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 |
811-09141 |
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Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
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The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts |
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02109 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip code) |
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Alan R. Dynner The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
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(Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
(617) 482-8260 |
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Date of fiscal year end: |
November 30 |
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Date of reporting period: |
November 30, 2005 |
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Item 1. Reports to Stockholders
Annual Report November 30, 2005
EATON VANCE
MUNICIPAL
INCOME
TRUST
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 Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION OF TRUST PERFORMANCE
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the Trust) is designed to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. This income is earned by investing primarily in investment grade municipal securities.
Economic and Market Conditions
The economy expanded at a 4.3% pace in the third quarter of 2005, up from the 3.3% growth rate of the second quarter. Despite high energy prices, rising mortgage rates and a persistent tightening by the Federal Reserve, the economy continued to expand and to create jobs 200,000 in November 2005 alone. Recent economic data suggest that the hurricanes that pummeled the Gulf Coast region in late summer and early fall did not have a significant effect on the nations overall economy. The economy appeared to be performing much the way it was prior to the hurricanes in both the manufacturing and service sectors with little evidence of inflationary pressures. Moreover, worries about a pickup in inflation appear to have waned recently, as prices for crude oil, gasoline and jet fuel have backed off their previous highs.
Investor sentiment regarding the Feds monetary policy appears to have shifted in recent months as investors have begun to anticipate the end of the Feds series of interest rate hikes (which began in June 2004). The improved investor sentiment has likely accounted, in part, for the improved performance of the financial markets in the fourth quarter of 2005.
The municipal market continued to be adversely affected by strong primary market supply. Municipal issuers are collectively in the midst of their characteristic year-end rush to bring issues to market. As a result, the municipal market may see a record supply of new issuance for 2006. Combined with lackluster retail demand, the large supply pressures pushed tax-exempt yields to more attractive levels. At November 30, 2005, long-term AAA-rated insured municipal bonds yielded 98% of U.S. Treasury bonds with similar maturities.*
For the year ended November 30, 2005, the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index (the Index) posted a modest gain of 3.88%. The Index is an unmanaged index commonly used as a broad measure of municipal bond performance. While offering some insights into the overall performance of the municipal market, the Index is broadly based and is not necessarily reflective of the performance of the Trust. For information about the Trusts performance, see the Performance Information and Portfolio Composition page that follows.
Management Discussion
The Trust invests primarily in bonds with maturities of 20 years or longer, as longer-maturity bonds historically have provided greater tax-exempt income for investors than shorter-maturity bonds. Given the flattening of the yield curve over the past 18 months with shorter-maturity yields rising as longer-maturity yields declined slightly the long end of the curve was an attractive place to be positioned. However, given the leveraged nature of the Trust, the flattening yield curve has negatively affected the borrowing costs associated with the leverage. As borrowing costs have risen, the income generated by the Trust has declined. Please see the Performance Information and Portfolio Compostion page that follows for a description of the Trusts leverage as of November 30, 2005.
During the year ended November 30, 2005, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates at regular intervals and commodities prices rose significantly, yet the economy grew at a solid pace with low to moderate inflation. In this environment, we continued to maintain a somewhat cautious outlook on interest rates and adjusted the Trusts duration profile accordingly. Duration measures a bond funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
During the past year, credit spreads, which measure the difference in yield between higher-risk bonds and lower-risk bonds, narrowed. As a result, the lower-rated bonds owned by the Trust performed well and made an important contribution to performance. Where prudent, we took advantage of the narrow credit spreads in an effort to lower the Trusts exposure to credit risk.
We continued to focus on finding relative value within the marketplace in issuer names, coupons, maturites, and sectors. Relative value trading, which seeks to capitalize on undervalued securities that may have been overlooked, enhanced the returns of the Trust during the past year.
Finally, we continued to closely monitor call protection in the Trust. Call protection remains an important strategic consideration for municipal bond investors, especially since refinancing activity has increased over the past 12 months.
The views expressed throughout this report are those of the portfolio manager 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.
* Source: Bloomberg L.P. Yields are a compilation of a representative variety of general obligations and are not necessarily representative of the Trusts yield.
It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. The Indexs total return does not reflect expenses that would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the securities represented in the Index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Trust 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.
2
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
Trust Performance as of 11/30/05(1)
Average Annual Total Returns (by share price, New York Stock Exchange)
One Year |
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-0.38 |
% |
Five Years |
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14.28 |
% |
Life of Trust (1/29/99) |
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7.27 |
% |
Average Annual Total Returns (by net asset value)
One Year |
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11.56 |
% |
Five Years |
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11.91 |
% |
Life of Trust (1/29/99) |
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6.75 |
% |
Index Performance(2)
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
One Year |
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3.88 |
% |
Five Years |
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5.92 |
% |
Life of Trust (1/31/99) |
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5.12 |
% |
Lipper Averages(3)
Lipper General Muni Debt Funds (Leveraged) Classification Average
One Year |
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6.61 |
% |
Five Years |
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7.70 |
% |
Life of Trust (1/31/99) |
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5.80 |
% |
Market Yields
Market Yield(4) |
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6.75 |
% |
Taxable Equivalent Market Yield(5) |
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10.38 |
% |
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. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Trust performance during certain periods reflects the strong bond market performance and/or the strong performance of bonds held during those periods. This performance is not typical and may not be repeated. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, the Trusts current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return.
Rating Distribution(6), (7)
By total investments
Trust Statistics(7)
Number of Issues: |
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119 |
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Average Maturity: |
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23.1 years |
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Effective Maturity: |
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11.8 years |
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Average Rating: |
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A |
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Average Call: |
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8.2 years |
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Average Dollar Price: |
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$ |
95.33 |
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Leverage:* |
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34 |
% |
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* The leverage amount is a percentage of the Trusts total assets. The Trust uses leverage through the issuance of preferred shares. Use of financial leverage creates an opportunity for increased income, but, at the same time, creates special risks (including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares).
(1) Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in share price or net asset value with all distributions reinvested. The Trust'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 Trust, market conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for the Trust's shares, or changes in Trust distributions. Performance results reflect the effect of leverage resulting from the Trust's issuance of Auction Preferred Shares.
(2) It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. The Indexs total return does not reflect the expenses that would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the securities represented in the Index. Index performance is available as of month-end only.
(3) The Lipper Average is the average total return of the funds that are in the same Lipper Classification as the Trust. It is not possible to invest in a Lipper Classification. Lipper Classifications may include insured and uninsured funds, as well as leveraged and unleveraged funds. The Lipper General Muni Debt Funds (Leveraged) Classification contained 64, 48, and 46 funds for the 1-year, 5-year, and Life-Of-Trust time periods, respectively. Lipper averages are available as of month-end only.
(4) The Trust's market yield is calculated by dividing the last dividend per share of the fiscal year by the share price at the end of the period and annualizing the result.
(5) Taxable-equivalent figure assumes a maximum 35.00% federal tax rate. A lower tax rate would result in lower tax-equivalent figures.
(6) As of 11/30/05. Rating Distribution is determined by dividing the total market value of the issues by the total investments of the Trust.
(7) Portfolio information may not be representative of the Trust's current or future investments and may change due to active management.
3
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
Tax-Exempt Investments 153.4% |
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Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
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Cogeneration 1.2% | |||||||||||
$ | 2,950 |
Maryland Energy Cogeneration, (AES Warrior Run), (AMT), 7.40%, 9/1/19 |
$ | 2,994,456 | |||||||
$ | 2,994,456 | ||||||||||
Education 2.6% | |||||||||||
$ | 2,250 |
California Educational Facilities Authority, Stanford University, Residual Certificates, Variable Rate, 11.40%, 12/1/32(1)(2) |
$ | 2,723,220 | |||||||
3,430 |
Massachusetts Development Finance Agency, (Boston University), 5.45%, 5/15/59 |
3,598,001 | |||||||||
$ | 6,321,221 | ||||||||||
Electric Utilities 12.0% | |||||||||||
$ | 6,500 |
Brazos River Authority, TX, (Reliant Energy, Inc.), 7.75%, 12/1/18 |
$ | 7,139,860 | |||||||
1,300 |
Brazos River Authority, TX, PCR (Texas Energy Co.), (AMT), 5.40%, 5/1/29 |
1,302,912 | |||||||||
2,000 |
Brazos River Authority, TX, PCR (Texas Energy Co.), (AMT), 6.75%, 4/1/38 |
2,252,420 | |||||||||
3,550 |
Mississippi Business Finance Corp., (System Energy Resources, Inc.), 5.90%, 5/1/22 |
3,612,480 | |||||||||
7,250 |
North Carolina Municipal Power Agency, (Catawba), 6.50%, 1/1/20 |
7,932,370 | |||||||||
1,000 |
Pennsylvania EDA, (Reliant Energy, Inc.), (AMT), 6.75%, 12/1/36 |
1,063,480 | |||||||||
3,400 |
Pennsylvania EDA, (Reliant Energy, Inc.), (AMT), 6.75%, 12/1/36 |
3,615,832 | |||||||||
2,550 |
Pennsylvania EDA, (Reliant Energy, Inc.), (AMT), 6.75%, 12/1/36 |
2,720,136 | |||||||||
$ | 29,639,490 | ||||||||||
Escrowed / Prerefunded 11.7% | |||||||||||
$ | 2,500 |
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, (Cedars Sinai Medical Center), Prerefunded to 12/1/09, Variable Rate, 9.084%, 12/1/34(1)(3) |
$ | 3,073,775 | |||||||
3,000 |
Capital Trust Agency, FL, (Seminole Tribe Convention), Prerefunded to 10/1/12, 8.95%, 10/1/33 |
3,707,880 | |||||||||
35,000 |
Dawson Ridge, CO, Metropolitan District #1, Escrowed to Maturity, 0.00%, 10/1/22 |
15,722,700 | |||||||||
3,185 |
Florida Capital Projects Finance Authority, Student Housing Revenue, (University of Central Florida), Prerefunded to 8/15/10 , 7.75%, 8/15/20 |
3,721,672 | |||||||||
920 |
Longleaf, FL, Community Development District, Prerefunded to 5/1/06, 6.65%, 5/1/20 |
949,514 |
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
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Escrowed / Prerefunded (continued) | |||||||||||
$ | 1,400 |
Mesquite, TX, Health Facilities Authority, (Christian Retirement Facility), Prerefunded to 2/15/10, 7.625%, 2/15/28 |
$ | 1,619,170 | |||||||
$ | 28,794,711 | ||||||||||
General Obligations 7.1% | |||||||||||
$ | 1,500 | California, 5.25%, 11/1/29 | $ | 1,570,635 | |||||||
4,950 | California, 5.50%, 11/1/33 | 5,327,041 | |||||||||
3,100 | California, (AMT), 5.05%, 12/1/36 | 3,126,784 | |||||||||
1,200 | New York, NY, Variable Rate, 8.959%, 6/1/28(1)(2) | 1,380,852 | |||||||||
5,000 | Puerto Rico, Variable Rate, 7.706%, 7/1/29(1)(3) | 6,170,900 | |||||||||
$ | 17,576,212 | ||||||||||
Health Care-Miscellaneous 1.1% | |||||||||||
$ | 576 |
Tax Exempt Securities Trust, Community Health Provider, Pooled Loan Program, 6.00%, 12/1/36 |
$ | 584,218 | |||||||
1,521 |
Tax Exempt Securities Trust, Community Health Provider, Pooled Loan Program, 6.25%, 12/1/36 |
1,622,040 | |||||||||
577 |
Tax Exempt Securities Trust, Community Health Provider, Pooled Loan Program, 7.75%, 12/1/36 |
583,499 | |||||||||
$ | 2,789,757 | ||||||||||
Hospital 19.0% | |||||||||||
$ | 2,000 |
Brevard County, FL, Health Facilities Authority, (Health First, Inc.), 5.00%, 4/1/36(4) |
$ | 1,982,580 | |||||||
3,500 |
California Health Facilities Financing Authority, (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), 5.00%, 11/15/34 |
3,536,330 | |||||||||
865 |
Chautauqua County, NY, IDA, (Women's Christian Association), 6.35%, 11/15/17 |
908,881 | |||||||||
975 |
Chautauqua County, NY, IDA, (Women's Christian Association), 6.40%, 11/15/29 |
1,015,072 | |||||||||
1,000 | Halifax, FL, Medical Center, 7.25%, 10/1/24 | 1,116,200 | |||||||||
6,000 | Henderson, NV, Health Care Facility, 5.625%, 7/1/24 | 6,381,600 | |||||||||
2,725 |
Highland County, OH, (Joint Township Hospital District), 6.75%, 12/1/29 |
2,861,822 | |||||||||
5,000 |
Illinois Health Facility Authority, (Loyola University Health System), 6.00%, 7/1/21 |
5,299,500 | |||||||||
2,575 |
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, (Tuoro Infirmary), 5.625%, 8/15/29 |
2,502,565 | |||||||||
2,000 |
Martin County, MN, (Fairmont Community Hospital Association), 6.625%, 9/1/22 |
2,132,840 | |||||||||
945 | Mecosta County, MI, General Hospital, 5.75%, 5/15/09 | 969,910 | |||||||||
2,500 | Mecosta County, MI, General Hospital, 6.00%, 5/15/18 | 2,560,550 | |||||||||
1,500 |
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, (Trinitas Hospital), 7.50%, 7/1/30 |
1,669,395 | |||||||||
5,000 |
North Central, TX, Health Facility Development Corp., (Baylor Healthcare System), 5.125%, 5/15/29 |
5,072,300 |
See notes to financial statements
4
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS CONT'D
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
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Hospital (continued) | |||||||||||
$ | 1,420 |
Oneonta, AL, Eastern Health Care Facility Financing Authority, (Eastern Health Systems, Inc.), 7.75%, 7/1/21 |
$ | 1,564,073 | |||||||
7,000 |
Rhode Island HEFA, (St. Joseph Health Services), 5.50%, 10/1/29 |
6,778,240 | |||||||||
500 |
Washington County, AR, Hospital, (Washington Regional Medical Center), 5.00%, 2/1/35 |
494,815 | |||||||||
$ | 46,846,673 | ||||||||||
Housing 11.7% | |||||||||||
$ | 990 |
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, (AMT), Variable Rate, 28.421%, 12/1/34(1)(2)(5) |
$ | 981,674 | |||||||
4,000 | Charter Mac Equity Trust, TN, 6.00%, 4/30/19 | 4,285,520 | |||||||||
4,000 |
Charter Mac Equity Trust, TN, (AMT), 6.625%, 6/30/09(1) |
4,268,560 | |||||||||
880 |
Lake Creek, CO, Affordable Housing Corp., Multifamily, 7.00%, 12/1/23 |
886,116 | |||||||||
4,410 |
Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, (Eden Point), 6.25%, 3/1/34 |
4,510,813 | |||||||||
4,000 |
Muni Mae Tax-Exempt Bond, LLC, (AMT), 6.875%, 6/30/49 |
4,304,840 | |||||||||
2,975 |
North Little Rock, AR, Residential Housing Facilities, (Parkstone Place), 6.50%, 8/1/21 |
3,017,513 | |||||||||
3,495 |
Oregon Health Authority, (Trillium Affordable Housing), (AMT), 6.75%, 2/15/29 |
3,521,632 | |||||||||
970 |
Raleigh, NC, Housing Authority, Multifamily, (Cedar Point), 7.00%, 11/1/30(6) |
10 | |||||||||
3,300 |
Texas Student Housing Corp., (University of Northern Texas), 6.75%, 7/1/16 |
3,163,974 | |||||||||
$ | 28,940,652 | ||||||||||
Industrial Development Revenue 10.6% | |||||||||||
$ | 1,825 |
ABIA Development Corp., TX, (Austin Cargoport Development), (AMT), 6.50%, 10/1/24 |
$ | 1,741,060 | |||||||
1,700 |
Broward County, FL, IDR, (Lynxs Cargoport), (AMT), 6.75%, 6/1/19 |
1,583,586 | |||||||||
1,300 |
California Pollution Control Financing Authority, (Solid Waste Disposal), (AMT), 5.40%, 4/1/25 |
1,335,139 | |||||||||
1,045 |
Denver, CO, City and County Special Facilities, (United Airlines), (AMT), 6.875%, 10/1/32(6) |
976,448 | |||||||||
1,220 |
Effingham County, GA, (Solid Waste Disposal), (Fort James), (AMT), 5.625%, 7/1/18 |
1,180,960 | |||||||||
2,500 |
Gulf Coast, TX, Waste Disposal Authority, (Valero Energy Corp.) (AMT), 5.70%, 4/1/32 |
2,545,175 | |||||||||
1,000 |
Kenton County, KY, Airport, (Delta Airlines), (AMT), 7.125%, 2/1/21 |
619,420 | |||||||||
6,000 |
New Jersey EDA, (Continental Airlines), (AMT), 6.25%, 9/15/29 |
4,977,540 |
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
|||||||||
Industrial Development Revenue (continued) | |||||||||||
$ | 1,500 |
New York City, NY, IDA, (AMT), Variable Rate, 21.804%, 8/1/28(1)(2) |
$ | 1,479,720 | |||||||
1,300 |
New York City, NY, IDA, (American Airlines, Inc.), (AMT), Variable Rate, 7.75%, 8/1/31 |
1,256,632 | |||||||||
875 |
New York City, NY, IDA, (AMT), Variable Rate, 23.832%, 8/1/28(1)(2) |
965,387 | |||||||||
5,000 |
Ohio Environmental Facilities, (Ford Motor Co.), (AMT), 5.75%, 4/1/35 |
4,113,700 | |||||||||
4,350 |
Phoenix, AZ, IDA, (America West Airlines, Inc.), (AMT), 6.25%, 6/1/19 |
3,445,765 | |||||||||
$ | 26,220,532 | ||||||||||
Insured-Education 1.3% | |||||||||||
$ | 3,000 |
Massachusetts HEFA, (Berklee College of Music), (MBIA), Variable Rate, 6.97%, 10/1/27(1)(3) |
$ | 3,238,740 | |||||||
$ | 3,238,740 | ||||||||||
Insured-Electric Utilities 0.6% | |||||||||||
$ | 1,350 | Wamego, KS, PCR, (MBIA), 5.30%, 6/1/31 | $ | 1,428,637 | |||||||
$ | 1,428,637 | ||||||||||
Insured-Escrowed / Prerefunded 1.8% | |||||||||||
$ | 4,250 |
Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, Escrowed to Maturity, (FGIC), 4.75%, 7/1/26 |
$ | 4,313,622 | |||||||
$ | 4,313,622 | ||||||||||
Insured-General Obligations 16.6% | |||||||||||
$ | 7,905 | California, (AMBAC), 4.25%, 3/1/28 | $ | 7,382,638 | |||||||
2,625 | California, (FGIC), Variable Rate, 11.40%, 9/1/30(1)(2) | 3,213,840 | |||||||||
500 |
California, (FGIC), Variable Rate, 52.041%, 12/1/29(1)(2)(5) |
1,338,700 | |||||||||
30,160 |
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, (FGIC), 0.00%, 12/1/22(7) |
13,486,346 | |||||||||
13,000 |
Illinois Development Finance Authority, (Local Government Program-Elgin School District-U46), (FSA), 0.00%, 1/1/20 |
6,784,830 | |||||||||
4,100 |
New York Convention Center Development Corp., (AMBAC), 4.75%, 11/15/45 |
4,070,111 | |||||||||
4,000 | Puerto Rico, (FSA), Variable Rate, 9.44%, 7/1/27(1)(2) | 4,737,720 | |||||||||
$ | 41,014,185 | ||||||||||
Insured-Hospital 9.4% | |||||||||||
$ | 19,705 |
Kentucky EDA, (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), (MBIA), 0.00%, 10/1/25 |
$ | 7,543,074 | |||||||
22,420 |
Kentucky EDA, (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), (MBIA), 0.00%, 10/1/26 |
8,193,389 |
See notes to financial statements
5
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS CONT'D
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
|||||||||
Insured-Hospital (continued) | |||||||||||
$ | 10,000 |
Kentucky EDA, (Norton Healthcare, Inc.), (MBIA), 0.00%, 10/1/27 |
$ | 3,452,600 | |||||||
4,000 |
New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, (St. Barnabas Medical Center), (MBIA), Variable Rate, 7.834%, 7/1/28(1)(2) |
4,052,800 | |||||||||
$ | 23,241,863 | ||||||||||
Insured-Housing 2.0% | |||||||||||
$ | 4,525 |
Virginia Housing Development Authority, (MBIA), Variable Rate, 9.85%, 7/1/36(1)(2) |
$ | 4,889,534 | |||||||
$ | 4,889,534 | ||||||||||
Insured-Transportation 19.4% | |||||||||||
$ | 1,500 |
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, (FGIC), 5.00%, 1/1/45 |
$ | 1,517,955 | |||||||
3,500 |
Chicago, IL, O'Hare International Airport, (AMBAC), (AMT), 5.375%, 1/1/32 |
3,605,700 | |||||||||
2,983 |
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, International Airport, (FGIC), (AMT), Variable Rate, 13.384%, 5/1/10(1)(2) |
3,760,698 | |||||||||
25,500 |
E-470 Public Highway Authority, CO, (MBIA), 0.00%, 3/1/36 |
5,000,805 | |||||||||
2,400 |
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Metropolitan Highway System, (MBIA), Variable Rate, 8.643%, 1/1/37(1)(2) |
2,486,832 | |||||||||
5,000 |
Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN, Metropolitan Airport Commission, (FGIC), 5.25%, 1/1/32 |
5,215,200 | |||||||||
5,500 |
Nevada Department of Business and Industry, (Las Vegas Monorail -1st Tier), (AMBAC), 5.375%, 1/1/40 |
5,719,835 | |||||||||
5,000 |
New York State Thruway Authority, (FSA), 5.00%, 3/15/24 |
5,247,850 | |||||||||
2,000 |
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, (FSA), Variable Rate, 8.595%, 7/1/32(1)(2) |
2,177,760 | |||||||||
7,000 |
San Antonio, TX, Airport System, (Improvements), (FGIC), (AMT), 5.25%, 7/1/21 |
7,265,790 | |||||||||
1,500 |
South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure, (AMBAC), 5.00%, 10/1/33 |
1,538,745 | |||||||||
9,000 |
Texas Turnpike Authority, (Central Texas Turnpike System), (AMBAC), 0.00%, 8/15/21 |
4,324,320 | |||||||||
$ | 47,861,490 | ||||||||||
Nursing Home 2.2% | |||||||||||
$ | 695 |
Okaloosa County, FL, Retirement Rental Housing, (Encore Retirement Partners), 6.125%, 2/1/14 |
$ | 634,938 | |||||||
2,000 |
Orange County, FL, Health Facilities Authority, (Westminster Community Care), 6.75%, 4/1/34 |
2,059,720 |
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
|||||||||
Nursing Home (continued) | |||||||||||
$ | 2,820 |
Wisconsin HEFA, (Wisconsin Illinois Senior Housing), 7.00%, 8/1/29 |
$ | 2,787,514 | |||||||
$ | 5,482,172 | ||||||||||
Other Revenue 16.8% | |||||||||||
$ | 3,930 |
California Statewide Communities Development Authority, (East Valley Tourist Development Authority), 8.25%, 10/1/14 |
$ | 4,224,947 | |||||||
1,955 |
Central Falls, RI, Detention Facility Revenue, 7.25%, 7/15/35 |
2,101,449 | |||||||||
10,000 |
Golden Tobacco Securitization Corp., CA, 5.00%, 6/1/45 |
9,965,800 | |||||||||
3,160 |
Golden Tobacco Securitization Corp., CA, 6.75%, 6/1/39 |
3,560,309 | |||||||||
2,900 |
Golden Tobacco Securitization Corp., CA, Variable Rate, 8.035%, 6/1/38(1)(3)(5) |
3,572,539 | |||||||||
1,500 |
Mohegan Tribe Indians, CT, Gaming Authority, (Public Improvements), 6.25%, 1/1/21 |
1,617,285 | |||||||||
3,900 |
Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority, Variable Rate, 14.705%, 10/1/32(1)(2)(8) |
5,392,452 | |||||||||
1,600 |
Sandoval County, NM, (Santa Ana Pueblo), 7.75%, 7/1/15 |
1,639,200 | |||||||||
3,300 | Santa Fe, NM, (Crow Hobbs), 8.50%, 9/1/16 | 3,355,011 | |||||||||
1,290 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., NJ, 6.75%, 6/1/39 |
1,440,646 | |||||||||
3,000 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., NJ, Variable Rate, 10.555%, 6/1/39(1)(3)(5) |
3,700,680 | |||||||||
1,000 |
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., VA, Variable Rate, 9.123%, 6/1/37(1)(2)(5) |
1,008,750 | |||||||||
$ | 41,579,068 | ||||||||||
Senior Living / Life Care 1.7% | |||||||||||
$ | 3,210 | Cliff House Trust, PA, (AMT), 6.625%, 6/1/27 | $ | 1,615,272 | |||||||
3,240 |
Logan County, CO, Industrial Development Revenue, (TLC Care Choices, Inc.), 6.875%, 12/1/23 |
2,619,540 | |||||||||
$ | 4,234,812 | ||||||||||
Special Tax Revenue 3.2% | |||||||||||
$ | 3,280 |
Bell Mountain Ranch, CO, Metropolitan District, 6.625%, 11/15/25 |
$ | 3,348,782 | |||||||
340 |
Longleaf, FL, Community Development District, 6.20%, 5/1/09 |
340,194 | |||||||||
735 |
Longleaf, FL, Community Development District, 6.65%, 5/1/20 |
755,874 | |||||||||
1,150 | New Jersey EDA, (Cigarette Tax), 5.50%, 6/15/24 | 1,194,379 | |||||||||
2,115 | New Jersey EDA, (Cigarette Tax), 5.75%, 6/15/29 | 2,218,889 | |||||||||
$ | 7,858,118 |
See notes to financial statements
6
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS CONT'D
Principal Amount (000's omitted) |
Security |
Value |
|||||||||
Transportation 1.4% | |||||||||||
$ | 1,500 | Augusta, GA, (AMT), 5.35%, 1/1/28 | $ | 1,510,440 | |||||||
1,875 |
Kent County, MI, Airport Facility, Variable Rate, 10.16%, 1/1/25(1)(3) |
1,985,288 | |||||||||
$ | 3,495,728 | ||||||||||
Total Tax-Exempt Investments 153.4% (identified cost $354,762,807) |
$ | 378,761,673 | |||||||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities (0.3)% | $ | (811,394 | ) | ||||||||
Auction Preferred Shares Plus Cumulative Unpaid Dividends (53.1)% |
$ | (131,035,196 | ) | ||||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares 100.0% |
$ | 246,915,083 |
AMBAC - AMBAC Financial Group, Inc.
AMT - Interest earned from these securities may be considered a tax preference item for purposes of the Federal Alternative Minimum Tax.
FGIC - Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
FSA - Financial Security Assurance, Inc.
MBIA - Municipal Bond Insurance Association
At November 30, 2005, the concentration of the Trust's investments in the various states, determined as a percentage of net assets, is as follows:
California | 22.2 | % | |||||
Colorado | 11.6 | % | |||||
Illinois | 11.8 | % | |||||
Texas | 16.9 | % | |||||
Others, representing less than 10% individually | 90.9 | % |
The Trust invests primarily in debt securities issued by municipalities. The ability of the issuers of the debt securities to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry or municipality. In order to reduce the risk associated with such economic developments, at November 30, 2005, 33.3% of the securities in the portfolio of investments are backed by bond insurance of various financial institutions and financial guaranty assurance agencies. The aggregate percentage insured by an individual financial institution ranged from 5.0% to 10.6% of total investments.
(1) 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 November 30, 2005, the aggregate value of the securities is $66,600,421 or 27.0% of the Trust's net assets.
(2) Security has been issued as a leveraged inverse floater bond. The stated interest rate represents the rate in effect at November 30, 2005.
(3) Security has been issued as an inverse floater bond. The stated interest rate represents the rate in effect at November 30, 2005.
(4) When-issued security.
(5) Security is subject to a shortfall and forbearance agreement.
(6) Defaulted bond.
(7) Security (or a portion thereof) has been segregated to cover when-issued securities.
(8) Security (or a portion thereof) has been segregated to cover margin requirements on open financial futures contracts.
See notes to financial statements
7
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of November 30, 2005
Assets | |||||||
Investments, at value (identified cost, $354,762,807) | $ | 378,761,673 | |||||
Interest receivable | 6,750,133 | ||||||
Receivable for daily variation margin on open financial futures contracts | 186,675 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 385,698,481 | |||||
Liabilities | |||||||
Due to custodian | $ | 5,223,233 | |||||
Payable for when-issued securities | 1,972,180 | ||||||
Payable for investment advisory fees | 216,360 | ||||||
Payable for investments purchased | 148,898 | ||||||
Payable for administration fees | 61,817 | ||||||
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees | 934 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 124,780 | ||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 7,748,202 | |||||
Auction preferred shares (5,240 shares outstanding) at liquidation value plus cumulative unpaid dividends |
131,035,196 | ||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares | $ | 246,915,083 | |||||
Sources of Net Assets | |||||||
Common Shares, $0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized, 17,063,123 shares issued and outstanding |
$ | 170,631 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 252,523,737 | ||||||
Accumulated net realized loss (computed on the basis of identified cost) | (31,870,412 | ) | |||||
Undistributed net investment income | 2,087,986 | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (computed on the basis of identified cost) | 24,003,141 | ||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares | $ | 246,915,083 | |||||
Net Asset Value Per Common Share | |||||||
($246,915,083 ÷ 17,063,123 common shares issued and outstanding) | $ | 14.47 |
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended
November 30, 2005
Investment Income | |||||||
Interest | $ | 24,184,943 | |||||
Total investment income | $ | 24,184,943 | |||||
Expenses | |||||||
Investment adviser fee | $ | 2,629,024 | |||||
Administration fee | 751,150 | ||||||
Trustees' fees and expenses | 10,260 | ||||||
Preferred shares remarketing agent fee | 327,502 | ||||||
Custodian fee | 223,953 | ||||||
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees | 215,693 | ||||||
Legal and accounting services | 94,782 | ||||||
Printing and postage | 37,828 | ||||||
Miscellaneous | 95,311 | ||||||
Total expenses | $ | 4,385,503 | |||||
Deduct Reduction of custodian fee |
$ | 16,157 | |||||
Total expense reductions | $ | 16,157 | |||||
Net expenses | $ | 4,369,346 | |||||
Net investment income | $ | 19,815,597 | |||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |||||||
Net realized gain (loss) Investment transactions (identified cost basis) |
$ | 3,902,792 | |||||
Financial futures contracts | 832,330 | ||||||
Swap contracts | (1,985,600 | ) | |||||
Net realized gain | $ | 2,749,522 | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) Investments (identified cost basis) |
$ | 7,328,447 | |||||
Financial futures contracts | (634,682 | ) | |||||
Swap contracts | 901,216 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | 7,594,981 | |||||
Net realized and unrealized gain | $ | 10,344,503 | |||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income | $ | (2,562,362 | ) | ||||
Net increase in net assets from operations | $ | 27,597,738 |
See notes to financial statements
8
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
Year Ended November 30, 2005 |
Year Ended November 30, 2004 |
|||||||||
From operations Net investment income |
$ | 19,815,597 | $ | 21,386,249 | |||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from Investment transactions, financial futures contracts, and swaps contracts |
2,749,522 | (2,665,151 | ) | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, financial futures contracts, and swaps contracts |
7,594,981 | 393,770 | |||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders From net investment income |
(2,562,362 | ) | (1,514,374 | ) | |||||||
Net increase in net assets from operations | $ | 27,597,738 | $ | 17,600,494 | |||||||
Distributions to common shareholders From net investment income |
$ | (18,784,749 | ) | $ | (20,069,386 | ) | |||||
Total distributions to common shareholders | $ | (18,784,749 | ) | $ | (20,069,386 | ) | |||||
Capital share transactions Reinvestment of distributions to common shareholders |
$ | 1,798,870 | $ | 2,211,642 | |||||||
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions |
$ | 1,798,870 | $ | 2,211,642 | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | $ | 10,611,859 | $ | (257,250 | ) | ||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares |
|||||||||||
At beginning of year | $ | 236,303,224 | $ | 236,560,474 | |||||||
At end of year | $ | 246,915,083 | $ | 236,303,224 | |||||||
Undistributed net investment income included in net assets applicable to common shares |
|||||||||||
At end of year | $ | 2,087,986 | $ | 3,738,738 |
See notes to financial statements
9
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated |
Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2005(1) | 2004(1) | 2003(1) | 2002(1)(2) | 2001(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value Beginning of year (Common shares) | $ | 13.950 | $ | 14.090 | $ | 13.020 | $ | 12.930 | $ | 11.950 | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1.165 | $ | 1.268 | $ | 1.269 | $ | 1.255 | $ | 1.124 | |||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 0.611 | (0.128 | ) | 1.026 | 0.013 | 0.873 | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders From net investment income | (0.151 | ) | (0.090 | ) | (0.095 | ) | (0.148 | ) | (0.240 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total income from operations | $ | 1.625 | $ | 1.050 | $ | 2.200 | $ | 1.120 | $ | 1.757 | |||||||||||||
Less distributions to common shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | $ | (1.105 | ) | $ | (1.190 | ) | $ | (1.130 | ) | $ | (1.030 | ) | $ | (0.777 | ) | ||||||||
Total distributions to common shareholders | $ | (1.105 | ) | $ | (1.190 | ) | $ | (1.130 | ) | $ | (1.030 | ) | $ | (0.777 | ) | ||||||||
Net asset value End of year (Common shares) | $ | 14.470 | $ | 13.950 | $ | 14.090 | $ | 13.020 | $ | 12.930 | |||||||||||||
Market value End of year (Common shares) | $ | 14.960 | $ | 16.150 | $ | 15.550 | $ | 14.050 | $ | 13.500 | |||||||||||||
Total Return(3) | (0.38 | )% | 12.54 | % | 20.02 | % | 12.32 | % | 28.95 | % |
See notes to financial statements
10
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated |
Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
2005(1) | 2004(1) | 2003(1) | 2002(1)(2) | 2001(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of year (000's omitted) | $ | 246,915 | $ | 236,303 | $ | 236,560 | $ | 216,275 | $ | 212,315 | |||||||||||||
Ratios (As a percentage of average net assets applicable to common shares): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses(4) | 1.79 | % | 1.79 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.89 | % | 1.88 | % | |||||||||||||
Expenses after custodian fee reduction(4) | 1.78 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.80 | % | 1.88 | % | 1.88 | % | |||||||||||||
Net investment income(4) | 8.08 | % | 9.14 | % | 9.37 | % | 9.69 | % | 8.79 | % | |||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover | 39 | % | 21 | % | 30 | % | 14 | % | 60 | % |
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 are as follows:
Ratios (As a percentage of average total net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses | 1.17 | % | 1.15 | % | 1.14 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.15 | % | |||||||||||||
Expenses after custodian fee reduction | 1.16 | % | 1.14 | % | 1.14 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.15 | % | |||||||||||||
Net investment income | 5.27 | % | 5.86 | % | 5.93 | % | 6.01 | % | 5.40 | % | |||||||||||||
Senior Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total preferred shares outstanding | 5,240 | 5,240 | 5,240 | 5,240 | 5,240 | ||||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per preferred share(5) | $ | 72,128 | $ | 70,112 | $ | 70,154 | $ | 66,291 | $ | 65,548 | |||||||||||||
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share(6) | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | |||||||||||||
Approximate market value per preferred share(6) | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 |
(1) Computed using average common shares outstanding.
(2) The Trust has adopted the provisions of the revised AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began using the interest method to amortize premiums on fixed-income securities. The effect of this change for the year ended November 30, 2002 was to increase net investment income per share by $0.011, decrease net realized and unrealized gains per share by $0.011, increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets applicable to common shares from 9.61% to 9.69% and increase the ratio of net investment income to average total net assets from 5.96% to 6.01%. Per share data and ratios for the periods prior to December 1, 2001 have not been restated to reflect this change in presentation.
(3) Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in market value with all distributions reinvested. Total return is not computed on an annualized basis.
(4) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders. Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shares reflect the Trust's leveraged capital structure.
(5) Calculated by subtracting the Trust's total liabilities (not including the preferred shares) from the Trust's total assets, and dividing this by the number of preferred shares outstanding.
(6) Plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
See notes to financial statements
11
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Significant Accounting Policies
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the Trust) is an entity commonly known as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Trust was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated December 10, 1998. The Trust's investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax by investing primarily in investment grade municipal obligations.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
A Investment Valuation Municipal bonds and taxable obligations if any are normally valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. Financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts listed on commodity exchanges are valued at closing settlement prices. Over-the-counter options on futures contracts are normally valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices. The value of interest rate swaps are based upon a dealer quotation. Short-term obligations, maturing in sixty days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are not readily available, and investments for which the price of the security is not believed to represent its fair market value, are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
B Investment Transactions Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from such transactions are determined using the specific identification method. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be settled a month or more after the transaction date. The securities so purchased are subject to market fluctuations during this period. To the extent that
when-issued or delayed delivery purchases are outstanding, the Trust instructs the custodian to segregate assets in a separate account, with a current value at least equal to the amount of its purchase commitments.
C Income Interest income is determined on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount.
D Federal Income Taxes The Trust'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 all of its taxable income, if any, and tax-exempt income, including any net realized gain on investments. Therefore, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary. At November 30, 2005, the Trust, for federal income tax purposes, had a capital loss carryover of $32,488,678 which will reduce the taxable income arising from future net realized gain on investments, 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 Trust of any liability for federal income or excise tax. Such capital loss carryover will expire on November 30, 2007 ($7,359,318), November 30, 2008 ($14,623,294), November 30, 2009 ($5,266,337), November 30, 2011 ($2,541,236) and November 30, 2012 ($2,698,493). In addition, the Trust intends to satisfy conditions which will enable it to designate distributions from the interest income generated by its investments in municipal obligations, which are exempt from regular federal income taxes when received by the Trust, as exempt-interest dividends. The portion of such interest, if any, earned on private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986, may be considered a tax preference item for investors.
E Financial Futures Contracts Upon the entering of a financial futures contract, the Trust is required to deposit (initial margin) either in cash or securities an amount equal to a certain percentage of the purchase price indicated in the financial futures contract. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Trust (margin maintenance) each day, dependent on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and are recorded for book purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Trust. The Trust's investment in financial futures contracts is designed for both hedging against anticipated future changes in interest rates and investment purposes. Should interest rates move unexpectedly, the Trust may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss.
F Options on Financial Futures Contracts Upon the purchase of a put option on a financial futures contract by the Trust, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. When a purchased option expires, the Trust will realize a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Trust enters into a closing sale transaction, the Trust will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or
12
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
less than the cost of the option. When the Trust exercises a put option, settlement is made in cash. The risk associated with purchasing put options is limited to the premium originally paid.
G Interest Rate Swaps The Trust may enter into interest rate swap agreements to enhance return, to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates, or as substitution for the purchase or sale of securities. Pursuant to these agreements, the Trust makes semi-annual payments at a fixed interest rate. In exchange, the Trust receives payments based on the interest rate of a benchmark industry index. During the term of the outstanding swap agreement, changes in the underlying value of the swap are recorded as unrealized gains and losses. Payments received or made at the end of a measurement period are recorded as realized gains and losses. The value of the swap is determined by changes in the relationship between two rates of interest. The Trust is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the swap counterparty. However, the Trust does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparty. Risk may also arise from the unanticipated movements in value of interest rates.
H Use of Estimates The preparation of 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 Trust'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 Trust, and shareholders are indemnified against personal liability for obligations of the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The Trust's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
J Expense Reduction Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT) serves as custodian of the Trust. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, IBT receives a fee reduced by credits which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Trust maintains with IBT. All credit balances used to reduce the Trust's custodian fees are reported as a reduction of total expenses in the Statement of Operations.
2 Auction Preferred Shares (APS)
The Trust issued 2,620 shares of Auction Preferred Shares Series A and 2,620 shares of Auction Preferred Shares Series B on March 1, 1999 in a public offering. The underwriting discount and other offering costs were recorded as a reduction of the capital of the common shares. Dividends on the APS, which accrue daily, are cumulative at a rate which was established at the offering of the APS and generally have been reset every 7 days thereafter by an auction unless a special dividend period has been set. Prior to July 12, 2005, a special dividend period of 733 days was in effect for the Series A shares. Dividend rates ranged from 1.25% to 2.82% for Series A and 1.40% to 2.80% for Series B Shares, during the year ended November 30, 2005. Series A and Series B are identical in all respects except for the dates of reset for the dividend rates.
The APS are redeemable at the option of the Trust, 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 Trust is in default for an extended period on its asset maintenance requirements with respect to the APS. If the dividends on the APS shall 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 Trust is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the APS as defined in the Trust's By-Laws and the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Trust pays an annual fee equivalent to 0.25% of the preferred shares' liquidation value for the remarketing efforts associated with the preferred auctions.
3 Distributions to Shareholders
The Trust intends to make monthly distributions of net investment income, after payment of any dividends on any outstanding Auction Preferred Shares. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to preferred shareholders are recorded daily and are payable at the end of each dividend period. Each dividend payment period for the Auction Preferred Shares is generally seven days. The applicable dividend rate for the Auction Preferred Shares
13
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
on November 30, 2005 was 2.82% and 2.80%, for Series A and Series B Shares, respectively. For the year ended November 30, 2005, the Trust paid dividends to Auction Preferred shareholders amounting to $1,134,302 and $1,428,060 for Series A and Series B Shares, respectively, representing an average APS dividend rate for such period of 1.73% and 2.18%, respectively.
The Trust distinguishes between distribution on a tax basis and a financial reporting basis. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits be reported in the financial statements as a return of capital. Permanent differences between book and tax accounting relating to distributions are reclassified to paid in capital. These differences relate primarily to the method for amortizing premiums.
The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended November 30, 2005 and November 30, 2004 was as follows:
Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Distributions declared from: | |||||||||||
Tax exempt income | $ | 21,312,518 | $ | 21,583,544 | |||||||
Ordinary income | $ | 34,593 | $ | 216 |
During the year ended November 30, 2005, undistributed net investment income was decreased by $119,238, and accumulated net realized loss was decreased by $119,238 primarily due to differences between book and tax accounting for amortization and accretion on debt securities. This change had no effect on the net assets or the net asset value per share.
As of November 30, 2005, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed income | $ | 2,123,182 | |||||
Capital loss carryforwards | $ | (32,488,678 | ) | ||||
Unrealized gain | $ | 24,625,682 | |||||
Other temporary differences | $ | (39,471 | ) |
4 Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
The investment adviser fee, computed at an annual rate of 0.70% of the Trust's average weekly gross assets, was earned by Eaton Vance Management (EVM) as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Trust. Except for Trustees of the Trust who are not members of EVM's organization, officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Trust out of such investment adviser fee. For the year ended November 30, 2005, the fee was equivalent to 0.70% of the Trust's average weekly gross assets and amounted to $2,629,024. EVM also serves as the administrator of the Trust. An administration fee, computed at the annual rate of 0.20% of the average weekly gross assets of the Trust, is paid to EVM for managing and administering business affairs of the Trust. For the year ended November 30, 2005, the administrative fee amounted to $751,150.
Certain officers and Trustees of the Trust are officers of EVM.
5 Investments
Purchases and sales of investments, other than U.S. Government securities and short-term obligations, aggregated $151,092,875 and $145,683,548, respectively, for the year ended November 30, 2005.
6 Federal Income Tax Basis of Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of the investments owned by the Trust at November 30, 2005, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, are as follows:
Aggregate cost | $ | 354,140,266 | |||||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 31,080,064 | |||||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (6,458,657 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 24,621,407 |
14
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
7 Shares of Beneficial Interest
The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional $0.01 par value common shares. Transactions in common shares were as follows:
Year Ended November 30, | |||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Shares issued pursuant to the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan |
118,733 | 149,511 | |||||||||
Net increase | 118,733 | 149,511 |
8 Overdraft Advances
Pursuant to the custodian agreement between the Trust and Investors Bank & Trust (IBT), IBT may in its discretion advance funds to the Trust to make properly authorized payments. When such payments result in an overdraft by the Trust, the Trust is obligated to repay IBT at the current rate of interest charged by IBT for secured loans (currently, a rate above the federal funds rate). This obligation is payable on demand to IBT. At November 30, 2005, the Trust had a payment due to IBT pursuant to the foregoing arrangement of $5,223,233.
9 Financial Instruments
The Trust regularly trades in financial instruments with
off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its investing activities to assist in managing exposure to various market risks. These financial instruments include futures contracts and interest rate swaps 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 Trust 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 November 30, 2005 is as follows:
Futures Contracts | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expiration Date |
Contracts | Position |
Aggregate Cost |
Value |
Net Unrealized Appreciation |
||||||||||||||||||
1,200 U.S. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
03/06 | Treasury Bond | Short | $ | (134,441,775 | ) | $ | (134,437,500 | ) | $ | 4,275 | |||||||||||||
$ | 4,275 |
At November 30, 2005, the Trust had sufficient cash and/or securities to cover margin requirements on open futures contracts.
15
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Trustees and Shareholders
of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the Trust), including the portfolio of investments, as of November 30, 2005, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trusts are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of their internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trusts' internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned at November 30, 2005, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights, referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19, 2006
16
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust as of November 30, 2005
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The Form 1099-DIV you receive in January 2006 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar 2005. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Trust. As required by the Internal Revenue Code regulations, shareholders must be notified within 60 days of the Trust's fiscal year end regarding exempt-interest dividends.
Exempt-Interest Dividends-The Trust designates 99.84% of dividends from net investment income as an exempt-interest dividend.
17
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust's transfer agent, PFPC, Inc. or you will not be able to participate.
The Plan Agent's service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Trust. 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 inquires regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, PFPC, Inc., at 1-800-331-1710.
18
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
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 Municipal Income Trust
c/o PFPC, Inc.
P.O. Box 43027
Providence, RI 02940-3027
800-331-1710
Number of Employees
The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end, non-diversified, management investment company and has no employees.
Number of Shareholders
As of November 30, 2005, our records indicate that there are 146 registered shareholders and approximately 7,765 shareholders owning the Trust 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 Trust, please write or call:
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
1-800-225-6265
New York Stock Exchange symbol
The New York Stock Exchange symbol is EVN. | |||
19
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The investment advisory agreement between Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the "Fund"), and the investment adviser, Eaton Vance Management ("Eaton Vance"), provides that the advisory agreement will continue in effect from year to year so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (i) by a vote of a majority of the noninterested Trustees of the Fund cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Trustees of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding interests of the Fund.
In considering the annual approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the investment adviser, the Special Committee considered information that had been provided throughout the year at regular Board meetings, as well as information furnished for a series of meetings held in February and March in preparation for a Board meeting held on March 21, 2005 to specifically consider the renewal of the investment advisory agreement. Such information included, among other things, the following:
An independent report comparing the advisory fees of the Fund with those of comparable funds;
An independent report comparing the expense ratio of the Fund to those of comparable funds;
Information regarding Fund investment performance in comparison to relevant peer groups of funds and appropriate indices;
The economic outlook and the general investment outlook in relevant investment markets;
Eaton Vance's results and financial condition and the overall organization of the investment adviser;
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;
Eaton Vance's management of the relationship with the custodian, subcustodians and fund accountants;
The resources devoted to compliance efforts undertaken by Eaton Vance on behalf of the funds it manages and the record of compliance with the investment policies and restrictions and with policies on personal securities transactions;
The quality, nature, cost and character of the administrative and other non-investment management services provided by Eaton Vance and its affiliates; and
The terms of the advisory agreement and the reasonableness and appropriateness of the particular fee paid by the Fund for the services described therein.
The Special Committee also considered the nature, extent and quality of the management services provided by the investment adviser. In so doing, the Special Committee considered the investment adviser's management capabilities with respect to the types of investments held by the Fund, including information relating to the education, experience and number of investment professionals and other personnel who provide services under the investment advisory agreements. Specifically, the Special Committee considered the investment adviser's 30-person municipal bond team, which includes six portfolio managers and nine credit specialists who provide services to the Fund. The Special Committee noted that the investment adviser's municipal bond team affords the investment adviser extensive in-house research capabilities in addition to the other resources available to the investment adviser. The Special Committee also took into account the time and attention to be devoted by senior management to the Fund and the other funds in the complex. The Special Committee evaluated the level of skill required to manage the Fund and concluded that the human resources available at the investment adviser were appropriate to fulfill effectively its duties on behalf of the Fund.
In its review of comparative information with respect to the Fund's investment performance, the Special Committee concluded that the Fund has performed within a range that the Special Committee deemed competitive. With respect to its review of the advisory fees paid by the Fund and the Fund's expense ratio, the Special Committee noted the benefits that have accrued to shareholders as a result of the financial resources committed by Eaton Vance in structuring the Fund at the time of its initial public offering and concluded that the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund's expense ratio are reasonable.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, the Special Committee reviewed the level of the investment adviser's profits in providing investment management services for the Fund and for all Eaton Vance funds as a group. The Special Committee also reviewed the benefits to Eaton Vance and its affiliates in providing administration services for the Fund and for all Eaton Vance funds as a group. In addition, the Special Committee considered the fiduciary duty assumed by the investment adviser in connection with the services rendered to the Fund and the business reputation of the investment adviser and its financial resources. The Trustees concluded that in
20
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT CONT'D
light of the services rendered, the profits realized by the investment adviser are not unreasonable. The Special Committee also considered the fact that the Fund is not continuously offered and concluded that, in light of the level of the investment adviser's profits with respect to the Fund, the implementation of breakpoints is not appropriate.
The Special Committee did not consider any single factor as controlling in determining whether or not to renew the investment advisory agreement. Nor are the items described herein all the matters considered by the Special Committee. In assessing the information provided by Eaton Vance and its affiliates, the Special Committee also took into consideration the benefits to shareholders of investing in a fund that is a part of a large family of funds which provides a large variety of shareholder services.
Based on its consideration of the foregoing factors and conclusions, and such other factors and conclusions as it deemed relevant, and assisted by independent counsel, the Special Committee concluded that the renewal of the investment advisory agreement, including the fee structure, is in the interests of shareholders.
21
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
Fund Management. The Trustees of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (the Trust) are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Trust's affairs. The Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. The "noninterested Trustees" consist of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Trustee and officer is The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. As used below, "EVC" refers to Eaton Vance Corp., "EV" refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., "EVM" refers to Eaton Vance Management, "BMR" refers to Boston Management and Research and "EVD" refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of EVM and BMR. EVD is the Trust's principal underwriter and a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVM. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to its position with EVM listed below.
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Trust |
Term of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(1) |
Other Directorships Held | ||||||||||||||||||
Interested Trustee | |||||||||||||||||||||||
James B. Hawkes 11/9/41 | Vice President and Trustee | Until 2007. 3 years. Trustee since 1998. | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of BMR, EVM and EV; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EVC; Director of EV; Vice President and Director of EVD. Trustee and/or officer of 161 registered investment companies in the Eaton Vance Fund Complex. Mr. Hawkes is an interested person because of his positions with BMR, EVM, EVC and EV, which are affiliates of the Trust. | 161 | Director of EVC | ||||||||||||||||||
Noninterested Trustee(s) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Samuel L. Hayes, III 2/23/35 | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Until 2007. 3 years. Trustee since 1998 and Chairman of the Board since 2005. | Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking Emeritus, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Director of Yakima Products, Inc. (manufacturer of automotive accessories) (since 2001) and Director of Telect, Inc. (telecommunication services company) (since 2000). | 161 | Director of Tiffany & Co. (specialty retailer) | ||||||||||||||||||
William H. Park 9/19/47 | Trustee | Until 2008. 3 years. Trustee since 2003. | President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (since 2002). Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) (1982-2001). | 161 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Ronald A. Pearlman 7/10/40 | Trustee | Until 2006. 3 years. Trustee since 2003. | Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center (since 1999). Tax Partner Covington & Burling, Washington, DC (1991-2000). | 161 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Norton H. Reamer 9/21/35 | Trustee | Until 2008. 3 years. Trustee since 1998. | President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Asset Management Finance Corp. (a specialty finance company serving the investment management industry) (since October 2003). President, Unicorn Corporation (an investment and financial advisory services company) (since September 2000). Formerly, Chairman, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Inc. (an investment management company) (2000-2003). Formerly, Advisory Director of Berkshire Capital Corporation (investment banking firm) (2002-2003). Formerly Chairman of the Board, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) and Chairman, President and Director, UAM Funds (mutual funds) (1980-2000). | 161 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
22
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION CONT'D
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Trusts |
Term of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen By Trustee(1) |
Other Directorships Held | ||||||||||||||||||
Noninterested Trustee(s) (continued) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Lynn A. Stout 9/14/57 | Trustee | Until 2006. 3 years. Trustee since 1998. | Professor of Law, University of California at Los Angeles School of Law (since July 2001). Formerly, Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center. | 161 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Officers who are not Trustees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Trusts |
Term of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
||||||||||||
Robert B. MacIntosh 1/22/57 | President | Since 2005(2) | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 85 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
William H. Ahern, Jr. 7/28/59 | Vice President | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 70 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Cynthia J. Clemson 3/2/63 | Vice President | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 85 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Thomas M. Metzold 8/3/58 | Vice President | Since 1998 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 43 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Barbara E. Campbell 6/19/57 | Treasurer | Since 2005(2) | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 161 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Alan R. Dynner 10/10/40 | Secretary | Since 1998 | Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of BMR, EVM, EVD, EV and EVC. Officer of 161 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Paul M. O'Neil 7/11/53 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 161 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
(1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.
(2) Prior to 2005, Mr. MacIntosh served as Vice President of the Trust since 1998 and Ms. Campbell served as Assistant Treasurer of the Trust since 1998.
In accordance with Section 303A.12 (a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Fund's Annual CEO Certification certifying as to compliance with NYSE's Corporate Governance Listing Standards was submitted to the Exchange on April 15, 2005. The Fund has also filed its CEO and CFO certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with the SEC as an exhibit to its most recent Form N-CSR.
23
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Investment Adviser and Administrator of Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
Eaton Vance Management
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Custodian
Investors Bank & Trust Company
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
PFPC Inc.
P.O. Box 43027
Providence, RI 02940-3027
(800) 331-1710
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touch LLP
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116-5022
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
151-1/06 CE-NASRC
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 registrants Board has designated William H. Park, Samuel L. Hayes, III and Norton H. Reamer, each an independent trustee, as its audit committee financial experts. Mr. Park is a certified public
accountant who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm). Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation (UAM) (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms). Mr. Hayes is the Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking Emeritus of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Reamer is the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Asset Management Finance Corp. (a specialty finance company serving the investment management industry) and is President of Unicorn Corporation (an investment and financial advisory services company). Formerly, Mr. Reamer was Chairman of Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Inc. (an investment management company) and Advisory Director of Berkshire Capital Corporation (an investment banking firm), Chairman of the Board of UAM and Chairman, President and Director of the UAM Funds (mutual funds).
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a)-(d)
The following table presents aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2005 by the registrants principal accountant for professional services rendered for the audit of the registrants annual financial statements and fees billed for other services rendered by the principal accountant during those periods.
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
11/30/2004 |
|
11/30/2005 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
43,540 |
|
$ |
45,425 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Audit-Related Fees(1) |
|
$ |
3,600 |
|
$ |
3,640 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Tax Fees(2) |
|
$ |
6,100 |
|
$ |
6,405 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
All Other Fees(3) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
53,240 |
|
$ |
55,470 |
|
(1) Audit-related fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrants financial statements and are not reported under the category of audit fees and specifically include fees for the performance of certain agreed-upon procedures relating to the registrants auction preferred shares.
(2) Tax fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant relating to tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning and specifically include fees for tax return preparation and other related tax compliance/planning matters
(3) All other fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by the registrants principal accountant other than audit, audit-related, and tax services.
(e)(1) The registrants audit committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the pre-approval of services provided by the registrants principal accountant (the Pre-Approval Policies). The Pre-
Approval Policies establish a framework intended to assist the audit committee in the proper discharge of its pre-approval responsibilities. As a general matter, the Pre-Approval Policies (i) specify certain types of audit, audit-related, tax, and other services determined to be pre-approved by the audit committee; and (ii) delineate specific procedures governing the mechanics of the pre-approval process, including the approval and monitoring of audit and non-audit service fees. Unless a service is specifically pre-approved under the Pre-Approval Policies, it must be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
The Pre-Approval Policies and the types of audit and non-audit services pre-approved therein must be reviewed and ratified by the registrants audit committee at least annually. The registrants audit committee maintains full responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the registrants principal accountant.
(e)(2) No services described in paragraphs (b)-(d) above were approved by the registrants audit committee pursuant to the de minimis exception set forth in Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) The following table presents (i) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed to the registrant by the registrants principal accountant for the registrants fiscal years ended November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2005; and (ii) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed to the Eaton Vance organization by the registrants principal accountant for the same time periods, respectively.
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
11/30/2004 |
|
11/30/2005 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registrant |
|
$ |
9,700 |
|
$ |
10,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Eaton Vance(1) |
|
$ |
334,713 |
|
$ |
179,500 |
|
(1) The investment adviser to the registrant, as well as any of its affiliates that provide ongoing services to the registrant, are subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp.
(h) The registrants audit committee has considered whether the provision by the registrants principal accountant of non-audit services to the registrants investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants
The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Norton H. Reamer (Chair), Samuel L. Hayes, III, William H. Park, Lynn A. Stout and Ralph E. Verni are the members of the registrants audit committee.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments
Please see schedule of investments contained in the Report to Stockholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted a proxy voting policy and procedure (the Fund Policy), pursuant to which the Trustees have delegated proxy voting responsibility to the Funds investment adviser and adopted the investment advisers proxy voting policies and procedures (the Policies) which are described below. The Trustees will review the Funds proxy voting records from time to time and will annually consider approving the Policies for the upcoming year. In the event that a conflict of interest arises between the Funds shareholders and the investment adviser, the administrator, or any of their affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund, the investment adviser will generally refrain from voting the proxies related to the companies giving rise to such conflict until it consults with the Boards Special Committee except as contemplated under the Fund Policy. The Boards Special Committee will instruct the investment adviser on the appropriate course of action.
The Policies are designed to promote accountability of a companys management to its shareholders and to align the interests of management with those shareholders. The investment adviser will generally support company management on proposals relating to environmental and social policy issues, on matters regarding the state of organization of the company and routine matters related to corporate administration which are not expected to have a significant economic impact on the company or its shareholders. On all other matters, the investment adviser will review each matter on a case-by-case basis and reserves the right to deviate from the Policies guidelines when it believes the situation warrants such a deviation. The Policies include voting guidelines for matters relating to, among other things, the election of directors, approval of independent auditors, executive compensation, corporate structure and anti-takeover defenses. The investment adviser may abstain from voting from time to time where it determines that the costs associated with voting a proxy outweighs the benefits derived from exercising the right to vote.
In addition, the investment adviser will monitor situations that may result in a conflict of interest between the Funds shareholders and the investment adviser, the administrator, or any of their affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund by maintaining a list of significant existing and prospective corporate clients. The investment advisers personnel responsible for reviewing and voting proxies on behalf of the Fund will report any proxy received or expected to be received from a company included on that list to members of senior management of the investment adviser identified in the Policies. Such members of senior management will determine if a conflict exists. If a conflict does exist, the investment adviser will seek instruction on how to vote from the Special Committee.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122, and (2) on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov.
Item 8. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
No such purchases this period.
Item 9. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Effective February 7, 2005, the Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees revised the procedures by which a Funds shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrants Board of Trustees to add the following (highlighted):
The Governance Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder of a Fund if such recommendation contains (i)sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner (and in any event no later than the date specified for receipt of shareholder proposals in any applicable proxy statement with respect to a Fund). Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Governance Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Fund. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.
Item 10. Controls and Procedures
(a) It is the conclusion of the registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrants 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 Commissions rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There have been no changes in the registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 11. Exhibits
(a)(1) |
Registrants Code of Ethics Not applicable (please see Item 2). |
(a)(2)(i) |
Treasurers Section 302 certification. |
(a)(2)(ii) |
Presidents 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 Municipal Income Trust |
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By: |
/s/ Robert B. MacIntosh |
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Robert B. MacIntosh |
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President |
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Date: January 13, 2006 |
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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 |
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Barbara E. Campbell |
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Treasurer |
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Date: January 13, 2006 |
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By: |
/s/ Robert B. MacIntosh |
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Robert B. MacIntosh |
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President |
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Date: January 13, 2006 |
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