497 1 macfpro.htm MFT MULTI-ASSET CREDIT FUND PROSPECTUS AS REVISED 9-6-2019

 

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund

(formerly Eaton Vance Multi-Strategy All Market Fund)

Class A Shares - EAAMXClass C Shares - ECAMXClass I Shares - EIAMXClass R6 Shares - ERAMX

Prospectus Dated
March 1, 2019
as revised September 6, 2019

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

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you are a direct investor, you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by signing up for e-Delivery at eatonvance.com/edelivery. If you own your shares through a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank), you must contact your financial intermediary to sign up.

You may elect to receive all future Fund shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you are a direct investor, you can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-262-1122. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you must contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure, if applicable, to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Eaton Vance funds held directly or to all funds held through your financial intermediary, as applicable.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Information in this Prospectus

  Page   Page
Fund Summary 2 Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks 10
Investment Objective 2 Management and Organization 25
Fees and Expenses of the Fund 2 Valuing Shares 27
Portfolio Turnover 2 Purchasing Shares 27
Principal Investment Strategies 3 Sales Charges 31
Principal Risks 3 Redeeming Shares 34
Performance 7 Shareholder Account Features 35
Management 8 Additional Tax Information 37
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 8 Financial Highlights 38
Tax Information 8 Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations 40
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries 9    

This Prospectus contains important information about the Fund and the services
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Fund Summary

Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is to seek total return.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors may also pay commissions or other fees to their financial intermediary when they buy and hold shares of the Fund, which are not reflected below. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge on purchases of Class A shares if you invest, or agree to invest over a 13-month period, at least $50,000 in Eaton Vance funds. Certain financial intermediaries also may offer variations in Fund sales charges to their customers as described in Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations in this Prospectus. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary and in Sales Charges beginning on page 31 of this Prospectus and page 21 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of net asset value at purchase or redemption) None 1.00% None None

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)(1) Class A Class C Class I Class R6
Management Fees 0.62% 0.62% 0.62% 0.62%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None None
Other Expenses* 1.25% 1.25% 1.25% 1.25%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.12% 2.87% 1.87% 1.87%
Expense Reimbursement(2) (1.12)% (1.12)% (1.12)% (1.12)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement 1.00% 1.75% 0.75% 0.75%
*Estimated for Class R6.
(1)Annual Fund Operating Expenses have been restated to reflect the Fund’s revised investment strategy which became effective on September 15, 2018.  Prior to that date the Fund operated as a “fund-of-funds” and invested primarily in other investment companies managed by the investment adviser and its affiliates.
(2) The investment adviser and administrator and sub-adviser have agreed to reimburse the Fund’s expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.00% for Class A shares, 1.75% for Class C shares, 0.75% for Class I shares and 0.75% for Class R6 shares. This expense reimbursement will continue through February 28, 2021. Any amendment to or termination of this reimbursement would require approval of the Board of Trustees. The expense reimbursement relates to ordinary operating expenses only and does not include expenses such as: brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses of unaffiliated funds, interest expense, taxes or litigation expenses. Amounts reimbursed may be recouped by the investment adviser and administrator and sub-adviser during the same fiscal year to the extent actual expenses are less than the contractual expense cap during such year.

Example. This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that the operating expenses remain the same and that the expense reimbursement arrangement remains in place for the contractual period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

  Expenses with Redemption Expenses without Redemption
  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class A shares $572 $1,004 $1,462 $2,726 $572 $1,004 $1,462 $2,726
Class C shares $278 $783 $1,415 $3,115 $178 $783 $1,415 $3,115
Class I shares $77 $479 $907 $2,099 $77 $479 $907 $2,099
Class R6 shares $77 $479 $907 $2,099 $77 $479 $907 $2,099

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund2Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” the portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 113% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in credit-related investments (the “80% Policy”). For purposes of this 80% Policy, “credit-related investments” are fixed income, variable rate, and floating-rate debt investments as well as derivatives that provide exposure to such investments. The Fund expects to invest at least 60% of its net assets in corporate credit instruments (high yield bonds and floating-rate loans) rated below investment grade (i.e., rated lower than BBB by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) or lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”)) or unrated and of comparable quality as determined by the investment adviser as well as derivatives that provide exposure to such investments. Securities and other instruments rated below investment grade are also known as “junk”. The Fund may invest no more than 25% of its total assets in securities or instruments rated lower than B- by S&P or lower than B3 by Moody’s or by Fitch. For purposes of rating restrictions, if an instrument is rated differently by two or more rating agencies, the highest rating is used.

The Fund may invest in debt instruments of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers (including those located in emerging markets), including corporate bonds and other fixed or floating-rate securities, senior and junior loans, U.S. Government securities, commercial paper, mortgage-related securities (including commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls and collateralized mortgage obligations) and other asset-backed securities (including collateralized loan and debt obligations), zero-coupon securities, when-issued securities, forward commitments, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, foreign debt securities, sovereign debt, obligations of supranational entities, structured notes, municipal obligations, private placements, inflation-indexed bonds and convertible securities and other hybrid securities. The Fund intends to seek to hedge the currency risk associated with its investments in foreign securities. The Fund may invest in debt instruments of any maturity. The Fund may invest in preferred stock and may own other equity securities that are part of a financial restructuring of a Fund investment.

The Fund may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”), a type of pooled investment vehicle, in order to manage cash positions or seek exposure to certain markets or market sectors. The Fund may invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), subject to certain terms and conditions.

The Fund may use derivatives to seek to enhance total return; to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates; to change the effective duration of its portfolio; to manage certain investment risks; and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. The Fund may engage in futures, options on futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, credit default swaps and total return swaps. There is no stated limit on the Fund’s use of derivatives. The Fund expects to invest in derivatives primarily to hedge currency exposure through the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts and futures contracts. The Fund may also use derivative instruments for cash management purposes or to gain long exposure to single issuers or the broader market.

In managing the Fund, the portfolio managers will employ top-down asset allocation based risk factor analysis, coupled with a bottom-up research driven approach. This top-down analysis includes macro-economic, fundamental and valuation analysis to determine the regional, asset, sector and duration positioning which the portfolio management team believes offers strong forward looking risk adjusted returns over a market cycle. This includes analyzing not just a base case but potential upside and downside skew in an investment. The bottom-up security selection emphasizes the financial strength of issuers, current interest rates, current valuations, the interest rate sensitivity of investments and the portfolio managers’ interest rate expectations, the stability and volatility of a country’s bond markets, and expectations regarding general trends in global economies and currencies. Investments are selected on the basis of the investment adviser's and sub-adviser’s internal research and ongoing credit analysis. The portfolio managers monitor the credit quality and price of the securities and other eligible investments for the Fund. Although the investment adviser and sub-adviser consider ratings when making investment decisions, they generally perform their own credit and investment analysis and do not rely primarily on the ratings assigned by the rating services. In evaluating the quality of particular securities, whether rated or unrated, the portfolio managers will normally take into consideration, among other things, the issuer’s financial resources and operating history, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the ability of its management, its debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements, and relative values based on anticipated cash flow, interest and asset coverage, and earnings prospects. The portfolio managers generally select individual securities with an investment horizon of two to ten years. The portfolio managers will also consider how purchasing or selling an investment would impact the overall portfolio’s risk profile (for example, its sensitivity to currency risk, interest rate risk and sector-specific risk) and potential return (income and capital gains).

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund3Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Principal Risks

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 full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Fixed-income markets may experience periods of relatively high volatility due to rising U.S. treasury yields which, in part, reflect the market’s expectations for higher U.S. economic growth and inflation.

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

Additional Risks of Loans. Loans are traded in a private, unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank resale market and are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before a loan can be bought or sold. These restrictions may impede the Fund’s ability to buy or sell loans (thus affecting their liquidity) and may negatively impact the transaction price. See also “Market Risk” above. It also may take longer than seven days for transactions in loans to settle. Due to the possibility of an extended loan settlement process, the Fund may hold cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks or other lenders to meet short-term liquidity needs, such as to satisfy redemption requests from Fund shareholders. The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the issuer, the nature of the collateral securing the loan and possibly other factors. Loans with fewer covenants that restrict activities of the borrower may provide the borrower with more flexibility to take actions that may be detrimental to the loan holders and provide fewer investor protections in the event of such actions or if covenants are breached. The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays and expense in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants. Loans to entities located outside of the U.S. (including loans to sovereign entities) may have substantially different lender protections and covenants as compared to loans to U.S. entities and may involve greater risks. The Fund may have difficulties and incur expense enforcing its rights with respect to non-U.S. loans and such loans could be subject to bankruptcy laws that are materially different than in the U.S. Sovereign entities may be unable or unwilling to meet their obligations under a loan due to budgetary limitations or economic or political changes within the country. Loans may be structured such that they are not securities under securities law, and in the event of fraud or misrepresentation by a borrower, lenders may not have the protection of the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws. Loans are also subject to risks associated with other types of income investments, including credit risk and risks of lower rated investments.

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

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

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund4Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign investments can be adversely affected by political, economic and market developments abroad, including the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the United States or another country. Foreign markets may be smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major markets in the United States, and as a result, Fund share values may be more volatile. Trading in foreign markets typically involves higher expense than trading in the United States. The Fund may have difficulties enforcing its legal or contractual rights in a foreign country.

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

Emerging Markets Investment Risk. Investment markets in emerging market countries are typically smaller, less liquid and more volatile than developed markets, and emerging market securities often involve greater risks than developed market securities.

Currency Risk. Exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The value of foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and currency transactions are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks.

Convertible and Other Hybrid Securities Risk. Convertible and other hybrid securities (including preferred and convertible instruments) generally possess certain characteristics of both equity and debt securities. In addition to risks associated with investing in income securities, such as interest rate and credit risks, hybrid securities may be subject to issuer-specific and market risks generally applicable to equity securities. Convertible securities may also react to changes in the value of the common stock into which they convert, and are thus subject to equity investing and market risks. A convertible security may be converted at an inopportune time, which may decrease the Fund’s return.

Preferred Stock Risk. Although preferred stocks represent an ownership interest in an issuer, preferred stocks generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights and have economic characteristics similar to fixed-income securities. Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific risks generally applicable to equity securities and credit and interest rate risks generally applicable to fixed-income securities. The value of preferred stock generally declines when interest rates rise and may react more significantly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects.

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

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

Inflation-Linked Investments Risk. Inflation-linked investments are subject to the effects of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest rates). In general, the price of an inflation-linked investment tends to decrease when real interest rates increase and increase when real interest rates decrease. Interest payments on inflation-linked investments may vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-linked investment will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though the Fund will not receive the principal until maturity. There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. The Fund’s investments in inflation-linked investments may lose value in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different from the rate of the inflation index.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund5Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

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

Liquidity Risk. The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of a market maker or trading partner, large position size, market conditions, or legal restrictions impair its ability to sell particular investments or to sell them at advantageous market prices. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance. These effects may be exacerbated during times of financial or political stress.

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

Risks of Repurchase Agreements and Reverse Repurchase Agreements. In the event of the insolvency of the counterparty to a repurchase agreement or reverse repurchase agreement, recovery of the repurchase price owed to the Fund or, in the case of a reverse repurchase agreement, the securities sold by the Fund, may be delayed. In a repurchase agreement, such insolvency may result in a loss to the extent that the value of the purchased securities decreases during the delay or that value has otherwise not been maintained at an amount equal to the repurchase price. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the counterparty’s insolvency may result in a loss equal to the amount by which the value of the securities sold by the Fund exceeds the repurchase price payable by the Fund; if the value of the purchased securities increases during such a delay, that loss may also be increased. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities sold to the counterparty or the securities which the Fund purchases with its proceeds from the agreement would affect the value of the Fund’s assets. As a result, such agreements may increase fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be a form of borrowing by the Fund (and a loan from the counterparty), they constitute leverage. If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund’s yield.

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

ETF Risk. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other investments. ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and are subject to secondary market trading risks. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of an ETF in which it invests. Other pooled investment vehicles generally are subject to risks similar to those of ETFs.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of commercial or residential mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables. Movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain types of mortgage- and asset-backed securities. Although certain mortgage- and asset-backed securities are guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and principal by a government entity, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The purchase of mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued by non-government entities may entail greater risk than such securities that are issued or guaranteed by a government entity. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities issued by non-government entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but may also be subject to greater

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund6Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

volatility than government issues and can also be subject to greater credit risk and the risk of default on the underlying mortgages or other assets. Investments in mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to both extension risk, where borrowers pay off their debt obligations more slowly in times of rising interest rates, and prepayment risk, where borrowers pay off their debt obligations sooner than expected in times of declining interest rates. Asset-backed securities represent interests in a pool of assets, such as home equity loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”), automobile receivables or credit card receivables, and include collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and stripped securities. Interests in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) are split into two or more portions, called tranches, which vary in risk, maturity, payment priority and yield. Each CLO tranche is entitled to scheduled debt payments from the underlying loans and assumes the risk of a default by the underlying loans. The Fund will indirectly bear any management fees and expenses incurred by a CLO.

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

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

Stripped Securities Risk. Stripped Securities (“Strips”) are usually structured with classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from an underlying asset or pool of underlying assets. Classes may receive only interest distributions (interest-only “IO”) or only principal (principal-only “PO”). Strips are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates because this may increase or decrease prepayments of principal. A rapid or unexpected increase in prepayments can significantly depress the value of IO Strips, while a rapid or unexpected decrease can have the same effect on PO Strips.

Money Market Instrument Risk. Money market instruments may be adversely affected by market and economic events, such as a sharp rise in prevailing short-term interest rates; adverse developments in the banking industry, which issues or guarantees many money market instruments; adverse economic, political or other developments affecting issuers of money market instruments; changes in the credit quality of issuers; and default by a counterparty.

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund may exceed 100%. A mutual fund with a high turnover rate (100% or more) may generate more capital gains and may involve greater expenses (which may reduce return) than a fund with a lower rate. Capital gains distributions will be made to shareholders if offsetting capital loss carry forwards do not exist.

Risks Associated with Active Management. The success of the Fund’s investment strategy depends on portfolio management’s successful application of analytical skills and investment judgment. Active management involves subjective decisions.

General Fund Investing Risks. The Fund is not a complete investment program and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. It is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund is designed to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not suited for short-term trading. Investors in the Fund should have a long-term investment perspective and be able to tolerate potentially sharp declines in value. Purchase and redemption activities by Fund shareholders may impact the management of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective(s). In addition, the redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund. The Fund relies on various service providers, including the investment adviser, in its operations and is susceptible to operational, information security and related events (such as cyber or hacking attacks) that may affect the service providers or the services that they provide to the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund7Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Performance

The following bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and how the Fund’s average annual total returns over time compare with those of three broad-based securities market indices and a blended index. The returns in the bar chart are for Class A shares and do not reflect a sales charge. If the sales charge was reflected, the returns would be lower. Past performance (both before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. The Fund’s performance reflects the effects of expense reductions. Absent these reductions, performance would have been lower. Updated Fund performance information can be obtained by visiting www.eatonvance.com.

During the period from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2018, the highest quarterly total return for Class A was 3.44% for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, and the lowest quarterly return was -4.74% for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

Average Annual Total Return as of December 31, 2018 One Year Five Years Life of Fund
Class A Return Before Taxes -7.83% 2.33% 2.65%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions -8.55% 1.25% 1.54%
Class A Return After Taxes on Distributions and the Sale of Class A Shares -4.63% 1.34% 1.59%
Class C Return Before Taxes -4.46% 2.65% 2.64%
Class I Return Before Taxes -2.45% 3.68% 3.68%
Class R6 Return Before Taxes -2.45% 3.68% 3.68%
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 0.44% 3.05% 4.19%
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 0.01% 2.52% 2.19%
MSCI ACWI Index (reflects net dividends, which reflect the deduction of withholding taxes) -9.42% 4.26% 7.68%
Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)* -0.73% 3.56% 5.17%

* The blended index consists of 50% S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index and 50% ICE BofAML Developed Markets High Yield ex-Subordinated Financials Index, hedged to the U.S. dollar, rebalanced monthly.

These returns reflect the maximum sales charge for Class A (4.75%) and any applicable contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) for Class C. Class A, Class C and Class I commenced operations on October 31, 2011. The Class R6 performance shown above for the period prior to September 3, 2019 (commencement of operations) is the performance of Class I shares at net asset value without adjustment for any differences in the expenses of the two classes. If adjusted for such differences, returns would be different.

Effective September 15, 2018, the Fund changed its investment strategy to invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in credit-related investments. Prior to September 15, 2018, the Fund was a “fund-of-funds” and invested primarily among other investment companies managed by Eaton Vance and its affiliates that invested in various asset classes. Effective September 15, 2018, the Fund changed its primary benchmark to the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index to reflect the Fund’s revised investment strategy.

(Source for the MSCI ACWI Index returns: MSCI). MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. MSCI provides no warranties, has not approved this data and has no liability hereunder. ICE® BofAML® indices are not for redistribution or other uses; provided “as is,” without warranties, and with no liability. Eaton Vance has prepared this report and ICE Data Indices, LLC does not endorse it, or guarantee, review, or endorse Eaton Vance’s products. BofAML® is a licensed registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation in the United States and other countries. Investors cannot invest directly in an Index.

After-tax returns are calculated using the highest historical individual federal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on a shareholder’s tax situation and the actual characterization of distributions, and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant to shareholders who hold shares in tax-deferred accounts or to shares held by non-taxable entities. After-tax returns for other Classes of shares will vary from the after-tax returns presented for Class A shares. Return After Taxes on Distributions for a period may be the same as Return Before Taxes for that period because no taxable distributions were made during that period. Also, Return After Taxes on Distributions and the Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than or equal to Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period because of losses realized on the sale of Fund shares.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund8Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Management

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

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

Portfolio Managers

Justin H. Bourgette, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since its inception in October 2011.

John Redding, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since September 2018.

Jeffrey D. Mueller, Vice President of EVAIL, has managed the Fund since December 2018.

Kelley G. Baccei, Vice President of Eaton Vance, has managed the Fund since March 2019.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares on any business day, which is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. You may purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares either through your financial intermediary or (except for purchases of Class C shares by accounts with no specified financial intermediary) directly from the Fund either by writing to the Fund, P.O. Box 9653, Providence, RI 02940-9653, or by calling 1-800-262-1122. The minimum initial purchase or exchange into the Fund is $1,000 for each Class (with the exception of Class I), $250,000 for Class I and $1,000,000 for Class R6 (waived in certain circumstances). There is no minimum for subsequent investments.

Tax Information

If your shares are held in a taxable account, the Fund’s distributions will be taxed to you as ordinary income and/or capital gains, unless you are exempt from taxation. If your shares are held in a tax-advantaged account, you will generally be taxed only upon withdrawals from the account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase the Fund’s shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (collectively, “financial intermediaries”), the Fund, its principal underwriter and its affiliates may pay the financial intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund9Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Investment Objective & Principal Policies and Risks

The investment objective and principal investment policies and risks of the Fund are described in its Fund Summary. Set forth below is additional information about such policies and risks, as well as information about other types of investments and practices in which the Fund may engage from time to time. See also “Strategies and Risks” in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the indicated meaning: “1940 Act” means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; “1933 Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; and “investment adviser” means the Fund’s investment adviser but if the Fund is sub-advised, it refers to the sub-adviser(s) providing day-to-day management with respect to the investments or strategies discussed.

Fixed-Income Securities and Other Debt Instruments. Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments include all types of fixed and floating-rate bonds and notes, such as convertible securities and other hybrid securities (other than preferred stock); corporate commercial paper; mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities; inflation-indexed bonds issued by both governments and corporations; structured notes, including “indexed” securities; loans; loan participations and assignments; delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; and bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits, bank deposits (or investments structured to provide the same type of exposure) and bankers’ acceptances of foreign and domestic banks and other debt instruments. Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments are issued by: foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises; sovereign entities; international agencies or supranational entities; the U.S. Government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises (or guaranteed thereby); central or quasi-sovereign banks and U.S. and foreign corporations. Fixed-income securities and other debt instruments include deep discount bonds, such as zero coupon bonds, deferred interest bonds, bonds or securities on which the interest is payable in-kind (“PIK securities”), which are debt obligations that are issued at a significant discount from face value, and securities purchased on a forward commitment or when-issued basis. While zero coupon bonds do not make periodic payments of interest, deferred interest bonds provide for a period of delay before the regular payment of interest begins. PIK securities provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest in cash or in the form of additional securities. Convertible and other hybrid securities that are designated as equity by the issuer are not included in the Fund's 80% Policy.

Loans.  Loans may be primary, direct investments or investments in loan assignments or participation interests. A loan assignment represents a portion or the entirety of a loan and a portion or the entirety of a position previously attributable to a different lender. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement and has the same rights and obligations as the assigning investor. However, assignments through private negotiations may cause the purchaser of an assignment to have different and more limited rights than those held by the assigning investor. Loan participation interests are interests issued by a lender or other entity and represent a fractional interest in a loan. The Fund typically will have a contractual relationship only with the financial institution that issued the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the financial institution and only upon receipt by such entity of such payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation interest, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other investors through set-off against the borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the financial institution issuing the participation interest. In the event of the insolvency of the entity issuing a participation interest, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity. Most loans are rated below investment grade or, if unrated, are of similar credit quality.

Loan investments may be made at par or at a discount or premium to par. The interest payable on a loan may be fixed or floating rate, and paid in cash or in-kind. In connection with transactions in loans, the Fund may be subject to facility or other fees. Loans may be secured by specific collateral or other assets of the borrower, guaranteed by a third party, unsecured or subordinated. During the term of a loan, the value of any collateral securing the loan may decline in value, causing the loan to be under collateralized. Collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a borrower’s obligations under the loan. In addition, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of the collateral and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of such collateral.

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

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund10Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

A lender’s repayment and other rights primarily are determined by governing loan, assignment or participation documents, which (among other things) typically establish the priority of payment on the loan relative to other indebtedness and obligations of the borrower. A borrower typically is required to comply with certain covenants contained in a loan agreement between the borrower and the holders of the loan. The types of covenants included in loan agreements generally vary depending on market conditions, the creditworthiness of the issuer, and the nature of the collateral securing the loan. Loans with fewer covenants that restrict activities of the borrower may provide the borrower with more flexibility to take actions that may be detrimental to the loan holders and provide fewer investor protections in the event covenants are breached. The Fund may experience relatively greater realized or unrealized losses or delays and expense in enforcing its rights with respect to loans with fewer restrictive covenants. Loans to entities located outside of the U.S. (including loans to sovereign entities) may have substantially different lender protections and covenants as compared to loans to U.S. entities and may involve greater risks.  In the event of bankruptcy, applicable law may impact a lender’s ability to enforce its rights. Bankruptcy laws in foreign jurisdictions, including emerging markets, may differ significantly from U.S. bankruptcy law and the Fund’s rights with respect to a loan governed by the laws of a foreign jurisdiction may be more limited. Sovereign entities may be unable or unwilling to meet their obligations under a loan due to budgetary limitations or economic or political changes within the country.

Loans may be originated by a lending agent, such as a financial institution or other entity, on behalf of a group or “syndicate” of loan investors (the “Loan Investors”). In such a case, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal, and interest payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the Loan Investors. Failure by the agent to fulfill its obligations may delay or adversely affect receipt of payment by the Fund. Furthermore, unless under the terms of a loan agreement or participation (as applicable) the Fund has direct recourse against the borrower, the Fund must rely on the agent and the other Loan Investors to pursue appropriate remedies against the borrower.

Although the overall size and number of participants in the market for many loans has grown over the past decade, such loans continue to trade in a private, unregulated inter-dealer or inter-bank secondary market and the amount of available public information about loans may be less extensive than that available for registered or exchange listed securities. With limited exceptions, the investment adviser will take steps intended to insure that it does not receive material nonpublic information about the issuers of loans that also issue publicly traded securities. Therefore, the investment adviser may have less information than other investors about certain of the loans in which it seeks to invest. Purchases and sales of loans are generally subject to contractual restrictions that must be satisfied before a loan can be bought or sold.  These restrictions may (i) impede the Fund’s ability to buy or sell loans, (ii) negatively impact the transaction price, (iii) impact the counterparty and/or credit risks borne by the Fund, (iv) impede the Fund’s ability to timely vote or otherwise act with respect to loans, (v) expose the Fund to adverse tax or regulatory consequences and/or (vi) result in delayed settlement of loan transactions. It may take longer than seven days for a transaction in loans to settle, which may impact the Fund’s process for meeting redemptions. See “Liquidity Risk.” This is partly due to the nature of manner in which loans trade and the contractual restrictions noted above, which require a written assignment agreement and various ancillary documents for each transfer, and frequently require discretionary consents from both the borrower and the administrative agent.  In light of the foregoing, the Fund may hold cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow to meet its cash needs, including satisfying redemption requests.

Assignments of loans through private negotiations may cause the purchaser of an assignment to have different and more limited rights than those held by the assigning investor. In connection with purchasing a participation interest, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan (if any) in which it has purchased the participation interest. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the financial institution issuing the participation interest. No active trading market may exist for certain loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a loan and which may make it difficult to value the loan. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods.

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

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund11Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

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

Investing in loans involves the risk of default by the borrower or other party obligated to repay the loan. In the event of insolvency of the borrower or other obligated party, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such entity unless it has rights that are senior to that of other creditors or secured by specific collateral or assets of the borrower. Fixed rate loans are also subject to the risk that their value will decline in a rising interest rate environment. This risk is mitigated for floating-rate loans, where the interest rate payable on the loan resets periodically by reference to a base lending rate.

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

Credit Risk. Rating agencies are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of certain investments. In evaluating creditworthiness, the investment adviser and sub-adviser consider ratings assigned by rating agencies and generally perform additional credit and investment analysis. Credit ratings issued by rating agencies are based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the issuer’s financial condition and the rating agency’s credit analysis, if applicable, at the time of rating. The ratings assigned are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risks or necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. An issuer’s current financial condition may be better or worse than the current rating indicates. A credit rating may have a modifier (such as plus, minus or a numerical modifier) to denote its relative status within the rating. The presence of a modifier does not change the security credit rating (for example, BBB- and Baa3 are within the investment grade rating) for purposes of the Fund’s investment limitations. If an instrument is rated differently by two or more rating agencies, the highest rating will be used for any Fund rating restrictions.

Duration. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security, which can determine its sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers a security’s coupon payments in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. As the value of a security changes over time, so will its duration. Various techniques may be used to shorten or lengthen Fund duration.

Interest Rate Risk. In general, the value of income securities will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates. The value of these securities is likely to increase when interest rates fall and decline when interest rates rise. Generally, securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than shorter maturity securities, causing them to be more volatile. Conversely, fixed income securities with shorter maturities will be less volatile but may provide lower returns than fixed income securities with longer maturities. In a rising interest rate environment, the duration of income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. In a declining interest rate environment, the proceeds from prepaid or maturing instruments may have to be reinvested at a lower interest rate. The impact of interest rate changes on the value of floating rate instruments is typically reduced by periodic interest rate resets. Variable and floating rate loans and securities generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes, but may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much or as quickly as interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate loans and securities generally will not increase in value as much as fixed rate debt instruments if interest rates decline. Because the Fund holds variable and floating rate loans and securities, a decrease in market interest rates will reduce the interest income to be received from such securities. In the event that the Fund has a negative average portfolio duration, the value of the Fund may decline in a declining interest rate environment.

Lower Rated Investments. Although the investment adviser considers security ratings when making investment decisions, it performs its own credit and investment analysis and does not rely primarily on the ratings assigned by the rating agencies. In evaluating the quality of a particular investment, whether rated or unrated, the investment adviser will normally take into consideration, among other things, the issuer’s financial resources and operating history, its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the ability of its management, its debt maturity schedules and borrowing requirements, and relative values based on anticipated cash flow, interest and asset coverage, and earnings prospects. Credit ratings

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund12Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and a rating agency’s investment analysis at the time of rating: the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The rating assigned to a security or other instrument by a rating agency does not reflect assessment of the volatility of its market value or liquidity. Credit quality in the sectors of the market can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular investment.

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

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

Foreign Investments. Investments in foreign issuers could be affected by factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, less publicly available financial and other information, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. Because foreign issuers may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standard practices and requirements and regulatory measures comparable to those in the United States, there may be less publicly available information about such foreign issuers. Settlements of securities transactions in foreign countries are subject to risk of loss, may be delayed and are generally less frequent than in the United States, which could affect the liquidity of the Fund’s assets. Evidence of ownership of certain foreign investments may be held outside the United States, and the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas.

Foreign issuers may become subject to sanctions imposed by the United States or another country, which could result in the immediate freeze of the foreign issuers’ assets or securities. The imposition of such sanctions could impair the market value of the securities of such foreign issuers and limit the Fund’s ability to buy, sell, receive or deliver the securities. Trading in certain foreign markets is also subject to liquidity risks.

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

As an alternative to holding foreign-traded investments, the Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated investments of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market including depositary receipts, such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), which evidence ownership of shares of a foreign issuer and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities. These risks include the political and economic risks of the underlying issuer’s country, as well as in the case of depositary receipts traded on foreign markets, currency risk. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored depositary receipts are established without the participation of the issuer. As a result, available information concerning the issuer of an unsponsored depository receipt may not be as current as for sponsored depositary receipts, and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Unsponsored depositary receipts may involve higher expenses, may not pass through voting or other shareholder rights and may be less liquid.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund13Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Foreign Currencies. The value of foreign assets and currencies as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), governmental administration of economic or monetary policies (in this country or abroad), and relations between nations and trading. Foreign currencies also are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. If the U.S. dollar rises in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth less in U.S. dollars. If the U.S. dollar decreases in value relative to a foreign currency, a security denominated in that foreign currency will be worth more in U.S. dollars. A devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Costs are incurred in connection with conversions between currencies.

The Fund may engage in spot transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts, purchase and sell options on currencies and purchase and sell currency futures contracts and related options thereon (collectively, “Currency Instruments”) to seek to hedge against the decline in the value of currencies in which its portfolio holdings are denominated against the U.S. dollar.

Emerging Markets Investments. The risks of foreign investments can be more significant in emerging markets. Emerging markets may offer higher potential for gains and losses than investments in the developed markets of the world. Political and economic structures in emerging market countries generally lack the social, political and economic stability of developed countries, which may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in these countries and also the ability of the Fund to access markets in such countries. Governmental actions can have a significant effect on the economic conditions in emerging market countries, which also may adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. The laws of emerging market countries relating to the limited liability of corporate shareholders, fiduciary duties of officers and directors, and bankruptcy of state enterprises are generally less developed than or different from such laws in the United States. It may be more difficult to obtain a judgment in the courts of these countries than it is in the United States. Disruptions due to work stoppages and trading improprieties in foreign securities markets have caused such markets to close. If extended closings were to occur in stock markets where the Fund is heavily invested, the Fund’s ability to redeem Fund shares could become impaired. In such circumstances, the Fund may have to sell more liquid securities than it would otherwise choose to sell. Emerging market securities are also subject to speculative trading, which contributes to their volatility.

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

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

European Economic and Market Events. In June 2016, the United Kingdom approved a referendum to leave the European Union (“Brexit”). There is significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. Political events, including nationalist unrest in Europe and uncertainties surrounding the sovereign debt of a number of European Union (“EU”) countries and the viability of the EU itself, also may cause market disruptions. If one or more countries leave the EU or the EU dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted. Moreover, the uncertainty about the ramifications of Brexit may cause significant volatility and/or declines in the value of the Euro and British pound. If no agreement is reached as to the terms of the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU prior to the March 2019 exit date (“hard Brexit”), these impacts may be exaggerated. Brexit (and in particular a hard Brexit) may cause greater market volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, deterioration in economic activity, a decrease in business confidence, and increased likelihood of a recession in the United Kingdom.

Derivatives. Generally, derivatives can be characterized as financial instruments whose performance is derived at least in part from the performance of an underlying reference instrument. Derivative instruments may be acquired in the United States or abroad consistent with the Fund’s investment strategy and may include the various types of exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) instruments described herein and other instruments with substantially similar characteristics and risks. Fund obligations created pursuant to derivative instruments may give rise to leverage, which would subject the

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund14Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Fund to the requirements described under “Asset Coverage” in the Fund’s SAI. The Fund may invest in a derivative transaction if it is permitted to own, invest in, or otherwise have economic exposure to the reference instrument. A reference instrument could be a security, instrument, index, currency, commodity, economic indicator or event (“reference instruments”). The Fund may engage in derivative transactions to seek total return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, to manage certain investment risks and/or as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. The Fund may trade in the specific types and/or combinations of derivative transactions listed below.

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

OTC derivative instruments involve an additional risk in that the issuer or counterparty may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may become illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, an option or commodity exchange or swap execution facility or clearinghouse may suspend or limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price. Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the SEC takes the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of the Code limit the use of derivative instruments. Derivatives permit the Fund to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed in much the same way as the Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will benefit the Fund.

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

Options. Options may be traded on an exchange and OTC. By buying a put option on a particular instrument, the Fund acquires a right to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. By buying a put option on an index, the Fund acquires a right to receive the cash difference between the strike price of the option and the index price at expiration. A purchased put position also typically can be sold at any time by selling at prevailing market prices. Purchased put options generally are expected to limit the Fund's risk of loss through a decline in the market value of the underlying security or index until the put option expires. When buying a put option, the Fund pays a premium to the seller of the option. If the price of the underlying security or index is above the exercise price of the option as of the option valuation date, the option expires worthless and the Fund will not be able to recover the option premium paid to the seller. The Fund may purchase uncovered put options on securities, meaning it will not own the securities underlying the option.

The Fund may also write (i.e., sell) put options. The Fund will receive a premium for selling a put option, which may increase the Fund's return. In selling a put option on a security, the Fund has the obligation to buy the security at an agreed upon price if the price of such instrument decreases below the exercise price. By selling a put option on an index, the Fund has an obligation to make a payment to the buyer to the extent that the value of the index decreases below the exercise price as of the option valuation date. If the value of the underlying security or index on the option’s expiration date is above the exercise price, the option will generally expire worthless and the Fund, as option seller, will have no obligation to the option holder.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund15Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

The Fund may purchase call options. By purchasing a call option on a security, the Fund has the right to buy the security at the option’s exercise price. By buying a call option on an index, the Fund acquires the right to receive the cash difference between the market price of the index and strike price at expiration. Call options typically can be exercised any time prior to option maturity or, sold at the prevailing market price.

The Fund may also write (i.e., sell) a call option on a security or index in return for a premium. A call written on a security obligates the Fund to deliver the underlying security at the option exercise price. Written index call options obligate the Fund to make a cash payment to the buyer at expiration if the market price of the index is above the option strike price. Calls typically can also be bought back by the Fund at prevailing market prices and the Fund also may enter into closing purchase transactions with respect to written call options.

The Fund’s options positions are marked to market daily. The value of options is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of their underlying instruments, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the relevant index or market and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying instruments are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before markets for the underlying instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the markets that would not be reflected concurrently in the options markets.

The Fund's ability to sell the instrument underlying a call option may be limited while the option is in effect unless the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction. Uncovered call options have speculative characteristics and are riskier than covered call options because there is no underlying instrument held by the Fund that can act as a partial hedge. As the seller of a covered call option or an index call option, the Fund may forego, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the underlying instrument covering the call option above the sum of the premium received by the Fund and the exercise price of the call. The Fund also retains the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the price of the underlying instrument decline.

Participants in OTC markets are typically not subject to the same credit evaluation and regulatory oversight as are members of “exchange-based” markets. OTC option contracts generally carry greater liquidity risk than exchange-traded contracts. This risk may be increased in times of financial stress, if the trading market for OTC options becomes restricted. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or a number of counterparties may increase the potential for losses to the Fund, due to the lack of any independent evaluation of the counterparties or their financial capabilities, and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement of the options.

Swaptions. Swaptions are options giving the option owner the right (but not the obligation) to enter into a swap agreement as buyer or seller, or to extend, shorten, cancel or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement at a future date on specified terms.

Depending on the terms of the particular swaption, the Fund generally will incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swaption than it will incur when it purchases a swaption. When the Fund purchases a swaption, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. When the Fund writes a swaption, upon exercise of the option, the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying swap agreement.

Futures Contracts. Futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts. Futures contracts on securities obligate a purchaser to take delivery, and a seller to make delivery, of a specific amount of the financial instrument called for in the contract at a specified future date at a specified price. An index futures contract obligates the purchaser to take, and a seller to deliver, an amount of cash equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. No physical delivery of the underlying securities in the index is made. It is the practice of holders of futures contracts to close out their positions on or before the expiration date by use of offsetting contract positions, and physical delivery of financial instruments or delivery of cash, as applicable, is thereby avoided. An option on a futures contract gives the holder the right to enter into a specified futures contract.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract (“currency forward”) involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts may be bought or sold to protect against an adverse change in the relationship between currencies or to increase exposure to a particular foreign currency.

Certain currency forwards may be individually negotiated and privately traded, exposing them to credit and counterparty risks. The precise matching of the currency forward amounts and the value of the instruments denominated in the corresponding currencies will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Currency forwards are subject to the risk of political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying currency forwards. As a result, available information may not be complete.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund16Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Some currency forwards may be classified as non-deliverable forwards (“NDFs”). NDFs are cash-settled, forward contracts that may be thinly traded. NDFs are commonly quoted for time periods of one month up to two years, and are normally quoted and settled in U.S. dollars, but may be settled in other currencies. They are often used to gain exposure to or hedge exposure to foreign currencies that are not internationally traded.

Cross-hedging may be done by using currency forwards in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of instruments denominated in a different currency (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency). Use of a different foreign currency (for hedging or non-hedging purposes) magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

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. Cross-currency swaps are interest rate swaps in which the notional amount upon which the fixed interest rate is accrued is denominated in one currency and the notional amount upon which the floating rate is accrued is denominated in another currency. The notional amounts are typically determined based on the spot exchange rate at the inception of the trade.

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

Under a CDS, the protection “buyer” in a credit default contract is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract, provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference instrument has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the reference instrument in exchange for an equal face amount of the reference instrument described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. The Fund’s obligations under a CDS will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund).

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

Total Return Swaps. A total return swap is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of a referenced asset during the specified period, in return for periodic payments from the other party that are based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return of the referenced asset or another referenced asset. Total return swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market.

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

Unscheduled prepayments of asset-backed securities may result in a loss of income if the proceeds are invested in lower-yielding securities. Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many asset-backed securities, which increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. In addition, issuers of asset-backed securities may have limited ability to enforce the security interest in the underlying assets, and credit enhancements (if any) may be inadequate in the event of default. Asset-backed securities may experience losses on the underlying assets as a result of certain rights provided to consumer debtors under federal

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund17Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

and state law. The value of asset-backed securities may be affected by the factors described above and other factors, such as interest rate risk, the availability of information concerning the pool and its structure, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the underlying assets or the entities providing credit enhancements and the ability of the servicer to service the underlying collateral. The value of asset-backed securities representing interests in a pool of utilities receivables may be adversely affected by changes in government regulations. Under certain market conditions, asset-backed securities may be less liquid and may be difficult to value. If a structured asset-backed security is subordinated to other classes backed by the same pool of collateral, the likelihood that it will make payments of principal may be substantially limited.

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

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

MBS issued by non-government entities are subject to the risks that the underlying mortgage borrowers fail to make timely payments of interest and principal and that any guarantee or other structural feature, if present, is insufficient to enable the timely payment of interest and principal on the MBS. Although certain MBS are guaranteed as to timely payment of interest and principal by a government-sponsored entity, the market price for such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate.

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

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

Mortgage dollar rolls involve the Fund selling MBS for delivery in the current month with a simultaneous contract entered to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date (a “mortgage roll”). During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the MBS.

MBS that include loans that have had a history of refinancing opportunities are referred to as “seasoned MBS.” MBS that are not seasoned MBS are referred to as generic MBS. Seasoned MBS tend to have a higher collateral to debt ratio than other MBS because a greater percentage of the underlying debt has been repaid and the collateral property may have appreciated in value. MBS may be “premium bonds” acquired at prices that exceed their par or principal value.

Stripped Securities. Stripped Securities (“Strips”) are usually structured with classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from an underlying asset or pool of assets. Some structures may have a class that receives only interest from the underlying assets, interest-only (“IO”) class, while another class may receive only principal, principal-only (“PO”) class. IO and PO Strips may be purchased for their return and/or hedging characteristics. Because of their structure, IO Strips may move differently than typical fixed-income securities in relation to changes in interest rates. In addition to Strips issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, Strips may also be issued by private originators or investors, including depository institutions, banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of these entities.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund18Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Strips are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates because these changes may impact the frequency of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets or pool of underlying assets. While the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities may guarantee the full repayment of principal on Strips they issue, repayment of interest is guaranteed only while the underlying assets or pools of assets are outstanding. IO Strips tend to decrease in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and increase in value if prepayments are less than anticipated. Conversely, PO Strips tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are less than anticipated. To the extent the Fund invests in Strips, rapid changes in the rate of prepayments may have a measurably adverse effect on the Fund’s performance. In addition, the secondary market for Strips may be less liquid than that for other securities.

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

CMBS are subject to the risks described under “Asset-Backed Securities” above. CMBS also are subject to many of the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans and are therefore different from the risks of other types of mortgage-backed securities. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of tenants to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit a greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. For the purposes of the Fund's industry concentration policy, CMBS will be categorized based on the underlying assets of the CMBS (retail, office, warehouse, multifamily, defeased collateral, etc.).

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

Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement is the purchase by the Fund of securities from a counterparty in exchange for cash that is coupled with an agreement to resell those securities to the counterparty at a specified date and price. Repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days will be treated as illiquid. When a repurchase agreement is entered into, the Fund typically receives securities with a value that equals or exceeds the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the agreement. The value of such securities will be marked to market daily, and cash or additional securities will be exchanged between the parties as needed. Except in the case of a repurchase agreement entered into to settle a short sale, the value of the securities delivered to the Fund will be at least equal to 90% of such repurchase price during the term of the repurchase agreement. The terms of a repurchase agreement entered into to settle a short sale may provide that the cash purchase price paid by the Fund is more than the value of purchased securities that effectively collateralize the repurchase price payable by the counterparty. Since in such a transaction the Fund normally will have used the purchased securities to settle the short sale, the Fund will segregate liquid assets equal to the marked to market value of the purchased securities that it is obligated to return to the counterparty under the repurchase agreement.

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

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund transfers possession of a security to a counterparty, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the security at an agreed upon time (normally within seven days) and price, which reflects an interest payment. The Fund may enter into such agreements when it believes it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase the Fund’s earned income. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements as a means of raising cash to satisfy redemption requests without the necessity of selling portfolio holdings.

In the event of the insolvency of the counterparty to a reverse repurchase agreement, recovery of the securities sold by the Fund may be delayed. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the counterparty’s insolvency may result in a loss equal to the amount by which the value of the securities sold by the Fund exceeds the repurchase price payable by the Fund. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the securities sold to the counterparty or the securities which the Fund purchases with the proceeds under the agreement would affect the value of the Fund’s assets. As a result, such agreements may increase fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. Because reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be a form of borrowing by the Fund (and a loan from the counterparty), they constitute leverage.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund19Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Municipal Obligations. Municipal obligations include bonds, notes, floating-rate notes and commercial paper issued by a municipality, a group of municipalities or participants in qualified issues of municipal debt for a wide variety of both public and private purposes. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source such as payments from the user of the facility being financed. Municipal obligations also include municipal leases and participations in municipal leases. An issuer’s obligation under municipal leases is often subject to the appropriation by a legislative body, on an annual or other basis, of funds for the payment of the obligations.

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

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

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

The interest on tax-exempt municipal obligations is (in the opinion of the issuer’s counsel) exempt from regular federal income and state or local taxes, as applicable. Income from certain types of municipal obligations generally will be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (the “AMT”) for individuals. The Fund may not be suitable for investors subject to the AMT.

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

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

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

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

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund20Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

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

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.

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

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

Bonds and preferred stocks that make “in-kind” payments and other securities that do not pay regular income distributions may experience greater volatility in response to interest rate changes and issuer developments. PIK securities generally involve significantly greater credit risk than coupon loans because the Fund receives no cash payments until the maturity date or a specified cash payment date. Even if accounting conditions are met for accruing income payable at a future date under a PIK bond, the issuer could still default when the collection date occurs at the maturity of or payment date for the PIK bond. PIK bonds may be difficult to value accurately because they involve ongoing judgments as to the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. If the issuer of a PIK security defaults, the Fund may lose its entire investment.

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

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

Preferred stocks are subject to issuer-specific and market risks generally applicable to equity securities and credit and interest rate risks generally applicable to fixed-income securities. The value of preferred stock may react more strongly than bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred stocks are considered an equity security.

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.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund21Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

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.

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. Hybrid securities generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights. 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.

Because hybrid securities have both debt and equity characteristics, their values vary in response to many factors, including issuer-specific events, credit spreads and, for convertible securities, factors affecting the securities into which they convert. 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.

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

The yield on a comparable security when the transaction is consummated may vary from the yield on the security at the time that the forward commitment or when-issued transaction was made. From the time of entering into the transaction until delivery and payment is made at a later date, the securities that are the subject of the transaction are subject to market fluctuations. In forward commitment or when-issued transactions, if the seller or buyer, as the case may be, fails to consummate the transaction, the counterparty may miss the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Forward commitment or when-issued transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due. No payment or delivery is made, however, until payment is received or delivery is made from the other party to the transaction. These transactions may create leverage in the Fund.

Pooled Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest in pooled investment vehicles. Pooled investment vehicles are open- and closed-end investment companies unaffiliated with the investment adviser, open-end investment companies affiliated with the investment adviser and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and expenses paid by unaffiliated and certain affiliated pooled investment vehicles in which it invests. If such fees exceed 0.01%, the costs associated with such investments will be reflected under Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses in the Fund’s Annual Fund Operating Expenses table(s) in its Fund Summary. Requirements of the 1940 Act may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in other investment companies, including ETFs, unless the investment company has received an exemptive order from the SEC on which the Fund may rely. Investments in a pooled investment vehicle will be included in satisfying the Fund's 80% Policy if the vehicle invests at least 80% of its net assets in the type of securities included in the Fund's 80% Policy.

Pooled investment vehicles are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other instruments that they own. The market for common shares of closed-end investment companies and ETFs, which are generally traded on an exchange and may be traded at a premium or discount to net asset value, is affected by the demand for those securities, regardless of the value of such fund’s underlying securities. In addition, the Fund will bear a pro rata portion of the operating expenses of a pooled investment vehicle in which it invests.

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

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

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund22Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Borrowing. The Fund is permitted to borrow for temporary purposes (such as to satisfy redemption requests, to remain fully invested in anticipation of expected cash inflows and to settle transactions). Any borrowings by the Fund are subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act. Borrowings are also subject to the terms of any credit agreement between the Fund and lender(s). Fund borrowings may be equal to as much as 331/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including such borrowings) less the Fund’s liabilities (other than borrowings). The Fund will not purchase additional investment securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.

In addition, the Fund will be required to maintain a specified level of asset coverage with respect to all borrowings and may be required to sell some of its holdings to reduce debt and restore coverage at times when it may not be advantageous to do so. The rights of the lender to receive payments of interest and repayments of principal of any borrowings made by the Fund under a credit facility are senior to the rights of holders of shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation. In the event of a default under a credit arrangement, the lenders may have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell Fund assets) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds. Inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds) are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond is adjusted in response to changes in the level of inflation. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, and therefore, the principal amount of such bonds cannot be reduced below par even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of these bonds is not guaranteed and will fluctuate, reflecting the risk of changes in their yields. In certain jurisdictions outside the United States, the repayment of the original bond principal upon the maturity of an inflation-indexed bond is not guaranteed, allowing for the amount of the bond repaid at maturity to be less than par. The interest rate for inflation-indexed bonds is fixed at issuance as a percentage of this adjustable principal. Accordingly, the actual interest income may both rise and fall as the principal amount of the bonds adjusts in response to movements in the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation.

The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates (i.e. the rate of interest after allowing for inflation). If the index measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds (other than municipal inflation-indexed bonds and certain corporate inflation-indexed bonds) will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

Leverage. Certain types of Fund transactions may give rise to economic leverage, which represents a non-cash exposure to the underlying asset, index, rate or instrument. Leverage can increase both the risk and return potential of the Fund.

The Fund is required to segregate liquid assets or otherwise cover the Fund’s obligation created by a transaction that may give rise to leverage. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements. Leverage may cause the Fund’s share price to be more volatile than if it had not been leveraged, as certain types of leverage may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The loss on leveraged investments may substantially exceed the initial investment.

Equity Securities. Equity securities include: common stocks; preferred stocks, including convertible and contingent convertible preferred stocks; equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures and other unincorporated entities or enterprises; depositary receipts, rights and warrants in underlying equity interests; and other securities that are treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund cannot predict the income it might receive from equity securities because issuers generally have discretion as to the payment of any dividends or distributions.

The value of equity securities and related instruments may decline in response to adverse changes in the economy or the economic outlook; deterioration in investor sentiment; interest rate, currency, and commodity price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer- and sector-specific considerations; and other factors. Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks to a greater extent than other types of stocks. If the stock market declines, the value of Fund shares will also likely decline. Although stock prices can rebound, there is no assurance that values will return to previous levels.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund23Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest in securities that are legally restricted as to resale (such as those issued in private placements), including commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A thereunder. The Fund may incur additional expense when disposing of restricted securities, including all or a portion of the cost to register the securities. The Fund also may acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities that are in addition to applicable legal restrictions.

Restricted securities may be difficult to value properly and may involve greater risks than securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. It may be difficult to sell restricted securities at a price representing fair value until such time as the securities may be sold publicly. Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when the investment adviser believes it advisable to do so or may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. Holdings of restricted securities may increase the level of Fund illiquidity if eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing them. Restricted securities may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which may result in substantial losses.

Structured Credit Investments. The Fund will make structured credit investments by investing in collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The interests in the CLO trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk, maturity, payment priority and yield. The Fund may invest in any tranche of a CLO excluding the equity tranche.  Each tranche is entitled to scheduled debt payments from the underlying loans and assumes the risk of a default by the underlying loans.  The Fund will indirectly bear any management fees and expenses incurred by a CLO.

Cash and Money Market Instruments. The Fund may invest in cash or money market instruments, including high quality short-term instruments or an affiliated investment company that invests in such instruments. During unusual market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or money market instruments temporarily, which may be inconsistent with its investment objective(s) and other policies.

Money market instruments may be adversely affected by market and economic events, such as a sharp rise in prevailing short-term interest rates; adverse developments in the banking industry, which issues or guarantees many money market instruments; adverse economic, political or other developments affecting issuers of money market instruments; changes in the credit quality of issuers; and default by a counterparty.

Liquidity Risk. The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of a market maker, or legal restrictions impair the Fund’s ability to sell particular investments or close derivative positions at an advantageous market price. Trading opportunities are also more limited for securities and other instruments that are not widely held or are traded in less developed markets. These factors may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Consequently, the Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell other investments to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on the Fund’s performance. It also may be more difficult to value such investments. These effects may be exacerbated during times of financial or political stress. Increased Fund redemption activity also may increase liquidity risk due to the need of the Fund to sell portfolio investments and may negatively impact Fund performance.

The Fund will not acquire any illiquid investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund will have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Illiquid investments means any investments that the Fund’s investment adviser reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in seven calendar days or less under then-current market conditions without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.

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

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and other institutional borrowers. During the existence of a loan, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the securities loaned, or all or a portion of the interest on investment of the collateral, if any. The Fund may pay lending fees to such borrowers. Loans will only be made to firms that have been approved by the investment adviser, and the

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund24Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

investment adviser or the securities lending agent will periodically monitor the financial condition of such firms while such loans are outstanding. Securities loans will only be made when the investment adviser believes that the expected returns, net of expenses, justify the attendant risks. Securities loans currently are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents (such as money market instruments) or other liquid securities held by the custodian and maintained in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The Fund may engage in securities lending for total return as well as income, and may invest the collateral received from loans in investments in which the Fund may invest. The Fund may pay lending fees to borrowers. Upon return of the loaned securities, the Fund would be required to return the related collateral to the borrower and may be required to liquidate portfolio securities in order to do so. The Fund may lend up to one-third of the value of its total assets or such other amount as may be permitted by law.

As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the securities loaned if the borrower of the securities fails financially. To the extent that the portfolio securities acquired with such collateral have decreased in value, it may result in the Fund realizing a loss at a time when it would not otherwise do so. As such, securities lending may introduce leverage into the Fund. The Fund also may incur losses if the returns on securities that it acquires with cash collateral are less than the applicable rebate rates paid to borrowers and related administrative costs.

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 (BBA). LIBOR is the most common benchmark interest rate index used to make adjustments to variable-rate loans. It is used throughout global banking and financial industries to determine interest rates for a variety of financial instruments (such as debt instruments and derivatives) and borrowing arrangements.

The use of LIBOR started to come under pressure following manipulation allegations in 2012. Despite increased regulation and other corrective actions since that time, concerns have arisen regarding its viability as a benchmark, due largely to reduced activity in the financial markets that it measures. 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 by the end of 2021.

Although the period from the FCA announcement until the end of 2021 is generally expected to be enough time for market participants to transition to the use of a different benchmark for new securities and transactions, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the specific replacement rate or rates. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the financial instruments utilized by the Fund cannot yet be determined. The transition process may involve, among other things, increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR. The transition may also result in a change in (i) the value of certain instruments held by the Fund, (ii) the cost of [temporary borrowing/borrowing (FRAF only)] for the Fund, or (iii) the effectiveness of related Fund transactions such as hedges, as applicable. When LIBOR is discontinued, the LIBOR replacement rate may be lower than market expectations, which could have an adverse impact on the value of preferred and debt-securities with floating or fixed-to-floating rate coupons. Any such effects of the transition away from LIBOR, as well as other unforeseen effects, could result in losses to the Fund. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.

Various financial industry groups have begun 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 Funding Rate (“SOFR”), which is intended to be a broad measure of secured overnight U.S. Treasury repo rates, as an appropriate replacement for LIBOR. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York began publishing the SOFR earlier in 2018, with the expectation that it could be used on a voluntary basis in new instruments and transactions. Bank working groups and regulators in other countries have suggested other alternatives for their markets, including the Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate (“SONIA”) in England.

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. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through “hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cybersecurity failures or breaches by the 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, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value,

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund25Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. While various 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. Furthermore, 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.

General.  The Fund's 80% Policy will not be changed unless shareholders are given at least 60 days' advance written notice of the change. Unless otherwise stated, the Fund's investment objective and certain other policies may be changed without shareholder approval. Any proposed material change in the investment objective will be submitted to shareholders for their approval. The Fund might not use all of the strategies and techniques or invest in all of the types of securities described in this Prospectus or the SAI. While at times the Fund may use alternative investment strategies in an effort to limit its losses, it may choose not to do so.

The Fund’s annual operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets and may change as Fund assets increase and decrease over time. Purchase and redemption activities by Fund shareholders may impact the management of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, the redemption by one or more large shareholders or groups of shareholders of their holdings in the Fund could have an adverse impact on the remaining shareholders in the Fund. Mutual funds, investment advisers, other market participants and many securities markets are subject to rules and regulations and the jurisdiction of one or more regulators.  Changes to applicable rules and regulations could have an adverse effect on securities markets and market participants, as well as on the Fund’s ability to execute its investment strategy. With the increased use of technologies by Fund service providers, such as the Internet, to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to operational, information security and related risks.

Management and Organization

Management. The Fund’s investment adviser is Eaton Vance Management (“Eaton Vance”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., with offices at Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110. Eaton Vance and its predecessor organizations have been managing assets since 1924 and managing mutual funds since 1931. Eaton Vance and its affiliates currently manage over $470 billion on behalf of mutual funds, institutional clients and individuals.

The Fund’s semiannual report covering the fiscal period ended April 30 provides information regarding the basis for the Trustees’ approval of the investment advisory agreement.

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

Eaton Vance manages the investments of the Fund and provides administrative services and related office facilities. Under its investment advisory and administrative agreement, Eaton Vance receives a monthly fee equal to 0.615% annually of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $500 million that are not invested in other investment companies for which Eaton Vance or its affiliates serves as investment adviser or administrator (“Investable Assets”). On Investable Assets of $500 million and over, the annual fee is reduced as follows:

Average Daily Investable Assets Annual Asset Rate
$500 million but less than $1 billion 0.590%
$1 billion but less than $2.5 billion 0.575%
$2.5 billion but less than $5 billion 0.560%
$5 billion and over 0.545%

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, the Fund’s investment advisory and administrative fee, including the investment adviser fee allocated from certain of the underlying funds in which the Fund invested, was 0.36% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Justin H. Bourgette, John Redding, Jeffrey D. Mueller and Kelley Baccei are the Fund’s portfolio managers. Ms. Baccei and Messrs. Bourgette and Redding are Vice Presidents of Eaton Vance and have been employed by Eaton Vance for more than five years. Mr. Mueller is a Vice President of EVAIL. Prior to November 1, 2017, Mr. Mueller held similar positions at Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (“EVMI”). Prior to joining EVMI as a Vice President in March 2015, Mr. Mueller was a High Yield Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst for Threadneedle Asset Management (2009-2015).

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund26Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by each portfolio manager, and each portfolio manager’s ownership of Fund shares.

Eaton Vance provides sub-transfer agency and related services to Eaton Vance mutual funds pursuant to a Sub-Transfer Agency Support Services Agreement. For its services under the agreement, Eaton Vance receives an aggregate fee from such funds equal to its actual expenses incurred in performing such services.

Manager of Managers. Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust, on behalf of its series (including the Fund), and Eaton Vance expect to apply for an exemptive order from the SEC that would permit Eaton Vance and the Fund, subject to the approval of the Board, to enter into and materially amend investment sub-advisory agreements with sub-advisers that are either unaffiliated with Eaton Vance or are directly or indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp. (“Permitted Sub-Advisers”) without seeking the approval of the Fund’s shareholders. Assuming the exemptive relief is granted, Eaton Vance may in the future hire, terminate and replace Permitted Sub-Advisers in reliance on the exemptive order and meeting certain conditions expected to be set forth in the order. The Fund would furnish shareholders with information about new Permitted Sub-Advisers retained in reliance on the exemptive order within 90 days of the hiring of a new Permitted Sub-Adviser. Under this “manager of managers” structure, Eaton Vance would remain responsible for recommending the hiring, termination, and replacement of the Permitted Sub-Advisers and for overseeing the Permitted Sub-Advisers, subject to the oversight of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. A manager of managers structure does not permit investment management fees paid by the Fund to Eaton Vance to be increased without shareholder approval, nor does it lessen Eaton Vance’s responsibilities to the Fund, including the overall responsibility for the portfolio management services furnished by a Permitted Sub-Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund approved the Fund’s use of this proposed structure at a special meeting of shareholders and, if the order is granted, the Fund and Eaton Vance intend to rely on the exemptive order without seeking additional shareholder approval. If the order is granted, this would provide the Fund with greater flexibility and efficiency by allowing the Fund to avoid the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of such Permitted Sub-Adviser agreements. There is no guarantee that the SEC will grant the requested exemptive relief or grant the requested exemptive relief on the terms and conditions expected by Eaton Vance.

Organization. The Fund is a series of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust, a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund offers multiple classes of shares. Each Class represents a pro rata interest in the Fund but is subject to different expenses and rights. The Fund does not hold annual shareholder meetings but may hold special meetings for matters that require shareholder approval (such as electing or removing trustees, approving management or advisory contracts or changing investment policies that may only be changed with shareholder approval).

Valuing Shares

The Fund values its shares once each day only when the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open for trading (typically Monday through Friday), as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time). If trading on the Exchange is halted for the day before the scheduled close of regular trading the Fund’s net asset value per share generally will still be calculated as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the Exchange. The purchase price of Fund shares is their net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge), which is derived from the value of Fund holdings. When purchasing or redeeming Fund shares through a financial intermediary, your financial intermediary must receive your order by the close of regular trading on the Exchange in order for the purchase price or the redemption price to be based on that day’s net asset value per share. It is the financial intermediary’s responsibility to transmit orders promptly. The Fund may accept purchase and redemption orders as of the time of their receipt by certain financial intermediaries (or their designated intermediaries).

The Trustees have adopted procedures for valuing investments and have delegated to the investment adviser(s) the daily valuation of such investments. Pursuant to the procedures, independent pricing services are used to value most loans and debt obligations at their market value. In determining market value, the pricing service for loans considers information obtained from broker-dealers and the pricing service for debt obligations considers various factors and market information relating to debt obligations. Exchange-listed securities and other instruments (including derivatives) normally are valued at last sale or closing prices. Non-exchange traded derivatives are normally valued on the basis of quotes obtained from brokers and dealers or pricing services. Such values may be based on valuation models, information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield or market data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics.  In certain situations, the investment adviser(s) may use the fair value of a security or a loan if a security or a loan is not priced by a pricing service, a pricing service’s price is deemed unreliable, or if events occur after the close of a securities market (usually a foreign market) and before portfolio assets are valued which would materially affect net asset value. In addition, for foreign equity securities and total return swaps and futures contracts on foreign indices that meet certain criteria, the Trustees have approved the use of a fair value service that values such securities to reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair valued securities. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign loans and securities trade on days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of securities held can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. Eaton Vance has established a Valuation Committee that oversees the valuation of investments.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund27Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Purchasing Shares

Set forth below is information about the manner in which the Fund offers shares. A financial intermediary may offer Fund shares subject to variations in or elimination of the Fund sales charges (“variations”), provided such variations are described in this Prospectus. All variations described in Appendix A are applied by, and the responsibility of, the identified financial intermediary. Sales charge variations may apply to purchases, sales, exchanges and reinvestments of Fund shares and a shareholder transacting in Fund shares through an intermediary identified on Appendix A should read the terms and conditions of Appendix A carefully. See also “Shareholder Account Features – ‘Street Name’ Accounts.” For the variations applicable to shares offered through certain financial intermediaries, please see Appendix A – Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations. A variation that is specific to a particular financial intermediary is not applicable to shares held directly with the Fund or through another intermediary.

You may purchase shares through your financial intermediary or by mailing an account application form to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). Purchase orders will be executed at the net asset value (plus any applicable sales charge) next determined after their receipt in proper form (meaning that the order is complete and contains all necessary information) by the Fund’s transfer agent. The Fund’s transfer agent or your financial intermediary must receive your purchase in proper form no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) for your purchase to be effected at that day’s net asset value. If you purchase shares through a financial intermediary, that intermediary may charge you a fee for executing the purchase for you.

The Fund may suspend the sale of its shares at any time and any purchase order may be refused for any reason. The funds sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization (the “Eaton Vance funds”) generally do not accept investments from residents of the European Union or Switzerland.  The funds also do not accept investments from other non-U.S. residents, provided that a fund may accept investments from certain non-U.S. investors at the discretion of the principal underwriter. The Fund does not issue share certificates.

As used throughout this Prospectus, the term “employer sponsored retirement plan” includes the following: an employer sponsored pension or profit sharing plan that qualifies under section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as a 401(k) plan, money purchase pension, profit sharing and defined benefit plan); ERISA covered 403(b) plan; Taft-Hartley multi-employer plan; and non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements that operate in a similar manner to a qualified retirement plan (including 457 plans and executive deferred compensation arrangements). Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) are not employer sponsored retirement plans for purposes of this definition.

Class A and Class C Shares

Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. After your initial investment, additional investments may be made in any amount at any time by sending a check payable to the order of the Fund or the transfer agent directly to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). Please include your name and account number and the name of the Fund and Class of shares with each investment. The Fund no longer accepts direct purchases of Class C shares by accounts for which no broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is specified. Any direct purchase received by the Fund's transfer agent for Class C shares for such accounts will automatically be invested in Class A shares.

The minimum initial investment amount and Fund policy of redeeming accounts with low account balances are waived for bank automated investing accounts, certain group purchase plans (including employer sponsored retirement plans and proprietary fee-based programs sponsored by financial intermediaries) and for persons affiliated with Eaton Vance, its affiliates and certain Fund service providers (as described in the SAI).

Class I Shares

Your initial investment must be at least $250,000, except as noted below. Class I shares are offered to clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations and employer sponsored retirement plans. Class I shares may also be available through brokerage platforms of broker-dealer firms that have agreements with the Fund’s principal underwriter to offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor acquiring Class I shares through such platforms may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. The Fund offers other share classes that have different fees and expenses.  Class I shares also are offered to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates and certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund28Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

The Class I minimum initial investment is waived for persons affiliated with Eaton Vance, its affiliates and certain Fund service providers (as described in the SAI). The minimum initial investment also is waived for: (i) permitted exchanges; (ii) employer sponsored retirement plans; (iii) corporations, endowments and foundations with assets of at least $100 million; (iv) Class I shares purchased through the brokerage platforms described above; and (v) accounts of clients of financial intermediaries who (a) charge an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (b) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform (in each case, as described above), provided the total value of such accounts invested in Class I shares of Eaton Vance funds is at least $250,000 (or is anticipated by the principal underwriter to reach $250,000).

Class I shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary or by requesting your bank to transmit immediately available funds (Federal Funds) by wire. To make an initial investment by wire, you must complete an account application and telephone Eaton Vance Shareholder Services at 1-800-262-1122 to be assigned an account number. You may request an account application by calling 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time). Shareholder Services must be advised by telephone of each additional investment by wire.

Class R6 Shares

Class R6 shares are offered to employer sponsored retirement plans held in plan level or omnibus accounts; endowments; foundations; local, city, and state governmental institutions; corporations; charitable trusts; trust companies; private banks and their affiliates; and insurance companies; clients of Eaton Vance Investment Counsel; and investment companies. In order to offer Class R6 shares to investors other than employer sponsored retirement plans, a financial intermediary must enter into a written agreement with the Fund’s principal underwriter to offer such shares.

There is no initial investment minimum for: employer sponsored retirement plans; private banks and their affiliates, provided the aggregate value of their assets under management invested in Eaton Vance funds is at least $1,000,000; and investment companies sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization. For all other eligible investors, the initial investment must be at least $1,000,000. Subsequent investments of any amount may be made at any time. Please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time) for further information.

Class R6 shares may be purchased through a financial intermediary or by requesting your bank to transmit immediately available funds (Federal Funds) by wire. To make an initial investment by wire, you must complete an account application and telephone Eaton Vance Shareholder Services at 1-800-262-1122 to be assigned an account number. You may request an account application by calling 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time). Shareholder Services must be advised by telephone of each additional investment by wire.

Subsequent Investments. Subsequent investments of any amount may be made at any time, including through automatic investment each month or quarter from your bank account. You may make automatic investments of $50 or more each month or each quarter from your bank account provided such investments equal a minimum of $200 per year. You can establish bank automated investing on the account application or by providing written instructions to the Fund’s transfer agent. Please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time) for further information.

You also may make additional investments by accessing your account via the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com. The trade date of purchases made through the Internet from a pre-designated bank account will be the day the purchase is requested through the Eaton Vance website (provided the request is on a business day and submitted no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange). For more information about purchasing shares through the Internet, please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time).

Inactive Accounts. In accordance with state “unclaimed property” (also known as “escheatment”) laws, your Fund shares may legally be considered abandoned and required to be transferred to the relevant state if no account activity or contact with the Fund or your financial intermediary occurs within a specified period of time. Please initiate contact a least once per calendar year and maintain a current and valid mailing address on record for your account. For more information, please see https://funds.eatonvance.com/mutual-funds-and-abandoned-property.php or please contact us at 1-800-262-1122.

Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing. The Fund is not intended for excessive trading or market timing. Market timers seek to profit by rapidly switching money into a fund when they expect the share price of the fund to rise and taking money out of the fund when they expect those prices to fall. By realizing profits through short-term trading, shareholders that engage in rapid purchases and sales (including exchanges, if permitted) of a fund’s shares may dilute the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. Volatility resulting from excessive purchases and sales of fund shares, especially involving large dollar amounts, may disrupt efficient portfolio management. In particular, excessive purchases and sales of a fund’s shares may cause a fund to have difficulty implementing its investment strategies, may force the fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times to raise cash or may cause increased expenses (such as increased brokerage costs, realization of taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage or increased administrative costs).

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund29Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

A fund that invests all or a portion of its assets in foreign securities may be susceptible to a time zone arbitrage strategy in which shareholders attempt to take advantage of fund share prices that may not reflect developments in a foreign securities market that occur after the close of such market but prior to the pricing of fund shares. In addition, a fund that invests in securities that are, among other things, thinly traded, traded infrequently or illiquid, is susceptible to the risk that the current market price for such securities may not accurately reflect current market values. A shareholder may seek to engage in short-term trading to take advantage of these pricing differences (commonly referred to as “price arbitrage”). The investment adviser is authorized to use the fair value of a security if prices are unavailable or are deemed unreliable (see “Valuing Shares”). The use of fair value pricing and the restrictions on excessive trading and market timing described below are intended to reduce a shareholder’s ability to engage in price or time zone arbitrage to the detriment of the Fund.

The Boards of the Eaton Vance funds have adopted policies to discourage short-term trading and market timing and to seek to minimize their potentially detrimental effects. Pursuant to these policies, an Eaton Vance fund shareholder who, through one or more accounts, completes two round-trips within 90 days generally will be deemed to be market timing or trading excessively in fund shares.  “Two round-trips within 90 days” means either (1) a purchase of fund shares followed by a redemption of fund shares followed by a purchase followed by a redemption or (2) a redemption of fund shares followed by a purchase of fund shares followed by a redemption followed by a purchase, in either case with the final transaction in the sequence occurring within 90 days of the initial transaction in the sequence.  Purchases and redemptions subject to the limitation include those made by exchanging to or from another fund. Under the policies, the Fund or its sub-transfer agent or principal underwriter will reject or cancel a purchase order, suspend or terminate an exchange privilege or terminate the ability of an investor to invest in the Eaton Vance funds if the Fund or the principal underwriter determines that a proposed transaction involves market timing or excessive trading that it believes is likely to be detrimental to the Fund. The Fund and its principal underwriter use reasonable efforts to detect market timing and excessive trading activity, but they cannot ensure that they will be able to identify all cases of market timing and excessive trading. The Fund or its principal underwriter may also reject or cancel any purchase order (including an exchange) from an investor or group of investors for any other reason. Decisions to reject or cancel purchase orders (including exchanges) in the Fund are inherently subjective and will be made in a manner believed to be in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. No Eaton Vance fund has any arrangement to permit market timing.

The following fund share transactions (to the extent permitted by a fund’s prospectus) generally are exempt from the market timing and excessive trading policy described above because they generally do not raise market timing or excessive trading concerns:

·transactions made pursuant to a systematic purchase plan or as the result of automatic reinvestment of dividends or distributions, or initiated by the Fund (e.g., for failure to meet applicable account minimums);
·transactions made by participants in employer sponsored retirement plans involving participant payroll or employer contributions or loan repayments, redemptions as part of plan terminations or at the direction of the plan, mandatory retirement distributions, or rollovers;
·transactions made by model-based discretionary advisory accounts; or
·transactions made by an Eaton Vance fund that is structured as a “fund-of-funds,” provided the transactions are in response to fund inflows and outflows or are part of a reallocation of fund assets in accordance with its investment policies.

It may be difficult for the Fund or the principal underwriter to identify market timing or excessive trading in omnibus accounts traded through financial intermediaries. The Fund and the principal underwriter have provided guidance to financial intermediaries (such as banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies and retirement administrators) concerning the application of the Eaton Vance funds’ market timing and excessive trading policies to Fund shares held in omnibus accounts maintained and administered by such intermediaries, including guidance concerning situations where market timing or excessive trading is considered to be detrimental to the Fund. The Fund or its principal underwriter may rely on a financial intermediary’s policy to restrict market timing and excessive trading if it believes that policy is likely to prevent market timing that is likely to be detrimental to the Fund. Such policy may be more or less restrictive than the Fund’s policy. Although the Fund or the principal underwriter reviews trading activity at the omnibus account level for activity that indicates potential market timing or excessive trading activity, the Fund and the principal underwriter typically will not request or receive individual account data unless suspicious trading activity is identified. The Fund and the principal underwriter generally rely on financial intermediaries to monitor trading activity in omnibus accounts in good faith in accordance with their own or Fund policies. The Fund and the principal underwriter cannot ensure that these financial intermediaries will in all cases apply the policies of the Fund or their own policies, as the case may be, to accounts under their control.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund30Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Choosing a Share Class. The Fund offers different classes of shares. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses and privileges, and will likely have different share prices due to differences in class expenses. A share class also may be subject to a sales charge. In choosing the class of shares that suits your investment needs, you should consider:

·how long you expect to own your shares;
·how much you intend to invest; and
·the total operating expenses associated with owning each class.

Each investor’s considerations are different. You should speak with your financial intermediary to help you decide which class of shares to purchase. Set forth below is a brief description of each class of shares offered by the Fund.

Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a front-end sales charge of up to 4.75%. This charge is deducted from the amount you invest. The Class A sales charge is reduced for purchases of $50,000 or more. The sales charge applicable to your purchase may be reduced under the right of accumulation or a statement of intention, which are described in “Reducing or Eliminating Class A Sales Charges” under “Sales Charges” below. Some investors may be eligible to purchase Class A shares at net asset value under certain circumstances, which are also described below. Class A shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 0.25% annually of average daily net assets.

Class C shares are offered through financial intermediaries at net asset value with no front-end sales charge. If you sell your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you generally will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge or “CDSC.” The CDSC is deducted from your redemption proceeds. Under certain circumstances, the CDSC for Class C may be waived (such as certain redemptions from employer sponsored retirement plans). See “CDSC Waivers” under “Sales Charges” below. Class C shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 1.00% annually of average daily net assets. Orders for Class C shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds will be refused when the total value of the purchase (including the aggregate market value of all Eaton Vance fund shares held within the purchasing shareholder’s account(s)) is $1 million or more. Investors considering cumulative purchases of $1 million or more should consider whether another Class of shares would be more appropriate and consult their financial intermediary. The Fund no longer accepts direct purchases of Class C shares by accounts for which no broker-dealer or other financial intermediary is specified. Any direct purchase received by the Fund’s transfer agent for Class C shares for such accounts will automatically be invested in Class A shares. In addition, Class C shares held in an account for which no financial intermediary is specified and which are not subject to a CDSC will periodically be converted to Class A shares.

Class I shares are offered to clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge such clients an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class I shares through a no-load network or platform. Such clients may include individuals, corporations, endowments, foundations and employer sponsored retirement plans. Class I shares may also be available through brokerage platforms of broker-dealer firms that have agreements with the Fund’s principal underwriter to offer Class I shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor acquiring Class I shares through such platforms may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Class I shares are also offered to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates, and certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance (including employees, officers and directors of Eaton Vance’s affiliates). Class I shares do not pay distribution or service fees.

Class R6 shares are offered at net asset value to employer sponsored retirement plans and certain other investors as described under “Class R6 Shares” above. Class R6 shares are not subject to distribution fees, service fees or sub-accounting/recordkeeping or similar fees paid to financial intermediaries.

Payments to Financial Intermediaries. In addition to payments disclosed under “Sales Charges” below, the principal underwriter, out of its own resources, may make cash payments to certain financial intermediaries who provide marketing support, transaction processing and/or administrative services and, in some cases, include some or all Eaton Vance funds in preferred or specialized selling programs. Payments made by the principal underwriter to a financial intermediary may be significant and are typically in the form of fees based on Fund sales, assets, transactions processed and/or accounts attributable to that financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries also may receive amounts from the principal underwriter in connection with educational or due diligence meetings that include information concerning Eaton Vance funds. The principal underwriter may pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to financial intermediaries to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

Certain financial intermediaries that maintain fund accounts for the benefit of their customers provide sub-accounting, recordkeeping and/or administrative services to the Eaton Vance funds and are compensated for such services by the funds, provided that no such compensation is paid with respect to Class R6 shares. As used in this Prospectus, the term “financial intermediary” includes any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust departments), registered investment adviser, financial planner, a retirement plan and/or its administrator, their designated intermediaries and any other firm having a selling, administration or similar agreement with the principal underwriter or its affiliates.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund31Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Sales Charges

Class A Front-End Sales Charge. Class A shares are offered at net asset value per share plus a sales charge that is determined by the amount of your investment. The current sales charge schedule is:

Amount of Purchase Sales Charge*
as Percentage of
Offering Price
Sales Charge*
as Percentage of Net
Amount Invested
Dealer Commission
as a Percentage of
Offering Price
Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 3.75%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.50%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 but less than $5,000,000 0.00** 0.00** TIERED**
$5,000,000 or more 0.00** 0.00** TIERED**
*Because the offering price per share is rounded to two decimal places, the actual sales charge you pay on a purchase of Class A shares may be more or less than your total purchase amount multiplied by the applicable sales charge percentage.
**No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1 million or more. The principal underwriter will pay a commission to financial intermediaries on sales of $1 million or more as follows: 0.75% on amounts of $1 million or more but less than $5 million; plus 0.50% on amounts of $5 million or more. A CDSC of 1.00% will be imposed on such investments (as described below) in the event of redemptions within 18 months of purchase.

Reducing or Eliminating Class A Sales Charges. Front-end sales charges on purchases of Class A shares may be reduced under the right of accumulation or under a statement of intention. To receive a reduced sales charge, you must inform your financial intermediary or the Fund at the time you purchase shares that you qualify for such a reduction. If you do not let your financial intermediary or the Fund know you are eligible for a reduced sales charge at the time of purchase, you will not receive the discount to which you may otherwise be entitled.

Right of Accumulation. Under the right of accumulation, the sales charge you pay is reduced if the current market value of your holdings in the Fund or any other Eaton Vance fund (based on the current maximum public offering price) plus your new purchase total $50,000 or more. Shares owned by you, your spouse and children under age twenty-one may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation, including shares held for the benefit of any of you in omnibus or “street name” accounts. In addition, shares held in a trust or fiduciary account of which any of the foregoing persons is the sole beneficiary (including employer sponsored retirement plans and IRAs) may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation. Shares purchased and/or owned in a SEP, SARSEP and SIMPLE IRA plan may be combined for purposes of the right of accumulation for the plan and its participants. You may be required to provide documentation to establish your ownership of shares included under the right of accumulation (such as account statements for you, your spouse and children or marriage certificates, birth certificates and/or trust or other fiduciary-related documents).

Statement of Intention. Under a statement of intention, purchases of $50,000 or more made over a 13-month period are eligible for reduced sales charges. Shares eligible under the right of accumulation (other than those included in employer sponsored retirement plans) may be included to satisfy the amount to be purchased under a statement of intention. Under a statement of intention, the principal underwriter may hold 5% of the dollar amount to be purchased in escrow in the form of shares registered in your name until you satisfy the statement or the 13-month period expires. A statement of intention does not obligate you to purchase (or the Fund to sell) the full amount indicated in the statement. If during the 13-month period you redeem any of the shares that you purchased pursuant to the statement of intention, the value of the redeemed shares will not be included for purposes of satisfying your statement of intention. For additional information about statements of intention, see “Sales Charges” in the SAI.

Class A shares are offered at net asset value (without a sales charge) to accounts of clients of financial intermediaries who (i) charge an ongoing fee for advisory, investment, consulting or similar services, or (ii) have entered into an agreement with the principal underwriter to offer Class A shares through a no-load network or platform, or self-directed brokerage accounts that may or may not charge transaction fees to customers; or (iii) employer sponsored retirement plans. Class A shares also are offered at net asset value to investment and institutional clients of Eaton Vance and its affiliates; certain persons affiliated with Eaton Vance; direct purchases of shares by accounts where no financial intermediary is specified; and to certain fund service providers as described in the SAI. Class A shares are also offered at net asset value to shareholders who make a permitted direct transfer or roll-over to an Eaton Vance prototype IRA from

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund32Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

an employer-sponsored retirement plan previously invested in Eaton Vance funds (applicable only to the portion previously invested in Eaton Vance funds), provided that sufficient documentation is provided to the transfer agent of such transfer or roll-over at the time of the account opening. Class A shares may also be purchased at net asset value pursuant to the exchange privilege and when distributions are reinvested. A financial intermediary may not, in accordance with its policies and procedures, offer one or more of the waiver categories described above and shareholders should consult their financial intermediary for more information. The Fund may eliminate, modify or add to the terms of these sales charge waivers at any time without providing notice to shareholders.

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.  Class A and Class C shares are subject to a CDSC on certain redemptions. The CDSC generally is paid to the principal underwriter. Class A shares purchased at net asset value in amounts of $1 million or more are subject to a 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within 18 months of purchase. Class C shares are subject to a 1.00% CDSC if redeemed within one year of purchase. CDSCs are based on the lower of the net asset value at the time of purchase or at the time of redemption. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of distributions are exempt from the CDSC. Redemptions are made first from shares that are not subject to a CDSC.

The sales commission payable to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of Class C shares is described under “Distribution and Service Fees” below.

CDSC Waivers. CDSCs are waived for certain redemptions pursuant to a Withdrawal Plan (see “Shareholder Account Features”) and in connection with certain redemptions from employer sponsored retirement plans or IRAs to satisfy required minimum distributions or to return excess contributions made to IRAs, if applicable. The CDSC is also waived following the death of a beneficial owner of shares (a death certificate and other applicable documents may be required). In addition, redemptions of Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans are not subject to a CDSC if the principal underwriter did not compensate such plans’ financial intermediary at the time of sale as described under “Distribution and Service Fees.”

Conversion Feature.  Effective January 25, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), Class C shares of the Fund will convert automatically to Class A shares of the Fund during the month following the ten year anniversary of the purchase of such Class C shares. If a financial intermediary that maintains a Class C shareholder’s account has not tracked the holding period for Class C shares, Class C shares held as of the Effective Date will automatically convert to Class A shares 10 years after the Effective Date. In addition, Class C shares held in an account with the Fund’s transfer agent for which no financial intermediary is specified and that are not subject to a CDSC will be converted to Class A shares of the Fund periodically.

In some circumstances, the Board of Trustees may determine to cease to offer and subsequently close an existing class of Fund shares. In such circumstances, the Fund may automatically convert the shares for such class into another share class, subject to prior notice to shareholders of the impacted class. Any such conversion will occur at the respective net asset value of each class as of the conversion date without the imposition of any fee or other charges by the Fund.

Distribution and Service Fees. Class A and Class C shares have in effect plans under Rule 12b-1 that allow the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of shares and service fees for personal and/or shareholder account services (so-called “12b-1 fees”). Class C shares pay distribution fees to the principal underwriter of 0.75% of average daily net assets annually. Because these fees are paid from Fund assets on an ongoing basis, they will increase your cost over time and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The principal underwriter generally compensates financial intermediaries on sales of Class C shares (except exchange transactions and reinvestments) in an amount equal to 1% of the purchase price of the shares. After the first year, such financial intermediaries also receive 0.75% of the value of outstanding Class C shares sold by such financial intermediaries in annual distribution fees. With respect to purchases of Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans, the principal underwriter does not compensate the financial intermediary at the time of sale. In such cases, the financial intermediary receives 0.75% of the value of outstanding Class C shares sold by such financial intermediary in annual distribution fees immediately after the sale. Class C shares also pay service fees to the principal underwriter equal to 0.25% of average daily net assets annually. Class A shares pay distribution and service fees equal to 0.25% of average daily net assets annually. After the sale of shares, the principal underwriter generally receives the Class A distribution and service fees and the Class C service fees for one year. Thereafter financial intermediaries generally receive from the principal underwriter 0.25% annually of average daily net assets based on the value of outstanding shares sold by such financial intermediaries for personal services and maintenance of shareholder accounts performed by such intermediaries. With respect to purchases of Class A and Class C shares by certain employer sponsored retirement plans, the financial intermediary receives the above described distribution and service fees or service fees, as applicable, from the principal underwriter immediately after the sale. Distribution and service fees are subject to the limitations contained in the sales charge rule of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

More information about Fund sales charges is available free of charge on the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com and in the SAI. Please consult the Eaton Vance website for any updates to Fund sales charge information before making a purchase of Fund shares. Please consult your financial intermediary with respect to any sales charge variations listed on Appendix A.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund33Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Redeeming Shares

You can redeem shares in any of the following ways:

By Mail Send your request to the transfer agent (see back cover for address). The request must be signed exactly as your account is registered (for instance, a joint account must be signed by all registered owners to be accepted) and a Medallion signature guarantee may be required.  Circumstances that may require a Medallion signature guarantee include, but are not limited to, requests to distribute redemption proceeds to a party other than the registered account owner(s); requests to mail redemption proceeds to an address other than the address of record; requests to distribute proceeds to a bank account not on file; or transaction requests from an account beneficiary when an account owner is deceased.  You can obtain a Medallion signature guarantee at banks, savings and loan institutions, credit unions, securities dealers, securities exchanges, clearing agencies and registered securities associations that participate in The Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, Inc. (STAMP, Inc.).  Only Medallion signature guarantees issued in accordance with STAMP, Inc. will be accepted.  You may be asked to provide additional documents if your shares are registered in the name of a corporation, partnership or fiduciary.
By Telephone Certain shareholders can redeem by calling 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time). Proceeds of a telephone redemption are generally limited to $100,000 per account (which may include shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds) and can be sent only to the account address or to a bank pursuant to prior instructions.
By Internet Certain shareholders can redeem by logging on to the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com. Proceeds of internet redemptions are generally limited to $100,000 per account (which may include shares of one or more Eaton Vance funds) and can be sent only to the account address or to a bank pursuant to prior instructions.  
For Additional Information Please call 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time).
Through a Financial Intermediary Your financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting the order promptly.  A financial intermediary may charge a fee for this service.

A redemption may be requested by sending a Medallion signature guaranteed letter of instruction to the transfer agent (see back cover for address) or, for telephone redemptions as described above, by calling 1-800-262-1122. Certain redemption requests, including those involving shares held by certain corporations, trusts or certain other entities and shares that are subject to certain fiduciary arrangements, may require additional documentation and may be redeemed only by mail. The Fund's transfer agent or your financial intermediary must receive your redemption in proper form (meaning that it is complete and contains all necessary information) no later than the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time) for your redemption to be effected at that day’s net asset value. Redemption proceeds are reduced by the amount of any applicable CDSC and any federal income and state tax required to be withheld.

Redemption proceeds typically are paid to the redeeming shareholder in cash up to two business days after the redemption, but payment could take up to seven days, as permitted by the 1940 Act for the reasons discussed below. The actual number of days following receipt of a redemption request in which the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds generally will depend on how you hold your shares with the Fund.

If your shares are held in a “street name” account with a financial intermediary (see “Shareholder Account Features – ‘Street Name’ Accounts”), your intermediary will elect through National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) to settle redemptions either one business day or two business days after the redemption date and redemption proceeds normally will be wired to your financial intermediary on the settlement date pursuant to that election.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund34Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

If your shares are held directly with the Fund's transfer agent, redemptions normally will be settled in one business day after the redemption date and redemption proceeds will be sent by regular mail on such date. However, if you have given proper written authorization in advance, you may request that redemption proceeds be wired on the settlement date directly to your bank account in any bank in the United States. While not currently charged by the Fund, you may be required to pay a wire transfer fee by your bank. If you request expedited mail delivery of your redemption proceeds and the Fund is able to accommodate your request, charges may apply. You may redeem all or a portion of the shares from your account on any day the Fund is open for business, provided the amount requested is not on hold or held in escrow pursuant to a statement of intention. When you purchase by check or with ACH funds transfer, the purchase will be on hold for up to 10 days from the date of receipt. During the hold period, redemption proceeds will not be sent until the transfer agent is reasonably satisfied that the purchase payment has been collected.

The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by (i) distributing any cash holdings, (ii) selling portfolio investments and/or (iii) borrowing from a bank under a line of credit. In addition to the foregoing, the Fund also may distribute securities as payment (a so-called “redemption in-kind”), in which case the redeeming shareholder may pay fees and commissions to convert the securities to cash. Unless requested by a shareholder, the Fund generally expects to limit use of redemption in-kind to stressed market conditions, but is permitted to do so in other circumstances. A shareholder who wishes to receive redemption proceeds in-kind must notify the Fund on or before submitting the redemption request by calling 1-800-262-1122. Securities distributed in a redemption in-kind would be valued pursuant to the Fund’s valuation procedures and selected by the investment adviser. If a shareholder receives securities in a redemption in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash and the value of such securities would be subject to price fluctuations until sold. There can be no assurance that the Fund will manage liquidity successfully in all market environments. As a result, the Fund may not be able to pay redemption proceeds in a timely fashion because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other factors. Additional information about redemptions in-kind, including the procedures for submitting such redemption requests, is contained in the Fund’s SAI.

If your account value falls below $750, you may be asked either to add to your account or redeem it within 60 days. If you take no action, your account will be redeemed at net asset value and the proceeds sent to you.

Shareholder Account Features

Distributions. You may have your Fund distributions paid in one of the following ways:

• Full Reinvest Option Distributions are reinvested in additional shares.  This option will be assigned if you do not specify an option.
• Partial Reinvest Option Dividends are paid in cash* and capital gains are reinvested in additional shares.
• Cash Option Distributions are paid in cash.*
• Exchange Option Distributions are reinvested in additional shares of any class of another Eaton Vance fund chosen by you, subject to the terms of that fund’s prospectus.  Before selecting this option, you must obtain a prospectus of the other fund and consider its objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully.
*If any distribution check remains uncashed for six months, Eaton Vance reserves the right to invest the amount represented by the check in Fund shares at the then-current net asset value of the Fund and all future distributions will be reinvested.

Information about the Fund. From time to time, you may receive the following:

·Semiannual and annual reports containing a list of portfolio holdings as of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, performance information and financial statements.
·Periodic account statements, showing recent activity and total share balance.
·Tax information needed to prepare your income tax returns.
·Proxy materials, in the event a shareholder vote is required.
·Special notices about significant events affecting your Fund.

Most fund information (including semiannual and annual reports, prospectuses and proxy statements) as well as your periodic account statements can be delivered electronically. For more information please go to www.eatonvance.com/edelivery.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund35Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

The Eaton Vance funds have established policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings and other information concerning Fund characteristics. A description of these policies and procedures is provided below and additionally in the SAI. Such policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings are designed to prevent the misuse of material, non-public information about the funds.

The Fund files with the SEC a list of its portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q. Beginning in April 2019, such information will be filed on Exhibit F to the Fund’s Form N-PORT. The Fund’s annual and semiannual reports (as filed on Form N-CSR) and each Form N-Q or Form N-PORT may be viewed on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). The most recent fiscal quarter-end holdings may also be viewed on the Eaton Vance website (www.eatonvance.com). Portfolio holdings information that is filed with the SEC is posted on the Eaton Vance website approximately 60 days after the end of the quarter to which it relates. Portfolio holdings information as of each month end is posted to the website approximately one month after such month end. The Fund also posts information about certain portfolio characteristics (such as top ten holdings and asset allocation) at least quarterly on the Eaton Vance website approximately ten business days after the period and the Fund may also post performance attribution as of a month end or more frequently if deemed appropriate.

Withdrawal Plan. You may redeem shares on a regular periodic basis by establishing a systematic withdrawal plan. Withdrawals will not be subject to any applicable CDSC if they are, in the aggregate, less than or equal to 12% annually of the greater of either the initial account balance or the current account balance. Because purchases of Class A shares are generally subject to an initial sales charge, Class A shareholders should not make withdrawals from their accounts while also making purchases.

Exchange Privilege. Each class of Fund shares may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of another Eaton Vance fund. For purposes of exchanges among Eaton Vance funds, Class A and Class I shares are deemed to be the same as Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively, of other Eaton Vance funds. Exchanges are made at net asset value. If your shares are subject to a CDSC, the CDSC will continue to apply to your new shares at the same CDSC rate. For purposes of the CDSC, your shares will continue to age from the date of your original purchase of Fund shares. Except as described below, any class of shares of a fund may be exchanged for any other class of shares of that fund, provided that the shares being exchanged are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conditions for investing in the other class of shares described in the applicable prospectus are satisfied. Class C shares are not permitted to be exchanged to Class A shares unless the CDSC has expired and the exchange is made to facilitate the shareholder's participation in a fee-based advisory program. See also Appendix A to this Prospectus.

Before exchanging, you should read the prospectus of the new fund carefully. Exchanges are subject to the terms applicable to purchases of the new fund’s shares as set forth in its prospectus. If you wish to exchange shares, write to the transfer agent (see back cover for address), log on to your account at www.eatonvance.com or call 1-800-262-1122. Periodic automatic exchanges are also available. The exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time. You will receive at least 60 days’ notice of any material change to the privilege. This privilege may not be used for “market timing” and may be terminated for market timing accounts or for any other reason. For additional information, see “Restrictions on Excessive Trading and Market Timing” under “Purchasing Shares.” Ordinarily exchanges between different funds are taxable transactions for federal tax purposes, while permitted exchanges of one class for shares of another class of the same fund are not. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the applicability of federal, state, local and other taxes to transactions in Fund shares.

Telephone and Electronic Transactions. You can redeem or exchange shares by telephone as described in this Prospectus. In addition, certain transactions may be conducted through the Eaton Vance website. The transfer agent and the principal underwriter have procedures in place to authenticate telephone and electronic instructions (such as using security codes or verifying personal account information). As long as the transfer agent and principal underwriter follow reasonable procedures, they will not be responsible for unauthorized telephone or electronic transactions and you bear the risk of possible loss resulting from these transactions. You may decline the telephone redemption option on the account application. Telephone instructions are recorded. You should verify the accuracy of your confirmation statements immediately upon receipt and notify Eaton Vance Shareholder Services of any inaccuracies.

“Street Name” Accounts. If your shares are held in a “street name” account at a financial intermediary, that intermediary (and not the Fund or its transfer agent) will perform all recordkeeping, transaction processing and distribution payments. Because the Fund does not maintain an account for you, you should contact your financial intermediary to make transactions in shares, make changes in your account, or obtain account information. You will not be able to utilize a number of shareholder features, such as telephone or internet transactions, directly with the Fund and certain features may be subject to different requirements. If you transfer shares in a “street name” account to an account with another financial intermediary or to an account directly with the Fund, you should obtain historical information about your shares prior to the transfer. If you fail to provide your full account history to your new financial intermediary following a transfer, you may be ineligible for certain features of the Fund.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund36Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Procedures for Opening New Accounts. To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each new customer who opens an account with the Fund and to determine whether such person’s name appears on government lists of known or suspected terrorists or terrorist organizations. When you open an account, the transfer agent or your financial intermediary will ask you for your name, address, date of birth (for individuals), residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing) and social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other government-issued identifying number. You also may be asked to produce a copy of your driver’s license, passport or other identifying documents in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross-referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic databases. Other information or documents may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities. Federal law prohibits the Fund and other financial institutions from opening a new account unless they receive the minimum identifying information described above. If a person fails to provide the information requested, any application by that person to open a new account will be rejected. Moreover, if the transfer agent or the financial intermediary is unable to verify the identity of a person based on information provided by that person, it may take additional steps including, but not limited to, requesting additional information or documents from the person, closing the person’s account or reporting the matter to the appropriate federal authorities. If your account is closed for this reason, your shares may be automatically redeemed at the net asset value next determined. If the Fund’s net asset value has decreased since your purchase, you will lose money as a result of this redemption. The Fund has also designated an anti-money laundering compliance officer.

Account Questions. If you have any questions about your account or the services available, please call Eaton Vance Shareholder Services at 1-800-262-1122 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (eastern time), or write to the transfer agent (see back cover for address).

Additional Tax Information

The Fund expects to pay any required distributions monthly and intends to distribute any net realized gain (if any) annually. Effective October 1, 2019, the Fund declares distributions daily and ordinarily pays distributions monthly. It may also be necessary, in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment and to avoid any Fund-level tax, for the Fund to make a special income and/or capital gains distribution at the end of the calendar year. Your account will be credited with distributions beginning on the business day after the day when the funds used to purchase your Fund shares are collected by the transfer agent. Different classes may distribute different amounts. Distributions of investment income and net gains from investments held for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions of any net gains from investments held for more than one year are generally taxable as long-term capital gains. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned (or is treated as having owned) the investments that generated the gains, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares in the Fund. A majority of the Fund’s distributions may be taxed as ordinary income. The Fund’s distributions are taxable whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. A portion of the Fund’s distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.

Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at rates applicable to long-term capital gains provided holding period and other requirements are met at the shareholder and Fund level.

Investors who purchase shares at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized or realized but undistributed will pay the full price for the shares and then may receive some portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution. Certain distributions paid in January may be taxable to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the prior year. A redemption of Fund shares, including an exchange for shares of another fund, is generally a taxable transaction.

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

Investments in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes or other foreign taxes with respect to income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains), which may decrease the yield on those securities. These taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of an applicable tax treaty. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to such foreign taxes paid. In addition, investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the Fund’s distributions.

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund37Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

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 that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

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

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

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund38Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period(s) indicated. Certain information in the table reflects the financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value). This information (except for the six months ended April 30, 2019) has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. The report of Deloitte & Touche LLP and the Fund’s financial statements are incorporated herein by reference and included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request. Financial highlights information is not provided for Class R6 shares because the class had not commenced operations prior to the date of these financial highlights.

  Six Months Ended
April 30, 2019 (Unaudited)
Year Ended
October 31, 2018
Year Ended
October 31, 2017
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of period $10.620 $10.620 $10.650 $10.830 $10.790 $10.820 $10.030 $9.990 $10.020
Income (Loss) From Operations                  
Net investment income(1) $0.252 $0.209 $0.266 $0.216 $0.159 $0.278 $0.142 $0.057 $0.153
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.123 0.124 0.124 (0.118) (0.090) (0.093) 0.860 0.866 0.875
Total income from operations $0.375 $0.333 $0.390 $0.098 $0.069 $0.185 $1.002 $0.923 $1.028
Less Distributions                  
From net investment income $(0.255) $(0.203) $(0.270) $(0.308) $(0.239) $(0.355) $(0.202) $(0.123) $(0.228)
Total distributions $(0.255) $(0.203) $(0.270) $(0.308) $(0.239) $(0.355) $(0.202) $(0.123) $(0.228)
Net asset value - End of period $10.740 $10.750 $10.770 $10.620 $10.620 $10.650 $10.830 $10.790 $10.820
Total Return(2)(3) 3.60%(4) 3.18%(4) 3.74%(4) 0.89% 0.63% 1.72% 10.12% 9.33% 10.41%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                  
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted) $1,411 $360 $32,931 $1,032 $693 $17,654 $25,477 $1,366 $12,883
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):(5)                  
Expenses(3)(6) 1.00%(7) 1.75%(7) 0.75%(7) 1.08%(8)(9) 1.82%(8)(11) 0.81%(8)(9) 1.08%(8)(9) 1.83%(8)(11) 0.83%(8)(9)
Net investment income 4.80%(7) 4.00%(7) 5.05%(7) 2.00% 1.48% 2.59% 1.37% 0.56% 1.47%
Portfolio Turnover of the Fund 47%(4) 47%(4) 47%(4) 113%(10) 113%(10) 113%(10) 55%(10) 55%(10) 55%(10)

(See related footnotes.)

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund39Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Financial Highlights (continued)

  Year ended October 31,
  2016 2015 2014
  Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I Class A Class C Class I
Net asset value - Beginning of year $9.870 $9.830 $9.860 $10.090 $10.070 $10.080 $10.060 $10.050 $10.060
Income (Loss) From Operations                  
Net investment income(1) $0.162 $0.087 $0.236 $0.210 $0.070 $0.234 $0.277 $0.151 $0.313
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.332 0.336 0.284 (0.133) (0.075) (0.131) 0.024 0.077 0.005
Total income (loss) from operations $0.494 $0.423 $0.520 $0.077 $(0.005) $0.103 $0.301 $0.228 $0.318
Less Distributions                  
From net investment income $(0.163) $(0.121) $(0.179) $(0.292) $(0.230) $(0.318) $(0.271) $(0.208) $(0.298)
From net realized gain (0.072) (0.072) (0.072) (0.005) (0.005) (0.005)
Tax return of capital (0.099) (0.070) (0.109)
Total distributions $(0.334) $(0.263) $(0.360) $(0.297) $(0.235) $(0.323) $(0.271) $(0.208) $(0.298)
Net asset value - End of year $10.030 $9.990 $10.020 $9.870 $9.830 $9.860 $10.090 $10.070 $10.080
Total Return(2)(3) 5.26% 4.42% 5.43% 0.66% (0.07)% 1.03% 3.03% 2.29% 3.20%
Ratios/Supplemental Data                  
Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted) $31,341 $1,526 $11,812 $38,285 $1,590 $20,507 $50,523 $506 $23,300
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):(5)                  
Expenses(3)(6)(8) 1.17%(9) 1.92%(11) 0.92%(9) 1.23%(9) 1.97%(11) 0.98%(9) 1.23%(9) 1.96%(11) 0.98%(9)
Net investment income 1.65% 0.89% 2.41% 2.08% 0.69% 2.31% 2.75% 1.50% 3.10%
Portfolio Turnover of the Fund(10) 49% 49% 49% 71% 71% 71% 100% 100% 100%
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2)Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value with all distributions reinvested and do not reflect the effect of sales charges, if applicable.
(3)The investment adviser and administrator reimbursed certain operating expenses (equal to 0.84%, 0.20%, 0.18% and 0.23% of average daily net assets for the six months ended April 30, 2019 and the years ended October 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively; and 0.22% for Class A, 0.28% for Class C and 0.33% for Class I for the year ended October 31, 2018). Absent this reimbursement, total return would be lower.
(4)Not annualized.
(5)Includes the Fund’s share of the Portfolios’ allocated expenses for the period while the Fund was investing in the Portfolios.
(6)Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%. Effective September 1, 2015, custody fee credits, which were earned on cash deposit balances, were discontinued by the custodian.
(7)Annualized.
(8)Includes interest and dividend expense, including on securities sold short, of less than 0.005%, less than 0.005%, less than 0.005%, 0.01% and 0.03% for the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(9)Excludes expenses incurred by the Fund as a result of its investments in Affiliated Investment Funds (equal to 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.18%, 0.13% and 0.15% of average daily net assets for the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively).
(10)Percentage includes both the Fund’s contributions to and withdrawals from the Portfolios and purchases and sales of securities held directly by the Fund, if any.
(11)Excludes expenses incurred by the Fund as a result of its investments in Affiliated Investment Funds (equal to 0.26%, 0.27%, 0.18%, 0.14% and 0.17% of average daily net assets for the years ended October 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively).

 

 

Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund40Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Appendix A

Financial Intermediary Sales Charge Variations

As noted under “Purchasing Shares,” a financial intermediary may offer Fund shares subject to variations in or elimination of the Fund sales charges (“variations”), provided such variations are described in this Prospectus. Set forth below are the variations in sales charges applicable to shares purchased through the noted financial intermediary. All variations described below are applied by, and the responsibility of, the identified financial intermediary. Variations may apply to purchases, sales, exchanges and reinvestments of Fund shares and a shareholder transacting in Fund shares through the intermediary identified below should read the terms and conditions of the variations carefully. A variation that is specific to a particular financial intermediary is not applicable to shares held directly with the Fund or through another intermediary.

Fund Purchases through Merrill Lynch

Effective April 10, 2017, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares

The front-end sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares will be waived for:

·Shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
·Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
·Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
·Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
·Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
·Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
·Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date
·Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
·Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

CDSC Waivers on Class A  and Class C Shares

The CDSC payable on redemptions of Class A  and Class C will be waived in connection with:

·Shares sold on the death or disability of the shareholder
·Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in “Shareholder Account Features”
·Shares sold to return excess contributions from an IRA Account
·Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½
·Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
·The sale of Fund shares acquired pursuant to the Rights of Reinstatement privilege as described above
·Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to a fee based account or platform (applicable to Class A and Class C shares only)
·An exchange for shares of another class of the same fund through a fee-based individual retirement account on the Merrill Lynch platform. In such circumstances, Merrill Lynch will remit the portion of the CDSC to be paid to the principal underwriter equal to the number of months remaining on the CDSC period divided by the total number of months of the CDSC period
Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund41Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Front-end load Discounts Available: Discounts, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

Front-end sales charges may be subject to discounts, rights of accumulation and letters of intent as follows:

·The front-end sales charge applicable to Class A shares may be subject to breakpoint discounts for purchases in excess of $50,000 for Class A as described under “Sales Charges”
·Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
·Letters of Intent (LOI) through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)
Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund42Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

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

Effective June 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account are eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or in the SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares:

·Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.
·Shares purchased through an Ameriprise Financial investment advisory program (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
·Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Ameriprise Financial’s platform (if an Advisory or similar share class for such investment advisory program is not available).
·Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same Fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
·Shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this Prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges.
·Employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.
·Shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise financial advisor and/or the advisor’s spouse, advisor’s lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor’s lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.
·Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).
Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund43Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Fund Purchases through Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

·Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
·Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
·Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
·Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
·Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s share class conversion program
·Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund44Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

Fund Purchases through Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James

·Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
·Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
·Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
·Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).
·A shareholder in the Fund’s Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James

·Death or disability of the shareholder.
·Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
·Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
·Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the fund’s Prospectus.
·Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
·Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation

·Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
·Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
Eaton Vance Multi-Asset Credit Fund45Prospectus dated March 1, 2019 as revised September 6, 2019
 

 

 

 

More Information

About the Fund: More information is available in the Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the annual and semiannual reports (collectively, the “reports”). In the annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during the past fiscal year. You may obtain free copies of the Statement of Additional Information and the reports on Eaton Vance’s website at www.eatonvance.com or by contacting the principal underwriter:

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
1-800-262-1122
website: www.eatonvance.com

You will find and may copy information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information and reports): at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, DC (call 1-202-551-8090 for information on the operation of the public reference room); on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov); or, upon payment of copying fees, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-1520, or by electronic mail at publicinfo@sec.gov.

Shareholder Inquiries: You can obtain more information from Eaton Vance Shareholder Services or the Fund transfer agent, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. If you own shares and would like to add to, redeem from or change your account, please write or call below:

Regular Mailing Address:
Eaton Vance Funds
P.O. Box 9653
Providence, RI  02940-9653
  Overnight Mailing Address:
Eaton Vance Funds
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA  01581
  Phone Number:
1-800-262-1122
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET

 

The Fund's Investment Company Act No. is 811-04015.  
30201 9.6.19 © 2019 Eaton Vance Management

 

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