage of net assets.

(6)

“Interest Expenses” relate to the Trust’s liability with respect to floating-rate notes held by third parties in conjunction with investments in residual interest bonds. The Trust records offsetting interest income in an amount at least equal to this expense relating to the municipal obligations underlying such transactions.

(7)

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its outstanding iMTP. The Trust had no preferred shares outstanding as of November 30, 2018.

Financial Highlights and Investment Performance

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

This table details the financial performance of the Common Shares, including total return information showing how much an investment in the Trust has increased or decreased each period. This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The report of Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Trust’s financial statements are incorporated by reference and included in the Trust’s annual report, which is available upon request.

Selected data for a Common Share outstanding during the periods stated.

	Year Ended November 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Net asset value — Beginning of year (Common shares)	$13.250	$12.910	$13.020	$12.950	$10.540
Income (Loss) From Operations
Net investment income(1)	$0.611	$0.688	$0.767	$0.886	$0.886
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)	(0.528)	0.330	(0.340)	0.082	2.423
Distributions to APS shareholders(1)
From net investment income	(0.004)	(0.008)	(0.008)	(0.007)	(0.005)
Discount on redemption and repurchase of APS(1)	—	—	0.244	—	—
Total income from operations	$0.079	$1.010	$0.663	$0.961	$3.304
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders
From net investment income	$(0.629)	$(0.670)	$(0.773)	$(0.892)	$(0.900)
Total distributions to common shareholders	$(0.629)	$(0.670)	$(0.773)	$(0.892)	$(0.900)
Premium from common shares sold through shelf offering(1)	$—	$—	$—	$0.001	$0.006
Net asset value — End of year (Common shares)	$12.700	$13.250	$12.910	$13.020	$12.950
Market value — End of year (Common shares)	$11.050	$12.300	$12.260	$13.390	$13.350
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(2)	1.04%	8.13%	4.91%(3)	7.60%	32.67%
Total Investment Return on Market Value(2)	(5.22)%	5.70%	(3.13)%	7.42%	36.79%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of year (000’s omitted)	$302,013	$315,080	$307,135	$309,354	$307,074
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares):(4)†
Expenses excluding interest and fees(5)	1.29%	1.33%	1.30%	1.43%	1.55%
Interest and fee expense(6)	1.61%	1.25%	0.83%	0.33%	0.30%
Total expenses(5)	2.90%	2.58%	2.13%	1.76%	1.85%
Net investment income	4.71%	5.19%	5.54%	6.84%	7.49%
Portfolio Turnover	32%	8%	4%	21%	36%
Senior Securities:
Total preferred shares outstanding	—(7)	3,311(8)	3,311(8)	4,806(8)	4,806(8)
Asset coverage per preferred share	$—(7)	$120,162(9)	$117,762(9)	$89,369(9)	$88,894(9)
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share	$—(7)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)
Approximate market value per preferred share	$—(7)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)	$25,000(10)

(See related footnotes.)

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)

	Year Ended November 30,
	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009
Net asset value — Beginning of year (Common shares)	$13.360	$10.710	$11.080	$10.840	$8.110
Income (Loss) From Operations
Net investment income(1)	$0.885	$0.905	$0.988	$1.036	$0.981
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)	(2.778)	2.715	(0.352)	0.169	2.648
Distributions to APS shareholders(1)
From net investment income	(0.009)	(0.013)	(0.016)	(0.022)	(0.036)
Total income (loss) from operations	$(1.902)	$3.607	$0.620	$1.183	$3.593
Less Distributions to Common Shareholders
From net investment income	$(0.930)	$(0.957)	$(0.990)	$(0.943)	$(0.863)
Total distributions to common shareholders	$(0.930)	$(0.957)	$(0.990)	$(0.943)	$(0.863)
Premium from common shares sold through shelf offering(1)	$0.012	$—	$—	$—	$—
Net asset value — End of year (Common shares)	$10.540	$13.360	$10.710	$11.080	$10.840
Market value — End of year (Common shares)	$10.530	$14.310	$12.270	$11.980	$11.480
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(2)	(14.69)%	34.28%	5.66%	10.74%	46.43%
Total Investment Return on Market Value(2)	(20.43)%	25.54%	11.96%	13.06%	48.84%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of year (000’s omitted)	$246,295	$304,726	$243,936	$250,731	$243,846
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares):(4)†
Expenses excluding interest and fees(5)	1.63%	1.68%	1.88%	1.73%	2.00%
Interest and fee expense(6)	0.33%	0.34%	0.39%	0.34%	0.47%
Total expenses(5)	1.96%	2.02%	2.27%	2.07%	2.47%
Net investment income	7.49%	7.44%	9.46%	9.00%	10.44%
Portfolio Turnover	42%	25%	15%	16%	44%
Senior Securities:
Total preferred shares outstanding(8)	4,806	4,806	4,806	4,806	4,806
Asset coverage per preferred share(9)	$76,248	$88,406	$75,757	$77,172	$75,739
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share(10)	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000
Approximate market value per preferred share(10)	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000

(See related footnotes.)

(1)

Computed using average common shares outstanding.

(2)

Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or market value with all distributions reinvested. Distributions are assumed to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan.

(3)

The total return based on net asset value reflects the impact of the tender and repurchase by the Trust of a portion of its APS at 94.5% of the per share liquidation preference. Absent this transaction, the total return based on net asset value would have been 2.93%.

(4)

Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to APS shareholders.

(5)

Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%. Effective September 1, 2015, custody fee credits, which were earned on cash deposit balances, were discontinued by the custodian.

(6)

Interest and fee expense relates to the liability for floating rate notes issued in conjunction with residual interest bond transactions and iMTP issued to redeem a portion of the Trust’s APS.

(7)

As of November 30, 2018, the Trust had no APS and iMTP outstanding.

(8)

Preferred shares represent iMTP and APS as of November 30, 2017 and 2016 and APS as of November 30, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

⁽⁹⁾ Calculated by subtracting the Trust’s total liabilities (not including the preferred shares) from the Trust’s total assets, and dividing the result by the number of preferred shares outstanding.

⁽¹⁰⁾ Plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.

†

Ratios based on net assets applicable to common shares plus preferred shares (iMTP and APS, as applicable) are presented below. Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to APS shareholders and exclude the effect of custody fee credits, if any.

	Year Ended November 30,
	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014	2013	2012	2011	2010	2009
Expense excluding interest and fees	1.09%	1.05%	1.02%	1.04%	1.08%	1.13%	1.17%	1.25%	1.19%	1.26%
Interest and fee expense	1.36%	0.99%	0.65%	0.23%	0.21%	0.23%	0.24%	0.26%	0.23%	0.29%
Total expenses	2.45%	2.04%	1.67%	1.27%	1.29%	1.36%	1.41%	1.51%	1.42%	1.55%
Net investment income	3.97%	4.11%	4.33%	4.92%	5.23%	5.18%	5.19%	6.28%	6.15%	6.56%

 

TRADING AND NAV INFORMATION

The Trust’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to NAV. The Trust cannot predict whether its shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price of Common Shares (less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per share of a company’s common stock (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). The issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Trust’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for the Trust’s Common Shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Discount from or Premium to NAV”.

In addition, the Trust’s Board of Trustees has authorized the Trust to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding Common Shares (as of the date of such authorization) in open-market transactions at a discount to NAV. The repurchase program does not obligate the Trust to purchase a specific amount of shares. The results of the repurchase program are disclosed in the Trust’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.  See “Description of Capital Structure - Repurchase of Common Shares and Other Discount Measures.”

 

The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated the high and low closing market prices for Common Shares on the NYSE, and the corresponding NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV per share at which the Trust’s Common Shares were trading as of such date.

 

	Market Price		NAV per Share on Date of Market Price		NAV Premium/(Discount) on Date of Market Price
Fiscal Quarter Ended	High	Low	High	Low	High	Low
2/28/2019	11.83	11.03	12.93	12.84	(8.51)%	(14.10)%
11/30/2018	12.14	10.83	12.97	12.56	(6.40)%	(13.77)%
8/31/2018	12.11	11.76	13.04	12.97	(7.13)%	(9.33)%
5/31/2018	11.87	11.45	12.97	12.93	(8.48)%	(11.45)%
2/28/2018	12.49	11.56	13.52	13.00	(7.62)%	(11.08)%
11/30/2017	13.05	12.25	13.54	13.19	(3.62)%	(7.13)%
8/31/2017	13.13	12.85	13.48	13.43	(2.60)%	(4.32)%
5/31/2017	13.11	12.38	13.07	12.78	0.31%	(3.13)%
2/28/2017	13.03	12.13	13.05	12.73	(0.15)%	(4.71)%

The last reported sale price, NAV per share and percentage premium/(discount) to NAV per share of the Common Shares as of March 25, 2019 were $12.08, $13.27 and (8.97)%, respectively.

As of March 25, 2019, The Trust had net assets of $526,253,347. The following table provides information about our outstanding Common Shares as of March 25, 2019:

Title of Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by the Trust for its Account	Amount Outstanding
Common Shares	Unlimited	0	39,668,251

 

The Trust

The Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 10, 1998, pursuant to a Declaration of Trust, as amended August 11, 2008, governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust’s principal office is located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110, and its telephone number is 1-800-262-1122.

On January 26, 1999, the Trust issued 14,000,000 Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Shares”), pursuant to the initial public offering thereof. The Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVN.” Any new Common Shares issued in the Offering also will be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol. On March 1, 1999, the Trust issued 2,620 Series A and 2,620 Series B auction preferred shares (“APS”), of which 620 of each Series were subsequently redeemed. On May 28, 2009, in connection with the merger of the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 5,027,606 Common Shares and 806 shares of Series C APS in exchange for the common shares and APS, respectively, of the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust. On February 26, 2016, the Trust repurchased 1,651 shares of Series A, 1,815 shares of Series B and 749 shares of Series C APS at a price per share equal to 94.5% of the liquidation preference per share (or $23,625 per share) and issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On November 30, 2017 the Trust had 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS outstanding. On March 26, 2018, the Trust redeemed 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its iMTP and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. As of November 30, 2018, the Trust had no iMTP or APS outstanding.

 

On December 14, 2018, in connection with the merger of Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 2,012,993 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust. On January 18, 2019, in connection with the merger of each of Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Trust, Eaton Vance Ohio Municipal Income Trust and Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 2,737,021 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of each of Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Trust, Eaton Vance Ohio Municipal Income Trust and Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust. On February 22, 2019, in connection with the merger of Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 4,598,158 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust.

The following provides information about the Trust’s outstanding shares as of November 30, 2018:

Class	Amount Authorized	Amount Held by the Trust or for its Account	Amount Outstanding
Common Shares	Unlimited	0	23,782,344

 

Use of Proceeds

It is expected that the net proceeds of the Offering will be invested in accordance with the Trust’s investment objective and policies. The Trust anticipates that it will be possible to invest the proceeds of the Offering consistent with the Trust’s investment objective and policies almost immediately.

Portfolio Composition

As November 30, 2018, the following sets forth certain information with respect to the composition of the Trust’s investment portfolio:

Percentage of total investment portfolio invested in investment grade obligations	84.8%
Percentage of total investment portfolio invested in obligations rated below investment grade	15.2%

 

 

Rating(1)	Number of issues	Mkt Value	Percent
AAA	13	$87,255,474	17.31%
AA	42	$258,007,135	51.19%
A	14	$30,727,591	6.10%
BBB	23	$51,205,920	10.16%
BB	12	$30,440,805	6.04%
B	6	$7,097,473	1.41%
Not rated	29	$39,299,611	7.80%
Total	139	$504,034,007	100%

(1)

Ratings: Using the higher of S&P’s, Moody’s or Fitch’s ratings on the Trust’s investments. S&P and Fitch rating categories may be modified further by a plus (+) or minus (–) in AA, A, BBB, BB, B, and CCC ratings. Moody’s rating categories may be modified further by a 1, 2 or 3 in Aa, A, Baa, Ba, B, and Caa ratings. These ratings include the ratings of the municipal obligations held by tender option bond trusts in which the Trust holds a residual interest.

Investment Objective, Policies and Risks

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Trust’s investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. This income will be earned by investing primarily in investment grade municipal obligations. Securities will be purchased and sold in an effort to maintain a competitive yield and to enhance return based upon the relative value of the securities available in the marketplace. Investments are based on the municipal securities research, trading and portfolio management of the Trust’s investment adviser, Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”). The Trust’s NAV and distribution rate will vary and may be affected by several factors, including changes in interest rates and the credit quality of municipal issuers. An investment in the Trust may not be appropriate for all investors, particularly those that are not subject to federal income tax. There is no assurance that the Trust will achieve its investment objective.

 

PORTFOLIO PARAMETERS

General Composition of the Trust. During normal market conditions, substantially all of the Trust’s total assets (at least 80%) will be invested in debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States, and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax (“municipal obligations”). At least 65% of the Trust’s total assets will normally be invested in municipal obligations rated at least investment grade at the time of investment (which are those rated Baa or higher by Moody’s or BBB or higher by either S&P or by Fitch ), or, if unrated, determined by Eaton Vance to be of at least investment grade quality. For the purposes of rating restrictions, if an instrument is rated differently by the Rating Agencies, the higher rating is used. From time to time, the Trust may hold a significant amount of municipal obligations not rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“Rating Agency”). When the Trust invests in unrated municipal obligations, it may be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s research capabilities than when it invests in rated municipal obligations.

The Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch (but no more than 30% of total assets may be rated lower than B by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations considered to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance. Investment in municipal obligations of below investment grade quality involves special risks as compared with investment in higher grade municipal obligations. These risks include greater sensitivity to a general economic downturn, greater market price volatility and less secondary market trading. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds.” Such securities are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s ability to pay interest and repay principal owed. For a description of municipal obligation ratings, see Appendix A to the SAI.

The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Trust is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a Rating Agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue or withdraws its assessment. Credit quality can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular security or the issuer’s current financial condition.

During unusual market conditions, the Trust may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective and other policies. The Trust may invest in pooled investment vehicles, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), in order to seek exposure to municipal markets or municipal market sectors.

Municipal Obligations. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes and commercial paper issued by a municipality, a group of municipalities or participants in qualified issues of municipal debt for a wide variety of both public and private purposes. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. General obligation bonds issued by municipalities can be adversely affected by economic downturns and the resulting decline in tax revenues, pension funding risk, other post-employment benefit risk, budget imbalances, taxing ability risk, lack of political willpower and federal funding risk, among others. Revenue bonds can be adversely affected by the negative economic viability of the facility or revenue source. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as payments from the user of the facility being financed. Municipal obligations also include municipal leases and participations in municipal leases. An issuer’s obligation under such leases is often subject to the appropriation by a legislative body, on an annual or other basis, of funds for the payment of the obligations.

Certain municipal obligations may be purchased on a “when-issued” basis, which means that payment and delivery occur on a future settlement date. The price and yield of such securities are generally fixed on the date of commitment to purchase. The values of zero coupon bonds and principal only strips are subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. The Trust accrues income on these investments and is required to distribute that income each year. The Trust may be required to sell securities to obtain cash needed for income distributions.

The interest on municipal obligations is (in the opinion of the bond issuer’s counsel) generally exempt from regular federal income tax. Interest income from certain types of municipal obligations may be subject to the AMT for individuals. Distributions to corporate investors also may be subject to the AMT. The Trust may not be suitable for investors subject to the AMT.

 

Municipal Lease Obligations (“MLOs”) and Certificates of Participation. MLOs are obligations in the form of a lease, installment purchase or conditional sales contract (which typically provide for the title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) that is issued by state or local governments to acquire equipment and facilities. Interest income from MLOs is generally exempt from local and state taxes in the state of issuance. MLOs, like other municipal debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment. Although MLOs do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which the issuer’s unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is frequently backed by the issuer’s covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the issuer has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis. Although “non-appropriation” lease obligations may be secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. Participations in municipal leases are undivided interests in a portion of the total obligation. Participations entitle their holders to receive a pro rata share of all payments under the lease.

MLOs and participations therein represent a type of financing that may not have the depth of marketability associated with more conventional securities and, as such, they may be less liquid than conventional securities. Certain MLOs may be deemed illiquid, unless determined by the Adviser, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”), to be liquid securities. The Adviser will consider the factors it believes are relevant to the marketability of the obligation, to the extent that information regarding such factor is available to the Adviser and pertinent to the liquidity determination, which may include: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the obligation; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades and quotes for the obligation; (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of the obligation, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer; (5) the willingness of the governmental issuer to continue to appropriate funds for the payment of the obligation; (6) how likely or remote an event of non-appropriation may be, which depends in varying degrees on a variety of factors, including those relating to the general creditworthiness of the governmental issuer, its dependence on its continuing access to the credit markets, and the importance to the issuer of the equipment, property or facility covered by the lease or contract; (7) an assessment of the likelihood that the lease may or may not be cancelled; and (8) other factors and information unique to the obligation in determining its liquidity.

The ability of issuers of MLOs to make timely lease payments may be adversely impacted in general economic downturns and as relative governmental cost burdens are allocated and reallocated among federal, state and local governmental units. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income from and value of the obligation. Issuers of MLOs might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, holders of MLOs could experience delays and limitations with respect to the collection of principal and interest on such MLOs and may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in lease payments, the Trust might take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities or otherwise incur costs to protect its right, which may increase the Trust’s operating expenses and adversely affect the net asset value of the Trust. When the lease contains a non-appropriation clause, however, the failure to pay would not be a default and the Trust would not have the right to take possession of the assets. Any income derived from the Trust’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities. The principal of, and interest on, pre-refunded municipal obligations are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal obligations. Issuers of municipal obligations use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal obligations. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal obligations remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer.

Private Activity Bonds. Private activity bonds, formerly referred to as industrial development bonds, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal obligations, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. Interest on certain “private activity bonds” issued after August 7, 1986 is exempt from regular federal income tax, but such interest (including a distribution by the Trust derived from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the recipient to or increase the recipient’s liability for the AMT. For corporate shareholders, the Trust’s distributions derived from interest on all municipal obligations (whenever issued) are included in “adjusted current earnings” for purposes of the AMT as applied to corporations (to the extent not already included in alternative minimum taxable income as income attributable to private activity bonds).

Zero-Coupon Bonds. Some of the securities in which the Trust invests may include so-called “zero-coupon” bonds, whose values are subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Zero-coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount from face value and pay interest only at maturity rather than at intervals during the life of the security. The Trust is required to accrue income from zero coupon bonds on a current basis, even though it does not receive that income currently in cash, and the Trust is required to distribute that income for each taxable year. Such distributions could reduce the Trust’s cash position and require it to sell securities and incur a gain or loss at a time it may not otherwise want to in order to provide the cash necessary for these distributions.

Residual Interest Bonds. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. To initiate a residual interest bond investment, the Trust may sell a bond it holds to the SPV for cash. The SPVs are generally privately offered under the 1933 Act and are not registered under the 1940 Act in reliance on the exclusion provided by Section 3(c)(7) thereof. At the same time, the Trust buys a residual interest in the assets and cash flows of the SPV, the assets of which consist of a bond that is identical to that sold to the SPV by the Trust (the “SPV Bond”). The SPV also issues and sells Floating-Rate Notes to third parties. The Floating-Rate Notes have interest rates that generally reset weekly based on changes in a reference interest rate (such as LIBOR, or SIFMA Municipal Bond Swap Index) and their holders have the option to tender to the SPV for redemption at par value at each reset date. The income earned on the SPV Bond is, in effect, first used to pay the interest payable on the Floating-Rate Note, with any remaining income then going to the residual interest bond. The holder of the Floating-Rate Note effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. As the holder of the residual interest bond, the Trust receives the residual cash flow from the SPV.

A residual interest bond investment held by the Trust generally gives the Trust the right (1) to cause the holders of the Floating-Rate Notes to tender their notes at par value and (2) to require the SPV to terminate and transfer the SPV Bond to the Trust. Should the Trust exercise this right, it would generally pay the SPV the par value of the Floating-Rate Notes and exchange the residual interest bond for the underlying SPV Bond. The SPV also may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain termination events as defined in the SPV’s trust agreement, such as a downgrade in the credit quality of the underlying SPV Bond, bankruptcy of or payment failure by the issuer of the SPV Bond, the inability to remarket Floating-Rate Notes that have been tendered due to insufficient buyers in the market or the SPV’s failure to obtain renewal of the liquidity support agreement provided for the Floating-Rate Notes. The Trust may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements with brokers by which the Trust agrees to reimburse the broker, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the SPV Bond and the liquidation value of the Floating-Rate Notes, as well as shortfalls in interest cash flows. Such agreements may expose the Trust to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the residual interest bonds. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Trust would not be required to make such a reimbursement.

The Trust will segregate or earmark liquid assets at its custodian equal to the value of economic leverage created by residual interest bonds, whether initiated by the Trust or purchased on the secondary market.

Investments in residual interest bonds typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality and maturity. Because the residual interest bond is an inverse floating-rate security and only pays a residual income, compared to fixed rate municipal bonds, the value of residual interest bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Moreover, the income earned on such bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. When residual interest bonds are held by the Trust, an increase in short- or long-term market interest rates may adversely affect the income received from such bonds or the net asset value of Common Shares.

As of November 30, 2018, 23.5% of the Trust’s net assets were invested in residual interest bonds.

As of November 30, 2018, the actual leverage attributable to the floating-rate notes was 67.4% of the Trust’s net assets.

 

Short-Term Floating Rate Securities. The Trust may also invest in Floating-Rate Notes, as described above, issued by SPVs. The short-term floating rate security will be linked to a reference interest rate (such as LIBOR or the SIFMA Municipal Bond Swap Index) and the SPV’s income will be used to pay the coupon on the Floating-Rate Notes. Generally, the interest rate earned Floating-Rate Notes will be based upon the market rates for municipal obligations with maturities or remarketing provisions that are comparable in duration to the periodic interval of the tender option, which may vary from weekly, to monthly, to extended periods of one year or multiple years. Since the option feature has a shorter term than the final maturity or first call date of the underlying bond deposited in the trust, the Trust as the holder of the Floating-Rate Notes relies upon the terms of the agreement with the financial institution furnishing the option as well as the credit strength of that institution. As further assurance of liquidity, the terms of the SPV provide for a liquidation of the SPV Bond and the application of the proceeds to pay off the Floating-Rate Notes. The SPVs that are organized to issue both Floating-Rate Notes and residual interest bonds generally include liquidation triggers to protect the investor in the Floating-Rate Notes.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES

When-Issued Securities. The Trust may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis, which means that payment and delivery occur on a future settlement date. The price and yield of such securities are generally fixed on the date of commitment to purchase. However, the market value of the securities may fluctuate prior to delivery and upon delivery the securities may be worth more or less than the Trust agreed to pay for them. The Trust may be required to maintain a segregated account of liquid assets equal to outstanding purchase commitments. The Trust may also purchase instruments that give the Trust the option to purchase a municipal obligation when and if issued.

Futures and Options on Futures. The Trust may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and options thereon to seek to hedge against changes in interest rates or for other risk management purposes. Futures contracts may be based on various debt securities and securities indices. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, which may exceed the Trust’s initial investment in these contracts. The Trust will only purchase or sell futures contracts or related options in compliance with the rules of the CFTC. These transactions involve transaction costs. There can be no assurance that Eaton Vance’s use of futures will be advantageous to the Trust. Distributions by the Trust of any gains realized on the Trust's transactions in futures and options on futures will be taxable.

Interest Rate Swaps and Forward Rate Contracts. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Trust with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. The Trust will only enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Trust receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Trust may also enter forward rate contracts. Under these contracts, the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller the difference between the two rates. If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates. Any such gain received by the Trust would be taxable.

If the other party to an interest rate swap or forward rate contract defaults, the Trust’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Trust is contractually entitled to receive that is in excess of collateral posted by the Trust’s counterparty in respect of such liability. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Trust’s obligations over its entitlements will be maintained in a segregated account by the Trust’s custodian. The Trust will not enter into any interest rate swap or forward rate contract 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 Trust will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. These instruments are traded in the over-the-counter market.

Investment Company Securities. The Trust may invest in the securities of other investment companies. These securities include shares of other closed-end funds, open-end investment companies (i.e., mutual funds), exchange-traded funds (often referred to as “ETFs”) and business development companies that invest primarily in municipal obligations of the types in which the Trust may invest directly. In addition to providing tax-exempt income, such securities may provide capital appreciation. In addition, the Trust may invest a portion of its assets in pooled investment vehicles (other than investment companies) that invest primarily in municipal obligations of the types in which the Trust may invest directly. Such investments, which may also be leveraged and subject to similar risks as the Trust, will not exceed 10% of the Trust’s gross assets. To the extent that the Trust invests in other investment companies, the Trust must bear these expenses in addition to the expenses of its own operation. The Trust will not invest in other investment companies that are affiliated with Eaton Vance.

 

INVESTMENT PROCESS

A team of Eaton Vance investment professionals is responsible for the overall management of the Trust’s investments. The Trust’s investments are actively managed, and may be bought or sold on a daily basis. The Adviser uses a variety of techniques that are designed to help control risk and seek to minimize the Trust’s exposure to loss of principal value due to defaults and declines in the value of portfolio investments. There is no guarantee that it will be successful in its investment objective.

The Adviser’s staff monitors the credit quality and price of securities and instruments held by the Trust, as well as other securities and instruments that are available for investment. The Trust is not required to dispose of an investment in the event that a Rating Agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue or withdraws its assessment, including in the event of a default. The Adviser’s process for selecting obligations for purchase and sale emphasizes the creditworthiness of the issuer or other person obligated to repay the obligation and the relative value of the obligation in the market. In evaluating creditworthiness, the Adviser considers ratings assigned by Rating Agencies and generally performs additional credit and investment analysis.

Portfolio Turnover. The Trust cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, but its historical annual turnover rate over the last five years has been between 4% and 36% (excluding turnover of securities and obligations having a maturity of one year or less). For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2017, the Trust's portfolio turnover rates were 32% and 8%, respectively. The Trust may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from yield disparities among different issues, to seek short-term profits or for other reasons. Such trading will increase the Trust’s rate of turnover and may increase the incidence of net short-term capital gains which, upon distribution by the Trust, are taxable to Common Shareholders as ordinary income.

USE OF LEVERAGE AND RELATED RISKS

As described herein, the Trust may invest in residual interest bonds, which have the economic effect of leverage. The Trust previously had iMTP and APS outstanding. On March 9, 1999, the Trust issued 2,620 Series A and 2,620 Series B APS, with a liquidation preference per share of $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends. As of March 26, 2018, 2,620 Series A, 2,620 Series B and 806 Series C APS had been redeemed. On May 27, 2009, in connection with the merger of the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 5,027,606 Common Shares and 806 shares of Series C APS in exchange for the common shares and APS, respectively, to the Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust. On February 26, 2016, the Trust repurchased 1,651 shares of Series A, 1,815 shares of Series B and 749 shares of Series C APS at a price per share equal to 94.5% of the liquidation preference per share (or $23,625 per share) and issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The iMTP had seniority over the Common Shares. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its outstanding iMTP at a liquidation price of $25,000 per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. As of November 30, 2018, the Trust had no iMTP or APS outstanding and had no outstanding borrowings, but did have leverage in the form of residual interest bonds. The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage (from investment in residual interest bonds and any borrowings) may result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will successful.

The costs of the financial leverage program (from any issuance of preferred shares, any borrowings and investment in residual interest bonds) are borne by Common Shareholders and consequently result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. During periods in which the Trust is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Trust did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Trust's gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders. In this regard, holders of debt or 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, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee.

Leverage creates risks for holders of the Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares. There is a risk that the costs of leverage may adversely affect the return to the holders of the Common Shares. If the income from the investments purchased with the proceeds of leverage is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Trust will be less than if leverage had not been used, and, therefore, the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders will be reduced. The Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Trust’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Changes in the value of the Trust’s investment portfolio (including investments bought with the proceeds of leverage) will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Trust’s investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the NAV per Common Share to a greater extent than if the Trust were not leveraged. During periods in which the Trust is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Trust did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Trust's gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders. As discussed under “Description of Capital Structure,” the Trust’s issuance of any preferred shares may alter the voting power of Common Shareholders.

Capital raised through leverage will be subject to distribution and/or interest payments, which may exceed the income and appreciation on the assets purchased. The issuance of a class of preferred shares involves offering expenses and other costs and may limit the Trust’s freedom to pay distributions on Common Shares or to engage in other activities. The issuance of a class of preferred shares having priority over the Common Shares creates an opportunity for greater return per Common Share, but at the same time such leveraging is a speculative technique that will increase the Trust’s exposure to capital risk. Unless the income and appreciation, if any, on assets acquired with offering proceeds exceed the cost of issuing additional classes of securities (and other Trust expenses), the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Common Shares compared with what it would have been without leverage.

The Trust may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more Rating Agencies that may issue ratings for any preferred shares issued by the Trust. Any bank lender in connection with a credit facility or commercial paper program may also impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. Such restrictions imposed by a Rating Agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Trust by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede Eaton Vance from managing the Trust's portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies.

Under the 1940 Act, the Trust is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the total asset value of the Trust’s portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares plus the amount of any senior security representing indebtedness (i.e., such liquidation value and amount of indebtedness may not exceed 50% of the Trust’s total assets). In addition, the Trust is not permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the NAV of the Trust’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value plus amount of indebtedness. If preferred shares are issued, the Trust intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem preferred shares, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any preferred shares of at least 200%. As of November 30, 2018, the leverage attributable to floating-rate notes represented 40.26% of the Trust’s gross assets. Holders of any preferred shares, voting as a class, would be entitled to elect two of the Trust’s Trustees. The holders of both the Common Shares and any preferred shares (voting together as a single class with each share entitling its holder to one vote) would be entitled to elect the remaining Trustees of the Trust. In the event the Trust fails to pay distributions on its preferred shares for two years, preferred shareholders would be entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees until the preferred distributions in arrears are paid.

Under the 1940 Act, the Trust is not permitted to incur indebtedness, including through the issuance of debt securities, unless immediately thereafter the total asset value of the Trust’s portfolio is at least 300% of the liquidation value of the outstanding indebtedness (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Trust’s total assets). In addition, the Trust is not permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the NAV of the Trust’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution) is at least 300% of such liquidation value. If the Trust borrows money or enters into a commercial paper program, the Trust intends, to the extent possible, to retire outstanding debt, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any outstanding indebtedness of at least 300%. As of November 30, 2018, there were no outstanding borrowings.

To qualify for federal income taxation as a “regulated investment company,” the Trust must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net interest income and net short-term gain). The Trust also will be required to distribute annually substantially all of its income and capital gain, if any, to avoid imposition of a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax. If the Trust is precluded from making distributions on the Common Shares because of any applicable asset coverage requirements, the terms of the preferred shares may provide that any amounts so precluded from being distributed, but required to be distributed for the Trust to meet the distribution requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company, will be paid to the holders of the preferred shares as a special distribution. This distribution can be expected to decrease the amount that holders of preferred shares would be entitled to receive upon redemption or liquidation of the shares.

Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly interest rates and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.

 

Residual Interest Bonds. Residual interest bonds create investment leverage in the Trust because they provide more than one dollar of exposure to municipal bonds for each dollar the Trust invests in them. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. To initiate a residual interest bond investment, the Trust may sell a bond it holds to a SPV for cash. The SPVs are generally privately offered under the 1933 Act and are not registered under the 1940 Act in reliance on the exclusion provided by Section 3(c)(7) thereof. At the same time, the Trust buys a residual interest in the assets and cash flows of the SPV, the assets of which is identical to that sold to the SPV by the Trust (the “SPV Bond”). The SPV also issues and sells Floating-Rate Notes to third parties. The Floating-Rate Notes have interest rates that generally reset weekly based on changes in a reference interest rate (such as LIBOR or the SIFMA Municipal Bond Swap Index) and their holders have the option to tender to the SPV for redemption at par value at each reset date. The income earned on the SPV Bond is, in effect, first used to pay the interest payable on the Floating-Rate Note, with any remaining income then going to the residual interest bond. The holder of the Floating-Rate Note effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. As the holder of the residual interest bond, the Trust receives the residual cash flow from the SPV.

A residual interest bond investment held by the Trust generally gives the Trust the right (1) to cause the holders of the Floating-Rate Notes to tender their notes at par value and (2) to require the SPV to terminate and transfer the SPV Bond to the Trust. Should the Trust exercise this right, it would generally pay the SPV the par value of the Floating-Rate Notes and exchange the residual interest bond for the underlying SPV Bond. The SPV also may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain termination events as defined in the SPV’s trust agreement, such as a downgrade in the credit quality of the underlying SPV Bond, bankruptcy of or payment failure by the issuer of the SPV Bond, the inability to remarket Floating-Rate Notes that have been tendered due to insufficient buyers in the market or the SPV’s failure to obtain renewal of the liquidity support agreement provided for the Floating-Rate Notes. The Trust may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements with brokers by which the Trust agrees to reimburse the broker, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the SPV Bond and the liquidation value of the Floating-Rate Notes, as well as shortfalls in interest cash flows. Such agreements may expose the Trust to a risk of loss that exceeds its investment in the residual interest bonds. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Trust would not be required to make such a reimbursement.

The Trust will segregate or earmark liquid assets at its custodian equal to the value of economic leverage created by residual interest bonds, whether initiated by the Trust or purchased on the secondary market.

Investments in residual interest bonds typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality and maturity. Because the residual interest bond is an inverse floating-rate security and only pays a residual income, compared to fixed rate municipal bonds, the value of residual interest bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Moreover, the income earned on such bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. When residual interest bonds are held by the Trust, an increase in short- or long-term market interest rates may adversely affect the income received from such bonds or the net asset value of Common Shares.

The following table is designed to illustrate the effect on the return to a holder of the Common Shares of leverage in the amount of approximately 40.26% of the Trust’s gross assets, assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Trust’s portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. As the table shows, leverage generally increases the return to Common Shareholders when portfolio return is positive and greater than the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.

Assumed Portfolio Total Return (Net of Expenses)	(10)%	(5)%	0%	5%	10%
Corresponding Common Share Total Return	(17.94)%	(9.57)%	(1.20)%	7.17%	15.54%

Assuming the utilization of leverage in the amount of 40.26% of the Trust’s gross assets, the cost of leverage is 1.78%. The additional income that the Trust must earn (net of expenses) in order to cover such costs is approximately 0.72% of gross assets. The Trust’s actual costs of leverage will be based on market rates at the time the Trust undertakes a leveraging strategy, and such actual costs of leverage may be higher or lower than that assumed in the previous example.

 

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment.

Discount From or Premium to NAV. The Offering will be conducted only when Common Shares of the Trust are trading at a price equal to or above the Trust’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Trust’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to net asset value. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Trust’s NAV may decrease.

Market Discount Risk. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Trust’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Trust’s NAV may decrease.

Secondary Market for the Common Shares. The issuance of Common Shares through the Offering may have an adverse effect on the secondary market for the Common Shares. The increase in the amount of the Trust’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from the Offering may put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Trust. Common Shares will not be issued pursuant to the Offering at any time when Common Shares are trading at a price lower than a price equal to the Trust’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions.

The Trust also issues Common Shares of the Trust through its dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Common Shares may be issued under the plan at a discount to the market price for such Common Shares, which may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares of the Trust.

When the Common Shares are trading at a premium, the Trust may also issue Common Shares of the Trust that are sold through transactions effected on the NYSE. The increase in the amount of the Trust’s outstanding Common Shares resulting from that offering may also put downward pressure on the market price for the Common Shares of the Trust.

The voting power of current shareholders will be diluted to the extent that such shareholders do not purchase shares in any future Common Share offerings or do not purchase sufficient shares to maintain their percentage interest. In addition, if the Adviser is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Trust’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Trust may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.

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 Trust, which will generally trade in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. 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.

Interest Rate and Income Risk. The prices of municipal obligations tend to fall as interest rates rise. When interest rates decline, the value of municipal obligations held by the Trust can be expected to rise. Interest rate risk is the risk that the municipal obligations in the Trust’s portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because of prevailing low interest rates. In typical market interest rate environments, the prices of longer-term municipal obligations tend to fluctuate more in price in response to changes in market interest rates than prices of shorter-term municipal obligations. A decline in the prices of the municipal obligations owned by the Trust would cause a decline in the NAV of the Trust, which could adversely affect the trading price of the Common Shares. This risk is usually greater among municipal obligations with longer maturities or durations. Although the Trust has no policy governing the maturities or durations of its investments, the Trust expects that it will generally invest in a portfolio of longer-term securities, generally with maturities of 10 years or greater. This means that the Trust’s share NAV and market price per share will fluctuate more in response to changes in market interest rates than if the Trust invested primarily in shorter-term municipal obligations.

Market risk is often greater among certain types of income securities, such as zero-coupon bonds, which do not make regular interest payments. As interest rates change, these bonds often fluctuate in price more than coupon bonds that make regular interest payments. Because the Trust may invest in these types of income securities, it may be subject to greater market risk than a fund that invests only in current interest paying securities. The Trust may utilize certain strategies, including taking positions in futures or interest rate swaps and forward rate contracts, for the purpose of reducing the interest rate sensitivity of the portfolio and decreasing the Trust’s exposure to interest rate risk, although there can be no assurance that it will do so or that such strategies will be successful.

 

The income investors receive from the Trust is based primarily on the interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short- and long-term. If long-term interest rates drop, investors’ income from the Trust over time could drop as well if the Trust purchases securities with lower interest coupons. This risk is magnified when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Trust holds residual interest bonds.

The Trust incurs economic leverage by investing in residual interest bonds. Compared to similar fixed-rate municipal bonds, the value of these bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. Moreover, the income earned on residual interest bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. Thus, when such bonds are held by the Trust, an increase in short- or long-term market interest rates may adversely affect the income received from such bonds or the NAV of the Trust’s shares.

Call and Reinvestment Risks. If interest rates fall, it is possible that issuers of callable bonds with high interest coupons will “call” (or prepay) their bonds before their maturity date. If a call were exercised by the issuer during a period of declining interest rates, the Trust would likely replace such called security with a lower yielding security. If that were to happen, it could decrease the Trust’s dividends and possibly could affect the market price of Common Shares. Similar risks exist when the Trust invests the proceeds from matured or traded municipal obligations at market interest rates that are below the Trust’s current earnings rate.

Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more municipal bonds in the Trust’s portfolio will decline in price, or fail to pay interest or principal when due, because the issuer of the bond experiences a decline in its financial status. Because the Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in below investment grade securities, it will be subject to a high level of credit risk. In general, lower rated municipal bonds carry a greater degree of risk that the issuer will lose its ability to make interest and principal payments, which could have a negative impact on the Trust’s NAV or dividends. Securities rated in the fourth highest category (i.e., Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P or Fitch) are considered investment grade quality, but may have speculative characteristics.

The prices of lower grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Municipal securities of below investment grade quality are speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default. Lower grade securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market values of lower grade securities tend to be more volatile than investment grade securities.

Changes in the credit quality of the issuers of municipal obligations held by the Trust will affect the principal value of (and possibly the income earned on) such obligations. The credit quality of an issuer of municipal obligations may be affected by a variety of factors, including the issuer’s tax base, the extent to which the issuer relies on federal or state aid, limitations on the taxing power of the issuer and changes in general economic conditions. Changes by Rating Agencies in their ratings of a security and in the ability of the issuer to make payments of principal and interest may also affect the value of the Trust’s investments. The amount of information about the financial condition of an issuer of municipal obligations may not be as extensive as that made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.

The Trust may invest in municipal leases and participations in municipal leases. The obligation of the issuer to meet its obligations under such leases is often subject to the ongoing appropriation by the appropriate legislative body, on an annual or other basis, of funds for the payment of the obligations. Investments in municipal leases are thus subject to the risk that the legislative body will not make the necessary appropriation and the issuer will not otherwise be willing or able to meet its obligation.

In evaluating creditworthiness, the Adviser considers ratings assigned by Rating Agencies and generally performs additional credit and investment analysis. Credit ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the Rating Agency’s investment analysis at the time of rating, and the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The rating assigned to a security by a Rating Agency does not reflect assessment of the volatility of the security’s market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security. Credit quality in the sectors of the market can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular security.

Liquidity Risk. At times, a substantial portion of the Trust’s assets may be invested in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or are subject to restrictions on resale, which includes residual interest bonds. The Trust, by itself or together with other accounts managed by Eaton Vance and its affiliates, at times may hold a major portion of all of such securities. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Trust could find it more difficult to sell such securities when Eaton Vance believes it is advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Under such circumstances, it may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Trust’s NAV.

 

The secondary market for some municipal obligations is less liquid than that for widely traded taxable debt obligations or widely traded municipal obligations. No established resale market exists for certain of the municipal obligations in which the Trust may invest. The Trust has no limitation on the amount of its assets that may be invested in securities that are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. In certain situations, the Trust could find it more difficult to sell such securities at desirable times and/or prices. The Trust may not be able to readily dispose of such securities at prices that approximate those at which the Trust could sell such securities if they were more widely traded or at which the Trust has valued such securities and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Trust 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 Trust’s NAV and ability to make distributions.

Municipal Bond Market Risk. Investing in the municipal bond market involves certain risks. Certain securities in which the Trust will invest will not be registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. The amount of public information available about the municipal obligations in the Trust’s portfolio is generally less than for corporate equities or bonds, and the investment performance of the Trust may, therefore, be more dependent on the analytical abilities of Eaton Vance than if the Trust were a stock fund or taxable bond fund.

The ability of municipal issuers to make timely payments of interest and principal may be diminished during general economic downturns and as governmental cost burdens are reallocated among federal, state and local governments. In addition, laws enacted in the future by Congress or state legislatures or referenda could extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or impose other constraints on enforcement of such obligations, or on the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Issuers of municipal obligations might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of an issuer, the Trust could experience delays in collecting principal and interest to which it is entitled, and may obtain only a limited recovery or no recovery in such circumstances. To enforce its rights in the event of default in the payment of interest or repayment of principal, or both, the Trust may take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase the Trust’s operating expenses. Any income derived from the Trust’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.

Many state and municipal governments are under significant economic and financial stress. Current economic conditions may increase the likelihood that a municipal issuer will be unable to make timely payments of interest and principal or will default or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws and may increase the likelihood of legislation that will adversely effect the Trust’s investments in municipal obligations. See “Investment objective, policies and risks—Additional risk considerations—Current economic conditions risk.”

The value of municipal securities generally may be affected by uncertainties in the municipal markets as a result of legislation or litigation, including legislation or litigation that changes the taxation of municipal securities or the rights of municipal security holders in the event of a bankruptcy. Certain provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governing such bankruptcies are unclear. Further, the application of state law to municipal security issuers could produce varying results among the states or among municipal security issuers within a state. These uncertainties could have a significant impact on the prices of the municipal securities in which the Trust invests.

If the number of municipal borrowers and the amount of outstanding municipal securities contract, without corresponding reductions in investor demand for municipal securities, the Trust may have fewer investment alternatives, may invest in securities that it previously would have declined and may concentrate its investments in a smaller number of issuers.

Fixed income markets have recently experienced a period of relatively high volatility. As a result of the Federal Reserve’s action to end its quantitative easing stimulus program as well as the possibility that it may unwind the program and its recent decision to raise the target fed funds rate, fixed income markets could experience continuing high volatility, which could negatively impact the Trust’s performance.

Insurance Risk. Municipal obligations may be insured as to their scheduled payment of principal and interest. Although the insurance feature may reduce some financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price sometimes paid for insured obligations may reduce the current yield on the insured obligation. Insured obligations also may be secured by bank credit agreements or escrow accounts. Changes in the ratings of an insurer may affect the value of an insured obligation, and in some cases may even cause the value of a security to be less than a comparable uninsured obligation. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of the Trust’s shares. The credit rating of an insured obligation reflects the credit rating of the insurer, based on its claims-paying ability. The obligation of a municipal bond insurance company to pay a claim extends over the life of each insured obligation. Although defaults on insured municipal obligations have been low to date and municipal bond insurers have met their claims, there is no assurance this will continue. A higher than expected default rate could strain the insurer’s loss reserves and adversely affect its ability to pay claims to bondholders. Because a significant portion of insured municipal obligations that have been issued and are outstanding is insured by a small number of insurance companies, an event involving one or more of these insurance companies, such as a credit rating downgrade, could have a significant adverse effect on the value of the municipal obligations insured by that insurance company and on the municipal bond markets as a whole.

Risks of MLOs and Certificates of Participation. MLOs and certificates of participation involve special risks not normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. MLOs are obligations in the form of a lease, installment purchase or conditional sales contract (which typically provide for the title to the leased asset to pass to the governmental issuer) that is issued by state or local governments to acquire equipment and facilities. Interest income from MLOs is generally exempt from local and state taxes in the state of issuance. MLOs, like other municipal debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment. Although MLOs do not constitute general obligations of the issuer for which the issuer’s unlimited taxing power is pledged, a lease obligation is frequently backed by the issuer’s covenant to budget for, appropriate and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the issuer has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose on a yearly basis, which function to render constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt inapplicable to such obligations. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to temporary abatement of payments in the event the governmental issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although “non-appropriation” lease obligations may be secured by the leased property, disposition of the property in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and may result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover ownership of the assets.

Participations in municipal leases are undivided interests in a portion of the total obligation or in an unmanaged pool of municipal leases or installment contracts. Certificates of participation involve the same risks as the underlying municipal leases. Participations entitle their holders to receive a pro rata share of all payments under the lease or pool of leases. In addition, the Trust may be dependent upon the municipal authority issuing the certificate of participation to exercise remedies with respect to an underlying lease. Certificates of participation also entail a risk of default or bankruptcy, both of the issuer of the municipal lease and also the municipal agency issuing the certificate of participation.

MLOs and participations therein represent a type of financing that may not have the depth of marketability associated with more conventional securities and, as such, they may be less liquid than conventional securities. Certain MLOs may be deemed illiquid, unless determined by the Adviser, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board, to be liquid securities. The Adviser will consider the factors it believes are relevant to the marketability of the obligation, to the extent that information regarding such factor is available to the Adviser and pertinent to the liquidity determination, which may include: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the obligation; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades and quotes for the obligation; (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of the obligation, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer; (5) the willingness of the governmental issuer to continue to appropriate funds for the payment of the obligation; (6) how likely or remote an event of non-appropriation may be, which depends in varying degrees on a variety of factors, including those relating to the general creditworthiness of the governmental issuer, its dependence on its continuing access to the credit markets, and the importance to the issuer of the equipment, property or facility covered by the lease or contract; (7) an assessment of the likelihood that the lease may or may not be cancelled; and (8) other factors and information unique to the obligation in determining its liquidity.

The ability of issuers of MLOs to make timely lease payments may be adversely impacted in general economic downturns and as relative governmental cost burdens are allocated and reallocated among federal, state and local governmental units. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income from and value of the obligation. Issuers of MLOs might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. In the event of bankruptcy of such an issuer, holders of MLOs could experience delays and limitations with respect to the collection of principal and interest on such MLOs and may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in lease payments, the Trust might take possession of and manage the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities or otherwise incur costs to protect its right, which may increase the Trust’s operating expenses and adversely affect the net asset value of the Trust. When the lease contains a non-appropriation clause, however, the failure to pay would not be a default and the Trust would not have the right to take possession of the assets. Any income derived from the Trust’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt.

Current Regulatory Environment Risk. From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of municipal obligations, and it can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal obligations. This could in turn affect the Trust’s net asset value and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels.

 

It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Trust from using such instruments as part of its investment strategy, which could negatively impact the Trust. For example, some legislative and regulatory proposals, such as those in the Dodd-Frank Act, would, upon implementation, impose limits on the maximum position that could be held by a single trader in certain contracts and would subject some derivatives transactions to new forms of regulation that could create barriers to some types of investment activity. Other provisions require many swaps to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on dealers that enter into swaps with a pension plan, endowment, retirement plan or government entity, and require banks to move some derivatives trading units to a non-guaranteed affiliate separate from the deposit-taking bank or divest them altogether. While many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act must be implemented through future rulemaking, and any regulatory or legislative activity may not necessarily have a direct, immediate effect upon the Trust, it is possible that, upon implementation of these measures or any future measures, they could potentially limit or completely restrict the ability of the Trust to use these instruments as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Trust engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Trust from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.

At any time after the date of this prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Trust. Legislation or regulation may change the way in which the Trust itself is regulated. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Trust’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

Current Economic Conditions Risk. The financial crisis in the U.S. and global economies over the past several years, including the European sovereign debt crisis, has resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and in the net asset values of many investment companies, including to some extent the Trust. Conditions in the U.S. and global economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in fixed income instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. The financial condition of federal, state and local governments may be sensitive to market events, which may, in turn, adversely affect the marketability of notes and bonds they issue. Recent declines in real estate prices and general business activity are reducing tax revenues of many state and local governments and could affect the economic viability of projects that are the sole source of revenue to support various private activity bonds. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Because the situation is widespread and largely unprecedented, it may be unusually difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of these market conditions. The severity or duration of these conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

United States Credit Rating Downgrade Risk. On August 5, 2011, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA” with a negative outlook. Moody’s affirmed the Aaa long-term sovereign credit rating of the U.S. on November 21, 2011 while maintaining its negative outlook. The downgrade by S&P and any future downgrades by other Rating Agencies could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields and increase borrowing costs generally. These events could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on municipal issuers and the Trust. In addition, following S&P’s downgrade of the U.S., the major Rating Agencies have also placed many municipalities on review for potential downgrades, which could impact the market price, liquidity and volatility of the municipal securities held by the Trust in its portfolio. If the universe of municipal securities meeting the Trust’s ratings and credit quality requirements shrinks, it may be more difficult for the Trust to meet its investment objective and the Trust’s investments may become more concentrated in fewer issues.

State Specific Risk. The Trust has no current intention to invest 25% or more of its gross assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in the same state (or U.S. territory), but reserves the flexibility to do so in the future. If the Trust focuses its investments in any one state (or U.S. territory), the Trust may be more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular state (or territory). Certain municipal bond issuers in Puerto Rico have recently experienced financial difficulties and rating agency downgrades, and two such issuers have defaulted on their payment obligations.

Sector Concentration Risk. The Trust may invest 25% or more of its total assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in the same economic sector, such as revenue obligations of health care facilities or hospitals, airport revenue obligations or industrial development bonds. This may make the Trust more susceptible to adverse economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular state or economic sector. For example, health care related issuers are susceptible to changes in Medicaid reimbursement policies, and national and state health care legislation. As concentration increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the NAV of the Trust’s shares.

 

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. As indicated above, the Trust may invest up to 35% of its total assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch (but not, with respect to more than 30% of its total assets, lower than B by each of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and unrated municipal obligations that the Adviser considers to be of comparable quality. Such obligations are commonly called “junk bonds” and will have speculative characteristics in varying degrees. For purposes of rating restrictions, if an instrument is rated differently by the Rating Agencies, the higher rating is used. Below investment grade securities held by the Trust are subject to higher risk. Also, their yields and market values may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Fluctuations in value do not affect the cash income from the securities, but are reflected in the Trust’s net asset value. The greater risks and fluctuations in yield and value occur, in part, because investors generally perceive issuers of lower rated and unrated securities to be less creditworthy. These issuers may be particularly susceptible to market downturns, adverse economic or political events or other developments such as weather or other catastrophic events.

Secondary market trading in below investment grade securities may be less liquid than the market for higher grade securities. To the extent that there is no established market for some of the lower grade municipal obligations in which the Trust may invest, trading in such securities may be relatively inactive. The Adviser is responsible for determining the net asset value of the Trust, subject to the supervision of the Board. During periods of reduced market liquidity and in the absence of readily available market quotations for lower grade municipal obligations held in the Trust’s portfolio, the ability of the Adviser to value the Trust’s securities becomes more difficult and the Adviser’s use of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation of the Trust’s securities due to the reduced availability of reliable objective data. The effects of adverse publicity and investor perceptions may be more pronounced for securities for which no established market exists as compared with the effects on securities for which a regular market does exist. Further, the Trust may have more difficulty selling such securities in a timely manner and at their stated value or at the value at which the Trust is carrying them than would be the case for securities for which an established market does exist.

Municipal obligations held by the Trust that are initially rated below investment grade may subsequently be determined by the Adviser to be of investment grade quality for purposes of the Trust’s investment policies if the securities subsequently are backed by escrow accounts containing U.S. Government obligations. The Trust may retain in its portfolio an obligation that declines in quality, including defaulted obligations, if such retention is considered desirable by the Adviser. In the case of a defaulted obligation, the Trust may incur additional expense seeking recovery of its investment.

The Trust’s credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Trust is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a Rating Agency downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issuer or withdraws its assessment. Any such downgrade may adversely affect the market price and liquidity of the security. The ratings of Rating Agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of the obligations which they undertake to rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and, although ratings may be useful in evaluating the safety of interest and principal payments, they do not evaluate the market value risk of such obligations.

Unrated Securities Risk. The Trust may invest in unrated obligations for which Eaton Vance will make a credit quality determination for purposes of the Trust’s credit quality policy. To the extent that the Trust invests in such unrated obligations, the Trust’s credit quality will be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s credit analysis than if the Trust invested in only rated obligations. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value.

Residual Interest Bond Risk. Residual interest bonds create investment leverage in the Trust because they provide more than one dollar of exposure to municipal bonds for each dollar the Trust invests in them. As a result, the value of residual interest bonds may increase or decrease at a rate that is a multiple of the rate by which the value of the municipal bonds underlying the residual interest bonds increase or decrease. The market values of residual interest bonds will generally be more volatile than the market values of fixed rate tax-exempt securities. To seek to limit the volatility of these securities, the Trust may invest in residual interest bonds with shorter-term maturities or that contain limitations on the extent to which the interest rate may vary. The Trust may also use derivatives to offset the volatility of residual interest bonds.

Residual interest bonds pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage. Because the residual interest bond is an inverse floating-rate security and only pays a residual income, compared to fixed rate municipal bonds, the value of residual interest bonds will fluctuate to a greater extent in response to changes in prevailing long-term interest rates. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Moreover, the income earned on such bonds will fluctuate in response to changes in prevailing short-term interest rates. In the extreme, increases in short-term interest rates may eliminate the interest paid to the Trust by residual interest bond investments.

The SPV underlying a residual interest bond may be terminated by the sponsoring broker-dealer upon the occurrence of certain termination events, such as a downgrade in the credit quality of the underlying SPV Bond, bankruptcy of or payment failure by the issuer of the SPV Bond, the broker-dealer’s inability to remarket Floating-Rate Notes that have been tendered due to insufficient buyers in the market or the SPV’s failure to obtain renewal of the liquidity support agreement provided for the Floating-Rate Notes.

The Trust may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements with an SPV’s sponsoring broker-dealer by which the Trust agrees to reimburse the broker-dealer, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the SPV Bond and the liquidation value of the Floating-Rate Notes, as well as shortfalls in interest cash flows. The SPV termination provisions and shortfall and forbearance agreements expose the Trust to risk of loss in SPV Bonds that may exceed its associated residual interest bond investments, and to the risk that it may be required to sell Trust assets to fulfill its obligations under the terms of the SPV with little or no advance notice, and that such sales may take place at inopportune times and/or unattractive prices.

Any economic effect of leverage through the Trust’s investment in residual interest bonds will create an opportunity for increased net income and returns, but will also create the possibility that the Trust’s long-term returns will be diminished if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the residual interest bonds purchased with leverage by the Trust.

The amount of fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher if the Trust uses financial leverage because the fees will be calculated based on the Trust’s gross assets. Gross assets include the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating-rate note holders, which may create a conflict of interest between Eaton Vance and the Common Shareholders.

Investments in residual interest bonds require the Trust to maintain segregated assets in accordance with applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC. While the segregated assets may be invested in liquid securities, they may not be used for other operational purposes. Consequently, investment in residual interest bonds may limit the Trust’s flexibility and may require the Trust to sell other portfolio investments to pay Trust expenses or to meet other obligations at time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

Leverage Risk. As discussed above, the Trust currently uses leverage created by investing in residual interest bonds. The Trust will comply with the asset segregation requirements of the 1940 Act in making such investments. Residual interest bonds are securities that pay interest at rates that vary inversely with changes in prevailing short-term interest rates and provide the economic effect of leverage.

The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage (from residual interest bonds and any borrowings) may result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that costs of leverage may affect the return to Common Shareholders. To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Trust’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such funds 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 Trust’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful.

As discussed under “Management of the Trust,” the fee paid to Eaton Vance is calculated on the basis of the Trust's gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating rate note holders, so the fees will be higher when leverage is utilized. In this regard, holders of any 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 use of leverage, which means that Common Shareholders effectively bear the entire advisory fee.

The Trust may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more Rating Agencies that may issue ratings for any preferred shares issued by the Trust. Any bank lender in connection with a credit facility or commercial paper program may also impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. Such restrictions imposed by a Rating Agency or lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Trust by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede Eaton Vance from managing the Trust's portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies. See “Description of Capital Structure - Preferred Shares.”

Financial leverage may also be achieved through the purchase of certain derivative instruments. The Trust’s use of derivative instruments exposes the Trust to special risks. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks - Additional Investment Practices” and “Investment Objective, Policies, and Risks - Additional Risk Considerations.”

 

Derivatives Risk. In addition to investing in residual interest bonds, the Trust may invest without limitation in other derivative instruments (which are instruments that derive their value from another instrument, security or index) acquired for hedging purposes or investment purposes. These derivative instruments may include financial futures contracts and related options, interest rate swaps and forward rate contracts. The loss on derivative instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed amounts invested in these instruments. Derivative transactions, including options on securities and securities indices and other transactions in which the Trust may subject the Trust to increased risk of principal loss due to unexpected movements in securities prices and interest rates, and imperfect correlations between the Trust’s securities holdings and indices upon which derivative transactions are based. Derivatives can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and may have a potentially large impact on the Trust’s performance. The Trust also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any OTC derivatives contracts entered into by the Trust. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Trust may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Trust 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 Trust’s performance.

The use of derivatives to enhance income is considered to be speculative in nature. The use of derivatives may result in greater losses than if they had not been used, may require the Trust to sell or purchase portfolio investments at inopportune times or for prices other than current market value, may limit the amount of appreciation the Trust can realize on an investment or may cause the Trust to hold a security it might otherwise sell. Segregated liquid assets, amounts paid by the Trust as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to derivatives transactions are not otherwise available to the Trust for investment or operational purposes. Certain derivative transactions may have economic characteristics similar to leverage. See “Additional Risk Considerations - Leverage Risk.”

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

Counterparty Risk. Changes in the credit quality of the companies that serve as the Trust’s counterparties with respect to its derivatives positions and liquidity providers for the Trust’s residual interest bonds or other investments supported by another party’s credit will affect the value of those instruments. Certain entities that have served as counterparties in the municipals markets have recently incurred significant financial hardships, including bankruptcy and material loss of credit standing as a result of exposure to investments that have experienced defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. As a result, such hardships have reduced these entities’ capital and called into question their continued ability to perform their obligations. By using derivatives or other instruments that expose the Trust to counterparties, the Trust assumes the risk that its counterparties could experience future financial hardship.

The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared over-the-counter derivative transactions since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations under the derivative contract. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the Trust.

Hedging Risk. The Trust’s use of derivatives or other transactions to reduce risks involves costs and will be subject to Eaton Vance’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Trust’s portfolio holdings or other factors. No assurance can be given that Eaton Vance’s judgment in this respect will be correct. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Trust will enter into hedging or other transactions at times or under circumstances in which it may be advisable to do so. Hedging transactions have risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets of the Trust, which creates the possibility that the loss on such instruments may be greater than the gain, if any, in the value of the underlying asset in the Trust’s portfolio; the limited availability of such instruments; the loss of principal; the possible default of the other party to the transaction; illiquidity of the derivative investments; and the imperfect correlation between the tax-exempt and taxable markets. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use hedging transactions depends on the Eaton Vance’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of hedging transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Trust to sell or purchase portfolio investments at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Trust can realize on an investment, or may cause the Trust to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.

Swaps Risk. Whether the use of swap agreements will be successful will depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of reference instruments are likely to produce greater returns than other instruments. Swap agreements may be subject to contractual restrictions on transferability and termination and they may have terms of greater than seven days. The Trust’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Trust under the swap). Developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Trust’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements, as well as to participate in swap agreements in the future. If there is a default by the counterparty to a swap, the Trust will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreement, but any recovery may be delayed depending on the circumstances of the default.

Private Activity Bonds. Private activity bonds, formerly referred to as industrial development bonds, are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of private activity bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute municipal obligations, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues. Interest on certain “private activity bonds” issued after August 7, 1986 is exempt from regular federal income tax, but such interest (including a distribution by the Trust derived from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item which could subject the recipient to or increase the recipient’s liability for the AMT. For corporate shareholders, the Trust’s distributions derived from interest on all municipal obligations (whenever issued) are included in “adjusted current earnings” for purposes of the AMT as applied to corporations (to the extent not already included in alternative minimum taxable income as income attributable to private activity bonds).

Futures Risk. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying reference instrument, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). Closing a futures contract sale is effected by purchasing a futures contract for the same aggregate amount of the specific type of financial instrument or commodity with the same delivery date. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Trust realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Trust realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Trust realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Trust realizes a capital loss. The Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of a Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to the Trust and therefore, neither the Adviser nor the Trust are subject to registration or regulation thereunder.

Structured Notes Risk. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator (for example, a currency, security, commodity or index thereof). Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. The terms of structured notes and indexed securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity, which may result in a loss of invested capital. Structured notes and indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the unrelated indicator may produce an increase or a decrease in the interest rate or the value of the structured note or indexed security at maturity may be calculated as a specified multiple of the change in the value of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes and indexed securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of investments because the investor bears the risk of the unrelated indicator. Structured notes or indexed securities also may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

Inflation Risk/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value 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. In addition, during periods of rising inflation, short-term interest rates and the Trust’s cost of leverage would likely increase, reducing returns to the Common Shareholders to the extent that such increased cost is not offset by commensurately higher income. Also, distribution rates of any preferred shares would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time − the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Trust’s investments.

Duration and Maturity Risk. The Trust has no set policy regarding portfolio maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will expose the Trust to certain magnified risks. These risks include interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risks as discussed above.

 

Tax Risk. The value of the Trust’s investments and its NAV may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies. Because interest income from municipal obligations normally is not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal obligations in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates or changes in the tax-exempt status of interest income from municipal obligations. From time to time proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on certain types of municipal obligations, and it can be expected that similar proposals may be introduced in the future. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal obligations. This could, in turn, affect the Trust’s NAV and ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels. The Trust is not a suitable investment for individual retirement accounts, for other tax-exempt or tax-deferred accounts or for investors who are otherwise indifferent to the federal income tax consequences of their investments. See “Distributions” and “Federal income tax matters.”

The Trust will invest in municipal obligations in reliance at the time of purchase on an opinion of bond counsel to the issuer that the interest paid on those securities will be excludable from gross income under the regular federal income tax, and the Adviser will typically not independently verify that opinion. Subsequent to the Trust’s acquisition of such a municipal security, however, the security may be determined to pay, or to have paid, taxable income. As a result, the treatment of dividends previously paid or to be paid by the Trust as “exempt-interest dividends” could be adversely affected, subjecting the Trust’s Common Shareholders to increased federal income tax liabilities.

Interest income from certain types of municipal obligations may be a tax preference item for purposes of the AMT for individual investors. Distributions to corporate investors of certain interest income may also be indirectly subject to the AMT.

Management Risk. The Trust is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers invest the assets of the Trust as they deem appropriate in implementing the Trust’s investment strategy. Accordingly, the success of the Trust depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers to develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the Trust’s investment objective. There is no assurance that Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers will be successful in developing and implementing the Trust’s investment strategy. Subjective decisions made by Eaton Vance and the individual portfolio managers may cause the Trust to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities.

Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies by Trust service providers to conduct business, such as the Internet, the Trust is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cybersecurity failures or breaches by the Trust’s investment adviser or administrator and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the custodian or transfer agent), and the issuers of securities in which the Trust invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Trust’s ability to calculate its net asset value, impediments to trading, the inability of Trust shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. While various Trust service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems intended to identify and mitigate cyber attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Trust cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Trust and issuers in which the Trust invests.

Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk. The Adviser provides a wide array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Trust. For example, the Adviser may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to those of the Trust. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Adviser may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients, which include closed-end funds, open-end funds and other commingled funds. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests.

 

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk. Securities may be purchased on a “forward commitment,” “when-issued” or “delayed delivery” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. When the Trust agrees to purchase such securities, it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security from the date of the agreement to purchase. The Trust does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment, when-issued or delayed delivery transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction.

Other Investment Companies and ETF Risk

The Trust may, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, invest in the securities of other investment companies. Such securities may be leveraged. As a result, the Trust may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks. The Trust, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies’ expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Trust’s own operations.

The Trust may invest in the securities of ETFs, to the extent permitted by law. ETFs are designed to provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component securities (or commodities) of the benchmark index. ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis. The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities (or commodities) fluctuate according to market volatility. Investments in ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities. Typically, the ETF bears its own operational expenses, which are deducted from its assets. To the extent that the Trust invests in ETFs, the Trust must bear these expenses in addition to the expenses of its own operation.

Market Disruption. Instability in the Middle East, the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya, geopolitical tensions elsewhere and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have previously, and may continue to result in market volatility and may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets. Such events may cause further economic uncertainties in the United States and worldwide. The Trust cannot predict the effects of significant future events on the global economy and securities markets. A similar disruption of the financial markets could impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.

Anti-takeover provisions. Pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust, the Trust’s Board is divided into three classes of Trustees with each class serving for a three-year term and certain types of transactions require the favorable vote of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. These provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Trust or to change the composition of the Board. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Trust, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Trust and interfering with the normal operation of the Trust. See “Description of Capital Structure - Anti-takeover provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”

Management of the Trust

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The management of the Trust, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement (as defined below), is the responsibility of the Trust’s Board under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the 1940 Act.

THE ADVISER

Eaton Vance acts as the Trust's investment adviser under an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser's principal office is located at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Eaton Vance, its affiliates and predecessor companies have been managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and of investment companies since 1931. As of January 31, 2019, Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed approximately $444.7 billion of fund and separate account assets on behalf of clients, including 40 open-end and closed-end municipal bond funds with combined assets of approximately $15.0 billion. Eaton Vance is a 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.

 

Eaton Vance employs 45 personnel in its municipal bond department, with teams in both Boston and New York, including 15 portfolio managers, 15 traders and 16 research analysts. Eaton Vance was one of the first advisory firms to manage a registered municipal bond investment company, and has done so continuously since 1978. Eaton Vance and certain of its subsidiaries on a combined basis currently manage separately managed municipal investment accounts, 13 national municipal investment companies, and 17 single state municipal investment companies, with combined assets of approximately $15.0 billion. Of the municipal income funds managed by Eaton Vance, 10 are closed-end funds.

Under the general supervision of the Trust’s Board, Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the Trust’s overall investment program, determining the Trust’s allocations among its permitted investments, and selecting individual holdings.

The Adviser will furnish to the Trust investment advice and office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Trust. The Adviser will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Trust who are members of the Adviser’s organization and who render investment services to the Trust, and will also compensate all other Adviser personnel who provide research and investment services to the Trust. Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement and certain fee reduction agreements between the Adviser and the Trust, the Adviser receives an annual investment advisory fee calculated as a percentage of the Trust’s average weekly gross assets. The Trust’s advisory fee currently is computed at an annual rate of 0.520% (0.565% prior to November 1, 2018 and 0.580% prior to May 1, 2018) of the Trust average weekly gross assets. Such rate will be reduced by 0.015% every May 1 thereafter through 2029. For purposes of the advisory fee calculation, average weekly gross assets include the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed, including debt securities issued by the Trust, and the amount of any outstanding preferred shares issued by the Trust. Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement with Eaton Vance, average weekly gross assets are calculated by adding to net assets the liquidation value of the Trust’s APS and iMTP then outstanding and the amount payable by the Trust to floating rate note holders, such adjustment being limited to the value of the APS outstanding prior to any APS redemptions by the Trust.. During any future periods in which the Trust is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Trust did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Trust’s gross assets, including the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed and, to a limited extent, the liquidation value of any preferred shares and the amount payable by the Trust to floating rate note holders. As demonstrated in the fee table under “Summary of Trust Expenses,” after giving effect to the Trust’s use of leverage and using the assumptions set forth in the fee table, the management fee would be 1.18%. On March 9, 1999, the Trust issued 2,620 Series A and 2,620 Series B APS, with a liquidation preference per share of $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends. On February 26, 2016, the Trust repurchased 1,651 shares of Series A, 1,815 shares of Series B and 749 shares of Series C APS at a price per share equal to 94.5% of the liquidation preference per share (or $23,625 per share) and issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. On March 26, 2018, the Trust redeemed 349 Series A, 185 Series B and 57 Series C APS. The iMTP had seniority over the Common Shares. As of March 26, 2018, 2,620 Series A, 2,620 Series B and 806 Series C APS had been redeemed. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its iMTP and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. At November 30, 2018, the Trust had no iMTP or APS outstanding and had no outstanding borrowings.

Cynthia J. Clemson is responsible for the overall and day-to-day management of the Trust’s investments. Ms. Clemson is a Vice President of Eaton Vance, is Co-Director of the Municipal Investments Group and has been a portfolio manager of the Trust since July 2015. She has managed other Eaton Vance portfolios for more than five years.

Additional Information Regarding Portfolio Managers

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Trust. The SAI is available free of charge by calling 1-800-225-6265 or by visiting the Trust’s website at http://www.eatonvance.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Trust’s website is not part of this Prospectus or the SAI.

The Trust and the Adviser have adopted codes of ethics relating to personal securities transactions (the “Codes of Ethics”). The Codes of Ethics permit Adviser personnel to invest in securities (including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust) for their own accounts, subject to the provisions of the Codes of Ethics and certain employees are also subject to certain pre-clearance, reporting and other restrictions and procedures contained in such Codes of Ethics.

The Trust’s semi-annual shareholder report contains information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the Trust’s Advisory Agreement.

 

THE ADMINISTRATOR

Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Trust and receives an administration fee computed at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Trust's average weekly gross assets. Under an Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement with the Trust (“Administration Agreement”), Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Trust, subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Trust all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Trust. 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 Trust’s custodian and transfer agent, providing assistance in connection with the Trustees’ and shareholders’ meetings, providing service in connection with any repurchase offers and other administrative services necessary to conduct the Trust’s business.

In addition to the management fee and administration fee, the Trust 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 Trust documents and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes and filing or other fees, if any.

Plan of Distribution

The Trust may sell the Common Shares being offered under this Prospectus in any one or more of the following ways: (i) directly to purchasers; (ii) through agents; (iii) to or through underwriters; or (iv) through dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Trust and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale.

The Trust may distribute Common Shares from time to time in one or more transactions at: (i) a fixed price or prices that may be changed; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to prevailing market prices; or (iv) negotiated prices; provided, however, that in each case the offering price per Common Share (less any underwriting commission or discount) must equal or exceed the NAV per Common Share.

The Trust from time to time may offer its Common Shares through or to certain broker-dealers, including UBS Securities LLC, that have entered into selected dealer agreements relating to at-the-market offerings.

The Trust may directly solicit offers to purchase Common Shares, or the Trust may designate agents to solicit such offers. The Trust will, in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the 1933 Act, and describe any commissions the Trust must pay to such agent(s). Any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, on a firm commitment basis. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Trust in the ordinary course of business.

If any underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Trust will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and the Trust will set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering their names and the terms of the Trust’s agreement with them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Common Shares in respect of which this Prospectus is delivered, the Trust will sell such Common Shares to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such Common Shares to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

The Trust may engage in at-the-market offerings to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise, in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the 1933 Act. An at-the-market offering may be through an underwriter or underwriters acting as principal or agent for the Trust.

Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with the Trust to indemnification by the Trust against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for the Trust in the ordinary course of business.

 

In order to facilitate the Offering of Common Shares, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of Common Shares or any other Common Shares the prices of which may be used to determine payments on the Common Shares. Specifically, any underwriters may over-allot in connection with the Offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of Common Shares or of any such other Common Shares, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Common Shares or any such other Common Shares in the open market. Finally, in any Offering of Common Shares through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing Common Shares in the Offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed Common Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of Common Shares above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

The Trust may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell Common Shares not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Common Shares covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use Common Shares pledged by the Trust or borrowed from the Trust or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use Common Shares received from the Trust in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this Prospectus, will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials (or a post-effective amendment).

The maximum amount of compensation to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. will not exceed 8% of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any security being sold with respect to each particular Offering of Common Shares made under a single Prospectus Supplement.

Any underwriter, agent or dealer utilized in the initial Offering of Common Shares will not confirm sales to accounts over which it exercises discretionary authority without the prior specific written approval of its customer.

Distributions

The Trust intends to make regular monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders. The amount of each monthly distribution will vary depending on a number of factors, including distributions payable on any preferred shares or other costs of financial leverage. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distribution on the Common Shares and the Trust’s distribution policy could change. Over time, the Trust will distribute all of its net investment income (after it pays accrued distributions on any outstanding preferred shares or other costs of financial leverage).

The net investment income of the Trust will consist of all interest income accrued on portfolio investments, short-term capital gain (including short-term gains on options, futures and forward 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 Trust. Expenses of the Trust will be accrued each day. Substantially all of the Trust’s investment company taxable income will be distributed each year. In addition, at least annually, the Trust intends to distribute any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). To the extent that the Trust’s net investment income and net capital gain for any year exceed the total monthly distributions paid during the year, the Trust will make a special distribution at or near year-end of such excess amount as may be required. If the Trust’s total monthly distributions in any year exceed the amount of its net investment income and net capital gain for the year, any such excess would be characterized as a return of capital for federal income tax purposes. Under the 1940 Act, for any distribution that includes amounts from sources other than net income, the Trust 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.

Common Shareholders may automatically reinvest some or all of their distributions in additional Common Shares pursuant to the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan. See “Dividend reinvestment plan.”

Federal Income Tax Matters

The discussions below and certain disclosure in the SAI provide general tax information related to an investment in the Common Shares. Because tax laws are complex and often change, you should consult your tax adviser about the tax consequences of an investment in the Trust. The following tax discussion assumes that you are a U.S. Common Shareholder that is not subject to special rules under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and that you hold the Common Shares as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment).

 

A U.S. Common Shareholder means an owner of Common Shares that, for federal income tax purposes is a citizen or individual resident of the United States, a corporation (including any entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

The Trust intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Trust must satisfy certain requirements regarding the sources of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. As a RIC, the Trust is not expected to be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its investment company taxable income and net recognized capital gains.

The Trust currently intends to invest a sufficient portion of its assets in tax-exempt municipal obligations so that it will be permitted to pay “exempt-interest dividends” (as defined under applicable federal income tax law). Each distribution of exempt-interest dividends, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Common Shares, ordinarily will constitute income exempt from regular federal income tax under current federal tax law. Interest on certain municipal obligations, such as certain private activity bonds, however, is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the Trust receives income from such municipal obligations, a portion of the dividends paid by the Trust, although exempt from regular federal income tax, will be taxable to Common Shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the AMT. Furthermore, exempt-interest dividends are included in determining what portion, if any, of a person’s social security and railroad retirement benefits will be includible in gross income subject to regular federal income tax. The Trust will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Trust’s income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the AMT.

In addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Trust also may distribute to its shareholders amounts that are treated as long-term capital gain or ordinary income (which may include short-term capital gains). These distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending on a shareholder’s situation. Taxable distributions are taxable whether or not such distributions are reinvested in the Trust. Net capital gain distributions (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxable at rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long a Common Shareholder has held his or her Common Shares. The net investment income, including capital gains, of certain individuals, estates and trusts will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax and certain individuals may be subject to limitations on the use of itemized deductions, which can increase the effective tax rate of such persons. The Trust does not currently expect that any part of its distributions to shareholders from its investments will qualify for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders or as “qualified dividend income” to noncorporate shareholders.

As a RIC, the Trust will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax in any taxable year provided that it meets certain distribution requirements. If the Trust retains any net capital gain or investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Trust retains any net capital gain, it may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gains as part of its annual reporting to its shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Trust on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) will be entitled to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of Common Shares owned by a Common Shareholder of the Trust will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the Common Shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gains). Accordingly, if the Trust issues preferred shares, it will designate dividends made with respect to Common Shares and preferred shares as consisting of particular types of income (e.g., exempt interest, net capital gain and ordinary income) in accordance with the proportionate share of each class in the total dividends paid by the Trust during the year.

Dividends and other taxable distributions declared by the Trust in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such month and paid during the following January will be treated as having been received by shareholders in the year the distributions were declared.

Each Common Shareholder will receive an annual statement summarizing the shareholder’s dividend and capital gains distributions (including net capital gains credited to the Common Shareholder but retained by the Trust) after the close of the Trust’s taxable year.

 

The redemption, sale or exchange of Common Shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to Common Shareholders. Generally a shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a RIC that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of shares before holding them for more than six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain distributions received by the shareholder on such share. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Trust will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Trust are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Trust or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement shares of the Trust will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

Any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Trust’s shares on which exempt-interest dividends are paid is not deductible in proportion to the percentage that the Trust's distribution of exempt-interest dividends bears to all of the Trust's distributions, excluding capital gain dividends. Under certain applicable rules, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of the shares. In addition, if you receive Social Security or certain railroad retirement benefits, you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of such benefits as a result of receiving investment income, including exempt-interest dividends and other distributions paid by the Trust.

If the Trust invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Trust elects to include market discount in income currently), the Trust must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Trust must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income, to qualify as a RIC and to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Trust may have to dispose of its portfolio investments under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.

 

As with all investment companies, the Trust may be required to “backup” withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a certain portion of all taxable distributions payable to Common Shareholders who fail to provide the Trust with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the Common Shareholders have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

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

The Trust may invest in other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which is uncertain or subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or their income differs from the tax treatment expected by the Trust, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Trust, requiring the Trust to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

Pursuant to the Trust’s dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”), unless a Common Shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash, all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares.

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC (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 Trust 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 the Plan Agent, 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 Trust (“newly issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“open-market purchases”) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If on the payment date for the distribution, the NAV 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 NAV 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 NAV 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 NAV per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the NAV 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 to Common Shares issued directly by the Trust 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 NAV, participants in the Plan will receive Common Shares of the Trust 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 NAV, Plan participants will receive Common Shares with a NAV 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 NAV to satisfy the Plan’s requirements, in which case the Plan Agent will acquire newly issued Common Shares. Also, since the Trust does not redeem its Common Shares, the price on resale may be more or less than their NAV.

Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, upon 30 days’ notice to Plan participants, the Trust 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 American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC, P.O. Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560. Please call 1-866-706-0514 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time if you have questions regarding the Plan.

Description of Capital Structure

The Trust is an unincorporated business trust established under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Trust may authorize separate classes of shares of beneficial interest. The Trustees have authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Trust intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders in compliance with the requirements of the NYSE.

 

COMMON SHARES

The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional Common Shares. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Trust with each other Common Share in the Trust. Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment of dividends when, as and if declared by the Board. The 1940 Act or the terms of any borrowings or preferred shares may limit the payment of dividends to the holders of Common Shares. 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 Trust, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Trust 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 Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Trust among the holders of the Common Shares. The Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Trust and permits inclusion of a clause to that effect in every agreement entered into by the Trust and in coordination with the Trust's By-Laws indemnifies shareholders against any such liability. Although shareholders of an unincorporated business trust established under Massachusetts law, in certain limited circumstances, may be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.

While there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Trust may not be permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued dividends on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Trust's total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Trust 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 (expected to equal the aggregate original purchase price of the outstanding preferred shares plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis). In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trust may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Trust obtaining a rating of the preferred shares from a Rating Agency. These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Trust's ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Trust to maintain its qualification for taxation as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The Trust intends, 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 dividends to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any such impairment of the Trust's status as a regulated investment company. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks,” “Distributions” and “Federal Income Tax Matters.” Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Trust may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.

On December 14, 2018, in connection with the merger of Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 2,012,993 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of Eaton Vance Michigan Municipal Income Trust. On January 18, 2019, in connection with the merger of each of Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Trust, Eaton Vance Ohio Municipal Income Trust and Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 2,737,021 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of each of Eaton Vance Massachusetts Municipal Income Trust, Eaton Vance Ohio Municipal Income Trust and Eaton Vance Pennsylvania Municipal Income Trust. On February 22, 2019, in connection with the merger of Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust into the Trust, the Trust issued 4,598,158 Common Shares in exchange for the common shares of Eaton Vance New Jersey Municipal Income Trust.

The Trust 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 NAV (exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the Trust's outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.

The Trust will not issue Common Share certificates. Common Share certificates that have been issued to an investor may be returned at any time.

 

REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES AND OTHER DISCOUNT MEASURES

Because shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAVs, the Board has determined that from time to time it may be in the interest of shareholders for the Trust to take corrective actions. The Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the NAV of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Trust, effect on the Trust's expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Trust'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 which may have a material effect on the Trust'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 Trust's Common Shares trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their NAV. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to NAV and that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.

PREFERRED SHARES

The Trust does not currently have any preferred shares outstanding, but previously had APS and iMTP outstanding. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including preferred shares, having a par value of $0.01 per share, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the Common Shareholders. On March 9, 1999, the Trust issued 2,620 Series A and 2,620 Series B APS, with a liquidation preference per share of $25,000 plus accumulated but unpaid dividends. On February 26, 2016, the Trust repurchased 1,651 shares of Series A, 1,815 shares of Series B and 749 shares of Series C APS at a price per share equal to 94.5% of the liquidation preference per share (or $23,625 per share) and issued 2,720 shares of iMTP with a liquidation preference of $25,000 plus the amount of any accumulated but unpaid dividends. The iMTP had seniority over the Common Shares. As of March 26, 2018, 2,620 Series A, 2,620 Series B and 806 Series C APS had been redeemed. During the year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust redeemed all of its iMTP and replaced the redeemed iMTP with residual interest bond financing. At November 30, 2018, the Trust had no iMTP or APS outstanding.

Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Trust 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 Trust, less all liability 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 Trust, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. The liquidation value of the preferred shares is expected to equal to their aggregate original purchase price plus the applicable 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 the preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, are determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Trust’s Declaration of Trust). The Trust 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 Trust to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on any preferred shares may exceed the Trust’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares and the Trust’s leverage structure, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the preferred shares were not outstanding.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal to the original purchase price per share plus the applicable redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. 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 Trust.

 

Holders of preferred shares, voting as a class, would be entitled to elect two of the Trust’s Trustees. The holders of both the Common Shares and the preferred shares (voting together as a single class with each share entitling its holder to one vote) would be entitled to elect the remaining Trustees of the Trust. Under the 1940 Act, if at any time distributions on any preferred shares are unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ distributions thereon, the holders of all outstanding preferred shares, voting as a class, will be allowed to elect a majority of the Trust’s Trustees until all distributions in arrears have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, if required by a Rating Agency rating any preferred shares or if the Board determines it to be in the best interests of the Common Shareholders, issuance of such preferred shares may result in more restrictive provisions than required by the 1940 Act being imposed. In this regard, holders of any preferred shares may be entitled to elect a majority of the Trust’s Board in other circumstances, for example, if one payment on the preferred shares is in arrears. The differing rights of the holders of preferred and Common Shares with respect to the election of Trustees do not affect the obligation of all Trustees to take actions they believe to be consistent with the best interests of the Trust. All such actions must be consistent with (i) the obligations of the Trust with respect to the holders of preferred shares (which obligations arise primarily from the contractual terms of the preferred shares, as specified in the Declaration of Trust and By-laws of the Trust) and (ii) the fiduciary duties owed to the Trust, which include the duties of loyalty and care.

 

In the event of any future issuance of preferred shares, the Trust 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 the Trust, as well as other issuers, the Trust 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 Trust 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.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DECLARATION OF TRUST

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 Trust or to change the composition of its Board, and could have the effect of depriving holders of Common Shares of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Trust. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Trust, which attempts could have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Trust and interfering with the normal operation of the Trust. The Board is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of holders of Common Shares and preferred shares. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay 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 Trust 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 Trust, voting as a class, then entitled to vote to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders (“Principal Shareholders”) of a class of shares and their associates, unless the Board shall by resolution have approved a memorandum of understanding with such holders, in which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. For purposes of these provisions, a Principal Shareholder refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest of the Trust. The transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger or consolidation of the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Trust to any Principal Shareholder for cash; (iii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Trust 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 Trust or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Trust, 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 holders of Common Shares and preferred shares 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 Trust may be converted to an open-end investment company at any time if approved by the lesser of (i) two-thirds or more of the Trust’s then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares, each voting separately as a class, or (ii) more than 50% of the then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares, 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 Trust could not occur until 90 days after the Common Shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all Common Shareholders. Conversion of the Trust to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares could require the repayment of borrowings. The Board believes that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Trust’s investment objective and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Trust to an open-end management investment company.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, is the custodian of the Trust and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Trust. State Street maintains the Trust’s general ledger and computes NAV per share at least weekly. State Street also attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer and other dealings with the Trust’s investments, and receives and disburses all funds. State Street also assists in preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC.

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the Trust.

Legal Opinions

Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will be passed upon for the Trust by internal counsel for Eaton Vance.

Reports to Shareholders

The Trust 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, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Trust’s financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.

Additional Information

The Prospectus and the SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Trust has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations. The SAI can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-262-1122.

Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document 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

	Page
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions	2
Trustees and Officers	15
Investment Advisory and Other Services	23
Determination of Net Asset Value	26
Portfolio Trading	27
Taxes	29
Other Information	33
Custodian	34
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	34
Financial Statements	34
APPENDIX A: Ratings	35
APPENDIX B: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures	44

 

The Trust’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.

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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.

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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, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd., Eaton Vance Management’s Real Estate Investment Group and Boston Management and Research.

In addition, our Privacy Policy applies only 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 Eaton Vance’s Privacy Policy, please call 1-800-262-1122.

Up to 2,610,553 Shares

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust

Common Shares

Prospectus March 27, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed on recycled paper.

 

STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 27, 2019

 

 

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust

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

 

Table of Contents

	Page
Additional Investment Information and Restrictions	2
Trustees and Officers	15
Investment Advisory and Other Services	23
Determination of Net Asset Value	26
Portfolio Trading	27
Taxes	29
Other Information	33
Custodian	34
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	34
Financial Statements	34
APPENDIX A: Ratings	35
APPENDIX B: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures	44

 

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 MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST (THE “TRUST”) DATED MARCH 27, 2019, 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 TRUST AT 1-800-262-1122.

Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings given them in the Trust’s Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplements.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS

Primary investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The following is a description of the various investment practices that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy, and a summary of certain attendant risks. The Adviser may not buy any of the following instruments or use any of the following techniques unless it believes that doing so will help to achieve the Trust’s investment objective.

OTHER INVESTMENTS

U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government securities include: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations, which differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, including: U.S. Treasury bills (maturities of one year or less); U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one year to ten years); and U.S. Treasury bonds (generally maturities of greater than ten years); and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury; ( c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality; or (d) the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities also include any other security or agreement collateralized or otherwise secured by U.S. Government securities. Agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government include but are not limited to: Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Land Banks, Federal Financing Bank, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Farm Credit Bank System, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, Student Loan Marketing Association, United States Postal Service, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, Washington D.C. Armory Board and any other enterprise established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government generally is not obligated to provide support to its instrumentalities. The principal of and/or interest on certain U.S. Government securities could be: (a) payable in foreign currencies rather than U.S. dollars; or (b) increased or diminished as a result of changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the value of foreign currencies. The value of such portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies may be affected favorably by changes in the exchange rate between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.

Municipal Obligations. Municipal obligations include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities, refunding of outstanding obligations and obtaining funds for general operating expenses and loans to other public institutions and facilities. Certain types of bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to finance various privately owned or operated facilities, including certain facilities for the local furnishing of electric energy or gas, sewage facilities, solid waste disposal facilities and other specialized facilities. Municipal obligations include bonds as well as tax-exempt commercial paper, project notes and municipal notes such as tax, revenue and bond anticipation notes of short maturity, generally less than three years. While most municipal bonds pay a fixed rate of interest semiannually in cash, there are exceptions. Some bonds pay no periodic cash interest, but rather make a single payment at maturity representing both principal and interest. Some bonds may pay interest at a variable or floating rate. Bonds may be issued or subsequently offered with interest coupons materially greater or less than those then prevailing, with price adjustments reflecting such deviation. Municipal obligations also include trust certificates representing interests in municipal securities held by a trustee. The trust certificates may evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying securities.

In general, there are three categories of municipal obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax and is not a tax preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”): (i) certain “public purpose” obligations (whenever issued), which include obligations issued directly by state and local governments or their agencies to fulfill essential governmental functions; (ii) certain obligations issued before August 8, 1986 for the benefit of non-governmental persons or entities; and (iii) certain “private activity bonds” issued after August 7, 1986, which include “qualified Section 501(c)(3) bonds” or refundings of certain obligations included in the second category. Opinions relating to the validity of municipal bonds, exclusion of municipal bond interest from an investor’s gross income for federal income tax purposes and, where applicable, state and local income tax, are rendered by bond counsel to the issuing authorities at the time of issuance.

Interest on certain “private activity bonds” issued after August 7, 1986 is exempt from regular federal income tax, but such interest (including a distribution by the Trust derived from such interest) is treated as a tax preference item that could subject the recipient to or increase the recipient’s liability for the AMT.

The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are “general obligation” and “revenue” bonds. Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects, including the construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other public purposes. The basic security of general obligation bonds is the issuer’s pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to rate and amount.

Typically, the only security for a limited obligation or revenue bond is the net revenue derived from a particular facility or class of facilities financed thereby or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special tax or other special revenues. Revenue bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of revenue-producing public capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; hospitals; and convention, recreational, tribal gaming and housing facilities. Although the security behind these bonds varies widely, many lower rated bonds provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund that may also be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations. In addition, some revenue obligations (as well as general obligations) are insured by a bond insurance company or backed by a letter of credit issued by a banking institution. Revenue bonds also include, for example, pollution control, health care and housing bonds, which, although nominally issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but by the revenues of the authority derived from payments by the private entity that owns or operates the facility financed with the proceeds of the bonds. Obligations of housing finance authorities have a wide range of security features, including reserve funds and insured or subsidized mortgages, as well as the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Many of these bonds do not generally constitute the pledge of the credit of the issuer of such bonds. The credit quality of such revenue bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the user of the facility being financed or of an institution which provides a guarantee, letter of credit or other credit enhancement for the bond issue. The Trust may on occasion acquire revenue bonds that carry warrants or similar rights covering equity securities. Such warrants or rights may be held indefinitely, but if exercised, the Trust anticipates that it would, under normal circumstances, dispose of any equity securities so acquired within a reasonable period of time. Investing in revenue bonds may involve (without limitation) the following risks.

Hospital bond ratings are often based on feasibility studies that contain projections of expenses, revenues and occupancy levels. A hospital’s income available to service its debt may be influenced by demand for hospital services, management capabilities, the service area economy, efforts by insurers and government agencies to limit rates and expenses, competition, availability and expense of malpractice insurance, and Medicaid and Medicare funding.

Education-related bonds are comprised of two types: (i) those issued to finance projects for public and private colleges and universities, charter schools and private schools, and (ii) those representing pooled interests in student loans. Bonds issued to supply educational institutions with funding are subject to many risks, including the risks of unanticipated revenue decline, primarily the result of decreasing student enrollment, decreasing state and federal funding, or changes in general economic conditions. Additionally, higher than anticipated costs associated with salaries, utilities, insurance or other general expenses could impair the ability of a borrower to make annual debt service payments. Student loan revenue bonds are generally offered by state (or sub-state) authorities or commissions and are backed by pools of student loans. Underlying student loans may be guaranteed by state guarantee agencies and may be subject to reimbursement by the United States Department of Education through its guaranteed student loan program. Others may be private, uninsured loans made to parents or students that may be supported by reserves or other forms of credit enhancement. Cash flows supporting student loan revenue bonds are impacted by numerous factors, including the rate of student loan defaults, seasoning of the loan portfolio, and student repayment deferral periods of forbearance. Other risks associated with student loan revenue bonds include potential changes in federal legislation regarding student loan revenue bonds, state guarantee agency reimbursement and continued federal interest and other program subsidies currently in effect.

Transportation debt may be issued to finance the construction of airports, toll roads, highways, or other transit facilities. Airport bonds are dependent on the economic conditions of the airport’s service area and may be affected by the business strategies and fortunes of specific airlines. They may also be subject to competition from other airports and modes of transportation. Air traffic generally follows broader economic trends and is also affected by the price and availability of fuel. Toll road bonds are also affected by the cost and availability of fuel as well as toll levels, the presence of competing roads and the general economic health of an area. Fuel costs, transportation taxes and fees, and availability of fuel also affect other transportation-related securities, as do the presence of alternate forms of transportation, such as public transportation.

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

Electric utilities face problems in financing large construction programs in an inflationary period, cost increases and delay occasioned by safety and environmental considerations (particularly with respect to nuclear facilities), difficulty in obtaining fuel at reasonable prices, and in achieving timely and adequate rate relief from regulatory commissions, effects of energy conservation and limitations on the capacity of the capital market to absorb utility debt.

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

The obligations of any person or entity to pay the principal of and interest on a municipal obligation are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Act, and laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. Certain bond structures may be subject to the risk that a taxing authority may issue an adverse ruling regarding tax-exempt status. There is also the possibility that as a result of adverse economic conditions (including unforeseen financial events, natural disasters and other conditions that may affect an issuer’s ability to pay its obligations), litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of any person or entity to pay when due principal of and interest on a municipal obligation may be materially affected or interest and principal previously paid may be required to be refunded. There have been instances of defaults and bankruptcies involving municipal obligations that were not foreseen by the financial and investment communities. The Trust will take whatever action it considers appropriate in the event of anticipated financial difficulties, default or bankruptcy of either the issuer of any municipal obligation or of the underlying source of funds for debt service. Such action may include: (i) retaining the services of various persons or firms (including affiliates of the investment adviser) to evaluate or protect any real estate, facilities or other assets securing any such obligation or acquired by the Trust as a result of any such event; (ii) managing (or engaging other persons to manage) or otherwise dealing with any real estate, facilities or other assets so acquired; and (iii) taking such other actions as the adviser (including, but not limited to, payment of operating or similar expenses of the underlying project) may deem appropriate to reduce the likelihood or severity of loss on the fund’s investment.  The Trust will incur additional expenditures in taking protective action with respect to portfolio obligations in (or anticipated to be in) default and assets securing such obligations.

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

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

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

 

The yields on municipal obligations depend on a variety of factors, including purposes of the issue and source of funds for repayment, general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal bond market, size of a particular offering, maturity of the obligation and rating of the issue. The ratings of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the municipal obligations which they undertake to rate, and in the case of insurers, other factors including the claims-paying ability of such insurer. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are based on judgment and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, municipal obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. In addition, the market price of such obligations will normally fluctuate with changes in interest rates, and therefore the net asset value of the Trust will be affected by such changes.

State Specific Investments. The Trust has no current intention to invest 25% or more of its gross assets in municipal obligations of issuers located in the same state (or U.S. territory), but reserves the flexibility to do so in the future. If the Trust invests 25% or more of its gross assets in any one state (or U.S. territory), the Trust may be more susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting a particular state (or U.S. territory). Municipal obligations of issuers located in a single state may be adversely affected by economic developments (including insolvency of an issuer) and by legislation and other governmental activities in that state. There could be economic, business or political developments or court decisions that adversely affect all municipal obligations in the same sector. In particular, investments in revenue bonds might involve (without limitation) the following risks. For purposes of this policy, the Trust’s investments in pre-refunded municipal obligations that are fully backed as to payment of principal and interest by a pledge to an independent escrow agent of U.S. Government securities shall not count as obligations of an issuer located in a particular state. Certain municipal bond issuers in Puerto Rico have recently experienced financial difficulties and rating agency downgrades, and two such issuers have defaulted on their payment obligations.

Sector Concentration. The Trust may invest 25% or more of its total assets in municipal obligations in certain economic sectors. There could be economic, business or political developments or court decisions that adversely affect all municipal obligations in a particular economic sector. In particular, investments in revenue bonds might involve (without limitation) the following risks.

Bonds to finance life care facilities are normally secured only by the revenues of each facility and not by state or local government tax payments, as they are subject to a wide variety of risks. Primarily, the projects must maintain adequate occupancy levels to be able to provide revenues sufficient to meet debt service payments. Moreover, since a portion of housing, medical care and other services may be financed by an initial deposit, it is important that the facility maintain adequate financial reserves to secure estimated actuarial liabilities. The ability of management to accurately forecast inflationary cost pressure is an important factor in this process. The facilities may also be affected adversely by regulatory cost restrictions applied to health care delivery in general, particularly state regulations or changes in Medicare and Medicaid payments or qualifications, or restrictions imposed by medical insurance companies. They may also face competition from alternative health care or conventional housing facilities in the private or public sector.

The Trust may invest in tobacco settlement bonds. Standard tobacco settlement bonds are secured by a single source of revenue, installment payments made by tobacco companies stemming from the settlement of lawsuits brought against them by various states (the “Master Settlement Agreement”). Appropriation backed tobacco bonds are supported by the same Master Settlement Agreement payments as standard tobacco bonds, but are also subject to a state’s pledge that the governor will request an appropriation of funds in its annual budget for debt service if Master Settlement Agreement revenues are insufficient. These payments are not generally fixed, but rather are tied to the volume of the company’s U.S. sales of cigarettes. Tobacco bonds are subject to several risks, including the risk that cigarette consumption declines or that a tobacco company defaults on its obligation to make payments to the state. Escrowed tobacco bonds no longer rely on Master Settlement Agreement revenue as security, and are backed by a variety of government securities.

In addition, the airline industry continues to evolve. A number of major carriers have either emerged from bankruptcy or are currently in bankruptcy. Recent problems include, but are not limited to, increased competition, labor and union conflicts, greater security costs and fluctuating jet fuel prices. Court rulings have given some guidance to the viability of collateral structures. However, there is still uncertainty as to the strength of collateral pledged under various security systems.

Certain tax-exempt bonds issued by Native American tribes may be subject to the risk that a taxing authority would determine that the income from such bonds is not eligible for tax-exempt status. In the event of any final adverse ruling to this effect, holders of such bonds may be subject to penalties.

Insured Obligations. The Trust may purchase municipal obligations insured as to their scheduled payment of principal and interest or municipal obligations that are additionally secured by bank credit agreements or escrow accounts.

The credit quality of companies that provide such credit enhancements will affect the value of those securities. Although the insurance feature may reduce certain financial risks, the premiums for insurance and the higher market price sometimes paid for insured obligations may reduce the Trust’s current yield. Insurance generally will be obtained from insurers with a claims-paying ability rated Baa by Moody’s or BBB by S&P or Fitch. See Appendix A for a description of the claims-paying ability ratings of S&P and Moody’s. In addition, changes in the claims-paying ability or other ratings of an insurer may affect the value of an insured obligation, and in some cases may even cause the value of a security to be less than a comparable uninsured obligation. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the NAV of the Trust’s shares. To the extent that securities held by the Trust are insured as to principal and interest payments by insurers whose claims-paying ability rating is downgraded by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, the value of such securities may be affected.

Credit Quality. While municipal obligations rated investment grade or below and comparable unrated municipal obligations may have some quality and protective characteristics, these characteristics can be expected to be offset or outweighed by uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Lower rated and comparable unrated municipal obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk). Lower rated or unrated municipal obligations are also more likely to react to real or perceived developments affecting market and credit risk than are more highly rated obligations, which react primarily to movements in the general level of interest rates.

Municipal obligations held by the Trust that are rated below investment grade but which, subsequent to the assignment of such rating, are backed by escrow accounts containing U.S. Government obligations may be determined by the Adviser to be of investment grade quality for purposes of the Trust’s investment policies. The Trust may retain in its portfolio an obligation whose rating drops after its acquisition, including defaulted obligations, if such retention is considered desirable by the Adviser. In the event the rating of an obligation held by the Trust is downgraded, causing the Trust to exceed a limitation, the Adviser will (in an orderly fashion within a reasonable period of time) dispose of such obligations as it deems necessary in order to comply with the Trust’s credit quality limitations. In the case of a defaulted obligation, the Trust may incur additional expense seeking recovery of its investment. See “Portfolio of Investments” in the “Financial Statements” incorporated by reference into this SAI with respect to any defaulted obligations held by the Trust.

When the Trust invests in lower rated or unrated municipal obligations, the achievement of the Trust’s goals is more dependent on the Adviser’s ability than would be the case if the Trust were investing in municipal obligations in the higher rating categories. In evaluating the credit quality of a particular issue, whether rated or unrated, the Adviser may take into consideration, among other things, the financial resources of the issuer (or, as appropriate, of the underlying source of funds for debt service), its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, any operating history of and the community support for the facility financed by the issue, the ability of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters. The Adviser may also purchase structured derivative products with greater or lesser credit risk than the underlying bonds. Such bonds may be rated investment grade, as well as below investment grade. For a description of municipal bond ratings, see Appendix A.

Zero Coupon and Deep Discount Bonds and Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) Securities. Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations that do not require the periodic payment of interest and are issued at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until maturity at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of purchase. The effect of owning debt obligations that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the debt obligation. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at a fixed rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder’s ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. Deep discount bonds also are issued at a discount from face value, but may make periodic interest payments at a below market interest rate.

PIK securities generally carry higher interest rates compared to bonds that make cash payments of interest to reflect their payment deferral and increased credit risk. PIK interest has the effect of generating investment income and increasing the incentive fees, if any, payable at a compounding rate. Generally, the deferral of PIK interest increases the loan to value ratio.

Bonds and preferred stocks that make “in-kind” payments and other securities that do not pay regular income distributions may experience greater volatility in response to interest rate changes and issuer developments. PIK securities generally involve significantly greater credit risk than coupon loans because the Trust receives no cash payments until the maturity date or a specified cash payment date. Even if accounting conditions are met for accruing income payable at a future date under a PIK bond, the issuer could still default when the collection date occurs at the maturity of or payment date for the

PIK bond. PIK bonds may be difficult to value accurately because they involve ongoing judgments as to the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. If the issuer of a PIK security defaults, the Trust may lose its entire investment.

The Trust is required to accrue income from zero coupon and deep discount bonds and PIK securities on a current basis, even though it does not receive that income currently in cash, and the Trust is required to distribute that income for each taxable year. Such distributions could reduce the Trust’s cash position and require it to sell securities and incur a gain or loss at a time it may not otherwise want to in order to provide the cash necessary for these distributions.

Payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”) are debt obligations that pay “interest” in the form of other debt obligations, instead of in cash. Each of these instruments is normally issued and traded at a deep discount from face value. Zero-coupon bonds, step-ups and PIKs allow an issuer to avoid or delay the need to generate cash to meet current interest payments and, as a result, may involve greater credit risk than bonds that pay interest currently or in cash. The Trust would be required to distribute the income on these instruments as it accrues, even though the Trust will not receive the income on a current basis or in cash. Thus, the Trust may have to sell other investments, including when it may not be advisable to do so, to make income distributions to its shareholders. PIKs and other obligations that do not pay regular income distributions may experience greater volatility in response to interest rate changes and issuer developments. PIKs generally carry higher interest rates compared to obligations that make cash payments of interest to reflect their payment deferral and increased credit risk. Even if accounting conditions are met for accruing income payable at a future date under a PIK, the issuer could still default when the collection date occurs at the maturity of or payment date for the PIK.  PIKs may be difficult to value accurately because they involve ongoing judgments as to the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral.  If the issuer of a PIK defaults the Trust may lose its entire investment.

When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions. Securities may be purchased on a “forward commitment,” “when-issued” or “delayed delivery” basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. When the Trust agrees to purchase such securities, it assumes the risk of any decline in value of the security from the date of the agreement to purchase. The Trust does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date.

From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment, when-issued or delayed delivery transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction.

The Trust will make commitments to purchase when-issued securities only with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell such securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy.

Variable and Floating Rate Debt Instruments. Variable rate instruments provide for adjustments in the interest rate at specified intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, semiannually, etc.) based on market conditions, credit ratings or interest rates and the investor may have the right to “put” the security back to the issuer or its agent. Variable rate obligations normally provide that the holder can demand payment of the obligation on short notice at par with accrued interest and which are frequently secured by letters of credit or other support arrangements provided by banks. To the extent that such letters of credit or other arrangements constitute an unconditional guarantee of the issuer’s obligations, a bank may be treated as the issuer of a security for the purposes of complying with the diversification requirements set forth in Section 5(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 5b-2 thereunder. The Trust would anticipate using these bonds as cash equivalents pending longer term investment of its Trusts. The rate adjustment features tend to limit the extent to which the market value of the obligations will fluctuate.

Derivative Instruments. Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived at least in part from the performance of an underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments may be acquired in the United States or abroad and include the various types of exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) instruments described herein and other instruments with substantially similar characteristics and risks. Derivative instruments may be based on securities, indices, currencies, commodities, economic indicators and events (referred to as “reference instruments”). Trust obligations created pursuant to derivative instruments may be subject to the requirements described under “Asset Coverage” herein.

 

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

OTC Derivatives. OTC derivative instruments involve an additional risk in 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, an option or commodity exchange or swap execution facility or clearinghouse may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the SEC takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) limit the use of derivative instruments. Derivatives permit the Trust to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Trust can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will benefit the Trust.

Credit Derivatives. The Trust may invest in credit default swaps, total return swaps or credit options for hedging and other risk management purposes. In a credit default swap, the buyer of credit protection (or seller of credit risk) agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed, periodic premium for a specified term. In return, the counterparty agrees to pay a contingent payment to the buyer in the event of an agreed upon credit occurrence with respect to a particular reference entity. In a total return swap, the buyer receives a periodic return equal to the total economic return of a specified security, securities or index, for a specified period of time. In return, the buyer pays the counterparty a variable stream of payments, typically based upon short term interest rates, possibly plus or minus an agreed upon spread. Credit options are options whereby the purchaser has the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a transaction involving either an asset with inherent credit risk or a credit derivative, at terms specified at the initiation of the option. Transactions in derivative instruments involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to: unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, interest rates, indices, the other financial instruments’ prices or currency exchange rates; 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. Derivative instruments may sometimes increase or leverage exposure to a particular market risk, thereby increasing price volatility. The counterparties to many derivatives transactions are investment banks (or, if recently restructured, formerly categorized as investment banks), an industry that has recently experienced higher than normal bankruptcies. The risk of counterparty default increases in the event such counterparties undergo bankruptcy or are otherwise part of an industry affected by increased bankruptcy activity.

Interest Rate Swaps and Forward Rate Contracts. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Trust with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments). The Trust will only enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Trust receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The Trust may also enter forward rate contracts. Under these contracts, the buyer locks in an interest rate at a future settlement date. If the interest rate on the settlement date exceeds the lock rate, the buyer pays the seller the difference between the two rates. If the lock rate exceeds the interest rate on the settlement date, the seller pays the buyer the difference between the two rates. Any such gain received by the Trust would be taxable.

If the other party to an interest rate swap or forward rate contract defaults, the Trust’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Trust is contractually entitled to receive. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Trust’s obligations over its entitlements will be maintained in a segregated account by the Trust’s custodian. The Trust will not enter into any interest rate swap or forward rate contract 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 Trust will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. These instruments are traded in the over the-counter market.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A change in the level of interest rates may affect the value of the securities held by the Trust (or of securities that the Trust expects to purchase).The Trust may enter into (i) futures contracts for the purchase or sale of debt securities and (ii) futures contracts on securities indices. All futures contracts entered into by the Trust are traded on exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and must be executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm which is a member of the relevant exchange. The Trust may purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts which are traded on a United States exchange or board of trade. The Trust will be required, in connection with transactions in futures contracts and the writing of options on futures, to make margin deposits, which will be held by the futures commission merchant through whom the Trust engages in such futures and options transactions.

Some futures contracts and options thereon may become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity exchange may suspend or limit transactions in an exchange-traded instrument, which may make the instrument 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 Trust from closing out positions and limiting its losses.

The Trust will engage in futures and related options transactions for either hedging or non-hedging purposes. The Trust will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Trust or which it expects to purchase. The Trust will engage in transactions in futures and related options contracts only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code, for maintaining qualification of the Trust as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The Trust has claimed an exclusion from the definition of a Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore are not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO.

The regulation of derivatives has undergone substantial change in recent years and such change may continue. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), and regulations proposed to be promulgated thereunder require many derivatives to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on dealers that enter into swaps with a pension plan, endowment, retirement plan or government entity, and require banks to move some derivatives trading units to a non-guaranteed affiliate separate from the deposit-taking bank or divest them altogether. Although the CFTC has released final rules relating to clearing, reporting, recordkeeping, required margin and registration requirements under the legislation, many of the provisions are subject to further final rule making, and thus its ultimate impact remains unclear. New regulations and the implementation of existing regulations could, among other things, restrict the Trust’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions (for example, by making certain types of derivatives transactions no longer available to the Trust) and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions (for example, by increasing margin or capital requirements), and the Trust may be unable to fully execute its investment strategies as a result.

The SEC may propose regulations that, if adopted, could significantly change the manner in which a Fund must segregate assets to cover its future obligations. A proposed regulation may restrict its ability to enter into derivative transactions for speculative or hedging purposes and may require the Trust’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management and governance framework. These regulations could also limit the ability of a Fund to use these instruments as part of its investment management strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which a Fund engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Trust from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.

Legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Trust. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Trust itself is regulated. The effects of any new governmental regulation cannot be predicted and there can be no assurance that any new governmental regulation will not adversely affect the Trust’s ability to achieve its investment objective(s).

Residual Interest Bonds. The Trust may invest in residual interests in a trust that holds municipal securities (“inverse floaters” also known as “residual interest bonds”). The interest rate payable on an inverse floater bears an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security issued by the trust. Because changes in the interest rate on the other security inversely affect the interest paid on the inverse floater, the value and income of an inverse floater is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. Inverse floaters have interest rate adjustment formulas that generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to the Trust when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the Trust when short-term interest rates fall. Inverse floaters have varying degrees of liquidity, and the market for these securities is relatively volatile. These securities tend to underperform the market for fixed rate bonds in a rising

long-term interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market for fixed rate bonds when long-term interest rates decline. Although volatile, inverse floaters typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality and maturity. These securities usually permit the investor to convert the floating rate to a fixed rate (normally adjusted downward), and this optional conversion feature may provide a partial hedge against rising rates if exercised at an opportune time. While inverse floaters expose the Trust to leverage risk because they provide more than one dollar of bond market exposure for every dollar invested, they are not subject to the Trust’s restrictions on borrowings.

A tender option bond trust typically can be collapsed or closed by the holder of the residual interest bonds (such as the Trust) or by the liquidity provider. Generally, because the Trust may act to collapse the tender option bond trust and receive the value of the residual interest bonds held by the Trust within 7-days, such residual interest bonds are considered liquid securities when held by the Trust.

At the discretion of the Adviser, the Trust may enter into a so-called shortfall and forbearance agreement with respect to an inverse floater held by the Trust. The Trust generally may enter into such agreements (i) when the liquidity provider to the tender option bond trust requires such an agreement because the level of leverage in the tender option bond trust exceeds the level that the liquidity provider is willing support absent such an agreement; and/or (ii) to seek to prevent the liquidity provider from collapsing the tender option bond trust in the event that the municipal obligation held in the trust has declined in value. Such agreements commit the Trust to reimburse, upon the termination of the trust issuing the inverse floater, the difference between the liquidation value of the underlying security (which is the basis of the inverse floater) and the principal amount due to the holders of the floating rate security issued in conjunction with the inverse floater. Such agreements may expose the Trust’s other assets to losses. Absent a shortfall and forbearance agreement, the Trust would not be required to make such a reimbursement. If the Trust chooses not to enter into such an agreement, the inverse floater could be terminated and the Trust could incur a loss. Consistent with SEC staff guidance, the Trust will segregate or earmark liquid assets with its custodian on a mark-to-market basis to cover any such payment obligations to liquidity providers.

 

 

 

Redemption, Demand and Put Features and Put Options. Issuers of municipal obligations reserve the right to call (redeem) the bond. If an issuer redeems securities held by the Trust during a time of declining interest rates, the Trust may not be able to reinvest the proceeds in securities providing the same investment return as the securities redeemed. Also, some bonds may have “put” or “demand” features that allow early redemption by the bondholder. Longer term fixed-rate bonds may give the holder a right to request redemption at certain times (often annually after the lapse of an intermediate term). These bonds are more defensive than conventional long term bonds (protecting to some degree against a rise in interest rates) while providing greater opportunity than comparable intermediate term bonds, because the Trust may retain the bond if interest rates decline.

Liquidity and Protective Put Options. The Trust may enter into a separate agreement with the seller of the security or some other person granting the Trust the right to put the security to the seller thereof or the other person at an agreed upon price. Such agreements are subject to the risk of default by the other party, although the Trust intends to limit this type of transaction to institutions (such as banks or securities dealers) that the Adviser believes present minimal credit risks and would engage in this type of transaction to facilitate portfolio liquidity or (if the seller so agrees) to hedge against rising interest rates. There is no assurance that this kind of put option will be available to the Trust or that selling institutions will be willing to permit the Trust to exercise a put to hedge against rising interest rates. The Trust does not expect to assign any value to any separate put option that may be acquired to facilitate portfolio liquidity, inasmuch as the value (if any) of the put will be reflected in the value assigned to the associated security; any put acquired for hedging purposes would be valued in good faith under methods or procedures established by the Trustees after consideration of all relevant factors, including its expiration date, the price volatility of the associated security, the difference between the market price of the associated security and the exercise price of the put, the creditworthiness of the issuer of the put and the market prices of comparable put options. Interest income generated by certain bonds having put or demand features may be taxable.

OTC Options. The Trust may enter into an agreement with a potential buyer of a municipal obligation that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a municipal obligation held by the Trust at a particular price in the future and is commonly referred to as an over-the-counter option or OTC option. Such agreements will be entered solely to help facilitate the selling of municipal obligations, for instance, if the buyer wishes to lock in a price for a particular municipal obligation subject to performing due diligence on the issue or issuer. The buyer may not pay a premium for such option. There is a risk that the value of a municipal obligation underlying an option may appreciate above the value that the buyer has agreed to pay for the municipal obligation and, therefore, the Trust would not be entitled to the appreciation above such price.

Inflation-Indexed (or Inflation-Linked) Bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities the principal value of which is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Inflation-indexed bonds are issued by governments, their agencies or instrumentalities and corporations. Two structures are common: The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the inflation accruals as part of a semiannual coupon. The principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is adjusted in response to changes in the level of inflation. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, and therefore, the principal amount of such bonds cannot be reduced below par even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of these bonds is not guaranteed and will fluctuate, reflecting the risk of changes in their yields. In certain jurisdictions outside the United States, the repayment of the original bond principal upon the maturity of an inflation-indexed bond is not guaranteed, allowing for the amount of the bond repaid at maturity to be less than par. The interest rate for inflation-indexed bonds is fixed at issuance as a percentage of this adjustable principal. Accordingly, the actual interest income may both rise and fall as the principal amount of the bonds adjusts in response to movements in the Consumer Price Index.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

Event-Linked Instruments. The Trust may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds,” “event-linked swaps” or other “event-linked instruments.” Event-linked exposure results in gains or losses that typically are contingent, or formulaically related to defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena, or statistics relating to such events. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” They may be issued by government agencies, insurance companies, reinsurers, special purpose corporations or other on-shore or off-shore entities (such special purpose entities are created to accomplish a narrow and well-defined objective, such as the issuance of a note in connection with a reinsurance transaction). If a trigger event causes losses exceeding a specific amount in the geographic region and time period specified in a bond, the Trust investing in the bond may lose a portion or all of its entire investment in the security or notional amount on a swap. If no trigger event occurs, the Trust will recover its principal plus interest. For some event-linked bonds, the trigger event or losses may be based on company-wide losses, index-portfolio losses, industry indices, or readings of scientific instruments rather than specified actual losses. Often the event-linked bonds provide for extensions of maturity that are mandatory, or optional at the discretion of the issuer, in order to process and audit loss claims in those cases where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. In addition to the specified trigger events, event-linked bonds also may expose the Trust to certain unanticipated risks including but not limited to issuer risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. As derivatives instruments, event-linked swaps are also subject to the risk associated with derivatives, including leverage risk.

Event-linked bonds are a relatively new type of financial instrument. As such, there is no significant trading history of these instruments, and there can be no assurance that a liquid market in these instruments will develop. Lack of a liquid market may impose the risk of higher transaction costs and the possibility that the Trust may be forced to liquidate positions when it would not be advantageous to do so.

Derivative-Linked and Commodity-Linked Hybrid Instruments. A derivative-linked or commodity-linked hybrid instrument (referred to herein as a “hybrid instrument”) is a type of potentially high-risk derivative that combines a traditional stock, bond, or commodity with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a hybrid instrument is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some commodity, currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a “benchmark”). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid instrument may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. An example of a hybrid instrument is a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a hybrid instrument would be a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.

 

The risks of investing in hybrid instruments reflect a combination of the risks of investing in securities, options, futures and currencies. An investment in a hybrid instrument may entail significant risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional debt instrument that has a fixed principal amount, is denominated in U.S. dollars or bears interest either at a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to a common, nationally published benchmark. The risks of a particular hybrid instrument will depend upon the terms of the instrument, but may include the possibility of significant changes in the benchmark(s) or the prices of the underlying assets to which the instrument is linked. Such risks generally depend upon factors unrelated to the operations or credit quality of the issuer of the hybrid instrument, which may not be foreseen by the purchaser, such as economic and political events, the supply and demand of the underlying assets and interest rate movements. Hybrid instruments may be highly volatile and their use by the Trust may not be successful. Hybrid instruments may also carry liquidity risk since the instruments are often “customized” to meet the portfolio needs of a particular investor, and therefore, the number of investors that are willing and able to buy such instruments in the secondary market may be smaller than that for more traditional debt securities.

Hybrid instruments may bear interest or pay preferred dividends at below market (or even relatively nominal) rates. Alternatively, hybrid instruments may bear interest at above market rates but bear an increased risk of principal loss (or gain). The latter scenario may result if “leverage” is used to structure the hybrid instrument. Leverage risk occurs when the hybrid instrument is structured so that a given change in a benchmark or underlying asset is multiplied to produce a greater value change in the hybrid instrument, thereby magnifying the risk of loss as well as the potential for gain.

Hybrid instruments are potentially more volatile and carry greater market risks than traditional debt instruments. Depending on the structure of the particular hybrid instrument, changes in a benchmark may be magnified by the terms of the hybrid instrument and have an even more dramatic and substantial effect upon the value of the hybrid instrument. Also, the prices of the hybrid instrument and the benchmark or underlying asset may not move in the same direction or at the same time.

Hybrid instruments can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management, and increased total return and creating exposure to a particular market or segment of that market. The value of a hybrid instrument or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as commodity shortages and currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid instrument. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid instrument could be zero. The purchase of hybrid instruments also exposes the Trust to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the net asset value of the Trust.

Certain hybrid instruments may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options, or similar instruments. Commodity-linked hybrid instruments may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or unleveraged, and are considered hybrid instruments because they have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable. The Trust will invest only in commodity-linked hybrid instruments that qualify under applicable rules of the CFTC for an exemption from the provisions of the CEA. Certain issuers of structured products such as hybrid instruments may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, the Trust’s investments in these products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.

Illiquid Obligations. Illiquid securities include obligations legally restricted as to resale, and may include commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. Section 4(2) and Rule 144A obligations may, however, be treated as liquid by the Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trustees, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. Even if determined to be liquid, Rule 144A securities may increase the level of portfolio illiquidity if eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.

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

 

At times, a portion of the Trust’s assets may be invested in securities as to which the Trust, by itself or together with other accounts managed by the Adviser and its affiliates, holds a major portion or all of such securities. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Trust could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the Adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. It may also be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Trust’s net asset value.

Asset Coverage Requirements. Transactions involving when-issued securities, futures contracts and options (other than options that the Trust has purchased), interest rate swaps or forward rate contracts may expose the Trust to an obligation to another party. The Trust will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (1) an offsetting (“covered”) position for the same type of financial asset, or (2) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (1). The Trust will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with its custodian in the prescribed amount. The securities in the segregated account will be marked to market daily. Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account maintained by the custodian cannot be sold while the position(s) requiring coverage or segregation is outstanding unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. As a result, if a large portion of assets is segregated or committed as cover, it could impede portfolio management.

Other Investment Companies. The Trust may invest in pooled investment vehicles including other open-end or closed-end investment companies, exchange-traded Trusts (described herein) and other collective investment pools in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Closed-end investment company securities are usually traded on an exchange. The demand for the closed-end Trust securities is independent of the demand for the underlying portfolio assets, and accordingly, such securities can trade at a discount from their net asset values. The Trust generally will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees paid by a pooled investment vehicle in which it invests in addition to the investment advisory fee paid by the Trust.

ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that are designed to provide investment results corresponding to an index. These indexes may be either broad-based, sector or international. ETFs usually are units of beneficial interest in an investment trust or represent undivided ownership interests in a portfolio of securities (or commodities), in each case with respect to a portfolio of all or substantially all of the component securities of, and in substantially the same weighting as, the relevant benchmark index. ETFs are designed to provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component securities (or commodities) of the benchmark index. ETFs are listed on an exchange and trade in the secondary market on a per-share basis. The values of ETFs are subject to change as the values of their respective component securities (or commodities) fluctuate according to market volatility. Investments in ETFs may not exactly match the performance of a direct investment in the respective indices to which they are intended to correspond due to the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or other extraordinary circumstances, such as discrepancies with respect to the weighting of securities. Typically, the ETF bears its own operational expenses, which are deducted from its assets. To the extent that the Trust invests in ETFs, the Trust must bear these expenses in addition to the expenses of its own operation.

Temporary Investments. The Trust may invest in cash equivalents to invest daily cash balances or for temporary defensive purposes. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. Government obligations. These securities may be subject to federal income, state income and/or other taxes. During unusual market conditions, the Trust may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective and other policies.

Cash Equivalents. Cash equivalents include short term, high quality, U.S. dollar denominated instruments such as commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances issued by U.S. or foreign banks, and Treasury bills and other obligations with a maturity of one year or less, including those issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities. See “U.S. Government Securities” above. Certificates of deposit are certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank, are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return, and are normally negotiable. Bankers’ acceptances are short-term credit instruments used to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods. They are termed “accepted” when a bank guarantees their payment at maturity.

The obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by governmental regulation. Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidence of ownership of portfolio securities may be held outside of the U.S. and generally will be subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas. Various provisions of U.S. law governing the establishment and operation of domestic branches do not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks. The obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as by governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office.

Cash equivalents are often acquired directly from the issuers thereof or otherwise are normally traded on a net basis (without commission) through broker-dealers and banks acting for their own account. Such firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price and selling at the higher asked price of the market, and the difference is customarily referred to as the spread. Cash equivalents may be adversely affected by market and economic events, such as a sharp rise in prevailing short-term interest rates; adverse developments in the banking industry, which issues or guarantees many money market securities; adverse economic, political or other developments affecting domestic issuers of money market securities; changes in the credit quality of issuers; and default by a counterparty. These securities may be subject to federal income, state income and/or other taxes. Instead of investing in cash equivalents directly, the Trust may invest in an affiliated money market fund (such as Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC, which is managed by Eaton Vance) or unaffiliated money market fund.

Fixed-Income Securities. Fixed-income securities include bonds, preferred, preference and convertible securities, notes, debentures, asset-backed securities (including those backed by mortgages), loan participations and assignments, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates and conditional sales contracts. Generally, issuers of fixed-income securities pay investors periodic interest and repay the amount borrowed either periodically during the life of the security and/or at maturity. Some fixed-income securities, such as zero coupon bonds, do not pay current interest, but are purchased at a discount from their face values, and values accumulate over time to face value at maturity. The market prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate depending on such factors as interest rates, credit quality and maturity. In general, market prices of fixed-income securities decline when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall. Fixed-income securities are subject to risk factors such as sensitivity to interest rate and real or perceived changes in economic conditions, payment expectations, liquidity and valuation. Fixed-income securities with longer maturities (for example, over ten years) are more affected by changes in interest rates and provide less price stability than securities with short-term maturities (for example, one to ten years). Fixed-income securities bear the risk of principal and interest default by the issuer, which will be greater with higher yielding, lower grade securities. During an economic downturn, the ability of issuers to service their debt may be impaired. The rating assigned to a fixed-income security by a rating agency does not reflect assessment of the volatility of the security’s market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the securities. Credit ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and a rating agency’s investment analysis at the time of rating, and the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. Credit quality can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high yield security. Preferred stock and certain other hybrid securities may pay a fixed-dividend rate, but may be considered equity securities for purposes of the Trust’s investment restrictions. For a description of corporate bond ratings, see Appendix A.

Portfolio Trading and Turnover Rate. A change in the securities held by the Trust is known as “portfolio turnover” and generally involves expense to the Trust, including brokerage commissions or dealer markups and other transaction costs on both the sale of securities and the reinvestment of the proceeds in other securities. If sales of portfolio securities cause the Trust to realize net short-term capital gains, such gains will be taxable as ordinary income to taxable shareholders. Portfolio turnover rate for a fiscal year is the ratio of the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities to the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities − excluding securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less. The Trust's portfolio turnover rate is not a limiting factor when the Adviser considers a change in the Trust's portfolio holdings. The portfolio turnover rates for the Trust for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2018 and November 30, 2017 were 32% and 8%, respectively.

Government Intervention in Financial Markets. Since 2008, instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. Government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Federal, state, and other governments, their regulatory agencies, or self regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Trust invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable or not fully understood or anticipated. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Trust itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Trust’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

Governments or their agencies have and may in the future acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Trust’s portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile financial markets can expose the Trust to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Trust. The Trust has established procedures to assess the liquidity of portfolio holdings and to value instruments for which market prices may not be readily available. Eaton Vance will monitor developments and seek to manage the Trust in a manner consistent with achieving the Trust’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.

Lending Portfolio Securities. The Trust 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 at the time a loan is made. All securities loans will be collateralized on a continuous basis by cash or U.S. government securities having a value, marked to market daily, of at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities. The Trust may receive loan fees in connection with loans that are collateralized by securities or on loans of securities for which there is special demand. 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 Trust 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 Trust or the borrower at any time. Upon termination and return of the loaned securities, the Trust would be required to return the related collateral to the borrower and, if this collateral has been reinvested, it may be required to liquidate portfolio securities in order to do so. To the extent that such securities have decreased in value, this may result in the Trust realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. The Trust 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.

The Trust will receive amounts equivalent to any interest or other distributions paid on securities while they are on loan, and the Trust will not be entitled to exercise voting or other beneficial rights on loaned securities. The Trust will exercise its right to terminate loans and thereby regain these rights whenever the Adviser considers it to be in the Trust’s interest to do so, taking into account the related loss of reinvestment income and other factors.

Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions of the Trust are designated as fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Trust’s outstanding voting securities, which as used in this SAI means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Trust 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 Trust. As a matter of fundamental policy the Trust may not:

(1)

Borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act;

(2)

Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than (i) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 200%, (ii) indebtedness which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300%, or (iii) the borrowings permitted by investment restriction (1) above;

(3)

Purchase securities on margin (but the Trust 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 Trust is authorized to invest in accordance with its investment objective 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 Trust 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 or other financial instruments;

(8)

Invest more than 25% of its total assets in issuers in any one industry.

The Trust’s investments in residual interest bonds and similar securities described in the Prospectus and this SAI will not be considered borrowing for the purposes of the Trust’s restrictions on borrowing described herein.

For purposes of the Trust’s investment restrictions, the determination of the “issuer” of a municipal obligation that is not a general obligation bond will be made by the Adviser on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation and other relevant factors, the most significant of which is the source of funds committed to meeting interest and principal payments of such obligation.

The Trust 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 Trust securities. The 1940 Act currently requires that the Trust have 300% asset coverage with respect to all borrowings other than temporary borrowings.

For purposes of construing restriction (8), securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities are not considered to represent industries. Municipal obligations backed by the credit of a governmental entity are also not considered to represent industries. However, municipal obligations backed only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental users may for this purpose be deemed to be issued by such non-governmental users. The foregoing 25% limitation would apply to these issuers. As discussed in the Trust’s prospectus and this SAI, the Trust may invest more than 25% of its total assets in certain economic sectors, such as revenue bonds, housing, hospitals and other health care facilities, industrial development bonds, electrical utility revenue obligations and private activity securities. The Trust reserves the right to invest more than 25% of total assets in each of these sectors.

The Trust has adopted the following nonfundamental investment policy, which may be changed by the Board without approval of the Trust’s shareholders. As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Trust may not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a short position is open it 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 issuer as, and equal in amount to, the securities sold short.

Upon the Board's approval, the Trust 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 requirement with respect to the percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after and as a result of the acquisition by the Trust of such security or asset. Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, assets or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating service (or as determined by the Adviser if the security is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel the Trust to dispose of such security or other asset. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust must always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Trust. The Board members and officers of the Trust are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. The “noninterested Trustees” consist of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Board member and officer is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. As used in this SAI, “EVC” refers to Eaton Vance Corp., “EV” refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., “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. EVD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with Eaton Vance listed below.

Name and Year of Birth		Trust Position(s)(1)		Length of Service		Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience		Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2)		Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years(3)
Interested Trustee
THOMAS E. FAUST JR. 1958		Class II Trustee		Until 2019. 3 years. Since 2007.		Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC, Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD.  Trustee and/or officer of 172 registered investment companies. Mr. Faust is an interested person because of his positions with BMR, Eaton Vance, EVC, EVD and EV, which are affiliates of the Trust.		172		Director of EVC and Hexavest Inc. (investment management firm).

 

Name and Year of Birth		Trust Position(s)(1)		Length of Service		Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience		Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2)		Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years(3)
Noninterested Trustees
MARK R. FETTING 1954		Class II Trustee		Until 2019. 3 Years. Since 2016.		Private investor.  Formerly held various positions at Legg Mason, Inc. (investment management firm) (2000-2012), including President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman (2008-2012), Senior Executive Vice President (2004-2008) and Executive Vice President (2001-2004).  Formerly, President of Legg Mason family of funds (2001-2008).  Formerly, Division President and Senior Officer of Prudential Financial Group, Inc. and related companies (investment management firm) (1991-2000).		172		None
CYNTHIA E. FROST 1961		Class I Trustee		Until 2021. 3 Years. Since 2014.		Private investor.  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of Brown University (university endowment) (2000-2012). Formerly, Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company (university endowment manager) (1995-2000). Formerly, Managing Director, Cambridge Associates (investment consulting company) (1989-1995).  Formerly, Consultant, Bain and Company (management consulting firm) (1987-1989).  Formerly, Senior Equity Analyst, BA Investment Management Company (1983-1985).		172		None
GEORGE J. GORMAN 1952		Class I Trustee		Until 2021. 3 Years. Since 2014.		Principal at George J. Gorman LLC (consulting firm). Formerly, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (a registered public accounting firm) (1974-2009).		172		Formerly, Trustee of the BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds) (2011-2014) and of the Ashmore Funds (9 funds) (2010-2014).
VALERIE A. MOSLEY 1960		Class I Trustee		Until 2021. 3 Years. Since 2014.		Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmo Ventures (a consulting and investment firm).  Former Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012).  Former Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992).  Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).		172		Director of Envestnet, Inc. (provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness) (since 2018).  Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (since 2013).

 

 

Name and Year of Birth		Trust Position(s)(1)		Length of Service		Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience		Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2)		Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years(3)
WILLIAM H. PARK 1947		Chairperson of the Board and Class III Trustee		Until 2020. 3 Years. Chairperson of the Board since 2016 and Trustee since 2003.		Private investor. Formerly, Consultant (management and transactional) (2012-2014). Formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Aveon Group, L.P. (investment management firm) (2010-2011). Formerly, Vice Chairman, Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company) (2006-2010). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (2002-2005). Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (investment management firm) (1982-2001). Formerly, Senior Manager, Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (a registered public accounting firm) (1972-1981).		172		None
HELEN FRAME PETERS 1948		Class III Trustee		Until 2020. 3 Years. Since 2008.		Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Formerly, Dean, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (2000-2002). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income, Scudder Kemper Investments (investment management firm) (1998-1999).  Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income, Colonial Management Associates (investment management firm) (1991-1998).		172		None
KEITH QUINTON 1958		Class III Trustee		Until 2020. 3 Years. Since 2018.		Independent Investment Committee Member at New Hampshire Retirement System (since 2017). Advisory Committee member at Northfield Information Services, Inc. (risk management analytics provider) (since 2016). Formerly, Portfolio Manager and Senior Quantitative Analyst at Fidelity Investments (investment management firm) (2001-2014).		172		Director of New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank (since 2016).
MARCUS L. SMITH 1966		Class III Trustee		Until 2020. 2 Years. Since 2018.		Member of Posse Boston Advisory Board (foundation) (since 2015); Trustee at University of Mount Union (since 2008). Formerly, Portfolio Manager at MFS Investment Management (investment management firm) (1994-2017).		172		Director of MSCI Inc. (global provider of investment decision support tools) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (logistics real estate company) (2017-2018).
SUSAN J. SUTHERLAND 1957		Class I Trustee		Until 2021. 3 years. Since 2015.		Private investor. Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).		172		Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).

 

 

Name and Year of Birth		Trust Position(s)(1)		Length of Service		Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience		Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(2)		Other Directorships Held During Last Five Years(3)
SCOTT E. WENNERHOLM 1959		Class II Trustee		Until 2019. 3 years. Since 2016.		Formerly, Trustee at Wheelock College (postsecondary institution) (2012-2018). Formerly, Consultant at GF Parish Group (executive recruiting firm) (2016-2017). Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at BNY Mellon Asset Management (investment management firm) (2005-2011).  Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Natixis Global Asset Management (investment management firm) (1997-2004).  Formerly, Vice President at Fidelity Investments Institutional Services (investment management firm) (1994-1997).		172		None

 

(1)

The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years to expire on the date of the third annual meeting following its election.

(2)

Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.

(3)

During their respective tenures, the Trustees (except for Mmes. Frost and Sutherland and Messrs. Fetting, Gorman, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm) also served as Board members of one or more of the following funds (which operated in the years noted): eUnitsTM 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust: Upside to Cap/Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014); and eUnitsTM 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust II: Upside to Cap/Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014). However, Ms. Mosley did not serve as a Board member of eUnitsTM 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust: Upside to Cap/Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014).

 

Principal Officers who are not Trustees
Name and Year of Birth		Trust Position(s)		Length of Service		Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
PAYSON F. SWAFFIELD 1956		President		Since 2014		Vice President and Chief Income Investment Officer of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 144 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”) since 2016.
MAUREEN A. GEMMA 1960		Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer		Vice President since 2011, Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008.		Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 172 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of CRM and officer of 39 registered investment companies advised or administered by CRM since 2016.
JAMES F. KIRCHNER 1967		Treasurer		Since 2013		Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR.  Officer of 172 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Also Vice President of CRM and officer of 39 registered investment companies advised or administered by CRM since 2016.
RICHARD F. FROIO 1968		Chief Compliance Officer		Since 2017		Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR since 2017.  Officer of 172 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR.  Formerly, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (Adviser/Funds) and Chief Compliance Officer (Distribution) at PIMCO (2012-2017) and Managing Director at BlackRock/Barclays Global Investors (2009-2012).

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the ability to qualify as a noninterested Trustee for purposes of the 1940 Act and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the individual and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Board determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valerie A. Mosley. Ms. Mosley has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Governance Committee and of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. She currently owns and manages a consulting and investment firm, Valmo Ventures and is a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers. From 1992 through 2012, Ms. Mosley served in several capacities at Wellington Management Company, LLP, an investment management firm, including as a Partner, Senior

Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist. Ms. Mosley also served as Chief Investment Officer at PG Corbin Asset Management from 1990-1992 and worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody from 1986-1990. Ms. Mosley is a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT, where she serves on the board’s audit and investment committees, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness. She also serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including New Profit, a non-profit venture philanthropy fund. She is a member of the Risk Audit Committee of the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust and a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of New York State Common Retirement Fund. She is also an advisor to New Technology Ventures, a venture capital firm.

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

Mmes. Mosley (Chairperson), Frost, Peters and Sutherland, and Messrs. Fetting, Gorman, Park, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm are members of the Governance Committee. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the structure, membership and operation of the Board and the Committees thereof, including the nomination and selection of noninterested Trustees and a Chairperson of the Board and the compensation of such persons. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Governance Committee convened seven times.

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

Messrs. Gorman (Chairperson), Park and Wennerholm and Ms. Mosley are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has designated Messrs. Gorman and Park, each a noninterested Trustee, as audit committee financial experts. The Audit Committee’s purposes are to (i) oversee the Trust'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 Trust's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Trust's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Trust'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 Trust; (v) evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the audit partner in charge of leading the audit; and (vi) prepare, as necessary, audit committee reports consistent with the requirements of applicable SEC and stock exchange rules for inclusion in the proxy statement of the Trust. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Audit Committee convened fourteen times.

Messrs. Wennerholm (Chairperson), Fetting, Gorman, Park, Quinton and Smith, and Mmes. Frost, Mosley, Peters and Sutherland are members of the Contract Review Committee. The purposes of the Contract Review Committee are to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning the following matters: (i) contractual arrangements with each service provider to the Trust, including advisory, sub-advisory, transfer agency, custodial and fund accounting, distribution services and administrative services; (ii) any and all other matters in which any service provider (including Eaton Vance or any affiliated entity thereof) has an actual or potential conflict of interest with the interests of the Trust; and (iii) any other matter appropriate for review by the noninterested Trustees, unless the matter is within the responsibilities of the other Committees of the Board. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Contract Review Committee convened seven times.

Mmes. Frost (Chairperson), Mosley and Peters and Messrs. Fetting and Smith are members of the Portfolio Management Committee. The purposes of the Portfolio Management Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of the portfolio management process employed by the Trust and its investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Trust's stated objective(s), strategies and restrictions; (ii) assist the Board in its oversight of the trading policies and procedures and risk management techniques applicable to the Trust; and (iii) assist the Board in its monitoring of the performance results of all funds and portfolios, giving special attention to the performance of certain funds and portfolios that it or the Board identifies from time to time. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Portfolio Management Committee convened seven times.

Ms. Sutherland (Chairperson) and Messrs. Gorman, Quinton and Wennerholm are members of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. The purposes of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight role with respect to compliance issues and certain other regulatory matters affecting the Trust; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board and the Trust's CCO; and (iii) serve as a “qualified legal compliance committee” within the rules promulgated by the SEC. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened nine times.

Ms. Mosley (Chairperson) and Messrs. Gorman and Park are members of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to issues specifically related to Eaton Vance Closed-End Funds. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters did not meet.

Share Ownership. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Trust and in the Eaton Vance family of funds overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2018.

Name of Trustee	Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in the Trust	Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in Funds Overseen by Trustee in the Eaton Vance Family of Funds
Interested Trustee
Thomas E. Faust Jr.	None	Over $100,000
Noninterested Trustees
Mark R. Fetting	None	Over $100,000
Cynthia E. Frost	None	Over $100,000
George J. Gorman	None	Over $100,000
Valerie A. Mosley	None	Over $100,000
William H. Park	None	Over $100,000
Helen Frame Peters	None	Over $100,000
Keith Quinton(1)	None	Over $100,000
Marcus L. Smith(1)	None	Over $100,000
Susan J. Sutherland	None	Over $100,000(2)
Scott E. Wennerholm	None	Over $100,000(2)
(1) Messrs. Quinton and Smith began serving as Trustees effective October 1, 2018.
(2) Includes shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned through the Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

As of December 31, 2018, no noninterested Trustee or any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any class of securities of EVC, EVD, any sub-adviser, if applicable, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with EVC or EVD or any sub-adviser, if applicable, collectively (“Affiliated Entity”).

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, no noninterested Trustee (or their immediate family members) had:

(1)

Any direct or indirect interest in any Affiliated Entity;

(2)

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

(3)

Any direct or indirect relationship with (i) the Trust; (ii) another fund managed or distributed by any Affiliated Entity; (iii) any Affiliated Entity; or (iv) an officer of any of the above.

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018, no officer of any Affiliated Entity served on the Board of Directors of a company where a noninterested Trustee of the Trust or any of their immediate family members served as an officer.

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

The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Trust are paid by the Trust. (A Board member who is a member of the Eaton Vance organization receives no compensation from the Trust.) During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Trustees of the Trust earned the following compensation in their capacities as Board members from the Trust. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Board members earned the following compensation in their capacities as members of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards⁽¹⁾:

Source of Compensation	Mark R. Fetting	Cynthia E. Frost	George J. Gorman	Valerie A. Mosley	William H Park	Helen Frame Peters	Keith Quinton	Marcus L. Smith	Susan J. Sutherland	Scott E. Wennerholm
Trust	$2,133	$2,279	$2,328	$2,259(2)	$2,947	$2,181	$2,133	$2,133	$2,328(3)	$2,328(4)
Trust and Fund Complex(1)	$327,500	$350,000	$357,500	$346,875(5)	$452,500	$335,000	$327,500	$327,500	$357,500(6)	$357,500(7)

(1)

As of March 25, 2019, the Eaton Vance fund complex consists of 172 registered investment companies or series thereof. Messrs. Quinton and Smith began serving as Trustees effective October 1, 2018, and thus the compensation figures listed for the Trust and the Trust and Fund Complex are estimated based on the amounts each would have received if they had been Trustees for the full fiscal year ended November 30, 2018 and for the full calendar year ended December 31, 2018. Harriett Tee Taggart retired as a Trustee effective December 31, 2018. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, Ms. Taggart received Trustee fees of $2,202 from the Trust. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2018, she received $338,125 from the Trust and Fund Complex.

(2)

Includes $

159

of deferred compensation.

⁽³⁾ Includes $2,328 of deferred compensation.

⁽⁴⁾ Includes $661 of deferred compensation.

(5)

Includes $24,000 of deferred compensation.

(6)

Includes $352,119 of deferred compensation.

(7)

Includes $100,000 of deferred compensation.

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

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Eaton Vance, its affiliates and its predecessor companies have been managing assets of individuals and institutions since 1924 and of investment companies since 1931. Eaton Vance and its affiliates act as adviser to a family of mutual funds, and individual and various institutional accounts, including corporations, hospitals, retirement plans, universities, foundations and trusts.

 

The Trust will be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Eaton Vance under the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) or the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement. Such costs and expenses to be borne by the Trust include, without limitation: custody and transfer agency fees and expenses, including those incurred for determining NAV 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 Trust shares; and investment advisory and administration fees. The Trust will also bear expenses incurred in connection with any litigation in which the Trust is a party and any legal obligation to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto, to the extent not covered by insurance.

The Advisory Agreement with the Adviser continues in effect indefinitely so long as such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Adviser or the Trust cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Trust’s Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust. The Trust’s Administration Agreement continues in effect indefinitely thereafter so long as such continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the Trust’s Board and (ii) the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of the Eaton Vance or the Trust. Each agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by the Trustees of the Trust or Eaton Vance, as applicable, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Trust. Each agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties to the Trust under the Advisory Agreement on the part of Eaton Vance, Eaton Vance shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the acquisition, holding or disposition of any interest in a loan or of any security, investment or other asset. The Administration Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties to the Trust under the Administration Agreement on the part of the Eaton Vance, Eaton Vance shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or to any shareholder of the Trust for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the Administration Agreement or for any losses which may be sustained in the acquisition, holding or disposition of any security or other investment.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement and certain fee reduction agreements between the Adviser and the Trust, the Adviser receives an annual investment advisory fee calculated as a percentage of the Trust’s average weekly gross assets. The Trust’s advisory fee currently is computed at an annual rate of 0.520% (0.565% prior to November 1, 2018 and 0.580% prior to May 1, 2018) of the Trust average weekly gross assets. Such rate will be reduced by 0.015% every May 1 thereafter through 2029. For purposes of the advisory fee calculation, average weekly gross assets include the principal amount of any indebtedness for money borrowed, including debt securities issued by the Trust, and the amount of any outstanding preferred shares issued by the Trust. Pursuant to a fee reduction agreement with Eaton Vance, average weekly gross assets are calculated by adding to net assets the liquidation value of the Trust’s APS and iMTP then outstanding and the amount payable by the Trust to floating rate note holders, such adjustment being limited to the value of the APS outstanding prior to any APS redemptions by the Trust.

As of November 30, 2018, the Trust had net assets of $315,079,942. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Trust incurred $2,682,620, $2,821,218 and $2,809,887, respectively, in advisory fees.

The administration fee is earned by Eaton Vance for administering the business affairs of the Trust and is computed at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Trust’s average weekly gross assets. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Eaton Vance earned $945,184, $949,962 and $934,652, respectively.

Information About Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance is a business trust organized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. EV serves as trustee of Eaton Vance. EV and Eaton Vance are wholly-owned subsidiaries of EVC, a Maryland corporation and publicly-held holding company. BMR is an indirect subsidiary of EVC. EVC through its subsidiaries and affiliates engages primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities. The Directors of EVC are Thomas E. Faust Jr., Ann E. Berman, Leo I. Higdon, Jr., Paula A. Johnson, Brian D. Langstraat, Dorothy E. Puhy, Winthrop H. Smith, Jr. and Richard A. Spillane, Jr. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common Stock of EVC are deposited in a Voting Trust, the Voting Trustees of which are Mr. Faust, Craig R. Brandon, Daniel C. Cataldo, Michael A. Cirami, Cynthia J. Clemson, James H. Evans, Maureen A. Gemma, Laurie G. Hylton, Mr. Langstraat, Frederick S. Marius, David C. McCabe, Scott H. Page, Edward J. Perkin, Lewis R. Piantedosi, Charles B. Reed, Craig P. Russ,

John L. Shea, Eric A. Stein, Payson F. Swaffield, Michael W. Weilheimer, R. Kelly Williams and Matthew J. Witkos (all of whom are officers of Eaton Vance or its affiliates). The Voting Trustees have unrestricted voting rights for the election of Directors of EVC. All of the outstanding voting trust receipts issued under said Voting Trust are owned by certain of the officers of Eaton Vance who may also be officers, or officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As indicated under “Management and Organization,” all of the officers of the Trust (as well as Mr. Faust who is also a Trustee) hold positions in the Eaton Vance organization.

Code of Ethics. The Adviser and the Trust have adopted codes of ethics (the “Codes of Ethics”) governing personal securities transactions pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Codes of Ethics, employees of the Adviser may purchase and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Trust) subject to the provisions of the Codes of Ethics and certain employees are also subject to pre-clearance, reporting requirements and/or other procedures.

The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov), or a copy of the Codes of Ethics may be requested by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov .

Portfolio Managers. Cynthia J. Clemson serves as the portfolio manager of the Trust. The following table shows, as of the Trust’s most recent fiscal year end, the number of accounts Ms. Clemson managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in the accounts managed within each category. The table also shows the number of accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, if any, and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in those accounts.

	Number of All Accounts	Total Assets of All Accounts	Number of Accounts Paying a Performance Fee	Total Assets of Accounts Paying a Performance Fee
Registered Investment Companies	14	$3,548.8	0	$0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles	1	$56.7	0	$0
Other Accounts	2	$100.7	0	$0

Ms. Clemson did not beneficially own shares of the Trust as of November 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, Ms. Clemson beneficially owned over $1,000,000 of funds in the Eaton Vance Fund Complex.

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

Compensation Structure for Eaton Vance. Compensation of the Adviser's portfolio managers and other investment professionals has the following primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, (3) annual non-cash compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of EVC nonvoting common stock and/or restricted shares of EVC nonvoting common stock that generally are subject to a vesting schedule and (4) (for equity portfolio managers) a Deferred Alpha Incentive Plan, which pays a deferred cash award tied to future excess returns in certain equity strategy portfolios. The Adviser’s investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to 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.

 

Method to Determine Compensation. 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 the benchmark(s) stated in the prospectus, as well as an appropriate peer group (as described below). In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to, the Sharpe ratio (Sharpe ratio uses standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk). Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year end. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by the Adviser’s management not to provide a fair comparison, performance may instead be evaluated primarily against a custom peer group or market index. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter periods. For funds that are tax-managed or otherwise have an objective of after-tax returns, performance is measured net of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance. A portion of the compensation payable to equity portfolio managers and investment professionals will be determined based on the ability of one or more accounts managed by such manager, that are not advised by CRM, to achieve a specified target average annual gross return over a three year period in excess of the account benchmark. The cash award to be payable at the end of the three year term will be established at the inception of the term and will be adjusted positively or negatively to the extent that the average annual gross return varies from the specified target return.

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

The 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 generally based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus adjusted 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.

Investment Advisory Services. Under the general supervision of the Trust’s Board, Eaton Vance will carry out the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Trust, will furnish continuously an investment program with respect to the Trust, will determine which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and will implement such determinations. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Trust investment advice and provide related office facilities and personnel for servicing the investments of the Trust. Eaton Vance will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Trust who are members of the Eaton Vance organization and who render investment services to the Trust, and will also compensate all other Eaton Vance personnel who provide research and investment services to the Trust.

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

 

Administrative Services. Under the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement, Eaton Vance is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Trust, subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board. Eaton Vance will furnish to the Trust all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Trust. Eaton Vance will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Trust who are members of the Eaton Vance organization and who render executive and administrative services to the Trust, and will also compensate all other Eaton Vance personnel who perform management and administrative services for the Trust. 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 Trust’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 Trust’s business.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The net asset value of the Trust is determined by State Street Bank and Trust Company (as agent and custodian) by subtracting the liabilities of the Trust from the value of its total assets.   The Trust is closed for business and will not issue a net asset value on the following business holidays and any other business day that the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is closed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

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

·

Equity securities (including common stock, exchange-traded funds, closed end funds, preferred equity securities, exchange-traded notes and other instruments that trade on recognized stock exchanges) are valued at the last sale, official close or if there are no reported sales at the mean between the bid and asked price on the primary exchange on which they are traded.

·

Most debt obligations are valued on the basis of market valuations furnished by a pricing service or at the mean of the bid and asked prices provided by recognized broker/dealers of such securities. The pricing service may use a pricing matrix to determine valuation.

·

Short-term instruments with remaining maturities of less than 397 days are valued on the basis of market valuations furnished by a pricing service or based on dealer quotations.

·

Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange quotations supplied by a pricing service.

·

Senior and Junior Loans are valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service. The pricing service uses transactions and market quotations from brokers in determining values.

·

Futures contracts are valued at the settlement or closing price on the primary exchange or board of trade on which they are traded.

·

Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter options are valued based on quotations obtained from a pricing service or from a broker (typically the counterparty to the option).

·

Non-exchange traded derivatives (including swap agreements, forward contracts and equity participation notes) are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing service or using quotes provided by a broker/dealer (typically the counterparty).

·

Precious metals are valued at the New York Composite mean quotation.

·

Liabilities with a payment or maturity date of 364 days or less are stated at their principal value and longer dated liabilities generally will be carried at their fair value.

·

Valuations of foreign equity securities and total return swaps and exchange-traded futures contracts on non-North American equity indices may be adjusted from prices in effect at the close of trading on foreign exchanges to more accurately reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange. Such fair valuations may be based on information provided by a pricing service.

 

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

The Trust may invest in Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC (Cash Reserves Fund), an affiliated investment company managed by Eaton Vance. Cash Reserves Fund generally values its investment securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation technique in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. This technique involves initially valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. If amortized cost is determined not to approximate fair value, Cash Reserves Fund may value its investment securities in the same manner as debt obligations described above.

PORTFOLIO TRADING

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

Municipal obligations, including state obligations, purchased and sold by the Trust are generally traded in the over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through broker-dealers and banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers, or otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuer of such obligations. Such firms attempt to profit from such transactions by buying at the bid price and selling at the higher asked price of the market for such obligations, and the difference between the bid and asked price is customarily referred to as the spread. The Trust may also purchase municipal obligations from underwriters, and dealers in fixed-price offerings, the cost of which may include undisclosed fees and concessions to the underwriters. On occasion it may be necessary or appropriate to purchase or sell a security through a broker on an agency basis, in which case the Trust will incur a brokerage commission. Although spreads or commissions on portfolio security transactions will, in the judgment of the investment adviser, be reasonable in relation to the value of the services provided, spreads or commissions exceeding those which another firm might charge may be paid to firms who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of the Trust and the investment adviser’s other clients for providing brokerage and research services to the investment adviser as permitted by applicable law.

Pursuant to the safe harbor provided in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 28(e)”) and to the extent permitted by other applicable law, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction may receive a commission that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the investment adviser determines in good faith that such compensation was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. This determination may be made on the basis of

either that particular transaction or on the basis of the overall responsibility which the investment adviser and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. “Research Services” as used herein includes any and all brokerage and research services to the extent permitted by Section 28(e) and other applicable law. Generally, Research Services may include, but are not limited to, such matters as research, analytical and quotation services, data, information and other services products and materials which assist the investment adviser in the performance of its investment responsibilities. More specifically, Research Services may include general economic, political, business and market information, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio strategies and transactions, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities markets, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, certain financial, industry and trade publications, certain news and information services, and certain research oriented computer software, data bases and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by the investment adviser in connection with client accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful and of value to the investment adviser in rendering investment advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be relevant and useful for the management of only one client’s account or of a few clients’ accounts, or may be useful for the management of merely a segment of certain clients’ accounts, regardless of whether any such account or accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer through which such Research Service was obtained. The investment adviser evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may attempt to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt of Research Services which the investment adviser believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients. The investment adviser may also receive brokerage and Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings, when permitted under applicable law.

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

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

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

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the three fiscal years ended November 30, 2018, as well as the amount of Trust security transactions for the most recent fiscal year (if any) that were directed to firms that provided some Research Services to the investment adviser or its affiliates (see above), and the commissions paid in connection therewith.

Fiscal Year End	Brokerage Commission Paid	Amount of Transactions Directed to Firms Providing Research	Commissions Paid on Transactions Directed to Firms Providing Research
November 30, 2018	$0	$0	$0
November 30, 2017	$0
November 30, 2016	$0

 

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, the Trust held no securities of its “regular brokers or dealers,” as that term is defined in Rule 10b-1 of the 1940 Act.

TAXES

The discussions below and certain disclosure in the Prospectus provide general tax information related to an investment in the Common Shares. Because tax laws are complex and often change, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in the Trust. The following tax discussion assumes that you are a U.S. Common Shareholder that is not subject to special rules under the Code, and that you hold the Common Shares as a capital asset (generally, property held for investment). A U.S. Common Shareholder means an owner of Common Shares that, for federal income tax purposes is a citizen or individual resident of the United States, a corporation (including any entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, an estate the income of which is subject to federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

The Trust intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M the Code. Accordingly, the Trust intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including both investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt interest income) and net short-term capital gains (after reduction by net long term capital losses and any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and generally to avoid paying federal income or excise tax thereon. If it qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Trust will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends or capital gains distributions.

To qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, the Trust must derive at least 90% of its annual gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in stock, securities and currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (as defined in the Code). The Trust must also distribute to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income for each taxable year.

The Trust must also satisfy certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its assets. The Trust must have, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities that, in respect of any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the value of the assets of the Trust or more than 10% of the voting securities of that issuer. In addition, at those times, not more than 25% of the value of the Trust’s assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, or of two or more issuers that the Trust controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of asset diversification testing, obligations issued or guaranteed by certain agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation,

the Federal Farm Credit System Financial Assistance Corporation, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal National Mortgage Association, Government National Mortgage Association, and Student Loan Marketing Corporation are treated as U.S. government securities.

In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that the Trust distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (which is the excess of its capital gain over its 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 Trust paid no U.S. federal income tax.

If the Trust does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year, the Trust’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 Common Shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions will be treated as qualified dividend income with respect to Common Shareholders who are individuals and will be eligible for the dividends received deduction in the case of Common Shareholders taxed as corporations, provided, in each case, certain holding period and other requirements are met. In order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Trust may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions.

The Trust intends to invest a sufficient portion of its assets in tax-exempt municipal obligations so that it will be permitted to pay “exempt-interest dividends” (as defined under applicable federal income tax law). Each distribution of exempt-interest dividends, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Common Shares, ordinarily will constitute income exempt from regular federal income tax under current federal tax law. Interest on certain municipal obligations, such as certain private activity bonds, however, is included as an item of tax preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income. To the extent that the Trust receives income from such municipal obligations, a portion of the dividends paid by the Trust, although exempt from regular federal income tax, will be taxable to Common Shareholders to the extent that their tax liability is determined under the AMT. Furthermore, exempt-interest dividends are included in determining what portion, if any, of a person’s social security and railroad retirement benefits will be includible in gross income subject to regular federal income tax. The Trust will annually provide a report indicating the percentage of the Trust’s income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the AMT.

In addition to exempt-interest dividends, the Trust also may distribute to its shareholders amounts that are treated as long-term capital gain or ordinary income (which may include short-term capital gains). These distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxation, depending on a shareholder’s situation. Taxable distributions are taxable whether or not such distributions are reinvested in the Trust.

At least annually, the Trust intends to distribute any net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, or, alternatively, to retain all or a portion of the year’s net capital gain and pay federal income tax on the retained gain.

Net capital gain distributions are generally taxable at rates applicable to long-term capital gains regardless of how long a Common Shareholder has held his or her Common Shares. Certain individuals, estates and trusts will be subject to an additional 3.8% tax on net investment income, including net capital gains.

If the Trust retains any net capital gain or investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. If the Trust retains any net capital gain, it may report the retained amount as undistributed capital gains as part of its annual reporting to its shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their share of such undistributed amount; (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Trust on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any; and (iii) will be entitled to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of Common Shares owned by a Common Shareholder of the Trust will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the Common Shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

 

If the Trust makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Trust’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder‘s tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) currently requires that a RIC that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as exempt interest, ordinary income and capital gains). Accordingly, if the Trust issues preferred shares, it will designate dividends made with respect to Common Shares and preferred shares as consisting of particular types of income (e.g., exempt interest, net capital gain and ordinary income) in accordance with the proportionate share of each class in the total dividends paid by the Trust during the year.

Dividends and other taxable distributions declared by the Trust in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such month and paid during the following January will be treated as having been received by shareholders in the year the distributions were declared.

Each Common Shareholder will receive an annual statement summarizing the shareholder’s dividend and capital gains distributions (including net capital gains credited to the Common Shareholder but retained by the Trust) after the close of the Trust’s taxable year.

The redemption, sale or exchange of Common Shares normally will result in capital gain or loss to Common Shareholders. Generally a shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss on the sale of shares that have been held for six months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any distribution of exempt-interest dividends received with respect to such shares, unless the shares are of a RIC that declares exempt-interest dividends on a daily basis in an amount equal to at least 90% of its net tax-exempt interest and distributes such dividends on a monthly or more frequent basis. If a shareholder sells or otherwise disposes of shares before holding them for more than six months, any loss on the sale or disposition will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any net capital gain distributions received by the shareholder on such share. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Trust will be disallowed to the extent those shares of the Trust are replaced by other substantially identical shares of the Trust or other substantially identical stock or securities (including through reinvestment of dividends) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the original shares. In that event, the basis of the replacement shares of the Trust will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

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 Trust, during the period beginning on the date of such sale and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such sale was made, pursuant to a 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.

An investor should be aware that, if shares are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable dividend (including a capital gain dividend), the purchase price likely will reflect the value of the dividend and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution likely to reduce the trading value of such shares, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price. An investor should also be aware that the benefits of the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains may be impacted by the application of the AMT to individual shareholders. Further, entities or persons who are “substantial users” (or persons related to “substantial users”) of facilities financed by industrial development or private activity bonds should consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of the Trust. “Substantial user” is defined in applicable Treasury regulations to include a “non-exempt person” who regularly uses in its trade or business a part of a facility financed from the proceeds of industrial development bonds, and the same definition should apply in the case of private activity bonds.

Any interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the Trust’s shares to which exempt-interest dividends are allocated is not deductible by shareholders in proportion to the percentage that the Trust's distribution of exempt-interest dividends bears to all of the Trust's distributions, excluding capital gain dividends. Under certain applicable rules, the purchase or ownership of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds even though such funds are not directly used for the purchase or ownership of the shares. In addition, if you receive Social Security or certain railroad retirement benefits, you may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of such benefits as a result of receiving investment income, including exempt-interest dividends and other distributions paid by the Trust.

If the Trust invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Trust elects to include market discount in income currently), the Trust must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Trust must distribute to shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income, to qualify as a RIC and to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the Trust may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.

The Trust may hold or acquire municipal obligations that are market discount bonds. A market discount bond is a security acquired in the secondary market at a price below its redemption value (or its adjusted issue price if it is also an original issue discount bond). Subject to the discussion below regarding Section 451 of the Code, (i) generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt obligation, (ii) alternatively, the Trust may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Trust will be required to include the accrued market discount on such debt obligations in the Trust's income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt obligation, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Trust's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Portfolio elects. The Trust reserves the right to revoke such an election at any time pursuant to applicable IRS procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective for taxable years beginning after 2017, Section 451 of the Code generally requires any accrual method taxpayer to take into account items of gross income no later than the time at which such items are taken into account as revenue in the taxpayer's financial statements. Although the application of Section 451 to the accrual of market discount is currently unclear, the IRS and the Treasury Department have announced that they expect to issue proposed regulations providing that Section 451 does not apply to market discount. If Section 451 were to apply to the accrual of market discount, the Trust would be required to include in income any market discount as it takes the same into account on its financial statements.

The Trust may invest to a significant extent in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Trust. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Trust may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income.

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

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

The Trust may invest in other securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which is uncertain or subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or their income differs from the tax treatment expected by the Trust, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Trust, requiring the Trust to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to RICs under the Code.

As with all investment companies, the Trust may be required to “backup” withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a certain portion of all taxable distributions payable to Common Shareholders who fail to provide the Trust with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if the Common Shareholders have been notified by

the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

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

In general, dividends (other than capital gain dividends and exempt-interest dividends) paid to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (a “non-U.S. shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).

Properly-designated dividends are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are paid in respect of the Trust’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the Trust’s U.S. source interest income, other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Trust is at least a 10% shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the Trust’s “qualified short-term capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Trust’s net short-term capital gain over the Trust’s long-term capital loss for such taxable year). However, depending on its circumstances, the Trust may designate all, some or none of its potentially eligible dividends as such qualified net interest income or as qualified short-term capital gains and/or treat such dividends, in whole or in part, as ineligible for this exemption from withholding. In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder will need to comply with applicable certification requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an applicable IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute Form).

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Trust designates the payment as qualified net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally require the Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an “IGA”) between the United States and a foreign government. If a shareholder fails to provide the requested information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Trust may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays. The IRS and Department of Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not be applicable to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or capital gain dividends the Trust pays. If a payment by the Trust is subject to FATCA withholding, the Trust is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends).

Each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor's own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

The Code, with respect to all of the foregoing matters and other matters that may affect the Trust or the Common Shareholders, is constantly subject to change by Congress. In recent years there have been significant changes in the Code, and Congress is currently actively considering further significant changes to federal tax law. It is not possible at this time to predict whether or to what extent any changes will be made to the Code. Prospective investors should note that the Trust will not undertake to advise investors of any legislative or other developments. Such investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding pending and proposed legislation or other changes.

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 investors. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the IRS retroactively or prospectively. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal tax treatment of the Trust or the implications to Shareholders, and the discussions here and in the prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

Other Federal, State and Local Taxes. Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding other federal, as well as state or local, tax consequences of investing in the Trust that may be applicable in their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Trust 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 the Trust property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust, in coordination with the Trust’s By-laws, also provides for indemnification out of the Trust property of any shareholder held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself is unable to meet its obligations. The Trust has been advised by its counsel that the risk of any shareholder incurring any liability for the obligations of the Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust’s custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees of the Trust 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 so to do by the record holders of not less than 10 per centum of the outstanding shares.

The Trust’s Prospectus, any related Prospectus Supplement, and this SAI do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Trust has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its Rules and Regulations.

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, is the custodian of the Trust and will maintain custody of the securities and cash of the Trust. State Street maintains the Trust’s general ledger and computes net asset value per share at least weekly. State Street also attends to details in connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, transfer and other dealings with the Trust’s investments, and receives and disburses all funds. State Street also assists in preparation of shareholder reports and the electronic filing of such reports with the SEC.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Trust’s financial statements and provides other audit, tax and related services.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm of the Trust, for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2018, are incorporated herein by reference from the Trust’s most recent Annual Report to Common Shareholders filed with the SEC (Accession No. 0001193125-19-016962) on Form N-CSR pursuant to Rule 30b2-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A

RATINGS

The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this SAI for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on a particular date.

MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (“Moody’s”)

Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of a default.

GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATINGS SCALE

Aaa: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A: Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa: Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics

Ba: Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca: Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C: Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE

Moody’s short term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

P-1: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime ratings categories.

 

ISSUER RATINGS

Issuer Ratings are opinions of the ability of entities to honor senior unsecured debt and debt like instruments. As such, Issuer Ratings incorporate any external support that is expected to apply to all current and future issuance of senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts, such as explicit support stemming from a guarantee of all senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts, and/or implicit support for issuers subject to joint default analysis (e.g. banks and government-related issuers). Issuer Ratings do not incorporate support arrangements, such as guarantees, that apply only to specific (but not to all) senior unsecured financial obligations and contracts.

US MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS AND DEMAND OBLIGATION RATINGS

SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

While the global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to US municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not to the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (i.e., the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).

The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels—MIG 1 through MIG 3—while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.

MIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

Demand Obligation Ratings

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term rating and demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scale. VMIG ratings of demand obligations with unconditional liquidity support are mapped from the short-term debt rating (or counterparty assessment) of the support provider, or the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support, with VMIG 1 corresponding to P-1, VMIG 2 to P-2, VMIG 3 to P-3 and SG to not prime. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support, as shown in the diagram below, differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

VMIG 1: This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 2: This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

VMIG 3: This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

SG: This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

S&P GLOBAL RATINGS (“S&P”)

ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS

S&P’s issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P’s view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS:

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of the following considerations:

· Likelihood of payment—capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

· Nature of and provisions of the financial obligation and the promise that it is imputed; and

· Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

AAA: An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC and C

Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to non-payment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial or, economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C: An obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

NR: This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

A-1: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C: A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS

S&P’s issuer credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about an obligor's overall creditworthiness. This opinion focuses on the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due. It does not apply to any specific financial obligation, as it does not take into account the nature of and provisions of the obligation, its standing in bankruptcy or liquidation, statutory preferences, or the legality and enforceability of the obligation.

Counterparty credit ratings, corporate credit ratings and sovereign credit ratings are all forms of issuer credit ratings.

Issuer credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term.

LONG-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS

AAA: An obligor rated ‘AAA’ has extremely strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. ‘AAA’ is the highest issuer credit rating assigned by S&P.

AA: An obligor rated ‘AA’ has very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It differs from the highest-rated obligors only to a small degree.

A: An obligor rated ‘A’ has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments but is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in higher-rated categories.

BBB: An obligor rated ‘BBB’ has adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments.

BB, B, CCC and CC

Obligors rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, and ‘CC’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘CC’ the highest. While such obligors will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

BB: An obligor ‘BB’ is less vulnerable in the near term than other lower-rated obligors. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties and exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

B: An obligor rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable than the obligors rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meets its financial commitments.

CCC: An obligor rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitments.

CC: An obligor rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

R: An obligor rated 'R' is under regulatory supervision owing to its financial condition. During the pendency of the regulatory supervision the regulators may have the power to favor one class of obligations over others or pay some obligations and not others.

SD and D: An obligor rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' is in default on one or more of its financial obligations including rated and unrated financial obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in non-payment according to terms. An obligor is considered in default unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days of the due date in the absence of a stated grace period, or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. An obligor's rating is lowered to 'D' or 'SD' if it is conducting a distressed exchange offer.

NR: An issuer designated as NR is not rated.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

SHORT-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS

A-1: An obligor rated ‘A-1’ has strong capacity to meet its financial commitments. It is rated in the highest category by S&P. Within this category, certain obligors are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments is extremely strong.

A-2: An obligor rated ‘A-2’ has satisfactory capacity to meet its financial commitments. However, it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligors in the highest rating category.

A-3: An obligor rated ‘A-3’ has adequate capacity to meet its financial obligations. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitments.

B: An obligor rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C: An obligor rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment that would result in a 'SD' or 'D' issuer rating, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for it to meet its financial commitments.

R: An obligor rated ‘R’ is under regulatory supervision owing to its financial condition. During the pendency of the regulatory supervision the regulators may have the power to favor one class of obligations over others or pay some obligations and not others.

SD and D: An obligor rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' has failed to pay one or more of its financial obligations (rated or unrated), excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in nonpayment according to terms, when it came due. An obligor is considered in default unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. An obligor's rating is lowered to 'D' or 'SD' if it is conducting a distressed exchange offer.

NR: An issuer designated as NR is not rated.

MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS

SHORT-TERM NOTES: An S&P U.S. municipal note ratings reflects S&P opinions about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes.

Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P’s analysis will review the following considerations: Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt will be given a plus (+) designation.

SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

FITCH RATINGS

LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS

Investment Grade

AAA: Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. The capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA: Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. The capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions that is the case for higher ratings.

BBB: Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB: Speculative. 'BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exist that supports the servicing of financial commitments.

B: Highly speculative. B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC: Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:

• The issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

• The issuer had entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation;

• The formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of distressed debt exchange;

• A closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.

RD: Restricted Default. ‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced:

• An uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

• Has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other formal winding-up procedure, and

• Has not otherwise ceased operating.

This would include:

• The selective payment default on specific class or currency of debt;

• The uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

• The extension of multiple waivers of forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D: Default. ‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.

• Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

• In all cases, the assignment of default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Notes to Long-Term ratings:

The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.

Short-Term Credit Ratings Assigned to Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

F1: Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2: Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3: Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B: Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C: High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

RD: Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

D: Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. Insurance Financial Strength Ratings

Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Ratings are opinions of the ability of insurance companies to repay punctually senior policyholder claims and obligations and also reflect the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Specific obligations are considered unrated unless they are individually rated because the standing of a particular insurance obligation would depend on an assessment of its relative standing under those laws governing both the obligation and the insurance company.

 

S&P Insurer Financial Strength Ratings

An S&P insurer financial strength rating is a forward-looking opinion about the financial security characteristics of an insurance organization with respect to its ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts in accordance with their terms. Insurer financial strength ratings are also assigned to health maintenance organizations and similar health plans with respect to their ability to pay under their policies and contracts in accordance with their terms.

This opinion is not specific to any particular policy or contract, nor does it address the suitability of a particular policy or contract for a specific purpose or purchaser. Furthermore, the opinion does not take into account deductibles, surrender or cancellation penalties, timeliness of payment, nor the likelihood of the use of a defense such as fraud to deny claims.

Insurer financial strength ratings do not refer to an organization's ability to meet nonpolicy (i.e., debt) obligations. Assignment of ratings to debt issued by insurers or to debt issues that are fully or partially supported by insurance policies, contracts, or guarantees is a separate process from the determination of insurer financial strength ratings, and follows procedures consistent with those used to assign an issue credit rating. An insurer financial strength rating is not a recommendation to purchase or discontinue any policy or contract issued by an insurer.

Long-Term Insurer Financial Strength Ratings

Category Definition

AAA

An insurer rated 'AAA' has extremely strong financial security characteristics. 'AAA' is the highest insurer financial strength rating assigned by S&P.

AA

An insurer rated 'AA' has very strong financial security characteristics, differing only slightly from those rated higher.

A

An insurer rated 'A' has strong financial security characteristics, but is somewhat more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions than are insurers with higher ratings.

BBB

An insurer rated 'BBB' has good financial security characteristics, but is more likely to be affected by adverse business conditions than are higher-rated insurers.

BB; CCC; and CC

An insurer rated 'BB' or lower is regarded as having vulnerable characteristics that may outweigh its strengths. 'BB' indicates the least degree of vulnerability within the range; 'CC' the highest.

BB

An insurer rated 'BB' has marginal financial security characteristics. Positive attributes exist, but adverse business conditions could lead to insufficient ability to meet financial commitments.

B

An insurer rated 'B' has weak financial security characteristics. Adverse business conditions will likely impair its ability to meet financial commitments.

CCC

An insurer rated 'CCC' has very weak financial security characteristics, and is dependent on favorable business conditions to meet financial commitments.

CC

An insurer rated 'CC' has extremely weak financial security characteristics and is likely not to meet some of its financial commitments.

R

An insurer rated 'R' is under regulatory supervision owing to its financial condition. During the pendency of the regulatory supervision, the regulators may have the power to favor one class of obligations over others or pay some obligations and not others. The rating does not apply to insurers subject only to non-financial actions such as market conduct violations.

SD or D

An insurer rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' is in default on one or more of its insurance policy obligations but is not under regulatory supervision that would involve a rating of 'R'. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on a policy obligation are at risk. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay substantially all of its obligations in full in accordance with the policy terms. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the insurer has selectively defaulted on a specific class of policies but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other classes of obligations. A selective default includes the completion of a distressed exchange offer. Claim denials due to lack of coverage or other legally permitted defenses are not considered defaults.

NR

An insurer designated 'NR' is not rated.

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from ‘AA’ to’ CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

Fitch Insurer Financial Strength Rating

The Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating provides an assessment of the financial strength of an insurance organization. The IFS Rating is assigned to the insurance company's policyholder obligations, including assumed reinsurance obligations and contract holder obligations, such as guaranteed investment contracts. The IFS Rating reflects both the ability of the insurer to meet these obligations on a timely basis, and expected recoveries received by claimants in the event the insurer stops making payments or payments are interrupted, due to either the failure of the insurer or some form of regulatory intervention. In the context of the IFS Rating, the timeliness of payments is considered relative to both contract and/or policy terms but also recognizes the possibility of reasonable delays caused by circumstances common to the insurance industry, including claims reviews, fraud investigations and coverage disputes.

The IFS Rating does not encompass policyholder obligations residing in separate accounts, unit-linked products or segregated funds, for which the policyholder bears investment or other risks. However, any guarantees provided to the policyholder with respect to such obligations are included in the IFS Rating.

Expected recoveries are based on the agency's assessments of the sufficiency of an insurance company's assets to fund policyholder obligations, in a scenario in which payments have ceased or been interrupted. Accordingly, expected recoveries exclude the impact of recoveries obtained from any government sponsored guaranty or policyholder protection funds. Expected recoveries also exclude the impact of collateralization or security, such as letters of credit or trusteed assets, supporting select reinsurance obligations.

IFS Ratings can be assigned to insurance and reinsurance companies in any insurance sector, including the life & annuity, non-life, property/casualty, health, mortgage, financial guaranty, residual value and title insurance sectors, as well as to managed care companies such as health maintenance organizations.

The IFS Rating does not address the quality of an insurer's claims handling services or the relative value of products sold.

The IFS Rating uses the same symbols used by the agency for its International and National credit ratings of long-term or short-term debt issues. However, the definitions associated with the ratings reflect the unique aspects of the IFS Rating within an insurance industry context.

Obligations for which a payment interruption has occurred due to either the insolvency or failure of the insurer or some form of regulatory intervention will generally be rated between 'B' and 'C' on the Long-Term IFS Rating scales (both International and National). International Short-Term IFS Ratings assigned under the same circumstances will align with the insurer's International Long-Term IFS Ratings.

APPENDIX B

Eaton Vance Funds

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

I.   Overview

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

·

“Fund” means each registered investment company sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization; and

·

“Adviser” means the adviser or sub-adviser responsible for the day-to-day management of all or a portion of the Fund’s assets.

II.   Delegation of Proxy Voting Responsibilities

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

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

III.   Delegation of Proxy Voting Disclosure Responsibilities

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

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

·

The Adviser is required to record, compile and transmit in a timely manner all data required to be filed on Form N-PX for the Fund that it manages. Such data shall be transmitted to Eaton Vance Management, which acts as administrator to the Fund (the “Administrator”) or the third party service provider designated by the Administrator; and

·

the Administrator is required to file Form N-PX on behalf of the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) as required by the 1940 Act. The Administrator may delegate the filing to a third party service party provided each such filing is reviewed and approved by the Administrator.

IV.   Conflicts of Interest

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

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

·

They shall convene a meeting to review and consider all relevant materials related to the proxies involved. This meeting shall be convened within 3 business days, provided that it an effort will be made to convene the meeting sooner if the proxy must be voted in less than 3 business days;

·

In considering such proxies, the Adviser shall make available all materials requested by the Board Members and make reasonably available appropriate personnel to discuss the matter upon request.

·

The Board Members will then instruct the Adviser on the appropriate course of action with respect to the proxy at issue.

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

V.    Reports and Review

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

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

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

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

_____________________

1

The Eaton Vance Funds may be organized as trusts or corporations. For ease of reference, the Funds may be referred to herein as Trusts and the Funds’ Board of Trustees or Board of Directors may be referred to collectively herein as the Board.

2

An Adviser is expected to maintain a process for identifying a potential material conflict of interest. As an example only, such potential conflicts may arise when the issuer is a client of the Adviser and generates a significant amount of fees to the Adviser or the issuer is a distributor of the Adviser’s products.

3

If a material conflict of interest exists with respect to a particular proxy and the proxy voting procedures of the relevant Adviser require that proxies are to be voted in accordance with the recommendation of a third party proxy voting vendor, the requirements of this Section IV shall only apply if the Adviser intends to vote such proxy in a manner inconsistent with such third party recommendation.

 

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT

BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH

EATON VANCE INVESTMENT COUNSEL

EATON VANCE TRUST COMPANY

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED

EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I. Introduction

Eaton Vance Management, Boston Management and Research, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. and Eaton Vance Trust Company (each an “Adviser” and collectively the “Advisers”) have each adopted and implemented policies and procedures that each Adviser believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and, to the extent applicable, Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Advisers’ authority to vote the proxies of their clients is established by their advisory contracts or similar documentation, such as the Eaton Vance Funds Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. These proxy policies and procedures reflect the U.S. 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).

II. Overview

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

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

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

III. Roles and Responsibilities

A. Proxy Administrator

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

 

B. Agent

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

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

·

periodic review of Agent’s proxy voting platform and reporting capabilities (including recordkeeping);

·

periodic review of a sample of ballots for accuracy and correct application of the Guidelines;

·

periodic meetings with Agent’s client services team;

·

periodic in-person and/or web-based due diligence meetings;

·

receipt and review of annual certifications received from the Agent; and/or

·

annual review of due diligence materials provided by the Agent, including review of procedures and practices regarding potential conflicts of interests.

C. Global Proxy Group

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

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

IV. Proxy Voting

A. The Guidelines

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

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

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

 

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

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

2. Corporate Structure Matters/Anti-Takeover Defenses

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

3. Proposals Regarding Proxy Contests

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

4. Social and Environmental Issues

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

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

B. Voting Procedures

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

1. Vote in Accordance with Guidelines

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

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

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

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

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

 

4. Do Not Cast a Vote

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

C. Securities on Loan

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

V. Recordkeeping

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

·

A copy of the Advisers’ proxy voting policies and procedures;

·

Proxy statements received regarding client securities. Such proxy statements received from issuers are either in the SEC’s EDGAR database or are kept by the Agent and are available upon request;

·

A record of each vote cast;

·

A copy of any document created by the Advisers that was material to making a decision on how to vote a proxy for a client or that memorializes the basis for such a decision; and

·

Each written client request for proxy voting records and the Advisers’ written response to any client request (whether written or oral) for such records.

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

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

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

A. Assessment of Agent

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

B. Conflicts of Interest

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

·

Quarterly, the Eaton Vance Legal and Compliance Department will seek information from the department heads of each department of the Advisers and of Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (“EVD”) (an affiliate of the Advisers and principal underwriter of certain Eaton Vance Funds). Each department head will be asked to provide a list of significant clients or prospective clients of the Advisers or EVD.

·

A representative of the Legal and Compliance Department will compile a list of the companies identified (the “Conflicted Companies”) and provide that list to the Proxy Administrator.

·

The Proxy Administrator will compare the list of Conflicted Companies with the names of companies for which he or she has been referred a proxy statement (the “Proxy Companies”). If a Conflicted Company is also a Proxy Company, the Proxy Administrator will report that fact to the Global Proxy Group.

·

If the Proxy Administrator expects to instruct the Agent to vote the proxy of the Conflicted Company strictly according to the Guidelines contained in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Policies”) or the recommendation of the Agent, as applicable, he or she will (i) inform the Global Proxy Group of that fact, (ii) instruct the Agent to vote the proxies and (iii) record the existence of the material conflict and the resolution of the matter.

·

If the Proxy Administrator intends to instruct the Agent to vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group will then determine if a material conflict of interest exists between the relevant Adviser and its clients (in consultation with the Legal and Compliance Department if needed). If the Global Proxy Group determines that a material conflict exists, prior to instructing the Agent to vote any proxies relating to these Conflicted Companies the Adviser will seek instruction on how the proxy should be voted from:

·

The client, in the case of an individual, corporate, institutional or benefit plan client;

·

In the case of a Fund, its board of directors, any committee, sub-committee or group of Independent Trustees (as long as such committee, sub-committee or group contains at least two or more Independent Trustees); or

·

The adviser, in situations where the Adviser acts as a sub-adviser to such adviser.

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

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

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

 

(1)

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

Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust

Statement of Additional Information

March 27, 2019

 

_______________

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Eaton Vance Management

Two International Place

Boston, MA 02110

 

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

 

Transfer Agent

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15^th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

 

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:

Financial Highlights.

Included in Part B:

Registrant’s Certified Shareholder Reports on Form N-CSR filed January 25, 2019 (Accession No. 0001193125-19-016962) and incorporated herein by reference.

____________________________

 

(2)       EXHIBITS:

(a)	(1)	Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated December 10, 1998 filed as Exhibit (a) to Registrant’s Initial Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 811-09141) as to the Registrant’s common shares of beneficial interest (“Common Shares”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on December 11, 1998 (the “Initial Common Shares Registration Statement”) (Accession No. 0000940394-98-000411) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Amendment to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 11, 2008 filed as Exhibit (1)(b) to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (“Registrant’s N-14”) filed with the Commission on December 18, 2008 (Accession No. 0000940394-08-001591) and incorporated herein by reference.
(b)	(1)	By-Laws filed as Exhibit (b) to Registrant’s Initial Common Shares Registration Statement filed with the Commission on December 11, 1998 (Accession No. 0000940394-98-000411) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Amendment to the By-Laws dated February 7, 2005 filed as Exhibit (2)(f) to Registrant’s N-14 filed with the Commission on December 18, 2008 (Accession No. 0000940394-08-001591) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(3)	Amendment to the By-Laws dated December 11, 2006 filed as Exhibit (2)(i) to Registrant’s N-14 filed with the Commission on December 18, 2008 (Accession No. 0000940394-08-001591) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(4)	Amendment to the By-Laws dated August 11, 2008 filed as Exhibit (2)(j) to Registrant’s N-14 filed with the Commission on December 18, 2008 (Accession No. 0000940394-08-001591) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(5)	Amendment to the By-Laws dated April 23, 2012 filed as Exhibit (b)(12) to Registrant’s N-2/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000699) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(6)	Amendment to the By-Laws effective February 26, 2016 filed as Exhibit (2)(k) to Registrant’s N-14 filed with the Commission on July 25, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001387) and incorporated herein by reference.
(c)		Not applicable.
(d)		Specimen Certificate for Common Shares of Beneficial Interest filed as Exhibit (d)(1) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

(e)	(1)	Dividend Reinvestment Plan with respect to Common Shares filed as Exhibit (2)(e) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment Plan filed as Exhibit (17)(c) to Registrant’s N-14 filed with the Commission on December 18, 2008 (Accession No. 0000940394-08-001591) and incorporated herein by reference.
(f)		Not applicable
(g)	(1)	Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 21, 1998, filed as Exhibit (2)(g) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Fee Reduction Agreement dated August 11, 2008 between each Fund listed on Appendix A (the Funds) and Eaton Vance Management (the Adviser) filed as Exhibit (g)(2) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on June 28, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000891) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(3)	Fee Reduction Agreement dated April 26, 2010 between each Fund listed on Appendix A (the Funds) and Eaton Vance Management (the Adviser) filed as Exhibit (g)(3) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on June 28, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-000891) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(4)	Amended and Restated Fee Reduction Agreement dated October 15, 2018 to Agreement dated April 26, 2010 between Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust and Eaton Vance Management filed as Exhibit (6)(d) to the Registrant’s Initial Registration Statement under Form N-14 filed with the Commission on October 15, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001678) and incorporated herein by reference.
(h)	(1)	Form of Underwriting Agreement dated January 26, 1999 with respect to Common Shares filed as Exhibit (h)(1) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Master Agreement among Underwriters with respect to Common Shares filed as Exhibit (h)(2) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(3)	Master Selected Dealers Agreement with respect to Common Shares filed as Exhibit (h)(3) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(4)	Form of Distribution Agreement with respect to the Rule 415 shelf offering is incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Shelf Registration Statement filed with the Commission on September 20, 2016 (Accession No. 000940394-16-003044) (“Form of Distribution Agreement”).
	(5)	Form of Sub-Placement Agent Agreement between Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and UBS Securities LLC is incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Shelf Registration Statement filed with the Commission on September 20, 2016 (Accession No. 000940394-16-003044) (“Form of Sub-Placement Agent Agreement”).
(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)	Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between Eaton Vance Funds and State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2013 filed as Exhibit (g)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 211 of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (File Nos. 002-90946, 811-04015) filed September 24, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-001073) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated as of September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (j)(2) to the Eaton Vance Municipal Income Term Trust N-2, Pre-Effective Amendment No. 3 (File Nos. 333-185340, 811-22777) filed with the Commission on March 22, 2013 (Accession No. 0001193125-13-122398) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(3)	Amendment Number 1 dated May 16, 2012 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 of Eaton Vance Municipals Trust II (File Nos. 033-71320, 811-08134) filed May 29, 2012 (Accession No. 0000940394-12-000641) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(4)	Amendment dated September 1, 2013 to Amended and Restated Services Agreement with State Street Bank & Trust Company dated September 1, 2010 filed as Exhibit (g)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 211 filed September 24, 2013 (Accession No. 0000940394-13-001073) and incorporated herein by reference.
(k)	(1)	Transfer Agency and Services Agreement dated April 13, 2017 filed as Exhibit (k)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate 2022 Target Term Trust (File Nos. 333-216805, 811-23240) filed with the Commission on June 28, 2017 (Accession No. 0001193125-17-215501) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated August 6, 2012 filed herewith.
	(3)	Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement dated January 29, 1999 with respect to Common Shares filed as Exhibit (k)(3) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
(l)		Opinion of Internal Counsel 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 dated January 21, 1999 filed as Exhibit (p) to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Initial Common Shares Registration Statement on Form N-2/A filed with the Commission on January 26, 1999 (Accession No. 0000950135-99-000298) and incorporated herein by reference.
(q)		Not applicable.
(r)	(1)	Codes of Ethics adopted by the Eaton Vance Funds effective October 1, 2018 filed as Exhibit (p)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 304 of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (File Nos. 002-90946, 811-04015) filed October 17, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001695) and incorporated herein by reference.
	(2)	Codes of Ethics adopted by the Eaton Vance Entities effective January 3, 2019 filed as Exhibit (p)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 of Eaton Vance Growth Trust (File Nos. 002-22019, 811-01241) filed December 19, 2018 (Accession No. 0000940394-18-001866) and incorporated herein by reference.
(s)		Power of Attorney dated October 10, 2018 filed herewith.

 

ITEM 26.

MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS

See Form of Distribution Agreement with respect to the Rule 415 shelf offering.

See Form of Sub-Placement Agent Agreement between Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and UBS Securities LLC.

ITEM 27.

OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

The approximate expenses in connection with the offering are as follows:

Registration and Filing Fees	$ 3,707
FINRA Fees	$ 6,021
New York Stock Exchange Fees	$ 19,318
Costs of Printing and Engraving	$ 0
Accounting Fees and Expenses	$ 3,250
Legal Fees and Expenses	$ 6,919
Total	$ 39,215
* The Adviser will pay expenses of the offering (other than the applicable commissions).

 

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 February 28, 2019, 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		13,998

ITEM 30.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Registrant’s By-Laws, filed in the Registrant’s Registration Statement, and the Form of Distribution Agreement contain provisions limiting the liability, and providing for indemnification, of the Trustees and officers under certain circumstances.

Registrant’s Trustees and officers are insured under a standard investment company errors and omissions insurance policy covering loss incurred by reason of negligent errors and omissions committed in their official capacities as such. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions described in this Item 30, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

ITEM 31.

BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER

Reference is made to: (i) the information set forth under the caption “Investment advisory and other services” in the Statement of Additional Information; (ii) the Eaton Vance Corp. 10-K filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (File No. 1-8100); and (iii) the Form ADV of Eaton Vance Management (File No. 801-15930) filed with the Commission, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 32.

LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

All applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession and custody of the Registrant’s custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, and its transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15^th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, with the exception of certain corporate documents and portfolio trading documents which are in the possession and custody of Eaton Vance Management, Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Registrant is informed that all applicable accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by registered investment advisers are in the custody and possession of Eaton Vance Management.

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.       The Registrant undertakes to

(a) file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

(1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

(2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement;

 

(3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

(c) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

 

(d) that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectus filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the Securities Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use;

(e) that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities: The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:

(1) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497 under the Securities Act;

(2) the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

(3) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

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.

 

NOTICE

A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust 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.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 27^th day of March, 2019.

	Eaton Vance MUNICIPAL INCOME TRUST
	By:	/s/ Payson F. Swaffield
		Payson F. Swaffield
		President (Chief Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended this Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.		Description
(k)	(2)	Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated August 6, 2012
(l)		Opinion of Internal Counsel
(n)		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(s)		Power of Attorney dated October 10, 2018