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 |
811-21519 |
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Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund |
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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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Maureen A. Gemma 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: |
October 31 |
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Date of reporting period: |
October 31, 2008 |
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Item 1. Reports to Stockholders
Annual Report October 31, 2008
EATON VANCE TAX-
ADVANTAGED GLOBAL DIVIDEND OPPORTUNITIES FUND
IMPORTANT NOTICES REGARDING PRIVACY,
DELIVERY OF SHAREHOLDER DOCUMENTS,
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS AND PROXY VOTING
Privacy. The Eaton Vance organization is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. Each of the financial institutions identified below has in effect the following policy ("Privacy Policy") with respect to nonpublic personal information about its customers:
Only such information received from you, through application forms or otherwise, and information about your Eaton Vance fund transactions will be collected. This may include information such as name, address, social security number, tax status, account balances and transactions.
None of such information about you (or former customers) will be disclosed to anyone, except as permitted by law (which includes disclosure to employees necessary to service your account). In the normal course of servicing a customer's account, Eaton Vance may share information with unaffiliated third parties that perform various required services such as transfer agents, custodians and broker/dealers.
Policies and procedures (including physical, electronic and procedural safeguards) are in place that are designed to protect the confidentiality of such information.
We reserve the right to change our Privacy Policy at any time upon proper notification to you. Customers may want to review our Policy periodically for changes by accessing the link on our homepage: www.eatonvance.com.
Our pledge of privacy applies to the following entities within the Eaton Vance organization: the Eaton Vance Family of Funds, Eaton Vance Management, Eaton Vance Investment Counsel, Boston Management and Research, and Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
In addition, our Privacy Policy only applies to those Eaton Vance customers who are individuals and who have a direct relationship with us. If a customer's account (i.e., fund shares) is held in the name of a third-party financial adviser/ broker-dealer, it is likely that only such adviser's privacy policies apply to the customer. This notice supersedes all previously issued privacy disclosures.
For more information about Eaton Vance's Privacy Policy, please call 1-800-262-1122.
Delivery of Shareholder Documents. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") permits funds to deliver only one copy of shareholder documents, including prospectuses, proxy statements and shareholder reports, to fund investors with multiple accounts at the same residential or post office box address. This practice is often called "householding" and it helps eliminate duplicate mailings to shareholders.
Eaton Vance, or your financial adviser, may household the mailing of your documents indefinitely unless you instruct Eaton Vance, or your financial adviser, otherwise.
If you would prefer that your Eaton Vance documents not be householded, please contact Eaton Vance at 1-800-262-1122, or contact your financial adviser.
Your instructions that householding not apply to delivery of your Eaton Vance documents will be effective within 30 days of receipt by Eaton Vance or your financial adviser.
Portfolio Holdings. Each Eaton Vance Fund and its underlying Portfolio (if applicable) will file a schedule of its portfolio holdings on Form N-Q with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year. The Form N-Q will be available on the Eaton Vance website www.eatonvance.com, by calling Eaton Vance at 1-800-262-1122 or in the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Form N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. (call 1-800-732-0330 for information on the operation of the public reference room).
Proxy Voting. From time to time, funds are required to vote proxies related to the securities held by the funds. The Eaton Vance Funds or their underlying Portfolios (if applicable) vote proxies according to a set of policies and procedures approved by the Funds' and Portfolios' Boards. You may obtain a description of these policies and procedures and information on how the Funds or Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-262-1122. This description is also available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
Aamer
Khan, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager
Martha
Locke, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager
Thomas
H. Luster, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager
Judith
A. Saryan, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager
Economic and Market Conditions
· Global stock markets moved dramatically lower during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. After reaching record highs in October 2007, the major market indices began to decline at the end of 2007, as investors realized that the difficulties in subprime lending and the troubled housing market were likely to slow the economy significantly. By the summer of 2008, the magnitude of the damage became increasingly apparent. Many banks in the U.S. and Europe were faced with enormous write-offs from bad real estate loans, losses that severely impaired their overall lending capacity. As global markets declined further, investor and consumer sentiment worsened. That trend was accelerated by soaring energy prices, as oil hit $145 per barrel in July and pinched consumers even more.
· The failure of Lehman Brothers in September and the tenuous condition of other capital-starved banks and financial institutions sparked fears of a global financial collapse. In late September, in an effort to jump-start lending, the U.S. Treasury department unveiled a controversial proposal to purchase troubled loans from banks and financial institutions. A revised version of the measure was approved by Congress, and similar plans were undertaken across Europe. A coordinated effort by the worlds central banks to inject liquidity into the global banking system followed. While those actions reassured many investors, volatility remained high as the one-year period drew to a close.
· For the year ended October 31, 2008, all ten sectors within the Russell 1000 Value Index(2) (the Index) registered negative returns. The consumer staples sector was the best performing sector, posting the smallest sector loss in the Index. All of the other sectors had declines exceeding 20%, with the most severe occurring in the information technology, financials and materials sectors. Market-leading industries during the year included biotechnology, tobacco and road & rail, which were among a handful of industries to post positive returns. In contrast, thrifts & mortgage finance, automobiles, internet & catalog retail and communications equipment were among the worst performing industries.
Management Discussion
· |
The Fund is a closed-end fund and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ETO. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Funds return at NAV underperformed that of the Index and the average return (at NAV) of the Lipper Global Funds (closed-end) classification, primarily as a result of the Funds holdings of preferred stocks, which declined severely with the bond market and are not included in the Index.(2) In addition, the Funds common stock returns were limited by its holdings in the materials, |
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged
Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
Total Return Performance 10/31/07 10/31/08
NYSE Symbol |
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ETO |
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At Net Asset Value (NAV)(1) |
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-47.35 |
% |
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At Share Price(1) |
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-54.28 |
% |
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Russell 1000 Value Index(2) |
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|
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-36.80 |
% |
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Merrill Lynch Fixed Rate Preferred Stock Index(2) |
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|
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-33.49 |
% |
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Lipper Global Funds Average (at NAV)(2) |
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|
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-38.02 |
% |
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|
|
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Premium/(Discount) to NAV |
|
|
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-16.68 |
% |
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Total Distributions per common share |
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|
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$ |
2.334 |
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Distribution Rate(3) |
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At NAV |
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11.89 |
% |
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|
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At Share Price |
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14.27 |
% |
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See page 3 for more performance information.
(1) |
Performance results reflect the effects of leverage. |
(2) |
It is not possible to invest directly in an Index or a Lipper Classification. The Indices total returns do not reflect commissions or expenses that would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the securities represented in the Indices. Unlike the Fund, an Indexs return does not reflect the effect of leverage. The Lipper total return is the average total return, at net asset value, of the funds that are in the same Lipper Classification as the Fund. |
(3) |
The Distribution Rate is based on the Funds most recent monthly distribution per share (annualized) divided by the Funds NAV or share price at the end of the period. The Funds monthly distributions may be comprised of ordinary income, net realized capital gains and return of capital. |
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or share price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested. The Funds performance at market share price will differ from its results at NAV. Although share price performance generally reflects investment results over time, during shorter periods, returns at share price can also be affected by factors such as changing perceptions about the Fund, market conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for the Funds shares, or changes in Fund distributions. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, the Funds current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. For performance as of the most recent month end, please refer to www.eatonvance.com.
Fund shares are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Shares are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested.
1
energy and utilities sectors. Metals & mining stocks detracted in the materials sector due to selection and an overweighted position in this industry. In the energy sector, oil and gas investments were hit hard by the decline in energy prices in the final months of the fiscal year. Electric utility and multi-utility stocks lagged in the utilities sector.
· With the financials sector suffering significant losses during the fiscal year, management maintained an underweighting relative to the Index, which contributed to the Funds relative positive performance for the year. In addition, stock selection in the financials sector made positive relative contributions, especially among insurance companies and diversified financial services, as selected Fund holdings outperformed their counterparts in the Index. The Fund also was under-weighted in the information technology sector, which bolstered relative returns. In the consumer discretionary sector, the Funds investments in the hotel and restaurant industry outperformed, and underweighted positions in the media and automobile industries were also beneficial.
· Based on the Funds objective of providing a high level of after-tax total return, which consists primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation, the Fund was invested primarily in securities that generated a relatively high level of qualified dividend income (QDI) during the year ended October 31, 2008. At October 31, 2008, the Fund had approximately 85% of total investments in common stocks and approximately 14% of total investments in preferred stocks.
· As mentioned, 14% of the Funds total investments was invested in preferred stocks, which have been affected by the mortgage debacle in the financial sector. Volatility dampened performance in credit markets throughout the period, as delinquencies in mortgage and related securities continued, leading to losses in the financial sector. These losses forced banks to raise capital, increased risk aversion and caused a dramatic contraction of liquidity across the financial system. Preferred stock prices fell significantly during the period, driving returns well into negative territory. Although the Funds preferred holdings outperformed the Merrill Lynch Fixed Rate Preferred Stock Index, an unmanaged, broad-based index of preferred stocks, these securities still detracted from the Funds performance.(1)
· The continued payment of the Funds monthly distributions reflected the continued use of the Funds dividend capture strategy, a trading strategy designed to enhance the level of QDI earned by the Fund. By using this strategy, the Fund has been able to collect a greater number of dividend payments than it would have collected by simply adhering to a buy-and-hold strategy. There can be no assurance that the continued use of dividend capture trading will be successful. In addition, the use of this strategy exposes the Fund to increased trading costs and the potential for capital loss or gain.
· Despite the volatile market conditions, nearly all of the dividends paid by the Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 were qualified dividends subject to federal income tax at a long-term capital gains rate (up to 15%) if certain holding period and other requirements have been met by receiving shareholders.
· As of April 23, 2008, the Fund had redeemed all of its outstanding Auction Preferred Shares, representing 5,800 shares and $145,000,000 in liquidation preferences, through debt financing. At October 31, 2008, the Fund had debt leverage of $111,000,000 outstanding, representing approximately 30% of the Funds total assets. The cost to the Fund of the new debt leverage is expected, over time, to be lower than the total cost of the Auction Preferred Shares based on the maximum applicable dividend rates.(2)
· Effective July 1, 2008, Michael Mach was replaced as a Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund by Martha Locke. Ms. Locke joined the Funds investment adviser, Eaton Vance Management, in 1997 and is a Vice President and equity analyst. Ms. Locke manages other Eaton Vance funds and is a member of the Equity Strategy Committee.
· As always, we thank you for your continued confidence and participation in the Fund.
(1) |
It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. |
(2) |
Use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased income but, at the same time, creates special risks (including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and share price of the common shares). In the event of a rise in long-term interest rates, the value of the Funds portfolio could decline, which would reduce the asset coverage. |
The views expressed throughout this report are those of the portfolio managers and are current only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions, and the investment adviser disclaims any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because investment decisions for a fund are based on many factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Eaton Vance fund. Portfolio information provided in the report may not be representative of the Funds current or future investments and may change due to active management.
2
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FUND PERFORMANCE
Performance(1) |
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NYSE Symbol |
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ETO |
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Average Annual Total Returns (at share price, New York Stock Exchange) |
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One Year |
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-54.2 8 |
% |
Life of Fund (4/30/04) |
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1.82 |
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Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value) |
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One Year |
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-47.35 |
% |
Life of Fund (4/30/04) |
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6.03 |
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(1)Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.
Fund Composition
Top Ten Common Stock Holdings(2)
By total investments
Chevron Corp. |
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3.5 |
% |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. |
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3.4 |
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Exxon Mobil Corp. |
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3.0 |
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Total SA ADR |
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2.9 |
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Philip Morris International, Inc. |
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2.9 |
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Enbridge, Inc. |
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2.8 |
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Raytheon Co. |
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2.6 |
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Nestle SA ADR |
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2.6 |
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AT&T, Inc. |
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2.5 |
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International Business Machines Corp. |
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2.5 |
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(2) |
Top Ten Common Stock Holdings represented 28.7% of the Funds total investments as of 10/31/08. Excludes cash equivalents. |
Sector Weightings(3)
By total investments
(3) As a percentage of the Funds total investments as of 10/31/08. Excludes cash equivalents.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or share price (as applicable) with all distributions reinvested. The Funds performance at market share price will differ from its results at NAV. Although share price performance generally reflects investment results over time, during shorter periods, returns at share price can also be affected by factors such as changing perceptions about the Fund, market conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand for the Funds shares, or changes in Fund distributions. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance is for the stated time period only; due to market volatility, the Funds current performance may be lower or higher than the quoted return. For performance as of the most recent month end, please refer to www.eatonvance.com.
3
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
Common Stocks(1) 120.5% | |||||||||||
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Aerospace & Defense 6.2% | |||||||||||
Lockheed Martin Corp. | 79,000 | $ | 6,718,950 | ||||||||
Raytheon Co. | 190,000 | 9,710,900 | |||||||||
$ | 16,429,850 | ||||||||||
Capital Markets 1.1% | |||||||||||
Federated Investors, Inc., Class B | 125,000 | $ | 3,025,000 | ||||||||
$ | 3,025,000 | ||||||||||
Chemicals 2.6% | |||||||||||
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. | 80,000 | $ | 6,820,800 | ||||||||
$ | 6,820,800 | ||||||||||
Commercial Banks 2.6% | |||||||||||
Bank of Nova Scotia | 200,000 | $ | 6,708,000 | ||||||||
$ | 6,708,000 | ||||||||||
Commercial Services & Supplies 1.1% | |||||||||||
Waste Management, Inc. | 90,000 | $ | 2,810,700 | ||||||||
$ | 2,810,700 | ||||||||||
Computers & Peripherals 3.5% | |||||||||||
International Business Machines Corp. | 100,000 | $ | 9,297,000 | ||||||||
$ | 9,297,000 | ||||||||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 8.4% | |||||||||||
AT&T, Inc. | 350,000 | $ | 9,369,500 | ||||||||
Koninklijke KPN NV | 470,726 | 6,629,324 | |||||||||
Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd. ADR | 85,000 | 591,600 | |||||||||
Telefonos de Mexico SA de CV ADR | 200,000 | 3,584,000 | |||||||||
Telmex Internacional SAB de CV ADR | 200,000 | 2,098,000 | |||||||||
$ | 22,272,424 | ||||||||||
Electric Utilities 6.0% | |||||||||||
E.ON AG | 80,000 | $ | 2,997,987 | ||||||||
Entergy Corp. | 75,000 | 5,853,750 | |||||||||
Exelon Corp. | 130,000 | 7,051,200 | |||||||||
$ | 15,902,937 | ||||||||||
Energy Equipment & Services 2.3% | |||||||||||
Halliburton Co. | 300,000 | $ | 5,937,000 | ||||||||
$ | 5,937,000 |
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Food & Staples Retailing 1.7% | |||||||||||
Tesco PLC | 800,000 | $ | 4,383,293 | ||||||||
$ | 4,383,293 | ||||||||||
Food Products 3.7% | |||||||||||
Nestle SA ADR | 250,000 | $ | 9,612,500 | ||||||||
$ | 9,612,500 | ||||||||||
Gas Utilities 2.5% | |||||||||||
GDF Suez | 145,000 | $ | 6,454,479 | ||||||||
$ | 6,454,479 | ||||||||||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.2% | |||||||||||
Covidien, Ltd. | 70,000 | $ | 3,100,300 | ||||||||
$ | 3,100,300 | ||||||||||
Health Care Providers & Services 2.2% | |||||||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 245,283 | $ | 5,820,565 | ||||||||
$ | 5,820,565 | ||||||||||
Household Products 2.6% | |||||||||||
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SA de CV | 2,100,000 | $ | 6,903,439 | ||||||||
$ | 6,903,439 | ||||||||||
Insurance 6.8% | |||||||||||
ACE, Ltd. | 100,000 | $ | 5,736,000 | ||||||||
AFLAC, Inc. | 120,000 | 5,313,600 | |||||||||
Allianz SE, ADR | 385,000 | 2,918,300 | |||||||||
Travelers Companies, Inc. (The) | 92,000 | 3,914,600 | |||||||||
$ | 17,882,500 | ||||||||||
Leisure Equipment & Products 1.3% | |||||||||||
Mattel, Inc. | 230,000 | $ | 3,454,600 | ||||||||
$ | 3,454,600 | ||||||||||
Machinery 1.5% | |||||||||||
Caterpillar, Inc. | 100,000 | $ | 3,817,000 | ||||||||
$ | 3,817,000 | ||||||||||
Media 5.3% | |||||||||||
Comcast Corp., Class A | 431,747 | $ | 6,804,333 | ||||||||
Vivendi SA | 275,000 | 7,188,253 | |||||||||
$ | 13,992,586 |
See notes to financial statements
4
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS CONT'D
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Metals & Mining 7.5% | |||||||||||
Anglo American PLC ADR | 227,500 | $ | 2,855,125 | ||||||||
BHP Billiton, Ltd. ADR | 130,000 | 5,054,400 | |||||||||
Cia Vale do Rio Doce ADR | 470,000 | 6,166,400 | |||||||||
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., Class B | 190,000 | 5,529,000 | |||||||||
$ | 19,604,925 | ||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 27.1% | |||||||||||
Chevron Corp. | 175,000 | $ | 13,055,000 | ||||||||
Enbridge, Inc. | 300,000 | 10,380,000 | |||||||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 150,000 | 11,118,000 | |||||||||
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | 230,000 | 12,774,200 | |||||||||
StatoilHydro ASA | 425,000 | 8,548,288 | |||||||||
Suncor Energy, Inc. | 175,000 | 4,186,000 | |||||||||
Total SA ADR | 200,000 | 11,088,000 | |||||||||
$ | 71,149,488 | ||||||||||
Pharmaceuticals 6.3% | |||||||||||
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 450,000 | $ | 9,247,500 | ||||||||
Novartis AG ADR | 82,538 | 4,208,613 | |||||||||
Pfizer, Inc. | 175,000 | 3,099,250 | |||||||||
$ | 16,555,363 | ||||||||||
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 8.9% | |||||||||||
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 40,000 | $ | 2,840,800 | ||||||||
Boston Properties, Inc. | 40,000 | 2,835,200 | |||||||||
Federal Realty Investment Trust | 50,000 | 3,063,500 | |||||||||
Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc. | 175,000 | 6,524,000 | |||||||||
Public Storage, Inc. | 54,312 | 4,426,428 | |||||||||
Rayonier, Inc. | 112,500 | 3,721,500 | |||||||||
$ | 23,411,428 | ||||||||||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 2.1% | |||||||||||
VF Corp. | 100,000 | $ | 5,510,000 | ||||||||
$ | 5,510,000 | ||||||||||
Tobacco 4.1% | |||||||||||
Philip Morris International, Inc. | 250,000 | $ | 10,867,500 | ||||||||
$ | 10,867,500 |
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.9% | |||||||||||
Rogers Communications, Inc., Class B | 171,326 | $ | 4,973,614 | ||||||||
$ | 4,973,614 | ||||||||||
Total Common Stocks (identified cost $283,509,235) |
$ | 316,697,291 | |||||||||
Preferred Stocks 19.3% | |||||||||||
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Commercial Banks 11.0% | |||||||||||
Abbey National Capital Trust I, 8.963%(2) | 1,500 | $ | 1,181,191 | ||||||||
ABN AMRO North America Capital Funding Trust, 6.968%(2)(3) |
950 | 594,344 | |||||||||
Barclays Bank PLC, 8.55%(2)(3) | 3,500 | 2,818,231 | |||||||||
BBVA International SA Unipersonal, 5.919%(1)(2) | 1,000 | 471,957 | |||||||||
BNP Paribas, 7.195%(2)(3) | 25 | 1,663,370 | |||||||||
BNP Paribas Capital Trust, 9.003%(2)(3) | 4,000 | 3,496,004 | |||||||||
Citigroup Inc., Series AA, 8.125%(1) | 66,000 | 1,112,100 | |||||||||
Credit Agricole SA/London, 6.637%(2)(3) | 1,100 | 891,497 | |||||||||
DB Contingent Capital Trust II, 6.55%(1) | 25,000 | 373,500 | |||||||||
Den Norske Bank, 7.729%(2)(3) | 3,600 | 3,096,335 | |||||||||
HBOS PLC, 6.657%(2)(3) | 1,900 | 890,448 | |||||||||
HSBC Capital Funding LP, 9.547%(2)(3) | 7,000 | 6,036,086 | |||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co., 7.90%(2) | 2,500 | 2,032,400 | |||||||||
Landsbanki Islands HF, 7.431%(2)(3)(4) | 2,150 | 32,250 | |||||||||
National City Corp., Series F, 9.875%(1)(2) | 90,000 | 1,885,500 | |||||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.25%(1) | 26,852 | 319,270 | |||||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 7.64%(2) | 9 | 437,197 | |||||||||
Santander Finance Unipersonal, 6.50%(1) | 58,500 | 936,000 | |||||||||
Standard Chartered PLC, 6.409%(2)(3) | 11 | 573,354 | |||||||||
$ | 28,841,034 | ||||||||||
Diversified Financial Services 0.7% | |||||||||||
CoBank, 11.00% | 20,000 | $ | 1,013,150 | ||||||||
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 6.70%(1) | 58,000 | 927,420 | |||||||||
$ | 1,940,570 | ||||||||||
Food Products 0.4% | |||||||||||
Dairy Farmers of America, 7.875%(3) | 18,500 | $ | 955,063 | ||||||||
$ | 955,063 |
See notes to financial statements
5
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS CONT'D
Security | Shares | Value | |||||||||
Insurance 5.2% | |||||||||||
Aegon NV, 6.375%(1) | 95,000 | $ | 950,000 | ||||||||
Arch Capital Group, Ltd., Series B, 7.875%(1) | 15,000 | 270,900 | |||||||||
AXA SA, 6.379%(2)(3) | 500 | 266,421 | |||||||||
AXA SA, 6.463%(2)(3) | 4,400 | 2,527,501 | |||||||||
Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., 7.75%(1) | 14,750 | 232,165 | |||||||||
ING Capital Funding Trust III, 8.439%(2) | 12,000 | 968,737 | |||||||||
ING Groep NV, 8.50%(1) | 100,000 | 1,723,000 | |||||||||
MetLife, Inc., 6.50%(1) | 100,000 | 1,642,000 | |||||||||
PartnerRe, Ltd., 6.50%(1) | 20,000 | 337,000 | |||||||||
Prudential PLC, 6.50% | 2,600 | 1,190,145 | |||||||||
RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd., 6.08%(1) | 113,000 | 1,596,690 | |||||||||
Zurich Regcaps Fund Trust VI, 4.245%(2)(3) | 2,500 | 1,878,125 | |||||||||
$ | 13,582,684 | ||||||||||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.0% | |||||||||||
Kinder Morgan GP, Inc., 8.33%(2)(3) | 5,000 | $ | 5,405,000 | ||||||||
$ | 5,405,000 | ||||||||||
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 0.0% | |||||||||||
Federal National Mortgage Association, Series O, 7.00%(2) |
15,000 | $ | 45,470 | ||||||||
Indymac Bank FSB, 8.50%(3)(4) | 75,000 | 750 | |||||||||
$ | 46,220 | ||||||||||
Total Preferred Stocks (identified cost $72,600,358) |
$ | 50,770,571 | |||||||||
Short-Term Investments 2.2% | |||||||||||
Description |
Interest (000's omitted) |
Value | |||||||||
Cash Management Portfolio, 1.90%(5) | $ | 5,783 | $ | 5,783,163 | |||||||
Total Short-Term Investments (identified cost $5,783,163) |
$ | 5,783,163 | |||||||||
Total Investments 142.0% (identified cost $361,892,756) |
$ | 373,251,025 | |||||||||
Other Assets, Less Liabilities (42.0)% | $ | (110,351,252 | ) | ||||||||
Net Assets 100.0% | $ | 262,899,773 |
ADR - American Depository Receipt
(1) Security has been segregated as collateral with the custodian for borrowings under the Committed Facility Agreement.
(2) Variable rate security. The stated interest rate represents the rate in effect at October 31, 2008.
(3) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2008, the aggregate value of the securities is $31,124,779 or 11.8% of the Fund's net assets.
(4) Defaulted security.
(5) Affiliated investment company available to Eaton Vance portfolios and funds which invests in high quality, U.S. dollar denominated money market instruments. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of October 31, 2008.
Country Concentration of Portfolio | |||||||||||
Country |
Percentage of Total Investments |
Value | |||||||||
United States | 57.1 | % | $ | 213,276,450 | |||||||
Canada | 8.9 | 33,068,414 | |||||||||
France | 8.1 | 30,079,521 | |||||||||
Switzerland | 5.2 | 19,557,113 | |||||||||
United Kingdom | 5.2 | 19,503,149 | |||||||||
Mexico | 3.4 | 12,585,439 | |||||||||
Norway | 3.1 | 11,644,623 | |||||||||
Netherlands | 2.5 | 9,302,324 | |||||||||
Brazil | 1.7 | 6,166,400 | |||||||||
Germany | 1.6 | 5,916,287 | |||||||||
Bermuda | 1.5 | 5,537,055 | |||||||||
Australia | 1.3 | 5,054,400 | |||||||||
Spain | 0.2 | 936,000 | |||||||||
New Zealand | 0.2 | 591,600 | |||||||||
Iceland | 0.0 | 32,250 | |||||||||
100.0 | % | $ | 373,251,025 |
See notes to financial statements
6
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of October 31, 2008
Assets | |||||||
Unaffiliated investments, at value (identified cost, $356,109,593) | $ | 367,467,862 | |||||
Affiliated investment, at value (identified cost, $5,783,163) | 5,783,163 | ||||||
Dividends receivable | 772,809 | ||||||
Interest receivable from affiliated investment | 32,251 | ||||||
Tax reclaims receivable | 257,341 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 374,313,426 | |||||
Liabilities | |||||||
Notes payable | $ | 111,000,000 | |||||
Payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee | 209,642 | ||||||
Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees | 1,206 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 202,805 | ||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 111,413,653 | |||||
Net Assets | $ | 262,899,773 | |||||
Sources of Net Assets | |||||||
Common shares, $0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized, 14,519,257 shares issued and outstanding |
$ | 145,193 | |||||
Additional paid-in capital | 275,026,709 | ||||||
Accumulated net realized loss (computed on the basis of identified cost) | (26,215,630 | ) | |||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income | 2,624,838 | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (computed on the basis of identified cost) | 11,318,663 | ||||||
Net Assets | $ | 262,899,773 | |||||
Net Asset Value | |||||||
($262,899,773 ÷ 14,519,257 common shares issued and outstanding) | $ | 18.11 |
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended
October 31, 2008
Investment Income | |||||||
Dividends (net of foreign taxes, $2,465,000) | $ | 43,378,814 | |||||
Interest | 50 | ||||||
Interest income allocated from affiliated investment | 514,074 | ||||||
Expenses allocated from affiliated investment | (80,200 | ) | |||||
Total investment income | $ | 43,812,738 | |||||
Expenses | |||||||
Investment adviser fee | $ | 5,025,225 | |||||
Trustees' fees and expenses | 17,840 | ||||||
Interest expense and fees | 2,479,450 | ||||||
Custodian fee | 264,323 | ||||||
Preferred shares service fee | 158,719 | ||||||
Legal and accounting services | 127,288 | ||||||
Printing and postage | 52,543 | ||||||
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees | 33,322 | ||||||
Miscellaneous | 66,382 | ||||||
Total expenses | $ | 8,225,092 | |||||
Deduct Reduction of investment adviser fee |
$ | 1,201,154 | |||||
Reduction of custodian fee | 16 | ||||||
Total expense reductions | $ | 1,201,170 | |||||
Net expenses | $ | 7,023,922 | |||||
Net investment income | $ | 36,788,816 | |||||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |||||||
Net realized gain (loss) Investment transactions (identified cost basis) |
$ | (23,193,370 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency transactions | (346,232 | ) | |||||
Net realized loss | $ | (23,539,602 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) Investments (identified cost basis) |
$ | (257,797,141 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency | (40,348 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | (257,837,489 | ) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized loss | $ | (281,377,091 | ) | ||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income | $ | (2,898,188 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets from operations | $ | (247,486,463 | ) |
See notes to financial statements
7
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
Year Ended October 31, 2008 |
Year Ended October 31, 2007 |
|||||||||
From operations Net investment income |
$ | 36,788,816 | $ | 36,605,765 | |||||||
Net realized loss from investment and foreign currency transactions |
(23,539,602 | ) | (739,721 | ) | |||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency |
(257,837,489 | ) | 115,283,948 | ||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income |
(2,898,188 | ) | (6,657,075 | ) | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations |
$ | (247,486,463 | ) | $ | 144,492,917 | ||||||
Distributions to common shareholders From net investment income |
$ | (33,880,687 | ) | $ | (30,809,619 | ) | |||||
Total distributions to common shareholders | $ | (33,880,687 | ) | $ | (30,809,619 | ) | |||||
Capital share transactions Reinvestment of distributions to common shareholders |
$ | | $ | 453,592 | |||||||
Total increase in net assets from capital share transactions |
$ | | $ | 453,592 | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | $ | (281,367,150 | ) | $ | 114,136,890 | ||||||
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares |
|||||||||||
At beginning of year | $ | 544,266,923 | $ | 430,130,033 | |||||||
At end of year | $ | 262,899,773 | $ | 544,266,923 | |||||||
Accumulated undistributed net investment income included in net assets applicable to common shares |
|||||||||||
At end of year | $ | 2,624,838 | $ | 4,463,953 |
Statement of Cash Flows
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
For the Year Ended October 31, 2008 |
||||||
Net decrease in net assets from operations | $ | (247,486,463 | ) | ||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders | 2,898,188 | ||||||
Net decrease in net assets from operations excluding distributions to preferred shareholders |
$ | (244,588,275 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|||||||
Investments purchased | (663,962,686 | ) | |||||
Investments sold | 693,108,056 | ||||||
Decrease in short-term investments, net | 3,775,065 | ||||||
Decrease in dividends receivable | 40,356 | ||||||
Decrease in interest receivable from affiliated investment | 20,193 | ||||||
Decrease in payable for investments purchased | (10,766,855 | ) | |||||
Decrease in receivable for investments sold | 12,729,663 | ||||||
Increase in tax reclaims receivable | (194,437 | ) | |||||
Decrease in payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee | (160,027 | ) | |||||
Decrease in payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees | (482 | ) | |||||
Decrease in accrued expenses | (45,165 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments | 257,797,141 | ||||||
Net realized (gain) loss on investments | 23,193,370 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 70,945,917 | |||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities | |||||||
Cash distributions paid to common shareholders, net of reinvestments | $ | (33,880,687 | ) | ||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders | (3,065,230 | ) | |||||
Liquidation of auction preferred shares | (145,000,000 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from notes payable | 145,000,000 | ||||||
Repayment of notes payable | (34,000,000 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (70,945,917 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash | $ | | |||||
Cash at beginning of year | $ | | |||||
Cash at end of year | $ | | |||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|||||||
Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowings | $ | 2,461,046 |
See notes to financial statements
8
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated |
Year Ended October 31, | Period Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | October 31, 2006(3) | March 31, 2006 | March 31, 2005(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value Beginning of period (Common shares) | $ | 37.490 | $ | 29.650 | $ | 28.030 | $ | 23.500 | $ | 19.100 | (2) | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(4) | $ | 2.534 | $ | 2.522 | $ | 1.456 | $ | 1.931 | $ | 1.670 | |||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (19.380 | ) | 7.900 | 1.415 | 4.640 | 4.136 | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders from net investment income | (0.200 | ) | (0.459 | ) | (0.263 | ) | (0.340 | ) | (0.152 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from operations | $ | (17.046 | ) | $ | 9.963 | $ | 2.608 | $ | 6.231 | $ | 5.654 | ||||||||||||
Less distributions to common shareholders | |||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | $ | (2.334 | ) | $ | (2.123 | ) | $ | (0.988 | ) | $ | (1.699 | ) | $ | (1.095 | ) | ||||||||
From net realized gain | | | | (0.002 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
Total distributions to common shareholders | $ | (2.334 | ) | $ | (2.123 | ) | $ | (0.988 | ) | $ | (1.701 | ) | $ | (1.095 | ) | ||||||||
Preferred and Common shares offering costs charged to paid-in capital(4) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | (0.059 | ) | ||||||||||||
Preferred shares underwriting discounts(4) | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | (0.100 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value End of period (Common shares) | $ | 18.110 | $ | 37.490 | $ | 29.650 | $ | 28.030 | $ | 23.500 | |||||||||||||
Market value End of period (Common shares) | $ | 15.090 | $ | 35.970 | $ | 28.340 | $ | 26.000 | $ | 20.080 | |||||||||||||
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value(5) | (47.35 | )% | 35.13 | % | 9.70 | %(12) | 28.18 | % | 30.16 | %(6)(12) | |||||||||||||
Total Investment Return on Market Value(5) | (54.28 | )% | 35.65 | % | 13.04 | %(12) | 39.14 | % | 11.21 | %(6)(12) |
See notes to financial statements
9
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated |
Year Ended October 31, | Period Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | October 31, 2006(3) | March 31, 2006 | March 31, 2005(1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of period (000's omitted) | $ | 262,900 | $ | 544,267 | $ | 430,130 | $ | 406,636 | $ | 340,868 | |||||||||||||
Ratios (As a percentage of average net assets applicable to common shares):(7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees(8) | 1.02 | % | 1.06 | % | 1.13 | %(9) | 1.17 | % | 1.14 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Interest and fee expense(14) | 0.54 | % | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Total expenses before custodian fee reduction(8) | 1.56 | % | 1.06 | % | 1.13 | %(9) | 1.17 | % | 1.14 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Net investment income | 8.07 | % | 7.64 | % | 8.71 | %(9) | 7.52 | % | 8.64 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover | 113 | % | 78 | % | 29 | %(12) | 116 | % | 110 | %(12) | |||||||||||||
The ratios reported above are based on net assets applicable solely to common shares. The ratios based on net assets, including amounts related to preferred shares and borrowings, are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios (As a percentage of average total net assets applicable to common shares plus preferred shares and borrowings):(7) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees(8) | 0.77 | % | 0.82 | % | 0.84 | %(9) | 0.84 | % | 0.83 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Interest and fee expense(14) | 0.41 | % | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Total expenses before custodian fee reduction(8) | 1.18 | % | 0.82 | % | 0.84 | %(9) | 0.84 | % | 0.83 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Net investment income | 6.13 | % | 5.86 | % | 6.45 | %(9) | 5.41 | % | 6.34 | %(9) | |||||||||||||
Senior Securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total notes payable outstanding (in 000's) | $ | 111,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||||||||||
Asset coverage per $1,000 of notes payable(15) | $ | 3,368 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||||||||||||
Total preferred shares outstanding | | (13) | 5,800 | 5,800 | 5,800 | 5,800 | |||||||||||||||||
Asset coverage per preferred share(10) | $ | | (13) | $ | 118,868 | $ | 99,182 | $ | 95,119 | $ | 83,774 | ||||||||||||
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share(11) | $ | | (13) | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | ||||||||||||
Approximate market value per preferred share(11) | $ | | (13) | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 25,000 |
(1) For the period from the start of business, April 30, 2004, to March 31, 2005.
(2) Net asset value at beginning of period reflects the deduction of the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder from the $20.00 offering price.
(3) For the seven-month period ended October 31, 2006. The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from March 31 to October 31.
(4) Computed using average common shares outstanding.
(5) Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or market value with all distributions reinvested.
(6) Total investment return on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of the period reported with all distributions reinvested. Total investment return on market value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of the period reported with all distributions reinvested.
(7) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders.
(8) Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%.
(9) Annualized.
(10) Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the preferred shares) from the Fund's total assets, and dividing the result by the number of preferred shares outstanding.
(11) Plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
(12) Not annualized.
(13) At October 31, 2008, the Fund had no APS outstanding. See Note 2 to Notes to Financial Statements.
(14) Interest expense relates to the notes payable incurred to redeem the Fund's APS. See Note 8 to Notes to Financial Statements.
(15) Calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the notes payable) from the Fund's total assets, and dividing the result by the notes payable balance in thousands.
See notes to financial statements
10
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1 Significant Accounting Policies
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting primarily of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of the Fund. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
A Investment Valuation Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange generally are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation or, if no sales took place on such date, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices therefore on the exchange where such securities are principally traded. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ Global or Global Select Market generally are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sales prices or closing quotations are not available are valued at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices or, in the case of preferred equity securities that are not listed or traded in the over-the-counter market, by an independent pricing service. The value of preferred equity securities that are valued by a pricing service on a bond basis will be adjusted by an income factor, to be determined by the investment adviser, to reflect the next anticipated regular dividend. Short-term debt securities with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. If short-term debt securities are acquired with a remaining maturity of more than sixty days, they will be valued by a pricing service. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation service. The independent service uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Inputs to the model include reported trades and implied bid/ask spreads. The daily valuation of exchange-traded foreign securities generally is determined as of the close of trading on the principal exchange on which such securities trade. Events occurring after the close of trading on foreign exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities to more accurately reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. When valuing foreign equity securities that meet certain criteria, the Trustees have approved the use of a fair value service that values such securities to reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Fund considering relevant factors, data and information including the market value of freely tradable securities of the same class in the principal market on which such securities are normally traded.
The Fund may invest in Cash Management Portfolio (Cash Management), an affiliated investment company managed by Boston Management and Research, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management (EVM). Cash Management values its investment securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation technique permitted by Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, pursuant to which Cash Management must comply with certain conditions. This technique involves initially valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. If amortized cost is determined not to approximate fair value, Cash Management may value its investment securities based on available market quotations provided by a pricing service.
B Investment Transactions Investment transactions for financial statement purposes are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.
C Income Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for dividends received in cash and/or securities. However, if the ex-dividend date has passed, certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as the Fund is informed of the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and capital gains have been provided for in accordance with the Fund's understanding of the applicable countries' tax rules and rates. Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount.
D Federal Taxes The Fund's policy is to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its net investment income, and all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary.
11
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
At October 31, 2008, the Fund, for federal income tax purposes, had a capital loss carryforward of $25,409,868 which will reduce its taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investment transactions, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Code, and thus will reduce the amount of distributions to shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income or excise tax. Such capital loss carryforward will expire on October 31, 2013 ($1,109,278), October 31, 2014 ($2,962,393), October 31, 2015 ($54,293) and October 31, 2016 ($21,283,904).
As of October 31, 2008, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure. Each of the Fund's federal tax returns filed in the 3-year period ended October 31, 2008 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
E Expense Reduction State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) serves as custodian of the Fund. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, SSBT receives a fee reduced by credits, which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Fund maintains with SSBT. All credit balances, if any, used to reduce the Fund's custodian fees are reported as a reduction of expenses in the Statement of Operations.
F Foreign Currency Translation Investment valuations, other assets, and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investment securities and income and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates in effect on the respective dates of such transactions. Recognized gains or losses on investment transactions attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. That portion of unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed.
G Use of Estimates The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
H Indemnifications Under the Fund's organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund, and shareholders are indemnified against personal liability for the obligations of the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred.
I Statement of Cash Flows The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows of the Fund is the amount included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represents the cash on hand at its custodian and does not include any short-term investments.
2 Auction Preferred Shares
The Fund issued 2,000 Series A, 2,000 Series B and 1,800 Series C Auction Preferred Shares (APS) on July 19, 2004 in a public offering. The underwriting discount and other offering costs incurred in connection with the offering were recorded as a reduction of the paid-in capital of the common shares. Dividends on the APS, which accrued daily, were cumulative at rates which were reset weekly for Series A and Series B and approximately monthly for Series C. Beginning February 15, 2008 and consistent with the patterns in the broader market for auction-rate securities, the Fund's APS auctions were unsuccessful in clearing due to an imbalance of sell orders over bids to buy the APS. As a result, the dividend rates were reset to the maximum applicable rate, which was the greater of 1) 125% of applicable LIBOR at the date of the auction or 2) applicable LIBOR at the date of the auction plus 1.25%. In March 2008, the Fund entered into a committed financing arrangement with a major financial institution (see Note 8), the proceeds from which were used to redeem in full each series of the Fund's APS at a liquidation price of $25,000 per share. Prior to the redemption of the APS, the Fund paid an annual fee equivalent to 0.25% of the liquidation value of the APS to broker-dealers as a service fee. At October 31, 2008, the Fund had no APS outstanding.
3 Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions of net investment income to common shareholders, after payment of any dividends on any outstanding APS during periods when APS were outstanding. In addition, at least annually, the Fund intends to distribute all or
12
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
substantially all of its net realized capital gains, (reduced by available capital loss carryforwards from prior years, if any). Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to preferred shareholders were recorded daily and were payable at the end of each dividend period. The amount of dividends paid (including capital gains, if any) to APS shareholders, average APS dividend rates (annualized) and dividend rate ranges prior to the redemption of APS for the year ended October 31, 2008 were as follows:
Series |
Dividends Paid to APS Shareholders |
Average APS Dividend Rates |
Dividend Rate Ranges |
||||||||||||
Series A | $ | 943,079 | 4.54 | % | 3.85% 5.40% | ||||||||||
Series B | 942,339 | 4.51 | % | 3.80% 5.40% | |||||||||||
Series C | 1,012,770 | 4.73 | % | 3.90% 5.60% |
The Fund distinguishes between distributions 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.
The tax character of distributions declared for the year ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2007 was as follows:
Year Ended October 31, | |||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Distributions declared from: | |||||||||||
Ordinary income | $ | 36,778,875 | $ | 37,466,694 |
During the year ended October 31, 2008, accumulated net realized loss was decreased by $1,849,056 and accumulated undistributed net investment income was decreased by $1,849,056 due to differences between book and tax accounting, primarily for foreign currency gain (loss), distributions from real estate investment trusts (REITs) and return of capital distributions from securities. These reclassifications had no effect on the net assets or net asset value per share of the Fund.
As of October 31, 2008, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income | $ | 2,429,900 | |||||
Capital loss carryforward | $ | (25,409,868 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 10,707,839 |
The differences between components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis and the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities are primarily due to wash sales and distributions from REITs.
4 Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
The investment adviser fee is earned by EVM as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Fund. The fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund's average daily gross assets and is payable monthly. Gross assets referred to herein represent net assets plus obligations attributable to investment leverage. The portion of the adviser fee payable by Cash Management on the Fund's investment of cash therein is credited against the Fund's adviser fee. For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Fund's adviser fee totaled $5,104,902 of which $79,677 was allocated from Cash Management and $5,025,225 was paid or accrued directly by the Fund. EVM also serves as administrator of the Fund, but receives no compensation.
In addition, EVM has contractually agreed to reimburse the Fund for fees and other expenses at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Fund's average daily gross assets during the first five full years of the Fund's operations, 0.15% of the Fund's average daily gross assets in year six, 0.10% in year seven and 0.05% in year eight. Pursuant to this agreement, EVM waived $1,201,154 of its adviser fee for the year ended October 31, 2008.
Except for Trustees of the Fund who are not members of EVM's organization, officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Fund out of the investment adviser fee. Trustees of the Fund who are not affiliated with EVM may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of the Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan. For the year ended October 31, 2008, no significant amounts have been deferred. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers of EVM.
5 Purchases and Sales of Investments
Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $663,962,686 and $693,108,056, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2008.
13
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONT'D
6 Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
The Fund may issue common shares pursuant to its dividend reinvestment plan. There were no transactions in common shares for the year ended October 31, 2008. Common shares issued pursuant to the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan for the year ended October 31, 2007 were 14,257.
7 Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments
The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments of the Fund at October 31, 2008, as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:
Aggregate cost | $ | 362,503,580 | |||||
Gross unrealized appreciation | $ | 49,650,501 | |||||
Gross unrealized depreciation | (38,903,056 | ) | |||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 10,747,445 |
8 Committed Facility Agreement
Effective March 10, 2008, the Fund entered into a Committed Facility Agreement, as amended (the Agreement), with a major financial institution that allows it to borrow up to $145 million over a rolling 180 calendar day period. Interest is charged at a rate above 1-month LIBOR to January 1, 2009 and at a rate above 3-month LIBOR thereafter and is payable monthly. Prior to October 16, 2008, interest was charged at a rate above LIBOR which was lower than the interest rate currently charged. The Fund also paid an arrangement fee of $188,500 which is included in interest expense in the Statement of Operations and effective October 16, 2008, is also charged a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the commitment to January 1, 2009 and 0.55% per annum thereafter. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund is required to satisfy certain collateral requirements and maintain a certain level of net assets. At October 31, 2008, the Fund had borrowings under the Agreement of $111 million at an interest rate of 2.93%. For the period from April 1, 2008, the date of the initial draw on the Agreement, through October 31, 2008, the average borrowings under the Agreement and the average interest rate (annualized) were $137,635,514 and 2.81%, respectively.
9 Risks Associated with Foreign Investments
Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not present in domestic investments. For example, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies, particularly those not subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws. Certain foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign securities also involve the risk of possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or financial instability or diplomatic and other developments which could affect such investments. Foreign stock markets, while growing in volume and sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets, broker-dealers and issuers than in the United States.
10 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (FAS 157), "Fair Value Measurements". FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. As of October 31, 2008, management does not believe the adoption of FAS 157 will impact the amounts reported in the financial statements; however, additional disclosures may be required about the inputs used to develop the measurements of fair value and the effect of certain of the measurements on changes in net assets for the period.
14
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Trustees and Shareholders
of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged
Global Dividend Opportunities Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (the "Fund"), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2008, and the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund'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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its 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 Fund's 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 as of October 31, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. 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 Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 15, 2008
15
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund as of October 31, 2008
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The Form 1099-DIV you receive in January 2009 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar 2008. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax adviser with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund. As required by the Internal Revenue Code regulations, shareholders must be notified within 60 days of the Fund's fiscal year end regarding the status of qualified dividend income for individuals and the dividends received deduction for corporations.
Qualified Dividend Income. The Fund designates $35,445,182, or up to the maximum amount of such dividends allowable pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced tax rate of 15%.
Dividends Received Deduction. Corporate shareholders are generally entitled to take the dividends received deduction on the portion of the Fund's dividend distribution that qualifies under tax law. For the Fund's fiscal 2008 ordinary income dividends, 33.2% qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.
16
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Fund offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan) pursuant to which shareholders may elect to have distributions automatically reinvested in common shares (the Shares) of the Fund. You may elect to participate in the Plan by completing the Dividend Reinvestment Plan Application Form. If you do not participate you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you by the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as dividend paying agent. On the distribution payment date, if the net asset value per Share is equal to or less than the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions, then new Shares will be issued. The number of Shares shall be determined by the greater of the net asset value per Share or 95% of the market price. Otherwise, Shares generally will be purchased on the open market by the Plan Agent. Distributions subject to income tax (if any) are taxable whether or not shares are reinvested.
If your shares are in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you can ask the firm or nominee to participate in the Plan on your behalf. If the nominee does not offer the Plan, you will need to request that your shares be re-registered in your name with the Fund's transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company or you will not be able to participate.
The Plan Agent's service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each participant will be charged their pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.
Plan participants may withdraw from the Plan at any time by writing to the Plan Agent at the address noted on the following page. If you withdraw, you will receive shares in your name for all Shares credited to your account under the Plan. If a participant elects by written notice to the Plan Agent to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her Shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct a $5.00 fee plus brokerage commissions from the proceeds.
If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your own name, you may complete the form on the following page and deliver it to the Plan Agent.
Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 1-866-439-6787.
17
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
This form is for shareholders who hold their common shares in their own names. If your common shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you should contact your nominee to see if it will participate in the Plan on your behalf. If you wish to participate in the Plan, but your brokerage firm, bank, or nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you should request that your common shares be re-registered in your own name which will enable your participation in the Plan.
The following authorization and appointment is given with the understanding that I may terminate it at any time by terminating my participation in the Plan as provided in the terms and conditions of the Plan.
Please print exact name on account:
Shareholder signature Date
Shareholder signature Date
Please sign exactly as your common shares are registered. All persons whose names appear on the share certificate must sign.
YOU SHOULD NOT RETURN THIS FORM IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. THIS IS NOT A PROXY.
This authorization form, when signed, should be mailed to the following address:
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
P.O. Box 922
Wall Street Station
New York, NY, 10269-0560
Number of Employees
The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company and has no employees.
Number of Shareholders
As of October 31, 2008, our records indicate that there are 75 registered shareholders and approximately 13,716 shareholders owning the Fund shares in street name, such as through brokers, banks, and financial intermediaries.
If you are a street name shareholder and wish to receive our reports directly, which contain important information about the Fund, please write or call:
Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
1-800-225-6265
New York Stock Exchange symbol
The New York Stock Exchange symbol is ETO.
18
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Overview of the Contract Review Process
The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), provides, in substance, that each investment advisory agreement between a fund and its investment adviser will continue in effect from year to year only if its continuance is approved at least annually by the fund's board of trustees, including by a vote of a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" of the fund ("Independent Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such approval.
At a meeting of the Boards of Trustees (each a "Board") of the Eaton Vance group of mutual funds (the "Eaton Vance Funds") held on April 21, 2008, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve continuation of existing advisory and sub-advisory agreements for the Eaton Vance Funds for an additional one-year period. In voting its approval, the Board relied upon the affirmative recommendation of the Contract Review Committee of the Board (formerly the Special Committee), which is a committee comprised exclusively of Independent Trustees. Prior to making its recommendation, the Contract Review Committee reviewed information furnished for a series of meetings of the Contract Review Committee held in February, March and April 2008. Such information included, among other things, the following:
Information about Fees, Performance and Expenses
An independent report comparing the advisory and related fees paid by each fund with fees paid by comparable funds;
An independent report comparing each fund's total expense ratio and its components to comparable funds;
An independent report comparing the investment performance of each fund to the investment performance of comparable funds over various time periods;
Data regarding investment performance in comparison to relevant peer groups of funds and appropriate indices;
Comparative information concerning fees charged by each adviser for managing other mutual funds and institutional accounts using investment strategies and techniques similar to those used in managing the fund;
Profitability analyses for each adviser with respect to each fund;
Information about Portfolio Management
Descriptions of the investment management services provided to each fund, including the investment strategies and processes employed, and any changes in portfolio management processes and personnel;
Information concerning the allocation of brokerage and the benefits received by each adviser as a result of brokerage allocation, including information concerning the acquisition of research through "soft dollar" benefits received in connection with the funds' brokerage, and the implementation of a soft dollar reimbursement program established with respect to the funds;
Data relating to portfolio turnover rates of each fund;
The procedures and processes used to determine the fair value of fund assets and actions taken to monitor and test the effectiveness of such procedures and processes;
Information about each Adviser
Reports detailing the financial results and condition of each adviser;
Descriptions of the qualifications, education and experience of the individual investment professionals whose responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research for the funds, and information relating to their compensation and responsibilities with respect to managing other mutual funds and investment accounts;
Copies of the Codes of Ethics of each adviser and its affiliates, together with information relating to compliance with and the administration of such codes;
Copies of or descriptions of each adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures;
Information concerning the resources devoted to compliance efforts undertaken by each adviser and its affiliates on behalf of the funds (including descriptions of various compliance programs) and their record of compliance with investment policies and restrictions, including policies with respect to market-timing, late trading and selective portfolio disclosure, and with policies on personal securities transactions;
Descriptions of the business continuity and disaster recovery plans of each adviser and its affiliates;
Other Relevant Information
Information concerning the nature, cost and character of the administrative and other non-investment management services provided by Eaton Vance Management and its affiliates;
Information concerning management of the relationship with the custodian, subcustodians and fund accountants by each adviser or the funds' administrator; and
The terms of each advisory agreement.
19
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT CONT'D
In addition to the information identified above, the Contract Review Committee considered information provided from time to time by each adviser throughout the year at meetings of the Board and its committees. Over the course of the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2008, the Board met eleven times and the Contract Review Committee, the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee, each of which is a Committee comprised solely of Independent Trustees, met twelve, seven and five times, respectively. At such meetings, the Trustees received, among other things, presentations by the portfolio managers and other investment professionals of each adviser relating to the investment performance of each fund and the investment strategies used in pursuing the fund's investment objective. The Portfolio Management Committee and the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are newly established and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended April 30, 2008.
For funds that invest through one or more underlying portfolios, the Board considered similar information about the portfolio(s) when considering the approval of advisory agreements. In addition, in cases where the fund's investment adviser has engaged a sub-adviser, the Board considered similar information about the sub-adviser when considering the approval of any sub-advisory agreement.
The Contract Review Committee was assisted throughout the contract review process by Goodwin Procter LLP, legal counsel for the Independent Trustees. The members of the Contract Review Committee relied upon the advice of such counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating each advisory and sub-advisory agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor. The conclusions reached with respect to each advisory and sub-advisory agreement were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all the information provided and not any single factor. Moreover, each member of the Contract Review Committee may have placed varying emphasis on particular factors in reaching conclusions with respect to each advisory and sub-advisory agreement.
Results of the Process
Based on its consideration of the foregoing, and such other information as it deemed relevant, including the factors and conclusions described below, the Contract Review Committee concluded that the continuance of the investment advisory agreement between the Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (the "Fund"), and Eaton Vance Management (the "Adviser"), including its fee structure, is in the interests of shareholders and, therefore, the Contract Review Committee recommended to the Board approval of the agreement. The Board accepted the recommendation of the Contract Review Committee as well as the factors considered and conclusions reached by the Contract Review Committee with respect to the agreement. Accordingly, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
In considering whether to approve the investment advisory agreement of the Fund, the Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser.
The Board considered the Adviser's management capabilities and investment process with respect to the types of investments held by the Fund, including the education, experience and number of its investment professionals and other personnel who provide portfolio management, investment research, and similar services to the Fund. In particular, the Board evaluated the abilities and experience of such investment personnel in analyzing factors such as credit risk, tax efficiency, and special considerations relevant to investing in particular foreign markets or industries. The Board noted the Adviser's in-house equity research capabilities and experience in managing funds that seek to maximize after-tax returns. The Board also took into account the resources dedicated to portfolio management and other services, including the compensation paid to recruit and retain investment personnel, and the time and attention devoted to the Fund by senior management.
The Board also reviewed the compliance programs of the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof. Among other matters, the Board considered compliance and reporting matters relating to personal trading by investment personnel, selective disclosure of portfolio holdings, late trading, frequent trading, portfolio valuation, business continuity and the allocation of investment opportunities. The Board also evaluated the responses of the Adviser and its affiliates to requests from regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Board considered shareholder and other administrative services provided or managed by Eaton Vance Management and its affiliates, including transfer agency and accounting services. The Board evaluated the benefits to shareholders of investing in a fund that is a part of a large family of funds.
After consideration of the foregoing factors, among others, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser, taken as a whole, are appropriate and consistent with the terms of the investment advisory agreement.
20
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' ANNUAL APPROVAL OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT CONT'D
Fund Performance
The Board compared the Fund's investment performance to a relevant universe of similarly managed funds identified by an independent data provider and appropriate benchmark indices. The Board reviewed comparative performance data for the one- and three-year periods ended September 30, 2007 for the Fund. The Board concluded that the performance of the Fund was satisfactory.
Management Fees and Expenses
The Board reviewed contractual investment advisory fee rates, including any administrative fee rates, payable by the Fund (referred to as "management fees"). As part of its review, the Board considered the Fund's management fees and total expense ratio for the year ended September 30, 2007, as compared to a group of similarly managed funds selected by an independent data provider. The Board considered that the Adviser had waived fees and/or paid expenses for the Fund.
After reviewing the foregoing information, and in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board concluded that the management fees charged for advisory and related services and the Fund's total expense ratio are reasonable.
Profitability
The Board reviewed the level of profits realized by the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof in providing investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund and to all Eaton Vance Funds as a group. The Board considered the level of profits realized with and without regard to revenue sharing or other payments by the Adviser and its affiliates to third parties in respect of distribution services. The Board also considered other direct or indirect benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with its relationship with the Fund, including the benefits of research services that may be available to the Adviser as a result of securities transactions effected for the Fund and other advisory clients.
The Board concluded that, in light of the foregoing factors and the nature, extent and quality of the services rendered, the profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates are reasonable.
Economies of Scale
In reviewing management fees and profitability, the Board also considered the extent to which the Adviser and its affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fund, on the other hand, can expect to realize benefits from economies of scale as the assets of the Fund increase. The Board acknowledged the difficulty in accurately measuring the benefits resulting from the economies of scale with respect to the management of any specific fund or group of funds. The Board also considered the fact that the Fund is not continuously offered and concluded that, in light of the level of the adviser's profits with respect to the Fund, the implementation of breakpoints in the advisory fee schedule is not appropriate at this time. Based upon the foregoing, the Board concluded that the benefits from economies of scale are currently being shared equitably by the Adviser and its affiliates and the Fund.
21
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
Fund Management. The Trustees of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund (the Fund) are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Fund's affairs. The Trustees and officers of the Fund are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. Trustees and officers of the Fund hold indefinite terms of office. The "noninterested Trustees" consist of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Trustee and officer is 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. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with EVM listed below.
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Fund |
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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Thomas E. Faust Jr. 5/31/58 |
Class II Trustee and Vice President | Trustee until 2009. 1 year. Trustee since 2008 and Vice President since 2004. | Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC, Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVM and BMR, and Director of EVD. Trustee and/or Officer of 173 registered investment companies and 4 private companies managed by EVM or BMR. Mr. Faust is an interested person because of his positions with EVM, BMR, EVD, EVC and EV, which are affiliates of the Fund. | 173 | Director of EVC | ||||||||||||||||||
Noninterested Trustees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Benjamin C. Esty 1/2/63 |
Class I Trustee | Until 2011. 3 years. Trustee since 2005. | Roy and Elizabeth Simmons Professor of Business Administration, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. | 173 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Allen R. Freedman 4/3/40 |
Class I Trustee | Until 2011. 3 years. Trustee since 2008. | Former Chairman (2002-2004) and a Director (1983-2004) of Systems & Computer Technology Corp. (provider of software to higher education). Formerly, a Director of Loring Ward International (fund distributor) (2005-2007). Formerly, Chairman and a Director of Indus International Inc. (provider of enterprise management software to the power generating industry) (2005-2007). | 173 | Director of Assurant, Inc. and Stonemor Partners L.P. (owner and operator of cemeteries) | ||||||||||||||||||
William H. Park 9/19/47 |
Class II Trustee | Until 2009. 3 years. Trustee since 2004. | Vice Chairman, Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company) (since 2006). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (2002-2005). | 173 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Ronald A. Pearlman 7/10/40 |
Class III Trustee | Until 2010. 3 years. Trustee since 2004. | Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center. | 173 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Helen Frame Peters 3/22/48 |
Class III Trustee | Until 2010. 2 years. Trustee since 2008. | Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (since 2003). Adjunct Professor of Finance, Peking University, Beijing, China (since 2005). Formerly, Dean, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (2000-2003). | 173 | Director of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (a bank for banks) and BJ's Wholesale Clubs (wholesale club retailer); Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust (exchange traded funds) | ||||||||||||||||||
22
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION CONT'D
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Fund |
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 Trustees (continued) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Heidi L. Steiger 7/8/53 |
Class II Trustee | Until 2009. 2 years. Trustee since 2007. | Managing Partner, Topridge Associates LLC (global wealth management firm) (since 2008); Senior Advisor (since 2008), President (2005-2008), Lowenhaupt Global Advisors, LLC (global wealth management firm). Formerly, President and Contributing Editor, Worth Magazine (2004-2005). Formerly, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Private Asset Management (and various other positions), Neuberger Berman (investment firm) (1986-2004). | 173 | Director of Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. (nuclear insurance provider) and Aviva USA (insurance provider) | ||||||||||||||||||
Lynn A. Stout 9/14/57 |
Class I Trustee | Until 2011. 3 years. Trustee since 2004. | Paul Hastings Professor of Corporate and Securities Law (since 2006) and Professor of Law (2001-2006), University of California at Los Angeles School of Law. | 173 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Ralph F. Verni 1/26/43 |
Chairman of the Board and Class II Trustee | Trustee until 2010. 3 years. Trustee since 2005; Chairman of the Board since 2007. | Consultant and private investor. | 173 | None | ||||||||||||||||||
Principal Officers who are not Trustees | |||||||||||||||
Name and Date of Birth |
Position(s) with the Fund |
Term of Office and Length of Service |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
||||||||||||
Duncan W. Richardson 10/26/57 |
President | Since 2004 | Executive Vice President and Chief Equity Investment Officer of EVC, EVM and BMR. Officer of 81 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Aamer Khan 6/7/60 |
Vice President | Since 2005 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 33 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Martha G. Locke 6/21/52 |
Vice President | Since 2008 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 3 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Thomas H. Luster 4/8/62 |
Vice President | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 51 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Judith A. Saryan 8/21/54 |
Vice President | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 55 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Barbara E. Campbell 6/19/57 |
Treasurer | Since 2005 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 173 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Maureen A. Gemma 5/24/60 |
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 173 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
Paul M. O'Neil 7/11/53 |
Chief Compliance Office | Since 2004 | Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 173 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. | ||||||||||||
(1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.
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 March 12, 2008. 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.
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Investment Adviser and Administrator of Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged
Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
Eaton Vance Management
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
Plaza Level
New York, NY 10038
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116-5022
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
The Eaton Vance Building
255 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
2159-12/08 CE-TAGDOSRC
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, an independent trustee, as its audit committee financial expert. Mr. Park is a certified public accountant who is the Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp (specialty finance company). Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation (UAM) (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms).
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a) (d)
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the registrants fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2008 by the Funds 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 such period.
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
10/31/07 |
|
10/31/08 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
71,720 |
|
$ |
72,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Audit-Related Fees(1) |
|
$ |
3,785 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Tax Fees(2) |
|
$ |
9,957 |
|
$ |
10,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
All Other Fees(3) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Total |
|
$ |
85,462 |
|
$ |
82,999 |
|
(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. |
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|
|
(2) |
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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. |
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|
|
(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. |
For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2007 and October 31, 2008, the registrant was billed $35,000 and $40,000, respectively, by D&T the principal accountant for the registrant, for work done in connection with its Rule 17Ad-13 examination of Eaton Vance Managements assertion that it has maintained an effective internal control structure over sub-transfer agent and registrar functions, such services being pre-approved in accordance with Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X.
(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 year ended October 31, 2007 and the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008; 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.
Fiscal Years Ended |
|
10/31/07 |
|
10/31/08 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registrant |
|
$ |
13,742 |
|
$ |
10,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Eaton Vance(1) |
|
$ |
286,446 |
|
$ |
317,301 |
|
(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. William H. Park (Chair), Lynn A. Stout, Heidi L. Steiger 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. An independent proxy voting service (Agent), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., has been retained to assist in the voting of proxies through the provision of vote analysis, implementation and recordkeeping and disclosure services. The investment adviser will generally vote proxies through the Agent. The Agent is required to vote all proxies and/or refer then back to the investment adviser pursuant to the Policies. It is generally the policy of the investment adviser to vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Agent. The Agent shall refer to the investment adviser proxies relating to mergers and restructurings, and the disposition of assets, termination, liquidation and mergers contained in mutual fund proxies. The investment adviser will normally vote against anti-takeover measures and other proposals designed to limit the ability of shareholders to act on possible transactions, except in the case of closed-end management investment companies. The investment adviser generally supports management on social and environmental proposals. 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 or the economic effect on shareholders interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.
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 the personal of the investment adviser identified in the Policies. If such personnel expects to instruct the Agent to vote such proxies in a manner inconsistent with the guidelines of the Policies or the recommendation of the Agent, the personnel will consult with members of senior management of the investment adviser to determine if a material conflict of interests exists. If it is determined that a material 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. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Aamer Khan, Martha G. Locke, Thomas H. Luster, Judith A. Saryan and other Eaton Vance Management (EVM) investment professionals comprise the investment team responsible for the overall management of the Funds investments as well as allocations of the Funds assets between common and preferred stocks. Messrs. Khan and Luster, and Mmes. Locke and Saryan are the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of specific segments of the Funds investment portfolio.
Mr. Khan has been with Eaton Vance since 2000 and is a Vice President of EVM and Boston Management and Research, an Eaton Vance subsidiary (BMR). Ms. Locke has been with Eaton Vance since 1997 and is a Vice President of EVM and BMR. Mr. Luster has been with Eaton Vance since 1995 and is a Vice President of EVM and BMR. He is co-head of Eaton Vances Investment Grade Fixed Income Group. Ms. Saryan has been an Eaton Vance portfolio manager since 1999 and is a Vice President of EVM and BMR. This information is provided as of the date of filing of this report.
The following tables show, as of the Funds most recent fiscal year end, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category. The table also shows the number of accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, if any, and the total assets in those accounts.
|
|
Number |
|
Total Assets of |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets of |
|
||
Aamer Khan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registered Investment Companies |
|
5 |
|
$ |
3,972.3 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Accounts |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Martha G. Locke |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registered Investment Companies |
|
5 |
|
$ |
2,477.1 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Accounts |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Thomas H. Luster |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registered Investment Companies |
|
5 |
|
$ |
3,750.2 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Accounts |
|
5 |
|
$ |
218.9 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Judith A. Saryan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Registered Investment Companies |
|
7 |
|
$ |
5,449.4 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Other Accounts |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
*In millions of dollars. For registered investment companies, assets represent net assets of all open-end investment companies and gross assets of all closed-end investment companies.
The following table shows the dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of the Funds most recent fiscal year end.
Portfolio Manager |
|
Dollar Range of |
|
Aamer Khan |
|
None |
|
Martha G. Locke |
|
None |
|
Thomas H. Luster |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Judith A. Saryan |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
Potential for Conflicts of Interest. It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio managers management of the Funds investments on the one hand and investments of other accounts for which a portfolio manager is responsible on the other. For example, a portfolio manager may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the Fund and other accounts he or she advises. In addition, due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the Fund and the other accounts, a portfolio manager may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Fund. In some cases, another account managed by a portfolio manager may compensate the investment adviser or sub-adviser based on the performance of the securities held by that account. The existence of such a performance based fee may create additional conflicts of interest for a portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, a portfolio manager will endeavor to exercise his or her discretion in a manner that he or she believes is equitable to all interested persons. EVM has adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including: a code of ethics; and policies which govern the investment advisers trading practices, including among other things the aggregation and allocation of trades among clients, brokerage allocation, cross trades and best execution.
Compensation Structure for EVM
Compensation of EVMs portfolio managers and other investment professionals has three primary components: (1) a base salary, (2) an annual cash bonus, and (3) annual stock-based compensation consisting of options to purchase shares of EVCs nonvoting common stock and/or restricted shares of EVCs nonvoting common stock. EVMs investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to EVMs employees. Compensation of EVMs investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year end of EVC.
Method to Determine Compensation. EVM compensates its portfolio managers based primarily on the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities and the total return performance of managed funds and accounts versus appropriate peer groups or benchmarks. Performance is normally based on periods ending on the September 30th preceding fiscal year end. Fund performance is normally evaluated primarily versus peer groups of funds as determined by Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a funds peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by EVMs management not to provide a fair comparison, performance may instead be evaluated primarily against a custom peer group. In evaluating the performance of a fund and its manager, primary emphasis is normally placed on three-year performance, with secondary consideration of performance over longer and shorter periods. For funds that are tax-managed or otherwise have an objective of after-tax returns, performance is measured net of taxes. For other funds, performance is evaluated on a pre-tax basis. In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to risk-adjusted performance. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the funds success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance.
The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as heading an investment group or providing analytical support to other portfolios) will include consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the managers performance in meeting them.
EVM seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance, and competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. EVM participates in investment-industry compensation
surveys and utilizes survey data as a factor in determining salary, bonus and stock-based compensation levels for portfolio managers and other investment professionals. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation are also influenced by the operating performance of EVM and its parent company. The overall annual cash bonus pool is based on a substantially fixed percentage of pre-bonus operating income. While the salaries of EVMs portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
No such purchases this period.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
No Material Changes.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
(a) It is the conclusion of the 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 12. Exhibits
(a)(1) |
|
Registrants Code of Ethics Not applicable (please see Item 2). |
(a)(2)(i) |
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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 Tax-Advantaged Global Dividend Opportunities Fund
By: |
/s/ Duncan W. Richardson |
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Duncan W. Richardson |
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President |
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Date: |
December 15, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: |
/s/ Barbara E. Campbell |
|
|
Barbara E. Campbell |
|
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Treasurer |
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Date: |
December 15, 2008 |
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By: |
/s/ Duncan W. Richardson |
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Duncan W. Richardson |
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President |
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Date: |
December 15, 2008 |