N-CSRS 1 a08-28814_1ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

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

811-21820

 

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts

 

02109

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Maureen A. Gemma

The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(617) 482-8260

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

April 30

 

 

Date of reporting period:

October 31, 2008

 

 



 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders

 



Semiannual Report October 31, 2008

EATON VANCE
CREDIT
OPPORTUNITIES
FUND



IMPORTANT NOTICES REGARDING PRIVACY,
DELIVERY OF SHAREHOLDER DOCUMENTS,
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AND PROXY VOTING

Privacy. The Eaton Vance organization is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. Each of the financial institutions identified below has in effect the following policy ("Privacy Policy") with respect to nonpublic personal information about its customers:

•  Only such information received from you, through application forms or otherwise, and information about your Eaton Vance fund transactions will be collected. This may include information such as name, address, social security number, tax status, account balances and transactions.

•  None of such information about you (or former customers) will be disclosed to anyone, except as permitted by law (which includes disclosure to employees necessary to service your account). In the normal course of servicing a customer's account, Eaton Vance may share information with unaffiliated third parties that perform various required services such as transfer agents, custodians and broker/dealers.

•  Policies and procedures (including physical, electronic and procedural safeguards) are in place that are designed to protect the confidentiality of such information.

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

Our pledge of privacy applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Boston Management and Research, and Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.

In addition, our Privacy Policy only applies to those Eaton Vance customers who are individuals and who have a direct relationship with us. If a customer's account (i.e., fund shares) is held in the name of a third-party financial adviser/broker-dealer, it is likely that only such adviser's privacy policies apply to the customer. This notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures.

For more information about Eaton Vance's Privacy Policy, please call 1-800-262-1122.

Delivery of Shareholder Documents. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "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.

Eaton Vance, or your financial adviser, may household the mailing of your documents indefinitely unless you instruct Eaton Vance, or your financial adviser, otherwise.

If you would prefer that your Eaton Vance documents not be householded, please contact Eaton Vance at 1-800-262-1122, or contact your financial adviser.

Your instructions that householding not apply to delivery of your Eaton Vance documents will be effective within 30 days of receipt by Eaton Vance or your financial adviser.

Portfolio Holdings. Each Eaton Vance Fund and its underlying Portfolio (if applicable) will file a schedule of its portfolio holdings on Form N-Q with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. The Form N-Q will be available on the Eaton Vance website 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. Form N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. (call 1-800-732-0330 for information on the operation of the public reference room).

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. This description is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.




 

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

 

INVESTMENT UPDATE

 

 

Scott H. Page, CFA

 

Co-Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 

Michael W. Weilheimer, CFA

 

Co-Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 

Payson F. Swaffield, CFA

 

Co-Portfolio Manager

 

 

 

 

Andrew N. Sveen, CFA

 

Co-Portfolio Manager

 

 

Economic and Market Conditions

 

·                  During the six months ended October 31, 2008, credit markets experienced unprecedented volatility, and the bank loan market and high-yield bond market were no exception. The subprime crisis of 2007 expanded in 2008 to include nearly all credit instruments, which in turn, caused the world economy to slip into recession. The period was a rollercoaster for the credit markets and for the Fund. The total return for the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the Index) through the first three months of the period was -0.42%, disappointing, but, given the environment, not especially bad compared to other markets. However, September 2008 brought a series of events that rattled the markets more deeply: the bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the rescue of American International Group, Inc. and a litany of unprecedented steps by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve to stabilize the credit markets. In the Fund’s second fiscal quarter, the Index declined -18.66%, by far its worst quarterly showing ever. The Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index lost 23.0%, the worst quarter on record for the high-yield bond market. At October 31, 2008, the Fund was invested 45.2% in the first lien loan market, 34.5% in the second lien loan market, and 20.3% in the high-yield bond market. In general, these markets represent increasing levels of credit risk. The average first lien loan price at October 31, 2008 was 65.7% of par; the average second lien price was 56% of par; and the average high-yield bond price was 65.4% of par.

 

·                  While there is little doubt that a recession would bring higher default rates, it is difficult to reconcile recent trading levels with market fundamentals. A range of credit statistics and criteria used to monitor creditworthiness suggested that overall credit quality appeared to be in line with historical patterns. Despite this, bank loans traded below historical recovery levels, thus implying a near 100% default rate. The most compelling, albeit obvious, explanation for the market’s depressed trading level was that there were more sellers of bank loans than buyers, especially during the Fund’s second quarter. Some selling was forced, especially by hedge funds and structured investment vehicles unable to meet margin requirements. Some selling was voluntary, as redemptions from mutual funds were significant throughout the year. In addition, many hard-pressed banks and investment banks that typically make markets in bank loans were hesitant to own loans and bonds, making trading more volatile. Later in the period, there were signs that many institutional investors were attracted to the asset class by record low loan prices. However, selling clearly outweighed buying, pushing prices lower.

 

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

Total Return performance 4/30/08 – 10/31/08

 

NYSE Symbol

 

EOE

 

 

 

 

 

At Net Asset Value (NAV)(1)

 

-37.50

%

At Share Price(1)

 

-39.70

%

S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index

 

-18.32

%

 

 

 

 

Premium/Discount to NAV as of 10/31/08

 

-7.73

%

Total Distributions per common share

 

$

0.84

 

Distribution Rate(2)

At NAV

 

9.69

%

 

At Share Price

 

10.50

%

 

Please refer to page 4 for additional performance information.

 


(1)

Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.  

(2)

The Distribution Rate is based on the Fund’s most recent monthly distribution per share declared on December 1, 2008 (annualized) divided by the Fund’s NAV or share price at the end of the period. The Fund’s monthly distributions may be comprised of ordinary income, net realized capital gains and return of capital.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or share price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested. The Fund’s performance at share price will differ from its results at NAV. Although share price performance generally reflects investment results over time, during shorter periods, returns at share price can also be affected by factors such as changing perceptions about the Fund, market conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for the Fund’s shares, or changes in Fund distributions. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, the Fund’s current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. Absent an expense waiver by the investment adviser, returns would be lower. For performance as of the most recent month end, please refer to www.eatonvance.com.

 

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.

 

1



 

·                  During the six months ended October 31, 2008, the high-yield bond market suffered large losses, reflecting the breakdown of the credit markets. Toxic sub- prime loans, mortgage defaults, bank failures and excessive leverage in the financial system took a toll on consumer and investor confidence and dragged the economy into recession. Early in the year, the high-yield market was additionally impacted by a large inventory of unsold bonds issued to finance pending mergers and by a growing risk-aversion among fixed-income investors. The market staged a spirited-but-brief rally in March and April 2008, as the Federal Reserve injected liquidity following the Bear Stearns failure. However, as the dimensions of the global credit crisis became increasingly apparent, the market began a dramatic sell-off. Forced liquidation of bank loans by hedge funds and structured investment vehicles accelerated the process of de-leveraging across the credit markets. The selling pressure was such that liquidity was sharply lower for higher-quality bonds, and all but disappeared for lower-quality bonds. The market decline was most severe in October 2008, declining 16.3% in that month alone, the worst month in the history of the high-yield market. High-yield spreads at October 31, 2008 were around 1,600 basis points (16.00%) – 50% higher than the peak spreads in the previous two recessions.

 

·                  A further measure of the sell-off was the high-yield bond distress ratio – the percentage of the market trading at a spread of 1,000 basis points (10.00%) or more. In October 2008, that figure rose to more than 65% of the market, significantly higher than the previous record of 40% in 2002. By October 31, 2008, the market appeared to have discounted a default rate in the mid-teens range, well above historical norms for recessions.

 

Management Discussion

 

·                  The Fund is a closed-end fund and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EOE”. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation.

 

·                  The Fund’s loan investments are very well diversified, with 303 borrowers and no single investment representing more than 1.5% of the total investments. The Fund is also broadly diversified by industry, with none constituting more than 8% at October 31, 2008. A diversified approach should help the Fund mitigate risk in an increasing default environment. At October 31, 2008, defaulted assets represented 3.5% of the Fund’s investments. Management can shift allocations among loans and bonds. The Fund remained more heavily weighted toward first and second lien secured loans, which, in management’s view, may fare better in an increasing default environment.

 

·                  As a result of the previously discussed market dislocation, the market value of the Fund’s investments continued to decline significantly during the six months ended October 31, 2008, resulting in a total return of -39.70% at market price. The Fund’s total return trailed bank loan and high-yield bond indices as a result of leverage on the Fund, which accentuated the negative returns, partially due to a higher concentration of second lien bank loans compared to the Index. During the period, the Fund continued to provide a high level of current income.

 

·                  The performance of the Fund’s high-yield bond investments was negatively impacted by its lower allocation in BB-rated bonds relative to the Index, as BB-rated issues outperformed in the difficult market environment. Consumer-discretionary holdings also affected performance negatively. For example, an overweighting in gaming bonds fared poorly, as investors feared the consequences of a cutback in leisure and travel spending. Cyclical areas, such as paper, energy and metals and mining, detracted from performance, as the slower global economy brought lower commodity prices, and weaker demand for packaging materials. The consumer staples sector, which is characteristically less vulnerable to the vagaries of the economy, represented some the Fund’s better performers. Securities selection in the food and beverages, health care and utilities industries helped performance, as these bonds suffered less dramatic losses than more economically-sensitive areas. The Fund was helped by underweightings in the automotive and home building areas, which were among the hardest-hit industries in the U.S. economy. The Fund was also helped by an underweighting in the troubled financial sector. The Fund had no exposure to commercial banks, which deteriorated amid growing loan losses.

 

The views expressed throughout this report are those of the portfolio managers and are current only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions, and the investment adviser disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund are based on many factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Eaton Vance fund. Fund information provided in the report may not be representative of the Fund’s current or future investments and may change due to active management.

 

2



 

·                  As of October 31, 2008, the Fund had outstanding leverage of approximately 45.8% of its total net assets.(1) The Fund’s leverage consists of auction preferred shares issued by the Fund (“APS”) and borrowings under a revolving credit and security agreement with conduit lenders and a bank. Pursuant to applicable law and provisions of the Fund’s governing documents relating to the use of leverage, the Fund may not declare dividends or other distributions on common shares if it does not maintain asset coverage in certain prescribed amounts. As the result of sharp declines in the value of the Fund’s investments in recent months, the Fund sold investments to reduce outstanding leverage and maintain the required asset coverage. During the six months ended October 31, 2008, the Fund’s outstanding borrowings were reduced by approximately $28 million for this reason. If credit markets remain volatile, additional actions may be required to maintain the Fund’s asset coverage, including additional sales of investments and possibly a reduction in dividend payment rates. In the event of an improvement in asset coverage, the Fund has the ability to increase borrowings under the revolving credit and security aggreement.

 


(1)

In the event of a rise in long-term interest rates, the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio could decline, which would reduce the asset coverage for its Auction Preferred Shares and borrowings.

 

3



 

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

 

FUND PERFORMANCE

 

Fund Performance(1)

 

NYSE Symbol

 

EOE

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return (by share price, NYSE)

 

 

 

Six Months

 

-39.70

%

One Year

 

-47.95

 

Life of Fund (5/31/06)

 

-21.91

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return (at net asset value)

 

 

 

Six Months

 

-37.50

%

One Year

 

-45.54

 

Life of Fund (5/31/06)

 

-19.27

 

 


(1) Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Top Ten Holdings(2)

 

By total investments

 

Univision Communications, Inc.

 

1.4

%

Carmike Cinemas, Inc.

 

1.4

 

Black Lion Beverages III B.V.

 

1.4

 

Red Football Ltd.

 

1.4

 

RadNet Management, Inc.

 

1.2

 

Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC

 

1.1

 

Intergraph Corp.

 

1.1

 

Panolam Industries Holdings, Inc.

 

1.1

 

TriMas Corp.

 

1.0

 

Infor Enterprise Solutions Holdings

 

1.0

 

 


(2) Reflects the Fund’s investments as of 10/31/08. Holdings are shown as a percentage of the Fund’s total investments.

 

Top Five Industries(3)

 

By total investments

 

Healthcare

 

8.0

%

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

 

7.9

 

Publishing

 

6.2

 

Business Equipment and Services

 

6.0

 

Automotive

 

5.7

 

 


(3) Reflects the Fund’s investments as of 10/31/08. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund’s total investments.

 

Credit Quality Ratings for Total Loan Investments(4)

 

By total loan investments

 

Ba

 

17.0

%

B

 

39.0

 

Caa

 

19.1

 

Non-Rated(5)

 

24.8

 

 


(4)

Credit Quality ratings are those provided by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., a nationally recognized bond rating service. Reflects the Fund’s total loan investments as of 10/31/08. Although the investment adviser considers ratings when making investment decisions, it performs its own credit and investment analysis and does not rely primarily on the ratings assigned by the rating services. Credit quality can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular security or the issuer’s current financial condition.

(5)

Certain loans in which the Fund invests are not rated by a rating agency. In management’s opinion, such securities are comparable to securities rated by a rating agency in the categories listed above.

 

 

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or share price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested. The Fund’s performance at market share price will differ from its results at NAV. Although share price performance generally reflects investment results over time, during shorter periods, returns at share price can also be affected by factors such as changing perceptions about the Fund, market conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for the Fund’s shares, or changes in Fund distributions. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, the Fund’s current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. Absent an expense waiver by the investment adviser, the returns would be lower. For performance as of the most recent month end, please refer to www.eatonvance.com.

 

4



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)

Senior Floating-Rate Interests — 132.9%(1)      
Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Aerospace and Defense — 3.0%      
Avio Holding Spa      
EUR 700,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.02%, Maturing June 13, 2015   $ 483,267    
DAE Aviation Holdings, Inc.      
  99,355     Term Loan, 7.17%, Maturing July 31, 2014     74,019    
  100,532     Term Loan, 7.37%, Maturing July 31, 2014     74,896    
Evergreen International Aviation      
  659,184     Term Loan, 9.00%, Maturing October 31, 2011     502,628    
Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corp.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.87%, Maturing
September 29, 2014
    767,500    
            $ 1,902,310    
Air Transport — 1.2%      
Delta Air Lines, Inc.      
  271,563     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.25%, Maturing April 30, 2014   $ 156,148    
Northwest Airlines, Inc.      
  735,814     DIP Loan, 5.00%, Maturing August 21, 2009     598,769    
            $ 754,917    
Automotive — 8.0%      
Allison Transmission, Inc.      
  681,710     Term Loan, 5.67%, Maturing September 30, 2014   $ 468,189    
Chrysler Financial      
  1,590,976     Term Loan, 6.82%, Maturing August 1, 2014     1,091,144    
Dayco Products, LLC      
  988,178     Term Loan - Second Lien, 11.88%, Maturing
December 31, 2011
    123,522    
Delphi Corp.      
  92,430     DIP Loan, 8.50%, Maturing December 31, 2008     58,693    
  907,572     DIP Loan, 8.50%, Maturing December 31, 2008     576,308    
Federal-Mogul Corp.      
  308,446     Term Loan, 5.48%, Maturing December 27, 2014     187,766    
  238,797     Term Loan, 6.12%, Maturing December 27, 2015     145,368    
Ford Motor Co.      
  1,390,462     Term Loan, 7.59%, Maturing December 15, 2013     772,699    
HLI Operating Co., Inc.      
EUR 21,818     Term Loan, 4.87%, Maturing May 30, 2014     23,915    
EUR 374,400     Term Loan, 7.67%, Maturing May 30, 2014     372,209    
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc.      
  190,666     Term Loan, 6.78%, Maturing January 12, 2012     109,633    

 

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Automotive (continued)      
TriMas Corp.      
  281,250     Term Loan, 4.88%, Maturing August 2, 2011   $ 213,750    
  1,194,375     Term Loan, 5.63%, Maturing August 2, 2013     907,725    
            $ 5,050,921    
Beverage and Tobacco — 1.6%      
Culligan International Co.      
EUR 1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.78%, Maturing May 31, 2013   $ 254,910    
  492,497     Term Loan, 5.76%, Maturing November 24, 2014     301,654    
Liberator Midco Ltd.      
GBP 370,079     Term Loan, 14.09%, Maturing October 27, 2016     421,378    
            $ 977,942    
Building and Development — 5.2%      
Hovstone Holdings, LLC      
  441,176     Term Loan, 6.25%, Maturing February 28, 2009   $ 289,588    
LNR Property Corp.      
  880,000     Term Loan, 6.04%, Maturing July 3, 2011     481,800    
Metroflag BP, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 14.00%, Maturing
January 2, 2009
    450,000    
Panolam Industries Holdings, Inc.      
  1,350,698     Term Loan, 6.51%, Maturing September 30, 2012     1,161,600    
Re/Max International, Inc.      
  492,679     Term Loan, 11.52%, Maturing December 17, 2012     394,143    
Shea Capital I, LLC      
  182,618     Term Loan, 5.25%, Maturing October 27, 2011     91,309    
United Subcontractors, Inc.      
  1,005,893     Term Loan - Second Lien, 12.42%, Maturing
June 27, 2013(2)
    382,239    
            $ 3,250,679    
Business Equipment and Services — 8.5%      
Affinion Group, Inc.      
  839,744     Term Loan, 5.32%, Maturing October 17, 2012   $ 669,696    
Allied Barton Security Service      
  200,000     Term Loan, 7.75%, Maturing February 21, 2015     178,500    
Intergraph Corp.      
  1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.81%, Maturing
November 29, 2014
    1,166,250    
Mitchell International, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.06%, Maturing
March 28, 2015
    810,000    

 

See notes to financial statements
5



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Business Equipment and Services (continued)      
N.E.W. Holdings I, LLC      
  981,955     Term Loan, 5.89%, Maturing May 22, 2014   $ 758,560    
Quintiles Transnational Corp.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.77%, Maturing
March 31, 2014
    725,000    
Sabre, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 5.25%, Maturing September 30, 2014     579,444    
Sitel (Client Logic)      
  227,665     Term Loan, 6.51%, Maturing January 29, 2014     136,599    
TDS Investor Corp.      
  444,663     Term Loan, 6.01%, Maturing August 23, 2013     276,327    
  89,222     Term Loan, 6.01%, Maturing August 23, 2013     55,445    
            $ 5,355,821    
Cable and Satellite Television — 5.0%      
Casema      
EUR 1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.75%, Maturing May 14, 2016   $ 966,533    
Cequel Communications, LLC      
  1,300,537     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.80%, Maturing May 5, 2014     851,852    
NTL Investment Holdings, Ltd.      
GBP 1,000,000     Term Loan, 8.74%, Maturing March 30, 2013     960,246    
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG      
EUR 336,798     Term Loan, 7.53%, Maturing March 2, 2015     107,316    
EUR 336,798     Term Loan, 7.78%, Maturing March 2, 2016     107,316    
EUR 452,132     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.90%, Maturing
September 2, 2016
    80,677    
EUR 469,395     Term Loan, 12.15%, Maturing March 2, 2017     71,792    
            $ 3,145,732    
Chemicals and Plastics — 3.5%      
Arizona Chemical, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.31%, Maturing
February 28, 2014
  $ 281,250    
Foamex International, Inc.      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.57%, Maturing
February 12, 2014
    206,250    
INEOS Group      
EUR 424,893     Term Loan, Maturing December 14, 2011(3)     292,189    
EUR 75,107     Term Loan, Maturing December 14, 2011(3)     51,650    
EUR 424,893     Term Loan, Maturing December 14, 2011(3)     292,189    
EUR 75,107     Term Loan, Maturing December 14, 2011(3)     51,650    
EUR 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.46%, Maturing
December 14, 2012
    275,621    
Millenium Inorganic Chemicals      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.51%, Maturing
October 31, 2014
    540,000    

 

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Chemicals and Plastics (continued)      
Momentive Performance Material      
  293,088     Term Loan, 5.38%, Maturing December 4, 2013   $ 228,364    
            $ 2,219,163    
Clothing / Textiles — 1.2%      
Hanesbrands, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.27%, Maturing March 5, 2014   $ 783,333    
            $ 783,333    
Conglomerates — 1.4%      
Doncasters (Dunde HoldCo 4 Ltd.)      
GBP 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.77%, Maturing
January 13, 2016
  $ 527,062    
RGIS Holdings, LLC      
  329,167     Term Loan, 5.46%, Maturing April 30, 2014     226,028    
  16,458     Term Loan, 5.62%, Maturing April 30, 2014     11,301    
Vertrue, Inc.      
  198,000     Term Loan, 6.77%, Maturing August 16, 2014     148,500    
            $ 912,891    
Containers and Glass Products — 0.7%      
Consolidated Container Co.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.69%, Maturing
September 28, 2014
  $ 387,500    
Tegrant Holding Corp.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.27%, Maturing March 8, 2015     62,500    
            $ 450,000    
Cosmetics / Toiletries — 1.6%      
American Safety Razor Co.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.41%, Maturing July 31, 2014   $ 835,000    
KIK Custom Products, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.54%, Maturing
November 30, 2014
    166,250    
            $ 1,001,250    
Drugs — 2.0%      
Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.26%, Maturing May 3, 2013   $ 540,000    
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 12.01%, Maturing November 3, 2013     645,000    
Pharmaceutical Holdings Corp.      
  116,826     Term Loan, 6.51%, Maturing January 30, 2012     98,134    
            $ 1,283,134    

 

See notes to financial statements
6



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Ecological Services and Equipment — 2.4%      
Cory Environmental Holdings      
GBP 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.88%, Maturing
September 30, 2014
  $ 704,091    
Kemble Water Structure, Ltd.      
GBP 500,000     Term Loan, 10.16%, Maturing October 13, 2013     559,249    
Synagro Technologies, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.56%, Maturing October 2, 2014     227,500    
            $ 1,490,840    
Electronics / Electrical — 3.0%      
Aspect Software, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.00%, Maturing July 11, 2013   $ 760,000    
Infor Enterprise Solutions Holdings      
  266,131     Term Loan, 6.52%, Maturing July 28, 2012     162,340    
  648,867     Term Loan, 7.52%, Maturing July 28, 2012     410,408    
  338,539     Term Loan, 7.52%, Maturing July 28, 2012     214,126    
  366,667     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.01%, Maturing March 2, 2014     117,333    
  633,333     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.01%, Maturing March 2, 2014     204,250    
            $ 1,868,457    
Farming / Agriculture — 2.3%      
BF Bolthouse HoldCo, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.26%, Maturing
December 16, 2013
  $ 760,000    
Central Garden & Pet Co.      
  989,848     Term Loan, 4.74%, Maturing February 28, 2014     665,673    
            $ 1,425,673    
Financial Intermediaries — 3.8%      
Citco III, Ltd.      
  476,137     Term Loan, 5.13%, Maturing June 30, 2014   $ 385,671    
E.A. Viner International Co.      
  753,450     Term Loan, 6.77%, Maturing July 31, 2013     708,243    
Nuveen Investments, Inc.  
  348,250     Term Loan, 6.35%, Maturing November 2, 2014     200,824    
RJO Holdings Corp. (RJ O'Brien)      
  1,489,975     Term Loan, 6.00%, Maturing July 31, 2014(2)     1,072,782    
            $ 2,367,520    
Food Products — 5.2%      
Acosta, Inc.      
  977,500     Term Loan, 5.37%, Maturing July 28, 2013   $ 720,906    

 

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Food Products (continued)      
Black Lion Beverages III B.V.      
EUR 2,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.49%, Maturing
January 24, 2016
  $ 1,550,702    
Provimi Group SA      
EUR 24,182     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.75%, Maturing June 28, 2015     21,806    
  282,126     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.95%, Maturing
December 28, 2016(4)
    199,604    
EUR 697,446     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.75%, Maturing
December 28, 2016(4)
    628,917    
Ruby Acquisitions Ltd.      
EUR 214,286     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.63%, Maturing July 5, 2015     184,355    
            $ 3,306,290    
Food Service — 3.1%      
Buffets, Inc.      
  332,565     DIP Loan, 12.25%, Maturing January 22, 2009   $ 334,228    
OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC      
  71,087     Term Loan, 5.28%, Maturing May 9, 2013     37,380    
  888,713     Term Loan, 5.25%, Maturing May 9, 2014     467,315    
QCE Finance, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.51%, Maturing
November 5, 2013
    592,507    
Selecta      
EUR 741,246     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.12%, Maturing
December 28, 2015
    550,320    
            $ 1,981,750    
Food / Drug Retailers — 0.3%      
General Nutrition Centers, Inc.      
  246,250     Term Loan, 6.14%, Maturing September 16, 2013   $ 170,733    
            $ 170,733    
Healthcare — 10.7%      
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.      
  249,375     Term Loan, 7.50%, Maturing May 15, 2015   $ 198,669    
Capio AB      
EUR 248,184     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.91%, Maturing
October 24, 2016
    203,237    
EUR 751,816     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.91%, Maturing
October 24, 2016
    615,661    
Carestream Health, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.32%, Maturing
October 30, 2013
    491,250    

 

See notes to financial statements
7



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Healthcare (continued)      
CB Diagnostics AB      
EUR 518,519     Term Loan, 8.00%, Maturing September 9, 2015   $ 484,643    
EUR 481,481     Term Loan, 8.00%, Maturing September 9, 2016     450,026    
Concentra, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.27%, Maturing June 25, 2015     350,000    
Dako EQT Project Delphi      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.63%, Maturing
December 12, 2016
    300,000    
Fenwal, Inc.      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.06%, Maturing August 28, 2014     538,125    
IM U.S. Holdings, LLC      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.75%, Maturing June 26, 2015     350,000    
Leiner Health Products, Inc.      
  202,905     Term Loan, 8.75%, Maturing May 27, 2011(5)     192,760    
Physiotherapy Associates, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 13.00%, Maturing June 27, 2014     337,500    
RadNet Management, Inc.      
  2,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 11.81%, Maturing
November 15, 2013
    1,350,000    
ReAble Therapeutics Finance, LLC      
  377,106     Term Loan, 5.76%, Maturing November 16, 2013     284,715    
Viant Holdings, Inc.      
  988,737     Term Loan, 6.02%, Maturing June 25, 2014     588,299    
            $ 6,734,885    
Home Furnishings — 2.6%      
Hunter Fan Co.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.56%, Maturing
April 16, 2014(2)
  $ 145,000    
National Bedding Co., LLC      
  1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.40%, Maturing
August 31, 2012
    945,000    
Oreck Corp.      
  982,143     Term Loan, 5.61%, Maturing February 2, 2012(2)     384,018    
Simmons Co.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 8.35%, Maturing February 15, 2012     177,500    
            $ 1,651,518    
Industrial Equipment — 5.7%      
CEVA Group PLC U.S.      
  883,553     Term Loan, 6.75%, Maturing January 4, 2014   $ 709,051    
  105,263     Term Loan, 6.76%, Maturing January 4, 2014     84,474    
EPD Holdings (Goodyear Engineering Products)      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.75%, Maturing July 13, 2015     580,000    

 

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Industrial Equipment (continued)      
Generac Acquisition Corp.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.15%, Maturing April 7, 2014   $ 325,000    
John Maneely Co.      
  891,060     Term Loan, 7.66%, Maturing December 8, 2013     657,157    
Sequa Corp.      
  397,522     Term Loan, 6.38%, Maturing November 30, 2014     298,638    
TFS Acquisition Corp.      
  980,000     Term Loan, 7.26%, Maturing August 11, 2013     911,400    
            $ 3,565,720    
Insurance — 2.6%      
Alliant Holdings I, Inc.      
  222,750     Term Loan, 6.76%, Maturing August 21, 2014   $ 153,697    
AmWINS Group, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.50%, Maturing June 8, 2014     315,000    
CCC Information Services Group, Inc.      
  827,037     Term Loan, 6.02%, Maturing February 10, 2013     665,765    
U.S.I. Holdings Corp.      
  692,487     Term Loan, 6.52%, Maturing May 4, 2014     503,785    
            $ 1,638,247    
Leisure Goods / Activities / Movies — 11.8%      
AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.07%, Maturing
December 8, 2013
  $ 575,000    
Bombardier Recreational Products      
  911,392     Term Loan, 6.16%, Maturing June 28, 2013     631,139    
Butterfly Wendel US, Inc.      
  239,830     Term Loan, 5.63%, Maturing June 22, 2013     183,470    
  239,908     Term Loan, 5.38%, Maturing June 22, 2014     183,530    
Carmike Cinemas, Inc.      
  1,949,623     Term Loan, 6.31%, Maturing May 19, 2012     1,564,572    
Deluxe Entertainment Services      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.76%, Maturing
November 11, 2013
    337,500    
Red Football Ltd.      
GBP 1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.67%, Maturing
August 16, 2016
    1,536,930    
Revolution Studios Distribution Co., LLC      
  376,711     Term Loan, 6.87%, Maturing December 21, 2014     312,670    
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 10.12%, Maturing June 21, 2015     710,000    
Southwest Sports Group, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 6.31%, Maturing December 22, 2010     775,000    

 

See notes to financial statements
8



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Leisure Goods / Activities / Movies (continued)      
Zuffa, LLC      
  989,975     Term Loan, 5.81%, Maturing June 20, 2016   $ 618,734    
            $ 7,428,545    
Lodging and Casinos — 2.1%      
Gala Electric Casinos, Ltd.      
GBP 912,860     Term Loan, 8.33%, Maturing December 12, 2014   $ 805,340    
Herbst Gaming, Inc.      
  987,437     Term Loan, 10.50%, Maturing December 2, 2011     548,028    
            $ 1,353,368    
Nonferrous Metals / Minerals — 2.2%      
Euramax International, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 11.00%, Maturing June 28, 2013   $ 475,000    
Murray Energy Corp.      
  1,086,543     Term Loan - Second Lien, 15.31%, Maturing
August 9, 2011
    934,427    
            $ 1,409,427    
Oil and Gas — 1.0%      
Dresser, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.56%, Maturing May 4, 2015   $ 618,333    
            $ 618,333    
Publishing — 9.6%      
American Media Operations, Inc.      
  1,465,403     Term Loan, 7.56%, Maturing January 31, 2013   $ 985,484    
Hanley-Wood, LLC      
  992,500     Term Loan, 5.28%, Maturing March 8, 2014     528,506    
Idearc, Inc.      
  997,462     Term Loan, 5.74%, Maturing November 17, 2014     430,571    
Laureate Education, Inc.      
  51,114     Term Loan, 7.00%, Maturing August 17, 2014     36,547    
  341,567     Term Loan, 7.00%, Maturing August 17, 2014     244,220    
Local Insight Regatta Holdings, Inc.      
  498,750     Term Loan, 7.77%, Maturing April 23, 2015     412,300    
Mediannuaire Holding      
EUR 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.38%, Maturing April 10, 2016     267,655    
Merrill Communications, LLC      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.22%, Maturing
November 15, 2013
    425,000    
Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC      
  944,102     Term Loan, 7.25%, Maturing June 29, 2013     283,231    

 

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Publishing (continued)      
Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (The)      
  738,750     Term Loan, 5.23%, Maturing March 2, 2014   $ 376,762    
Source Interlink Companies, Inc.      
  497,481     Term Loan, 6.47%, Maturing August 1, 2014     335,800    
Star Tribune Co. (The)      
  246,875     Term Loan, 6.00%, Maturing March 5, 2014(5)     78,383    
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.00%,
Maturing March 5, 2014(5)
    51,250    
Tribune Co.  
  769,750     Term Loan, 7.08%, Maturing May 17, 2009     605,793    
  1,036,888     Term Loan, 6.50%, Maturing May 17, 2014     383,649    
Xsys, Inc.      
EUR 1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.37%, Maturing
September 27, 2015
    621,343    
            $ 6,066,494    
Radio and Television — 6.6%      
CMP Susquehanna Corp.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 5.25%, Maturing May 5, 2011(4)   $ 755,000    
Live Nation Worldwide, Inc.      
  771,295     Term Loan, 7.02%, Maturing December 21, 2013     620,892    
NEP II, Inc.      
  147,749     Term Loan, 6.01%, Maturing February 16, 2014     108,595    
Tyrol Acquisition 2 SAS      
EUR 750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.75%, Maturing July 19, 2016     430,161    
Univision Communications, Inc.      
  770,500     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.50%, Maturing March 29, 2009     676,114    
  1,650,000     Term Loan, 5.25%, Maturing September 29, 2014     896,775    
Young Broadcasting, Inc.      
  989,770     Term Loan, 6.30%, Maturing November 3, 2012     654,485    
            $ 4,142,022    
Retailers (Except Food and Drug) — 2.5%      
Educate, Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.01%, Maturing June 14, 2014   $ 350,000    
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.      
  267,300     Term Loan, 6.39%, Maturing July 25, 2014     171,740    
Oriental Trading Co., Inc.      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.12%, Maturing
January 31, 2013
    312,500    
Savers, Inc.      
  447,716     Term Loan, 5.75%, Maturing August 11, 2012     353,695    
  489,797     Term Loan, 5.75%, Maturing August 11, 2012     386,940    
            $ 1,574,875    

 

See notes to financial statements
9



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount*
  Borrower/Tranche Description   Value  
Steel — 1.6%      
Niagara Corp.      
  1,483,725     Term Loan, 8.50%, Maturing June 29, 2014   $ 1,023,770    
            $ 1,023,770    
Surface Transport — 2.7%      
Gainey Corp.      
  1,400,663     Term Loan, 7.00%, Maturing April 20, 2012(5)   $ 280,133    
Ozburn-Hessey Holding Co., LLC      
  969,331     Term Loan, 6.61%, Maturing August 9, 2012     867,552    
Swift Transportation Co., Inc.      
  500,000     Term Loan, 4.87%, Maturing May 10, 2012     319,166    
  390,698     Term Loan, 6.06%, Maturing May 10, 2014     226,605    
            $ 1,693,456    
Telecommunications — 3.9%      
Asurion Corp.      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 10.84%, Maturing
January 13, 2013
  $ 505,000    
BCM Luxembourg, Ltd.      
EUR 1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.75%, Maturing March 31, 2016     662,766    
IPC Systems, Inc.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 9.01%, Maturing May 31, 2015     420,000    
Palm, Inc.      
  990,000     Term Loan, 7.27%, Maturing April 24, 2014     554,400    
Trilogy International Partners      
  500,000     Term Loan, 7.26%, Maturing June 29, 2012     302,500    
            $ 2,444,666    
Utilities — 4.3%      
AEI Finance Holding, LLC      
  116,022     Revolving Loan, 5.66%, Maturing March 30, 2012   $ 77,155    
  836,685     Term Loan, 6.76%, Maturing March 30, 2014     556,396    
Astoria Generating Co.      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.96%, Maturing August 23, 2013     777,500    
BRSP, LLC      
  906,150     Term Loan, 5.86%, Maturing July 13, 2009     647,354    
Electricinvest Holding Co.      
EUR 297,885     Term Loan, 8.94%, Maturing October 24, 2012     300,888    
GBP 300,000     Term Loan, 10.10%, Maturing October 24, 2012     382,623    
            $ 2,741,916    
Total Senior Floating-Rate Interests
(identified cost $136,255,607)
  $ 83,786,598    

 

Corporate Bonds & Notes — 32.8%      
Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Aerospace and Defense — 0.3%      
Alion Science and Technologies Corp.      
$ 60     10.25%, 2/1/15   $ 33,300    
Bombardier, Inc.      
  65     8.00%, 11/15/14(6)     55,900    
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition      
  90     9.75%, 4/1/17     50,850    
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  45     8.00%, 7/15/11     33,975    
            $ 174,025    
Automotive — 1.8%      
Allison Transmission, Inc.      
$ 170     11.00%, 11/1/15(6)   $ 107,100    
Altra Industrial Motion, Inc.      
  1,050     9.00%, 12/1/11     950,250    
American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.      
  60     7.875%, 3/1/17     18,900    
General Motors Corp., Sr. Notes      
  60     7.20%, 1/15/11     24,450    
Tenneco, Inc.      
  30     8.125%, 11/15/15     15,750    
            $ 1,116,450    
Broadcast Radio and Television — 0.1%      
Warner Music Group, Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 60     7.375%, 4/15/14   $ 37,500    
XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  125     13.00%, 8/1/13(6)     48,125    
            $ 85,625    
Brokers / Dealers / Investment Houses — 0.0%      
Nuveen Investments, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 80     10.50%, 11/15/15(6)   $ 22,000    
            $ 22,000    
Building and Development — 0.5%      
Interline Brands, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 40     8.125%, 6/15/14   $ 31,000    
Panolam Industries International, Sr. Sub. Notes      
  175     10.75%, 10/1/13     105,875    

 

See notes to financial statements
10



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Building and Development (continued)      
Ply Gem Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 125     11.75%, 6/15/13(6)   $ 83,125    
Texas Industries Inc., Sr. Notes      
  75     7.25%, 7/15/13(6)     59,250    
            $ 279,250    
Business Equipment and Services — 1.8%      
Affinion Group, Inc.      
$ 35     11.50%, 10/15/15   $ 21,175    
Education Management, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  80     8.75%, 6/1/14     58,800    
Education Management, LLC, Sr. Sub. Notes      
  585     10.25%, 6/1/16     406,575    
Hertz Corp.      
  15     8.875%, 1/1/14     11,025    
  225     10.50%, 1/1/16     140,062    
MediMedia USA, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  100     11.375%, 11/15/14(6)     80,500    
Rental Service Corp.      
  230     9.50%, 12/1/14     139,150    
Ticketmaster, Sr. Notes      
  110     10.75%, 8/1/16(6)     92,950    
Travelport, LLC      
  175     9.875%, 9/1/14     84,000    
  20     11.875%, 9/1/16     8,100    
West Corp.      
  190     9.50%, 10/15/14     104,500    
            $ 1,146,837    
Cable and Satellite Television — 1.2%      
Cablevision Systems Corp., Sr. Notes, Series B      
$ 95     8.00%, 4/15/12   $ 80,394    
CCH I Holdings, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  25     11.00%, 10/1/15     10,500    
CCH II Holdings, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  40     10.25%, 10/1/13     25,200    
  30     10.25%, 10/1/13(6)     18,300    
CCO Holdings, LLC/CCO Capital Corp., Sr. Notes      
  700     8.75%, 11/15/13     465,500    
Charter Communications, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  95     10.875%, 9/15/14(6)     77,662    
Mediacom Broadband Group Corp., LLC, Sr. Notes      
  75     8.50%, 10/15/15     55,875    
National Cable PLC      
  20     8.75%, 4/15/14     14,100    
            $ 747,531    

 

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Chemicals and Plastics — 0.4%      
INEOS Group Holdings PLC, Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 155     8.50%, 2/15/16(6)   $ 58,125    
Reichhold Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  225     9.00%, 8/15/14(6)     196,875    
            $ 255,000    
Clothing / Textiles — 1.9%      
Levi Strauss & Co., Sr. Notes      
$ 300     9.75%, 1/15/15   $ 211,500    
  40     8.875%, 4/1/16     26,400    
Oxford Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  1,030     8.875%, 6/1/11     849,750    
Perry Ellis International, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  105     8.875%, 9/15/13     81,375    
            $ 1,169,025    
Conglomerates — 0.2%      
RBS Global & Rexnord Corp.      
$ 75     9.50%, 8/1/14   $ 52,125    
  70     11.75%, 8/1/16     46,200    
            $ 98,325    
Containers and Glass Products — 1.3%      
Intertape Polymer US, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 20     8.50%, 8/1/14   $ 16,100    
Pliant Corp. (PIK)      
  885     11.625%, 6/15/09     619,666    
Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  275     8.00%, 3/15/17     136,125    
Solo Cup Co.      
  15     8.50%, 2/15/14     10,125    
Stone Container Corp., Sr. Notes      
  50     8.375%, 7/1/12     25,750    
            $ 807,766    
Ecological Services and Equipment — 0.0%      
Waste Services, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 25     9.50%, 4/15/14   $ 20,125    
            $ 20,125    
Electronics / Electrical — 1.3%      
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 135     7.75%, 11/1/12   $ 85,387    

 

See notes to financial statements
11



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Electronics / Electrical (continued)      
Amkor Technologies, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 25     7.125%, 3/15/11   $ 18,469    
  30     7.75%, 5/15/13     18,712    
  105     9.25%, 6/1/16     63,000    
Avago Technologies Finance      
  65     10.125%, 12/1/13     54,925    
  110     11.875%, 12/1/15     89,650    
First Data Corp.      
  140     9.875%, 9/24/15     90,300    
SunGard Data Systems, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  465     10.625%, 5/15/15(6)     395,250    
            $ 815,693    
Financial Intermediaries — 0.4%      
Ford Motor Credit Co., Sr. Notes      
$ 30     5.70%, 1/15/10   $ 22,275    
  40     7.875%, 6/15/10     26,884    
  10     9.875%, 8/10/11     6,305    
  240     12.00%, 5/15/15     152,567    
General Motors Acceptance Corp., Variable Rate      
  75     4.054%, 5/15/09     65,364    
            $ 273,395    
Food Products — 0.0%      
ASG Consolidated, LLC/ASG Finance, Inc., Sr. Disc. Note      
$ 10     11.50%, (0.00% until 11/1/08), 11/1/11   $ 8,700    
            $ 8,700    
Food Service — 1.0%      
Aramark Services, Inc.      
$ 90     8.50%, 2/1/15   $ 77,400    
El Pollo Loco, Inc.      
  55     11.75%, 11/15/13     45,375    
NPC International, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  840     9.50%, 5/1/14     525,000    
            $ 647,775    
Food / Drug Retailers — 0.8%      
General Nutrition Center, Sr. Notes, Variable Rate, (PIK)      
$ 335     7.584%, 3/15/14   $ 209,375    
General Nutrition Center, Sr. Sub. Notes      
  180     10.75%, 3/15/15     112,500    

 

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Food / Drug Retailers (continued)      
Rite Aid Corp.      
$ 25     10.375%, 7/15/16   $ 17,500    
  275     7.50%, 3/1/17     174,625    
            $ 514,000    
Forest Products — 1.2%      
Jefferson Smurfit Corp., Sr. Notes      
$ 110     8.25%, 10/1/12   $ 56,650    
  30     7.50%, 6/1/13     15,150    
NewPage Corp.      
  720     10.00%, 5/1/12     493,200    
  225     12.00%, 5/1/13     133,875    
Verso Paper Holdings, LLC/Verso Paper, Inc.      
  130     11.375%, 8/1/16     52,650    
            $ 751,525    
Healthcare — 3.2%      
Accellent, Inc.      
$ 45     10.50%, 12/1/13   $ 33,525    
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  35     7.50%, 5/1/17     23,275    
AMR HoldCo, Inc./EmCare HoldCo, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  15     10.00%, 2/15/15     14,475    
Community Health Systems, Inc.      
  90     8.875%, 7/15/15     75,825    
DJO Finance, LLC/DJO Finance Corp.      
  115     10.875%, 11/15/14     93,150    
HCA, Inc.      
  150     8.75%, 9/1/10     132,750    
  14     7.875%, 2/1/11     11,760    
  90     9.125%, 11/15/14     77,625    
  220     9.25%, 11/15/16     187,550    
MultiPlan Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  1,035     10.375%, 4/15/16(6)     957,375    
National Mentor Holdings, Inc.      
  145     11.25%, 7/1/14     134,125    
US Oncology, Inc.      
  30     9.00%, 8/15/12     25,050    
  335     10.75%, 8/15/14     262,975    
            $ 2,029,460    

 

See notes to financial statements
12



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Industrial Equipment — 0.2%      
ESCO Corp., Sr. Notes      
$ 65     8.625%, 12/15/13(6)   $ 52,325    
ESCO Corp., Sr. Notes, Variable Rate      
  65     6.694%, 12/15/13(6)     49,725    
            $ 102,050    
Insurance — 0.3%      
Alliant Holdings I, Inc.      
$ 70     11.00%, 5/1/15(6)   $ 57,050    
Hub International Holdings      
  75     9.00%, 12/15/14(6)     56,625    
U.S.I. Holdings Corp., Sr. Notes, Variable Rate      
  60     6.679%, 11/15/14(6)     38,175    
            $ 151,850    
Leisure Goods / Activities / Movies — 1.8%      
AMC Entertainment, Inc.      
$ 385     11.00%, 2/1/16   $ 306,075    
Marquee Holdings, Inc., Sr. Disc. Notes      
  1,215     9.505%, 8/15/14     735,075    
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Sr. Notes      
  55     7.00%, 6/15/13     38,500    
  20     6.875%, 12/1/13     13,500    
  15     7.25%, 6/15/16     9,675    
  30     7.25%, 3/15/18     19,350    
            $ 1,122,175    
Lodging and Casinos — 2.9%      
Buffalo Thunder Development Authority      
$ 220     9.375%, 12/15/14(6)   $ 78,100    
CCM Merger, Inc.      
  95     8.00%, 8/1/13(6)     56,525    
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Casino, LLC      
  310     10.25%, 6/15/15(6)     43,400    
Host Hotels and Resorts, LP, Sr. Notes      
  145     6.75%, 6/1/16     105,850    
Indianapolis Downs, LLC & Capital Corp., Sr. Notes      
  120     11.00%, 11/1/12(6)     60,600    
Inn of the Mountain Gods, Sr. Notes      
  40     12.00%, 11/15/10     17,800    
MGM Mirage, Inc.  
  15     7.50%, 6/1/16     8,925    

 

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Lodging and Casinos (continued)      
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Sr. Sub. Notes  
$ 55     8.00%, 4/1/12   $ 40,700    
  110     7.125%, 8/15/14     66,550    
  1,125     6.875%, 2/15/15     658,125    
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes  
  10     8.25%, 3/15/12     6,975    
  95     7.50%, 6/15/15     59,850    
Pokagon Gaming Authority, Sr. Notes      
  56     10.375%, 6/15/14(6)     51,240    
Scientific Games Corp.      
  30     7.875%, 6/15/16(6)     23,100    
Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Variable Rate      
  80     5.319%, 3/15/14(6)     53,199    
Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc.      
  130     8.50%, 6/1/15(5)     34,125    
Tunica-Biloxi Gaming Authority, Sr. Notes      
  160     9.00%, 11/15/15(6)     140,400    
Waterford Gaming, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  202     8.625%, 9/15/14(6)     142,331    
Wynn Las Vegas, LLC      
  230     6.625%, 12/1/14     170,775    
            $ 1,818,570    
Nonferrous Metals / Minerals — 0.6%      
Aleris International, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 195     9.00%, 12/15/14   $ 68,250    
FMG Finance PTY, Ltd.      
  345     10.625%, 9/1/16(6)     238,050    
Freeport-McMoran C and G, Sr. Notes      
  110     8.375%, 4/1/17     86,469    
            $ 392,769    
Oil and Gas — 3.9%      
Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 1,045     9.00%, 1/15/14   $ 684,475    
Cimarex Energy Co., Sr. Notes      
  55     7.125%, 5/1/17     44,275    
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.      
  40     7.75%, 8/1/13     24,800    
Compton Pet Finance Corp.      
  90     7.625%, 12/1/13     52,650    
Denbury Resources, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  25     7.50%, 12/15/15     17,500    

 

See notes to financial statements
13



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Oil and Gas (continued)      
Forbes Energy Services, Sr. Notes      
$ 170     11.00%, 2/15/15   $ 119,000    
OPTI Canada, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  65     7.875%, 12/15/14     39,325    
  75     8.25%, 12/15/14     45,000    
Petrohawk Energy Corp., Sr. Notes      
  820     9.125%, 7/15/13     635,500    
  60     7.875%, 6/1/15(6)     40,950    
Petroleum Development Corp., Sr. Notes      
  65     12.00%, 2/15/18     50,375    
Petroplus Finance, Ltd.      
  545     7.00%, 5/1/17(6)     359,700    
Plains Exploration & Production Co.      
  80     7.00%, 3/15/17     52,800    
Quicksilver Resources, Inc.      
  15     8.25%, 8/1/15     10,500    
  160     7.125%, 4/1/16     103,200    
SemGroup L.P., Sr. Notes      
  145     8.75%, 11/15/15(5)(6)     9,425    
SESI, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  30     6.875%, 6/1/14     25,350    
Stewart & Stevenson, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  220     10.00%, 7/15/14     166,100    
            $ 2,480,925    
Publishing — 1.2%      
Dex Media West/Finance, Series B      
$ 45     9.875%, 8/15/13   $ 16,987    
Harland Clarke Holdings      
  35     9.50%, 5/15/15     16,975    
Laureate Education, Inc.  
  50     10.00%, 8/15/15(6)     36,250    
Laureate Education, Inc. (PIK)      
  452     10.25%, 8/15/15(6)     308,276    
Nielsen Finance, LLC      
  345     10.00%, 8/1/14     251,850    
  75     12.50%, (0.00% until 8/1/11), 8/1/16     29,250    
Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (The), Sr. Sub. Notes      
  270     9.00%, 2/15/17     77,625    
            $ 737,213    
Rail Industries — 0.1%      
American Railcar Industry, Sr. Notes      
$ 80     7.50%, 3/1/14   $ 63,600    
            $ 63,600    

 

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Retailers (Except Food and Drug) — 2.6%      
Amscan Holdings, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
$ 225     8.75%, 5/1/14   $ 147,375    
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.      
  825     9.00%, 10/15/15     569,250    
  675     10.375%, 10/15/15     452,250    
Sally Holdings, LLC      
  20     9.25%, 11/15/14     16,100    
Sally Holdings, LLC, Sr. Notes      
  260     10.50%, 11/15/16     191,100    
Toys "R" Us      
  130     7.375%, 10/15/18     68,250    
Yankee Acquisition Corp., Series B      
  347     8.50%, 2/15/15     197,790    
            $ 1,642,115    
Steel — 0.2%      
RathGibson, Inc., Sr. Notes      
$ 10     11.25%, 2/15/14   $ 6,800    
Steel Dynamics, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  140     7.375%, 11/1/12     104,825    
            $ 111,625    
Surface Transport — 0.2%      
CEVA Group, PLC, Sr. Notes      
$ 135     10.00%, 9/1/14(6)   $ 97,875    
            $ 97,875    
Telecommunications — 1.1%      
Digicel Group, Ltd., Sr. Notes      
$ 110     9.25%, 9/1/12(6)   $ 86,350    
  30     9.125%, 1/15/15(6)     16,950    
Intelsat Bermuda, Ltd.      
  375     11.25%, 6/15/16     322,500    
Nortel Networks, Ltd.      
  270     10.75%, 7/15/16(6)     143,775    
Windstream Corp., Sr. Notes      
  95     8.125%, 8/1/13     78,613    
  30     8.625%, 8/1/16     22,800    
Windstream Regatta Holdings, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes      
  60     11.00%, 12/1/17(6)     28,500    
            $ 699,488    

 

See notes to financial statements
14



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
Utilities — 0.4%      
AES Corp.      
$ 35     8.00%, 10/15/17   $ 27,125    
Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  20     7.75%, 6/1/19     13,500    
Edison Mission Energy, Sr. Notes      
  15     7.50%, 6/15/13     12,713    
NRG Energy, Inc.      
  65     7.25%, 2/1/14     57,038    
  165     7.375%, 1/15/17     143,138    
Reliant Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes      
  10     7.625%, 6/15/14     7,750    
            $ 261,264    
Total Corporate Bonds & Note
(identified cost $29,376,996)
  $ 20,644,026    
Asset Backed Securities — 0.9%      
Principal
Amount
(000's omitted)
  Security   Value  
$ 2,000     Comstock Funding, Ltd., Series 2006-1A,
Class D, 6.899%, 5/30/20(6)(9)
  $ 548,800    
Total Asset Backed Securities
(identified cost $1,440,000)
  $ 548,800    
Preferred Stocks — 0.1%      
Units   Security   Value  
  198     Fontainebleau Resorts LLC (PIK)(2)(7)   $ 53,070    
Total Preferred Stocks
(identified cost $198,020)
  $ 53,070    
Miscellaneous — 0.0%      
Shares   Security   Value  
  290,298     Adelphia Recovery Trust(8)   $ 5,806    
  300,000     Adelphia, Inc. Escrow Certificate(8)     9,000    
Total Miscellaneous
(identified cost $299,250)
  $ 14,806    

 

Short-Term Investments — 6.1%  
Interest
(000's omitted)
  Description   Value  
$ 3,860     Cash Management Portfolio, 1.90%(10)   $ 3,860,055    
Total Short-Term Investments
(identified cost $3,860,055)
  $ 3,860,055    
Total Investments — 172.8%
(identified cost $171,429,928)
  $ 108,907,355    
Less Unfunded Loan
Commitments — (2.3)%
  $ (1,448,313 )  
Net Investments — 170.5%
(identified cost $169,981,615)
  $ 107,459,042    
Other Assets, Less Liabilities — (27.5)%   $ (17,341,303 )  
Auction Preferred Shares Plus Cumulative
Unpaid Dividends — (43.0)%
  $ (27,077,359 )  
Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares — 100.0%
  $ 63,040,380    

 

DIP - Debtor in Possession

PIK - Payment In Kind

EUR - Euro

GBP - British Pound Sterling

*  In U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

(1)  Senior floating-rate interests (Senior Loans) often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrowers to repay at their election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown. However, Senior Loans will have an expected average life of approximately two to four years. The stated interest rate represents the weighted average interest rate of all contracts within the senior loan facility. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest which are redetermined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium. These base lending rates are primarily the London-Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), and secondarily the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the "Prime Rate") and the certificate of deposit ("CD") rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.

(2)  Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.

See notes to financial statements
15



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

(3)  This Senior Loan will settle after October 31, 2008, at which time the interest rate will be determined.

(4)  Unfunded or partially unfunded loan commitments. See Note 1G for description.

(5)  Defaulted security. Currently the issuer is in default with respect to interest payments.

(6)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2008, the aggregate value of the securities is $5,070,233 or 8.00% of the Fund's net assets.

(7)  Restricted security.

(8)  Non-income producing security.

(9)  Variable rate security. The stated interest rate represents the rate in effect at October 31, 2008.

(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, 2008.

See notes to financial statements
16




Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

As of October 31, 2008

Assets  
Unaffiliated investments, at value (identified cost, $166,121,560)   $ 103,598,987    
Affiliated investment, at value (identified cost, $3,860,055)     3,860,055    
Cash     1,000,000    
Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $1,147,966)     1,128,300    
Receivable for investments sold     4,827,456    
Dividends and interest receivable     2,464,353    
Interest receivable from affiliated investment     2,489    
Receivable for open forward foreign currency contracts     297,777    
Receivable for closed interest rate floors     104,828    
Prepaid expenses     524,367    
Total assets   $ 117,808,612    
Liabilities  
Notes payable   $ 26,175,000    
Payable for investments purchased     1,330,384    
Payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee     64,099    
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees     367    
Accrued expenses     269,475    
Total liabilities   $ 27,839,325    
Auction preferred shares (1,083 shares outstanding) at
liquidation value plus cumulative unpaid dividends
  $ 27,077,359    
Net assets applicable to common shares   $ 62,891,928    
Sources of Net Assets  
Common shares, $0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares
authorized, 7,257,139 shares issued and outstanding
  $ 72,571    
Additional paid-in capital     138,729,880    
Accumulated net realized loss (computed on the basis of identified cost)     (12,802,107 )  
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income     (911,976 )  
Net unrealized depreciation (computed on the basis of identified cost)     (62,196,440 )  
Net assets applicable to common shares   $ 62,891,928    
Net Asset Value Per Common Share  
($62,891,928 ÷ 7,257,139 common shares issued and outstanding)   $ 8.67    

 

Statement of Operations

For the Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008

Investment Income  
Interest   $ 8,397,171    
Dividends     82,085    
Interest income allocated from affiliated investment     61,506    
Expenses allocated from affiliated investment     (10,965 )  
Total investment income   $ 8,529,797    
Expenses  
Investment adviser fee   $ 682,354    
Trustees' fees and expenses     740    
Legal and accounting services     82,105    
Custodian fee     53,511    
Preferred shares service fee     40,965    
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees     14,092    
Printing and postage     11,340    
Interest expense and fees     1,077,764    
Miscellaneous     68,938    
Total expenses   $ 2,031,809    
Deduct —
Reduction of investment adviser fee
  $ 182,343    
Reduction of custodian fee     103    
Total expense reductions   $ 182,446    
Net expenses   $ 1,849,363    
Net investment income   $ 6,680,434    
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)  
Net realized gain (loss) —
Investment transactions (identified cost basis)
  $ (10,327,199 )  
Interest rate floors     3,330    
Foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions     4,207,054    
Net realized loss   $ (6,116,815 )  
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) —
Investments (identified cost basis)
  $ (38,379,504 )  
Interest rate floors     (974,403 )  
Foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contracts     196,145    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   $ (39,157,762 )  
Net realized and unrealized loss   $ (45,274,577 )  
Distributions to preferred shareholders          
From net investment income     (607,230 )  
Net decrease in net assets from operations   $ (39,201,373 )  

 

See notes to financial statements
17



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

Increase (Decrease)
in Net Assets
  Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
April 30, 2008
 
From operations —
Net investment income
  $ 6,680,434     $ 18,401,520    
Net realized loss from investment
transactions, interest rate floors,  
and foreign currency and  
forward foreign currency exchange  
contract transactions
    (6,116,815 )     (3,632,196 )  
Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) of investments,  
interest rate floors, and foreign  
currency and forward foreign  
currency exchange contracts
    (39,157,762 )     (28,515,367 )  
Distributions to preferred shareholders from
net investment income
    (607,230 )     (4,288,579 )  
Net decrease in net assets
from operations
  $ (39,201,373 )   $ (18,034,622 )  
Distributions to common shareholders —
From net investment income
  $ (6,095,997 )   $ (14,300,086 )  
Total distributions to common shareholders   $ (6,095,997 )   $ (14,300,086 )  
Capital share transactions —
Reinvestment of distributions to
common shareholders
  $     $ 1,518,607    
Total increase in net assets from capital
share transactions
  $     $ 1,518,607    
Net decrease in net assets   $ (45,297,370 )   $ (30,816,101 )  
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares  
At beginning of period   $ 108,189,298     $ 139,005,399    
At end of period   $ 62,891,928     $ 108,189,298    
Accumulated distributions in excess of
net investment income
 
At end of period   $ (911,976 )   $ (889,183 )  

 

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash Flows From Operating Activities   Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
 
Net decrease in net assets from operations   $ (39,201,373 )  
Distributions to preferred shareholders     607,230    
Net decrease in net assets from operations excluding distributions
to preferred shareholders
  $ (38,594,143 )  
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations
to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
Investments purchased     (20,200,634 )  
Investments sold and principal repayments     50,031,568    
Increase in short-term investments, net     (118,979 )  
Net amortization of premium (discount)     (1,524,191 )  
Amortization of structuring fee on notes payable     42,427    
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable     373,836    
Decrease in interest receivable from affiliated investment     8,454    
Increase in receivable for investments sold     (4,781,375 )  
Decrease in receivable for interest rate floors     1,067,471    
Increase in receivable for open forward foreign currency contracts     (179,637 )  
Decrease in prepaid expenses     565,119    
Increase in payable for investments purchased     1,025,522    
Decrease in payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee     (21,815 )  
Decrease in payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees     (1,425 )  
Decrease in unfunded loan commitments     (463,412 )  
Increase in accrued expenses     103,268    
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments     38,379,504    
Net realized (gain) loss on investments     10,327,199    
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 36,038,757    
Cash Flows From Financing Activities  
Cash distributions paid to common shareholders,
net of reinvestments
  $ (6,095,997 )  
Liquidation of auction preferred shares     (54,175,000 )  
Distributions to preferred shareholders     (663,315 )  
Proceeds from notes payable     54,175,000    
Repayment of notes payable     (28,000,000 )  
Payment of structuring fee on notes payable     (541,750 )  
Net cash used in financing activities   $ (35,301,062 )  
Net increase in cash   $ 737,695    
Cash at beginning of period(1)    $ 1,390,605    
Cash at end of period(1)    $ 2,128,300    
Supplemental disclosure
of cash flow information:
 
Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowings   $ 918,846    

 

(1)  Balance includes foreign currency, at value.

See notes to financial statements
18




Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Financial Highlights

Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated  
    Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
April 30, 2008
  Period Ended
April 30, 2007(1) 
 
Net asset value — Beginning of period (Common shares)   $ 14.91     $ 19.380     $ 19.100 (3)   
Income (loss) from operations  
Net investment income(2)   $ 0.921     $ 2.548     $ 2.057    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (6.237 )     (4.444 )     0.449    
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income(2)     (0.084 )     (0.594 )     (0.435 )  
Total income (loss) from operations   $ (5.40 )   $ (2.490 )   $ 2.071    
Less distributions to common shareholders  
From net investment income   $ (0.840 )   $ (1.980 )   $ (1.598 )  
Total distributions to common shareholders   $ (0.840 )   $ (1.980 )   $ (1.598 )  
Preferred and Common shares offering costs charged to paid-in capital(2)    $     $     $ (0.078 )  
Preferred shares underwriting discounts(2)    $     $     $ (0.115 )  
Net asset value — End of period (Common shares)   $ 8.670     $ 14.910     $ 19.380    
Market value — End of period (Common shares)   $ 8.000     $ 14.250     $ 20.920    
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(11)      (37.50 )%(14)      (13.57 )%     10.23 %(4)(14)   
Total Investment Return on Market Value(11)      (39.70 )%(14)      (23.42 )%     18.99 %(4)(14)   

 

See notes to financial statements
19



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D

Financial Highlights

Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated  
    Six Months Ended
October 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
  Year Ended
April 30, 2008
  Period Ended
April 30, 2007(1) 
 
Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 62,892     $ 108,189     $ 139,005    
Ratios (As a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares):(5)  
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees(6)     1.54 %(10)     1.57 %     1.40 %(10)  
Interest and fee expense(7)     2.12 %(10)              
Total expenses     3.66 %(10)     1.57 %     1.57 %(10)  
Net investment income     13.14 %(10)     14.69 %     11.72 %(10)  
Portfolio Turnover     12 %(14)     56 %     68 %(14)  

 

The ratios reported above are based on net assets applicable solely to common shares. The ratios based on net assets, including amounts related to preferred shares and borrowings, are as follows:

Ratios (As a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares plus preferred shares and borrowings):(5)  
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees(6)     1.21 %(10)     0.95 %     0.88 %(10)  
Interest and fee expense(7)     1.67 %(10)                  
Total expenses     2.88 %(10)     0.95 %     0.88 %(10)  
Net investment income     10.34 %(10)     8.91 %     7.32 %(10)  
Senior Securities:  
Total notes payable outstanding (in 000's)   $ 26,175     $     $    
Asset coverage per $1,000 of notes payble(12)   $ 4,437     $     $    
Total preferred shares outstanding     1,083       3,250       3,250    
Asset coverage per preferred share   $ 54,530 (8)    $ 58,307 (13)    $ 67,786 (13)   
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share(9)   $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000    
Approximate market value per preferred share(9)   $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000    

 

(1)  For the period from the start of business, May 30, 2006, to April 30, 2007.

(2)  Computed using average common shares outstanding.

(3)  Net asset value at beginning of period reflects the deduction of the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder from the $20.00 offering price.

(4)  Total investment return on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of the period reported. Total investment return on market value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of the period reported with all distributions reinvested.

(5)  Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders.

(6)  Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%.

(7)  Interest and fee expense relates to the notes payable incurred to partially redeem the Fund's APS (see Note 10).

(8)  Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the notes payable and preferred shares) from the Fund's total assets, dividing the result by the sum of the value of the notes payable and liquidation value of the preferred shares, and multiplying the result by the liquidation value of one preferred share. Such amount equates to 218% at October 31, 2008.

(9)  Plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.

(10)  Annualized.

(11)  Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or market value with all distributions reinvested.

(12)  Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the notes payable and preferred shares) from the Fund's total assets, and dividing the result by the notes payable balance in thousands.

(13)  Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the preferred shares) from the Fund's total assets, and dividing the result by the number of preferred shares outstanding.

(14)  Not annualized.

See notes to financial statements
20




Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1  Significant Accounting Policies

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities 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 primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income. The Fund, as a secondary objective, also seeks capital appreciation.

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.

A  Investment Valuation — Interests in senior floating-rate loans for which reliable market quotations are readily available are valued generally at the average mean of bid and ask quotations obtained from an independent pricing service. Other Senior Loans are valued at fair value by the investment adviser under procedures approved by the Trustees. In fair valuing a Senior Loan, the investment adviser utilizes one or more of the following valuation techniques: (i) a matrix pricing approach that considers the yield on the Senior Loan relative to yields on other loan interests issued by companies of comparable credit quality; (ii) a comparison of the value of the borrower's outstanding equity and debt to that of comparable public companies; (iii) a discounted cash flow analysis; or (iv) when the investment adviser believes it is likely that a borrower will be liquidated or sold, an analysis of the terms of such liquidation or sale. In certain cases, the investment adviser will use a combination of analytical methods to determine fair value, such as when only a portion of a borrower's assets are likely to be sold. In conducting its assessment and analyses for purposes of determining fair value of a Senior Loan, the investment adviser will use its discretion and judgment in considering and appraising relevant factors. Fair value determinations are made by the portfolio managers of the Fund based on information available to such managers. The portfolio managers of other funds managed by the investment adviser that invest in Senior Loans may not possess the same information about a Senior Loan borrower as the portfolio managers of the Fund. At times, the fair value of a Senior Loan determined by the portfolio managers of other funds managed by the investment adviser that invest in Senior Loans may vary from the fair value of the same Senior Loan determined by the portfolio managers of the Fund. The fair value of each Senior Loan is periodically reviewed and approved by the investment adviser's Valuation Committee and by the Trustees based upon procedures approved by the Trustees. Junior Loans are valued in the same manner as Senior Loans.

Debt obligations, including listed securities and securities for which quotations are available, will normally be valued on the basis of market quotations provided by independent pricing services. The pricing services consider various factors relating to bonds and/or market transactions to determine market value. Short-term debt securities with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. If short-term debt securities are acquired with a remaining maturity of more than sixty days, they will be valued by a pricing service. Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange generally are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation or, if no sales took place on such date, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices therefore 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 asked prices or, in the case of preferred equity securities that are not listed or traded in the over-the-counter market, by an independent pricing service. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued using prices supplied by a pricing vendor or dealers. Interest rate swaps and floors are normally valued using valuations provided by a pricing vendor. Such vendor valuations are based on the present value of fixed and projected floating rate cash flows over the term of the swap contract. Future cash flows are discounted to their present value using swap curves provided by electronic data services or by broker/dealers. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation service. The independent service uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Inputs to the model include reported trades and implied bid/ask spreads. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Fund considering relevant factors, data and information including the market value of freely tradable securities of the same class in the principal market on which such securities are normally traded.


21



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

The Fund may invest in Cash Management Portfolio (Cash Management), an affiliated investment company managed by Boston Management and Research (BMR), a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management (EVM). Cash Management values its investment securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation technique permitted by Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, pursuant to which Cash Management must comply with certain conditions. This technique involves initially valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. If amortized cost is determined not to approximate fair value, Cash Management may value its investment securities based on available market quotations provided by a pricing service.

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.

C  Income — Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Fees associated with loan amendments are recognized immediately. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for dividends received in cash and/or securities.

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.

At April 30, 2008, the Fund, for federal income tax purposes, had a capital loss carryforward of $833,774 which will 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 will 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. Such capital loss carryforward will expire on April 30, 2016.

As of October 31, 2008, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure. Each of the Fund's federal tax returns filed since the start of business on May 30, 2006 to April 30, 2008 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

E  Expense Reduction — State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) serves as custodian of the Fund. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, SSBT receives a fee reduced by credits, which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Fund maintains with SSBT. All credit balances, if any, used to reduce the Fund's custodian fees are reported as a reduction of expenses in the Statement of Operations.

F  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.

G  Unfunded Loan Commitments — The Fund may enter into certain credit agreements all or a portion of which may be unfunded. The Fund is obligated to fund these commitments at the borrower's discretion. The commitments are disclosed in the accompanying Portfolio of Investments.

H  Use of Estimates — The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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.

I  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, and shareholders are indemnified against personal liability for the obligations of the Fund. 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.


22



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

J  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 Fund may enter into forward contracts for hedging purposes as well as non-hedging purposes. 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 or offset by another contract with the same broker for the same settlement date and currency. 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.

K  Interest Rate Floors — The Fund may enter into interest rate floors to enhance return or to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates. Interest rate floors are similar to interest rate swaps, except that one party agrees to pay a fee, while the other party agrees to make payments to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate or "floor". Transaction fees paid by the Fund are recognized as assets and amortized over the life of the interest rate floor. Changes in the value of the interest rate floor are recognized as unrealized gains and losses.

L  Statement of Cash Flows — The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows of the Fund is the amount included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represents the cash on hand at its custodian and does not include any short-term investments.

M  Interim Financial Statements — The interim financial statements relating to October 31, 2008 and for the six months then ended have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of the Fund's management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements.

2  Auction Preferred Shares

The Fund issued Auction Preferred Shares (APS) on August 11, 2006 in a public offering. The underwriting discount and other offering costs incurred in connection with the offering were recorded as a reduction of the paid-in capital of the common shares. Dividends on the APS, which accrue daily, are cumulative at rates which are reset every seven days by an auction, unless a special dividend period has been set. If the APS auctions do not successfully clear, the dividend payment rate over the next period for the APS holders is set at a specified maximum applicable rate until such time as the APS auctions are successful. Auctions have not cleared since February 13, 2008 and the rate since that date has been the maximum applicable rate (see Note 3). The maximum applicable rate on the APS is the greater of 1) 150% of LIBOR at the date of the auction or 2) LIBOR at the date of the auction plus 1.50%.

During the six months ended October 31, 2008, the Fund made a partial redemption of its APS at a liquidation price of $25,000 per share, the financing for which was provided by a committed financing arrangement (see Note 10). The number of APS redeemed and redemption amount (excluding the final dividend payment) during the six months ended October 31, 2008 and the number of APS issued and outstanding as of October 31, 2008 are as follows:

APS Redeemed
During the Period
  Redemption
Amount
  APS
Issued and Outstanding
 
  2,167     $ 54,175,000       1,083    

 

The APS are redeemable at the option of the Fund at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, on any dividend payment date. The APS are also subject to mandatory redemption at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if the Fund is in default for an extended period on its asset maintenance requirements with respect to the APS. If the dividends on the APS remain unpaid in an amount equal to two full years' dividends, the holders of the APS as a class have the right to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In general, the holders of the APS and the common shares have equal voting rights of one vote per share, except that the holders of the APS, as a separate class, have the right to elect at least two members of the Board of Trustees. The APS have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the APS as defined in the Fund's By-Laws and the 1940 Act. The Fund pays an annual fee equivalent to 0.25% of the liquidation value of the APS for the remarketing efforts associated with the APS to broker-dealers as a service fee.

3  Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund intends to make monthly distributions of net investment income to common shareholders, after payment of any dividends on any outstanding APS. In addition, at least annually, the Fund intends to distribute all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains (reduced by available capital loss carryforwards from prior years, if any). Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to preferred shareholders are recorded daily


23



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

and are payable at the end of each dividend period. The dividend rate for the APS at October 31, 2008 was 4.28%. For the six months ended October 31, 2008, the amount of dividends paid (including capital gains, if any) to APS shareholders was $607,230, representing an average APS dividend rate of 4.46% (annualized) and dividend rate ranges of 3.67% to 7.15%.

Beginning February 13, 2008 and consistent with the patterns in the broader market for auction-rate securities, the Fund's APS auctions were unsuccessful in clearing due to an imbalance of sell orders over bids to buy the APS. As a result, the dividend rates of the APS were reset to the maximum applicable rate. The rate above reflects such maximum dividend rate as of October 31, 2008.

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

4  Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates

The investment adviser fee is earned by EVM as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Fund. The fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily gross assets and is payable monthly. Gross assets as referred to herein represent net assets plus obligations attributable to investment leverage. The portion of the adviser fee payable by Cash Management on the Fund's investment of cash therein is credited against the Fund's adviser fee. For the six months ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's adviser fee totaled $693,319 of which $10,965 was allocated from Cash Management and $682,354 was paid or accrued directly by the Fund. EVM also serves as administrator of the Fund, but receives no compensation.

In addition, EVM has contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and other expenses at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Fund's average daily gross assets during the first five full years of the Fund's operations, 0.15% of the Fund's average daily gross assets in year six, 0.10% in year seven and 0.05% in year eight. Pursuant to this agreement, EVM waived $182,343 of its adviser fee for the six months ended October 31, 2008.

EVM has further agreed to waive its adviser fee to the extent that the cost of the committed financing to partially redeem the APS is greater than the dividend and preferred shares service fee that would have been incurred had the APS not been redeemed, hereafter referred to as "incremental cost". Such waiver is calculated as the lesser of 50% of the Fund's adviser fee on assets attributable to the committed financing or the incremental cost and will remain in effect until October 31, 2009. No such waiver was required for the six months ended October 31, 2008.

Except for Trustees of the Fund who are not members of EVM's organization, officers and Trustees 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 six months ended October 31, 2008, no significant amounts have been deferred. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers of EVM.

5  Purchases and Sales of Investments

Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations and including maturities and principal repayments on Senior Loans, aggregated $20,200,634 and $50,031,568, respectively, for the six months ended October 31, 2008.

6  Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

The Fund may issue common shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan. There were no transactions in common shares for the six months ended October 31, 2008. Common shares issued pursuant to the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan for the year ended April 30, 2008 were 85,480.

7  Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments

The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments of the Fund at October 31, 2008, as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:

Aggregate cost   $ 170,162,767    
Gross unrealized appreciation   $ 46,027    
Gross unrealized depreciation     (62,749,752 )  
Net unrealized depreciation   $ (62,703,725 )  

 


24



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

8  Restricted Securities

At October 31, 2008, the Fund owned the following security (representing 0.1% of net assets applicable to common shares) which was restricted as to public resale and not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (excluding Rule 144A securities). The Fund has various registration rights (exercisable under a variety of circumstances) with respect to restricted securities. The value of restricted securities is determined based on valuations provided by brokers when available, or if not available, they are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.

Description   Date of
Acquisition
  Units   Cost   Value  
Preferred Stock             
Fontainebleau Resorts
LLC (PIK)
  6/1/07     198     $ 198,020     $ 53,070    
Total Restricted Securities       198     $ 198,020     $ 53,070    

 

9  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 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 does 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, 2008 is as follows:

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

Sales

Settlement Date   Deliver   In Exchange For   Net Unrealized
Appreciation
 
5/30/08
 
 
  British
Pound Sterling
3,729,632
 
United States Dollar
6,104,550
  $ 111,218    
5/30/08
 
  Euro
8,575,911
  United States Dollar
11,106,834
    186,559    
            $ 297,777    

 

At October 31, 2008, the Fund had sufficient cash and/or securities to cover commitments under these securities.

10  Revolving Credit and Security Agreement

Effective April 11, 2008, the Fund entered into a Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, as amended (the Agreement) with conduit lenders and a bank to borrow up to an initial limit of $54,175,000 for a period of five years, the proceeds of which were used to partially redeem the Fund's APS (see Note 2). The Agreement provides for a renewable 364-day backstop financing arrangement, which ensures that alternate financing will continue to be available to the Fund should the conduits be unable to place their commercial paper. Borrowings under the Agreement are secured by the assets of the Fund. Interest is charged at a rate above the conduits' commercial paper issuance rate and is payable monthly. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund pays a monthly program fee of 1.25% per annum (0.60% per annum prior to October 31, 2008) on its outstanding borrowings to administer the facility and a monthly liquidity fee of 1.25% per annum (0.40% per annum prior to October 31, 2008) on the borrowing limit under the Agreement. The Fund also paid a structuring fee of $541,750, which is being amortized to interest expense over a period of five years. The unamortized balance at October 31, 2008 is approximately $499,000 and is included in prepaid expenses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund is required to maintain certain net asset levels during the term of the Agreement. At October 31, 2008, the Fund had borrowings outstanding under the Agreement of $26,175,000 at an interest rate of 3.72%. For the period from May 2, 2008, the date of the initial draw on the Agreement, through October 31, 2008, the average borrowings under the Agreement and the average interest rate (annualized) were $51,147,678 and 3.01%, respectively.

11  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


25



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) CONT'D

removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or financial instability or diplomatic and other developments which could affect such investments. Foreign stock 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.

12  Concentration of Credit Risk

The Fund invests primarily in below investment grade floating-rate loans and floating-rate debt obligations, which are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to reduce the capacity of issuers of these securities to make principal and interest payments. Such companies are more likely to default on their payments of interest and principal owed than issuers of investment grade bonds. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a loan or other debt obligation may lose significant value before a default occurs. Lower rated investments also may be subject to greater price volatility than higher rated investments. Moreover, the specific collateral used to secure a loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the loan's value.

13  Fair Value Measurements

The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (FAS 157), "Fair Value Measurements", effective May 1, 2008. FAS 157 established a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions, referred to as inputs, 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)

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, 2008, the inputs used in valuing the Fund's investments, which are carried at value, were as follows:

    Valuation Inputs   Investments in
Securities
  Other Financial
Instruments*
 
Level 1   Quoted Prices   $     $ 297,777    
Level 2   Other Significant Observable Inputs     105,421,933          
Level 3   Significant Unobservable Inputs     2,037,109          
Total       $ 107,459,042     $ 297,777    

 

*  Other financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

    Investments in Securities  
Balance as of April 30, 2008   $ 1,105,998    
Realized gains (losses)     (2,517 )  
Change in net unrealized
appreciation (depreciation)
    (302,713 )  
Net purchases (sales)     14,434    
Accrued discount (premium)     4,125    
Net transfers to (from) Level 3     1,217,782    
Balance as of October 31, 2008   $ 2,037,109    

 

14  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 (FAS 161), "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". FAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities, including qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk related contingent features in derivative instruments. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FAS 161 will have on the Fund's financial statement disclosures.


26




Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

The Fund offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan) pursuant to which shareholders automatically have dividends and capital gains distributions reinvested in common shares (the Shares) of the Fund unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. On the distribution payment date, if the net asset value 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 net asset value per Share or 95% of the market price. Otherwise, Shares generally will be purchased on the open market by the Plan Agent. Distributions subject to income tax (if any) are taxable whether or not shares are reinvested.

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

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

Plan participants may withdraw from the Plan at any time by writing to the Plan Agent at the address noted on 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 Plan Agent to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her Shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan 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 Plan Agent.

Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 1-866-439-6787.


27



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

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 DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. THIS IS NOT A PROXY.

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

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
P.O. Box 922
Wall Street Station
New York, NY 10269-0560

Number of Employees

The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company and has no employees.

Number of Shareholders

As of October 31, 2008, our records indicate that there are 77 registered shareholders and approximately 5,627 shareholders owning the Fund shares in street name, such as through brokers, banks, and financial intermediaries.

If you are a street name shareholder and wish to receive our reports directly, which contain important information about the Fund, please write or call:

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
1-800-262-1122

New York Stock Exchange symbol

The New York Stock Exchange symbol is EOE.


28




Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

Overview of the Contract Review Process

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), provides, in substance, that each investment advisory agreement between a fund and its investment adviser will continue in effect from year to year only if its continuance is approved at least annually by the fund's board of trustees, including by a vote of a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" of the fund ("Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such approval.

At a meeting of the Boards of Trustees (each a "Board") of the Eaton Vance group of mutual funds (the "Eaton Vance Funds") held on April 21, 2008, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve continuation of existing advisory and sub-advisory agreements for the Eaton Vance Funds for an additional one-year period. In voting its approval, the Board relied upon the affirmative recommendation of the Contract Review Committee of the Board (formerly the Special Committee), which is a committee comprised exclusively of Independent Trustees. Prior to making its recommendation, the Contract Review Committee reviewed information furnished for a series of meetings of the Contract Review Committee held in February, March and April 2008. Such information included, among other things, the following:

Information about Fees, Performance and Expenses

•  An independent report comparing the advisory and related fees paid by each fund with fees paid by comparable funds;

•  An independent report comparing each fund's total expense ratio and its components to comparable funds;

•  An independent report comparing the investment performance of each fund to the investment performance of comparable funds over various time periods;

•  Data regarding investment performance in comparison to relevant peer groups of funds and appropriate indices;

•  Comparative information concerning fees charged by each adviser for managing other mutual funds and institutional accounts using investment strategies and techniques similar to those used in managing the fund;

•  Profitability analyses for each adviser with respect to each fund;

Information about Portfolio Management

•  Descriptions of the investment management services provided to each fund, including the investment strategies and processes employed, and any changes in portfolio management processes and personnel;

•  Information concerning the allocation of brokerage and the benefits received by each adviser as a result of brokerage allocation, including information concerning the acquisition of research through "soft dollar" benefits received in connection with the funds' brokerage, and the implementation of a soft dollar reimbursement program established with respect to the funds;

•  Data relating to portfolio turnover rates of each fund;

•  The procedures and processes used to determine the fair value of fund assets and actions taken to monitor and test the effectiveness of such procedures and processes;

Information about each Adviser

•  Reports detailing the financial results and condition of each adviser;

•  Descriptions of the qualifications, education and experience of the individual investment professionals whose responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research for the funds, and information relating to their compensation and responsibilities with respect to managing other mutual funds and investment accounts;

•  Copies of the Codes of Ethics of each adviser and its affiliates, together with information relating to compliance with and the administration of such codes;

•  Copies of or descriptions of each adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures;

•  Information concerning the resources devoted to compliance efforts undertaken by each adviser and its affiliates on behalf of the funds (including descriptions of various compliance programs) and their record of compliance with investment policies and restrictions, including policies with respect to market-timing, late trading and selective portfolio disclosure, and with policies on personal securities transactions;

•  Descriptions of the business continuity and disaster recovery plans of each adviser and its affiliates;

Other Relevant Information

•  Information concerning the nature, cost and character of the administrative and other non-investment management services provided by Eaton Vance Management and its affiliates;

•  Information concerning management of the relationship with the custodian, subcustodians and fund accountants by each adviser or the funds' administrator; and

•  The terms of each advisory agreement.


29



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT CONT'D

In addition to the information identified above, the Contract Review Committee considered information provided from time to time by each adviser throughout the year at meetings of the Board and its committees. Over the course of the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2008, the Board met eleven times and the Contract Review Committee, the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee, each of which is a Committee comprised solely of Independent Trustees, met twelve, seven and five times, respectively. At such meetings, the Trustees received, among other things, presentations by the portfolio managers and other investment professionals of each adviser relating to the investment performance of each fund and the investment strategies used in pursuing the fund's investment objective. The Portfolio Management Committee and the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are newly established and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2008.

For funds that invest through one or more underlying portfolios, the Board considered similar information about the portfolio(s) when considering the approval of advisory agreements. In addition, in cases where the fund's investment adviser has engaged a sub-adviser, the Board considered similar information about the sub-adviser when considering the approval of any sub-advisory agreement.

The Contract Review Committee was assisted throughout the contract review process by Goodwin Procter LLP, legal counsel for the Independent Trustees. The members of the Contract Review Committee relied upon the advice of such counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating each advisory and sub-advisory agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. The conclusions reached with respect to each advisory and sub-advisory agreement were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all the information provided and not any single factor. Moreover, each member of the Contract Review Committee may have placed varying emphasis on particular factors in reaching conclusions with respect to each advisory and sub-advisory agreement.

Results of the Process

Based on its consideration of the foregoing, and such other information as it deemed relevant, including the factors and conclusions described below, the Contract Review Committee concluded that the continuance of the investment advisory agreement between the Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") and Eaton Vance Management (the "Adviser"), including its fee structure, is in the interests of shareholders and, therefore, the Contract Review Committee recommended to the Board approval of the agreement. The Board accepted the recommendation of the Contract Review Committee as well as the factors considered and conclusions reached by the Contract Review Committee with respect to the agreement. Accordingly, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

In considering whether to approve the investment advisory agreement of the Fund, the Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser.

The Board considered the Adviser's management capabilities and investment process with respect to the types of investments held by the Fund, including the education, experience and number of its investment professionals and other personnel who provide portfolio management, investment research, and similar services to the Fund. In particular, the Board evaluated the abilities and experience of such investment personnel in analyzing special considerations relevant to investing in senior secured floating-rate loans. Specifically, the Board noted the experience of the Adviser's large group of bank loan investment professionals and other personnel who provide services to the Fund, including portfolio managers and analysts. The Board also took into account the resources dedicated to portfolio management and other services, including the compensation paid to recruit and retain investment personnel, and the time and attention devoted to the Fund by senior management.

The Board also reviewed the compliance programs of the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof. Among other matters, the Board considered compliance and reporting matters relating to personal trading by investment personnel, selective disclosure of portfolio holdings, late trading, frequent trading, portfolio valuation, business continuity and the allocation of investment opportunities. The Board also evaluated the responses of the Adviser and its affiliates to requests from regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Board considered shareholder and other administrative services provided or managed by Eaton Vance Management and its affiliates, including transfer agency and accounting services. The Board evaluated the benefits to shareholders of investing in a fund that is a part of a large family of funds. After consideration of the foregoing factors, among others, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser, taken as a whole, are appropriate and consistent with the terms of the investment advisory agreement.


30



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT CONT'D

Fund Performance

The Board compared the Fund's investment performance to a relevant universe of similarly managed funds identified by an independent data provider and appropriate benchmark indices. The Board reviewed comparative performance data for the one-year period ended September 30, 2007 for the Fund. In light of the Fund's relatively brief operating history, the Board concluded that additional time was required to evaluate longer term performance of the Fund.

Management Fees and Expenses

The Board reviewed contractual investment advisory fee rates, including any administrative fee rates, payable by the Fund (referred to as "management fees"). As part of its review, the Board considered the management fees and the Fund's total expense ratio for the year ended September 30, 2007, as compared to a group of similarly managed funds selected by an independent data provider. The Board considered the fact that the Adviser had waived fees and/or paid expenses for the Fund.

After reviewing the foregoing information, and in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board concluded that the management fees charged for advisory and related services and the Fund's total expense ratio are reasonable.

Profitability

The Board reviewed the level of profits realized by the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof in providing investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund and to all Eaton Vance Funds as a group. The Board considered the level of profits realized with and without regard to revenue sharing or other payments by the Adviser and its affiliates to third parties in respect of distribution services. The Board also considered other direct or indirect benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with its relationship with the Fund.

The Board concluded that, in light of the foregoing factors and the nature, extent and quality of the services rendered, the profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates are reasonable.

Economies of Scale

In reviewing management fees and profitability, the Board also considered the extent to which the Adviser and its affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fund, on the other hand, can expect to realize benefits from economies of scale as the assets of the Fund increase. The Board acknowledged the difficulty in accurately measuring the benefits resulting from the economies of scale with respect to the management of any specific fund or group of funds. The Board also considered the fact that the Fund is not continuously offered and concluded that, in light of the level of the adviser's profits with respect to the Fund, the implementation of breakpoints in the advisory fee schedule is not appropriate at this time. Based upon the foregoing, the Board concluded that the benefits from economies of scale are currently being shared equitably by the Adviser and its affiliates and the Fund.


31



Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund

Officers
Payson F. Swaffield
President
Thomas E. Faust Jr.
Vice President and Trustee
Scott H. Page
Vice President
Andrew Sveen
Vice President
Michael W. Weilheimer
Vice President
Barbara E. Campbell
Treasurer
Maureen A. Gemma
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Paul M. O'Neil
Chief Compliance Officer
  Trustees
Ralph F. Verni
Chairman
Benjamin C. Esty
Allen R. Freedman
William H. Park
Ronald A. Pearlman
Helen Frame Peters
Heidi L. Steiger
Lynn A. Stout
 

 


32




Investment Adviser and Administrator of Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
Eaton Vance Management

The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109

Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company

200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

59 Maiden Lane
Plaza Level
New York, NY 10038

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109



2613-12/08  CE-COFSRC




 

Item 2. Code of Ethics

 

The registrant 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.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The registrant’s Board has designated William H. Park, an independent trustee, as its audit committee financial expert.  Mr. Park is a certified public accountant who is the Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp (specialty finance company). Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation (“UAM”) (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms).

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

Not required in this filing

 

Item 5.  Audit Committee of Listed registrants

 

Not required in this filing.

 

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

 

Not required in this filing.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not required in this filing.

 

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.

 



 

(b) There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter of 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. 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.

 



 

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 Credit Opportunities Fund

 

By:

/s/Payson F. Swaffield

 

 

Payson F. Swaffield

 

President

 

 

 

 

Date:

December 12, 2008

 

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/Barbara E. Campbell

 

 

Barbara E. Campbell

 

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

Date:

December 12, 2008

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/Payson F. Swaffield

 

 

Payson F. Swaffield

 

President

 

 

 

 

Date:

December 12, 2008