SEC Form 424B5 filed by Eaton Vance Tax Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated February 18, 2022)

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Up to 5,472,154 Common Shares

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the “Fund,” “we,” or “our”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company which commenced operations on September 30, 2003. Our investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. The Fund may offer and sell up to 5,472,154 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”). Of the 5,472,154 Common Shares, 548,633 have been issued and 4,923,521 remain available for sale. In addition, the Fund has registered, and may take down, additional shares at a later date.

The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement dated June 8, 2022 (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) relating to the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus dated February 18, 2022. The Distributor has entered into a dealer agreement, dated June 8, 2022 (the “Dealer Agreement”) with UBS Securities LLC (the “Dealer”) with respect to the Fund relating to the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the Dealer Agreement, we may offer and sell our Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share, from time to time through the Dealer as sub-placement agent for the offer and sale of the Common Shares. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund may not sell any Common Shares at a price below the current net asset value of such Common Shares, exclusive of any distributing commission or discount.

Prior to March 1, 2021, the Distributor was a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and the Distributor became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.

Our Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVT.” As of June 3, 2022, the last reported sales price for our Common Shares on the NYSE was $25.27 per share.

Sales of our Common Shares, if any, under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), including sales made directly on the NYSE or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.

The Fund will compensate the Distributor with respect to sales of the Common Shares at a commission rate of 1.00% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. The Distributor will compensate the Dealer out of this commission at a certain percentage rate of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares sold under the Dealer Agreement, with the exact amount of such compensation to be mutually agreed upon by the Distributor and the Dealer from time to time. In connection with the sale of the Common Shares on the Fund’s behalf, the Distributor may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the compensation of the Dealer may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.

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

Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You could lose some or all of your investment. See “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” beginning on page 25 of the accompanying Prospectus. You should consider carefully these risks together with all of the other information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before making a decision to purchase our securities.

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

Prospectus Supplement dated June 8, 2022

This Prospectus Supplement, together with the accompanying Prospectus, sets forth concisely information about the Fund that you should know before investing. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, which contain important information, before deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should retain the accompanying Prospectus and this Prospectus Supplement for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), dated February 18, 2022 as supplemented from time to time, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the SAI are part of a “shelf” registration statement that we filed with the SEC. This Prospectus Supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering, including the method of distribution. If information in this Prospectus Supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying Prospectus or the SAI, you should rely on this Prospectus Supplement. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 56 of the accompanying Prospectus, a free copy of our annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, obtain other information or make shareholder inquiries, by calling toll-free 1-800-262-1122 or by writing to the Fund at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Fund’s SAI and annual and semi-annual reports also are available free of charge on our website at http://www.eatonvance.com and on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, after paying a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following email address: [email protected].

Our securities 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus in making your investment decisions. The Fund has not authorized any person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate only as of the dates on their covers. The Fund’s business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since the date of its description in this Prospectus Supplement or the date of its description in the accompanying Prospectus.

Until July 3, 2022 (25 days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement), all dealers that buy, sell or trade the Common Shares, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver the Prospectus and this Prospectus Supplement. This requirement is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver the Prospectus and this Prospectus Supplement when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus 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 Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC.

Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” section of the accompanying Prospectus. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, 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 Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the SAI are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by section 27A of the 1933 Act.

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

Prospectus Supplement Summary

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

THE FUND

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the “Fund,” “we,” or “our”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, which commenced operations on September 30, 2003. The Fund seeks to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. Investments are based on Eaton Vance Management’s (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”) internal research and management. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

THE ADVISER

Eaton Vance acts as the Fund’s investment adviser under an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser’s principal office is located at 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. Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).

On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.  In connection with the Transaction, the Fund entered into a new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance. The agreement was approved by shareholders prior to the consummation of the Transaction and was effective upon its closing. Effective March 1, 2021, any fee reduction agreement previously applicable to the Fund was incorporated into its new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), whose principal offices are at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of March 31, 2022, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.4 trillion.

Under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board, the Adviser will carry out the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund, will furnish continuously an investment program with respect to the Fund, will determine which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and will implement such determinations. The Adviser will furnish to the Fund investment advice and office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. The Adviser will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Adviser’s organization and who render investment services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Adviser personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund. In return for these services, facilities and payments, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Advisory Agreement a fee in the amount of 0.850% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund up to and including $1.5 billion, 0.830% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion, 0.810% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion, and 0.790% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $5 billion, subject to the expense reimbursement arrangements described above. Gross assets of the Fund means total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and/or (iv) any other means. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, including proceeds from any borrowings and from the issuance of preferred shares (if applicable).

THE OFFERING

The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement dated June 8, 2022 (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) relating to the common shares of beneficial interest (the “Common Shares”), offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus dated February 18, 2022 (the “Offering”). The Distributor has entered into a dealer agreement dated June 8, 2022 (the “Dealer Agreement”) with UBS Securities LLC (the “Dealer”) with respect to the Fund relating to the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the Dealer Agreement, the Fund may offer and sell up to 5,472,154 Common Shares, par value $0.01 per Common Share, from time to time through the Dealer as sub-placement agent for the offer and sale of the Common Shares. Of the 5,472,154 Common Shares, 548,633 have been issued and 4,923,521 remain available for sale. In addition, the Fund has registered, and may take down, additional shares at a later date.

Offerings of the Common Shares will be subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, which generally require that the public offering price of common shares of a closed-end investment company (exclusive of distribution commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the net asset value per share of the company’s common shares, absent shareholder approval or under certain other circumstances.

Sales of the Common Shares, if any, under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” as defined in Rule 415 under the 1933 Act, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The Common Shares may not be sold through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery or deemed delivery of a Prospectus and an accompanying Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of Common Shares.

Prior to March 1, 2021, the Distributor was a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. Upon the closing of the Transaction on March 1, 2021, the Distributor became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.

LISTING AND SYMBOL

The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “EVT.” Any new Common Shares offered and sold hereby are expected to be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol. The net asset value of the Common Shares on June 3, 2022 was $25.95 per share. As of June 3, 2022, the last reported sales price for the Common Shares was $25.27.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The Fund currently intends to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of any sales of Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement in accordance with its investment objectives and policies as described in the accompanying Prospectus under “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” within three months of receipt of such proceeds. Such investments may be delayed up to three months if suitable investments are unavailable at the time or for other reasons, such as market volatility and lack of liquidity in the markets of suitable investments. Pending such investment, the Fund anticipates that it will invest the proceeds in short-term money market instruments, securities with remaining maturities of less than one year, cash or cash equivalents. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to the holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”) or result in a distribution consisting principally of a return of capital.

Capitalization

We may offer and sell up to 5,472,154 of our Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share, from time to time through the Dealer as sub-placement agent under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Of the 5,472,154 Common Shares, 548,633 have been issued and 4,923,521 remain available for sale. In addition, the Fund has registered, and may take down, additional shares at a later date. There is no guarantee that there will be any sales of our Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The table below assumes that we will sell 4,923,521 Common Shares at a price of $25.27 per share (the last reported sales price per share of our Common Shares on the NYSE on June 3, 2022). Actual sales, if any, of our Common Shares under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be greater or less than $25.27 per share, depending on the market price of our Common Shares at the time of any such sale. To the extent that the market price per share of our Common Shares on any given day is less than the net asset value per share on such day, we will instruct the Dealer not to make any sales on such day.

The following table sets forth our capitalization:

•       on a historical basis as of October 31, 2021 (audited); and

•       on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect the assumed sale of 4,923,521 Common Shares at $25.27 per share (the last reported sales price for our Common Shares on the NYSE on June 3, 2022), in an offering under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, after deducting the assumed commission of $1,244,174 (representing an estimated commission to the Distributor of 1.00% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares, of which a certain percentage will be paid to the Dealer in connection with sales of Common Shares effected in this offering).

Summary of Fund Expenses

The purpose of the table below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a Common Shareholder, would bear directly or indirectly. The table shows Fund expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares for the year ended October 31, 2021.

EXAMPLE

The following example illustrates the expenses that Common Shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (i) total annual expenses of 1.25% of net assets attributable to Common Shares in years 1 through 10; (ii) a sales load of 1.00%; (iii) a 5% annual return; and (iv) all distributions are reinvested at NAV:

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

The example should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses, and the Fund’s actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

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Market and Net Asset Value Information

Our Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “EVT.” Our Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE in 2006.

Our Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to net asset value or NAV. We cannot predict whether our 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. Our issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for our Common Shares. Shares of Common Stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV. See “Prospectus Summary—Special Risk Considerations—Discount from or premium to NAV” on page 11 of the accompanying Prospectus.

The following table sets forth for the period indicated the high and low closing market prices for Common Shares on the NYSE, and the corresponding NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV per share at which the Fund’s Common Shares were trading as of the same date. NAV is determined no less frequently than daily, generally on each day of the week that the NYSE is open for trading. See “Determination of Net Asset Value” on page 25 of the accompanying SAI for information as to the determination of the Fund’s net asset value.

On June 3, 2022, the last reported sale price, NAV per Common Share and percentage premium/(discount) to NAV per Common Share, were $25.27, $25.95 and (2.62)%, respectively. As of June 3, 2022, the Fund had 73,850,545 Common Shares outstanding and net assets of $1,916,708,889.

The following table provides information about our outstanding Common Shares as of June 3, 2022:

Use of Proceeds

Sales of our Common Shares, if any, under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” as defined in Rule 415 under the 1933 Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. There is no guarantee that there will be any sales of our Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Actual sales, if any, of our Common Shares under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be less than as set forth below in this paragraph. In addition, the price per share of any such sale may be greater or less than the price set forth in this paragraph, depending on the market price of our Common Shares at the time of any such sale. As a result, the actual net proceeds we receive may be more or less than the amount of net proceeds estimated in this Prospectus Supplement. Assuming the sale of all of the Common Shares offered under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, at the last reported sales price of $25.27 per share for our Common Shares on the NYSE as of June 3, 2022 we estimate that the net proceeds of this offering will be approximately $123,173,202 after deducting the estimated sales load and the estimated offering expenses payable by the Fund, if any.

Subject to the remainder of this section, the Fund currently intends to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of any sales of Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement in accordance with its investment objectives and policies as described in the accompanying Prospectus under “Investment Objectives, Policies and Risks” within three months of receipt of such proceeds. Such investments may be delayed up to three months if suitable investments are unavailable at the time or for other reasons, such as market volatility and lack of liquidity in the markets of suitable investments. Pending such investment, the Fund anticipates that it will invest the proceeds in short-term money market instruments, securities with remaining maturities of less than one year, cash or cash equivalents. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to Common Shareholders or result in a distribution consisting principally of a return of capital.

Plan of Distribution

Under the Dealer Agreement between the Distributor and the Dealer, upon written instructions from the Distributor, the Dealer will use its reasonable best efforts, to sell, as sub-placement agent, the Common Shares under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Dealer Agreement. The Dealer’s solicitation will continue until the Distributor instructs the Dealer to suspend the solicitations and offers. The Distributor will instruct the Dealer as to the amount of Common Shares to be sold by the Dealer. The Distributor may instruct the Dealer not to sell Common Shares if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by the Distributor in any instruction. To the extent that the market price per share of the Fund’s Common Shares on any given day is less than the net asset value per share on such day, the Distributor will instruct the Dealer not to make any sales on such day. The Distributor or the Dealer may suspend the offering of Common Shares upon proper notice and subject to other conditions.

The Dealer will provide written confirmation to the Distributor following the close of trading on the day on which Common Shares are sold under the Dealer Agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on the preceding day, the net proceeds to the Fund and the compensation payable by the Distributor to the Dealer in connection with the sales.

The Fund will compensate the Distributor with respect to sales of the Common Shares at a commission rate of 1.00% of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares. The Distributor will compensate the Dealer for its services in acting as sub-placement agent in the sale of Common Shares out of this commission at a certain percentage rate of the gross proceeds of the sale of Common Shares sold under the Dealer Agreement, with the exact amount of such compensation to be mutually agreed upon by the Distributor and the Dealer from time to time. There is no guarantee that there will be any sales of the Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Actual sales, if any, of the Common Shares under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus may be conducted at a price that is greater or less than the last reported sales price set forth in this Prospectus Supplement, depending on the market price of Common Shares at the time of any such sale. Eaton Vance will pay the expenses of the Offering (other than the applicable commissions).

Settlement for sales of Common Shares will occur on the second trading day following the date on which such sales are made, in return for payment of the net proceeds to the Fund. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

The Distributor has agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the Dealer against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act.

The Dealer Agreement will remain in full force and effect unless terminated by either party upon 5 days’ written notice to the other party.

The principal business address of the Dealer is 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019.

The Dealer and its affiliates hold or may hold in the future, directly or indirectly, investment interests in the Distributor and its funds. The interests held by the Dealer or its affiliates are not attributable to, and no investment discretion is held by, the Dealer or its affiliates.

Legal Matters

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

Incorporation by Reference

This Prospectus Supplement is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference” the information filed with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Prospectus Supplement, and later information that the Fund files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

The documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the Offering will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus Supplement and deemed to be part of this Prospectus Supplement from the date of the filing of such reports and documents:

The Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus Supplement is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus, and SAI. You should direct requests for documents by calling (800) 262-1122.

The Fund makes available this Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus, SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, at http://www.eatonvance.com. You may also obtain this Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus, SAI, other documents incorporated by reference and other information the Fund files electronically, including reports and proxy statements, on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) or with the payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at [email protected]. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus or SAI.

Available Information

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports, including annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These documents are available on the SEC’s EDGAR system.

This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the SAI do not contain all of the information in our registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules that the Fund has filed with the SEC (File No. 333-262832). Statements in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by this reference.

Additional information about us can be found in our registration statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains our registration statement, other documents incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act.

As permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are no longer being sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are being made available on the Fund’s website (funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you hold shares at the Fund’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting AST. If you own your shares through a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank), you must contact your financial intermediary to sign up. You may elect to receive all future Fund shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares at AST, you can inform AST that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-866-439-6787. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you must contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with AST or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.

BASE PROSPECTUS

Up to 10,944,308 Shares

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Common Shares

Investment Objective and Policies. Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the ‘‘Fund’’) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company which commenced operations on September 30, 2003. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation.

Investment Adviser. The Fund’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance” or the “Adviser”).  Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).  On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. 

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), whose principal offices are at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.

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

The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and a discount to net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to 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 Fund’s issuance of Common Shares may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for the Fund’s Common Shares by increasing the number of Common Shares available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for the Fund’s Common Shares. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV, which may increase investors’ risk of loss.

Investing in shares involves certain risks. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks” beginning at page 26.

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.

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Portfolio Contents. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total managed assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that Eaton Vance believes at the time of investment are eligible to pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains (‘‘tax-advantaged dividends’’). For the purposes of the 80% test, total assets is defined as net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. In selecting securities, the Adviser will seek common and preferred stocks of issuers that are, in the opinion of the Adviser, undervalued or inexpensive relative to the overall market. The Adviser retains broad discretion to allocate the Fund’s investments between common and preferred stocks in a manner that it believes will best effectuate the Fund’s objective. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks of both domestic and foreign issuers.

The Fund seeks dividend income that qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment. Tax-advantaged dividends received by individual shareholders are taxed at rates equivalent to long-term capital gain tax rates, which reach a maximum of 20%. Tax-advantaged dividends generally include dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria.

Leverage. The Fund employs leverage through borrowings. Effective August 28, 2020, the Fund entered into a Liquidity Agreement (the Agreement) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. The Fund has granted to SSBT a security interest in all its cash, securities and other financial assets, unless otherwise pledged, to secure the payment and performance of its obligations under the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has made its securities available for securities lending transactions by SSBT acting as securities lending agent for the Fund. At October 31, 2021, the value of the securities loaned and the value of the cash collateral received by SSBT, which exceeded the value of the securities loaned, amounted to $205,795,327 and $208,648,236, respectively. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the aggregate average borrowings under the Agreement and the average annual interest rate (excluding fees) were $447,000,000 and 0.62%, respectively.

The Adviser anticipates that the use of leverage should result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be utilized or will be successful. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Use of Leverage and Related Risks’’ at page 32 and ‘‘Description of Capital Structure’’ at page 48.

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

Exchange Listing. As of February 14, 2022, the Fund had 73,809,173 Common Shares outstanding. The Fund’s Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVT.” As of February 14, 2022, the last reported sale price of a Common Share of the Fund on the NYSE was $26.98. Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.

The Fund’s NAV and distribution rate will vary and may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in stock prices, option premiums, market interest rates, dividend rates and other factors. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

This Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely information you should know before investing in the shares of the Fund. Please read and retain this Prospectus for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated February 18, 2022, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 57 of this Prospectus, a free copy of our annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (when available), obtain other information or make shareholder inquiries, by calling toll-free 1-800-262-1122 or by writing to the Fund at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The Fund’s SAI and annual and semi-annual reports also are available free of charge on our website at http://www.eatonvance.com and on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, after paying a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following email address: [email protected].

The Fund’s shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this Prospectus.

Table of Contents

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 February 18, 2022

Prospectus Summary

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

THE FUND

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, which commenced operations on September 30, 2003. The Fund offers investors the opportunity to achieve a high level of after-tax total return through a professionally managed portfolio consisting primarily of dividend-paying common and preferred stocks. The Fund’s return is expected to consist primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. Investments are based on Eaton Vance Management’s (‘‘Eaton Vance’’ or the ‘‘Adviser’’) internal research and ongoing company analysis, which is generally not available to individual investors. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

THE OFFERING

The Fund may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings (each, an “Offering”), up to 10,944,308 of the Fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value (“Common Shares”), on terms to be determined at the time of the Offering. The Common Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more Prospectus Supplements. You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in Common Shares. Common Shares may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by the Fund, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the offer or sale of Common Shares, and will set forth any applicable offering price, sales load, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and its agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated, net proceeds and use of proceeds, and the terms of any sale. See “Plan of Distribution.” The Fund may not sell any of Common Shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular Offering of Common Shares.

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RISKS

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its objective by investing its assets primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total managed assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that Eaton Vance believes at the time of investment are eligible to pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains (‘‘tax-advantaged dividends’’). For the purposes of the 80% test, total assets is defined as net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Adviser retains broad discretion to allocate the Fund’s investments between common and preferred stocks in a manner that it believes will best effectuate the Fund’s objective. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks of both domestic and foreign issuers. Preferred stocks may include other hybrid securities. The Fund can invest up to 10% of its net assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in preferred stocks. The Fund may also lend its securities. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks of any grade quality. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total managed assets in securities rated below investment grade quality (which is lower than BBB– as determined by S&P Global Ratings (‘‘S&P’’) or Fitch Ratings (‘‘Fitch’’), Baa3 as determined by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’) or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance). Securities of below investment grade quality commonly are referred to as ‘‘junk’’ preferred stocks and bonds, as the case may be. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event of a downgrade of an assessment of credit quality or the withdrawal of a rating. Below investment grade quality securities are considered to be predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of the issuers. See ‘‘Prospectus summary—Special Risk Considerations—Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.’’

The Fund seeks dividend income that qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment. Tax-advantaged dividends received by individual shareholders are taxed at rates equivalent to long-term capital gain tax rates, which reach a maximum of 20%. Tax-advantaged dividends generally include dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of tax-advantaged dividends it receives through to Common Shareholders. For the Fund to receive tax-advantaged dividend income, the Fund must hold stock paying an otherwise tax-advantaged dividend for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the associated 180-day period, in the case of certain preferred stocks). In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make related payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to substantially similar or related property. Similar provisions apply to each Common Shareholder’s investment in the Fund. In order for otherwise tax-advantaged dividends from the Fund received by a Common Shareholder to be taxable at long-term capital gains rates, the Common Shareholder must hold his or her Fund shares for more than 60 days during the 120-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date.

In addition to investing in stocks that pay tax-advantaged dividends, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in stocks and other securities (including preferred stocks, hybrid securities, contingent convertible securities or bonds) that generate fully taxable ordinary income (i.e., income other than tax-advantaged dividends). For any year, so long as the Fund’s fully taxable ordinary income and net realized short-term gains are offset by expenses of the Fund, all of the Fund’s income distributions would be characterized as tax-advantaged dividends. There can be no assurance that a portion of the Fund’s income distributions will not be fully taxable as ordinary income.

The Fund may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund would sell a stock eligible to pay tax-advantaged dividends on or shortly after the date on which the Fund becomes eligible to receive a dividend payment on this stock. With the sale proceeds, the Fund would then immediately purchase another stock eligible to pay tax-advantaged dividends. The newly purchased stock would be expected to pay a dividend that the Fund would receive before the next dividend of the stock by the Fund. Through this practice, the Fund may receive a greater number of dividend payments over a given period of time than if it held a single stock. Receipt of a greater number of dividend payments during a given time period could augment the total amount of dividend income the Fund receives over this period. For example, during the course of a single year it may be possible through dividend capture trading for the Fund to receive five or more dividend payments with respect to Fund assets attributable to dividend capture trading where it may only have received four payments in a hold only strategy. In order for dividends to qualify as tax-advantaged dividends, the Fund must comply with the holding period requirements described herein. Dividend capture trading by the Fund will take account of this consideration. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.

The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers in any single industry or sector of the economy if companies in that industry or sector meet the Fund’s investment criteria. The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total managed assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry. The Fund may invest a significant portfolio of its assets in the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector include, for example, commercial banks, savings and loan associates, brokerage and investment companies, and consumer and industrial finance companies. If the Fund is focused in an industry or sector, it may present more risks than if it were broadly diversified over numerous industries or sectors of the economy. To the extent that the Fund’s portfolio is composed significantly of stocks in particular sectors, the Fund will be more exposed to the particular risks associated with those sectors. However, if market conditions change, the Fund’s portfolio would not necessarily be so composed of stocks in these sectors, but could be composed significantly of stocks of issuers in other market sectors. For federal income tax purposes, income generated by bonds and other fixed-income securities and most derivative investments would be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income and would not be eligible for treatment as tax-advantaged dividends. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Risk Considerations—Sector risk.’’

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

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

A team of Eaton Vance investment professionals is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investments, including the allocation between common and preferred stocks. Individual members of this team with specialized expertise are responsible for the day-to-day management of different portions of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s investments are actively managed, and securities may be bought or sold on a daily basis.

In selecting securities, the Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies that produce attractive levels of tax-advantaged dividend income and are, in the opinion of the Adviser, undervalued or inexpensive relative to the overall market. Stocks may be undervalued in relation to other investments due to adverse economic or other near-term difficulties that cause them not to achieve their expected financial potential. Undervaluation may also arise because companies are misunderstood by investors or because they are out of step with favored market themes. For its investments in common stocks, the Fund also seeks to invest in positions that the Adviser believes have the potential for growth of income and capital appreciation over time. For its investments in preferred stocks and other hybrid securities, the Fund will also take into consideration the interest rate sensitivity of the investments and the Adviser’s interest rate expectations.

Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of, the Adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. In selecting stocks, the portfolio managers consider (among other factors) a company’s earnings or cash flow capabilities, dividend prospects and tax treatment of a company’s dividends, the strength of the company’s business franchises and estimates of the company’s net value. Many of these considerations are subjective.

The Fund seeks to achieve high after-tax returns in part by minimizing the taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with the Fund’s investment income and realized capital gains. The Fund seeks to minimize distributions that are taxed as ordinary income by investing principally in common and preferred stocks that pay tax-advantaged dividends and generally by avoiding net realized short-term capital gains and fully taxable ordinary income in excess of the Fund’s expenses. The Fund seeks to minimize distributions taxed as long-term capital gains by avoiding or minimizing the sale of portfolio securities with large accumulated capital gains. When a decision is made to sell a particular appreciated security, the portfolio managers will select for sale the share lots resulting in the most favorable tax treatment, generally those with holding periods sufficient to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment that have the highest cost basis. The portfolio managers may sell securities to realize capital losses that can be used to offset realized gains but not tax-advantaged dividends or other ordinary income.

In seeking to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading, the Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts, a type of derivative instrument, and may engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities and non-equity indices, options on futures contracts, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps, interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency futures contracts. To seek to protect against price declines in securities holdings with large accumulated gains, the Fund may engage in the aforementioned derivative transactions. By using these techniques rather than selling appreciated securities, the Fund can, within certain limitations, reduce its exposure to price declines in the securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. In order to seek to protect against adverse changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio from changes in the value of foreign currencies, the Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot (i.e., cash) basis in connection with the settlement of transactions in securities traded in such foreign currency, may enter into forward contracts to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date, or may buy or sell a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount.

Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. Dividends received on securities with respect to which the Fund is obligated to make related payments (pursuant to short sales or otherwise) will not constitute tax-advantaged dividend income and will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify for favorable tax treatment. The Fund may invest in the foregoing derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive. The Fund may also invest in credit derivatives (credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and credit options as well as other derivative transactions with substantially similar characteristics and risks), provided that the notional value of such derivative instruments entered into for non-hedging purposes does not exceed 5% of the value of preferred stocks held by the Fund.

The foregoing policies relating to investment in common and in preferred stocks are the Fund’s primary investment policies. In addition to its primary investment policies involving investments in common and preferred stocks, the Fund may invest to a limited extent in bonds and other debt securities and engage in certain other investment practices. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Investment Practices.” For federal income tax purposes, the Fund’s income from bonds, other debt securities and most derivative instruments would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income and would not be eligible for treatment as tax-advantaged dividend income. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Investment Practices.’’

LEVERAGE

Generally, leverage involves the use of proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares, borrowed funds or various financial instruments (such as derivatives) to seek to increase a fund’s potential returns. The Fund currently employs leverage created through borrowings. Effective August 28, 2020, the Fund entered into a Liquidity Agreement (the Agreement) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. Please see “Use of Leverage and Related Risks” below for additional information about the Agreement.

The portfolio managers anticipate that the use of leverage (from borrowings) may result in higher income to holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”) over time. In the future, the portfolio managers, in their sole discretion, may leverage solely through the issuance of preferred shares, solely through borrowings or through both the issuance of preferred shares and through borrowings if they determine such leverage is in the best interest of Common Shareholders. 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 future issuance of preferred shares and any borrowings) are borne by Common Shareholders and consequently result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, which include proceeds from borrowings. In this regard, any holders of debt would 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. See “Investment Objective, Policies and Risks–Use of Leverage and Related Risks” and “Management of the Fund–The Adviser.”

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

LISTING

As of February 14, 2022, The Fund had 73,809,173 Common Shares outstanding. The Fund’s Common Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “EVT.” As of February 14, 2022, the last reported sales price of a Common Share of the Fund on the NYSE was $26.98. Common Shares offered and sold pursuant to this Registration Statement will also be listed on the NYSE and trade under this symbol.

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR

Eaton Vance is the Fund’s investment adviser and administrator. Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”). On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley.  As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISTRIBUTIONS

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Order”), the Fund is authorized to distribute long-term capital gains to shareholders more frequently than once per year. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved a Managed Distribution Plan (“MDP”) pursuant to which the Fund makes monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the MDP. The MDP is subject to regular periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the Board may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders. However, at this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. The Fund may distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains and, therefore, a distribution may include a return of capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” In addition, a return of capital is treated as a non-dividend distribution for tax purposes and is not subject to current tax. A return of capital reduces a shareholder’s tax cost basis in Fund shares. With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions contained in the notice and press release are only estimates and are not provided for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions for tax purposes are reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV for each calendar year.

Subject to its MDP, the Fund makes monthly distributions to Common Shareholders sourced from the Fund’s cash available for distribution. “Cash available for distribution” consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, net option premiums and net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As required by U.S. GAAP, only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a substantial return of capital component. The Fund’s distribution rate may be adjusted from time-to-time. The Board may modify this distribution policy at any time without obtaining the approval of Common Shareholders.

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

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Fund has established a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, a Common Shareholder may elect to have all dividend and capital gain distributions automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares either purchased in the open market or newly issued by the Fund if the Common Shares are trading at or above their net asset value. Common Shareholders may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the dividend reinvestment plan application form. Common Shareholders who do not elect to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to them by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as dividend paying agent. Common Shareholders who intend to hold their Common Shares through a broker or nominee should contact such broker or nominee to determine whether or how they may participate in the Plan. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

CLOSED-END STRUCTURE

Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities that are redeemable at 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 and policies. In addition, in comparison to open-end funds, closed-end funds have greater flexibility in the employment of financial leverage and in the ability to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.

However, common shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. Since inception, the market price of the Common Shares has fluctuated and at times traded below the Fund’s NAV, and at times has traded above NAV. In recognition of this possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of Common Shareholders, the Fund’s Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount. The Board might consider open market repurchases or tender offers for Common Shares at net asset value. There can be no assurance that the Board will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if undertaken, such actions would result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per Common Share. The Board might also consider the conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company. The Board believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end investment company.

SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS

Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment and/or 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 Fund are trading at a price equal to or above the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to NAV. The shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their NAV. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV may decrease.

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

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

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

The voting power of current shareholders 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 Fund’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.

An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Fund sells index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its common stock holdings, the Fund’s appreciation potential from equity market performance will be limited. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political and financial events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets.

Market Risk. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political and financial events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets. No active trading market may exist for certain investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Fixed-income markets may experience periods of relatively high volatility in an environment where U.S. treasury yields are rising.

Issuer Risk. The value of common and preferred stocks may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.

Income Risk. The income Common Shareholders receive from the Fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long-term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund’s preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings and Common Shareholders’ income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage.

Tax Risk. Reference is made to “Federal Income Tax Matters” for an explanation of the federal income tax consequences and attendant risks of investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in this regard. The tax treatment and characterization of the Fund’s distributions may change over time due to changes in the Fund’s mix of investment returns and changes in the federal tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations. The Fund’s investment program and the tax treatment of Fund distributions may be affected by IRS interpretations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and future changes in tax laws and regulations. Distributions paid on the Common Shares may be characterized variously as non-qualified dividends (taxable at ordinary income rates), qualified dividends (generally taxable at long-term capital gains rates), capital gains

dividends (taxable at long-term capital gains rates) or return of capital (generally not currently taxable). The ultimate tax characterization of the Fund’s distributions made in a calendar year may not finally be determined until after the end of that calendar year. Distributions to a Common Shareholder that are return of capital are tax free to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s current tax basis in his or her Common Shares, with any distribution amounts exceeding such basis treated as capital gain on a deemed sale of Common Shares. Common Shareholders are required to reduce their tax basis in Common Shares by the amount of tax-free return of capital distributions received, thereby increasing the amount of capital gain (or decreasing the amount of capital loss) to be recognized upon a later disposition of the Common Shares. In order for Fund distributions of qualified dividend income to be taxable at favorable long-term capital gains rates, a Common Shareholder must meet certain prescribed holding period and other requirements with respect to his or her Common Shares. If positions held by the Fund were treated as “straddles” for federal income tax purposes, dividends on such positions would not constitute qualified dividend income subject to favorable income tax treatment. Gain or loss on positions in a straddle are subject to special (and generally disadvantageous) rules as described under “Federal Income Tax Matters.”

Common Stock Risk. The Fund has substantial exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.

Preferred Stock Risk. The Fund has substantial exposure to preferred stocks. Preferred stocks involve credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip distributions (in the case of ‘‘non-cumulative’’ preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of ‘‘cumulative’’ preferred stocks). If the Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving income on this position. Preferred stocks often contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of certain tax or legal changes or at the issuers’ call. In the event of redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred stocks typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by issue. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt or common stock.

Hybrid Securities Risk. Hybrid securities generally possess characteristics common to both equity and debt securities. Preferred stocks, convertible securities, and certain debt obligations are types of hybrid securities. Hybrid securities generally have a preference over common stock in the event of the issuer’s liquidation and perpetual or near perpetual terms at time of issuance. Hybrid securities generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights. Because hybrid securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their values vary in response to many factors, including general market and economic conditions, issuer-specific events, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer, and, for convertible securities, factors affecting the securities into which they convert.

Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”) are convertible securities with loss absorption characteristics. These securities provide for mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion may be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the capital minimum with respect to the security, the company’s regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some such instruments have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. Under similar circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In certain circumstances, contingent convertible securities may write down to zero and investors could lose the entire value of the investment, even as the issuer remains in business. CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price.

Value Investing Risk. The Fund focuses its investments on dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that the Adviser believes are undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These types of securities may present risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuer’s fundamentals relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to the risk of misestimation of certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods, market dynamics may favor ‘‘growth’’ stocks over ‘‘value’’ stocks. Disciplined adherence to a ‘‘value’’ investment mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market indices and other managed investment vehicles that pursue growth style investments and/or flexible equity style mandates.

ETF Risk. The Fund may invest in ETFs. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and expenses paid by an ETF in which it invests. Requirements of the federal securities laws may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies, including ETFs. Investments in a pooled investment vehicle will be included in satisfying the Fund’s 80% Policy if the vehicle invests at least 80% of its net assets in the types of investments included in the Fund’s 80% Policy. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other instruments that they own. The market for common shares of ETFs, which are generally traded on an exchange and may be traded at a premium or discount to net asset value, is affected by the demand for those securities, regardless of the value of such ETF’s underlying securities. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests.

Leverage Risk. As discussed above, the Fund currently uses leverage created by loans acquired with borrowings. Effective August 28, 2020, the Fund entered into a Liquidity Agreement (the Agreement) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. The Fund has granted to SSBT a security interest in all its cash, securities and other financial assets, unless otherwise pledged, to secure the payment and performance of its obligations under the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has made its securities available for securities lending transactions by SSBT acting as securities lending agent for the Fund. Securities lending transactions are required to be secured with cash collateral received from the securities borrowers equal at all times to at least 100%, 102% or 105% of the market value of the securities loaned, depending on the type of security. The market value of securities loaned is determined daily and any additional required collateral is delivered to SSBT on the next business day. The Fund is subject to the possible delay in the recovery of loaned securities. Pursuant to the Agreement, SSBT has provided indemnification to the Fund in the event of default by a securities borrower with respect to security loans. However, the Fund retains all risk of loss and gains associated with securities purchased using cash received as collateral for security loans. The Fund is entitled to receive from securities borrowers all substitute interest, dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the securities on loan. The Fund may instruct SSBT to recall a security on loan at any time. At October 31, 2021, the value of the securities loaned and the value of the cash collateral received by SSBT, which exceeded the value of the securities loaned, amounted to $205,795,327 and $208,648,236, respectively. Interest on borrowings outstanding under the Agreement is charged at a rate equal to 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50%, payable monthly. SSBT retains all net fees that may arise in connection with securities lending transactions. If the value of securities available to lend falls below a prescribed level, the interest rate may be increased. If the Fund utilizes less than 50% of the commitment amount, it will be charged a monthly non-usage fee of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. The Agreement may be terminated by either SSBT or the Fund upon 360 days’ prior written notice to the other party and after the second anniversary of the Agreement, by the Fund upon 90 days’ prior written notice to SSBT. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements or other covenants are not met, the Agreement could be deemed in default and result in termination. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had borrowings outstanding under the Agreement of $447 million at an annual interest rate of 0.58%, which are shown as Liquidity Agreement borrowings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The carrying amount of the borrowings at October 31, 2021 approximated its fair value. If measured at fair value, borrowings under the Agreement would have been considered as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy at October 31, 2021. For the year ended October 31, 2021, the aggregate average borrowings under the Agreement and the average annual interest rate (excluding fees) were $447,000,000 and 0.62%, respectively.

The portfolio managers anticipate that the use of leverage (from 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 borrowings may affect the return to Common Shareholders. See also “LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk.” To the extent the income derived from investments purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the investments purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, Eaton Vance, in its best judgment, may nevertheless determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by Common Shareholders and consequently will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares.

As discussed under “Management of the Fund,” the fees paid for investment advisory services are calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, including any form of investment leverage, so the fees will be higher when leverage is utilized. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Use of Leverage and Related Risks.’’

Any bank lender in connection with a credit facility or commercial paper program may impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. Such restrictions imposed by a lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. These covenants or guidelines do not currently and are not expected to impede the Adviser in managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies and it is not anticipated that they will so impede in the future. See “Description of Capital Structure–Preferred Shares.”

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

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality, if any, are predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality entail greater potential price volatility and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business conditions, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate. In addition, such a security may lose significant value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment rates.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When interest rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and fixed-rate debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market interest rates rise. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of preferred stock or fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem securities prior to maturity, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. The value of the Fund’s common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates. Certain instruments held by the Fund pay an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between certain major international banks. It is expected that LIBOR will be phased out beginning at the end of 2021. The phase-out of LIBOR may result in, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments based on LIBOR and changes in the value of such instruments.

Sector Risk. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers in any single industry or sector of the economy if companies in that industry or sector meet the Fund’s investment criteria. If the Fund is focused in an industry or sector, it may present more risks than if it were broadly diversified over numerous industries or sectors of the economy. The Fund may invest in a significant portfolio of its assets in the financial services sectors. This may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting such sectors. However, if market conditions change, the Fund’s portfolio would not necessarily be so composed of stocks in these sectors, but could be composed significantly of stocks of issuers in other sectors of the market. As the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in a particular sector increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the net asset value of Common Shares.

Financial Services Sector Risk. The industries within the financial services sector are subject to extensive government regulation, which can limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively affect the financial services industries. Insurance companies can be subject to severe price competition. The financial services industries are currently undergoing relatively rapid change as existing distinctions between financial service segments become less clear. For example, recent business combinations have included insurance, finance, and securities brokerage under single ownership. Some primarily retail corporations have expanded into securities and insurance industries.

The banking industry can be significantly affected by the relatively recent adoption of legislation that has reduced the separation between commercial and investment banking businesses and changed the laws governing capitalization and the savings and loan industry. While providing diversification, this relatively new legislation could expose banks to well-established competitors, particularly as the historical distinctions between banks and other financial institutions erode. Increased competition can also result from the broadening of regional and national interstate banking powers, which has already reduced the number of publicly traded banks. In addition, general economic conditions are important to banks that face exposure to credit losses and can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates.

The brokerage and investment management industries can be significantly affected by changes in regulations, brokerage commission structure, and a competitive environment combined with the high operating leverage inherent in companies in this industry. The performance of companies in these industries can be closely tied to the stock and bond markets and can suffer during market declines. Revenues can depend on overall market activity.

The insurance industry can be significantly affected by interest rates, general economic conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance profits can be affected by weather catastrophes and other natural disasters. Life and health insurance profits can be affected by mortality and morbidity rates. Insurance companies can be adversely affected by inadequacy of cash reserves, the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers, liability for the coverage of environmental clean-up costs from past years, and as yet unanticipated liabilities. Also, insurance companies are subject to extensive government regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate levels, and can be adversely affected by proposed or potential tax law changes.

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in the U.S. or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations or repatriating capital invested in foreign countries, and the imposition of economic sanctions. Settlements of securities transactions in foreign countries are subject to risk of loss, may be delayed and are generally less frequent than in the United States, which could affect the liquidity of the Fund’s assets. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities). Because foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign debt markets is less than in the United States and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economics may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.

Political events in foreign countries may cause market disruptions. In June 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”). Effective January 31, 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the EU and, following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and the UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and entered into full force on May 1, 2021. There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict. The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an increased likelihood of a recession in the UK. If one or more additional countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.

American Depositary Receipts (‘‘ADRs’’), European Depositary Receipts (‘‘EDRs’’) and Global Depositary Receipts (‘‘GDRs’’) may be purchased. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. Unsponsored receipts may involve higher expenses, they may not pass-through voting or other shareholder rights, and they may be less liquid.

Dividend Capture Trading Risk. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, including short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund may engage in derivative transactions in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may invest in derivatives without limitation and the Fund’s use of derivatives may be extensive. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the asset, index, rate or instrument underlying a derivative, due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create investment leverage in the Fund, which magnifies the Fund’s exposure to the underlying investment. Derivative risks may be more significant when they are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. Derivatives for hedging purposes may not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested in derivatives. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying instrument. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify as tax-advantaged dividend income.

The U.S. and non-U.S. derivatives markets have undergone substantial changes in recent years as a result of changes under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States and regulatory changes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations require many derivatives to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on counterparties, and impose other regulatory requirements that will continue to change derivatives markets as regulations are implemented. As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter the Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Fund and may, depending on the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on the Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Additional future regulation of the derivatives markets may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability or reduce the liquidity of derivatives, and may impose limits or restrictions on the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivative transactions. Fund management cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new government regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance or ability to achieve its investment objective.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk. The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between major international banks who are members of the British Bankers Association. It is used throughout global banking and financial industries to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments (such as debt instruments and derivatives) and borrowing arrangements. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing certain LIBOR settings on December 31, 2021, and is expected to cease publishing the remaining LIBOR settings on June 30, 2023. Many market participants are in the process of transitioning to the use of alternative reference or benchmark rates.

On September 29, 2021 the FCA announced that it will compel the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”) to publish a subset of non-U.S. LIBOR maturities after December 31, 2021 using a “synthetic” methodology that is not based on panel bank contributions and has indicated that it may also require IBA to publish a subset of U.S. LIBOR maturities after June 30, 2023, using a similar synthetic methodology. However, these synthetic publications are expected to be published for a limited period of time and would be considered non-representative of the underlying market.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR has become increasingly well-defined, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR remains uncertain. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in (i) the value of certain instruments held by the Fund, (ii) the cost of borrowing or the dividend rate for preferred shares, or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable.

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to be a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England. Both SOFR and SONIA, as well as certain other proposed replacement rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR need to be made to accommodate the differences. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.

Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Although there are ongoing efforts among certain government entities and other organizations to address these uncertainties, the ultimate effectiveness of such efforts is not yet known. 

Any effects of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund, and such effects may occur prior to the discontinuation of the remaining LIBOR settings in 2023. Furthermore, the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

Swaps Risk. Swap contracts may be purchased or sold to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or market conditions, to change the duration of the overall portfolio, to mitigate non-payment or default risk, or to gain exposure to particular securities, baskets of securities, indices or currencies. In a standard ‘‘swap’’ transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) to be exchanged or ‘‘swapped’’ between the parties, which returns are calculated with respect to a ‘‘notional amount,’’ i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a ‘‘basket’’ of securities representing a particular index. The Fund will enter into swaps only on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. The Fund will not enter into any swap unless the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. These instruments are traded in the over-the-counter market. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund would be unfavorably affected.

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments). Income payments on interest rate swaps are taxable as ordinary income.

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset(s), which may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from other underlying asset(s). Amounts realized on total return swaps may be taxable as ordinary income, capital gain or a combination thereof depending on the nature of the swap contract.

Currency Risk. Since the Fund will invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in U.S. dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.

Foreign Currency Transactions Risk. The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Such contracts may be used when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security is anticipated. A forward contract can then ‘‘lock in’’ the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Cross-hedging may be performed by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the Adviser determines that there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward contracts may also be used to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets.

Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out options purchased or written, or forward contracts entered into, until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as a counterparty.

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

Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. The Fund may not be able to dispose readily of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, the limited liquidity could affect the market price of the investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s

NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such periods, some securities could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from 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 any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend further to reduce returns to Common Shareholders.

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

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

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

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

Recent Market Conditions. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, changes to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn.  Health crises caused by outbreaks of disease, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak has negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries and industries, and could continue to affect the market in significant and unforeseen ways. Other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future may have similar effects.

For example, a global pandemic or other widespread health crisis could cause substantial market volatility and exchange trading suspensions and closures. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers. The coronavirus outbreak and public and private sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many countries working from home for indefinite periods of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, and lack of availability of certain goods. The impact of such responses could adversely affect the information technology and operational systems upon which the Fund and the Fund’s service providers rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, or the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

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

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws” and together with the Declaration of Trust, the “Organizational Documents”) include provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. For example, pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the Fund Board is divided into three classes of Trustees with each class serving for a three-year term and certain types of transactions require the favorable vote of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. See “Description of Capital Structure - Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents - Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents.”

Summary of Fund Expenses

The purpose of the table below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares (“Common Shareholder”), would bear directly or indirectly. The table shows Fund expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Shares for the period ended October 31, 2021.

EXAMPLE

The following Example illustrates the expenses that Common Shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (i) total annual expenses of 1.25% 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:

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

The example should not be considered a representation of past or future expenses, and the Fund’s actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

Financial Highlights and Investment Performance

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

(See related footnotes.)

Financial Highlights (continued)

TRADING AND NAV INFORMATION

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

In addition, the Fund’s Board of Trustees has authorized the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding Common Shares as of the day of the prior calendar year-end at market prices when shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Fund to purchase a specific amount of shares. The results of the share repurchase program are disclosed in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.  See “Description of Capital Structure - Repurchase of Common Shares and Other Discount Measures.”

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

On February 14, 2022, the last reported sale price, NAV per Common Share and percentage premium/(discount) to NAV per Common Share, were $26.98, $27.61 and (2.28)%, respectively. As of February 14, 2022, the Fund had 73,809,173 Common Shares outstanding and net assets of $2,037,611,669.

The following table provides information about our outstanding Common Shares as of February 14, 2022:

The Fund

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on July 10, 2003, pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund’s principal office is located at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and its telephone number is 1-800-262-1122.

Use of Proceeds

Subject to the remainder of this section, and unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund invests substantially all of the net proceeds of any sales of Common Shares pursuant to this Prospectus in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. The Fund anticipates that it will be possible to invest the proceeds of the Offering consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as soon as practicable, but in no event, assuming normal market conditions, later than three months after the receipt thereof. Pending such investment, the proceeds may be invested in short-term money market instruments, securities with remaining maturities of less than one year, cash and/or cash equivalents. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to Common Shareholders or result in a distribution consisting principally of a return of capital.

Investment Objective, Policies and Risks

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its objective by investing its assets primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks. The Fund’s investment objective is fundamental and cannot be changed without the approval of the Common Shareholders, as required under the 1940 Act.

PRIMARY INVESTMENT POLICIES

General Composition of the Fund. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total managed assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that Eaton Vance believes at the time of investment are eligible to pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains (‘‘tax-advantaged dividends’’). For the purposes of the 80% test, total assets is defined as net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund’s policy of investing, in normal market conditions, at least 80% of its total managed assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that Eaton Vance believes at the time of investment are eligible to pay tax-advantaged dividends may only be changed by the Fund’s Board following the provision of 60 days prior written notice to Common Shareholders. The Adviser retains broad discretion to allocate the Fund’s investments between common and preferred stocks in a manner that it believes will best effectuate the Fund’s objective. The Fund may invest in common and preferred stocks of both domestic and foreign issuers. Preferred stocks may include other hybrid securities. The Fund can invest up to 10% of its net assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in preferred stocks. The Fund may also lend its securities. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks of any grade quality. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total managed assets in securities rated below investment grade quality (which is lower than BBB– as determined by S&P Global Ratings (‘‘S&P’’) or Fitch Ratings (‘‘Fitch’’), Baa3 as determined by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’) or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance). Securities of below investment grade quality commonly are referred to as ‘‘junk’’ preferred stocks and bonds, as the case may be. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event of a downgrade of an assessment of credit quality or the withdrawal of a rating. Below investment grade quality securities are considered to be predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of the issuers. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Risk Considerations—Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.’’

The Fund seeks dividend income that qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment. Tax-advantaged dividends received by individual shareholders are taxed at rates equivalent to long-term capital gain tax rates, which reach a maximum of 20%. Tax-advantaged dividends generally include dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of tax-advantaged dividends it receives through to Common Shareholders. For the Fund to receive tax-advantaged dividend income, the Fund must hold stock paying an otherwise tax-advantaged dividend for more than 60 days during the 120-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date (or more than 90 days during the associated 180-day period, in the case of certain preferred stocks). In addition, the Fund cannot be obligated to make related payments (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) with respect to substantially similar or related property. Similar provisions apply to each Common Shareholder’s investment in the Fund. In order for otherwise tax-advantaged dividends from the Fund received by a Common Shareholder to be taxable at long-term capital gains rates, the Common Shareholder must hold his or her Fund shares for more than 60 days during the 120-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date.

In addition to investing in stocks that pay tax-advantaged dividends, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in stocks and other securities (including preferred stocks, hybrid securities, contingent convertible securities or bonds) that generate fully taxable ordinary income (i.e., income other than tax-advantaged dividends). For any year, so long as the Fund’s fully taxable ordinary income and net realized short-term gains are offset by expenses of the Fund, all of the Fund’s income distributions would be characterized as tax-advantaged dividends. There can be no assurance that a portion of the Fund’s income distributions will not be fully taxable as ordinary income.

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

The Fund may seek to enhance the level of tax-advantaged dividend income it receives by engaging in dividend capture trading. In a dividend capture trade, the Fund would sell a stock eligible to pay tax-advantaged dividends on or shortly after the date on which the Fund becomes eligible to receive a dividend payment on this stock. With the sale proceeds, the Fund would then immediately purchase another stock eligible to pay tax-advantaged dividends. The newly purchased stock would be expected to pay a dividend that the Fund would receive before the next dividend of the stock sold by the Fund. Through this practice, the Fund may receive a greater number of dividend payments over a given period of time than if it held a single stock. Receipt of a greater number of dividend payments during a given time period could augment the total amount of dividend income the Fund receives over this period. For example, during the course of a single year it may be possible through dividend capture trading for the Fund to receive five or more dividend payments with respect to Fund assets attributable to dividend capture trading where it may only have received four payments in a hold only strategy. In order for dividends to qualify as tax-advantaged dividends, the Fund must comply with the holding period requirements described herein. Dividend capture trading by the Fund will take account of this consideration. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.

Investment Strategy. A team of Eaton Vance investment professionals is responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investments, including the allocation between common and preferred stocks. Individual members of this team with specialized expertise are responsible for the day-to-day management of different portions of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s investments are actively managed and securities may be bought or sold on a daily basis.

In selecting securities, the Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks of U.S. and non-U.S. companies that produce attractive levels of tax-advantaged dividend income and are, in the opinion of the Adviser, undervalued or inexpensive relative to the overall market. Stocks may be undervalued in relation to other investments due to adverse economic or other near-term difficulties that cause them not to achieve their expected financial potential. Undervaluation may also arise because companies are misunderstood by investors or because they are out of step with favored market themes. For its investments in common stock, the Fund also seeks to invest in positions that the Adviser believes have the potential for growth of income and capital appreciation over time. For its investment in preferred stocks and other hybrid securities, the Fund will also take into consideration the interest rate sensitivity of the investments and the Adviser’s interest rate expectations.

Investment decisions are made primarily on the basis of fundamental research. The portfolio managers utilize information provided by, and the expertise of, the Adviser’s research staff in making investment decisions. In selecting stocks, the portfolio managers consider (among other factors) a company’s earnings or cash flow capabilities, dividend prospects and tax treatment of a company’s dividends, the strength of the company’s business franchises and estimates of the company’s net value. Many of the portfolio managers’ considerations are subjective.

The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers in any single industry or sector of the economy if companies in that industry or sector meet the Fund’s investment criteria. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the financial services sector. Companies in the financial services sector include, for example, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, brokerage and investment companies, insurance companies, and consumer and industrial finance companies. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Risk Considerations—Sector Risk.’’

In seeking to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading, the Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts and may engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities and non-equity indices, options on futures contracts, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps, interest rate swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks, forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures contracts.

Tax-Managed Investing. The Fund seeks to achieve high after-tax returns in part by minimizing the taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with the Fund’s investment income and realized capital gains. Fund distributions that are taxed as ordinary income are sought to be minimized by the Fund by investing principally in common and preferred stocks that pay tax-advantaged dividends and generally by avoiding net realized short-term capital gains and fully taxable ordinary income in excess of the Fund’s expenses. Fund distributions taxed as long-term capital gains are sought to be minimized by the Fund by avoiding or minimizing the sale of portfolio securities with large accumulated capital gains. When a decision is made to sell a particular appreciated security, the portfolio managers will select for sale the share lots resulting in the most favorable tax treatment, generally those with holding periods sufficient to qualify for long-term capital gains treatment that have the highest cost basis. The portfolio managers may sell securities to realize capital losses that can be used to offset realized gains but not tax-advantaged dividends or other ordinary income.

To protect against price declines in securities holdings with large accumulated gains, the Fund may use various hedging techniques (such as the purchase and sale of futures contracts on stocks and stock indices and options thereon, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps, covered short sales, forward sales of stocks and the purchase and sale of forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures). By using these techniques rather than selling appreciated securities, the Fund can, with certain limitations, reduce its exposure to price declines in the securities without realizing substantial capital gains under current tax law. These derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. Dividends received on securities with respect to which the Fund is obligated to make related payments (pursuant to short sales or otherwise) will be treated as fully taxable ordinary income. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify for payments by the Fund of tax-advantaged dividends.

Taxes are a major influence on the net returns that investors receive on their taxable investments. There are five components of the returns of a regulated investment company that invests in equities—price appreciation, distributions of tax-advantaged dividends, distributions of other investment income and distributions of realized short-term and long-term capital gains—which are treated differently for federal income tax purposes. Distributions of income other than tax-advantaged dividends and distributions of net realized short-term gains (on stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income, at rates as high as 37%. Distributions of tax-advantaged dividends and net realized long-term gains (on stocks held for more than one year) are taxed at rates up to 20%. Returns derived from price appreciation are untaxed until the shareholder sells his or her shares. Upon sale, a capital gain or loss (short-term, if the shareholder has held his or her shares for one year or less, otherwise long-term) equal to the difference between the net proceeds of such sale and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis is realized. As described above, the Fund seeks to achieve favorable after-tax returns in part by minimizing the taxes incurred by shareholders in connection with the Fund’s net investment income and net realized gains.

Common Stocks. Common stock represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer. The Fund has substantial exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.

Preferred Stocks. Preferred stock, like common stock, represents an equity ownership in an issuer. Generally, preferred stock has a priority of claim over common stock in dividend payments and upon liquidation of the issuer. Unlike common stock, preferred stock does not usually have voting rights. Preferred stock in some instances is convertible into common stock.

Although they are equity securities, preferred stocks have certain characteristics of both debt and common stock. They are debt-like in that their promised income is contractually fixed. They are common stock-like in that they do not have rights to precipitate bankruptcy proceedings or collection activities in the event of missed payments. Furthermore, they have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows.

In order to be payable, dividends on preferred stock must be declared by the issuer’s board of directors. In addition, distributions on preferred stock may be subject to deferral and thus may not be automatically payable. Income payments on some preferred stocks are cumulative, causing dividends and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or otherwise made payable. Other preferred stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that skipped dividends and distributions do not continue to accrue. There is no assurance that dividends on preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. The Fund may invest in non-cumulative preferred stock, although the Adviser would consider, among other factors, their non-cumulative nature in making any decision to purchase or sell such securities.

Shares of preferred stock have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market values of preferred stock may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting the issuers’ industries or sectors,. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Risk Considerations—Sector Risk.’’ They may also be affected by actual and anticipated changes or ambiguities in the tax status of the security and by actual and anticipated changes or ambiguities in tax laws, such as changes in corporate and individual income tax rates and in the dividends received deduction or the characterization of dividends as tax-advantaged as described herein.

Because the claim on an issuer’s earnings represented by preferred stock may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on the stock or for other reasons, the issuer may redeem preferred stock, generally after an initial period of call protection in which the stock is not redeemable. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund’s holdings of higher dividend-paying preferred stocks may be reduced and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES

In addition to its primary investment strategies as described above, the Fund may engage in the following investment practices.

Real Estate Investment Trusts. The Fund may invest in companies that are treated as real estate investment trusts for federal income tax purposes (‘‘REITs’’). REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors’ capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, i.e., hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and office buildings. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by numerous factors, including rising interest rates, changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions, perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties, the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance, the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, increasing competition and compliance with environmental laws, changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses, adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other factors beyond the control of the issuers. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains and/or return of capital. As REITs generally pay a higher rate of dividends than most other operating companies, to the extent application of the Fund’s investment strategy results in the Fund investing in REIT shares, the percentage of the Fund’s dividend income received from REIT shares will likely exceed the percentage of the Fund’s portfolio which is comprised of REIT shares. REIT income distributions received by the Fund are not treated as tax-advantaged dividend income. However, effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, individuals and certain other non-corporate taxpayers may deduct 20% of “qualified REIT dividends.” Pursuant to proposed regulations on which the Fund may rely, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders that the Fund properly reports as “section 199A dividends,” as defined and subject to certain conditions described below, are treated as qualified REIT dividends in the hands of non-corporate shareholders. Very generally, a “section 199A dividend” is any dividend or portion thereof that is attributable to certain dividends received by a regulated investment company from REITs, to the extent such dividends are properly reported as such by the regulated investment company in a written notice to its shareholders, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met. The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as section 199A dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so.

Corporate Bonds and other Debt Securities. In addition to its investments in common and preferred stocks, the Fund may invest in a wide variety of bonds, debentures and similar debt securities of varying maturities and durations issued by corporations and other business entities, including limited liability companies. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest may pay fixed or variable rates of interest. Bonds and other debt securities generally are issued by corporations and other issuers to borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and normally must repay the amount borrowed on or before maturity. Certain debt securities are ‘‘perpetual’’ in that they have no maturity date. Debt securities of below investment grade quality, commonly known as ‘‘junk bonds,’’ are considered to be predominantly speculative in nature because of the because of the credit risk of the issuers. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Additional Risk Considerations—Below Investment Grade Securities Risk.’’ Income payments on debt securities received by the Fund will be fully taxable as ordinary income.

Warrants. The Fund may invest in equity and index warrants of domestic and international issuers. Equity warrants are securities that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to subscribe for equity issues of the issuing company or a related company at a fixed price either on a certain date or during a set period. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. The sale of a warrant results in a long or short term capital gain or loss depending on the period for which a warrant is held.

Rights. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe for shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price.

Rights may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. If the market price of the underlying stock does not exceed the exercise price during the life of the right, the right will expire worthless.

Convertible Securities and Bonds with Warrants Attached. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks and fixed-income obligations that are convertible into common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers, and bonds issued as a unit with warrants. Convertible securities in which the Fund may invest, comprised of both convertible debt and convertible preferred stock, may be converted at either a stated price or at a stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Because of this feature, convertible securities generally enable an investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Convertible securities often provide higher yields than the underlying equity securities, but generally offer lower yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The value of convertible securities fluctuates in relation to changes in interest rates like bonds, and, in addition, fluctuates in relation to the underlying common stock. Income payments on convertible fixed-income obligations are taxable as ordinary income; dividend payments on convertible preferred stocks may be tax-advantaged dividends depending on the nature of the preferred stock.

Convertible Securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred security, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer.  A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued or dividends paid until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged.  Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities. 

Holders of convertible securities generally have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to other debt securities of the same issuer. Certain convertible debt securities may provide a put option to the holder, which entitles the holder to cause the securities to be redeemed by the issuer at a premium over the stated principal amount of the debt securities under certain circumstances.  Certain convertible securities may include loss absorption characteristics that make the securities more debt-like.  This is particularly true of convertible securities issued by companies in the financial services sector.

The value of a convertible security may be influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument.

Short Sales. The Fund may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). In a short sale against-the-box, the short seller is exposed to the risk of being forced to deliver stock that it holds to close the position if the borrowed stock is called in by the lender, which would cause gain or loss to be recognized on the delivered stock. The Fund expects normally to close its short sales against-the-box by delivering newly acquired stock.

The ability to use short sales against-the-box, certain equity swaps and certain equity collar strategies as a tax-efficient management technique with respect to holdings of appreciated securities is limited to circumstances in which the hedging transaction is closed out within thirty days of the end of the Fund’s taxable year and the underlying appreciated securities position is held unhedged for at least the next sixty days after the hedging transaction is closed. Not meeting these requirements would trigger the recognition of gain on the underlying appreciated securities position under the federal tax laws applicable to constructive sales. Dividends received on securities with respect to which the Fund is obligated to make related payments (pursuant to short sales or otherwise) will be treated as fully taxable ordinary income.

Temporary Investments. During unusual market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objectives, principal strategies and other policies. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. government obligations. In moving to a substantial temporary investments position and in transitioning from such a position back into conformity with the Fund’s normal investment policies, the Fund may incur transaction costs that would not be incurred if the Fund had remained fully invested in accordance with such normal policies. The Fund’s investment in such temporary investments under unusual market circumstances may not be in furtherance of the Fund’s investment objectives.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. Securities may be purchased on a ‘‘forward commitment’’ or ‘‘when-issued’’ basis (meaning securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future) in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. However, the return on a comparable security when the transaction is consummated may vary from the return on the security at the time that the forward commitment or when-issued transaction was made. From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment or when-issued transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction, the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Forward commitment or when-issued transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due. However, no payment or delivery is made until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction. Forward commitment or when-issued transactions are not entered into for the purpose of investment leverage.

Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its total assets in investments for which there is no readily available trading market or are otherwise illiquid. It may be difficult to sell illiquid investments at a price representing their fair value until such time as such investments may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision by the Fund to sell such investments and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire investments through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such investments. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.

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

Futures and Options on Futures. The Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and options thereon to seek to hedge against changes in stock prices, interest rates, for other risk management purposes or to gain exposure to certain securities, indices and currencies. Futures contracts may be based on various securities indices and securities. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to unanticipated adverse changes in securities prices, which may exceed the Fund’s initial investment in these contracts. The Fund will only purchase or sell futures contracts or related options in compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These transactions involve transaction costs. There can be no assurance that the use of futures will be advantageous to the Fund. Nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (each a ‘‘Rating Agency’’) guidelines on any preferred shares issued by the Fund or covenants on Fund borrowings may limit use of these transactions. Sales of futures contracts and related options generally result in realization of short-term or long-term capital gain depending on the period for which the investment is held. To the extent that any futures contract or foreign currency contract held by the Fund is a Section 1256 contract under the Code, the contract will be marked-to-market and any gain or loss will be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term, regardless of the holding period for such contract.

Securities Lending. The Fund may seek to earn income by lending portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the securities loaned if the borrower of the securities fails financially. In the judgment of the Adviser, the loans will be made only to organizations whose credit quality or claims paying ability is considered to be at least investment grade and when the expected returns, net of administrative expenses and any finders’ fees, justifies the attendant risk. Securities loans currently are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents (such as money market instruments) or other liquid securities held by the custodian and maintained in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The financial condition of the borrower will be monitored by the Adviser on a periodic basis. Income realized from securities lending and payments in lieu of dividends on loaned stock will generally be fully taxable as ordinary income.

Borrowings. The Fund may borrow money to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction. The Fund may from time to time borrow money to add leverage to the portfolio. The Fund may also borrow money for temporary administrative purposes.

As discussed above, the Fund entered into the Agreement with SSBT that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. Please see “Use of Leverage and Related Risks” below for additional information about the Agreement.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time and price, which reflects an interest payment. The Fund may enter into such agreements when it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase earned income. Income realized on reverse repurchase agreements is taxable as ordinary income.

When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities transferred to another party or the securities in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. As a result, such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets. There is a risk that large fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets could affect NAV and the market price of Common Shares. Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing funds, they constitute a form of leverage and may be subject to leverage risks. Such agreements are treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding ‘‘borrowings.’’ If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund’s cash available for distribution.

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

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover rate, but the annual turnover rate may exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A high turnover rate (100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Fund. For the years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 30% and 54%, respectively.

USE OF LEVERAGE AND RELATED RISKS

Generally, leverage involves the use of proceeds from the issuance of preferred shares, borrowed funds or various financial instruments (such as derivatives) to seek to increase a fund’s potential returns. The Fund currently uses leverage through borrowings. As discussed above, the Fund entered into the Agreement with SSBT that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. The Fund has granted to SSBT a security interest in all its cash, securities and other financial assets, unless otherwise pledged, to secure the payment and performance of its obligations under the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has made its securities available for securities lending transactions by SSBT acting as securities lending agent for the Fund. Securities lending transactions are required to be secured with cash collateral received from the securities borrowers equal at all times to at least 100%, 102% or 105% of the market value of the securities loaned, depending on the type of security. The market value of securities loaned is determined daily and any additional required collateral is delivered to SSBT on the next business day. The Fund is subject to the possible delay in the recovery of loaned securities. Pursuant to the Agreement, SSBT has provided indemnification to the Fund in the event of default by a securities borrower with respect to security loans. However, the Fund retains all risk of loss and gains associated with securities purchased using cash received as collateral for security loans. The Fund is entitled to receive from securities borrowers all substitute interest, dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the securities on loan. The Fund may instruct SSBT to recall a security on loan at any time. Interest on borrowings outstanding under the Agreement is charged at a rate equal to 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50%, payable monthly. SSBT retains all net fees that may arise in connection with securities lending transactions. If the value of securities available to lend falls below a prescribed level, the interest rate may be increased. If the Fund utilizes less than 50% of the commitment amount, it will be charged a monthly non-usage fee of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. The Agreement may be terminated by either SSBT or the Fund upon 360 days’ prior written notice to the other party and after the second anniversary of the Agreement, by the Fund upon 90 days’ prior written notice to SSBT. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements or other covenants are not met, the Agreement could be deemed in default and result in termination. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had borrowings outstanding under the Agreement of $447 million at an annual interest rate of 0.58%.

The portfolio managers anticipate that the use of leverage (from borrowings) may result in higher income to Common Shareholders over time. In the future, the portfolio managers, in their sole discretion, may leverage solely through the issuance of preferred shares, solely through borrowings or through both the issuance of preferred shares and through borrowings if they determine such leverage is in the best interest of Common Shareholders. 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 future issuance of preferred shares and any borrowings) are borne by Common Shareholders and consequently result in a reduction of the NAV of Common Shares. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, which include proceeds from borrowings. In this regard, holders of debt 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 Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares may adversely affect the return to the holders of Common Shares. If the income from the securities purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced. The Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate in the circumstances.

Changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio (including investments bought with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering or borrowing program) will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s total assets, including proceeds from borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares. As discussed under ‘‘Description of Capital Structure,’’ the Fund’s issuance of preferred shares may alter the voting power of Common Shareholders.

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

The Fund 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 Fund and by borrowing program covenants. These guidelines and covenants may impose asset coverage or Fund composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede the Adviser from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

Under the Investment Company Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the total asset value of the Fund’s portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the Fund’s total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value. If preferred shares are issued, the Fund 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%. If the Fund issues preferred shares amounting to 34% leverage, there will be an asset coverage of 294%. Normally, holders of the Common Shares will elect five of the Trustees of the Fund and holders of any preferred shares will elect two. In the event the Fund failed to pay dividends on its preferred shares for two years, preferred shareholders would be entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees until the dividends are paid.

To qualify for federal income taxation as a ‘‘regulated investment company,’’ the Fund must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net interest income and net short-term gain). The Fund 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 Fund 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 Fund 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 dividend. This dividend can be expected to decrease the amount that holders of preferred shares would be entitled to receive upon redemption or liquidation of the shares.

The Fund’s willingness to issue new securities for investment purposes, and the amount the Fund will issue, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and interest rates. 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.

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 17.5% of the Fund’s gross assets, assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Fund’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. 

Assuming the utilization of leverage in the amount of 17.5% of the Fund’s gross assets, the cost of leverage is 0.62%. The additional income that the Fund must earn (net of expenses) in order to cover such costs is approximately 0.11% of net assets. The Fund’s actual costs of leverage will be based on market rates at the time the Fund undertakes a leveraging strategy, and such actual costs of leverage may be higher or lower than that assumed in the previous example.

ADDITIONAL 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 and/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 Fund are trading at a price equal to or above the Fund’s NAV per Common Share plus the per Common Share amount of commissions. As with any security, the market value of the Common Shares may increase or decrease from the amount initially paid for the Common Shares. The Fund’s Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount relative to 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 Fund’s NAV may decrease.

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

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

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

The voting power of current shareholders 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 Fund’s per share distribution may decrease (or may consist of return of capital) and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned.

An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Because the Fund sells index call options on a continuous basis on substantially the full value of its common stock holdings, the Fund’s appreciation potential from equity market performance will be limited. The Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of distributions.

The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political and financial events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets.

Market Risk. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political and financial events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The frequency and magnitude of such changes in value cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments held by the Fund may experience increased volatility, illiquidity, or other potentially adverse effects in reaction to changing market conditions. Actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, such as decreases or increases in short-term interest rates, could cause high volatility in markets. No active trading market may exist for certain investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Fixed-income markets may experience periods of relatively high volatility in an environment where U.S. treasury yields are rising.

Issuer Risk. The value of common and preferred stocks may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.

Income Risk. The income Common Shareholders receive from the Fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long-term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund’s preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings and Common Shareholders’ income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage.

Tax Risk. Reference is made to “Federal Income Tax Matters” for an explanation of the federal income tax consequences and attendant risks of investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to minimize and defer the federal income taxes incurred by Common Shareholders in connection with their investment in the Fund, there can be no assurance that it will be successful in this regard. The tax treatment and characterization of the Fund’s distributions may change over time due to changes in the Fund’s mix of investment returns and changes in the federal tax laws, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations. The Fund’s investment program and the tax treatment of Fund distributions may be affected by IRS interpretations of the Code and future changes in tax laws and regulations. Distributions paid on the Common Shares may be characterized variously as non-qualified dividends (taxable at ordinary income rates), qualified dividends (generally taxable at long-term capital gains rates), capital gains dividends (taxable at long-term capital gains rates) or return of capital (generally not currently taxable). The ultimate tax characterization of the Fund’s distributions made in a calendar year may not finally be determined until after the end of that calendar year. Distributions to a Common Shareholder that are return of capital are tax free to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s current tax basis in his or her Common Shares, with any distribution amounts exceeding such basis treated as capital gain on a deemed sale of Common Shares. Common Shareholders are required to reduce their tax basis in Common Shares by the amount of tax-free return of capital distributions received, thereby increasing the amount of capital gain (or decreasing the amount of capital loss) to be recognized upon a later disposition of the Common Shares. In order for Fund distributions of qualified dividend income to be taxable at favorable long-term capital gains rates, a Common Shareholder must meet certain prescribed holding period and other requirements with respect to his or her Common Shares. If positions held by the Fund were treated as “straddles” for federal income tax purposes, dividends on such positions would not constitute qualified dividend income subject to favorable income tax treatment. Gain or loss on positions in a straddle are subject to special (and generally disadvantageous) rules as described under “Federal Income Tax Matters.”

Common Stock Risk. The has substantial exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.

Preferred Stock Risk. The Fund has substantial exposure to preferred stocks. Preferred stocks involve credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks. Certain preferred stocks contain provisions that allow an issuer under certain conditions to skip distributions (in the

case of ‘‘non-cumulative’’ preferred stocks) or defer distributions (in the case of ‘‘cumulative’’ preferred stocks). If the Fund owns a preferred stock that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving income on this position. Preferred stocks often contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of certain tax or legal changes or at the issuers’ call. In the event of redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred stocks typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by issue. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt or common stock.

Hybrid Securities Risk. Hybrid securities generally possess characteristics common to both equity and debt securities. Preferred stocks, convertible securities, and certain debt obligations are types of hybrid securities. Hybrid securities generally have a preference over common stock in the event of the issuer’s liquidation and perpetual or near perpetual terms at time of issuance. Hybrid securities generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights. Because hybrid securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their values vary in response to many factors, including general market and economic conditions, issuer-specific events, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer, and, for convertible securities, factors affecting the securities into which they convert.

Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”) are convertible securities with loss absorption characteristics. These securities provide for mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion may be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the capital minimum with respect to the security, the company’s regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some such instruments have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. Under similar circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In certain circumstances, contingent convertible securities may write down to zero and investors could lose the entire value of the investment, even as the issuer remains in business. CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price.

Value Investing Risk. The Fund focuses its investments on dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that the Adviser believes are undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These types of securities may present risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuer’s fundamentals relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to the risk of misestimation of certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods, market dynamics may favor ‘‘growth’’ stocks over ‘‘value’’ stocks. Disciplined adherence to a ‘‘value’’ investment mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market indices and other managed investment vehicles that pursue growth style investments and/or flexible equity style mandates.

ETF Risk. The Fund may invest in ETFs. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and expenses paid by an ETF in which it invests. Requirements of the federal securities laws may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies, including ETFs. Investments in a pooled investment vehicle will be included in satisfying the Fund’s 80% Policy if the vehicle invests at least 80% of its net assets in the types of investments included in the Fund’s 80% Policy. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other instruments that they own. The market for common shares of ETFs, which are generally traded on an exchange and may be traded at a premium or discount to net asset value, is affected by the demand for those securities, regardless of the value of such ETF’s underlying securities. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests.

Leverage Risk. Leverage creates risks for Common Shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares and the risk that fluctuations in dividend rates on any preferred shares or fluctuations in borrowing costs may affect the return to Common Shareholders. See also “LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk.” To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with proceeds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s distributions will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income from the securities purchased with such proceeds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the latter case, Eaton Vance in its best judgment, may nevertheless determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. The costs of an offering of preferred shares and/or borrowing program will be borne by Common Shareholders and consequently will result in a reduction of the net asset value of Common Shares.

As discussed under ‘‘Management of the Fund,’’ the fees paid to Eaton Vance will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, including any form of investment leverage, so the fees will be higher when leverage is utilized. See ‘‘Investment Objective, Policies and Risks—Use of Leverage and Related Risks.’’

Any bank lender in connection with a credit facility or commercial paper program may impose specific restrictions as a condition to borrowing. Such restrictions imposed by a lender may include asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. These restrictions or borrowing program covenants may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the Investment Company Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly impede the Adviser in managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its investment objective and policies and it is not anticipated that they will so impede in the future. See ‘‘Description of Capital Structure—Preferred Shares.’’

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

Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund’s investments in preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality, if any, are predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality entail greater potential price volatility and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business conditions, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate. In addition, such a security may lose significant value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment rates.

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When interest rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and fixed-rate debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market interest rates rise. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of preferred stock or fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem securities prior to maturity, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. The value of the Fund’s common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates. Certain instruments held by the Fund pay an interest rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), which is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between certain major international banks. It is expected that LIBOR will be phased out beginning at the end of 2021. The phase-out of LIBOR may result in, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments based on LIBOR and changes in the value of such instruments.

Sector Risk. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers in any single industry or sector of the economy if companies in that industry or sector meet the Fund’s investment criteria. If the Fund is focused in an industry or sector, it may present more risks than if it were broadly diversified over numerous industries or sectors of the economy. The Fund may invest in a significant portfolio of its assets in the financial services sectors. This may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, political, or regulatory occurrences affecting these sectors. However, if market conditions change, the Fund’s portfolio would not necessarily be so composed of stocks in these sectors, but could be composed significantly of stocks of issuers in other sectors of the market. As the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in a particular sector increases, so does the potential for fluctuation in the net asset value of Common Shares.

Financial Services Sector Risk. The industries within the financial services sector are subject to extensive government regulation, which can limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and the interest rates and fees they can charge. Profitability can be largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and the rate of corporate and consumer debt defaults, and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers can negatively affect the financial services industries. Insurance companies can be subject to severe price competition. The financial services industries are currently undergoing relatively rapid change as existing distinctions between financial service segments become less clear. For example, recent business combinations have included insurance, finance, and securities brokerage under single ownership. Some primarily retail corporations have expanded into securities and insurance industries.

The banking industry can be significantly affected by the relatively recent adoption of legislation that has reduced the separation between commercial and investment banking businesses and changed the laws governing capitalization and the savings and loan industry. While providing diversification, this relatively new legislation could expose banks to well-established competitors, particularly as the historical distinctions between banks and other financial institutions erode. Increased competition can also result from the broadening of regional and national interstate banking powers, which has already reduced the number of publicly traded banks. In addition, general economic conditions are important to banks that face exposure to credit losses and can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates.

The brokerage and investment management industries can be significantly affected by changes in regulations, brokerage commission structure, and a competitive environment combined with the high operating leverage inherent in companies in this industry. The performance of companies in these industries can be closely tied to the stock and bond markets and can suffer during market declines. Revenues can depend on overall market activity.

The insurance industry can be significantly affected by interest rates, general economic conditions, and price and marketing competition. Property and casualty insurance profits can be affected by weather catastrophes and other natural disasters. Life and health insurance profits can be affected by mortality and morbidity rates. Insurance companies can be adversely affected by inadequacy of cash reserves, the inability to collect from reinsurance carriers, liability for the coverage of environmental clean-up costs from past years, and as yet unanticipated liabilities. Also, insurance companies are subject to extensive government regulation, including the imposition of maximum rate levels, and can be adversely affected by proposed or potential tax law changes.

Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The value of foreign securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in the U.S. or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. Foreign investments also could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations or repatriating capital invested in foreign countries, and the imposition of economic sanctions. Settlements of securities transactions in foreign countries are subject to risk of loss, may be delayed and are generally less frequent than in the United States, which could affect the liquidity of the Fund’s assets. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities). Because foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign debt markets is less than in the United States and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economics may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.

Political events in foreign countries may cause market disruptions. In June 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”) (“Brexit”). Effective January 31, 2020, the UK ceased to be a member of the EU and, following a transition period during which the EU and the UK Government engaged in a series of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the EU and the UK Government signed an agreement on December 30, 2020 regarding the economic relationship between the UK and the EU. This agreement became effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and entered into full force on May 1, 2021. There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond are difficult to predict. The end of the Brexit transition period may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and an increased likelihood of a recession in the UK. If one or more additional countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.

American Depositary Receipts (‘‘ADRs’’), European Depositary Receipts (‘‘EDRs’’) and Global Depositary Receipts (‘‘GDRs’’) may be purchased. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. Unsponsored receipts may involve higher expenses, they may not pass-through voting or other shareholder rights, and they may be less liquid.

Dividend Capture Trading Risk. The use of dividend capture strategies will expose the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, including short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.

Derivatives Risk. The Fund may engage in derivative transactions in connection with its use of dividend capture trading. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may invest in derivatives without limitation and the Fund’s use of derivatives may be extensive. The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the asset, index, rate or instrument underlying a derivative, due to failure of a counterparty or due to tax or regulatory constraints. Derivatives may create investment leverage in the Fund, which magnifies the Fund’s exposure to the underlying investment. Derivative risks may be more significant when they are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by the Fund. Derivatives for hedging purposes may not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. Changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and the Fund could lose more than the principal amount invested in derivatives. Derivative instruments traded in over-the-counter markets may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and may be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying instrument. The loss on derivative transactions may substantially exceed the initial investment. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other income that would not qualify as tax-advantaged dividend income.

The U.S. and non-U.S. derivatives markets have undergone substantial changes in recent years as a result of changes under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States and regulatory changes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations require many derivatives to be cleared and traded on an exchange, expand entity registration requirements, impose business conduct requirements on counterparties, and impose other regulatory requirements that will continue to change derivatives markets as regulations are implemented. As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter the Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for the Fund and may, depending on the extent to which the Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on the Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Additional future regulation of the derivatives markets may make the use of derivatives more costly, may limit the availability or reduce the liquidity of derivatives, and may impose limits or restrictions on the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivative transactions. Fund management cannot predict the effects of any new governmental regulation that may be implemented, and there can be no assurance that any new government regulation will not adversely affect the Fund’s performance or ability to achieve its investment objective.

LIBOR Transition and Associated Risk. The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between major international banks who are members of the British Bankers Association. It is used throughout global banking and financial industries to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments (such as debt instruments and derivatives) and borrowing arrangements. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing certain LIBOR settings on December 31, 2021, and is expected to cease publishing the remaining LIBOR settings on June 30, 2023. Many market participants are in the process of transitioning to the use of alternative reference or benchmark rates.

On September 29, 2021 the FCA announced that it will compel the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”) to publish a subset of non-U.S. LIBOR maturities after December 31, 2021 using a “synthetic” methodology that is not based on panel bank contributions and has indicated that it may also require IBA to publish a subset of U.S. LIBOR maturities after June 30, 2023, using a similar synthetic methodology. However, these synthetic publications are expected to be published for a limited period of time and would be considered non-representative of the underlying market.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR has become increasingly well-defined, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR remains uncertain. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in (i) the value of certain instruments held by the Fund, (ii) the cost of borrowing or the dividend rate for preferred shares, or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable.

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to be a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England. Both SOFR and SONIA, as well as certain other proposed replacement rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR need to be made to accommodate the differences. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.

Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Although there are ongoing efforts among certain government entities and other organizations to address these uncertainties, the ultimate effectiveness of such efforts is not yet known.

Any effects of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund, and such effects may occur prior to the discontinuation of the remaining LIBOR settings in 2023. Furthermore, the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

Swaps Risk. Swap contracts may be purchased or sold to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or market conditions, to change the duration of the overall portfolio, to mitigate non-payment or default risk, or to gain exposure to particular securities, baskets of securities, indices or currencies. In a standard ‘‘swap’’ transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) to be exchanged or ‘‘swapped’’ between the parties, which returns are calculated with respect to a ‘‘notional amount,’’ i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a ‘‘basket’’ of securities representing a particular index. The Fund will enter into swaps only on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. The Fund will not enter into any swap unless the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. These instruments are traded in the over-the-counter market. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund would be unfavorably affected.

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments). Income payments on interest rate swaps are taxable as ordinary income.

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset(s), which may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from other underlying asset(s). Amounts realized on total return swaps may be taxable as ordinary income, capital gain or a combination thereof depending on the nature of the swap contract.

Currency Risk. Since the Fund will invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments in U.S. dollars. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in that currency and the Fund’s return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into forward contracts for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling foreign currency options or futures contracts for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.

Foreign Currency Transactions Risk. The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Such contracts may be used when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security is anticipated. A forward contract can then ‘‘lock in’’ the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Cross-hedging may be performed by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if the Adviser determines that there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward contracts may also be used to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets.

Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out options purchased or written, or forward contracts entered into, until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as a counterparty.

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

Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. The Fund may not be able to dispose readily of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. In addition, the limited liquidity could affect the market price of the investments, thereby adversely

affecting the Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of securities, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such periods, some securities could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from 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 any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend further to reduce returns to Common Shareholders.

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

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

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

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

Recent Market Conditions. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in late 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, changes to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn.  Health crises caused by outbreaks of disease, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak has negatively affected the worldwide

economy, as well as the economies of individual countries and industries, and could continue to affect the market in significant and unforeseen ways. Other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future may have similar effects. For example, a global pandemic or other widespread health crisis could cause substantial market volatility and exchange trading suspensions and closures. In addition, the increasing interconnectedness of markets around the world may result in many markets being affected by events or conditions in a single country or region or events affecting a single or small number of issuers. The coronavirus outbreak and public and private sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many countries working from home for indefinite periods of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, and lack of availability of certain goods. The impact of such responses could adversely affect the information technology and operational systems upon which the Fund and the Fund’s service providers rely, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of the employees of the Fund’s service providers to perform critical tasks relating to the Fund. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, or the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

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

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) and Amended and Restated By-Laws (the “By-Laws” and together with the Declaration of Trust, the “Organizational Documents”) include provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board. For example, pursuant to the Fund’s Declaration of Trust, the Fund Board is divided into three classes of Trustees with each class serving for a three-year term and certain types of transactions require the favorable vote of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. See “Description of Capital Structure - Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents - Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents.”

Management of the Fund

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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

THE ADVISER

Eaton Vance acts as the Fund’s investment adviser under an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Eaton Vance has offices at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. EV, LLC (“EV”) serves as trustee of Eaton Vance. Eaton Vance and its predecessor organizations have been managing assets since 1924 and managing investment funds since 1931. Prior to March 1, 2021, Eaton Vance was a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”).

On March 1, 2021, Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”) and Eaton Vance became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. In connection with the Transaction, the Fund entered into a new Advisory Agreement with Eaton Vance. The Advisory Agreement was approved by shareholders prior to the consummation of the Transaction and was effective upon its closing. Effective March 1, 2021, the fee reduction agreement previously applicable to the Fund was incorporated into its new Advisory Agreement with Eaton Vance.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), whose principal offices are at 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036, is a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services. As of December 31, 2021, Morgan Stanley’s asset management operations had aggregate assets under management of approximately $1.6 trillion.

Under the general supervision of the Fund’s Board, the Adviser will carry out the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund, will furnish continuously an investment program with respect to the Fund, will determine which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and will implement such determinations. The Adviser will furnish to the Fund investment advice and office facilities, equipment and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. The Adviser will compensate all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Adviser’s organization and who render investment services to the Fund, and will also compensate all other Adviser personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund. In return for these services, facilities and payments, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser as compensation under the Advisory Agreement a fee in the amount of 0.850% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund up to and including $1.5 billion, 0.830% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion, 0.810% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion,

and 0.790% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $5 billion, subject to the expense reimbursement arrangements described above. Gross assets of the Fund means total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and/or (iv) any other means. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Eaton Vance for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s gross assets, including proceeds from any borrowings and from the issuance of preferred shares.

The Fund’s semiannual shareholder report contains information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement.

John H. Croft, CFA, Derek J.V. DiGregorio, Aaron S. Dunn, CFA, Bradley T. Galko, CFA and Edward J. Perkin, CFA comprise the investment team responsible for the overall management of specific segments of the Fund’s investments as well as allocations of the Fund’s assets between common and preferred stocks. Mr. Croft is a Vice President of Eaton Vance and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since March 2010. Mr. Perkin is a Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Equity of Eaton Vance and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2014. Mr. Dunn is a Vice President of Eaton Vance, has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since December 2017. Mr. Galko is a Vice President of Eaton Vance, has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since February 2020. Mr. DiGregorio is a Vice President of Eaton Vance, has been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since July 2021. All of the portfolio managers manage other Eaton Vance portfolios.

Additional Information Regarding Portfolio Managers

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund. The SAI is available free of charge by calling 1-800-262-1122 or by visiting the Fund’s website at http://www.eatonvance.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this prospectus or the SAI.

The Fund 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 Fund) for their own accounts, subject to the provisions of the Codes of Ethics and certain employees are also subject to certain pre-clearance, reporting and other restrictions and procedures contained in such Codes of Ethics.

THE ADMINISTRATOR

Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under an Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund. Under the Administration Agreement, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the Fund’s affairs, subject to the supervision of the Board, and shall furnish office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund.

Plan of Distribution

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

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

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

The Fund may directly solicit offers to purchase Common Shares, or the Fund may designate agents to solicit such offers. The Fund will, in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the 1933 Act, and describe any commissions the Fund must pay to such agent(s). Any such agent will

be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement or other offering materials, on a firm commitment basis. Agents, dealers and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for the Fund in the ordinary course of business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distributions

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Order”), the Fund is authorized to distribute long-term capital gains to shareholders more frequently than once per year. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved a Managed Distribution Plan (“MDP”) pursuant to which the Fund makes monthly cash distributions to Common Shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the MDP. The MDP is subject to regular periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the Board may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders. However, at this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. The Fund may distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains and, therefore, a distribution may include a return of capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” In addition, a return of capital is treated as a non-dividend distribution for tax purposes and is not subject to current tax. A return of capital reduces a shareholder’s tax cost basis in Fund shares. With each distribution, the Fund will

issue a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions contained in the notice and press release are only estimates and are not provided for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions for tax purposes are reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV for each calendar year.

Subject to its MDP, the Fund makes monthly distributions to Common Shareholders sourced from the Fund’s cash available for distribution. “Cash available for distribution” consists of the Fund’s dividends and interest income after payment of Fund expenses, net option premiums and net realized and unrealized gains on stock investments. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As required by U.S. GAAP, only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a substantial return of capital component. The Fund’s distribution rate may be adjusted from time-to-time. The Board may modify this distribution policy at any time without obtaining the approval of Common Shareholders.

The Fund distinguishes between distributions on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income.

Common Shareholders will automatically have distributions reinvested in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

Federal Income Tax Matters

The Fund makes monthly distributions of net investment income after payment of dividends on any outstanding preferred shares or interest on any outstanding borrowings. The Fund intends to distribute annually any net short-term capital gain (taxable as ordinary income) and any net capital gain. Distributions of net capital gain, if any, designated as capital gains dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares.

A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a Common Shareholder as a return of capital which is applied against and reduces the Common Shareholder's basis in his or her Common Shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the Common Shareholder's basis in his or her Common Shares, the excess will be treated by the shareholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the Common Shares. A corporation that owns Common Shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends-received deduction with respect to all the dividends it receives from the Fund. Fund dividend payments that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic corporations may be designated by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

The Fund may report certain dividends as derived from “qualified dividend income” which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund levels.

In general, a dividend is not treated as qualified dividend income at either the Fund or shareholder level (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company. In the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends do not qualify to be treated as qualified dividend income. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction and generally will not constitute qualified dividend income.

The Fund will inform Common Shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.

Selling Common Shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the Common Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold and the amount received. If the Common Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. Any loss on a disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (or deemed received) with respect to those Common Shares. For purposes of determining whether Common Shares have been held for six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during which the Common Shareholder’s risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in substantially similar or related property, or through certain options or short sales. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed to the extent those Common Shares are replaced by other Common Shares within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the Common Shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions, which could occur, for example, if the Common Shareholder is a participant in the Plan (as defined below) or otherwise). In that event, the basis of the replacement Common Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

An investor should be aware that, if Common Shares are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable distribution (including a capital gain 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 Common 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 and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.

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

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

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

The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important U.S. federal income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the U.S. federal tax law as of the date of this Prospectus, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other U.S. federal, state or local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Fund offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”), pursuant to which a Common Shareholder may elect to have distributions automatically reinvested in Common Shares of the Fund. You may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the Dividend Reinvestment Plan Application Form. If you do not participate, you will receive all Fund distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST” or “Plan Agent”), as dividend paying agent. On the distribution payment date, if the NAV per Common Share is equal to or less than the market price per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, then new Common Shares will be issued. The number of Common Shares shall be determined by the greater of the NAV per Common Share or 95% of the market price. Otherwise, Common Shares generally will be purchased on the open market by the Plan Agent. Distributions subject to income tax (if any) are taxable whether or not shares are reinvested.

If your shares are in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you can ask the firm or nominee to participate in the Plan on your behalf. If the nominee does not offer the Plan, you will need to request that your shares be re-registered in your name with the Fund’s transfer agent, AST, or you will not be able to participate.

The Plan Agent’s service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each participant will be charged their pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.

Plan participants may withdraw from the Plan at any time by writing to the Plan Agent at the address noted on page 52. If you withdraw, you will receive shares in your name for all Common Shares credited to your account under the Plan. If a participant elects by written notice to the Plan Agent to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her Common Shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct a $5.00 fee plus brokerage commissions from the proceeds.

Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, AST, at 1-866-439-6787.

Description of Capital Structure

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

COMMON SHARES

The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional Common Shares. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Common Shareholders will be entitled to the payment of distributions when, as and if declared by the Board. The 1940 Act or the terms of any future borrowings or issuance of preferred shares may limit the payment of distributions to the Common Shareholders. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC.

The Fund’s By-Laws include provisions (the “Control Share Provisions”), pursuant to which a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of Fund shares in a “Control Share Acquisition” may exercise voting rights with respect to such shares only to the extent the authorization of such voting rights is approved by other shareholders of the Fund. The By-Laws define a “Control Share Acquisition,” pursuant to various conditions and exceptions, to include an acquisition of Fund shares that would give the beneficial owner, upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power, but for the Control Share Provisions, in the election of Fund Trustees in any of the following ranges: (i) one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power; (ii) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; (iii) one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or (iv) a majority or more of all voting power. Subject to various conditions and procedural requirements, including the delivery of a “Control Share Acquisition Statement” to the Fund’s secretary setting forth certain required information, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of shares in a Control Share Acquisition generally may request a vote of Fund shareholders (excluding such acquiring shareholder and certain other interested shareholders) to approve the authorization of voting rights for such shares at the next annual meeting of Fund shareholders following the Control Share Acquisition. See “Certain Provisions of the Organizational Documents” below for more information.

The By-Laws establish qualification criteria applicable to prospective Trustees and generally require that advance notice be given to the Fund in the event a shareholder desires to nominate a person for election to the Board or to transact any other business at a meeting of shareholders. Any notice by a shareholder must be accompanied by certain information as required by the By-Laws. No shareholder proposal will be considered at any meeting of shareholders of the Fund if such proposal is submitted by a shareholder who does not satisfy all applicable requirements set forth in the By-Laws.

In the event of the liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Board may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the Common Shareholders. The Declaration of Trust provides that Common Shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Fund and permits inclusion of a clause to that effect in every agreement entered into by the Fund and in coordination with the Fund’s By-laws indemnifies shareholders against any such liability. Although shareholders of an unincorporated business trust established under Massachusetts law may, in certain limited circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the business trust as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Fund’s Organizational Documents described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.

If there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding, the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such declaration, (i) all accrued distributions on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value of the Fund’s total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such distribution), less all liabilities and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate

amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares. In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of preferred shares from a nationally recognized statistical rating agency (a “Rating Agency”). These requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Fund’s ability to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification for taxation as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. If the Fund were in the future to issue preferred shares or borrow money, it would intend, however, to the extent possible to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements and may pay special distributions to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any potential impairment of the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.” Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.

The Fund has no present intention of offering additional Common Shares, except as described herein. Other offerings of its Common Shares, if made, will require approval of the Board. Any additional offering will not be sold at a price per Common Share below the then current NAV (exclusive of underwriting discounts and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing Common Shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.

The Fund generally will not issue Common Share certificates. However, upon written request to the Fund’s transfer agent, a share certificate will be issued for any or all of the full Common Shares credited to an investor’s account. Common Share certificates that have been issued to an investor may be returned at any time.

LIQUIDITY AGREEMENT

The Fund currently leverages through borrowings. As discussed above, the Fund entered into the Agreement with SSBT that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $524 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. The Fund has granted to SSBT a security interest in all its cash, securities and other financial assets, unless otherwise pledged, to secure the payment and performance of its obligations under the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has made its securities available for securities lending transactions by SSBT acting as securities lending agent for the Fund. Securities lending transactions are required to be secured with cash collateral received from the securities borrowers equal at all times to at least 100%, 102% or 105% of the market value of the securities loaned, depending on the type of security. The market value of securities loaned is determined daily and any additional required collateral is delivered to SSBT on the next business day. The Fund is subject to the possible delay in the recovery of loaned securities. Pursuant to the Agreement, SSBT has provided indemnification to the Fund in the event of default by a securities borrower with respect to security loans. However, the Fund retains all risk of loss and gains associated with securities purchased using cash received as collateral for security loans. The Fund is entitled to receive from securities borrowers all substitute interest, dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the securities on loan. The Fund may instruct SSBT to recall a security on loan at any time. Interest on borrowings outstanding under the Agreement is charged at a rate equal to 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50%, payable monthly. SSBT retains all net fees that may arise in connection with securities lending transactions. If the value of securities available to lend falls below a prescribed level, the interest rate may be increased. If the Fund utilizes less than 50% of the commitment amount, it will be charged a monthly non-usage fee of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. The Agreement may be terminated by either SSBT or the Fund upon 360 days’ prior written notice to the other party and after the second anniversary of the Agreement, by the Fund upon 90 days’ prior written notice to SSBT. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements or other covenants are not met, the Agreement could be deemed in default and result in termination. At October 31, 2021, the Fund had borrowings outstanding under the Agreement of $447 million at an annual interest rate of 0.58%.

In addition, the credit facility/program contains covenants that, among other things, limit the Fund’s ability to incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition to those required by the 1940 Act. The Fund is required to pledge its assets. The credit facility/program contains customary covenant, negative covenant and default provisions. In addition, any such credit facility/program entered into in the future may be replaced or refinanced by one or more credit facilities having substantially different terms or by the issuance of preferred shares or debt securities.

REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES AND OTHER DISCOUNT MEASURES

Because shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAVs, the Board has determined that from time-to-time it may be in the interest of Common Shareholders for the Fund to take corrective actions to reduce trading discounts in the Common Shares. The Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and will

consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the NAV of the Common Shares, the liquidity of the assets of the Fund, the effect on the Fund’s expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions and such other events or conditions that may have a material effect on the Fund’s ability to consummate such transactions. There are no assurances that the Board will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or, if undertaken, that such actions will result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or approximating their NAV. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to NAV and that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board, in consultation with Eaton Vance, from time to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.

The Fund’s Board has approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its common shares outstanding as of the last day of the prior calendar year in open-market transactions at a discount to net asset value. The repurchase program does not obligate the Fund to purchase a specific amount of shares. The Fund’s repurchase activity, including the number of shares purchased, average price and average discount to net asset value, is disclosed in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

PREFERRED SHARES

The Fund has no current intention of issuing any shares other than the Common Shares. However, the Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights (the “preferred shares”) in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board, by action of the Board without the approval of the Common Shareholders.

Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund must, immediately after the issuance of any preferred shares, have an “asset coverage” of at least 200%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness of the Fund, if any, plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the preferred shares. If the Fund seeks a rating for preferred shares, asset coverage requirements in addition to those set forth in the 1940 Act may be imposed. The liquidation value of any preferred shares would be expected to equal their aggregate original purchase price plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (on a cumulative basis), whether or not earned or declared. The terms of any preferred shares, including their distribution rate, voting rights, liquidation preference and redemption provisions, will be determined by the Board (subject to applicable law and the Fund’s Declaration of Trust) if and when it authorizes preferred shares. The Fund may issue preferred shares that provide for the periodic redetermination of the distribution rate at relatively short intervals through an auction or remarketing procedure, although the terms of such preferred shares may also enable the Fund to lengthen such intervals. At times, the distribution rate on any preferred shares may exceed the Fund’s return after expenses on the investment of proceeds from the preferred shares and the Fund’s leverage structure, resulting in a lower rate of return to Common Shareholders than if the Fund were not so structured.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the terms of any preferred shares may entitle the holders of preferred shares to receive a preferential liquidating distribution (expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus redemption premium, if any, together with accrued and unpaid dividends, whether or not earned or declared and on a cumulative basis) before any distribution of assets is made to Common Shareholders. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the preferred shareholders would not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.

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

In the event of any future issuance of preferred shares, the Fund likely would seek a credit rating for such preferred shares from a Rating Agency. In such event, as long as preferred shares are outstanding, the composition of its portfolio will reflect guidelines established by such Rating Agency. Based on previous guidelines established by Rating Agencies for the securities of other issuers, the Fund anticipates that the guidelines with respect to any preferred shares would establish a set of tests for portfolio composition and asset coverage that supplement (and in some cases are more restrictive than) the applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. Although no assurance can be given as to the nature or extent of the guidelines that may be imposed in connection with obtaining a rating of any preferred shares, the Fund anticipates that such guidelines would include asset coverage requirements that are more restrictive than those under the 1940 Act, restrictions on certain portfolio investments and investment practices and certain mandatory redemption requirements relating to any preferred shares. No assurance can be given that the guidelines actually imposed with respect to any preferred shares by a Rating Agency would be more or less restrictive than those described in this Prospectus.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS

Summary of Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Organizational Documents

Pursuant to the Organizational Documents, the Board is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of holders of Common Shares and preferred shares. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay the replacement of a majority of the Board, thereby increasing stability of the composition of the Board. In addition, in the event a Trustee is not elected at an annual meeting at which such Trustee’s term expires, and a nominee presented to shareholders as such Trustee’s successor is also not elected, then the incumbent Trustee shall remain a member of the relevant class of Trustees and hold office until the expiration of the term applicable to Trustees in that class. In a contested Trustee election, a nominee must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote in order to be elected. A Trustee may be removed from office only for cause by a written instrument signed by the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the class of shares of the Fund that elects such Trustee and are entitled to vote on the matter. These provisions similarly could delay the replacement of Trustees, which similarly increases stability of the composition of the Board.

The Organizational Documents establish supermajority voting requirements with respect to certain other matters. The Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund, voting as a class, then entitled to vote to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders (“Principal Shareholders”) of a class of shares and their associates, unless the Board shall by resolution have approved a memorandum of understanding with such holders, in which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. For purposes of these provisions, a Principal Shareholder refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest of the Fund. The transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash; (iii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period); or (iv) the sale, lease or exchange to or with the Fund or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period). For information on the Control Share Provisions and the qualification criteria applicable to prospective Trustees in the Fund’s By-Laws, see “Description of Capital Structure – Common Shares.”

The Board believes that these provisions are in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions may provide some protection to the Fund against insurgent campaigns from “activist” investors that may, under some circumstances, impede the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective and may otherwise threaten to harm the long-term interests of the Fund and its other shareholders. These provisions promote continuity and stability and enhance the Fund’s ability to pursue the Fund’s investment strategies that are consistent with its stated investment objective and investment policies. Because these provisions may discourage third parties from seeking to obtain control of the Fund or from seeking to effect a tender offer or similar transaction, they may reduce opportunities for Common Shareholders to sell their Common Shares at a short-term premium over the then-current market price. However, they allow the Board to balance the interests of the entire shareholder base in evaluating these and other types of transactions rather than prioritizing the interests of certain shareholders.

The voting thresholds described above that are higher than those (if any) established under Massachusetts or federal. The Board has determined that these voting requirements are in the best interest of holders of Common Shares and preferred shares generally. Reference is made to the Organizational Documents on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.

Conversion to Open-End Fund

The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment company at any time if approved by the lesser of (i) two-thirds or more of the Fund’s then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares (if any), each voting separately as a class, or (ii) more than 50% of the then outstanding Common Shares and preferred shares (if any), voting separately as a class if such conversion is recommended by at least 75% of the Trustees then in office. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders’ meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all shareholders. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings, which would eliminate any future leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board believes that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company. Shareholders of an open-end management investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their NAV, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. If the Fund were to convert to an open-end investment company, the Fund expects it would pay all such redemption requests in cash, but would likely reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at NAV plus a sales load.

Custodian and Transfer Agent

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

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

Legal Matters

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

Reports to Shareholders

The Fund will send to Common Shareholders unaudited semi-annual and audited annual reports, including a list of investments held.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Fund’s financial statements. Deloitte and/or its affiliates provide other audit, tax and related services to the Fund.

Potential Conflicts of Interest

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, the parent company of the investment adviser, engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund or Portfolio, as applicable (collectively, for purposes of this section, “Fund” or “Funds”). Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with any new or successor Morgan Stanley funds, programs, accounts or businesses, (other than funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by former direct or indirect subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp. (“Eaton Vance Investment Accounts”)), the “MS Investment Accounts,” and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Accounts, the ‘‘Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley or the investment adviser may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.

The discussions below with respect to actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest also may be applicable to or arise from the MS Investment Accounts whether or not specifically identified. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the section entitled “Potential Conflicts of Interest” in the SAI.

Material Non-public Information. It is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the investment adviser. If such information becomes available, the investment adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. In limited circumstances, however, including for purposes of managing business and reputational risk, and subject to policies and procedures and any applicable regulations, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the investment adviser, on one side of an information barrier may have access to information and personnel on the other side of the information barrier through “wall crossings.” The investment adviser faces conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in such wall crossings. Information obtained in connection with such wall crossings may limit or restrict the ability of the investment adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Fund(s) (including purchasing or selling securities that the investment adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for a Fund in the absence of a wall crossing).

Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the investment adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the investment adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the investment adviser to favor such other accounts. To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the investment adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the investment adviser, including the Fund(s), fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser.

Investments by Separate Investment Departments. The entities and individuals that provide investment-related services for the Fund and certain other Eaton Vance Investment Accounts (the “Eaton Vance Investment Department”) may be different from the entities and individuals that provide investment-related services to MS Investment Accounts (the “MS Investment Department” and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Department, the “Investment Departments”). Although Morgan Stanley has implemented information barriers between the Investment Departments in accordance with internal policies and procedures, each Investment Department may engage in discussions and share information and resources with the other Investment Department on certain investment-related matters. A MS Investment Account could trade in advance of a Fund (and vice versa), might complete trades more quickly and efficiently than a Fund, and/or

achieve different execution than a Fund on the same or similar investments made contemporaneously, even when the Investment Departments shared research and viewpoints that led to that investment decision. Any sharing of information or resources between the Investment Department servicing the Fund and the MS Investment Department may result, from time to time, in a Fund simultaneously or contemporaneously seeking to engage in the same or similar transactions as an account serviced by the other Investment Department and for which there are limited buyers or sellers on specific securities, which could result in less favorable execution for the Fund than such account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries. The investment adviser and/or EVD may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of a Fund, to certain financial intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the investment adviser and EVD), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Fund and/or shareholder servicing. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by financial intermediaries may provide such financial intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of a Fund over other investment options with respect to which these financial intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receive lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of a Fund or the amount that the Fund receives to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by financial intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the investment adviser may restrict, limit or reduce the amount of a Fund’s investment, or restrict the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to, that of a Fund.

Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments. Morgan Stanley’s activities on behalf of its clients (such as engagements as an underwriter or placement agent) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to a Fund.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, a Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to merger or acquisition.

General Process for Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the investment adviser, related persons of the investment adviser and/or their clients. The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”) the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the investment adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The investment adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.

Additional Information

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

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

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are no longer being sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are being made available on the Fund’s website (funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you hold shares at the Fund’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting AST. If you own your shares through a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank), you must contact your financial intermediary to sign up. You may elect to receive all future Fund shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you hold shares at AST, you can inform AST that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-866-439-6787. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you must contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with AST or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.

Incorporation by Reference

This Prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference” the information filed with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this Prospectus, and later information that the Fund files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

The documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the Offering will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and deemed to be part of this Prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents:

The Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should direct requests for documents by calling (800) 262-1122.

The Fund makes available this Prospectus, SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, at http://www.eatonvance.com. You may also obtain this Prospectus, the SAI, other documents incorporated by reference and other information the Fund files electronically, including reports and proxy statements, on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) or with the payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at [email protected]. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement.

The Fund’s Privacy Policy

The Eaton Vance organization is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. Each entity listed below has adopted privacy policy and procedures (“Privacy Program”) Eaton Vance believes is reasonably designed to protect your personal information and to govern when and with whom Eaton Vance may share your personal information.

Our pledge of protecting your personal information applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance WaterOak Advisors, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd., Eaton Vance Global Advisors Limited, Eaton Vance Management’s Real Estate Investment Group, Boston Management and Research, Calvert Research and Management, and Calvert Funds.

This notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures.

For more information about Eaton Vance’s Privacy Program or about how your personal information may be used, please call 1-800-262-1122.

Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information

Up to 10,944,308 Shares

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Common Shares

Prospectus February 18, 2022

Printed on recycled paper.

STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 18, 2022

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

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

Table of Contents

THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (“SAI”) IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROSPECTUS OF EATON VANCE TAX-ADVANTAGED DIVIDEND INCOME FUND (THE “FUND”) DATED FEBRUARY 18, 2022, (THE “PROSPECTUS”) AS SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH IS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THIS SAI SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH PROSPECTUS, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE BY CONTACTING YOUR FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARY OR CALLING THE FUND AT 1-800-262-1122.

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

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS

Primary investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The following is a description of the various investment policies that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy, and a summary of certain attendant risks. 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 Fund’s investment objective.

Tax-Managed Investing. Taxes are a major influence on the net returns that investors receive on their taxable investments. There are five components of the returns of a regulated investment company that invests in equities-price appreciation, distributions of tax-advantaged dividends, distributions of other investment income and distributions of realized short-term and long-term capital gains-which are treated differently for federal income tax purposes. Distributions of income other than tax-advantaged dividends and distributions of net realized short-term gains (on stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income, at rates currently as high as 35%. Distributions of tax-advantaged dividends and net realized long-term gains (on stocks held for more than one year) are currently taxed at rates up to 15%. Returns derived from price appreciation are untaxed until the shareholder redeems his or her shares. Upon redemption, a capital gain (short-term if the shareholder has held his or her shares for one year or less, otherwise long-term) equal to the difference between the net proceeds of the redemption and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis is realized. As described in the Prospectus, the Fund seeks to achieve favorable after-tax returns in part by minimizing the taxes incurred by Shareholders in connection with the Fund’s net investment income and net realized gains.

Equity Investments. The Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying common stocks and preferred stocks. The Fund also may invest in debt securities, warrants and other securities and instruments.

Preferred Stocks. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks of both domestic and foreign issuers. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total managed assets in securities rated below investment grade quality (which isÐower than BBB– as determined by S&P Global Ratings (‘‘S&P’’) or Fitch Ratings (‘‘Fitch’’), Baa3 as determined by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (‘‘Moody’s’’) or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by Eaton Vance). Securities of below investment grade quality commonly are referred to as ‘‘junk’’ preferred stocks and bonds, as the case may be. The foregoing credit quality policies apply only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event of a downgrade of an assessment of credit quality or the withdrawal of a rating.

Preferred stock represents an equity interest in a corporation, company or trust that has a higher claim on the assets and earnings than common stock. Preferred stock usually has limited voting rights. Preferred stock involves credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. A company’s preferred stock generally pays dividends after the company makes the required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt instruments but before dividend payments are made to common stockholders. However, preferred stock may not pay scheduled dividends or dividend payments may be in arrears. The value of preferred stock may react more strongly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Certain preferred stocks may be convertible to common stock. Preferred stock may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. Because they may make regular income payments, preferred stocks may be considered fixed-income securities for purposes of a Fund’s investment restrictions. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks as more fully described in the Prospectus.

Hybrid Securities. Hybrid securities generally possess certain characteristics of both equity and debt securities. These securities may at times behave more like equity than debt, or vice versa. Preferred stocks, convertible securities, trust preferred securities and certain debt obligations are types of hybrid securities. The investment adviser has sole discretion to determine whether an investment has hybrid characteristics and generally will consider the instrument’s preference over the issuer’s common shares, the term of the instrument at the time of issuance and/or the tax character of the instrument’s distributions. Debt instruments with a preference over common shares and a perpetual term or a term at issuance of thirty years or more generally are considered by the investment adviser to be hybrid securities. Hybrid securities generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights. Because hybrid securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their values vary in response to many factors, including general market and economic conditions, issuer-specific events, changes in interest rates, credit spreads and the credit quality of the issuer, and, for convertible securities, factors affecting the securities into which they convert. Hybrid securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. Hybrid securities may pay a fixed or variable rate of interest or dividends. The prices and yields of nonconvertible

hybrid securities generally move with changes in interest rates and the issuer’s credit quality, similar to the factors affecting debt securities. If the issuer of a hybrid security experiences financial difficulties, the value of such security may be adversely affected similar to the issuer’s outstanding common stock or subordinated debt instruments. Trust preferred securities are issued by a special purpose trust that holds the subordinated debt of a company and, as such, are subject to the risks associated with such debt obligation.

Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (sometimes referred to as “CoCos”) are convertible securities with loss absorption characteristics. These securities provide for mandatory conversion into common stock of the issuer under certain circumstances. The mandatory conversion may be automatically triggered, for instance, if a company fails to meet the capital minimum with respect to the security, the company’s regulator makes a determination that the security should convert or the company receives specified levels of extraordinary public support. Since the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in these instruments could experience a reduced income rate, potentially to zero; and conversion would deepen the subordination of the investor, hence worsening standing in a bankruptcy. In addition, some such instruments have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. Under similar circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. In certain circumstances, contingent convertible securities may write down to zero and investors could lose the entire value of the investment, even as the issuer remains in business. CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price.

Derivative Instruments. Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived at least in part from the performance of an underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments may be acquired in the United States or abroad and include the various types of exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) instruments described herein and other instruments with substantially similar characteristics and risks. Depending on the type of derivative instrument and the Fund’s investment strategy, a derivative instrument may be based on a security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event (referred to as “reference instruments”). Fund obligations created pursuant to derivative instruments may be subject to the requirements described under “Asset Coverage” herein.

In seeking to manage exposure to certain sectors and/or markets in connection with its use of dividend capture trading, the Fund may buy and sell equity index futures contracts and may engage in other types of derivatives to manage such exposures. The Fund may also invest in derivative instruments acquired for hedging, risk management and investment purposes (to gain exposure to securities, securities markets, markets indices and/or currencies consistent with its investment objective and policies). Other permitted derivatives include futures contracts on securities and non-equity indices, options on futures contracts, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options on securities held, equity swaps, interest rate swaps, forward sales of stocks, forward currency exchange contracts and currency futures contracts. Derivative instruments may also be used by the Fund to enhance returns or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. The Fund may invest in the foregoing derivatives without limitation and use of derivatives may be extensive. The Fund may also invest in credit derivatives (credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, total return swaps and credit options, as well as other derivative transactions with substantially similar characteristics and risks), provided that the notional value of such derivative instruments entered into for non-hedging purposes does not exceed 5% of the value of preferred stocks held by the Fund.

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

The regulation of derivatives has undergone substantial change in recent years. In particular, although many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) have yet to be fully implemented or are subject to phase-in periods, it is possible that upon implementation these provisions, or any future regulatory or legislative activity, could limit or restrict the ability of a Fund to use derivative instruments, including futures, options on futures and swap agreements as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. New position limits imposed on a Fund or its counterparty may also impact the Fund’s ability to efficiently utilize futures, options, and swaps.

As of October 28, 2020, the SEC has adopted new regulations that may significantly alter a Fund’s regulatory obligations with regard to its derivatives usage. In particular, the new regulations will, upon implementation, eliminate the current asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain other financial instruments, impose new responsibilities on the Board and establish new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for a Fund and may, depending on the extent to which a Fund uses derivatives, impose value at risk limitations on a Fund’s use of derivatives, and require the Fund’s Board to adopt a derivative risk management program. The implementation of these requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivative instruments as part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which a Fund engages in derivative transactions also could prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments.

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

The Fund may use derivative instruments and trading strategies, including the following:

Options on Securities, Indices and Currencies. The Fund may engage in transactions in exchange traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options. In general, exchange-traded options have standardized exercise prices and expiration dates and require the parties to post margin against their obligations, and the performance of the parties' obligations in connection with such options is guaranteed by the exchange or a related clearing corporation. OTC options have more flexible terms negotiated between the buyer and the seller, but generally do not require the parties to post margin and are subject to greater credit risk. OTC options also involve greater liquidity risk..

Call Options. The Fund is authorized to write (i.e., sell) call options and to enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to certain of such options. A covered call option is an option in which the Fund, in return for a premium, gives another party a right to buy specified securities owned by the Fund at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract.

The principal reason for writing call options is the attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the securities alone. By writing covered call options, the Fund gives up the opportunity, while the option is in effect, to profit from any price increase in the underlying security above the option exercise price. In addition, the Fund's ability to sell the underlying security will be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction cancels out the Fund's position as the writer of an option by means of an offsetting purchase of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has written. Covered call options also serve as a partial hedge to the extent of the premium received against the price of the underlying security declining.

Put Options. The Fund is authorized to purchase put options to seek to hedge against a decline in the value of its securities or to enhance its return. By buying a put option, the Fund acquires a right to sell the underlying securities or instruments at the exercise price, thus limiting the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the securities or instruments until the put option expires. The amount of any appreciation in the value of the underlying securities or instruments will be partially offset by the amount of the premium paid for the put option and any related transaction costs. Prior to its expiration, a put option may be sold in a closing sale transaction and profit or loss from the sale will depend on whether the amount received is more or less than the premium paid for the put option plus the related transaction costs. A closing sale transaction cancels out the Fund's position as the purchaser of an option by means of an offsetting sale of an identical option prior to the expiration of the option it has purchased. The Fund also may purchase uncovered put options.

Futures. The Fund may engage in transactions in futures and options on futures. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of an asset at a specified future date at a specified price. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Rather, upon purchasing or selling a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit collateral ("margin") equal to a percentage (generally less than 10%) of the contract value. Each day thereafter until the futures position is closed, the Fund will pay additional margin representing any loss experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day or

be entitled to a payment representing any profit experienced as a result of the futures position the prior day. Futures involve substantial leverage risk. The sale of a futures contract limits the Fund's risk of loss from a decline in the market value of portfolio holdings correlated with the futures contract prior to the futures contract's expiration date. In the event the market value of the Fund holdings correlated with the futures contract increases rather than decreases, however, the Fund will realize a loss on the futures position and a lower return on the Fund holdings than would have been realized without the purchase of the futures contract.

The purchase of a futures contract may protect the Fund from having to pay more for securities as a consequence of increases in the market value for such securities during a period when the Fund was attempting to identify specific securities in which to invest in a market the Fund believes to be attractive. In the event that such securities decline in value or the Fund determines not to complete an anticipatory hedge transaction relating to a futures contract, however, the Fund may realize a loss relating to the futures position.

The Fund is also authorized to purchase or sell call and put options on futures contracts including financial futures and stock indices. Generally, these strategies would be used under the same market and market sector conditions (i.e., conditions relating to specific types of investments) in which the Fund entered into futures transactions. The Fund may purchase put options or write call options on futures contracts and stock indices in lieu of selling the underlying futures contract in anticipation of a decrease in the market value of its securities. Similarly, the Fund can purchase call options, or write put options on futures contracts and stock indices, as a substitute for the purchase of such futures to hedge against the increased cost resulting from an increase in the market value of securities which the Fund intends to purchase.

Risks Associated with Futures. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts and options are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the price of the futures contract or option; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a futures contract and the resulting inability to close a futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the investment adviser’s inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; and (e) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations.

The Fund has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration as a CPO.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are OTC contracts to purchase or sell a specified amount of a specified currency or multinational currency unit at a price and future date set at the time of the contract. Spot foreign exchange transactions are similar but require current, rather than future, settlement. The Fund will enter into foreign exchange transactions for purposes of hedging either a specific transaction or the Fund position or, to seek to enhance returns. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of the Fund's securities are, or are expected to be, denominated, and to buy U.S. dollars. Proxy hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not anticipated. In addition, there is the risk that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that the Fund is engaged in proxy hedging. The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into forward contracts to sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects to have portfolio exposure. Some of the forward foreign currency contracts entered into by the Fund are classified as non-deliverable forwards ("NDF"). NDFs are cash-settled, short-term forward contracts that may be thinly traded or are denominated in non-convertible foreign currency, where the profit or loss at the time at the settlement date is calculated by taking the difference between the agreed upon exchange rate and the spot rate at the time of settlement, for an agreed upon notional amount of funds. NDFs are commonly quoted for time periods of one month up to two years, and are normally quoted and settled in U.S. dollars. They are often used to gain exposure to and/or hedge exposure to foreign currencies that are not internationally traded.

Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in spot transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and currency swaps, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures and related options thereon (collectively, "Currency Instruments") for purposes of hedging against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar or, to seek to enhance returns.

Such transactions could be effected with respect to hedges on foreign dollar denominated securities owned by the Fund, sold by the Fund but not yet delivered, or committed or anticipated to be purchased by the Fund.

As measured in U.S. dollars, the value of assets denominated in foreign currencies may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits.

Currency Options. The Fund may seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency through the use of currency options. Currency options are similar to options on securities. For example, in consideration for an option premium the writer of a currency option is obligated to sell (in the case of a call option) or purchase (in the case of a put option) a specified amount of a specified currency on or before the expiration date for a specified amount of another currency. The Fund may engage in transactions in options on currencies either on exchanges or OTC markets. Currency options involve substantial currency risk, and may also involve credit, leverage or liquidity risk.

Currency Futures. The Fund may also seek to enhance returns or hedge against the decline in the value of a currency through use of currency futures or options thereon. Currency futures are similar to forward foreign exchange transactions except that futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts while forward foreign exchange transactions are traded in the OTC market. Currency futures involve substantial currency risk, and also involve leverage risk.

Risk Factors in Hedging Foreign Currency. Hedging transactions involving Currency Instruments involve substantial risks, including correlation risk. Although Currency Instruments will be used with the intention of hedging against adverse currency movements, transactions in Currency Instruments involve the risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted and that the Fund's hedging strategies will be ineffective. To the extent that the Fund hedges against anticipated currency movements that do not occur, the Fund may realize losses and decrease its total return as the result of its hedging transactions. Furthermore, the Fund will only engage in hedging activities from time to time and may not be engaging in hedging activities when movements in currency exchange rates occur.

Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which can be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. Whether the Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the investment adviser's ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Fund will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that meet certain standards of creditworthiness. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. Swap agreements are also subject to the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to the counterparty. The Fund, however, will segregate liquid assets equal to or greater than the market value of the liabilities under the swap agreement or the amount it would cost the Fund initially to make an equivalent direct investment, plus or minus any amount the Fund is obligated to pay or is to receive under the swap agreement. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. The swaps market is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are OTC contracts in which each party agrees to make a periodic interest payment based on an index or the value of an asset in return for a periodic payment from the other party based on a different index or asset. The Fund usually will enter into interest rate swap transactions on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis. If the interest rate swap transaction is entered into on other than a net basis, the full amount of the Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis. Certain federal income tax requirements may limit the Fund’s ability to engage in certain interest rate transactions.

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset(s), which may include securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating-rate of interest or the total return from other underlying asset(s).

Credit Default Swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts. When the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, the Fund is entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments, but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. These transactions involve certain risks, including the risk that the seller may be unable to fulfill the transaction.

Dividend Capture Trading. In a typical dividend capture trade, the Fund would buy a stock prior to its ex-dividend date and sell the stock at a point either on or after the ex-dividend date.  The use of a dividend capture trading strategy exposes the Fund to higher portfolio turnover, increased trading costs and potential for capital loss or gain, particularly in the event of significant short-term price movements of stocks subject to dividend capture trading.

LIBOR. The London Interbank Offered Rate or LIBOR is the average offered rate for various maturities of short-term loans between major international banks who are members of the British Bankers Association. It is used throughout global banking and financial industries to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments (such as debt instruments and derivatives) and borrowing arrangements. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the United Kingdom financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited, the administrator of LIBOR, ceased publishing certain LIBOR settings on December 31, 2021, and is expected to cease publishing the remaining LIBOR settings on June 30, 2023. Many market participants are in the process of transitioning to the use of alternative reference or benchmark rates.

On September 29, 2021 the FCA announced that it will compel the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”) to publish a subset of non-U.S. LIBOR maturities after December 31, 2021 using a “synthetic” methodology that is not based on panel bank contributions and has indicated that it may also require IBA to publish a subset of U.S. LIBOR maturities after June 30, 2023, using a similar synthetic methodology. However, these synthetic publications are expected to be published for a limited period of time and would be considered non-representative of the underlying market.

Although the transition process away from LIBOR has become increasingly well-defined, the impact on certain debt securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR remains uncertain. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in (i) the value of certain instruments held by the Fund, (ii) the cost of borrowing or the dividend rate for preferred shares, or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable.

Various financial industry groups are planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark. In June 2017, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group of large U.S. banks working with the Federal Reserve, announced its selection of a new Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to be a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England. Both SOFR and SONIA, as well as certain other proposed replacement rates, are materially different from LIBOR, and changes in the applicable spread for financial instruments transitioning away from LIBOR need to be made to accommodate the differences. Liquid markets for newly-issued instruments that use an alternative reference rate are still developing. Consequently, there may be challenges for a Fund to enter into hedging transactions against instruments tied to alternative reference rates until a market for such hedging transactions develops.

Additionally, while some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative or “fallback” rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments have such fallback provisions, and many that do, do not contemplate the permanent cessation of LIBOR. While it is expected that market participants will amend legacy financial instruments referencing LIBOR to include fallback provisions to alternative reference rates, there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of parties to add or amend such fallback provisions in legacy instruments maturing after the end of 2021, particularly with respect to legacy cash products. Although there are ongoing efforts among certain government entities and other organizations to address these uncertainties, the ultimate effectiveness of such efforts is not yet known.

Any effects of the transition away from LIBOR and the adoption of alternative reference rates, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund, and such effects may occur prior to the discontinuation of the remaining LIBOR settings in 2023. Furthermore, the risks associated with the discontinuation of LIBOR and transition to replacement rates may be exacerbated if an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

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

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

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

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

Corporate Bonds and Other Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in corporate bonds including below investment grade quality, commonly known as “junk bonds” (“Non-Investment Grade Bonds”). Investments in Non-Investment Grade Bonds generally provide greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy. Non-Investment Grade Bonds are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Debt securities in the lowest investment grade category also may be considered to possess some speculative characteristics by certain rating agencies. In addition, analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality securities.

Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in Non-Investment Grade Bond prices because the advent of recession could lessen the ability of an issuer to make principal and interest payments on its debt obligations. If an issuer of Non-Investment Grade Bonds defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In the case of Non-Investment Grade Bonds structured as zero-coupon, step-up or payment-in-kind securities, their market prices will normally be affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest currently and in cash. Eaton Vance seeks to reduce these risks through diversification, credit analysis and attention to current developments. in both the economy and financial markets.

The secondary market on which Non-Investment Grade Bonds are traded may be less liquid than the market for investment grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely affect the net asset value of the Shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of Non-Investment Grade Bonds, especially in a thinly traded market. When secondary markets for Non-Investment Grade Bonds are less liquid than the market for investment grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation because there is no reliable, objective data available. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling these securities. The Fund will be more dependent on Eaton Vance’s research and analysis when investing in Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Eaton Vance seeks to minimize the risks of investing in all securities through in-depth credit analysis and attention to current developments in interest rate and market conditions.

A general description of the ratings of securities by S&P, Fitch and Moody’s is set forth in Appendix A to this SAL Such ratings represent these rating organizations’ opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations with the same maturity and coupon may have the same yield.

For these reasons, the use of credit ratings as the sole method of evaluating Non-Investment Grade Bonds can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety or principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated. Eaton Vance does not rely solely on credit ratings when selecting securities for the Fund, and develops its own independent analysis of issuer credit quality.

In the event that a rating agency or Eaton Vance downgrades its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue, the Fund is not required to dispose of such security. In determining whether to retain or sell a downgraded security, Eaton Vance may consider such factors as Eaton Vance’s assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. However, analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than for issuers of high quality debt securities.

Short Sales. The Fund may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). In a short sale against-the-box, the short seller is exposed to the risk of being forced to deliver stock that it holds to close the position if the borrowed stock is called in by the lender, which would cause gain or loss to be recognized on the delivered stock. The Fund expects normally to close its short sales against-the-box by delivering newly- acquired stock.

The ability to use short sales against-the-box, certain equity swaps and certain equity collar strategies as a tax-efficient management technique with respect to holdings of appreciated securities is limited to circumstances in which the hedging transaction is closed out within thirty days of the end of the Fund’s taxable year and the underlying appreciated securities position is held unhedged for at least the next sixty days after the hedging transaction is closed. Not meeting these requirements would trigger the recognition of gain on the underlying appreciated securities position under the federal tax laws applicable to constructive sales.

Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. Short-selling exposes the Fund to unlimited risk with respect to that security due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which an instrument can rise. Although the Fund reserves the right to utilize short sales, the Adviser is under no obligation to utilize short sales at all.

Securities Lending. As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may lend a portion of its portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other institutional borrowers. Loans will be made only to organizations approved by the Adviser. 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 Fund may receive loan fees in connection with loans that are collateralized by securities or on loans of securities for which there is special demand. The Fund may also seek to earn income on securities loans by reinvesting cash collateral in securities consistent with its investment objective and policies, seeking to invest at rates that are higher than the “rebate” rate that it normally will pay to the borrower with respect to such cash collateral. Any such reinvestment will be subject to the investment policies, restrictions and risk considerations described in the Prospectus and in this SAI.

Securities loans may result in delays in recovering, or a failure of the borrower to return, the loaned securities. The defaulting borrower ordinarily would be liable to the Fund for any losses resulting from such delays or failures, and the collateral provided in connection with the loan normally would also be available for that purpose. Securities loans normally may be terminated by either the Fund or the borrower at any time. Upon termination and the return of the loaned securities, the Fund would be required to return the related cash or securities collateral to the borrower and it may be required to liquidate longer term portfolio securities in order to do so. To the extent that such securities have decreased in value, this may result in the Fund realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. The Fund also may incur losses if it is unable to reinvest cash collateral at rates higher than applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs. These risks are substantially the same as those incurred through investment leverage, and will be subject to the investment policies, restrictions and risk considerations described in the Prospectus and in this SAI.

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

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

Temporary Investments. The Fund may invest in cash equivalents to invest daily cash balances or for temporary defensive purposes. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. Government obligations. 

Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies by Fund service providers to conduct business, such as the Internet, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. The Fund relies on communications technology, systems, and networks to engage with clients, employees, accounts, shareholders, and service providers, and a cyber incident may inhibit the Fund’s ability to use these technologies. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites or via “ransomware” that renders the systems inoperable until appropriate actions are taken. A

denial-of-service attack is an effort to make network services unavailable to intended users, which could cause shareholders to lose access to their electronic accounts, potentially indefinitely. Employees and service providers also may not be able to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions during a denial-of-service attack. There is also the possibility for systems failures due to malfunctions, user error and misconduct by employees and agents, natural disasters, or other foreseeable and unforeseeable events

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

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

Operational Risk. The Fund’s service providers, including the investment adviser, may experience disruptions or operating errors that could negatively impact the Fund. Disruptive events, including (but not limited to) natural disasters and public health crises, may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to conduct business, in particular if the Fund’s employees or the employees of its service providers are unable or unwilling to perform their responsibilities as a result of any such event. While service providers are expected to have appropriate operational risk management policies and procedures, their methods of operational risk management may differ from the Fund’s in the setting of priorities, the personnel and resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. It also is not possible for Fund service providers to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects.

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

The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities. The 1940 Act currently requires that the Fund have 300% asset coverage with respect to all borrowings other than temporary borrowings.

For purposes of construing restriction (9), securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities are not considered to represent industries.

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

Upon the Board’s approval, the Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in one or more other management investment companies (or may invest in affiliated investment companies) to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and rules thereunder.

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

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) is responsible for the overall management and supervision of the affairs of the Fund. The Board members and officers of the Fund are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. Each Trustee holds office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to a prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Under the terms of the Fund’s current Trustee retirement policy, an Independent Trustee must retire and resign as a Trustee on the earlier of: (i) the first day of July following his or her 74th birthday; or (ii), with limited exception, December 31st of the 20th year in which he or she has served as a Trustee. However, if such retirement and resignation would cause the Fund to be out of compliance with Section 16 of

the 1940 Act, as amended (the “1940 Act”) or any other regulations or guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), then such retirement and resignation will not become effective until such time as action has been taken for the Fund to be in compliance therewith. The “noninterested Trustees” consist of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Board member and officer is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. As used in this SAI, “BMR” refers to Boston Management and Research, “EVC” refers to Eaton Vance Corp., “EV” refers to EV, LLC, “Eaton Vance” or “EVM” refers to Eaton Vance Management and “EVD” refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EV is the trustee of each of Eaton Vance and BMR. Effective March 1, 2021, each of Eaton Vance, BMR, EVD and EV are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with Eaton Vance listed below.

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

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

The Fund is subject to a number of risks, including, among others, investment, compliance, operational, and valuation risks. Risk oversight is part of the Board’s general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of the Fund, the Board directly, or through a Committee, relies on and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the adviser, the administrator, the principal underwriter, the Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”), and other Fund service providers responsible for day-to-day oversight of Fund investments, operations and compliance to assist the Board in identifying and understanding the nature and extent of risks and determining whether, and to what extent, such risks can or should be mitigated. The Board also interacts with the CCO and with senior personnel of the adviser, administrator, principal underwriter and other Fund service providers and provides input on risk management issues during

meetings of the Board and its Committees. Each of the adviser, administrator, principal underwriter and the other Fund service providers has its own, independent interest and responsibilities in risk management, and its policies and methods for carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on its individual priorities, resources and controls. It is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s goals.

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

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

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

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

Thomas E. Faust Jr. Mr. Faust has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2007. Effective March 1, 2021, he is Chairman of MSIM. He is also a member of the Board of Managers and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD. Mr. Faust previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EVC from 2007 through March 1, 2021 and as President of EVC from 2006 through March 1, 2021. Mr. Faust served as a Director of Hexavest Inc. from 2012-2021. From 2016 through 2019, Mr. Faust served as a Director of SigFig Wealth Management LLC. Mr. Faust previously served as an equity analyst, portfolio manager, Director of Equity Research and Management and Chief Investment Officer of Eaton Vance from 1985-2007. He holds B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Faust has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 1988. He is a trustee and member of the executive committee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Inc. and trustee emeritus of Wellesley College.

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

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

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

Valerie A. Mosley. Ms. Mosley has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Governance Committee. She currently owns and manages a consulting and investment firm, Valmo Ventures, and in 2020 founded Upward Wealth, Inc., doing business as BrightUP, a fintech platform focused on helping everyday workers grow their net worth and reinforce their self-worth. From 1992 through 2012, Ms. Mosley served in several capacities at Wellington Management Company, LLP, an investment management firm, including as a Partner, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist. Ms. Mosley also served as Chief Investment Officer at PG Corbin Asset Management from 1990-1992 and worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody from 1986-1990. She was also a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers until 2020. She is a Director of Groupon, Inc., an ecommerce provider, and a Director of Envestnet, Inc., a provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness. She is also a Director of DraftKings, Inc., a digital sports entertainment and gaming company and a board member of Caribou Financial, Inc., an auto loan refinancing company. Ms. Mosley previously served as a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT, from 2013-2020. She serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments. In addition, she is a member of the Risk Audit Committee of the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust.

William H. Park. Mr. Park has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2003 and was formerly the Independent Chairperson of the Board from 2016-2021. Mr. Park was formerly a consultant from 2012-2014 and formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Aveon Group, L.P. from 2010-2011. Mr. Park also served as Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. from 2006-2010, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC from 2002-2005, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation from 1982-2001 and as Senior Manager of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 1972-1981.

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

Keith Quinton. Mr. Quinton has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since October 1, 2018. He had over thirty years of experience in the investment industry before retiring from Fidelity Investments in 2014. Prior to joining Fidelity, Mr. Quinton was a vice president and quantitative analyst at MFS Investment Management from 2000-2001. From 1997 through 2000, he was a senior quantitative analyst at Santander Global Advisors and, from 1995 through 1997, Mr. Quinton was senior vice president in the quantitative equity research department at Putnam Investments. Prior to joining Putnam Investments, Mr. Quinton served in various investment roles at Eberstadt Fleming, Falconwood Securities Corporation and Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he began his career in the investment industry as a senior quantitative analyst in 1983. Mr. Quinton served as an Independent Investment Committee Member of the New Hampshire Retirement System, a five member committee that manages investments based on the investment policy and asset allocation approved by the board of trustees (2017-2021), and as a Director, (2016-2021) and Chairman, (2019-2021) of the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank.

Marcus L. Smith. Mr. Smith has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since October 1, 2018 and is the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. Mr. Smith has been a Director of First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., a fully integrated owner, operator and developer of industrial real estate, since 2021, where he serves on the Investment and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committees. Since 2017, Mr. Smith has been a Director of MSCI Inc., a leading provider of investment decision support tools worldwide, where he serves on the Compensation and Talent Management Committee and Strategy & Finance Committee. From 2017 through 2018, he served as a Director of DCT Industrial Trust Inc., a leading logistics real estate company, where he served as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Audit Committees. From 1994 through 2017, Mr. Smith served in several capacities at MFS Investment Management, an investment management firm, where he managed the MFS Institutional International Fund for 17 years and the MFS Concentrated International Fund for 10 years. In addition to his portfolio management duties, Mr. Smith served as Chief Investment Officer, Canada from 2012-2017, Chief Investment Officer, Asia from 2010-2012, and Director of Asian Research from 2005-2010. Prior to joining MFS, Mr. Smith was a senior consultant at Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture) from 1988-1992. Mr. Smith served as a United States Army Reserve Officer from 1987-1992. He was also a trustee of the University of Mount Union from 2008-2020 and served on the Boston advisory board of the Posse Foundation from 2015-2021. Mr. Smith currently sits on the Harvard Medical School Advisory Council on Education, the Board of Directors for Facing History and Ourselves and is a Trustee of the Core Knowledge Foundation.

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

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

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

Mmes. Mosley (Chairperson), Frost, Peters and Sutherland, and Messrs. Fetting, Gorman, Park, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm are members of the Governance Committee. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the structure, membership and operation of the Board and the Committees thereof, including the nomination and selection of noninterested Trustees and a Chairperson of the Board and the compensation of such persons. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Governance Committee convened seven times.

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

Messrs. Wennerholm (Chairperson), Gorman, Park and Quinton and Ms. Peters are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has designated Messrs. Gorman, Park and Wennerholm, each a noninterested Trustee, as audit committee financial experts. The Audit Committee’s purposes are to (i) oversee the Fund's accounting and financial reporting processes, its internal control over financial reporting, and, as appropriate, the internal control over financial reporting of certain service providers; (ii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the quality and integrity of the Fund's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Fund's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Fund's accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (iv) approve prior to appointment the engagement and, when appropriate, replacement of the independent registered public accounting firm, and, if applicable, nominate the independent registered public accounting firm to be proposed for shareholder ratification in any proxy statement of the Fund; (v) evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the audit partner in charge of leading the audit; and (vi) prepare, as necessary, audit committee reports consistent with the requirements of applicable SEC and stock exchange rules for inclusion in the proxy statement of the Fund. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Audit Committee convened ten times.

Messrs. Fetting (Chairperson), Gorman, Park, Quinton, Smith and Wennerholm, and Mmes. Frost, Mosley, Peters and Sutherland are members of the Contract Review Committee. The purposes of the Contract Review Committee are to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning the following matters: (i) contractual arrangements with each service provider to the Fund, including advisory, sub-advisory, transfer agency, custodial and fund accounting, distribution services and administrative services; (ii) any and all other matters in which any service provider (including Eaton Vance or any affiliated entity thereof) has an actual or potential conflict of interest with the interests of the Fund; and (iii) any other matter appropriate for review by the noninterested Trustees, unless the matter is within the responsibilities of the other Committees of the Board. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Contract Review Committee convened seven times.

Mmes. Frost (Chairperson), Mosley and Peters and Messrs. Smith and Wennerholm are members of the Portfolio Management Committee. The purposes of the Portfolio Management Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of the portfolio management process employed by the Fund and its investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Fund's stated objective(s), strategies and restrictions; (ii) assist the Board in its oversight of the trading policies and procedures and risk management techniques applicable to the Fund; and (iii) assist the Board in its monitoring of the performance results of all funds and portfolios, giving special attention to the performance of certain funds and portfolios that it or the Board identifies from time to time. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Portfolio Management Committee convened seven times.

Ms. Sutherland (Chairperson) and Messrs. Fetting, Park and Quinton are members of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. The purposes of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight role with respect to compliance issues and certain other regulatory matters affecting the Fund; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board and the Fund's CCO; and (iii) serve as a “qualified legal compliance committee” within the rules promulgated by the SEC. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee convened seven times.

Messrs. Smith (Chairperson) and Fetting and Ms. Sutherland are members of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to issues specifically related to Eaton Vance Closed-End Funds. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters convened five times.

Share Ownership. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Fund and in the Eaton Vance family of funds overseen by the Trustee as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, no noninterested Trustee or any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any class of securities of Morgan Stanley, EVD, any sub-adviser, if applicable, or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with Morgan Stanley or EVD or any sub-adviser, if applicable, collectively (“Affiliated Entity”).

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, no noninterested Trustee (or their immediate family members) had:

During the calendar years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, no officer of any Affiliated Entity served on the Board of Directors of a company where a noninterested Trustee of the Fund or any of their immediate family members served as an officer.

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

The fees and expenses of the Trustees of the Fund are paid by the Fund. A Board member who is a member of the Eaton Vance organization receives no compensation from the Fund. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Trustees of the Fund earned the following compensation in their capacities as Board members from the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Board members earned the following compensation in their capacities as members of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards⁽¹⁾:

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

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

The Adviser. Eaton Vance, its affiliates and its predecessor organizations have been managing assets since 1924 managing mutual funds since 1931. They maintain a large staff of experienced fixed-income, senior loan and equity investment professionals to service the needs of their clients. The equity group covers stocks ranging from blue chip to emerging growth companies. The fixed-income group focuses on all kinds of taxable investment-grade and high-yield securities, tax-exempt investment-grade and high-yield securities, and U.S. government securities. The senior loan group focuses on senior floating rate loans, unsecured loans and other floating rate debt securities such as notes, bonds and asset backed securities.

As described in the Prospectus, upon the closing of the transaction by which Morgan Stanley acquired EVC (the “Transaction”), the Fund entered into a new investment advisory agreement with Eaton Vance (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Fund will be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Eaton Vance under the Advisory Agreement or the Administrative Services Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). Effective March 1, 2021, the fee reduction agreement previously applicable to the Fund was incorporated into its new Advisory Agreement.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Fund has agreed to pay an investment advisory fee, payable on a monthly basis, at an annual rate of 0.850% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund up to and including $1.5 billion, 0.830% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion, 0.810% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $3 billion up to and including $5 billion, and 0.790% of the average daily gross assets of the Fund over $5 billion, subject to the expense reimbursement arrangements described above. Gross assets of the Fund means total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, and/or (iv) any other means.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the Fund incurred $20,304,301 and $17,488,398, respectively, in advisory fees.

Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, based on the current level of compensation payable to Eaton Vance by the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, Eaton Vance receives no compensation from the Fund in respect of the services rendered and the facilities provided as administrator under the Administration Agreement.

The Advisory Agreement with the Adviser continues in effect through and including the second anniversary of its execution and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the 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 Administration Agreement continues in effect through and including the second anniversary of its execution and shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely thereafter, but only so long as such continuance after such second anniversary is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (ii) by the vote of a majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of Eaton Vance or the Trust. Each Agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice by either party, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, and the Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. Each Agreement provides that the investment adviser may render services to others. Each Agreement also provides that Eaton Vance shall not be liable for any loss incurred in connection with the performance of its duties, or action taken or omitted under the Agreements, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder, and Eaton Vance shall not be liable for any losses sustained in the acquisition, holding or disposition of any security or other investment. Each Agreement is not intended to, and does not, confer upon any person not a party to it any right, benefit or remedy of any nature.

Information About Eaton Vance.  Eaton Vance is a business trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. EV serves as trustee of Eaton Vance. As described in the Prospectus, following the closing of the Transaction on March 1, 2021, EV and Eaton Vance became indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), a preeminent global financial services firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities, as well as providing investment banking, research and analysis, financing and financial advisory services.

Prior to March 1, 2021, EV and Eaton Vance were wholly owned subsidiaries of EVC, a Maryland corporation and publicly-held holding company, and BMR was an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC. EVC, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, engaged primarily in investment management, administration and marketing activities. The Directors of EVC were Thomas E. Faust Jr., Ann E. Berman, Leo I. Higdon, Jr., Paula A. Johnson, Brian D. Langstraat, Dorothy E. Puhy, Winthrop H. Smith, Jr. and Richard A. Spillane, Jr. All shares of the outstanding Voting Common Stock of EVC were deposited in a Voting Trust, the Voting Trustees of which were Mr. Faust, Paul W. Bouchey, Craig R. Brandon, Daniel C. Cataldo, Michael A. Cirami, Cynthia J. Clemson, James H. Evans, Maureen A. Gemma, Laurie G. Hylton, Mr. Langstraat, Thomas Lee, Frederick S. Marius, David C. McCabe, Edward J. Perkin, Lewis R. Piantedosi, Charles B. Reed, Craig P. Russ, Thomas C. Seto, John L. Shea, Eric A. Stein, John H. Streur, Andrew N. Sveen, Payson F. Swaffield, R. Kelly Williams and Matthew J. Witkos (all of whom are or were officers of Eaton Vance or its affiliates). The Voting Trustees had unrestricted voting rights for the election of Directors of EVC. Prior to March 1, 2021, all of the outstanding voting trust receipts issued under said Voting Trust were owned by certain of the officers of BMR and Eaton Vance who may also have been officers, or officers and Directors of EVC and EV. As indicated under “Trustees and Officers,” all of the officers of the Fund (as well as Mr. Faust who is also a Trustee) are employees of Eaton Vance and/or BMR.

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

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

Portfolio Managers. The portfolio manager(s) of the Fund are listed below. The following table shows, as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in the accounts managed within each category. The table also shows the number of accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, if any, and the total assets (in millions of dollars) in those accounts.

The following table shows the dollar range of shares of the Fund beneficially owned by the portfolio manager as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 and in the Eaton Vance Family of Funds as of December 31, 2021. 

It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of the Fund’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts for which a portfolio manager is responsible on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the Fund and other accounts he advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the Fund and the other accounts, the portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Fund. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, the portfolio manager will endeavor to exercise his discretion in a manner that he believes is equitable to all interested persons. The 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 and (2) discretionary variable compensation that is comprised of cash bonus and depending on eligibility, may also include deferred compensation consisting of restricted shares of Morgan Stanley stock and deferred cash that are subject to a fixed vesting and distribution schedule. The 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 and deferred compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect shortly after the December 31^st fiscal year end of Morgan Stanley.

Method to Determine Compensation. The Adviser compensates its portfolio managers based on company and team business results, and individual performance, including the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus the benchmark(s) stated in the prospectus, as well as an appropriate peer group (as described below). In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to the Sharpe ratio, which uses standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by the 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.

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 and variable compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries and variable compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of the Adviser and Morgan Stanley. While the salaries of the Adviser’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, variable compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in company and team performance, manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, variable compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.

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

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

Administrative Services. Eaton Vance serves as administrator of the Fund under the Administration Agreement, but currently receives no compensation for providing administrative services to the Fund. Under the Administration Agreement, Eaton Vance has been engaged to administer the Fund’s affairs, subject to the supervision of the Board, and shall furnish office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs of the Fund.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

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

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

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

PORTFOLIO TRADING

Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions, including the selection of the market and the broker-dealer firm, or other financial intermediary (each an “intermediary”), are made by the investment adviser. The Fund is responsible for the expenses associated with its portfolio transactions. The investment adviser is also responsible for the execution of transactions for all other accounts managed by it. The investment adviser places the portfolio security transactions for execution with one or more intermediaries. The investment adviser uses its best efforts to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices that in the investment adviser’s judgment are advantageous to the client and at a reasonably competitive spread or (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive commission rates. In seeking such execution, the investment adviser will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors, which may include, without limitation, the full range and quality of the intermediary’s services, responsiveness of the intermediary to the investment adviser, the size and type of the transaction, the nature and character of the market for the security, the confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required for the transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the intermediary, the reputation, reliability, experience and financial condition of the intermediary, the value and quality of the services

rendered by the intermediary in this and other transactions, and the amount of the spread or commission, if any. In addition, the investment adviser may consider the receipt of Research Services (as defined below), provided it does not compromise the investment adviser’s obligation to seek best overall execution for the Fund and is otherwise in compliance with applicable law. The investment adviser may engage in portfolio transactions with an intermediary that sells shares of Eaton Vance funds, provided such transactions are not directed to that intermediary as compensation for the promotion or sale of such shares.

As described in the Prospectus, following the closing of the Transaction on March 1, 2021, the investment adviser became an “affiliated person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates, including certain intermediaries (as previously defined). As a result, the investment adviser is subject to certain restrictions regarding transactions with Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediaries, as set forth in the 1940 Act. Under certain circumstances, such restrictions may limit the investment adviser’s ability to place portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund at the desired time or price. Any transaction the investment adviser enters into with a Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediary on behalf of the Fund will be done in compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; will be subject to any restrictions contained in the Fund’s investment advisory agreement; will be subject to the investment adviser’s duty to seek best execution; and, will comply with any applicable policies and procedures of the investment adviser, as described below.

Subject to the overriding objective of obtaining the best execution of orders and applicable rules and regulations, as described above, the Fund may use an affiliated intermediary, including a Morgan Stanley-affiliated intermediary, to effect Fund portfolio transactions, including transactions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts, under procedures adopted by the Board. In order to use such affiliated intermediaries, the Fund’s Board must approve and periodically review procedures reasonably designed to ensure that commission rates and other remuneration paid to the affiliated intermediaries are fair and reasonable in comparison to those of other intermediaries for comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable time period.

Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Fund is permitted to engage in principal transactions in money market instruments, subject to certain conditions, with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, a broker-dealer affiliated with Morgan Stanley. Since March 1, 2021, the Fund did not effect any principal transactions with any broker-dealer affiliated with Morgan Stanley.

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

Pursuant to the safe harbor provided in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 28(e)”) and to the extent permitted by other applicable law, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the investment adviser client may receive a commission that is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the investment adviser determines in good faith that such compensation was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. This determination may be made on the basis of either that particular transaction or on the basis of the overall responsibility which the investment adviser and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. “Research Services” as used herein includes any and all brokerage and research services to the extent permitted by Section 28(e) and other applicable law. Generally, Research Services may include, but are not limited to, such matters as research, analytical and quotation services, data, information and other services products and materials which assist the investment adviser in the performance of its investment responsibilities. More specifically, Research Services may include general economic, political, business and market information, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and

portfolio strategies and transactions, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities markets, recommendations as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, certain financial, industry and trade publications, certain news and information services, and certain research oriented computer software, data bases and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by the investment adviser in connection with client accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful and of value to the investment adviser in rendering investment advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be relevant and useful for the management of only one client’s account or of a few clients’ accounts, or may be useful for the management of merely a segment of certain clients’ accounts, regardless of whether any such account or accounts paid commissions to the broker-dealer through which such Research Service was obtained. The investment adviser evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through broker-dealer firms and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may attempt to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt of Research Services which the investment adviser believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients. The investment adviser may also receive brokerage and Research Services from underwriters and dealers in fixed-price offerings, when permitted under applicable law.

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

The EU’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (“MiFID II”), which became effective January 3, 2018, requires investment advisers regulated under MiFID II to pay for research services separately from trade execution services, either through their own resources or a research payment account funded by a specific charge to a client. Following its withdrawal from the EU, the United Kingdom adopted many of the provisions of MiFID II, and investment managers in the United Kingdom are required to comply with certain MiFID II equivalent requirements in accordance with rules and guidance issued by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Although the Adviser is not directly subject to the provisions of MiFID II, certain of its affiliated advisers are subject to MiFID II or equivalent requirements under the law of the United Kingdom, such as Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd (collectively, the “Affiliated Advisers”); accordingly, as applicable, the Adviser makes a reasonable valuation and allocation of the cost of research services as between MiFID II client accounts and other accounts that are able to participate in CSAs, and the Affiliated Adviser will pay for research services received with respect to MiFID II client accounts from its own resources.

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

Securities considered as investments for the Fund may also be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by the investment adviser or certain of its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of such other accounts simultaneously, the investment adviser will allocate the security transactions (including “new” issues) in a manner which it believes to be equitable under the circumstances. As a result of such allocations, there may be instances where the Fund will not participate in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. If an aggregated order cannot be filled completely, allocations will generally be made on a pro rata basis. An order may not be allocated on a pro rata basis where, for example: (i) consideration is given to portfolio managers who

have been instrumental in developing or negotiating a particular investment; (ii) consideration is given to an account with specialized investment policies that coincide with the particulars of a specific investment; (iii) pro rata allocation would result in odd-lot or de minimis amounts being allocated to a portfolio or other client; or (iv) where the investment adviser reasonably determines that departure from a pro rata allocation is advisable. While these aggregation and allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion of the members of the Board that the benefits from the investment adviser organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions.

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, as well as the amount of Fund security transactions for the most recent fiscal year (if any) that were directed to firms that provided some Research Services to the investment adviser or its affiliates (see above), and the commissions paid in connection therewith.

The following table shows brokerage commissions paid to broker-dealers affiliated with Morgan Stanley (“Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers”) during the three fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, as well as the percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid to Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers and the percentage of total brokered transactions effected through Morgan Stanley affiliated broker-dealers for the most recent fiscal year.

During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund held securities of its “regular brokers or dealers”, as that term is defined in Rule 10b-1 of the 1940 Act, and the value of such securities as of the Fund’s fiscal years’ end was as follows:

TAXES

The Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

Accordingly, the Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and to avoid paying any federal income or excise tax. To the extent it qualifies for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things:

(a)       derive at least 90% of its annual gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, and foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (a partnership (a) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (b) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described above);

(b)       distribute with respect to each taxable year at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid--generally, taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, for such year; and

(c)       diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in paragraph (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of paragraph (c) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. In addition, for purposes of the diversification test in (c) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Fund investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to meet the diversification test in (c) above.

As a result of qualifying as a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net investment income (i.e., its investment company taxable income, as that term is defined in the Code, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net realized long-term capital gain over its net realized short-term capital loss), if any, that it distributes to its shareholders in each taxable year, provided that it distributes to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its net investment income and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income (if any) for such taxable year.

In order to avoid incurring a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax obligation, the Code requires that the Fund distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income, generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 (or later if the Fund is permitted to elect and so elects) of such year, and (iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gain net income from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out during such year and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes, the Fund should not be liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest, making additional distributions, or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC for such year, the Fund’s taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including distributions of net capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions may be eligible (i) to be treated as qualified dividend income in the case of individual and other noncorporate shareholders and (ii) for the dividends received deduction (“DRD") in the case of corporate shareholders, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Fund’s shares. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions paid out of the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits will, except in the case of distributions of qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends described below, generally be taxable as ordinary income. “Qualified dividend income” received by an individual is generally taxed at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. In order for a dividend received by Fund shareholders to be qualified dividend income, the Fund must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stock in its portfolio and the shareholders must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning at the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the U.S. (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S.) or (b) treated as a passive foreign investment company. Payments in lieu of dividends, such as payments pursuant to securities lending arrangements, also do not qualify to be treated as qualified dividend income.

In general, distributions of investment income designated by the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income by a shareholder taxed as an individual provided the shareholder meets the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund’s shares. If the aggregate qualified dividend income received by the Fund during any taxable year is 95% or more of its gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), then 100% of the Fund’s dividends (other than properly designated capital gain dividends) will be eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

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

For federal income tax purposes, net capital losses incurred by the Fund in a particular taxable year can be carried forward to offset net capital gains in any subsequent year until such loss carryforwards have been fully used, and such capital losses carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. To the extent subsequent net capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in federal income tax liability to the Fund and would not be distributed as such to shareholders.

Distributions of net capital gain, if any, designated as capital gains dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury have issued regulations that impose special rules in respect of capital gain dividends received through partnership interests constituting “applicable partnership interests” under Section 1061 of the Code. A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a shareholder as a return of capital which is applied against and reduces the shareholder's basis in his or her shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the shareholder's basis in his or her shares, the excess will be treated by the shareholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the shares. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.

The Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate rates on the amount retained. In such case, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who will be treated as if each received a distribution of his or her pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will (i) be required to report his or her pro rata share of such gain on his or her tax return as long-term capital gain, (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for his or her pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain and (iii) increase the tax basis for his or her shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit. The Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.

Distributions are taxable as described herein whether shareholders receive them in cash or in additional shares of the Fund. Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a dividend in an amount equal to either (i) if the shares are trading below net asset value, the amount of cash allocated to the shareholder for the purchase of shares on its behalf in the open market, or (ii) if shares are trading at or above net asset value, generally the fair market value of the new shares issued to the shareholder, and will have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.

The benefits of the reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.

From time to time, the Fund may make a tender offer for its shares. Shareholders who tender all shares held, or considered to be held, by them will generally be treated as having sold their shares and generally will realize a capital gain or loss. If a shareholder tenders fewer than all of its shares, such shareholder may be treated as having received a distribution under Section 301 of the Code (“Section 301 distribution”) unless the redemption is treated as being either (i) “substantially disproportionate” with respect to such shareholder or (ii) otherwise “not essentially

equivalent to a dividend” under the relevant rules of the Code. A Section 301 distribution is not treated as a sale or exchange giving rise to a capital gain or loss, but rather is treated as a dividend to the extent supported by the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, with the excess treated as a return of capital reducing the shareholder’s tax basis in Fund shares, and thereafter as capital gain. Where a redeeming shareholder is treated as receiving a dividend, there is a risk that non-tendering shareholders whose interests in the Fund increase as a result of such tender will be treated as having received a taxable distribution from the Fund. The extent of such risk will vary depending upon the particular circumstances of the tender offer, in particular whether such offer is a single and isolated event or is part of a plan for periodically redeeming the shares of the Fund; if isolated, any such risk is likely remote.

Certain net investment income received by an individual having adjusted gross income in excess of $200,000 (or $250,000 for married individuals filing jointly) will be subject to a tax of 3.8%. Undistributed net investment income of trusts and estates in excess of a specified amount also will be subject to this tax. Dividends and capital gains distributed by the Fund, and gain realized on the sale of Fund shares, will constitute investment income of the type subject to this tax.

The Fund’s investment in zero coupon, payment in kind and certain other securities may cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities. Such income will be accrued daily by the Fund and, in order to avoid a tax payable by the Fund, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so, in order to generate cash so that the Fund may make required distributions to its shareholders.

Investments in lower rated or unrated securities that are at risk of or in default may present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether or to what extent the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount ("OID") or market discount, when and to what extent the Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how the Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, (i) any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security, (ii) alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security, and (iii) the rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

The Fund’s transactions in futures contracts and options will be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital, or short-term or long-term), may accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and may defer Fund losses. These rules could, therefore, affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement for qualifying to be taxed as a RIC and the 98% and 98.2% distribution requirements for avoiding excise taxes.

Further, certain of the Fund’s investment practices, such as its transactions in options, are subject to special and complex federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) convert dividends that would otherwise constitute qualified dividend income into short-term capital gain or ordinary income taxed at the higher rate applicable to ordinary income, (ii) treat dividends that would otherwise be eligible for the corporate DRD as ineligible for such treatment, (iii) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (iv) convert long-term capital gain into short-term capital gain or ordinary income, (v) convert an ordinary loss or deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (vi) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (vii) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (viii) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions, and (ix) produce income that will not constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above.

Any loss realized upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares with a holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of a loss realized on a sale or other disposition of Fund shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shareholder acquires other shares of the same Fund (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of the shares. Any disallowed loss will result in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of the other shares acquired.

Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a sale of the shares before the 91st day after their purchase to the extent a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent acquisition of shares of the Fund (or of another fund), during the period beginning on the date of such sale and ending on January 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which such sale was made, pursuant to the reinvestment or exchange privilege. Any disregarded amounts will result in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of any other shares acquired.

Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses. Certain distributions declared in October, November or December and paid in the following January will be taxed to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year in which they were declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the non-deductible 4% federal excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.

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

Dividends and interest received, and gains realized, by the Fund on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively “foreign taxes”) that would reduce the return on its securities. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States, however, may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains in respect of investments by foreign investors.

Under certain circumstances, shareholders may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund. If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets at taxable year end consists of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to file an election for such taxable year which would require Fund shareholders to include in gross income their pro rata share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by the Fund (even though such amounts are not received by the shareholders) and could allow Fund shareholders, provided certain requirements are met, to use their pro rata portion of such foreign income taxes as a foreign tax credit against their federal income taxes or, alternatively, for shareholders who itemize their tax deductions, to deduct their portion of the Fund’s foreign taxes paid in computing their taxable federal income. However, even if the Fund qualifies to make such election for any year, it may determine not to do so.

Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders who have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and certain certifications required by the IRS as well as shareholders with respect to whom the Fund has received certain information from the IRS or a broker may be subject to “backup” withholding of federal income tax arising from the Fund’s taxable dividends and other distributions as well as the gross proceeds of sales of shares. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from payments made to a shareholder may be refunded or credited against such shareholder’s federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Distributions by the Fund to shareholders that are not “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the Code (“foreign shareholders”) properly reported by the Fund as (1) capital gain dividends, (2) short-term capital gain dividends, and (3) interest-related dividends, as defined and subject to certain conditions described below, generally are not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax.

In general, the Code defines (1) “short-term capital gain dividends” as distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) “interest-related dividends” as distributions from U.S. source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign shareholder, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders. The exceptions to withholding for capital gain dividends and short-term capital gain dividends do not apply to (A) distributions to an individual foreign shareholder who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (B) distributions attributable to gain that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign shareholder of a trade or business within the United States under special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests. The exception to withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a foreign shareholder (A) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (B) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign shareholder is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (C) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (D) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign shareholder and the foreign shareholder is a controlled foreign corporation. The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as interest-related and/or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders.

If the Fund invests in a RIC that pays capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends or interest-related dividends to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign shareholders. The Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as interest-related and/or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so.

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders. Foreign shareholders should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

Foreign shareholders with respect to whom income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign shareholder within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Fund at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors. Distributions by the Fund to foreign shareholders other than capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, and interest-related dividends (e.g. dividends attributable to dividend and foreign-source interest income or to short-term capital gains or U.S. source interest income to which the exception from withholding described above does not apply) are generally subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).

A foreign shareholder is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign shareholder of a trade or business within the United States, (ii) in the case of a foreign shareholder that is an individual, the shareholder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund.

In order to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors in this regard.

Special rules (including withholding and reporting requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Fund shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors holding Fund shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisors about their particular situation.

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

If a shareholder realizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s shares in any single tax year of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder or, in any combination of tax years, $4 million or more for an individual shareholder or $20 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs.

The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important U.S. federal income tax consequences to shareholders of investing in Fund shares, reflects the U.S. federal tax law as of the date of this SAI, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that an investor is a U.S. shareholder and holds shares as a capital asset. This discussion is based upon present provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the IRS retroactively or prospectively. For instance, the House of Representatives recently passed the Build Back Better Act, which would make significant changes to the Code if enacted into law, and this summary does not contain a description of such potential changes. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the U.S. federal tax treatment of the Fund or the implications to shareholders, and the discussions here and in the prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding other federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign tax considerations that may be applicable to their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.

State and Local Taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the state or local tax consequences of investing in the Fund.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, in certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability in connection with the Fund property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust, in coordination with the Fund’s By-laws, also provides for indemnification out of the Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself is unable to meet its obligations. The Fund has been advised by its counsel that the risk of any shareholder incurring any liability for the obligations of the Fund is remote.

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law; but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any Trustees.

The Declaration of Trust provides that no person shall serve as a Trustee if shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him from that office either by a written declaration filed with the Fund’s custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose. The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees of the Fund shall promptly call a meeting of the shareholders for the purpose of voting upon a question of removal of any such Trustee or Trustees when requested in writing so to do by the record holders of not less than 10 per centum of the outstanding shares.

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

CUSTODIAN

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

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, independent registered public accounting firm, audits the Fund’s financial statements. Deloitte and/or its affiliates provide other audit, tax and related services to the Fund.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of February 14, 2022, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

To the knowledge of the Fund, no shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund as of February 14, 2022. Owners of 25% or more of common shares of a fund are presumed to be a control person of such fund.

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

As a diversified global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including financial advisory services, investment management activities, lending, commercial banking, sponsoring and managing private investment funds, engaging in broker-dealer transactions and principal securities, commodities and foreign exchange transactions, research publication and other activities. In the ordinary course of its business, Morgan Stanley is a full-service investment banking and financial services firm and therefore engages in activities where Morgan Stanley’s interests or the interests of its clients may conflict with the interests of a Fund or Portfolio, if applicable, (collectively for the purposes of this section, “Fund” or “Funds”). Morgan Stanley advises clients and sponsors, manages or advises other investment funds and investment programs, accounts and businesses (collectively, together with the Morgan Stanley funds, any new or successor funds, programs, accounts or businesses (other than funds, programs, accounts or businesses sponsored, managed, or advised by former direct or indirect subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp. (“Eaton Vance Investment Accounts”)), the ‘‘MS Investment Accounts, and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Accounts, the “Affiliated Investment Accounts’’) with a wide variety of investment objectives that in some instances may overlap or conflict with a Fund’s investment objectives and present conflicts of interest. In addition, Morgan Stanley or the investment adviser may also from time to time create new or successor Affiliated Investment Accounts that may compete with a Fund and present similar conflicts of interest. The discussion below enumerates certain actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest. There is no assurance that conflicts of interest will be resolved in favor of Fund shareholders and, in fact, they may not be. Conflicts of interest not described below may also exist.

The discussions below with respect to actual, apparent and potential conflicts of interest also may be applicable to or arise from the MS Investment Accounts whether or not specifically identified.

Material Non-public and Other Information. It is expected that confidential or material non-public information regarding an investment or potential investment opportunity may become available to the investment adviser. If such information becomes available, the investment adviser may be precluded (including by applicable law or internal policies or procedures) from pursuing an investment or disposition opportunity with respect to such investment or investment opportunity. The investment adviser may also from time to time be subject to contractual ‘‘stand-still’’ obligations and/or confidentiality obligations that may restrict its ability to trade in certain investments on a Fund’s behalf. In addition, the investment adviser may be precluded from disclosing such information to an investment team, even in circumstances in which the information would be beneficial if disclosed. Therefore, the investment team may not be provided access to material non-public information in the possession of Morgan Stanley that might be relevant to an investment decision to be made on behalf of a Fund, and the investment team may initiate a transaction or sell an investment that, if such information had been known to it, may not have been undertaken. In addition, certain members of the investment team may be recused from certain investment-related discussions so that such members do not receive information that would limit their ability to perform functions of their employment with the investment adviser or its affiliates unrelated to that of a Fund. Furthermore, access to certain parts of Morgan Stanley may be subject to third party confidentiality obligations and to information barriers established by Morgan Stanley in order to manage potential conflicts of interest and regulatory restrictions, including without limitation joint transaction restrictions pursuant to the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the investment adviser’s ability to source investments from other business units within Morgan Stanley may be limited and there can be no assurance that the investment adviser will be able to source any investments from any one or more parts of the Morgan Stanley network.

The investment adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Funds in various circumstances, including because of applicable regulatory requirements or information held by the investment adviser or Morgan Stanley. The investment adviser might not engage in transactions or other activities for, or enforce certain rights in favor of, a Fund due to Morgan Stanley’s activities outside the Funds. In instances where trading of an investment is restricted, the investment adviser may not be able to purchase or sell such investment on behalf of a Fund, resulting in the Fund’s inability to participate in certain desirable transactions. This inability to buy or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on a Fund’s portfolio due to, among other things, changes in an investment’s value during the period its trading is restricted. Also, in situations where the investment adviser is required to aggregate its positions with those of other Morgan Stanley business units for position limit calculations, the investment adviser may have to refrain from making investments due to the positions held by other Morgan Stanley business units or their clients. There may be other situations where the investment adviser refrains from making an investment due to additional disclosure obligations, regulatory requirements, policies, and reputational risk, or the investment adviser may limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of which Morgan Stanley is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution capacity.

Morgan Stanley has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Morgan Stanley. As a result of information barriers, the investment adviser generally will not have access, or will have limited access, to certain information and personnel in other areas of Morgan Stanley and generally will not manage the Funds with the benefit of the information held by such other areas. Morgan Stanley, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its prime brokerage and other businesses, may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held (directly or indirectly) by the Funds in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds, and will not have any obligation or other duty to share information with the investment adviser.

In limited circumstances, however, including for purposes of managing business and reputational risk, and subject to policies and procedures and any applicable regulations, Morgan Stanley personnel, including personnel of the investment adviser, on one side of an information barrier may have access to information and personnel on the other side of the information barrier through “wall crossings.” The investment adviser faces conflicts of interest in determining whether to engage in such wall crossings. Information obtained in connection with such wall crossings may limit or restrict the ability of the investment adviser to engage in or otherwise effect transactions on behalf of the Funds (including purchasing or selling securities that the investment adviser may otherwise have purchased or sold for a Fund in the absence of a wall crossing). In managing conflicts of interest that arise because of the foregoing, the investment adviser generally will be subject to fiduciary requirements. The investment adviser may also implement internal information barriers or ethical walls, and the conflicts described herein with respect to information barriers and otherwise with respect to Morgan Stanley and the investment adviser will also apply internally within the investment adviser. As a result, a Fund may not be permitted to transact in (e.g., dispose of a security in whole or in part) during periods when it otherwise would have been able to do so, which could adversely affect a Fund. Other investors in the security that are not subject to such restrictions may be able to transact in the security during such periods. There may also be circumstances in which, as a result of information held by certain portfolio management teams in the investment adviser, the investment adviser limits an activity or transaction for a Fund, including if the Fund is managed by a portfolio management team other than the team holding such information.

Investments by Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts. In serving in multiple capacities to Affiliated Investment Accounts, Morgan Stanley, including the investment adviser and its investment teams, may have obligations to other clients or investors in Affiliated Investment Accounts, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of a Fund or its shareholders. A Fund’s investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of certain Affiliated Investment Accounts. As a result, the members of an investment team may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among a Fund and other investment funds, programs, accounts and businesses advised by or affiliated with the investment adviser. Certain Affiliated Investment Accounts may provide for higher management or incentive fees or greater expense reimbursements or overhead allocations, all of which may contribute to this conflict of interest and create an incentive for the investment adviser to favor such other accounts.

Morgan Stanley currently invests and plans to continue to invest on its own behalf and on behalf of its Affiliated Investment Accounts in a wide variety of investment opportunities globally. Morgan Stanley and its Affiliated Investment Accounts, to the extent consistent with applicable law and policies and procedures, will be permitted to invest in investment opportunities without making such opportunities available to a Fund beforehand. Subject to the foregoing, Morgan Stanley may offer investments that fall into the investment objectives of an Affiliated Investment Account to such account or make such investment on its own behalf, even though such investment also falls within a Fund’s investment objectives. A Fund may invest in opportunities that Morgan Stanley and/or one or more Affiliated Investment Accounts has declined, and vice versa. All of the foregoing may reduce the number of investment opportunities available to a Fund and may create conflicts of interest in allocating investment opportunities. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to a Fund’s advantage. There can be no assurance that a Fund will have an opportunity to participate in certain opportunities that fall within their investment objectives.

To seek to reduce potential conflicts of interest and to attempt to allocate such investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, the investment adviser has implemented allocation policies and procedures. These policies and procedures are intended to give all clients of the investment adviser, including the Funds, fair access to investment opportunities consistent with the requirements of organizational documents, investment strategies, applicable laws and regulations, and the fiduciary duties of the investment adviser. Each client of the investment adviser that is subject to the allocation policies and procedures, including each Fund, is assigned an investment team and portfolio manager(s) by the investment adviser. The investment team and portfolio managers review investment opportunities and will decide with respect to the allocation of each opportunity considering various factors and in accordance with the allocation policies and procedures. The allocation policies and procedures are subject to change. Investors should note that the conflicts inherent in making such allocation decisions may not always be resolved to the advantage of a Fund.

It is possible that Morgan Stanley or an Affiliated Investment Account, including another Eaton Vance fund, will invest in or advise a company that is or becomes a competitor of a company of which a Fund holds an investment. Such investment could create a conflict between the Fund, on the one hand, and Morgan Stanley or the Affiliated Investment Account, on the other hand. In such a situation, Morgan Stanley may also have a conflict in the allocation of its own resources to the portfolio investment. Furthermore, certain Affiliated Investment Accounts will be focused primarily on investing in other funds which may have strategies that overlap and/or directly conflict and compete with a Fund.

In addition, certain investment professionals who are involved in a Fund’s activities remain responsible for the investment activities of other Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by the investment adviser and its affiliates, and they will devote time to the management of such investments and other newly created Affiliated Investment Accounts (whether in the form of funds, separate accounts or other vehicles), as well as their own investments. In addition, in connection with the management of investments for other Affiliated Investment Accounts, members of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may serve on the boards of directors of or advise companies which may compete with a Fund’s portfolio investments. Moreover, these Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may pursue investment opportunities that may also be suitable for a Fund.

It should be noted that Morgan Stanley may, directly or indirectly, make large investments in certain of its Affiliated Investment Accounts, and accordingly Morgan Stanley’s investment in a Fund may not be a determining factor in the outcome of any of the foregoing conflicts. Nothing herein restricts or in any way limits the activities of Morgan Stanley, including its ability to buy or sell interests in, or provide financing to, equity and/or debt instruments, funds or portfolio companies, for its own accounts or for the accounts of Affiliated Investment Accounts or other investment funds or clients in accordance with applicable law.

Different clients of the investment adviser, including a Fund, may invest in different classes of securities of the same issuer, depending on the respective clients’ investment objectives and policies. As a result, the investment adviser and its affiliates, at times, will seek to satisfy fiduciary obligations to certain clients owning one class of securities of a particular issuer by pursuing or enforcing rights on behalf of those clients with respect to such class of securities, and those activities may have an adverse effect on another client which owns a different class of securities of such issuer. For example, if one client holds debt securities of an issuer and another client holds equity securities of the same issuer, if the issuer experiences financial or operational challenges, the investment adviser and its affiliates may seek a liquidation of the issuer on behalf of the client that holds the debt securities, whereas the client holding the equity securities may benefit from a reorganization of the issuer. Thus, in such situations, the actions taken by the investment adviser or its affiliates on behalf of one client can negatively impact securities held by another client. These conflicts also exist as between the investment adviser’s clients, including the Funds, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley.

The investment adviser and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to other clients which may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought for, a Fund even though such other clients’ investment objectives may be similar to those of the Fund.

The investment adviser and its affiliates manage long and short portfolios. The simultaneous management of long and short portfolios creates conflicts of interest in portfolio management and trading in that opposite directional positions may be taken in client accounts, including client accounts managed by the same investment team, and creates risks such as: (i) the risk that short sale activity could adversely affect the market value of long positions in one or more portfolios (and vice versa) and (ii) the risks associated with the trading desk receiving opposing orders in the same security

simultaneously. The investment adviser and its affiliates have adopted policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to mitigate these conflicts. In certain circumstances, the investment adviser invests on behalf of itself in securities and other instruments that would be appropriate for, held by, or may fall within the investment guidelines of its clients, including a Fund. At times, the investment adviser may give advice or take action for its own accounts that differs from, conflicts with, or is adverse to advice given or action taken for any client.

From time to time, conflicts also arise due to the fact that certain securities or instruments may be held in some client accounts, including a Fund, but not in others, or that client accounts may have different levels of holdings in certain securities or instruments. . In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions among client accounts, the investment adviser may take action with respect to one account that differs from the action taken with respect to another account. In some cases, a client account may compensate the investment adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for the investment adviser in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. The investment adviser has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including a code of ethics and policies that govern the investment adviser’s trading practices, including, among other things, the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocations, cross trades and best execution.

In addition, at times an investment adviser investment team will give advice or take action with respect to the investments of one or more clients that is not given or taken with respect to other clients with similar investment programs, objectives, and strategies. Accordingly, clients with similar strategies will not always hold the same securities or instruments or achieve the same performance. The investment adviser’s investment teams also advise clients with conflicting programs, objectives or strategies. These conflicts also exist as between the investment adviser’s clients, including the Funds, and the Affiliated Investment Accounts managed by Morgan Stanley.

The investment adviser maintains separate trading desks by investment team and generally based on asset class, including two trading desks trading equity securities. These trading desks operate independently of one another. The two equity trading desks do not share information. The separate equity trading desks may result in one desk competing against the other desk when implementing buy and sell transactions, possibly causing certain accounts to pay more or receive less for a security than other accounts. In addition, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates maintain separate trading desks that operate independently of each other and do not share trading information with the investment adviser. These trading desks may compete against the investment adviser trading desks when implementing buy and sell transactions, possibly causing certain Affiliated Investment Accounts to pay more or receive less for a security than other Affiliated Investment Accounts.

Investments by Separate Investment Departments. The entities and individuals that provide investment-related services for the Fund and certain other Eaton Vance Investment Accounts (the “Eaton Vance Investment Department”) may be different from the entities and individuals that provide investment-related services to MS Investment Accounts (the “MS Investment Department and, together with the Eaton Vance Investment Department, the ”Investment Departments“). Although Morgan Stanley has implemented information barriers between the Investment Departments in accordance with internal policies and procedures, each Investment Department may engage in discussions and share information and resources with the other Investment Department on certain investment-related matters. The sharing of information and resources between the Investment Departments is designed to further increase the knowledge and effectiveness of each Investment Department. Because each Investment Department generally makes investment decisions and executes trades independently of the other, the quality and price of execution, and the performance of investments and accounts, can be expected to vary. In addition, each Investment Department may use different trading systems and technology and may employ differing investment and trading strategies. As a result, a MS Investment Account could trade in advance of the Fund (and vice versa), might complete trades more quickly and efficiently than the Fund, and/or achieve different execution than the Fund on the same or similar investments made contemporaneously, even when the Investment Departments shared research and viewpoints that led to that investment decision. Any sharing of information or resources between the Investment Department servicing the Fund and the MS Investment Department may result, from time to time, in the Fund simultaneously or contemporaneously seeking to engage in the same or similar transactions as an account serviced by the other Investment Department and for which there are limited buyers or sellers on specific securities, which could result in less favorable execution for the Fund than such account. The Eaton Vance Investment Department will not knowingly or intentionally cause the Fund to engage in a cross trade with an account serviced by the MS Investment Department, however, subject to applicable law and internal policies and procedures, the Fund may conduct cross trades with other accounts serviced by the Eaton Vance Investment Department. Although the Eaton Vance Investment Department may aggregate the Fund’s trades with trades of other accounts serviced by the Eaton Vance Investment Department, subject to applicable law and internal policies and procedures, there will be no aggregation or coordination of trades with accounts serviced by the MS Investment Department, even when both Investment Departments are seeking to acquire or dispose of the same investments contemporaneously.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries. The investment adviser and/or EVD may pay compensation, out of their own funds and not as an expense of the Funds, to certain financial intermediaries (which may include affiliates of the investment adviser and EVD), including recordkeepers and administrators of various deferred compensation plans, in connection with the sale, distribution, marketing and retention of shares of the Funds and/or shareholder servicing. For example, the investment adviser or EVD may pay additional compensation to a financial intermediary for, among other things, promoting the sale and distribution of Fund shares, providing access to various programs, mutual fund platforms or preferred or recommended mutual fund lists that may be offered by a financial intermediary, granting EVD access to a financial intermediary’s financial advisors and consultants, providing assistance in the ongoing education and training of a financial intermediary’s financial personnel, furnishing marketing support, maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, recordkeeping, administrative, shareholder or transaction processing services. Such payments are in addition to any distribution fees, shareholder servicing fees and/or transfer agency fees that may be payable by the Funds. The additional payments may be based on various factors, including level of sales (based on gross or net sales or some specified minimum sales or some other similar criteria related to sales of the Funds and/or some or all other Eaton Vance funds), amount of assets invested by the financial intermediary’s customers (which could include current or aged assets of the Funds and/or some or all other Eaton Vance funds), a Fund’s advisory fee, some other agreed upon amount or other measures as determined from time to time by the investment adviser and/or EVD. The amount of these payments may be different for different financial intermediaries.

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by financial intermediaries may provide such financial intermediaries and their financial advisors and other salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Funds over other investment options with respect to which these financial intermediaries do not receive additional compensation (or receive lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Funds or the amount that the Funds receive to invest on behalf of an investor. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares and should review carefully any disclosures provided by financial intermediaries as to their compensation. In addition, in certain circumstances, the investment adviser may restrict, limit or reduce the amount of a Fund's investment, or restrict the type of governance or voting rights it acquires or exercises, where the Fund (potentially together with Morgan Stanley) exceeds a certain ownership interest, or possesses certain degrees of voting or control or has other interests.

Morgan Stanley Trading and Principal Investing Activities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Morgan Stanley will generally conduct its sales and trading businesses, publish research and analysis, and render investment advice without regard for a Fund’s holdings, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of the Fund’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more portfolio investments that is different from, and potentially adverse to that of a Fund. Furthermore, from time to time, the investment adviser or its affiliates may invest “seed” capital in a Fund, typically to enable the Fund to commence investment operations and/or achieve sufficient scale. The investment adviser and its affiliates may hedge such seed capital exposure by investing in derivatives or other instruments expected to produce offsetting exposure. Such hedging transactions, if any, would occur outside of a Fund.

Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses (whether or not specifically identified as such, and including Morgan Stanley’s trading and principal investing businesses) will not be required to offer any investment opportunities to a Fund. These businesses may encompass, among other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.

Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses have acquired or invested in, and in the future may acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such activities may put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting or creditor rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley may, in its discretion and subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not a Fund’s interests.

Subject to the limitations of applicable law, a Fund may purchase from or sell assets to, or make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or may acquire an interest, including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.

Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking and Other Commercial Activities. Morgan Stanley advises clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, bankruptcy and financing transactions. Morgan Stanley may act as an advisor to clients, including other investment funds that may compete with a Fund and with respect to investments that a Fund may hold. Morgan Stanley may give advice and take action with respect to any of its clients or proprietary accounts that may differ from the advice given, or may involve an action of a different timing or nature than the action taken, by a Fund. Morgan Stanley may give advice and provide recommendations to persons competing with a Fund and/or any of a Fund’s investments that are contrary to the Fund’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its investments.

Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy-side or sell-side, or in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley’s determining in its discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties, which could limit a Fund’s ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or potential investments. Morgan Stanley may have relationships with third-party funds, companies or investors who may have invested in or may look to invest in portfolio companies, and there could be conflicts between a Fund’s best interests, on the one hand, and the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand.

To the extent that Morgan Stanley advises creditor or debtor companies in the financial restructuring of companies either prior to or after filing for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other jurisdictions, the investment adviser’s flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a Fund’s behalf may be limited.

Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds; such activities may present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis-a-vis a Fund’s investment and may also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to portfolio companies.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley may provide a broad range of financial services to companies in which a Fund invests, including strategic and financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that may include warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of doubt, amounts received by the investment adviser) with a Fund, and any advisory fees payable will not be reduced thereby.

Morgan Stanley may be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, may represent potential buyers of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and may provide lending and other related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Under these circumstances, a Fund may be precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold or participating in any financing activity related to merger or acquisition.

The involvement or presence of Morgan Stanley in the investment banking and other commercial activities described above (or the financial markets more broadly) may restrict or otherwise limit investment opportunities that may otherwise be available to the Funds. For example, issuers may hire and compensate Morgan Stanley to provide underwriting, financial advisory, placement agency, brokerage services or other services and, because of limitations imposed by applicable law and regulation, a Fund may be prohibited from buying or selling securities issued by those issuers or participating in related transactions or otherwise limited in its ability to engage in such investments.

Morgan Stanley’s Marketing Activities. Morgan Stanley is engaged in the business of underwriting, syndicating, brokering, administering, servicing, arranging and advising on the distribution of a wide variety of securities and other investments in which a Fund may invest. Subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act, including Sections 10(f) and 17(e) thereof, a Fund may invest in transactions in which Morgan Stanley acts as underwriter, placement agent, syndicator, broker, administrative agent, servicer, advisor, arranger or structuring agent and receives fees or other compensation from the sponsors of such products or securities. Any fees earned by Morgan Stanley in such capacity will not be shared with the investment adviser or the Funds. Certain conflicts of interest, in addition to the receipt of fees or other compensation, would be inherent in these transactions. Moreover, the interests of one of Morgan Stanley’s clients with respect to an issuer of securities in which a Fund has an investment may be adverse to the investment adviser’s or a Fund’s best interests. In conducting the foregoing activities, Morgan Stanley will be acting for its other clients and will have no obligation to act in the investment adviser’s or a Fund’s best interests.

Client Relationships. Morgan Stanley has existing and potential relationships with a significant number of corporations, institutions and individuals. In providing services to its clients, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest with respect to activities recommended to or performed for such clients, on the one hand, and a Fund, its shareholders or the entities in which the Fund invests, on the other hand. In addition, these client relationships may present conflicts of interest in determining whether to offer certain investment opportunities to a Fund.

In acting as principal or in providing advisory and other services to its other clients, Morgan Stanley may engage in or recommend activities with respect to a particular matter that conflict with or are different from activities engaged in or recommended by the investment adviser on a Fund’s behalf.

Principal Investments. To the extent permitted by applicable law, there may be situations in which a Fund’s interests may conflict with the interests of one or more general accounts of Morgan Stanley and its affiliates or accounts managed by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. This may occur because these accounts hold public and private debt and equity securities of many issuers which may be or become portfolio companies, or from whom portfolio companies may be acquired.

Transactions with Portfolio Companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts. The companies in which a Fund may invest may be counterparties to or participants in agreements, transactions or other arrangements with portfolio companies or other entities of portfolio investments of Affiliated Investment Accounts (for example, a company in which a Fund invests may retain a company in which an Affiliated Investment Account invests to provide services or may acquire an asset from such company or vice versa). Certain of these agreements, transactions and arrangements involve fees, servicing payments, rebates and/or other benefits to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. For example, portfolio entities may, including at the encouragement of Morgan Stanley, enter into agreements regarding group procurement and/or vendor discounts. Morgan Stanley and its affiliates may also participate in these agreements and may realize better pricing or discounts as a result of the participation of portfolio entities. To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain of these agreements may provide for commissions or similar payments and/or discounts or rebates to be paid to a portfolio entity of an Affiliated Investment Account, and such payments or discounts or rebates may also be made directly to Morgan Stanley or its affiliates. Under these arrangements, a particular portfolio company or other entity may benefit to a greater degree than the other participants, and the funds, investment vehicles and accounts (which may or may not include a Fund) that own an interest in such entity will receive a greater relative benefit from the arrangements than the Eaton Vance funds, investment vehicles or accounts that do not own an interest therein. Fees and compensation received by portfolio companies of Affiliated Investment Accounts in relation to the foregoing will not be shared with a Fund or offset advisory fees payable.

Investments in Portfolio Investments of Other Funds. To the extent permitted by applicable law, when a Fund invests in certain companies or other entities, other funds affiliated with the investment adviser may have made or may be making an investment in such companies or other entities. Other funds that have been or may be managed by the investment adviser may invest in the companies or other entities in which a Fund has made an investment. Under such circumstances, a Fund and such other funds may have conflicts of interest (e.g., over the terms, exit strategies and related matters, including the exercise of remedies of their respective investments). If the interests held by a Fund are different from (or take priority over) those held by such other funds, the investment adviser may be required to make a selection at the time of conflicts between the interests held by such other funds and the interests held by a Fund.

Allocation of Expenses. Expenses may be incurred that are attributable to a Fund and one or more other Affiliated Investment Accounts (including in connection with issuers in which a Fund and such other Affiliated Investment Accounts have overlapping investments). The allocation of such expenses among such entities raises potential conflicts of interest. The investment adviser and its affiliates intend to allocate such common expenses among a Fund and any such other Affiliated Investment Accounts on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as the investment adviser deems to be fair and equitable or in such other manner as may be required by applicable law.

Temporary Investments. To more efficiently invest short-term cash balances held by a Fund, the investment adviser may invest such balances on an overnight “sweep” basis in shares of one or more money market funds or other short-term vehicles. It is anticipated that the investment adviser to these money market funds or other short-term vehicles may be the investment adviser (or an affiliate) to the extent permitted by applicable law, including Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund may invest in Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC (Cash Reserves Fund), an affiliated investment company managed by Eaton Vance, for this purpose. Eaton Vance does not currently receive a fee for advisory services provided to Cash Reserves Fund.

Transactions with Affiliates. The investment adviser and any investment sub-adviser might purchase securities from underwriters or placement agents in which a Morgan Stanley affiliate is a member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an affiliate might benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. Neither the investment adviser nor any investment sub-adviser will purchase securities on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate that is acting as a manager of a syndicate or selling group. Purchases by the investment adviser on behalf of a Fund from an affiliate acting as a placement agent must meet the requirements of applicable law. Furthermore, Morgan Stanley may face conflicts of interest when the Funds use service providers affiliated with Morgan Stanley because Morgan Stanley receives greater overall fees when they are used.

General Process for Potential Conflicts. All of the transactions described above involve the potential for conflicts of interest between the investment adviser, related persons of the investment adviser and/or their clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions may be permitted subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions may be prohibited. In addition, the investment adviser has instituted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that it effects transactions for clients in a manner that is consistent with its fiduciary duty to its clients and in accordance with applicable law. The investment adviser seeks to ensure that potential or actual conflicts of interest are appropriately resolved taking into consideration the overriding best interests of the client.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This SAI is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference” the information filed with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this SAI, and later information that the Fund files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

The documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the Offering will be incorporated by reference into this SAI and deemed to be part of this SAI from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.

The Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this SAI is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this SAI, the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. You should direct requests for documents by calling (800) 262-1122.

The Fund makes available the Prospectus, SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, at  http://www.eatonvance.com. You may also obtain this SAI, the Prospectus, other documents incorporated by reference and other information the Fund files electronically, including reports and proxy statements, on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) or with the payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at [email protected]. Information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Fund’s website is not part of this SAI, the Prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, are incorporated herein by reference from the Fund’s most recent Annual Report to Common Shareholders filed with the SEC on December 23, 2021 (Accession No. 0001193125-21-365952) 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 or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of a default or impairment.

GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATINGS SCALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE

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

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

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

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

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

ISSUER RATINGS

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

US MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS AND DEMAND OBLIGATION RATINGS

SHORT-TERM OBLIGATION RATINGS

The global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to commercial paper issued by U.S. municipalities and nonprofits. These commercial paper programs may be backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities, or by an issuer’s self-liquidity.

For other short-term municipal obligations, Moody’s uses one of two other short-term rating scales, the Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and Variable Municipal Investment Grade (VMIG) scales discussed below.

The MIG scale is used for U.S. municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less. Under certain circumstances, the MIG scale is used for bond anticipation notes with maturities of up to five years.

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

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

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

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

Demand Obligation Ratings

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned. The components are a long-term rating and a short-term demand obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term demand obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to make payments associated with the purchase-price-upon demand feature (“demand feature”) of the VRDO. The short-term demand obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. VMIG ratings with liquidity support use as an input the short-term counterparty risk assessment of the support provider, or the long-term rating of the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

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

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

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

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

S&P GLOBAL RATINGS (“S&P”)

ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS

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

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

LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS:

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

· Likelihood of 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 weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

BB, B, CCC, CC and C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NR: This indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

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

SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS DEFINITIONS

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

Sovereign credit ratings are forms of issuer credit ratings.

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

LONG-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS

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

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

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

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

BB, B, CCC and CC

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

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

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

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

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

SD and D: An obligor is rated 'SD' (selective default) or 'D' if S&P considers there to be a default on one or more of its financial obligations, whether long -or short-term, including rated and unrated financial obligations but excluding hybrid instruments classified as regulatory capital or in non-payment according to terms. A 'D' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the default will be a general default and that the obligor will fail to pay all or substantially all of its obligations as they come due. An 'SD' rating is assigned when S&P believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. A rating on an obligor is lowered to 'D' or 'SD' if it is conducting a distressed exchange offer.

NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

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

SHORT-TERM ISSUER CREDIT RATINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS

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

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

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

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

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

D: ‘D’ is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed exchange offer, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

FITCH RATINGS

LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS

Issuer Default Ratings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• An unsecured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but

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

• Has not otherwise ceased operating.

This would include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes to Long-Term ratings:

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

Short-Term Credit Ratings Assigned to Issuers and Obligations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF INSURANCE FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS

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

Moody’s Insurance Financial Strength Ratings are opinions of the ability of insurance companies to repay punctually senior policyholder claims and obligations and also reflect the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

S&P Insurer Financial Strength Ratings

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

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

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

Long-Term Insurer Financial Strength Ratings

Category Definition

AAA

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

AA

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

A

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

BBB

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

BB, B, CCC and CC

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

BB

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

B

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

CCC

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

CC

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

SD or D

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

NR: Indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

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

Fitch Insurer Financial Strength Rating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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:

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:

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

V.    Reports and Review

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

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

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

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

APPENDIX C

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT

BOSTON MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH

EATON VANCE WATEROAK ADVISORS

EATON VANCE MANAGEMENT (INTERNATIONAL) LIMITED

EATON VANCE GLOBAL ADVISORS LIMITED

EATON VANCE ADVISERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

I. Introduction

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

II. Overview

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

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

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

III. Roles and Responsibilities

A. Proxy Administrator

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

B. Agent

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

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

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); or (iii) in markets in which shareholders' rights are limited; and (iv) the Adviser is unable to access or access timely ballots or other proxy information. Non-Votes may also result in certain cases in which the Agent's recommendation has been deemed to be conflicted, as provided for herein.

C. Securities on Loan

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

V. Recordkeeping

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

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:

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.

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Statement of Additional Information

February 18, 2022

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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