Commitments and Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2014

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

19. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as engagement letters with advisors and consultants, information technology agreements, distribution agreements and service agreements.  In certain circumstances, these indemnities in favor of third parties relate to service agreements entered into by investment funds managed and/or advised by Eaton Vance Management or Boston Management and Research, both wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers and employees in accordance with the Company's Articles of Incorporation, as amended. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company's liability and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company's potential liability under these indemnities. In certain cases, the Company has recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, after discussions with legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

The Company has entered into transactions in financial instruments in which it has sold securities, not yet purchased as part of its corporate hedging program. As of April 30, 2014, the Company has $0.7 million included within other liabilities on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to securities sold, not yet purchased.