N-CSR 1 d30553dncsr.htm EATON VANCE TAX-ADVANTAGED GLOBAL DIVIDEND INCOME FUND Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act File Number: 811-21470

 

 

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

Maureen A. Gemma

Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110

(Name and Address of Agent for Services)

 

 

(617) 482-8260

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

October 31

Date of Fiscal Year End

October 31, 2020

Date of Reporting Period

 

 

 


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Item 1.

Reports to Stockholders


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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (ETG)

Annual Report

October 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

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 (funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-and-term-trust-documents.php), and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.

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

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

 

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

Managed Distribution Plan. Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (Order), the Fund is authorized to distribute long-term capital gains to shareholders more frequently than once per year. Pursuant to the Order, the Fund’s Board of Trustees approved a Managed Distribution Plan (MDP) pursuant to which the Fund makes monthly cash distributions to common shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share.

The Fund currently distributes monthly cash distributions equal to $0.1025 per share in accordance with the MDP. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the MDP. The MDP will be subject to regular periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and the Board may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders. However, at this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP.

The Fund may distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains and, therefore, a distribution may include a return of capital. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions contained in the notice and press release are only estimates and are not provided for tax purposes. The amounts and sources of the Fund’s distributions for tax purposes will be reported to shareholders on Form 1099-DIV for each calendar year.

Fund shares are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Shares are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested.


Table of Contents

Annual Report October 31, 2020

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

 

Table of Contents

  

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

     2  

Performance

     3  

Fund Profile

     4  

The Fund’s Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Principal Risks

     5  

Endnotes and Additional Disclosures

     8  

Financial Statements

     10  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     30  

Federal Tax Information

     31  

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

     32  

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     33  

Management and Organization

     35  

Important Notices

     38  


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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance1

 

 

Economic and Market Conditions

The 12-month period that began November 1, 2019, included some of the best and worst equity performances in over a decade.

The period began with global equities rallying in the closing months of 2019, supported by interest rate reductions by dozens of central banks worldwide. In July 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) had cut rates for the first time in over a decade, followed by two additional rate cuts in September and October.

In January 2020, however, news of the novel coronavirus outbreak in China began to raise investor concerns. As the virus turned into a global pandemic in February and March, it ended the longest-ever U.S. economic expansion and triggered a global economic slowdown. Equity markets along with credit markets plunged in value amid unprecedented volatility.

In response, the Fed announced two emergency rate cuts in March 2020 — lowering the federal funds rate to 0.00%-0.25% — along with other measures designed to shore up the markets. Across the globe, other central banks and governments launched aggressive monetary and fiscal responses to help mitigate the economic effects of the virus.

These moves helped calm the markets and initiated a global equity rally that began in late March and lasted through August. In the second quarter of 2020, U.S. stocks reported their best quarterly returns since 1998 — on the heels of the worst first quarter for American stocks since the 2007-2008 global financial crisis. As with U.S. equities, overseas stock indexes reflected investor optimism as economies started to emerge from coronavirus lockdowns and factories resumed production.

In the final two months of the period, however, the equity rally stalled as the pandemic appeared to increase its drag on the global economy. Across Europe, nations that seemed to have beaten back the coronavirus during the summer initiated new lockdowns to combat a second wave of infections. In the U.S., coronavirus cases were on the rise in virtually every state.

Reflecting the increasingly grim economic outlook for fall and winter, most major global stock indexes reported negative returns in September and October. The one bright spot seemed to be several east Asian nations, which were among the first countries impacted by the pandemic and took strong measures to combat the coronavirus early on, and where economic activity had started to rebound by period-end.

For the period as a whole, the MSCI World Index, a broad measure of global equities, returned 4.36%; while the S&P 500® Index, a broad measure of U.S. stocks, returned 9.71%; and the technology-laden Nasdaq Composite Index returned 32.84%. The MSCI EAFE Index of developed-market international equities returned -6.86%; while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned 8.25% in U.S. dollars.

Fund Performance

For the 12-month period ended October 31, 2020, Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (the Fund) returned 0.16% at net asset value of its common shares (NAV), underperforming its primary benchmark, the MSCI World Index (the Index), which returned 4.36%.

The key detractor from performance versus the Index was the Fund’s preferred securities allocation. The Fund’s preferred securities allocation — preferred stocks, exchange-traded funds investing primarily in preferred stocks, and corporate bonds and other debt securities with preferred characteristics — underperformed both the Index and the overall preferred market, as measured by the ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index (the Preferred Index).

Overweight exposure to energy company securities, relative to the Preferred Index, was the main factor in the underperformance of the Fund’s preferred securities allocation versus the Preferred Index. As trade and travel declined precipitously around the world during the global pandemic, the energy sector was one of the hardest-hit areas of the market as demand plummeted. Security selections within the Fund’s preferred securities allocation also detracted from performance versus the Index during the period.

Within the Fund’s common stock portfolio, the Fund’s strategy of emphasizing dividend-paying stocks resulted in an overweight allocation to European equities and an underweight allocation to U.S. equities, relative to the Index. These allocations detracted meaningfully from performance relative to the Index. However, the Fund hedged these exposures, which more than offset any negative impact from these allocations. During the period, the Fund primarily hedged using futures contracts, a type of derivative.

While leverage had the effect of magnifying the Fund’s overall positive absolute performance, it did not contribute meaningfully to the Fund’s performance versus the Index during the period.

 

 

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated net of management fees and other expenses by determining the percentage change in net asset value (NAV) or market price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Performance at market price will differ from performance at NAV due to variations in the Fund’s market price versus NAV, which may reflect factors such as fluctuations in supply and demand for Fund shares, changes in Fund distributions, shifting market expectations for the Fund’s future returns and distribution rates, and other considerations affecting the trading prices of closed-end funds. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance for periods less than or equal to one year is cumulative. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, current Fund performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. For performance as of the most recent month-end, please refer to eatonvance.com.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Performance2,3

 

Portfolio Managers Michael A. Allison, CFA and John H. Croft, CFA of Eaton Vance Management; Christopher M. Dyer, CFA of Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd.

 

% Average Annual Total Returns    Inception Date      One Year      Five Years      Ten Years  

Fund at NAV

     01/30/2004        0.16      6.34      8.94

Fund at Market Price

            –7.63        4.98        8.20  

 

MSCI World Index

            4.36      8.12      8.63

ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index

            4.03        5.77        6.36  

Blended Index

            4.45        7.76        8.29  
% Premium/Discount to NAV4                                
              –11.57
Distributions5                                

Total Distributions per share for the period

            $ 1.230  

Distribution Rate at NAV

              7.61

Distribution Rate at Market Price

              8.61
% Total Leverage6                                

Borrowings

              23.08

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated net of management fees and other expenses by determining the percentage change in net asset value (NAV) or market price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Performance at market price will differ from performance at NAV due to variations in the Fund’s market price versus NAV, which may reflect factors such as fluctuations in supply and demand for Fund shares, changes in Fund distributions, shifting market expectations for the Fund’s future returns and distribution rates, and other considerations affecting the trading prices of closed-end funds. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance for periods less than or equal to one year is cumulative. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, current Fund performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. For performance as of the most recent month-end, please refer to eatonvance.com.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Fund Profile

 

 

Common Stock Sector Allocation (% of total investments)

 

 

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Country Allocation (% of total investments)

 

 

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Top 10 Holdings (% of total investments)7

 

 

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

     3.4

Amazon.com, Inc.

     3.3  

Microsoft Corp.

     3.2  

Apple, Inc.

     2.4  

Facebook, Inc., Class A

     1.6  

adidas AG

     1.5  

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A

     1.5  

Nestle S.A.

     1.5  

Unilever PLC

     1.4  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

     1.4  

Total

     21.2
 

 

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

The Fund’s Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Principal Risks8

 

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return. Such return is expected to consist primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its total managed assets in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks of U.S. and foreign issuers that the Fund’s investment adviser believes at the time of investment are eligible to pay dividends that qualify for federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks that are rated below investment grade. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in stocks and other securities that generate fully taxable ordinary income, including up to 30% of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest (i) at least 25% of its total managed assets in the securities of U.S. issuers; (ii) at least 30% of its total managed assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including issuers located in emerging market countries; and (iii) in issuers located in at least five different countries (including the U.S.).

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

The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its net assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in common and/or preferred stocks.

The Fund employs leverage through borrowings to seek opportunities for additional income. Leverage may amplify the Fund’s net asset value of any increase or decrease in the value of investments held. There can be no assurance that the use of borrowings will be successful.

Principal Risks

Market Discount Risk. The shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their NAV, and the common shares may likewise trade at a discount from NAV. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s NAV could decrease as a result of its investment activities. The trading price of the Fund’s Common Shares may be less than the public offering price.

Market Risk. The value of investments held by the Fund may increase or decrease in response to economic, political, financial, public health

crises (such as epidemics or pandemics) or other disruptive events (whether real, expected or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. 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. Monetary and/or fiscal actions taken by U.S. or foreign governments to stimulate or stabilize the global economy may not be effective and could lead to high market volatility. No active trading market may exist for certain investments held by the Fund, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or to realize the current valuation of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets.

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

Tax-Sensitive Investing Risk. The Fund may hold a security in order to achieve more favorable tax-treatment or to sell a security in order to create tax losses. The Fund’s utilization of various tax-management techniques may be curtailed or eliminated by tax legislation, regulation or interpretations. The Fund may not be able to minimize taxable distributions to shareholders and a portion of the Fund’s distributions may be taxable.

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. There may be less publicly available information about foreign issuers because they may not be subject to reporting practices, requirements or regulations comparable to those to which United States companies are subject. 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.

Emerging Markets Investment Risk. Investment markets within emerging market countries are typically smaller, less liquid, less developed and more volatile than those in more developed markets like the United States, and may be focused in certain sectors. Emerging market securities often involve greater risks than developed market securities. The information available about an emerging market issuer may be less reliable than for comparable issuers in more developed capital markets.

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.

 

 

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

The Fund’s Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Principal Risks8 — continued

 

 

Sector Risk. Because the Fund may, under certain market conditions, invest a significant portion of its assets in the utilities and/or financial services sectors, the value of Fund shares may be affected by events that adversely affect those sectors and may fluctuate more than that of a more broadly diversified fund.

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.

Income Risk. The Fund’s ability to distribute income to shareholders will depend on the yield available on the common and preferred stocks and other hybrid securities and fixed-income securities held by the Fund. Changes in the dividend policies of companies held by the Fund could make it difficult for the Fund to provide a predictable level of income.

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

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.

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. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a fixed-income security, while maturity refers to the amount of time until a fixed-income security matures. Generally, securities with longer durations or maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest rates than securities with shorter durations or maturities, causing them to be more volatile. Conversely, fixed-income securities with shorter durations or maturities will be less volatile but may provide lower returns than fixed-income securities with longer durations or maturities. 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). In a rising interest rate environment, the durations or maturities 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.

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. 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.

Due to manipulation allegations in 2012 and 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 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.

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.

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 security, instrument, index, currency, commodity,

 

 

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

The Fund’s Investment Objectives, Principal Strategies and Principal Risks8 — continued

 

 

economic indicator or event underlying a derivative (“reference instrument”), 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 reference 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 reference 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 reference 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 reference instrument underlying the investment.

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.

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 abandon 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.

Leverage Risk. Certain Fund transactions may give rise to leverage. Leverage can result from a non-cash exposure to the underlying reference 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 Fund’s portfolio securities. The loss on leveraged investments may substantially exceed the initial investment.

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.

Recent Market Conditions. An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of this coronavirus may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could negatively affect the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, or the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests and may lead to losses on your investment in the Fund.

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. Cybersecurity failures by or breaches of the Fund’s investment adviser or administrator and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the custodian or transfer agent), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, 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, 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.

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. 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.

 

 

See Endnotes and Additional Disclosures in this report.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Endnotes and Additional Disclosures

 

1 

The views expressed in this report are those of the portfolio manager(s) and are current only through the date stated at the top of this page. These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions, and Eaton Vance and the Fund(s) disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions are based on many factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Eaton Vance fund. This commentary may contain statements that are not historical facts, referred to as “forward looking statements.” The Fund’s actual future results may differ significantly from those stated in any forward looking statement, depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions, the volume of sales and purchases of Fund shares, the continuation of investment advisory, administrative and service contracts, and other risks discussed from time to time in the Fund’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

2 

MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index of equity securities in the developed markets. MSCI indexes are net of foreign withholding taxes. Source: MSCI. MSCI data may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. MSCI provides no warranties, has not prepared or approved this report, and has no liability hereunder. ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index is an unmanaged index of fixed-rate, preferred securities issued in the U.S. ICE® BofA® 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. BofA® is a licensed registered trademark of Bank of America Corporation in the United States and other countries. The Blended Index consists of 80% MSCI World Index and 20% ICE BofA Fixed Rate Preferred Securities Index, rebalanced monthly. Unless otherwise stated, index returns do not reflect the effect of any applicable sales charges, commissions, expenses, taxes or leverage, as applicable. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

3 

Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.

 

4 

The shares of the Fund often trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. The discount or premium may vary over time and may be higher or lower than what is quoted in this report. For up-to-date premium/discount information, please refer to https://funds.eatonvance.com/closed-end-fund-prices.php.

 

5 

The Distribution Rate is based on the Fund’s last regular distribution per share in the period (annualized) divided by the Fund’s NAV or market price at the end of the period. The Fund’s distributions may be comprised of amounts characterized for federal income tax purposes as qualified and non-qualified ordinary dividends, capital gains and nondividend distributions, also known as return of capital. For additional information about nondividend distributions, please refer to Eaton Vance Closed-End Fund Distribution Notices (19a) posted on our website, eatonvance.com. The Fund will determine the federal income tax character of distributions paid to a shareholder after the end of the calendar year. This is reported on the IRS form 1099-DIV and provided to the shareholder shortly after each year-end. For information about the tax character of distributions made in prior calendar years, please refer to Performance-Tax Character of Distributions on the Fund’s webpage available at eatonvance.com. The Fund’s distributions are determined by the investment adviser based

  on its current assessment of the Fund’s long-term return potential. Fund distributions may be affected by numerous factors including changes in Fund performance, the cost of financing for leverage, portfolio holdings, realized and projected returns, and other factors. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions paid by the Fund could change.

 

6 

Total leverage is shown as a percentage of the Fund’s aggregate net assets plus borrowings outstanding. The Fund employs leverage through borrowings. Use of leverage creates an opportunity for income, but creates risks including greater price volatility. The cost of borrowings rises and falls with changes in short-term interest rates. The Fund may be required to maintain prescribed asset coverage for its leverage and may be required to reduce its leverage at an inopportune time.

 

7 

Excludes cash and cash equivalents.

 

8 

The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell Fund shares. Common shares of the Fund are available for purchase and sale only at current market prices in secondary market trading.

Fund profile subject to change due to active management.

Additional Information

S&P 500® Index is an unmanaged index of large-cap stocks commonly used as a measure of U.S. stock market performance. S&P Dow Jones Indices are a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC (“S&P DJI”) and have been licensed for use. S&P® and S&P 500® are registered trademarks of S&P DJI; Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”); S&P DJI, Dow Jones and their respective affiliates do not sponsor, endorse, sell or promote the Fund, will not have any liability with respect thereto and do not have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the S&P Dow Jones Indices. Nasdaq Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of all domestic and international securities listed on Nasdaq. Source: Nasdaq, Inc. The information is provided by Nasdaq (with its affiliates, are referred to as the “Corporations”) and Nasdaq’s third party licensors on an “as is” basis and the Corporations make no guarantees and bear no liability of any kind with respect to the information or the Fund. MSCI EAFE Index is an unmanaged index of equities in the developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. MSCI Emerging Markets Index is an unmanaged index of emerging markets common stocks.

Important Notice to Shareholders

Effective March 24, 2020, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in common and/or preferred stocks.

On August 13, 2020, the Board of Trustees of the Fund amended and restated the Fund’s By-Laws (the “Amended and Restated By-Laws”). The Amended and Restated By-Laws include provisions (the “Control Share Provisions”) pursuant to which, in summary, a shareholder who obtains beneficial ownership of Fund shares in a “Control Share Acquisition” may exercise voting rights with respect to such shares only to the extent the authorization of such voting rights is approved by

 

 

  8  


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Endnotes and Additional Disclosures — continued

 

other shareholders of the Fund. The Control Share Provisions are primarily intended to protect the interests of the Fund and its shareholders by limiting the risk that the Fund will become subject to undue influence by opportunistic hedge funds or other activist investors. The Control Share Provisions do not eliminate voting rights for shares acquired in Control Share Acquisitions, but rather, they entrust the Fund’s other “non-interested” shareholders with determining whether to approve the authorization of voting rights for such shares. Subject to various conditions and exceptions, the Amended and Restated By-Laws define a “Control Share Acquisition” to include an acquisition of Fund shares that, but for the Control Share Provisions, would give the beneficial owner, upon the acquisition of such shares, the ability to exercise voting power in the election of Fund Trustees in any of the following ranges: (i) one-tenth or more, but less than one-fifth of all voting power; (ii) one-fifth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; (iii) one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or (iv) a majority or more of all voting power. Share acquisitions prior to August 13, 2020 are excluded from the definition of Control Share Acquisition. This discussion is only a high-level summary of certain aspects of the Control Share Provisions, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full Amended and Restated By-Laws. The Amended and Restated By-Laws were filed by the Fund on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are available at sec.gov.

 

 

  9  


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments

 

 

Common Stocks — 106.4%

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Banks — 7.6%              

Banco Santander S.A.(1)

    3,343,730     $ 6,696,004  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    622,578       21,391,780  

Citigroup, Inc.

    389,243       16,122,445  

HDFC Bank, Ltd.(1)

    514,263       8,204,767  

ING Groep NV(1)

    1,394,238       9,550,136  

KeyCorp.

    540,819       7,019,831  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    2,128,028       8,388,483  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    673,163       8,287,997  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    303,554       8,402,951  
      $ 94,064,394  
Beverages — 1.1%              

Diageo PLC

    411,946     $ 13,313,207  
      $ 13,313,207  
Biotechnology — 0.9%              

CSL, Ltd.

    53,019     $ 10,734,082  
      $ 10,734,082  
Building Products — 0.9%              

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    538,457     $ 11,540,461  
      $ 11,540,461  
Chemicals — 0.8%              

Sika AG

    39,586     $ 9,738,344  
      $ 9,738,344  
Construction & Engineering — 0.3%              

Abengoa S.A., Class A(1)(2)

    311,491     $ 0  

Abengoa S.A., Class B(1)(2)

    3,220,895       0  

Bouygues S.A.

    102,123       3,348,963  
      $ 3,348,963  
Construction Materials — 1.0%              

CRH PLC

    354,068     $ 12,389,468  
      $ 12,389,468  
Consumer Finance — 1.0%              

Capital One Financial Corp.

    105,251     $ 7,691,743  

OneMain Holdings, Inc.

    121,689       4,245,729  
      $ 11,937,472  
Security   Shares     Value  
Diversified Financial Services — 2.2%  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1)

    67,306     $ 13,589,081  

ORIX Corp.

    1,164,932       13,624,155  
      $ 27,213,236  
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.5%  

Telenor ASA

    404,498     $ 6,250,416  
      $ 6,250,416  
Electric Utilities — 2.0%              

Iberdrola S.A.

    986,755     $ 11,651,184  

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    180,052       13,181,607  
      $ 24,832,791  
Electrical Equipment — 2.8%              

AMETEK, Inc.(3)

    193,834     $ 19,034,499  

Schneider Electric SE

    131,234       15,945,772  
      $ 34,980,271  
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 4.7%         

CDW Corp.

    82,547     $ 10,120,262  

Halma PLC

    305,515       9,375,517  

Keyence Corp.

    46,311       21,016,974  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    118,484       8,309,123  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A(1)

    32,287       9,157,885  
      $ 57,979,761  
Entertainment — 2.2%              

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    17,531     $ 9,478,814  

Walt Disney Co. (The)(3)

    141,208       17,121,470  
      $ 26,600,284  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.5%  

American Tower Corp.

    44,620     $ 10,246,983  

Equity Residential

    185,435       8,711,736  
      $ 18,958,719  
Food & Staples Retailing — 0.8%  

Kesko Oyj, Class B

    371,509     $ 9,533,136  
      $ 9,533,136  
Food Products — 3.7%  

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A(3)

    435,175     $ 23,116,496  

Nestle S.A.

    204,989       23,056,730  
      $ 46,173,226  
 

 

  10   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 5.2%  

Alcon, Inc.(1)

    173,324     $ 9,854,010  

Baxter International, Inc.

    98,558       7,645,144  

Boston Scientific Corp.(1)(3)

    465,964       15,968,586  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1)

    27,036       18,035,175  

Straumann Holding AG

    11,942       12,465,687  
      $ 63,968,602  
Health Care Providers & Services — 0.9%              

Anthem, Inc.

    41,077     $ 11,205,806  
      $ 11,205,806  
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.2%              

Compass Group PLC

    1,064,052     $ 14,564,461  
      $ 14,564,461  
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.1%              

DCC PLC

    203,021     $ 13,192,702  
      $ 13,192,702  
Insurance — 2.6%              

AIA Group, Ltd.

    1,533,558     $ 14,595,137  

Aviva PLC

    2,435,586       8,124,076  

AXA S.A.

    615,916       9,891,178  

Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

    2       7  
      $ 32,610,398  
Interactive Media & Services — 7.4%              

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1)(4)

    32,768     $ 53,117,256  

Facebook, Inc., Class A(1)(3)

    93,477       24,594,733  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    174,291       13,316,810  
      $ 91,028,799  
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 4.3%              

Amazon.com, Inc.(1)(3)(4)

    17,276     $ 52,452,527  
      $ 52,452,527  
IT Services — 3.3%              

Amadeus IT Group S.A.

    307,484     $ 14,650,430  

Global Payments, Inc.

    46,720       7,369,613  

Visa, Inc., Class A(3)

    104,069       18,910,378  
      $ 40,930,421  
Security   Shares     Value  
Leisure Products — 1.2%              

Yamaha Corp.

    318,276     $ 15,087,928  
      $ 15,087,928  
Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.7%              

Lonza Group AG

    14,305     $ 8,667,543  
      $ 8,667,543  
Machinery — 4.2%              

Ingersoll Rand, Inc.(1)

    363,384     $ 12,696,637  

Sandvik AB(1)

    729,402       13,001,654  

SMC Corp.

    21,503       11,437,558  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.(3)

    79,003       13,130,299  

Wartsila OYJ Abp

    157,240       1,249,557  
      $ 51,515,705  
Metals & Mining — 1.4%              

Rio Tinto, Ltd.

    257,220     $ 16,733,152  
      $ 16,733,152  
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.5%         

AGNC Investment Corp.

    472,184     $ 6,596,411  
      $ 6,596,411  
Multi-Utilities — 0.6%              

CMS Energy Corp.

    121,655     $ 7,704,411  
      $ 7,704,411  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.7%              

Chevron Corp.

    134,779     $ 9,367,141  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    303,546       10,393,415  

OMV AG

    282,739       6,535,900  

Phillips 66

    147,114       6,864,339  
      $ 33,160,795  
Personal Products — 1.8%              

Unilever PLC

    381,630     $ 21,748,642  
      $ 21,748,642  
Pharmaceuticals — 7.2%              

Eli Lilly & Co.

    82,153     $ 10,717,680  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    194,227       12,385,008  

Roche Holding AG PC

    57,480       18,470,126  

Sanofi

    210,631       19,018,576  
 

 

  11   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Pharmaceuticals (continued)              

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    250,097     $ 7,728,644  

Zoetis, Inc.(3)

    128,085       20,307,877  
      $ 88,627,911  
Professional Services — 3.3%              

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    455,514     $ 17,332,602  

RELX PLC

    766,935       15,176,037  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

    47,506       8,454,643  
      $ 40,963,282  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 4.9%  

ASML Holding NV

    48,689     $ 17,615,820  

Infineon Technologies AG

    513,653       14,300,704  

Micron Technology, Inc.(1)(3)

    193,607       9,746,177  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR

    220,605       18,502,141  
      $ 60,164,842  
Software — 5.7%  

Dassault Systemes SE

    61,418     $ 10,472,403  

Intuit, Inc.

    28,741       9,044,218  

Microsoft Corp.(3)

    252,890       51,202,638  
      $ 70,719,259  
Specialty Retail — 2.6%  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    98,951     $ 15,644,153  

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)(3)

    311,026       15,800,121  
      $ 31,444,274  
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 3.0%  

Apple, Inc.(3)

    345,017     $ 37,558,551  
      $ 37,558,551  
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 3.9%  

adidas AG(1)

    78,216     $ 23,238,354  

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A.

    111,972       6,998,672  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    39,108       18,331,785  
      $ 48,568,811  
Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.2%  

Mitsubishi Corp.

    342,855     $ 7,649,562  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    461,291       7,225,427  
      $ 14,874,989  
Security   Shares     Value  
Transportation — 0.4%  

Kuehne & Nagel International AG

    23,797     $ 4,756,141  
      $ 4,756,141  
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.1%  

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

    357,142     $ 13,298,251  
      $ 13,298,251  

Total Common Stocks
(identified cost $1,204,221,600)

 

  $ 1,311,732,845  
Preferred Stocks — 6.2%    
Security   Shares     Value  
Banks — 1.6%              

AgriBank FCB, 6.875% to 1/1/24(5)

    50,890     $ 5,521,565  

CoBank ACB, Series F, 6.25% to 10/1/22(5)

    37,717       3,960,285  

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, 6.75% to 9/15/23(5)(6)

    7,600       820,800  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc., Series D, 6.25%

    66,700       1,708,854  

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc., 6.50%

    122,097       3,103,706  

Wells Fargo & Co., Series AA, 4.70%

    67,200       1,659,840  

Wells Fargo & Co., Series L, 7.50% (Convertible)

    1,462       1,971,887  

Wells Fargo & Co., Series Z, 4.75%

    34,921       872,326  
      $ 19,619,263  
Capital Markets — 0.1%  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., 4.75%

    54,225     $ 1,408,766  
      $ 1,408,766  
Electric Utilities — 0.8%  

Interstate Power & Light Co., Series D, 5.10%

    10,472     $ 268,921  

SCE Trust III, Series H, 5.75% to 3/15/24(5)

    253,661       5,605,908  

Southern Co. (The), 4.95%

    142,000       3,745,960  
      $ 9,620,789  
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.4%  

SITE Centers Corp., Series A, 6.375%

    139,400     $ 3,401,360  

SITE Centers Corp., Series K, 6.25%

    21,025       504,390  

Vornado Realty Trust, Series K, 5.70%

    25,380       624,855  
      $ 4,530,605  
Food Products — 0.8%  

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., 7.875%(6)

    86,230     $ 7,760,700  

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Series A, 6.25%(6)

    18,430       1,515,868  
      $ 9,276,568  
 

 

  12   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

Security   Shares     Value  
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers — 0.1%  

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., Series 19-A, 6.20% to 7/1/24(5)

    66,400     $ 1,783,670  
      $ 1,783,670  
Insurance — 0.9%  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., Series B, 6.625% to 9/1/25(5)

    185,406     $ 4,831,680  

Athene Holding, Ltd., Series C, 6.375% to 6/30/25(5)

    234,000       6,294,600  
      $ 11,126,280  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.5%  

NuStar Energy, L.P., Series B, 7.625% to 6/15/22(5)

    403,475     $ 6,677,511  
      $ 6,677,511  
Pipelines — 0.3%  

Energy Transfer Operating, L.P., Series C, 7.375% to 5/15/23(5)

    116,000     $ 2,121,640  

Energy Transfer Operating, L.P., Series E, 7.60% to 5/15/24(5)

    59,950       1,166,028  
      $ 3,287,668  
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.7%  

Brookfield Property Partners, L.P., Series A, 5.75%

    224,848     $ 4,362,051  

Brookfield Property Partners, L.P., Series A-1, 6.50%

    102,075       2,131,326  

Brookfield Property Partners, L.P., Series A2, 6.375%

    134,005       2,706,901  
      $ 9,200,278  

Total Preferred Stocks
(identified cost $83,064,200)

 

  $ 76,531,398  
Corporate Bonds & Notes — 13.0%    
Security  

Principal

Amount

(000’s omitted)

    Value  
Automobiles — 0.2%              

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., Series C, 5.70% to 9/30/30(5)(7)

  $ 2,048     $ 2,124,800  
      $ 2,124,800  
Banks — 5.5%  

Banco Mercantil del Norte S.A./Grand Cayman, 7.50% to 6/27/29(5)(6)(7)

  $ 2,470     $ 2,442,682  

Banco Mercantil del Norte S.A./Grand Cayman, 7.625% to 1/10/28(5)(6)(7)

    1,160       1,160,000  
Security  

Principal

Amount

(000’s omitted)

    Value  
Banks (continued)  

Banco Mercantil del Norte S.A./Grand Cayman, 8.375% to 10/14/30(5)(6)(7)

  $ 1,105     $ 1,174,350  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The), Series G, 4.70% to 9/20/25(5)(7)

    1,452       1,557,270  

Barclays PLC, 6.125% to 12/15/25(5)(7)

    2,500       2,549,710  

Barclays PLC, 7.875% to 3/15/22(5)(7)(8)

    3,365       3,480,419  

Citigroup, Inc., 5.95% to 1/30/23(5)(7)

    2,100       2,179,754  

Citigroup, Inc., Series M, 6.30% to 5/15/24(5)(7)

    6,675       6,933,656  

Comerica, Inc., 5.625% to 7/1/25(5)(7)

    2,922       3,126,896  

Credit Suisse Group AG, 7.50% to 7/17/23(5)(6)(7)

    5,917       6,286,872  

Farm Credit Bank of Texas, Series 3, 6.20% to 6/15/28(5)(6)(7)

    3,200       3,202,608  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 6.375% to 9/17/24(5)(7)

    1,515       1,562,427  

HSBC Holdings PLC, 6.875% to 6/1/21(5)(7)

    4,445       4,511,165  

Huntington Bancshares, Inc., Series F, 5.625% to 7/15/30(5)(7)

    2,926       3,280,778  

ING Groep NV, 6.50% to 4/16/25(5)(7)

    3,100       3,293,750  

Lloyds Banking Group PLC,
7.50% to 6/27/24(5)(7)

    6,125       6,475,472  

Natwest Group PLC, 6.00% to 12/29/25(5)(7)

    1,642       1,703,082  

Natwest Group PLC, 8.00% to 8/10/25(5)(7)

    5,035       5,647,256  

Regions Financial Corp., Series D, 5.75% to 6/15/25(5)(7)

    1,500       1,610,625  

Standard Chartered PLC, 6.00% to 7/26/25(5)(6)(7)

    3,149       3,243,470  

Truist Financial Corp., Series P,
4.95% to 9/1/25(5)(7)

    1,463       1,554,438  

Zions Bancorp NA, 5.80% to 6/15/23(5)(7)

    1,501       1,452,953  
      $ 68,429,633  
Capital Markets — 1.7%  

AerCap Holdings NV, 5.875% to 10/10/24, 10/10/79(5)

  $ 3,010     $ 2,388,149  

Charles Schwab Corp. (The), Series G, 5.375% to 6/1/25(5)(7)

    4,621       5,071,547  

Morgan Stanley, Series J, 4.047% to 1/15/21(5)(7)

    5,850       5,741,235  

UBS Group AG, 6.875% to 8/7/25(5)(7)(8)

    7,463       8,258,183  
      $ 21,459,114  
Diversified Financial Services — 0.6%  

Alpha Holding S.A. de CV, 9.00%, 2/10/25(6)

  $ 3,235     $ 2,410,884  

Alpha Holding S.A. de CV, 10.00%, 12/19/22(6)

    470       391,867  

Discover Financial Services, Series D, 6.125% to 6/23/25(5)(7)

    2,397       2,589,959  

Textron Financial Corp., 2.015%, (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 1.735%), 2/15/67(6)(9)

    1,719       1,197,627  

Unifin Financiera SAB de CV, 7.375%, 2/12/26(6)

    1,325       1,060,013  
      $ 7,650,350  
 

 

  13   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

Security  

Principal

Amount

(000’s omitted)

    Value  
Electric Utilities — 1.3%  

Emera, Inc., Series 16-A, 6.75% to 6/15/26, 6/15/76(5)

  $ 3,025     $ 3,355,466  

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 5.65% to 5/1/29, 5/1/79(5)

    3,502       3,955,619  

Sempra Energy, 4.875% to 10/15/25(5)(7)

    5,550       5,785,875  

Southern Co. (The), Series B, 5.50% to 3/15/22, 3/15/57(5)

    2,469       2,539,108  
      $ 15,636,068  
Food Products — 0.8%  

Land O’ Lakes, Inc., 8.00%(6)(7)

  $ 9,541     $ 9,493,295  
      $ 9,493,295  
Gas Utilities — 0.4%  

NiSource, Inc., 5.65% to 6/15/23(5)(7)

  $ 4,965     $ 4,967,433  
      $ 4,967,433  
Insurance — 0.5%  

QBE Insurance Group, Ltd.,
5.875% to 5/12/25(5)(6)(7)

  $ 5,181     $ 5,543,670  
      $ 5,543,670  
Multi-Utilities — 0.6%  

Centerpoint Energy, Inc., Series A, 6.125% to 9/1/23(5)(7)

  $ 6,450     $ 6,529,203  

Dominion Resources, Inc., 5.75% to 10/1/24, 10/1/54(5)

    873       944,488  
      $ 7,473,691  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 1.2%  

DCP Midstream, L.P., Series A, 7.375% to 12/15/22(5)(7)

  $ 6,375     $ 4,148,264  

EnLink Midstream Partners, L.P., Series C, 6.00% to 12/15/22 (5)(7)

    9,900       4,207,500  

Gran Tierra Energy, Inc., 7.75%, 5/23/27(6)

    3,675       1,203,599  

Odebrecht Oil & Gas Finance, Ltd., 0.00% (6)(7)

    6,981       17,452  

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., 6.125% to 11/15/22(5)(7)

    8,080       4,999,500  
      $ 14,576,315  
Security  

Principal

Amount

(000’s omitted)

    Value  
Pipelines — 0.2%  

Energy Transfer Operating, L.P., Series B, 6.625% to 2/15/28(5)(7)

  $ 3,543     $ 2,521,713  
      $ 2,521,713  

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(identified cost $172,489,837)

 

  $ 159,876,082  
Exchange-Traded Funds — 1.9%    
Security   Shares     Value  
Equity Funds — 1.9%              

First Trust Preferred Securities and Income ETF

    578,948     $ 11,098,433  

iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF

    355,637       12,881,172  

Total Exchange-Traded Funds
(identified cost $23,602,705)

 

  $ 23,979,605  
Short-Term Investments — 0.9%    
Description   Units     Value  

Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC, 0.12%(10)

    10,970,971     $ 10,970,971  

Total Short-Term Investments
(identified cost $10,970,971)

 

  $ 10,970,971  

Total Investments — 128.4%(11)
(identified cost $1,494,349,313)

 

  $ 1,583,090,901  

Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (28.4)%

 

  $ (349,935,112

Net Assets — 100.0%

 

  $ 1,233,155,789  

The percentage shown for each investment category in the Portfolio of Investments is based on net assets.

 

  (1)

Non-income producing security.

 

  (2)

For fair value measurement disclosure purposes, security is categorized as Level 3 (see Note 10).

 

  (3)

All or a portion of this security was on loan at October 31, 2020 pursuant to the Liquidity Agreement (see Note 7). The aggregate market value of securities on loan at October 31, 2020 was $193,613,021.

 

  (4)

Security (or a portion thereof) has been pledged to cover collateral requirements on open derivative contracts.

 

  (5)

Security converts to variable rate after the indicated fixed-rate coupon period.

 

 

  14   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

  (6)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be sold in certain transactions in reliance on an exemption from registration (normally to qualified institutional buyers). At October 31, 2020, the aggregate value of these securities is $48,925,757 or 4.0% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

  (7)

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date but may be subject to calls by the issuer.

 

  (8)

Security exempt from registration under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside the United States. Security may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At October 31, 2020, the aggregate value of these securities is $11,738,602 or 1.0% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

  (9)

Variable rate security. The stated dividend/interest rate represents the rate in effect at October 31, 2020.

 

(10)

Affiliated investment company, available to Eaton Vance portfolios and funds, which invests in high quality, U.S. dollar denominated money market instruments. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of October 31, 2020.

 

(11)

The Fund has granted a security interest in all the Fund’s investments, unless otherwise pledged, in connection with the Liquidity Agreement (see Note 7).

Country Concentration of Portfolio

 

Country  

Percentage of

Total Investments

    Value  

United States

    51.3   $ 812,714,319  

Japan

    9.9       157,268,469  

United Kingdom

    8.9       141,400,802  

Switzerland

    6.9       108,552,308  

France

    4.9       77,008,677  

Germany

    2.4       37,539,058  

Spain

    2.1       32,997,618  

Netherlands

    1.9       30,459,706  

Sweden

    1.6       24,542,115  

Taiwan

    1.2       18,502,141  

Australia

    1.0       16,277,752  

Ireland

    0.9       14,777,617  

Hong Kong

    0.9       14,595,137  

China

    0.8       13,316,810  

Denmark

    0.8       12,385,008  

Finland

    0.7       10,782,693  

Mexico

    0.6       8,639,796  

India

    0.5       8,204,767  

Austria

    0.4       6,535,900  

Canada

    0.4       6,342,735  

Norway

    0.4       6,250,416  

Brazil

    0.0 (1)      17,452  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    1.5       23,979,605  

Total Investments

    100.0   $ 1,583,090,901  

 

  (1)  

Amount is less than 0.05%.

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts  
Currency
Purchased
    Currency Sold     Counterparty  

Settlement

Date

   

Unrealized

Appreciation

   

Unrealized

(Depreciation)

 
USD     3,889,224     EUR     3,284,218     State Street Bank and Trust Company     11/30/20     $ 61,983     $         —  
      $ 61,983     $  

 

Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

     Position   

Expiration

Date

    

Notional

Amount

    

Value/Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)

 

Equity Futures

              
E-mini S&P 500 Index      692      Long      12/18/20      $ 112,958,619      $ (2,040,318
Nikkei 225 Index      (437    Short      12/10/20        (96,025,369      198,827  
STOXX Europe 600 Banks Index      (1,033    Short      12/18/20        (20,554,682      1,521,113  
                                     $ (320,378

 

  15   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Portfolio of Investments — continued

 

 

Abbreviations:

 

ADR     American Depositary Receipt
EUR     Euro
LIBOR     London Interbank Offered Rate
PC     Participation Certificate
USD     United States Dollar

 

  16   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

 

Assets    October 31, 2020  

Unaffiliated investments, at value including $193,613,021 of securities on loan (identified cost, $1,483,378,342)

   $ 1,572,119,930  

Affiliated investment, at value (identified cost, $10,970,971)

     10,970,971  

Cash

     1,914,385  

Dividends and interest receivable

     6,389,708  

Dividends receivable from affiliated investment

     1,863  

Receivable for investments sold

     9,909,284  

Receivable for open forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     61,983  

Tax reclaims receivable

     9,492,395  

Total assets

   $ 1,610,860,519  
Liabilities

 

Liquidity Agreement borrowings

   $ 370,000,000  

Payable for investments purchased

     4,601,365  

Payable for variation margin on open financial futures contracts

     18,227  

Due to custodian — foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $1,250,096)

     1,249,875  

Payable to affiliates:

  

Investment adviser fee

     1,206,855  

Trustees’ fees

     7,108  

Accrued expenses

     621,300  

Total liabilities

   $ 377,704,730  

Net Assets

   $ 1,233,155,789  
Sources of Net Assets

 

Common shares, $0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized, 76,300,214 shares issued and outstanding

   $ 763,002  

Additional paid-in capital

     1,302,306,325  

Accumulated loss

     (69,913,538

Net Assets

   $ 1,233,155,789  
Net Asset Value         

($1,233,155,789 ÷ 76,300,214 common shares issued and outstanding)

   $ 16.16  

 

  17   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Statement of Operations

 

 

Investment Income   

Year Ended

October 31, 2020

 

Dividends (net of foreign taxes, $8,310,909)

   $ 89,002,282  

Interest

     12,111,973  

Dividends from affiliated investment

     72,223  

Securities lending income, net

     1,351  

Total investment income

   $ 101,187,829  
Expenses         

Investment adviser fee

   $ 14,084,094  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     88,058  

Custodian fee

     432,323  

Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees

     18,653  

Legal and accounting services

     195,708  

Printing and postage

     363,489  

Interest expense and fees

     6,364,899  

Miscellaneous

     157,022  

Total expenses

   $ 21,704,246  

Net investment income

   $ 79,483,583  
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)         

Net realized gain (loss) —

  

Investment transactions

   $ (59,694,217

Investment transactions — affiliated investment

     (25,670

Proceeds from securities litigation settlements

     150,572  

Financial futures contracts

     32,520,655  

Foreign currency transactions

     (885,494

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     (8,370,532

Net realized loss

   $ (36,304,686

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) —

  

Investments

   $ (51,783,599

Financial futures contracts

     916,659  

Foreign currency

     409,979  

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     78,351  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   $ (50,378,610

Net realized and unrealized loss

   $ (86,683,296

Net decrease in net assets from operations

   $ (7,199,713

 

  18   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets    2020      2019  

From operations —

     

Net investment income

   $ 79,483,583      $ 92,941,385  

Net realized loss

     (36,304,686      (110,233,666

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (50,378,610      169,156,175  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

   $ (7,199,713    $ 151,863,894  

Distributions to shareholders

   $ (93,849,263    $ (93,849,264

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

   $ (101,048,976    $ 58,014,630  
Net Assets                  

At beginning of year

   $ 1,334,204,765      $ 1,276,190,135  

At end of year

   $ 1,233,155,789      $ 1,334,204,765  

 

  19   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities   

Year Ended

October 31, 2020

 

Net decrease in net assets from operations

   $ (7,199,713

Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:

  

Investments purchased

     (3,632,186,600

Investments sold

     3,680,250,381  

Decrease in short-term investments, net

     5,414,768  

Net amortization/accretion of premium (discount)

     218,611  

Increase in dividends and interest receivable

     (509,890

Decrease in dividends receivable from affiliated investment

     9,175  

Increase in receivable for open forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     (61,983

Decrease in securities lending income receivable

     3,138  

Increase in tax reclaims receivable

     (2,073,667

Decrease in collateral for securities loaned

     (5,999,333

Decrease in payable for variation margin on open financial futures contracts

     (86,601

Decrease in payable for open forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     (16,368

Decrease in payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee

     (37,120

Decrease in payable to affiliate for Trustees’ fees

     (121

Increase in accrued expenses

     99,826  

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation from investments

     51,783,599  

Net realized loss from investments

     59,719,887  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 149,327,989  
Cash Flows From Financing Activities         

Cash distributions paid

   $ (93,849,263

Proceeds from Liquidity Agreement borrowings

     370,000,000  

Repayments of notes payable

     (425,000,000

Increase in due to custodian — foreign currency

     1,196,272  

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (147,652,991

Net increase in cash

   $ 1,674,998  

Cash at beginning of year

   $ 239,387  

Cash at end of year

   $ 1,914,385  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:         

Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowings

   $ 6,218,943  

 

  20   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Financial Highlights

 

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
     2020      2019      2018      2017     2016  
           

Net asset value — Beginning of year

   $ 17.490      $ 16.730      $ 18.230      $ 15.800     $ 17.540  
Income (Loss) From Operations                                            

Net investment income(1)

   $ 1.042      $ 1.218      $ 0.546      $ 1.259     $ 1.278 (2) 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (1.142      0.772        (0.816      2.401       (1.788

Total income (loss) from operations

   $ (0.100    $ 1.990      $ (0.270    $ 3.660     $ (0.510
Less Distributions                                            

From net investment income

   $ (1.230    $ (1.166    $ (0.560    $ (1.230   $ (1.230

From net realized gain

            (0.064      (0.670             

Total distributions

   $ (1.230    $ (1.230    $ (1.230    $ (1.230   $ (1.230

Net asset value — End of year

   $ 16.160      $ 17.490      $ 16.730      $ 18.230     $ 15.800  

Market value — End of year

   $ 14.290      $ 16.770      $ 15.540      $ 17.190     $ 14.340  

Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(3)

     0.16      13.06      (1.38 )%       24.42     (2.09 )% 

Total Investment Return on Market Value(3)

     (7.63 )%       16.70      (2.91 )%       29.34     (5.77 )% 
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                            

Net assets, end of year (000’s omitted)

   $ 1,233,156      $ 1,334,205      $ 1,276,190      $ 1,390,617     $ 1,205,668  

Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets):

             

Expenses excluding interest and fees

     1.21      1.22      1.18      1.21     1.24

Interest and fee expense

     0.50      1.01      0.76      0.57     0.37

Total expenses

     1.71      2.23      1.94      1.78     1.61

Net investment income

     6.26      7.25      2.98      7.35     7.84 %(2) 

Portfolio Turnover

     224      175      110      197     200

Senior Securities:

             

Total amount outstanding (in 000’s)

   $ 370,000      $ 425,000      $ 425,000      $ 425,000     $ 425,000  

Asset coverage per $1,000(4)

   $ 4,333      $ 4,139      $ 4,003      $ 4,272     $ 3,837  

 

(1) 

Computed using average shares outstanding.

 

(2)

Net investment income per share includes special dividends which amounted to $0.195 per share for the year ended October 31, 2016. Excluding special dividends, the ratio of net investment income to average daily net assets would have been 6.64% for the year ended October 31, 2016.

 

(3)

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

 

(4)

Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including the borrowings payable/notes payable) from the Fund’s total assets, and dividing the result by the borrowings payable/notes payable balance in thousands.

 

  21   See Notes to Financial Statements.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

1  Significant Accounting Policies

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (the Fund) is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of the Fund. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

A  Investment Valuation — The following methodologies are used to determine the market value or fair value of investments.

Equity Securities. Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange generally are valued at the last sale or closing price on the day of valuation or, if no sales took place on such date, at the mean between the closing bid and ask prices on the exchange where such securities are principally traded. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ Global or Global Select Market generally are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sales prices or closing quotations are not available are valued at the mean between the latest available bid and ask prices or, in the case of preferred equity securities that are not listed or traded in the over-the-counter market, by a third party pricing service that uses various techniques that consider factors including, but not limited to, prices or yields of securities with similar characteristics, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, quotes of underlying common stock, issuer spreads, as well as industry and economic events.

Debt Obligations. Debt obligations are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by third party pricing services, as derived from such services’ pricing models. Inputs to the models may include, but are not limited to, reported trades, executable bid and ask prices, broker/dealer quotations, prices or yields of securities with similar characteristics, interest rates, anticipated prepayments, benchmark curves or information pertaining to the issuer, as well as industry and economic events. The pricing services may use a matrix approach, which considers information regarding securities with similar characteristics to determine the valuation for a security. Short-term debt obligations purchased with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less for which a valuation from a third party pricing service is not readily available may be valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Derivatives. Financial futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded, with adjustments for fair valuation for certain foreign financial futures contracts as described below. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued at the mean of the average bid and average ask prices that are reported by currency dealers to a third party pricing service at the valuation time. Such third party pricing service valuations are supplied for specific settlement periods and the Fund’s forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at an interpolated rate between the closest preceding and subsequent settlement period reported by the third party pricing service.

Foreign Securities, Financial Futures Contracts and Currencies. Foreign securities, financial futures contracts and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by a third party pricing service. The pricing service uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Inputs to the model include reported trades and implied bid/ask spreads. The daily valuation of exchange-traded foreign securities and certain exchange-traded foreign financial futures contracts generally is determined as of the close of trading on the principal exchange on which such securities and contracts trade. Events occurring after the close of trading on foreign exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities and certain foreign financial futures contracts to more accurately reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. When valuing foreign equity securities and foreign financial futures contracts that meet certain criteria, the Fund’s Trustees have approved the use of a fair value service that values such securities and foreign financial futures contracts 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 and foreign financial futures contracts.

Affiliated Fund. The Fund may invest in Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC (Cash Reserves Fund), an affiliated investment company managed by Eaton Vance Management (EVM). While Cash Reserves Fund is not a registered money market mutual fund, it conducts all of its investment activities in accordance with the requirements of Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Investments in Cash Reserves Fund are valued at the closing net asset value per unit on the valuation day. Cash Reserves Fund generally values its investment securities based on available market quotations provided by a third party pricing service.

Fair Valuation. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Fund in a manner that most fairly reflects the security’s “fair value”, which is the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale in the ordinary course. Each such determination is based on a consideration of relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. These factors may include, but are not limited to, the type of security, the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition, the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies or entities, quotations or relevant information obtained from broker/dealers or other market participants, information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), an analysis of the company’s or entity’s financial statements, and an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold.

B  Investment Transactions — Investment transactions for financial statement purposes are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.

 

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

C  Income — Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for dividends received in cash and/or securities. However, if the ex-dividend date has passed, certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, interest and capital gains have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates. In consideration of recent decisions rendered by European courts, the Fund has filed additional tax reclaims for previously withheld taxes on dividends earned in certain European Union countries. These filings are subject to various administrative and judicial proceedings within these countries. Due to the uncertainty as to the ultimate resolution of these proceedings, the likelihood of receipt of these reclaims, and the potential timing of payment, no amounts are reflected in the financial statements for such outstanding reclaims. Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Distributions from investment companies are recorded as dividend income, capital gains or return of capital based on the nature of the distribution.

D  Federal Taxes — The Fund’s policy is to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its net investment income, and all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary.

As of October 31, 2020, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure. The Fund files a U.S. federal income tax return annually after its fiscal year-end, which is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years from the date of filing.

E  Foreign Currency Translation — Investment valuations, other assets, and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investment securities and income and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates in effect on the respective dates of such transactions. Recognized gains or losses on investment transactions attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. That portion of unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed.

F  Use of Estimates — The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

G  Indemnifications — Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Under Massachusetts law, if certain conditions prevail, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust (such as the Fund) could be deemed to have personal liability for the obligations of the Fund. However, the Fund’s Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of liability on the part of Fund shareholders and the By-laws provide that the Fund shall assume, upon request by the shareholder, the defense on behalf of any Fund shareholders. Moreover, the By-laws also provide for indemnification out of Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder for all loss or expense arising from such liability. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred.

H  Financial Futures Contracts — Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker, either in cash or securities, an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin). Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund each business day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security or index, and are recorded as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. Gains (losses) are realized upon the expiration or closing of the financial futures contracts. Should market conditions change unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. Futures contracts have minimal counterparty risk as they are exchange traded and the clearinghouse for the exchange is substituted as the counterparty, guaranteeing counterparty performance.

I  Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded as unrealized until such time as the contracts have been closed. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

2  Distributions to Shareholders and Income Tax Information

Subject to its Managed Distribution Plan, the Fund intends to make monthly distributions from its net investment income, net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) and other sources. The Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As required by U.S. GAAP, only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid-in capital. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income. Distributions in any year may include a return of capital component.

 

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

The tax character of distributions declared for the years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
      2020      2019  

Ordinary income

   $ 93,849,263      $ 88,999,559  

Long-term capital gains

   $      $ 4,849,705  

As of October 31, 2020, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated loss) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 183,670  

Deferred capital losses

   $ (136,150,927

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 65,034,854  

Other temporary differences

   $ 1,018,865  

At October 31, 2020, the Fund, for federal income tax purposes, had deferred capital losses of $136,150,927 which would reduce its taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investment transactions, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Code, and thus would reduce the amount of distributions to shareholders, which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income or excise tax. The deferred capital losses are treated as arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year and retain the same short-term or long-term character as when originally deferred. Of the deferred capital losses at October 31, 2020, $136,150,927 are short-term.

The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments, including open derivative contracts, of the Fund at October 31, 2020, as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:

 

Aggregate cost

   $ 1,518,577,533  

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 126,617,903  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (61,905,708

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 64,712,195  

3  Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

The investment adviser fee is earned by EVM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Fund. Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement and subsequent fee reduction agreement, the fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily gross assets up to and including $1.5 billion, 0.83% over $1.5 billion up to and including $3 billion, and at reduced rates on daily gross assets over $3 billion, and is payable monthly. Gross assets as referred to herein represent net assets plus obligations attributable to investment leverage. The fee reduction cannot be terminated without the consent of a majority of Trustees and a majority of shareholders. For the year ended October 31, 2020, the Fund’s investment adviser fee amounted to $14,084,094, or 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily gross assets. Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement, EVM pays Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (EVAIL), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., a portion of its investment adviser fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Fund. The Fund invests its cash in Cash Reserves Fund. EVM does not currently receive a fee for advisory services provided to Cash Reserves Fund. EVM also serves as administrator of the Fund, but receives no compensation.

Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of EVM’s organization receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out of the investment adviser fee. Trustees of the Fund who are not affiliated with EVM may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of the Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan. For the year ended October 31, 2020, no significant amounts have been deferred. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers of EVM.

4  Purchases and Sales of Investments

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $3,630,721,228 and $3,686,299,397, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2020.

 

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

5  Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

The Fund may issue common shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan. There were no common shares issued by the Fund for the years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019.

In November 2013, the Board of Trustees initially approved a share repurchase program for the Fund. Pursuant to the reauthorization of the share repurchase program by the Board of Trustees in March 2019, the Fund is authorized to repurchase up to 10% of its common shares outstanding as of the last day of the prior calendar year at market prices when shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The share repurchase program does not obligate the Fund to purchase a specific amount of shares. There were no repurchases of common shares by the Fund for the years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019.

6  Financial Instruments

The Fund may trade in financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its investing activities. These financial instruments may include futures contracts and forward foreign currency exchange contracts and may involve, to a varying degree, elements of risk in excess of the amounts recognized for financial statement purposes. The notional or contractual amounts of these instruments represent the investment the Fund has in particular classes of financial instruments and do not necessarily represent the amounts potentially subject to risk. The measurement of the risks associated with these instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting transactions are considered. A summary of obligations under these financial instruments at October 31, 2020 is included in the Portfolio of Investments. At October 31, 2020, the Fund had sufficient cash and/or securities to cover commitments under these contracts.

In the normal course of pursuing its investment objective, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

Equity Price Risk: The Fund enters into equity futures contracts on securities indices to gain or limit exposure to certain markets, particularly in connection with engaging in the dividend capture trading strategy.

Foreign Exchange Risk: The Fund engages in forward foreign currency exchange contracts to seek to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

The Fund enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts that may contain provisions whereby the counterparty may terminate the contract under certain conditions, including but not limited to a decline in the Fund’s net assets below a certain level over a certain period of time, which would trigger a payment by the Fund for those derivatives in a liability position. At October 31, 2020, the Fund had no open derivatives with credit-related contingent features in a net liability position.

The over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives in which the Fund invests are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract fails to perform its obligations under the contract. To mitigate this risk, the Fund has entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with substantially all its derivative counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs certain OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, set-off provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event as defined under the relevant ISDA Master Agreement. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy or insolvency. Certain ISDA Master Agreements allow counterparties to OTC derivatives to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity in the event the Fund’s net assets decline by a stated percentage or the Fund fails to meet the terms of its ISDA Master Agreements, which would cause the counterparty to accelerate payment by the Fund of any net liability owed to it.

The collateral requirements for derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement are governed by a Credit Support Annex to the ISDA Master Agreement. Collateral requirements are determined at the close of business each day and are typically based on changes in market values for each transaction under an ISDA Master Agreement and netted into one amount for such agreement. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty is subject to a minimum transfer threshold amount before a transfer is required, which may vary by counterparty. Collateral pledged for the benefit of the Fund and/or counterparty is held in segregated accounts by the Fund’s custodian and cannot be sold, re-pledged, assigned or otherwise used while pledged. The portion of such collateral representing cash, if any, is reflected as deposits for derivatives collateral and, in the case of cash pledged by a counterparty for the benefit of the Fund, a corresponding liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged by the Fund as collateral, if any, are identified as such in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

The fair value of open derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) by risk exposure at October 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

         Fair Value  
Risk   Derivative    Asset
Derivative
     Liability
Derivative
 

Equity Price

 

Futures contracts

   $ 1,719,940 (1)     $ (2,040,318 )(1) 

Foreign Exchange

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     61,983 (2)        

Total

       $ 1,781,923      $ (2,040,318

Derivatives not subject to master netting or similar agreements

   $ 1,719,940      $ (2,040,318

Total Derivatives subject to master netting or similar agreements

   $ 61,983      $  

 

(1) 

Only the current day’s variation margin on open futures contracts is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as Receivable or Payable for variation margin on open financial futures contracts, as applicable.

 

(2)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Receivable for open forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

The Fund’s derivative assets and liabilities at fair value by risk, which are reported gross in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, are presented in the table above. The following table presents the Fund’s derivative assets by counterparty, net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement and net of the related collateral received by the Fund for such assets as of October 31, 2020.

 

Counterparty   

Derivative Assets
Subject to

Master Netting

Agreement

    

Derivatives

Available

for Offset

    

Non-cash

Collateral

Received(a)

    

Cash

Collateral

Received(a)

    

Net Amount

of Derivative

Assets(b)

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company

   $ 61,983      $         —      $         —      $         —      $ 61,983  

 

(a) 

In some instances, the total collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown due to overcollateralization.

 

(b)

Net amount represents the net amount due from the counterparty in the event of default.

The effect of derivative instruments (not considered to be hedging instruments for accounting disclosure purposes) on the Statement of Operations by risk exposure for the year ended October 31, 2020 was as follows:

 

Risk   Derivative   Realized Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives Recognized
in Income
(1)
    Change in Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income
(2)
 

Equity Price

 

Futures contracts

  $ 32,520,655     $ 916,659  

Foreign Exchange

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

    (8,370,532     78,351  

Total

      $ 24,150,123     $ 995,010  

 

(1)  

Statement of Operations location: Net realized gain (loss) – Financial futures contracts and Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively.

 

(2) 

Statement of Operations location: Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) – Financial futures contracts and Forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively.

 

  26  


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

The average notional cost of futures contracts and average notional amounts of other derivative contracts outstanding during the year ended October 31, 2020, which are indicative of the volume of these derivative types, were approximately as follows:

 

Futures
Contracts — Long
    Futures
Contracts — Short
    Forward
Foreign Currency
Exchange Contracts
*
 
  $150,083,000     $ 153,180,000     $ 49,791,000  

 

*

The average notional amount for forward foreign currency exchange contracts is based on the absolute value of notional amounts of currency purchased and currency sold.

7  Liquidity Agreement

Effective August 28, 2020, the Fund entered into a Liquidity Agreement (the Agreement) with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) that allows the Fund to borrow or otherwise access up to $435 million through securities lending transactions, direct loans from SSBT or a combination of both. The Fund has granted to SSBT a security interest in all its cash, securities and other financial assets, unless otherwise pledged, to secure the payment and performance of its obligations under the Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund has made its securities available for securities lending transactions by SSBT acting as securities lending agent for the Fund. Securities lending transactions are required to be secured with cash collateral received from the securities borrowers equal at all times to at least 100%, 102% or 105% of the market value of the securities loaned, depending on the type of security. The market value of securities loaned is determined daily and any additional required collateral is delivered to SSBT on the next business day. The Fund is subject to the possible delay in the recovery of loaned securities. Pursuant to the Agreement, SSBT has provided indemnification to the Fund in the event of default by a securities borrower with respect to security loans. However, the Fund retains all risk of loss and gains associated with securities purchased using cash received as collateral for security loans. The Fund is entitled to receive from securities borrowers all substitute interest, dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the securities on loan. The Fund may instruct SSBT to recall a security on loan at any time. At October 31, 2020, the value of the securities loaned and the value of the cash collateral received by SSBT, which exceeded the value of the securities loaned, amounted to $193,613,021 and $201,088,699, respectively.

Interest on borrowings outstanding under the Agreement is charged at a rate equal to 1-month LIBOR plus 0.50%, payable monthly. SSBT retains all net fees that may arise in connection with securities lending transactions. If the value of securities available to lend falls below a prescribed level, the interest rate may be increased. If the Fund utilizes less than 50% of the commitment amount, it will be charged a monthly non-usage fee of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment. The Agreement may be terminated by either SSBT or the Fund upon 360 days’ prior written notice to the other party and after the second anniversary of the Agreement, by the Fund upon 90 days’ prior written notice to SSBT. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements or other covenants are not met, the Agreement could be deemed in default and result in termination. At October 31, 2020, the Fund had borrowings outstanding under the Agreement of $370 million at an annual interest rate of 0.64%, which are shown as Liquidity Agreement borrowings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The carrying amount of the borrowings at October 31, 2020 approximated its fair value. If measured at fair value, borrowings under the Agreement would have been considered as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 10) at October 31, 2020.

Prior to August 28, 2020, the Fund had a Credit Agreement with another major financial institution that allowed it to borrow up to $498 million over a rolling 179 calendar day period. Interest was charged at a rate above 1-month LIBOR and was payable monthly. The Fund was charged a commitment fee of 0.30% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment if outstanding borrowings were less than 80% of the borrowing limit. For the year ended October 31, 2020, the aggregate average borrowings under the Agreement and Credit Agreement and the average interest rate (excluding fees) were $392,691,257 and 1.58%, respectively.

8  Securities Lending Agreement

Prior to August 28, 2020, the Fund participated in a securities lending agreement with SSBT as securities lending agent in which the Fund loaned portfolio securities to qualified borrowers in exchange for collateral consisting of either cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities on loan. The market value of securities loaned was determined daily and any additional required collateral was delivered to the Fund on the next business day. Cash collateral was invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market fund registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund earned interest on the amount invested but it paid (and at times received from) the broker a loan rebate fee computed as a varying percentage of the collateral received. For security loans secured by non-cash collateral, the Fund earned a negotiated lending fee from the borrower. A portion of the income earned by the Fund from its investment of cash collateral, net of rebate fees, and lending fees received was allocated to SSBT for its services as lending agent and the portion allocated to the Fund is presented as securities lending income, net on the Statement of Operations.

 

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

9  Investments in Affiliated Funds

At October 31, 2020, the value of the Fund’s investment in affiliated funds was $10,970,971, which represents 0.9% of the Fund’s net assets. Transactions in affiliated funds by the Fund for the year ended October 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Name of affiliated fund   Value, beginning
of period
    Purchases     Sales
proceeds
    Net realized
gain (loss)
    Change in
unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
   

Value, end

of period

    Dividend
income
    Units, end
of period
 

Short-Term Investments

               

Eaton Vance Cash Reserves Fund, LLC

  $ 10,412,076     $ 666,309,001     $ (665,724,436   $ (25,670   $         —     $ 10,970,971     $ 72,223       10,970,971  

10  Fair Value Measurements

Under generally accepted accounting principles for fair value measurements, a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions, referred to as inputs, is used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

In cases where the inputs used to measure fair value fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level disclosed is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

At October 31, 2020, the hierarchy of inputs used in valuing the Fund’s investments and open derivative instruments, which are carried at value, were as follows:

 

Asset Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3*      Total  

Common Stocks

           

Communication Services

   $ 94,833,459      $ 42,344,291      $         —      $ 137,177,750  

Consumer Discretionary

     83,896,801        78,221,200               162,118,001  

Consumer Staples

     23,116,496        67,651,715               90,768,211  

Energy

     26,624,895        6,535,900               33,160,795  

Financials

     76,657,020        95,764,891               172,421,911  

Health Care

     83,880,268        99,323,676               183,203,944  

Industrials

     53,316,078        121,856,436        0        175,172,514  

Information Technology

     171,611,863        95,740,971               267,352,834  

Materials

            38,860,964               38,860,964  

Real Estate

     18,958,719                      18,958,719  

Utilities

     20,886,018        11,651,184               32,537,202  

Total Common Stocks

   $ 653,781,617      $ 657,951,228 **     $ 0      $ 1,311,732,845  

Preferred Stocks

           

Consumer Staples

   $      $ 9,276,568      $         —      $ 9,276,568  

Energy

     9,965,179                      9,965,179  

Financials

     21,851,659        10,302,650               32,154,309  

Real Estate

     13,730,883                      13,730,883  

Utilities

     9,620,789        1,783,670               11,404,459  

Total Preferred Stocks

   $ 55,168,510      $ 21,362,888      $      $ 76,531,398  

 

  28  


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Notes to Financial Statements — continued

 

 

Asset Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3*      Total  

Corporate Bonds & Notes

   $      $ 159,876,082      $         —      $ 159,876,082  

Exchange-Traded Funds

     23,979,605                      23,979,605  

Short-Term Investments

            10,970,971               10,970,971  

Total Investments

   $ 732,929,732      $ 850,161,169      $ 0      $ 1,583,090,901  

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $      $ 61,983      $      $ 61,983  

Futures Contracts

     1,719,940                      1,719,940  

Total

   $ 734,649,672      $ 850,223,152      $ 0      $ 1,584,872,824  

Liability Description

                                   

Futures Contracts

   $ (2,040,318    $      $      $ (2,040,318

Total

   $ (2,040,318    $      $      $ (2,040,318

 

*

None of the unobservable inputs for Level 3 assets, individually or collectively, had a material impact on the Fund.

 

**

Includes foreign equity securities whose values were adjusted to reflect market trading of comparable securities or other correlated instruments that occurred after the close of trading in their applicable foreign markets.

Level 3 investments at the beginning and/or end of the period in relation to net assets were not significant and accordingly, a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for year ended October 31, 2020 is not presented.

11  Risks and Uncertainties

Risks Associated with Foreign Investments

Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not present in domestic investments. For example, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies, particularly those not subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws. Certain foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign securities also involve the risk of possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or financial instability or diplomatic and other developments which could affect such investments. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets, broker/dealers and issuers than in the United States.

Pandemic Risk

An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in China in December 2019 and subsequently spread internationally. This coronavirus has resulted in closing borders, enhanced health screenings, changes to healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, cancellations, disruptions to supply chains and customer activity, as well as general concern and uncertainty. Health crises caused by outbreaks, such as the coronavirus outbreak, may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks and disrupt normal market conditions and operations. The impact of this outbreak has negatively affected the worldwide economy, the economies of individual countries, individual companies, and the market in general, and may continue to do so in significant and unforeseen ways, as may other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future. Any such impact could adversely affect the Fund’s performance, or the performance of the securities in which the Fund invests.

12  Additional Information

On October 8, 2020, Morgan Stanley and Eaton Vance Corp. (“Eaton Vance”) announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Morgan Stanley would acquire Eaton Vance. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, consummation of this transaction may be deemed to result in the automatic termination of an Eaton Vance Fund’s investment advisory agreement, and, where applicable, any related sub-advisory agreement. On November 10, 2020, the Fund’s Board approved a new investment advisory agreement and a new sub-advisory agreement. The new investment advisory agreement and new sub-advisory agreement will be presented to Fund shareholders for approval, and, if approved, would take effect upon consummation of the transaction. Shareholders of record of the Fund at the close of business on October 29, 2020 who have voting power with respect to such shares are entitled to be present and vote at a joint special meeting of shareholders to be held on January 7, 2021 and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Trustees and Shareholders of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund:

Opinion on the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2020, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related notes. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

December 17, 2020

We have served as the auditor of one or more Eaton Vance investment companies since 1959.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Federal Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

 

The Form 1099-DIV you receive in February 2021 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar year 2020. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund. As required by the Internal Revenue Code and/or regulations, shareholders must be notified regarding the status of qualified dividend income for individuals and the dividends received deduction for corporations.

Qualified Dividend Income.  For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the Fund designates approximately $105,187,865, or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced tax rate of 15%.

Dividends Received Deduction.  Corporate shareholders are generally entitled to take the dividends received deduction on the portion of the Fund’s dividend distribution that qualifies under tax law. For the Fund’s fiscal 2020 ordinary income dividends, 21.44% qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Annual Meeting of Shareholders (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 13, 2020. The following action was taken by the shareholders:

Proposal 1:  The election of Thomas E. Faust Jr., Mark R. Fetting, William H. Park and Keith Quinton as Class II Trustees of the Fund for a three-year term expiring in 2023.

 

Nominee for Trustee    Number of Shares  
   For      Withheld  

Thomas E. Faust Jr.

     64,043,713        1,783,309  

Mark R. Fetting

     63,837,876        1,989,146  

William H. Park

     64,094,741        1,732,281  

Keith Quinton

     63,916,092        1,910,930  

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

 

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

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

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

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

If you wish to participate in the Plan and your Shares are held in your own name, you may complete the form on the following page and deliver it to the Agent. Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Agent at 1-866-439-6787.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Application for Participation in Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

 

This form is for shareholders who hold their common shares in their own names. If your common shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you should contact your nominee to see if it will participate in the Plan on your behalf. If you wish to participate in the Plan, but your brokerage firm, bank, or nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you should request that your common shares be re-registered in your own name which will enable your participation in the Plan.

The following authorization and appointment is given with the understanding that I may terminate it at any time by terminating my participation in the Plan as provided in the terms and conditions of the Plan.

 

 

Please print exact name on account

 

Shareholder signature                                                          Date

 

Shareholder signature                                                          Date

Please sign exactly as your common shares are registered. All persons whose names appear on the share certificate must sign.

YOU SHOULD NOT RETURN THIS FORM IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. THIS IS NOT A PROXY.

This authorization form, when signed, should be mailed to the following address:

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

P.O. Box 922

Wall Street Station

New York, NY 10269-0560

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Management and Organization

 

 

Fund Management.  The Trustees of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund (the Fund) are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Fund’s affairs. The Trustees and officers of the Fund are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. The “Noninterested Trustees” consist of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Trustee and officer is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. As used below, “EVC” refers to Eaton Vance Corp., “EV” refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., “EVM” refers to Eaton Vance Management, “BMR” refers to Boston Management and Research and “EVD” refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of EVM and BMR. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with EVM listed below. Each Trustee oversees 143 portfolios (with the exception of Messrs. Faust and Wennerholm and Ms. Frost who oversee 142 portfolios) in the Eaton Vance Complex (including all master and feeder funds in a master feeder structure). Each officer serves as an officer of certain other Eaton Vance funds.

 

Name and Year of Birth   

Fund

Position(s)

    

Term Expiring.

Trustee
Since
(1)

    

Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships

During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience

Interested Trustee

Thomas E. Faust Jr.

1958

  

Class II

Trustee

    

Until 2023.

Trustee since 2007.

    

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC, Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVM and BMR, and Director of EVD. Trustee and/or officer of 142 registered investment companies. Mr. Faust is an interested person because of his positions with EVM, BMR, EVD, EVC and EV, which are affiliates of the Fund.

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Director of EVC and Hexavest Inc. (investment management firm).

Noninterested Trustees

Mark R. Fetting

1954

  

Class II

Trustee

    

Until 2023.

Trustee since 2016.

    

Private investor. Formerly held various positions at Legg Mason, Inc. (investment management firm) (2000-2012), including President, Chief Executive Officer, Director and Chairman (2008-2012), Senior Executive Vice President (2004-2008) and Executive Vice President (2001-2004). Formerly, President of Legg Mason family of funds (2001-2008). Formerly, Division President and Senior Officer of Prudential Financial Group, Inc. and related companies (investment management firm) (1991-2000).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. None.

Cynthia E. Frost

1961

  

Class I

Trustee

    

Until 2022.

Trustee since 2014.

    

Private investor. Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of Brown University (university endowment) (2000-2012). Formerly, Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company (university endowment manager) (1995-2000). Formerly, Managing Director, Cambridge Associates (investment consulting company) (1989-1995). Formerly, Consultant, Bain and Company (management consulting firm) (1987-1989). Formerly, Senior Equity Analyst, BA Investment Management Company (1983-1985).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. None.

George J. Gorman

1952

  

Class III

Trustee

    

Until 2021.

Trustee since 2014.

    

Principal at George J. Gorman LLC (consulting firm). Formerly, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (a registered public accounting firm) (1974-2009).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Formerly, Trustee of the BofA Funds Series Trust (11 funds) (2011-2014) and of the Ashmore Funds (9 funds) (2010-2014).

Valerie A. Mosley

1960

  

Class I

Trustee

    

Until 2022.

Trustee since

2014.

    

Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmo Ventures (a consulting and investment firm). Former Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012). Former Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992). Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Director of DraftKings, Inc.

(digital sports entertainment and gaming company) (since September 2020). Director of Groupon, Inc. (e-commerce provider) (since April 2020). Director of Envestnet, Inc. (provider of intelligent systems for wealth management and financial wellness) (since 2018). Formerly, Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (2013-2020).

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Management and Organization — continued

 

 

Name and Year of Birth   

Fund

Position(s)

    

Term Expiring.

Trustee
Since
(1)

    

Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships

During Past Five Years and Other Relevant Experience

Noninterested Trustees (continued)

William H. Park

1947

  

Chairperson of the Board and Class II

Trustee

    

Until 2023.

Chairperson of the Board since 2016 and Trustee since 2003.

    

Private investor. Formerly, Consultant (management and transactional) (2012-2014). Formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Aveon Group L.P. (investment management firm) (2010-2011). Formerly, Vice Chairman, Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company) (2006-2010). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (2002-2005). Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (investment management firm) (1982-2001). Formerly, Senior Manager, Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (a registered public accounting firm) (1972-1981).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. None.

Helen Frame Peters

1948

  

Class III

Trustee

    

Until 2021.

Trustee since 2008.

    

Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Formerly, Dean, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (2000-2002). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income, Scudder Kemper Investments (investment management firm) (1998-1999). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income, Colonial Management Associates (investment management firm) (1991-1998).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. None.

Keith Quinton

1958

  

Class II

Trustee

    

Until 2023.

Trustee since 2018.

    

Private investor, researcher and lecturer. Independent Investment Committee Member at New Hampshire Retirement System (since 2017). Formerly, Portfolio Manager and Senior Quantitative Analyst at Fidelity Investments (investment management firm) (2001-2014).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Director (since 2016) and

Chairman (since 2019) of New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank.

Marcus L. Smith

1966

  

Class III

Trustee

    

Until 2021.

Trustee since 2018.

    

Private investor. Member of Posse Boston Advisory Board (foundation) (since 2015). Formerly, Portfolio Manager at MFS Investment Management (investment management firm) (1994-2017).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Director of MSCI Inc. (global provider of investment decision support tools) (since 2017). Formerly, Director of DCT Industrial Trust Inc. (logistics real estate company) (2017-2018).

Susan J. Sutherland

1957

  

Class III

Trustee

    

Until 2021.

Trustee since 2015.

    

Private investor. Director of Ascot Group Limited and certain of its subsidiaries (insurance and reinsurance) (since 2018). Formerly, Director of Hagerty Holding Corp. (insurance and reinsurance) (2015-2018). Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015).

Scott E. Wennerholm

1959

  

Class I

Trustee

    

Until 2022.

Trustee since 2016.

    

Private Investor. Formerly, Trustee at Wheelock College (postsecondary institution) (2012-2018). Formerly, Consultant at GF Parish Group (executive recruiting firm) (2016-2017). Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President at BNY Mellon Asset Management (investment management firm) (2005-2011). Formerly, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Natixis Global Asset Management (investment management firm) (1997-2004). Formerly, Vice President at Fidelity Investments Institutional Services (investment management firm) (1994-1997).

Other Directorships in the Last Five Years. None.

            
Name and Year of Birth   

Fund

Position(s)

     Officer
Since
(2)
    

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

Principal Officers who are not Trustees

Edward J. Perkin

1972

   President      2014      Vice President and Chief Equity Investment Officer of EVM and BMR. Also Vice President of Calvert Research and Management (“CRM”).

Maureen A. Gemma

1960

   Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer      2005      Vice President of EVM and BMR. Also Vice President of CRM.

 

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Eaton Vance

Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

October 31, 2020

 

Management and Organization — continued

 

 

Name and Year of Birth   

Fund

Position(s)

     Officer
Since
(2)
    

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past Five Years

Principal Officers who are not Trustees (continued)

James F. Kirchner

1967

   Treasurer      2007      Vice President of EVM and BMR. Also Vice President of CRM.

Richard F. Froio

1968

   Chief Compliance Officer      2017      Vice President of EVM and BMR since 2017. Formerly Deputy Chief Compliance Officer (Adviser/Funds) and Chief Compliance Officer (Distribution) at PIMCO (2012-2017) and Managing Director at BlackRock/Barclays Global Investors (2009-2012).

 

(1)

Year first appointed to serve as Trustee for a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds. Each Trustee has served continuously since appointment unless indicated otherwise.

(2)

Year first elected to serve as officer of a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds when the officer has served continuously. Otherwise, year of most recent election as an officer of a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds. Titles may have changed since initial election. Each officer serves until his or her successor is elected.

 

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Eaton Vance Funds

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES

 

 

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

 

 

At the time of opening an account, Eaton Vance generally requires you to provide us with certain information such as name, address, social security number, tax status, account numbers, and account balances. This information is necessary for us to both open an account for you and to allow us to satisfy legal requirements such as applicable anti-money laundering reviews and know-your-customer requirements.

 

 

On an ongoing basis, in the normal course of servicing your account, Eaton Vance may share your information with unaffiliated third parties that perform various services for Eaton Vance and/or your account. These third parties include transfer agents, custodians, broker/dealers and our professional advisers, including auditors, accountants, and legal counsel. Eaton Vance may additionally share your personal information with our affiliates.

 

 

We believe our Privacy Program is reasonably designed to protect the confidentiality of your personal information and to prevent unauthorized access to that information.

 

 

We reserve the right to change our Privacy Program at any time upon proper notification to you. You may want to review our Privacy Program periodically for changes by accessing the link on our homepage: www.eatonvance.com.

Our pledge of protecting your personal information applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., Eaton Vance Trust Company, Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd., Eaton Vance Global Advisors Limited, Eaton Vance Management’s Real Estate Investment Group, Boston Management and Research, Calvert Research and Management, and Calvert Funds. This Privacy Notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures. For more information about our Privacy Program or about how your personal information may be used, please call 1-800-262-1122.

Delivery of Shareholder Documents.  The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits funds to deliver only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, proxy statements and shareholder reports, to fund investors with multiple accounts at the same residential or post office box address. This practice is often called “householding” and it helps eliminate duplicate mailings to shareholders. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (“AST”), the closed-end funds transfer agent, or your financial intermediary, may household the mailing of your documents indefinitely unless you instruct AST, or your financial intermediary, otherwise. If you would prefer that your Eaton Vance documents not be householded, please contact AST or your financial intermediary. Your instructions that householding not apply to delivery of your Eaton Vance documents will typically be effective within 30 days of receipt by AST or your financial intermediary.

Portfolio Holdings.  Each Eaton Vance Fund and its underlying Portfolio(s) (if applicable) files a schedule of portfolio holdings on Part F to Form N-PORT with the SEC. Certain information filed on Form N-PORT may be viewed on the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com, by calling Eaton Vance at 1-800-262-1122 or in the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Proxy Voting.  From time to time, funds are required to vote proxies related to the securities held by the funds. The Eaton Vance Funds or their underlying Portfolios (if applicable) vote proxies according to a set of policies and procedures approved by the Funds’ and Portfolios’ Boards. You may obtain a description of these policies and procedures and information on how the Funds or Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122 and by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

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

Additional Notice to Shareholders.  If applicable, a Fund may also redeem or purchase its outstanding preferred shares in order to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, borrowing or rating agency requirements or for other purposes as it deems appropriate or necessary.

Closed-End Fund Information.  Eaton Vance closed-end funds make fund performance data and certain information about portfolio characteristics available on the Eaton Vance website shortly after the end of each month. Other information about the funds is available on the website. The funds’ net asset value per share is readily accessible on the Eaton Vance website. Portfolio holdings for the most recent month-end are also posted to the website approximately 30 days following the end of the month. This information is available at www.eatonvance.com on the fund information pages under “Individual Investors — Closed-End Funds”.

 

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Investment Adviser and Administrator

Eaton Vance Management

Two International Place

Boston, MA 02110

Investment Sub-Adviser

Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd.

125 Old Broad Street

London, EC2N 1AR

United Kingdom

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

Transfer Agent

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11219

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Deloitte & Touche LLP

200 Berkeley Street

Boston, MA 02116-5022

Fund Offices

Two International Place

Boston, MA 02110

 


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LOGO

 

LOGO

2051    10.31.20


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Item 2.

Code of Ethics

The registrant (sometimes referred to as the “Fund”) has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of such code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-262-1122. The registrant has not amended the code of ethics as described in Form N-CSR during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waiver, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics as described in Form N-CSR during the period covered by this report.

 

Item 3.

Audit Committee Financial Expert

The registrant’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has designated George J. Gorman and William H. Park, each an independent trustee, as audit committee financial experts. Mr. Gorman is a certified public accountant who is the Principal at George J. Gorman LLC (a consulting firm). Previously, Mr. Gorman served in various capacities at Ernst & Young LLP (a registered public accounting firm), including as Senior Partner. Mr. Gorman also has experience serving as an independent trustee and audit committee financial expert of other


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mutual fund complexes. Mr. Park is a certified public accountant who is a private investor. Previously, he served as a consultant, as the Chief Financial Officer of Aveon Group, L.P. (an investment management firm), as the Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company), as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm), as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation (an institutional investment management firm) and as a Senior Manager at Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (a registered public accounting firm).

 

Item 4.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

(a) –(d)

The following table presents the aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the registrant’s fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2020 by the registrant’s principal accountant, Deloitte & Touche LLP (“D&T”), for professional services rendered for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and fees billed for other services rendered by D&T during such periods.

 

Fiscal Years Ended

   10/31/19      10/31/20  

Audit Fees

   $ 56,338      $ 56,250  

Audit-Related Fees(1)

   $ 0      $ 0  

Tax Fees(2)

   $ 15,822      $ 10,812  

All Other Fees(3)

   $ 0      $ 0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 72,160      $ 67,062  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Audit-related fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under the category of audit fees.

(2) 

Tax fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant relating to tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning and specifically include fees for tax return preparation and other related tax compliance/planning matters.

(3)

All other fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant other than audit, audit-related, and tax services.

(e)(1) The registrant’s audit committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the pre-approval of services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant (the “Pre-Approval Policies”). The Pre-Approval Policies establish a framework intended to assist the audit committee in the proper discharge of its pre-approval responsibilities. As a general matter, the Pre-Approval Policies (i) specify certain types of audit, audit-related, tax, and other services determined to be pre-approved by the audit committee; and (ii) delineate specific procedures governing the mechanics of the pre-approval process, including the approval and monitoring of audit and non-audit service fees. Unless a service is specifically pre-approved under the Pre-Approval Policies, it must be separately pre-approved by the audit committee.

The Pre-Approval Policies and the types of audit and non-audit services pre-approved therein must be reviewed and ratified by the registrant’s audit committee at least annually. The registrant’s audit committee maintains full responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the registrant’s principal accountant.

(e)(2) No services described in paragraphs (b)-(d) above were approved by the registrant’s audit committee pursuant to the “de minimis exception” set forth in Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.


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(f) Not applicable.

(g) The following table presents (i) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed to the registrant by D&T for the registrant’s fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2020; and (ii) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed to the Eaton Vance organization by D&T for the same time periods.

 

Fiscal Years Ended

   10/31/19      10/31/20  

Registrant

   $ 15,822      $ 10,812  

Eaton Vance(1)

   $ 59,903      $ 51,800  

 

(1)

The investment adviser to the registrant, as well as any of its affiliates that provide ongoing services to the registrant, are subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp.

(h) The registrant’s audit committee has considered whether the provision by the registrant’s principal accountant of non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5.

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants

The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. George J. Gorman (Chair), William H. Park, Helen Frame Peters and Scott E. Wennerholm are the members of the registrant’s audit committee.

 

Item 6.

Schedule of Investments

Please see schedule of investments contained in the Report to Stockholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

Item 7.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

The Board of the Fund has adopted a proxy voting policy and procedure (the “Fund Policy”), pursuant to which the trustees have delegated proxy voting responsibility to the Fund’s investment adviser and adopted the investment adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Policies”) which are described below. The trustees will review the Policies annually. In the event that a conflict of interest arises between the Fund’s shareholders and the investment adviser, the administrator, or any of their affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund, the investment adviser will generally refrain from voting the proxies related to the companies giving rise to such conflict until it consults with the Board, or any committee, sub-committee or group of independent trustees identified by the Board, which will instruct the investment adviser on the appropriate course of action. If the Board Members are unable to meet and the failure to vote a proxy would have a material adverse impact on the Fund, the investment adviser may vote such proxy, provided that it discloses the existence of the material conflict to the Chairperson of the Fund’s Board as soon as practicable and to the Board at its next meeting.

The Policies are designed to promote accountability of a company’s management to its shareholders and to align the interests of management with those shareholders. An independent proxy voting service (“Agent”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., has been retained to assist in the voting of proxies through the


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provision of vote analysis, implementation and recordkeeping and disclosure services. The investment adviser will generally vote proxies through the Agent. The Agent is required to vote all proxies in accordance with customized proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and/or refer them back to the investment adviser pursuant to the Policies.

The Agent is required to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and policies in connection with the provision of proxy voting services, including methods to reasonably ensure that its analysis and recommendations are not influenced by a conflict of interest. The Guidelines include voting guidelines for matters relating to, among other things, the election of directors, approval of independent auditors, executive compensation, corporate structure and anti-takeover defenses. The investment adviser may cause the Fund to abstain from voting from time to time where it determines that the costs associated with voting a proxy outweigh the benefits derived from exercising the right to vote or it is unable to access or access timely ballots or other proxy information, among other stated reasons. The Agent will refer Fund proxies to the investment adviser for instructions under circumstances where, among others: (1) the application of the Guidelines is unclear; (2) a particular proxy question is not covered by the Guidelines; or (3) the Guidelines require input from the investment adviser. When a proxy voting issue has been referred to the investment adviser, the analyst (or portfolio manager if applicable) covering the company subject to the proxy proposal determines the final vote (or decision not to vote) and the investment adviser’s Proxy Administrator (described below) instructs the Agent to vote accordingly for securities held by the Fund. Where more than one analyst covers a particular company and the recommendations of such analysts voting a proposal conflict, the investment adviser’s Global Proxy Group (described below) will review such recommendations and any other available information related to the proposal and determine the manner in which it should be voted, which may result in different recommendations for the Fund that may differ from other clients of the investment adviser.

The investment adviser has appointed a Proxy Administrator to assist in the coordination of the voting of client proxies (including the Fund’s) in accordance with the Guidelines and the Policies. The investment adviser and its affiliates have also established a Global Proxy Group. The Global Proxy Group develops the investment adviser’s positions on all major corporate issues, creates the Guidelines and oversees the proxy voting process. The Proxy Administrator maintains a record of all proxy questions that have been referred by the Agent, all applicable recommendations, analysis and research received and any resolution of the matter. Before instructing the Agent to vote contrary to the Guidelines or the recommendation of the Agent, the Proxy Administrator will provide the Global Proxy Group with the Agent’s recommendation for the proposal along with any other relevant materials, including the basis for the analyst’s recommendation. The Proxy Administrator will then instruct the Agent to vote the proxy in the manner determined by the Global Proxy Group. A similar process will be followed if the Agent has a conflict of interest with respect to a proxy. The investment adviser will report to the Fund’s Board any votes cast contrary to the Guidelines or Agent recommendations, as applicable, no less than annually.

The investment adviser’s Global Proxy Group is responsible for monitoring and resolving possible material conflicts with respect to proxy voting. Because the Guidelines are predetermined and designed to be in the best interests of shareholders, application of the Guidelines to vote client proxies should, in most cases, adequately address any possible conflict of interest. The investment adviser will monitor situations that may result in a conflict of interest between any of its clients and the investment adviser or any of its affiliates by maintaining a list of significant existing and prospective corporate clients. The Proxy Administrator will compare such list with the names of companies of which he or she has been referred a proxy statement (the “Proxy Companies”). If a company on the list is also a Proxy Company, the Proxy Administrator will report that fact to the Global Proxy Group. If the Proxy Administrator intends to instruct the Agent to vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, the Global Proxy Group will first determine, in consultation with legal counsel if necessary, whether a material conflict exists. If it is determined that a material conflict exists, the investment adviser will seek instruction on how the proxy should be voted from the Fund’s Board, or any committee or subcommittee identified by the Board. If a matter is referred to the Global Proxy Group, the decision made and basis for the decision will be documented by the Proxy Administrator and/or Global Proxy Group.


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Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122, and (2) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Item 8.

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

Eaton Vance Management (“EVM” or “Eaton Vance”) is the investment adviser of the Fund and Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (“EVAIL”) is the sub-adviser of the Fund. Michael A. Allison, John H. Croft and Christopher M. Dyer comprise the investment team responsible for the overall and day-to-day management of the Fund’s investments.

Mr. Allison is a Vice President of EVM, is a member of EVM’s Equity Strategy Committee and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since November 2013. Mr. Croft is a Vice President of EVM and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since March 2010. Messrs. Allison and Croft have managed other Eaton Vance portfolios for more than five years. Mr. Dyer is a Vice President and Director of EVAIL, is the Director of Global Equity for the Eaton Vance organization and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2015. Prior to joining EVAIL in November 2017, Mr. Dyer was a Vice President of Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (“EVMI”). Prior to joining EVMI in June 2015, Mr. Dyer was Head of European Equity for Goldman Sachs Asset Management in London, where he also served in various portfolio management roles during his fourteen-year tenure (2001-2015). This information is provided as of the date of filing this report.

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

 

     Number of All
Accounts
     Total Assets of
All Accounts
    Number of
Accounts
Paying a
Performance Fee
     Total Assets of
Accounts Paying a
Performance Fee
 

Michael A. Allison(1)

          

Registered Investment Companies

     17      $ 38,321.0       0      $ 0  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

     14      $ 26,775.0 (2)      0      $ 0  

Other Accounts

     1      $ 0.5       0      $ 0  

John H. Croft(1)

          

Registered Investment Companies

     9      $ 6,861.6       0      $ 0  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0      $ 0       0      $ 0  

Other Accounts

     1      $ 12.6       0      $ 0  

Christopher M. Dyer(1)

          

Registered Investment Companies

     9      $ 6,455.2       0      $ 0  

Other Pooled Investment Vehicles

     0      $ 0       0      $ 0  

Other Accounts

     2      $ 5.4       0      $ 0  

 

(1) 

This portfolio manager serves as portfolio manager of one or more registered investment companies that invests or may invest in one or more underlying registered investment companies in the Eaton Vance family of funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by Eaton Vance. The underlying investment companies may be managed by this portfolio manager or another portfolio manager.


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(2) 

Certain of these “Other Pooled Investment Vehicles” invest a substantial portion of their assets in a registered investment company in the Eaton Vance family of funds and/or in a separate pooled investment vehicle sponsored by Eaton Vance which may be managed by this portfolio manager or another portfolio manager.

The following table shows the dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end.

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of Equity Securities
Beneficially Owned in the Fund

Michael A. Allison

   $1 - $10,000

John H. Croft

   None

Christopher M. Dyer

   None

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

 

Compensation

Structure for EVM and EVAIL

Compensation of EVM’s and EVAIL’s portfolio managers and other investment professionals has the following primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, (3) annual non-cash compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of Eaton Vance Corp. (“EVC”) nonvoting common stock and/or restricted shares of EVC nonvoting common stock that generally are subject to a vesting schedule and (4) (for equity portfolio managers) a Deferred Alpha Incentive Plan, which pays a deferred cash award tied to future excess returns in certain equity strategy portfolios. EVM’s and EVAIL’s investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to EVM’s and EVAIL’s employees. Compensation of EVM’s and EVAIL’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year end of EVC.

Method to Determine Compensation. EVM and EVAIL compensate its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus the benchmark(s) stated in the prospectus, as well as an appropriate peer group (as described below). In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to Sharpe ratio, which uses standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year end. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by


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EVM’s and EVAIL’s management not to provide a fair comparison, performance may instead be evaluated primarily against a custom peer group or market index. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter periods. For funds that are tax-managed or otherwise have an objective of after-tax returns, performance is measured net of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance. Pursuant to the Deferred Alpha Incentive Plan, a portion of the compensation payable to equity portfolio managers and investment professionals will be determined based on the ability of one or more accounts managed by such manager, that are not advised by Calvert Management and Research to achieve a specified target average annual gross return over a three year period in excess of the account benchmark. The cash award to be payable at the end of the three year term will be established at the inception of the term and will be adjusted positively or negatively to the extent that the average annual gross return varies from the specified target return.

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

EVM and EVAIL seek to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. EVM and EVAIL participate in investment-industry compensation surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of EVM and EVAIL and its parent company. The overall annual cash bonus pool is generally based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus adjusted operating income. While the salaries of EVM’s and EVAIL’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.

 

Item 9.

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers

No such purchases this period.

 

Item 10.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No material changes.

 

Item 11.

Controls and Procedures

(a) It is the conclusion of the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrant’s current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


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(b) There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12.

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

The registrant did not accrue any income or fees/compensation related to its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year. See Note 7 to financial statements in Item 1.

 

Item 13.

Exhibits

 

(a)(1)    Registrant’s Code of Ethics – Not applicable (please see Item 2).
(a)(2)(i)    Treasurer’s Section 302 certification.
(a)(2)(ii)    President’s Section 302 certification.
(b)    Combined Section 906 certification.
(c)    Registrant’s notices to shareholders pursuant to Registrant’s exemptive order granting an exemption from Section  19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder regarding distributions paid pursuant to the Registrant’s Managed Distribution Plan.


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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Income Fund

 

By:  

/s/ Edward J. Perkin

  Edward J. Perkin
  President
Date:   December 21, 2020

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:  

/s/ James F. Kirchner

  James F. Kirchner
  Treasurer
Date:   December 21, 2020
By:  

/s/ Edward J. Perkin

  Edward J. Perkin
  President
Date:   December 21, 2020