Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act File Number: 811-21820
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
(Exact Name of registrant as Specified in Charter)
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Maureen A. Gemma
Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Services)
(617) 482-8260
(registrant’s Telephone Number)
April 30
Date of Fiscal Year End
April 30, 2009
Date of Reporting Period
 
 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders
Item 2. Code of Ethics
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a) —(d)
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants
Item 6. Schedule of Investments
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
Item 12. Exhibits
Signatures
EX-99.CERT Section 302 Certifications
EX-99.906CERT Section 906 Certification


Table of Contents

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders

 


Table of Contents

(GRAPHIC)

 


Table of Contents

 
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.


Table of Contents

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of April 30, 2009
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
Economic and Market Conditions
  Credit markets experienced unprecedented volatility during the year ending April 30, 2009. The subprime crisis of 2007 expanded in 2008 to include nearly all credit instruments, which, in turn, caused the world economy to slip into recession. September 2008 brought a series of events that rattled the financial markets: the government bailouts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the rescue of American International Group, and a litany of unprecedented steps by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve to stabilize the credit markets. The 12-month period was a rollercoaster for the credit sectors of the bond market, with poor performance in the first eight months offset by a recovery in the final four months. U.S. Treasuries generally benefited from the flight to quality, turning in positive returns. For the year ending April 30, 2009, the total returns for the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index, the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index and the Barclays Capital U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index were -13.43%, -14.69% and 6.65%, respectively.
 
  In the high-yield and bank loan markets, there was little doubt that a recession would bring higher default rates, but it was difficult to reconcile trading levels with market fundamentals during November and December of 2008. A range of data and criteria used to monitor creditworthiness suggested that overall credit quality appeared to be in line with previous downturns. High-yield bonds and bank loans traded far below levels consistent with default and recovery expectations, reflecting a full-scale breakdown in the credit markets.

(PHOTO OF SCOTT H. PAGE)
Scott H. Page, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager

(PHOTO OF PAYSON F. SWAFFIELD)
Payson F. Swaffield, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager

(PHOTO OF MICHAEL W. WEILHEIMER)
Michael W. Weilheimer, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager

(PHOTO OF ANDREW N. SVEEN)
Andrew N. Sveen, CFA
Co-Portfolio Manager


  During the final four months of the period, the market for bank loans staged a significant turnaround, and cash was put to work in a sector with no active sellers and a new issue market that remained largely closed. As a result, loan prices jumped. Other positive developments included spread tightening and robust debt issuance in the investment-grade debt market and improvements in short-term financing and other liquidity measures as government stimulus programs began to take hold. The high-yield market also benefited from the narrowing of spreads and a more optimistic outlook. Within the high-yield universe, higher-credit-quality bonds outperformed lower-credit-quality bonds, and shorter-maturity issues outperformed those with longer maturities.
Management Discussion
  The Fund is a closed-end fund and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EOE.” The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation.
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
Total Return Performance 4/30/08 – 4/30/09
                 
NYSE Symbol           EOE
 
At Net Asset Value (NAV) 1
            -51.30 %
At Share Price 1
            -55.62  
S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index 2
            -13.43  
 
               
Premium/(Discount) to NAV (4/30/09)
            -12.85 %
Total Distributions per common share
          $ 1.33  
Distribution Rate 3
  At NAV     13.66 %
 
  At Share Price     15.67 %
Please refer to page 3 for additional performance information.
 
1   Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.
 
2   It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. The Index’s total return reflects changes in value of the loans constituting the Index and accrual of interest and does not reflect the commissions or expenses that would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the loans represented in the Index. Unlike the Fund, the Index’s return does not reflect the effect of leverage.
 
3   The Distribution Rate is based on the Fund’s most recent monthly distribution per share (annualized) divided by the Fund’s NAV or share price at the end of the period. The Fund’s monthly distributions may be comprised of ordinary income, net realized capital gains and return of capital.

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

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

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Table of Contents

Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of April 30, 2009
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE
  The Fund’s loan investments are very well diversified, with 107 borrowers and no single investment representing more than 2.1% of the total investments. The Fund is also broadly diversified by industry, as none constituted more than 7.2% of total investments as of April 30, 2009. A diversified approach should help the Fund mitigate risk in an increasing default environment. Management can shift allocations among loans and bonds. The Fund remained more heavily weighted toward first and second lien secured loans, which, in management’s view, may fare better in an increasing default environment.
 
  As a result of the previously discussed market dislocation, the market value of the Fund’s investments continued to decline significantly during the year ending April 30, 2009, resulting in poor total returns of -55.62% at share price and -51.30% at NAV. The Fund’s total return at NAV trailed the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the Index) 1 as a result of leverage on the Fund, which accentuated the negative returns during the extreme part of the credit crunch that took place in the latter part of 2008. In addition, the Fund held a higher concentration of second lien bank loans compared to the Index, which detracted from relative performance. During the year, however, the Fund continued to provide a high level of current income.
 
  The performance of the Fund’s high-yield bond investments was hurt by a lower allocation in BB-rated bonds relative to the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index, as BB-rated issues outperformed in the difficult market environment. Additionally, the Fund lost ground as a result of not owning GMAC bonds when the government made GMAC a bank holding company instead of letting it go bankrupt. During the high-yield market’s recovery in 2009, however, the Fund’s emphasis on B-rated bonds benefited performance. These companies made it through the tumultuous environment virtually intact with credit profiles that did not deteriorate to the extent initially expected. The Fund also invested in higher-quality, investment-grade securities as well as in companies that have been able to access the capital markets and issue new securities in the new issue market. Technology, utilities and cable/satellite were among the Fund’s top-performing high-yield bond sectors, all of which outperformed due to strong security selection compared to the Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index. Underweight positions in the paper, banking and automotive sectors detracted from performance within the high-yield portion of the Fund.
 
  As of April 30, 2009, the Fund had outstanding leverage of approximately 37.7% of its total assets. The Fund’s leverage consists of Auction Preferred Shares (APS) issued by the Fund. 2 Use of leverage creates an opportunity for income, but at the same time creates special risks (including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares).
 
  On May 22, 2009, after the end of the reporting period, the Fund redeemed a portion of its APS, representing 763 shares and $19,075,000 in liquidation preferences, to reduce the amount of the Fund’s leverage.
 
1   It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. The Index’s total return reflects changes in value of the loans constituting the Index and accrual of interest and does not reflect the commissions or expenses that would have been incurred if an investor individually purchased or sold the loans represented in the Index. Unlike the Fund, the Index’s return does not reflect the effect of leverage.
 
2   In the event of a rise in long-term interest rates, the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio could decline, which would reduce the asset coverage for its Auction Preferred Shares. APS percentage represents the liquidation value of the Fund’s APS outstanding at 4/30/09 as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets applicable to common shares plus APS.

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

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of April 30, 2009
FUND PERFORMANCE
Fund Performance 1
         
New York Stock Exchange Symbol (NYSE)   EOE
 
Average Annual Total Returns (by share price, NYSE)
       
One Year
    -55.62 %
Life of Fund (5/31/06)
    -26.68  
 
       
Average Annual Total Returns (at net asset value)
       
One Year
    -51.30 %
Life of Fund (5/31/06)
    -23.14  
 
1   Performance results reflect the effects of leverage.
Portfolio Composition
Top Ten Holdings 2
By total investments
         
RadNet Management, Inc.
    2.0 %
TriMas Corp.
    1.9  
Infor Enterprise Solutions Holdings
    1.8  
Murray Energy Corp.
    1.4  
MultiPlan, Inc. (corporate bond)
    1.4  
INEOS Group
    1.4  
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (corporate bond)
    1.3  
Niagara Corp.
    1.2  
American Media Operations, Inc.
    1.2  
Panolam Industries Holdings, Inc.
    1.2  
 
2   Reflects the Fund’s investments as of 4/30/09. Holdings are shown as a percentage of the Fund’s total investments.
Top Five Industries 3
By total investments
         
Healthcare
    7.2 %
Publishing
    7.1  
Business Equipment and Services
    4.1  
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies
    3.7  
Industrial Equipment
    3.6  
 
3   Reflects the Fund’s investments as of 4/30/09. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund’s total investments.
Credit Quality Ratings for
Total Loan Investments
4
By total loan investments
         
Ba
    7.3 %
B
    26.1  
Caa
    31.4  
Defaulted
    15.4  
Non-Rated 5
    19.8  
 
4   Credit Quality ratings are those provided by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc., a nationally recognized bond rating service. Reflects the Fund’s total loan investments as of 4/30/09. Although the investment adviser considers ratings when making investment decisions, it performs its own credit and investment analysis and does not rely primarily on the ratings assigned by the rating services. Credit quality can change from time to time, and recently issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular security or the issuer’s current financial condition.
 
5   Certain loans in which the Fund invests are not rated by a rating agency. In management’s opinion, such securities are comparable to securities rated by a rating agency in the categories listed above.

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

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
 
                     
Senior Floating-Rate Interests — 87.8% (1)
 
Principal
               
Amount*     Borrower/Tranche Description   Value      
 
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 1.0%
 
Avio Holding Spa
EUR 700,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.22%, Maturing June 13, 2015   $ 347,314      
DAE Aviation Holdings, Inc.
  100,532     Term Loan, 4.39%, Maturing July 31, 2014     59,314      
  98,853     Term Loan, 4.79%, Maturing July 31, 2014     58,323      
 
 
            $ 464,951      
 
 
 
 
Air Transport — 0.3%
 
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
  270,188     Term Loan - Second Lien, 3.74%, Maturing April 30, 2014   $ 139,709      
 
 
            $ 139,709      
 
 
 
 
Automotive — 4.6%
 
Dayco Products, LLC
  988,178     Term Loan - Second Lien, 0.00%, Maturing December 31, 2011 (2)   $ 22,851      
Delphi Corp.
  907,572     DIP Loan, 0.00%, Maturing June 30, 2009 (2)     154,287      
  92,430     DIP Loan, 10.50%, Maturing June 30, 2009     15,713      
Federal-Mogul Corp.
  306,892     Term Loan, 2.43%, Maturing December 27, 2014     175,440      
  237,594     Term Loan, 2.39%, Maturing December 27, 2015     135,825      
HLI Operating Co., Inc.
EUR 21,818     Term Loan, 9.50%, Maturing May 30, 2014     11,403      
EUR 370,618     Term Loan, 9.50%, Maturing May 30, 2014     193,694      
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc.
  189,695     Term Loan, 4.33%, Maturing January 12, 2012     79,198      
TriMas Corp.
  281,250     Term Loan, 2.75%, Maturing August 2, 2011     241,172      
  1,188,281     Term Loan, 3.09%, Maturing August 2, 2013     1,018,951      
 
 
            $ 2,048,534      
 
 
 
 
Beverage and Tobacco — 1.4%
 
Culligan International Co.
EUR 1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.25%, Maturing May 31, 2013   $ 256,351      
Liberator Midco Ltd.
GBP 377,481     Term Loan, 8.85%, Maturing October 27, 2016 (3)     370,422      
 
 
            $ 626,773      
 
 
 
Building and Development — 4.2%
 
Hovstone Holdings, LLC
  441,176     Term Loan, 5.50%, Maturing July 1, 2009 (4)   $ 177,485      
LNR Property Corp.
  880,000     Term Loan, 4.00%, Maturing July 3, 2011     469,920      
Metroflag BP, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 0.00%, Maturing July 2, 2009 (2)     75,000      
Panolam Industries Holdings, Inc.
  1,350,698     Term Loan, 5.00%, Maturing September 30, 2012     776,651      
Re/Max International, Inc.
  456,309     Term Loan, 8.61%, Maturing December 17, 2012     321,698      
Shea Capital I, LLC
  4,299     Term Loan, 4.50%, Maturing October 27, 2011     2,902      
United Subcontractors, Inc.
  1,016,033     Term Loan - Second Lien, 11.69%, Maturing June 27, 2013 (3)(4)     67,058      
 
 
            $ 1,890,714      
 
 
 
 
Business Equipment and Services — 5.2%
 
Mitchell International, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.50%, Maturing March 28, 2015   $ 602,500      
N.E.W. Holdings I, LLC
  944,361     Term Loan, 3.47%, Maturing May 22, 2014     658,692      
Sabre, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 3.07%, Maturing September 30, 2014     556,750      
Sitel (Client Logic)
  227,665     Term Loan, 6.42%, Maturing January 29, 2014     142,291      
TDS Investor Corp.
  89,222     Term Loan, 3.47%, Maturing August 23, 2013     60,200      
  444,663     Term Loan, 3.47%, Maturing August 23, 2013     300,024      
 
 
            $ 2,320,457      
 
 
 
 
Cable and Satellite Television — 0.4%
 
ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG
EUR 336,798     Term Loan, 4.59%, Maturing March 2, 2015   $ 72,413      
EUR 336,798     Term Loan, 4.84%, Maturing March 2, 2016     72,413      
EUR 477,734     Term Loan, 9.21%, Maturing March 2, 2017 (3)     24,606      
EUR 452,132     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.96%, Maturing September 2, 2016     27,518      
 
 
            $ 196,950      
 
 
 
 
Chemicals and Plastics — 2.7%
 
AZ Chem US, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.93%, Maturing February 28, 2014   $ 275,000      

 
See notes to financial statements

4


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount*     Borrower/Tranche Description   Value      
 
 
Chemicals and Plastics (continued)
 
                     
Foamex, L.P.
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 0.00%, Maturing February 12, 2014 (2)   $ 28,125      
INEOS Group
EUR 74,341     Term Loan, 6.21%, Maturing December 14, 2011     53,688      
EUR 420,557     Term Loan, 6.21%, Maturing December 14, 2011     303,723      
EUR 74,341     Term Loan, 6.71%, Maturing December 14, 2011     53,688      
EUR 420,557     Term Loan, 6.71%, Maturing December 14, 2011     303,723      
EUR 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.71%, Maturing December 14, 2012     194,330      
 
 
            $ 1,212,277      
 
 
 
 
Conglomerates — 1.6%
 
Doncasters (Dunde HoldCo 4 Ltd.)
GBP 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.48%, Maturing November 15, 2016   $ 323,608      
RGIS Holdings, LLC
  316,071     Term Loan, 3.45%, Maturing April 30, 2014     236,527      
  15,804     Term Loan, 3.72%, Maturing April 30, 2014     11,826      
Vertrue, Inc.
  193,465     Term Loan, 4.22%, Maturing August 16, 2014     144,131      
 
 
            $ 716,092      
 
 
 
 
Containers and Glass Products — 1.1%
 
Consolidated Container Co.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.93%, Maturing September 28, 2014   $ 415,000      
Tegrant Holding Corp.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.72%, Maturing March 8, 2015     80,000      
 
 
            $ 495,000      
 
 
 
 
Cosmetics/Toiletries — 1.8%
 
American Safety Razor Co.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.68%, Maturing July 31, 2014   $ 672,500      
KIK Custom Products, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.44%, Maturing November 30, 2014     114,166      
 
 
            $ 786,666      
 
 
 
Drugs — 1.3%
 
Graceway Pharmaceuticals, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 6.93%, Maturing May 3, 2013   $ 321,667      
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 8.68%, Maturing November 3, 2013     250,000      
 
 
            $ 571,667      
 
 
 
 
Ecological Services and Equipment — 2.5%
 
Cory Environmental Holdings
GBP 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.06%, Maturing September 30, 2014   $ 462,296      
Kemble Water Structure, Ltd.
GBP 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.63%, Maturing October 13, 2013     484,487      
Synagro Technologies, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.21%, Maturing October 2, 2014     187,500      
 
 
            $ 1,134,283      
 
 
 
 
Electronics/Electrical — 3.3%
 
Aspect Software, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 8.31%, Maturing July 11, 2013   $ 260,000      
Infor Enterprise Solutions Holdings
  264,784     Term Loan, 3.18%, Maturing July 28, 2012     180,053      
  336,812     Term Loan, 4.18%, Maturing July 28, 2012     242,505      
  645,556     Term Loan, 4.18%, Maturing July 28, 2012     464,800      
  366,667     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.68%, Maturing March 2, 2014     120,083      
  633,333     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.68%, Maturing March 2, 2014     218,500      
 
 
            $ 1,485,941      
 
 
 
 
Farming/Agriculture — 3.2%
 
BF Bolthouse HoldCo, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.93%, Maturing December 16, 2013   $ 715,000      
Central Garden & Pet Co.
  911,512     Term Loan, 1.94%, Maturing February 28, 2014     721,234      
 
 
            $ 1,436,234      
 
 
 
 
Financial Intermediaries — 2.4%
 
Citco III, Ltd.
  476,137     Term Loan, 3.58%, Maturing June 30, 2014   $ 264,256      
E.A. Viner International Co.
  452,440     Term Loan, 5.72%, Maturing July 31, 2013     282,775      

 
See notes to financial statements

5


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount*     Borrower/Tranche Description   Value      
 
 
Financial Intermediaries (continued)
 
                     
RJO Holdings Corp. (RJ O’Brien)
  1,427,322     Term Loan, 3.47%, Maturing July 31, 2014   $ 535,246      
 
 
            $ 1,082,277      
 
 
 
 
Food Products — 1.0%
 
Provimi Group SA
EUR 24,182     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.22%, Maturing June 28, 2015   $ 11,198      
  282,126     Term Loan - Second Lien, 4.63%, Maturing December 28, 2016 (5)     98,744      
EUR 697,446     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.22%, Maturing December 28, 2016 (5)     322,977      
 
 
            $ 432,919      
 
 
 
 
Food Service — 2.7%
 
OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC
  71,087     Term Loan, 4.50%, Maturing May 9, 2013   $ 50,383      
  840,054     Term Loan, 2.75%, Maturing May 9, 2014     595,388      
QCE Finance, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.98%, Maturing November 5, 2013     340,000      
Selecta
EUR 741,246     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.04%, Maturing December 28, 2015     232,926      
 
 
            $ 1,218,697      
 
 
 
 
Food/Drug Retailers — 0.5%
 
General Nutrition Centers, Inc.
  243,933     Term Loan, 3.15%, Maturing September 16, 2013   $ 206,733      
 
 
            $ 206,733      
 
 
 
 
Healthcare — 8.1%
 
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.
  248,125     Term Loan, 7.50%, Maturing May 15, 2015   $ 211,733      
Concentra, Inc.
  1,019,275     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.47%, Maturing June 25, 2015 (3)     509,638      
Dako EQT Project Delphi
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 4.96%, Maturing December 12, 2016     281,250      
Fenwal, Inc.
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.51%, Maturing August 28, 2014     431,250      
Physiotherapy Associates, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 12.00%, Maturing June 27, 2014     125,000      
RadNet Management, Inc.
  2,000,000     Term Loan, 10.27%, Maturing November 15, 2013     1,350,000      
Viant Holdings, Inc.
  963,922     Term Loan, 3.47%, Maturing June 25, 2014     727,761      
 
 
            $ 3,636,632      
 
 
 
 
Home Furnishings — 2.2%
 
Hunter Fan Co.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.20%, Maturing
April 16, 2014
  $ 91,250      
National Bedding Co., LLC
  1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.46%, Maturing August 31, 2012     534,000      
Oreck Corp.
  973,388     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing February 2, 2012 (2)(4)     316,351      
Simmons Co.
  1,047,019     Term Loan, 8.22%, Maturing February 15, 2012 (3)     23,733      
 
 
            $ 965,334      
 
 
 
 
Industrial Equipment — 5.1%
 
CEVA Group PLC U.S.
  879,079     Term Loan, 3.44%, Maturing January 4, 2014   $ 446,133      
  105,263     Term Loan, 4.22%, Maturing January 4, 2014     53,421      
EPD Holdings (Goodyear Engineering Products)
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.22%, Maturing
July 13, 2015
    178,750      
Generac Acquisition Corp.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.50%, Maturing
April 7, 2014
    298,750      
John Maneely Co.
  848,783     Term Loan, 4.11%, Maturing December 8, 2013     616,429      
Sequa Corp.
  397,522     Term Loan, 3.74%, Maturing November 30, 2014     252,426      
TFS Acquisition Corp.
  975,000     Term Loan, 4.72%, Maturing August 11, 2013     450,937      
 
 
            $ 2,296,846      
 
 
 
 
Insurance — 0.3%
 
AmWINS Group, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.79%, Maturing
June 8, 2014
  $ 127,500      
 
 
            $ 127,500      
 
 
 

 
See notes to financial statements

6


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount*     Borrower/Tranche Description   Value      
 
 
 
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies — 5.2%
 
AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.54%, Maturing December 8, 2013   $ 150,000      
Bombardier Recreational Products
  911,392     Term Loan, 3.95%, Maturing June 28, 2013     464,810      
Butterfly Wendel US, Inc.
  239,830     Term Loan, 3.24%, Maturing June 22, 2013     146,596      
  239,908     Term Loan, 2.74%, Maturing June 22, 2014     146,644      
Deluxe Entertainment Services
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.22%, Maturing November 11, 2013     250,000      
Revolution Studios Distribution Co., LLC
  367,807     Term Loan, 4.18%, Maturing December 21, 2014     299,763      
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.43%, Maturing
June 21, 2015
    300,000      
Southwest Sports Group, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 5.75%, Maturing December 22, 2010     582,500      
 
 
            $ 2,340,313      
 
 
 
 
Lodging and Casinos — 0.5%
 
Herbst Gaming, Inc.
  987,437     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing December 2, 2011 (2)   $ 218,882      
 
 
            $ 218,882      
 
 
 
 
Nonferrous Metals/Minerals — 2.2%
 
Euramax International, Inc.
  1,005,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 0.00%, Maturing
June 28, 2013 (2)
  $ 45,225      
Murray Energy Corp.
  1,133,584     Term Loan - Third Lien, 12.94%, Maturing
August 9, 2011
    940,875      
 
 
            $ 986,100      
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas — 1.3%
 
Dresser, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.99%, Maturing
May 4, 2015
  $ 557,500      
 
 
            $ 557,500      
 
 
 
 
Publishing — 9.1%
 
American Media Operations, Inc.
  1,457,903     Term Loan, 10.00%, Maturing January 31, 2013   $ 806,403      
GateHouse Media Operating, Inc.
  728,261     Term Loan, 2.44%, Maturing August 28, 2014     184,146      
  271,739     Term Loan, 2.47%, Maturing August 28, 2014     68,711      
Hanley-Wood, LLC
  985,712     Term Loan, 2.71%, Maturing March 8, 2014     315,736      
Idearc, Inc.
  965,847     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing November 17, 2014 (2)     380,034      
Laureate Education, Inc.
  50,859     Term Loan, 4.34%, Maturing August 17, 2014     37,737      
  339,842     Term Loan, 4.34%, Maturing August 17, 2014     252,163      
Local Insight Regatta Holdings, Inc.
  480,877     Term Loan, 7.75%, Maturing April 23, 2015     225,411      
Mediannuaire Holding
EUR 500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.91%, Maturing
April 10, 2016
    146,368      
Merrill Communications, LLC
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.76%, Maturing November 15, 2013     275,000      
Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC
  944,102     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing June 29, 2013 (2)     232,879      
Source Interlink Companies, Inc.
  496,222     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing August 1, 2014 (2)     198,488      
Star Tribune Co. (The)
  246,875     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing March 5, 2014 (2)     33,740      
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 0.00%, Maturing
March 5, 2014 (2)
    16,969      
Tribune Co.
  769,750     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing August 17, 2009 (2)     224,767      
  1,036,888     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing May 17, 2014 (2)     267,431      
Xsys, Inc.
EUR 1,500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 7.29%, Maturing September 27, 2015     396,930      
 
 
            $ 4,062,913      
 
 
 
 
Radio and Television — 1.9%
 
CMP Susquehanna Corp.
  1,000,000     Term Loan, 2.73%, Maturing May 5, 2011 (5)   $ 340,000      
NEP II, Inc.
  146,998     Term Loan, 2.69%, Maturing February 16, 2014     125,683      
Young Broadcasting, Inc.
  987,212     Term Loan, 4.75%, Maturing November 3, 2012     387,481      
 
 
            $ 853,164      
 
 
 
 
Retailers (Except Food and Drug) — 1.2%
 
Educate, Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.47%, Maturing
June 14, 2014
  $ 287,500      
Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.
  265,950     Term Loan, 3.97%, Maturing July 25, 2014     97,958      

 
See notes to financial statements

7


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount*     Borrower/Tranche Description   Value      
 
 
Retailers (Except Food and Drug) (continued)
 
                     
Oriental Trading Co., Inc.
  750,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.43%, Maturing January 31, 2013   $ 162,188      
 
 
            $ 547,646      
 
 
 
 
Steel — 1.9%
 
Niagara Corp.
  1,476,212     Term Loan, 5.60%, Maturing June 29, 2014   $ 830,369      
 
 
            $ 830,369      
 
 
 
 
Surface Transport — 1.5%
 
Gainey Corp.
  1,400,663     Term Loan, 0.00%, Maturing April 20, 2012 (2)   $ 159,676      
Swift Transportation Co., Inc.
  500,000     Term Loan, 3.45%, Maturing May 10, 2012     280,000      
  389,837     Term Loan, 3.81%, Maturing May 10, 2014     239,506      
 
 
            $ 679,182      
 
 
 
 
Telecommunications — 3.5%
 
BCM Luxembourg, Ltd.
EUR 1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.22%, Maturing March 31, 2016   $ 536,957      
IPC Systems, Inc.
  1,000,000     Term Loan - Second Lien, 6.50%, Maturing
May 31, 2015
    196,667      
Palm, Inc.
  985,000     Term Loan, 3.94%, Maturing April 24, 2014     627,938      
Trilogy International Partners
  500,000     Term Loan, 4.72%, Maturing June 29, 2012     212,500      
 
 
            $ 1,574,062      
 
 
 
 
Utilities — 2.6%
 
AEI Finance Holding, LLC
  116,022     Term Loan, 3.44%, Maturing March 30, 2012   $ 75,415      
  817,768     Term Loan, 4.22%, Maturing March 30, 2014     531,549      
Electricinvest Holding Co.
GBP 300,000     Term Loan, 5.40%, Maturing December 21, 2012     291,136      
EUR 297,885     Term Loan - Second Lien, 5.50%, Maturing December 21, 2012     258,813      
 
 
            $ 1,156,913      
 
 
     
Total Senior Floating-Rate Interests
   
(identified cost $91,770,986)
  $ 39,300,230      
 
 
                     
                     
Corporate Bonds & Notes — 23.0%
 
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
 
Aerospace and Defense — 0.1%
 
Alion Science and Technologies Corp.
$ 60     10.25%, 2/1/15   $ 15,000      
Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition
  65     9.75%, 4/1/17     16,250      
Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes
  45     8.00%, 7/15/11     18,563      
 
 
            $ 49,813      
 
 
 
 
Automotive — 0.1%
 
Allison Transmission, Inc.
$ 70     11.00%, 11/1/15 (6)   $ 42,350      
Tenneco, Inc., Sr. Notes
  30     8.125%, 11/15/15     12,150      
 
 
            $ 54,500      
 
 
 
 
Broadcast Radio and Television — 0.3%
 
Warner Music Group, Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 60     7.375%, 4/15/14   $ 45,000      
XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc., Sr. Notes
  125     13.00%, 8/1/13     81,875      
 
 
            $ 126,875      
 
 
 
 
Brokers, Dealers and Investment Houses — 0.1%
 
Nuveen Investments, Inc., Sr. Notes
$ 80     10.50%, 11/15/15 (6)   $ 40,800      
 
 
            $ 40,800      
 
 
 
 
Building and Development — 0.2%
 
Interline Brands, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 40     8.125%, 6/15/14   $ 38,400      
Panolam Industries International, Sr. Sub. Notes
  175     10.75%, 10/1/13 (2)     9,625      
Texas Industries Inc., Sr. Notes
  75     7.25%, 7/15/13 (6)     61,313      
 
 
            $ 109,338      
 
 
 
 
Business Equipment and Services — 1.0%
 
Affinion Group, Inc.
$ 35     11.50%, 10/15/15   $ 25,375      

 
See notes to financial statements

8


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
Business Equipment and Services (continued)
 
                     
MediMedia USA, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 100     11.375%, 11/15/14 (6)   $ 65,500      
Rental Service Corp.
  140     9.50%, 12/1/14     90,650      
Ticketmaster, Sr. Notes
  110     10.75%, 7/28/16 (6)     75,625      
Travelport, LLC
  25     9.875%, 9/1/14     12,375      
West Corp.
  190     9.50%, 10/15/14     165,775      
 
 
            $ 435,300      
 
 
 
 
Cable and Satellite Television — 0.3%
 
Cablevision Systems Corp., Sr. Notes, Series B
$ 30     8.00%, 4/15/12   $ 30,000      
MCC Iowa LLC, Sr. Notes
  75     8.50%, 10/15/15     70,875      
National Cable PLC
  20     8.75%, 4/15/14     19,900      
 
 
            $ 120,775      
 
 
 
 
Chemicals and Plastics — 0.1%
 
INEOS Group Holdings PLC, Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 155     8.50%, 2/15/16 (6)   $ 24,025      
Reichhold Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes
  225     9.00%, 8/15/14 (6)     41,625      
 
 
            $ 65,650      
 
 
 
 
Clothing/Textiles — 1.3%
 
Oxford Industries, Inc., Sr. Notes
$ 635     8.875%, 6/1/11   $ 530,225      
Perry Ellis International, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
  105     8.875%, 9/15/13     71,925      
 
 
            $ 602,150      
 
 
 
 
Conglomerates — 0.2%
 
RBS Global & Rexnord Corp.
$ 70     11.75%, 8/1/16   $ 42,350      
  75     8.875%, 9/1/16     53,625      
 
 
            $ 95,975      
 
 
 
Containers and Glass Products — 0.4%
 
Intertape Polymer US, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 20     8.50%, 8/1/14   $ 8,200      
Pliant Corp.
  243     11.625%, 6/15/09 (2)(3)     87,278      
Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc., Sr. Notes
  190     8.00%, 3/15/17 (2)     41,800      
Solo Cup Co.
  15     8.50%, 2/15/14     12,675      
Stone Container Corp., Sr. Notes
  30     8.375%, 7/1/12 (2)     6,450      
 
 
            $ 156,403      
 
 
 
 
Ecological Services and Equipment — 0.0%
 
Waste Services, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 25     9.50%, 4/15/14   $ 21,875      
 
 
            $ 21,875      
 
 
 
 
Electronics/ Electrical — 0.2%
 
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sr. Notes
$ 135     7.75%, 11/1/12   $ 77,625      
 
 
            $ 77,625      
 
 
 
 
Equipment Leasing — 0.4%
 
Hertz Corp.
$ 130     8.875%, 1/1/14   $ 101,400      
  80     10.50%, 1/1/16     57,200      
 
 
            $ 158,600      
 
 
 
 
Financial Intermediaries — 0.2%
 
General Motors Acceptance Corp., Variable Rate
$ 75     2.488%, 5/15/09   $ 74,156      
 
 
            $ 74,156      
 
 
 
 
Food Products — 0.0%
 
ASG Consolidated, LLC/ASG Finance, Inc., Sr. Disc. Notes
$ 10     11.50%, 11/1/11   $ 8,600      
 
 
            $ 8,600      
 
 
 
 
Food Service — 0.2%
 
Aramark Services, Inc.
$ 55     8.50%, 2/1/15   $ 52,800      

 
See notes to financial statements

9


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
Food Service (continued)
 
                     
El Pollo Loco, Inc.
$ 55     11.75%, 11/15/13   $ 42,625      
 
 
            $ 95,425      
 
 
 
 
Food/Drug Retailers — 0.9%
 
General Nutrition Center, Sr. Notes, Variable Rate
$ 335     6.404%, 3/15/14 (3)   $ 256,275      
General Nutrition Center, Sr. Sub. Notes
  180     10.75%, 3/15/15     144,000      
 
 
            $ 400,275      
 
 
 
 
Forest Products — 1.0%
 
Jefferson Smurfit Corp., Sr. Notes
$ 50     8.25%, 10/1/12 (2)   $ 10,750      
  30     7.50%, 6/1/13 (2)     5,850      
NewPage Corp.
  720     10.00%, 5/1/12     342,000      
  185     12.00%, 5/1/13     50,875      
Verso Paper Holdings, LLC/Verso Paper, Inc.
  130     11.375%, 8/1/16     31,200      
 
 
            $ 440,675      
 
 
 
 
Healthcare — 2.7%
 
Accellent, Inc.
$ 45     10.50%, 12/1/13   $ 34,200      
AMR HoldCo, Inc./EmCare HoldCo, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
  15     10.00%, 2/15/15     15,300      
DJO Finance, LLC/DJO Finance Corp.
  115     10.875%, 11/15/14     88,550      
MultiPlan, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
  1,035     10.375%, 4/15/16 (6)     915,975      
National Mentor Holdings, Inc.
  135     11.25%, 7/1/14     119,475      
US Oncology, Inc.
  30     9.00%, 8/15/12     29,700      
 
 
            $ 1,203,200      
 
 
 
 
Industrial Equipment — 0.2%
 
ESCO Corp., Sr. Notes
$ 65     8.625%, 12/15/13 (6)   $ 52,975      
ESCO Corp., Sr. Notes, Variable Rate
  65     5.195%, 12/15/13 (6)     43,875      
 
 
            $ 96,850      
 
 
 
Insurance — 0.3%
 
Alliant Holdings I, Inc.
$ 70     11.00%, 5/1/15 (6)   $ 48,650      
Hub International Holdings, Inc.
  75     9.00%, 12/15/14 (6)     52,500      
U.S.I. Holdings Corp., Sr. Notes, Variable Rate
  60     5.113%, 11/15/14 (6)     29,100      
 
 
            $ 130,250      
 
 
 
 
Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies — 0.3%
 
Bombardier, Inc.
$ 65     8.00%, 11/15/14 (6)   $ 57,200      
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Sr. Notes
  55     7.00%, 6/15/13     42,900      
  20     6.875%, 12/1/13     15,000      
  15     7.25%, 6/15/16     10,050      
  30     7.25%, 3/15/18     19,200      
 
 
            $ 144,350      
 
 
 
 
Lodging and Casinos — 3.7%
 
Buffalo Thunder Development Authority
$ 220     9.375%, 12/15/14 (6)   $ 24,200      
CCM Merger, Inc.
  95     8.00%, 8/1/13 (6)     42,750      
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Casino, LLC
  310     11.00%, 6/15/15 (6)     12,400      
Host Hotels and Resorts, LP, Sr. Notes
  145     6.75%, 6/1/16     127,238      
Indianapolis Downs, LLC & Capital Corp., Sr. Notes
  105     11.00%, 11/1/12 (6)     59,325      
Inn of the Mountain Gods, Sr. Notes
  40     12.00%, 11/15/10     8,600      
MGM Mirage, Inc.
  15     7.50%, 6/1/16     8,475      
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Sr. Sub. Notes
  55     8.00%, 4/1/12     36,025      
  110     7.125%, 8/15/14     67,650      
  1,125     6.875%, 2/15/15     570,937      
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
  10     8.25%, 3/15/12     9,800      
  95     7.50%, 6/15/15     79,325      
Pokagon Gaming Authority, Sr. Notes
  56     10.375%, 6/15/14 (6)     52,080      
Scientific Games Corp.
  30     7.875%, 6/15/16 (6)     27,450      

 
See notes to financial statements

10


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
Lodging and Casinos (continued)
 
                     
Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Variable Rate
$ 80     3.82%, 3/15/14 (6)   $ 53,200      
Tunica-Biloxi Gaming Authority, Sr. Notes
  160     9.00%, 11/15/15 (6)     138,400      
Waterford Gaming, LLC, Sr. Notes
  190     8.625%, 9/15/14 (6)     152,409      
Wynn Las Vegas, LLC
  230     6.625%, 12/1/14     195,500      
 
 
            $ 1,665,764      
 
 
 
 
Nonferrous Metals/Minerals — 0.7%
 
FMG Finance PTY, Ltd.
$ 345     10.625%, 9/1/16 (6)   $ 303,600      
 
 
            $ 303,600      
 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas — 2.3%
 
Allis-Chalmers Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes
$ 810     9.00%, 1/15/14   $ 405,000      
Cimarex Energy Co., Sr. Notes
  55     7.125%, 5/1/17     48,950      
Clayton Williams Energy, Inc.
  40     7.75%, 8/1/13     27,600      
Compton Pet Finance Corp.
  90     7.625%, 12/1/13     34,875      
Denbury Resources, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
  25     7.50%, 12/15/15     23,625      
Forbes Energy Services, Sr. Notes
  170     11.00%, 2/15/15     117,300      
OPTI Canada, Inc., Sr. Notes
  65     7.875%, 12/15/14     35,262      
  75     8.25%, 12/15/14     41,625      
Petroleum Development Corp., Sr. Notes
  65     12.00%, 2/15/18     44,200      
Quicksilver Resources, Inc.
  160     7.125%, 4/1/16     100,800      
SemGroup, L.P., Sr. Notes
  145     8.75%, 11/15/15 (2)(6)     5,438      
SESI, LLC, Sr. Notes
  30     6.875%, 6/1/14     26,400      
Stewart & Stevenson, LLC, Sr. Notes
  180     10.00%, 7/15/14     136,800      
 
 
            $ 1,047,875      
 
 
 
Publishing — 1.5%
 
Dex Media West/Finance, Series B
$ 45     9.875%, 8/15/13 (2)   $ 12,937      
Harland Clarke Holdings
  20     9.50%, 5/15/15     12,100      
Laureate Education, Inc.
  50     10.00%, 8/15/15 (6)     37,750      
  477     10.25%, 8/15/15 (3)(6)     299,474      
Local Insight Regatta Holdings, Inc.
  60     11.00%, 12/1/17     14,700      
Nielsen Finance, LLC
  285     10.00%, 8/1/14     269,325      
  35     12.50%, (0.00% until 2011), 8/1/16     19,425      
Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. (The), Sr. Sub. Notes
  205     9.00%, 2/15/17     12,556      
 
 
            $ 678,267      
 
 
 
 
Rail Industries — 0.1%
 
American Railcar Industry, Sr. Notes
$ 80     7.50%, 3/1/14   $ 62,800      
 
 
            $ 62,800      
 
 
 
 
Retailers (Except Food and Drug) — 2.8%
 
Amscan Holdings, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes
$ 225     8.75%, 5/1/14   $ 181,125      
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.
  927     9.00%, 10/15/15     514,518      
  585     10.375%, 10/15/15     324,675      
Yankee Acquisition Corp., Series B
  347     8.50%, 2/15/15     246,370      
 
 
            $ 1,266,688      
 
 
 
 
Steel — 0.3%
 
RathGibson, Inc., Sr. Notes
$ 10     11.25%, 2/15/14   $ 2,500      
Steel Dynamics, Inc., Sr. Notes
  140     7.375%, 11/1/12     125,650      
 
 
            $ 128,150      
 
 
 
 
Surface Transport — 0.2%
 
CEVA Group, PLC, Sr. Notes
$ 135     10.00%, 9/1/14 (6)   $ 67,500      
 
 
            $ 67,500      
 
 
 

 
See notes to financial statements

11


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
                     
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
 
Telecommunications — 0.7%
 
Digicel Group, Ltd., Sr. Notes
$ 110     9.25%, 9/1/12 (6)   $ 103,950      
  30     9.125%, 1/15/15 (6)     20,550      
Nortel Networks, Ltd.
  65     10.75%, 7/15/16 (2)     17,550      
  205     10.75%, 7/15/16 (2)(6)     55,350      
Windstream Corp., Sr. Notes
  95     8.125%, 8/1/13     95,000      
  30     8.625%, 8/1/16     30,000      
 
 
            $ 322,400      
 
 
 
 
Utilities — 0.1%
 
AES Corp.
$ 35     8.00%, 10/15/17   $ 32,200      
Edison Mission Energy, Sr. Notes
  15     7.50%, 6/15/13     12,825      
Reliant Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes
  10     7.625%, 6/15/14     9,075      
 
 
            $ 54,100      
 
 
     
Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
   
(identified cost $16,365,276)
  $ 10,306,604      
 
 
                     
                     
Asset-Backed Securities — 0.1%
 
Principal
               
Amount
               
(000’s omitted)     Security   Value      
 
 
$ 2,000     Comstock Funding Ltd., Series 2006-1A, Class D, 5.511%, 5/30/20 (6)(7)   $ 40,000      
 
 
     
Total Asset-Backed Securities
   
(identified cost $1,446,064)
  $ 40,000      
 
 
                     
                     
Preferred Stocks — 0.1%
 
Units     Security   Value      
 
 
 
Lodging and Casinos — 0.1%
 
  210     Fontainebleau Resorts LLC (3)(4)(8)   $ 19,910      
 
 
     
Total Preferred Stocks
   
(identified cost $210,460)
  $ 19,910      
 
 
                     
                     
Miscellaneous — 0.0%
 
Shares     Security   Value      
 
 
 
Cable and Satellite Television — 0.0%
 
  300,000     Adelphia, Inc., Escrow Certificate (9)   $ 5,625      
  290,298     Adelphia Recovery Trust (9)     3,629      
 
 
     
Total Miscellaneous
   
(identified cost $299,250)
  $ 9,254      
 
 
                     
                     
Short-Term Investments — 38.3%
 
Interest/
               
Principal Amount
               
(000’s Omitted)     Description   Value      
 
 
$ 15,403     Cash Management Portfolio, 0.13% (10)   $ 15,403,369      
  1,730     State Street Bank and Trust Euro Time Deposit, 0.01%, 5/1/09     1,729,876      
 
 
     
Total Short-Term Investments
   
(identified cost $17,133,245)
  $ 17,133,245      
 
 
     
Total Investments — 149.3%
   
(identified cost $127,225,281)
  $ 66,809,243      
 
 
 
             
Less Unfunded Loan
Commitments — (1.4)%
  $ (652,407 )    
 
 
     
Net Investments — 147.9%
   
(identified cost $126,572,874)
  $ 66,156,836      
 
 
             
Other Assets, Less
Liabilities — 12.6%
  $ 5,672,872      
 
 
             
Auction Preferred Shares Plus
Cumulative Unpaid
Dividends — (60.5)%
  $ (27,084,595 )    
 
 
             
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares — 100.0%
  $ 44,745,113      
 
 
 
Industry and sector classifications included in the Portfolio of Investments are unaudited.
 
DIP - Debtor in Possession
 
SPA - Standby Bond Purchase Agreement
 
EUR - Euro
 
GBP - British Pound Sterling
 
* In U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 
See notes to financial statements

12


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS  CONT’D
 
 
(1) Senior floating-rate interests (Senior Loans) often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrowers to repay at their election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown. However, Senior Loans will have an expected average life of approximately two to four years. The stated interest rate represents the weighted average interest rate of all contracts within the senior loan facility. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest which are redetermined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium. These base rates are primarily the London-Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and secondarily, the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.
 
(2) Defaulted security. Currently the issuer is in default with respect to interest payments.
 
(3) Represents a payment-in-kind security which may pay all or a portion of interest/dividends in additional par/shares.
 
(4) Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
 
(5) Unfunded or partially unfunded loan commitments. See Note 1G for description.
 
(6) Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2009, the aggregate value of these securities is $3,047,339 or 6.8% of the Fund’s net assets applicable to common shares.
 
(7) Variable rate security. The stated interest rate represents the rate in effect at April 30, 2009.
 
(8) Restricted security. See Note 8.
 
(9) Non-income producing security.
 
(10) Affiliated investment company available to Eaton Vance portfolios and funds which invests in high quality, U.S. dollar denominated money market instruments. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of April 30, 2009.

 
See notes to financial statements

13


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 
             
As of April 30, 2009          
 
Assets
 
Unaffiliated investments, at value (identified cost, $111,169,505)
  $ 50,753,467      
Affiliated investment, at value (identified cost, $15,403,369)
    15,403,369      
Foreign currency, at value (identified cost, $1,379,433)
    1,377,910      
Receivable for investments sold
    3,498,212      
Interest and dividends receivable
    1,322,612      
Interest receivable from affiliated investment
    583      
Receivable for closed interest rate floors
    115,365      
Prepaid expenses
    14,750      
 
 
Total assets
  $ 72,486,268      
 
 
             
             
 
Liabilities
 
Due to custodian
  $ 435,083      
Payable for investments purchased
    21,604      
Payable for open forward foreign currency exchange contracts
    48,234      
Payable to affiliates:
           
Investment adviser fee
    27,162      
Trustees’ fees
    311      
Accrued expenses
    124,166      
 
 
Total liabilities
  $ 656,560      
 
 
Auction preferred shares (1,083 shares outstanding) at liquidation value plus cumulative unpaid dividends
  $ 27,084,595      
 
 
Net assets applicable to common shares
  $ 44,745,113      
 
 
             
             
 
Sources of Net Assets
 
Common shares, $0.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized, 7,274,487 shares issued and outstanding
  $ 72,745      
Additional paid-in capital
    148,082,965      
Accumulated net realized loss
    (39,791,473 )    
Accumulated distributions in excess of net investment income
    (3,209,790 )    
Net unrealized depreciation
    (60,409,334 )    
 
 
Net assets applicable to common shares
  $ 44,745,113      
 
 
             
             
 
Net Asset Value Per Common Share
 
($44,745,113 ¸ 7,274,487 common shares issued and outstanding)
  $ 6.15      
 
 
 
 
Statement of Operations
 
             
For the Year Ended
         
April 30, 2009          
 
Investment Income
 
Interest
  $ 13,764,113      
Dividends
    82,242      
Interest income allocated from affiliated investment
    57,749      
Expenses allocated from affiliated investment
    (18,424 )    
 
 
Total investment income
  $ 13,885,680      
 
 
             
 
Expenses
 
Investment adviser fee
  $ 946,153      
Trustees’ fees and expenses
    2,540      
Custodian fee
    119,346      
Transfer and dividend disbursing agent fees
    21,752      
Legal and accounting services
    172,966      
Printing and postage
    69,760      
Interest expense and fees
    1,529,166      
Preferred shares service fee
    70,153      
Miscellaneous
    99,676      
 
 
Total expenses
  $ 3,031,512      
 
 
Deduct —
           
Reduction of investment adviser fee
  $ 257,051      
Reduction of custodian fee
    116      
 
 
Total expense reductions
  $ 257,167      
 
 
             
Net expenses
  $ 2,774,345      
 
 
             
Net investment income
  $ 11,111,335      
 
 
             
 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) —
           
Investment transactions
  $ (30,863,220 )    
Interest rate floors
    63,958      
Foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions
    4,456,386      
Extinguishment of debt
    (433,400 )    
 
 
Net realized loss
  $ (26,776,276 )    
 
 
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) —
           
Investments
  $ (36,272,969 )    
Interest rate floors
    (974,403 )    
Foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contracts
    (123,284 )    
 
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
  $ (37,370,656 )    
 
 
             
Net realized and unrealized loss
  $ (64,146,932 )    
 
 
             
Distributions to preferred shareholders
           
 
 
From net investment income
  $ (873,750 )    
 
 
             
Net decrease in net assets from operations
  $ (53,909,347 )    
 
 

 
See notes to financial statements

14


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
                     
Increase (Decrease)
  Year Ended
    Year Ended
     
in Net Assets   April 30, 2009     April 30, 2008      
 
From operations —
                   
Net investment income
  $ 11,111,335     $ 18,401,520      
Net realized loss from investment transactions, interest rate floors, foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions, and extinguishment of debt
    (26,776,276 )     (3,632,196 )    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, interest rate floors, and foreign currency and forward foreign currency exchange contracts
    (37,370,656 )     (28,515,367 )    
Distributions to preferred shareholders —
From net investment income
    (873,750 )     (4,288,579 )    
 
 
Net decrease in net assets from operations
  $ (53,909,347 )   $ (18,034,622 )    
 
 
Distributions to common shareholders —
                   
From net investment income
  $ (9,065,595 )   $ (14,300,086 )    
Tax return of capital
    (591,173 )          
 
 
Total distributions to common shareholders
  $ (9,656,768 )   $ (14,300,086 )    
 
 
Capital share transactions —
                   
Reinvestment of distributions to common shareholders
  $ 121,930     $ 1,518,607      
 
 
Net increase in net assets from capital
share transactions
  $ 121,930     $ 1,518,607      
 
 
Net decrease in net assets
  $ (63,444,185 )   $ (30,816,101 )    
 
 
                     
                     
 
Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares
 
At beginning of year
  $ 108,189,298     $ 139,005,399      
 
 
At end of year
  $ 44,745,113     $ 108,189,298      
 
 
                     
                     
 
Accumulated distributions
in excess of net
investment income
included in net assets
applicable to common shares
 
At end of year
  $ (3,209,790 )   $ (889,183 )    
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows
 
             
Cash Flows From
  Year Ended
     
Operating Activities   April 30, 2009      
 
Net decrease in net assets from operations
  $ (53,909,347 )    
Distributions to preferred shareholders
    873,750      
 
 
Net decrease in net assets from operations excluding distributions to preferred shareholders
    (53,035,597 )    
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in net assets from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
           
Investments purchased
    (25,065,007 )    
Investments sold and principal repayments
    90,959,246      
Increase in short-term investments, net
    (13,392,169 )    
Net accretion/amortization of premium (discount)
    (645,680 )    
Amortization of structuring fees on notes payable
    103,603      
Decrease in interest receivable and dividends
    1,515,577      
Decrease in interest receivable from affiliated investment
    10,360      
Decrease in payable for investments purchased
    (283,258 )    
Increase in receivable for investments sold
    (3,452,131 )    
Decrease in receivable for closed interest rate floors
    1,056,934      
Decrease in receivable for open forward foreign currency contracts
    118,140      
Decrease in prepaid expenses
    38,410      
Decrease in payable to affiliate for investment adviser fee
    (58,752 )    
Increase in payable for open forward foreign currency contracts
    48,234      
Decrease in payable to affiliate for Trustees’ fees
    (1,481 )    
Decrease in unfunded loan commitments
    (1,259,318 )    
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (42,041 )    
Net realized loss on extinguishment of debt
    433,400      
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments
    36,272,969      
Net realized (gain) loss on investments
    30,863,220      
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 64,184,659      
 
 
             
             
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
Cash distributions paid to common shareholders, net of reinvestments
  $ (9,534,838 )    
Liquidation of auction preferred shares
    (54,175,000 )    
Distributions to preferred shareholders
    (922,599 )    
Proceeds from notes payable
    54,175,000      
Repayment of notes payable
    (54,175,000 )    
Increase in due to custodian
    435,083      
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (64,197,354 )    
 
 
             
Net decrease in cash
  $ (12,695 )    
 
 
             
Cash at beginning of period (1)
  $ 1,390,605      
 
 
             
Cash at end of period (1)
  $ 1,377,910      
 
 
             
             
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
Reinvestment of dividends and distributions
  $ 121,930      
Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowings
    1,425,563      
 
 
 
(1)  Balance includes foreign currencies, at value.

 
See notes to financial statements

15


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
Financial Highlights
 
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated
                             
    Year Ended April 30,            
   
    Period Ended
     
    2009     2008     April 30, 2007 (1)        
 
Net asset value — Beginning of period (Common shares)
  $ 14.910     $ 19.380     $ 19.100 (2)    
 
 
                             
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
Net investment income (3)
  $ 1.530     $ 2.548     $ 2.057      
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (8.840 )     (4.444 )     0.449      
Distributions to preferred shareholders
                           
From net investment income (3)
    (0.120 )     (0.594 )     (0.435 )    
 
 
Total income (loss) from operations
  $ (7.430 )   $ (2.490 )   $ 2.071      
 
 
                             
 
Less distributions to common shareholders
 
From net investment income
  $ (1.249 )   $ (1.980 )   $ (1.598 )    
Tax return of capital
    (0.081 )                
 
 
Total distributions to common shareholders
  $ (1.330 )   $ (1.980 )   $ (1.598 )    
 
 
                             
Preferred and common shares offering costs charged to paid-in capital (3)
  $     $     $ (0.078 )    
 
 
                             
Preferred shares underwriting discounts (3)
  $     $     $ (0.115 )    
 
 
                             
Net asset value — End of period (Common shares)
  $ 6.150     $ 14.910     $ 19.380      
 
 
                             
Market Value — End of period (Common shares)
  $ 5.360     $ 14.250     $ 20.920      
 
 
                             
Total Investment Return on Net Asset Value (4)
    (51.30 )%     (13.57 )%     10.23 % (5)(12)    
 
 
                             
Total Investment Return on Market Value (4)
    (55.62 )%     (23.42 )%     18.99 % (5)(12)    
 
 

 
See notes to financial statements

16


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
Financial Highlights
 
Selected data for a common share outstanding during the periods stated
                             
    Year Ended April 30,            
   
    Period Ended
     
    2009     2008     April 30, 2007 (1)        
 
 
 
Ratios/Supplemental Data
 
Net assets applicable to common shares, end of period (000’s omitted)
  $ 44,745     $ 108,189     $ 139,005      
Ratios (as a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares): (6)
                           
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees (7)
    1.75 %     1.57 %     1.40 % (8)    
Interest and fee expense (9)
    2.11 %                
Total expenses
    3.86 %     1.57 %     1.40 % (8)    
Net investment income
    15.35 %     14.69 %     11.72 % (8)    
Portfolio Turnover
    21 %     56 %     68 % (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, are as follows:
Ratios (As a percentage of average daily net assets applicable to common shares and preferred shares): (6)
                           
Expenses before custodian fee reduction excluding interest and fees (7)
    1.27 %     0.95 %     0.88 % (8)    
Interest and fee expense (9)
    1.54 %                
Total expenses
    2.81 %     0.95 %     0.88 % (8)    
Net investment income
    11.17 %     8.91 %     7.32 % (8)    
 
 
Senior Securities:
                           
Total preferred shares outstanding
    1,083       3,250       3,250      
Asset coverage per preferred share (10)
  $ 66,325     $ 58,307     $ 67,786      
Involuntary liquidation preference per preferred share (11)
  $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000      
Approximate market value per preferred share (11)
  $ 25,000     $ 25,000     $ 25,000      
 
 
 
(1) For the period from the start of business, May 30, 2006, to April 30, 2007.
 
(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) Computed using average common shares outstanding.
 
(4) Returns are historical and are calculated by determining the percentage change in net asset value or market value with all distributions reinvested.
 
(5) Total investment return on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the net asset value on the last day of the period reported. Total investment return on market value is calculated assuming a purchase at the offering price of $20.00 less the sales load of $0.90 per share paid by the shareholder on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of the period reported with all distributions reinvested.
 
(6) Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to preferred shareholders.
 
(7) Excludes the effect of custody fee credits, if any, of less than 0.005%.
 
(8) Annualized.
 
(9) Interest and fee expense relates to the notes payable incurred to partially redeem the Fund’s APS (see Note 11).
 
(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.

 
See notes to financial statements

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1     Significant Accounting Policies
 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income. The Fund, as a secondary objective, also seeks capital appreciation.
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies of the Fund. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
A    Investment Valuation — Interests in senior floating-rate loans (Senior Loans) for which reliable market quotations are readily available are valued generally at the average mean of bid and ask quotations obtained from an independent pricing service. Other Senior Loans are valued at fair value by the investment adviser under procedures approved by the Trustees. In fair valuing a Senior Loan, the investment adviser utilizes one or more of the valuation techniques described in (i) through (iii) below to assess the likelihood that the borrower will make a full repayment of the loan underlying such Senior Loan relative to yields on other Senior Loans issued by companies of comparable credit quality. If the investment adviser believes that there is a reasonable likelihood of full repayment, the investment adviser will determine fair value using a matrix pricing approach that considers the yield on the Senior Loan. If the investment adviser believes there is not a reasonable likelihood of full repayment, the investment adviser will determine fair value using analyses that include, but are not limited to: (i) a comparison of the value of the borrower’s outstanding equity and debt to that of comparable public companies; (ii) a discounted cash flow analysis; or (iii) when the investment adviser believes it is likely that a borrower will be liquidated or sold, an analysis of the terms of such liquidation or sale. In certain cases, the investment adviser will use a combination of analytical methods to determine fair value, such as when only a portion of a borrower’s assets are likely to be sold. In conducting its assessment and analyses for purposes of determining fair value of a Senior Loan, the investment adviser will use its discretion and judgment in considering and appraising relevant factors. Fair value determinations are made by the portfolio managers of the Fund based on information available to such managers. The portfolio managers of other funds managed by the investment adviser that invest in Senior Loans may not possess the same information about a Senior Loan borrower as the portfolio managers of the Fund. At times, the fair value of a Senior Loan determined by the portfolio managers of other funds managed by the investment adviser that invest in Senior Loans may vary from the fair value of the same Senior Loan determined by the portfolio managers of the Fund. The fair value of each Senior Loan is periodically reviewed and approved by the investment adviser’s Valuation Committee and by the Trustees based upon procedures approved by the Trustees. Junior Loans are valued in the same manner as Senior Loans.
 
Debt obligations, including listed securities and securities for which quotations are readily available, will normally be valued on the basis of reported trades or market quotations provided by independent pricing services, when in the services’ judgment, these prices are representative of the securities’ market values. For debt securities where market quotations are not readily available, the pricing services will use various techniques that consider factors including, but not limited to, prices or yields of securities with similar characteristics, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, as well as industry and economic events. Short-term debt securities with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. If short-term debt securities are acquired with a remaining maturity of more than sixty days, they will be valued by a pricing service. Equity securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange generally are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation or, if no sales took place on such date, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices therefore on the exchange where such securities are principally traded. Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ Global or Global Select Market generally are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sales prices or closing quotations are not available are valued at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices or, in the case of preferred equity securities that are not listed or traded in the over-the-counter market, by an independent pricing service. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are generally valued using forward exchange rates supplied by a pricing vendor. Interest rate swaps and floors are normally valued using valuations provided by pricing vendors. Such vendor valuations are based on the present value of fixed and projected floating rate cash flows over the term of the swap contract. Future cash flows are discounted to their present value using swap quotations provided by electronic data services or by broker/dealers. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation service. The independent service uses a proprietary model to determine the exchange rate. Inputs to the model include reported trades and implied bid/ask spreads. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees of the Fund in a manner that most fairly reflects the security’s value, or the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale in the ordinary course. Each

18


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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. These factors may include, but are not limited to, the type of security, the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition, the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies, quotations or relevant information obtained from broker-dealers or other market participants, information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), an analysis of the company’s financial condition, and an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold.
 
The Fund may invest in Cash Management Portfolio (Cash Management), an affiliated investment company managed by Boston Management and Research (BMR), a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management (EVM). Cash Management values its investment securities utilizing the amortized cost valuation technique permitted by Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, pursuant to which Cash Management must comply with certain conditions. This technique involves initially valuing a portfolio security at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium. If amortized cost is determined not to approximate fair value, Cash Management may value its investment securities based on available market quotations provided by a pricing service.
 
B    Investment Transactions — Investment transactions for financial statement purposes are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.
 
C    Income — Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount. Fees associated with loan amendments are recognized immediately. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for dividends received in cash and/or securities.
 
D    Federal Taxes — The Fund’s policy is to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute to shareholders each year substantially all of its net investment income, and all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains. Accordingly, no provision for federal income or excise tax is necessary.
 
At April 30, 2009, the Fund, for federal income tax purposes, had a capital loss carryforward of $29,535,416 which will reduce its taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investment transactions, if any, to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Code, and thus will reduce the amount of distributions to shareholders, which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Fund of any liability for federal income or excise tax. Such capital loss carryforward will expire on April 30, 2016 ($833,774) and April 30, 2017 ($28,701,642).
 
Additionally, at April 30, 2009, the Fund had a net currency loss of $3,182,743 and a net capital loss of $10,128,221 attributable to foreign currency and security transactions, respectively, incurred after October 31, 2008. These losses are treated as arising on the first day of the Fund’s taxable year ending April 30, 2010.
 
As of April 30, 2009, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure. Each of the Fund’s federal tax returns filed since the start of business on May 30, 2006 to April 30, 2009 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
E    Expense Reduction — State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSBT) serves as custodian of the Fund. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, SSBT receives a fee reduced by credits, which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Fund maintains with SSBT. All credit balances, if any, used to reduce the Fund’s custodian fees are reported as a reduction of expenses in the Statement of Operations.
 
F    Foreign Currency Translation — Investment valuations, other assets, and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investment securities and income and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates in effect on the respective dates of such transactions. Recognized gains or losses on investment transactions attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. That portion of unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed.
 
G    Unfunded Loan Commitments — The Fund may enter into certain credit agreements all or a portion of which may be unfunded. The Fund is obligated to fund these commitments at the borrower’s discretion. The commitments are disclosed in the accompanying Portfolio of Investments.
 
H    Use of Estimates — The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
I    Indemnifications — Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund, and shareholders are indemnified against personal liability for the obligations of the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred.
 
J    Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future date. The Fund may enter into forward contracts for hedging purposes as well as non-hedging purposes. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded as unrealized until such time as the contracts have been closed or offset by another contract with the same broker for the same settlement date and currency. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
K    Interest Rate Floors — The Fund may enter into interest rate floors to enhance return or to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates. Interest rate floors are similar to interest rate swaps, except that one party agrees to pay a fee, while the other party agrees to make payments to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate or “floor”. Transaction fees paid by the Fund are recognized as assets and amortized over the life of the interest rate floor. Changes in the value of the interest rate floor are recognized as unrealized gains and losses.
 
L    Statement of Cash Flows — The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows of the Fund is the amount included in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represents the cash on hand at its custodian and does not include any short-term investments.
 
2     Auction Preferred Shares
 
The Fund issued Auction Preferred Shares (APS) on August 11, 2006 in a public offering. The underwriting discount and other offering costs incurred in connection with the offering were recorded as a reduction of the paid-in capital of the common shares. Dividends on the APS, which accrue daily, are cumulative at rates which are reset every seven days by an auction, unless a special dividend period has been set. If the APS auctions do not successfully clear, the dividend payment rate over the next period for the APS holders is set at a specified maximum applicable rate until such time as the APS auctions are successful. Auctions have not cleared since February 13, 2008 and the rate since that date has been the maximum applicable rate (see Note 3). The maximum applicable rate on the APS is the greater of 1) 150% of LIBOR on the date of the auction or 2) LIBOR on the date of the auction plus 1.50%.
 
During the year ended April 30, 2009, the Fund made a partial redemption of its APS at a liquidation price of $25,000 per share, the financing for which was provided by a committed financing arrangement (see Note 11). The number of APS redeemed and redemption amount (excluding the final dividend payment) during the year ended April 30, 2009 and the number of APS issued and outstanding as of April 30, 2009 are as follows:
 
                     
APS Redeemed
               
During the
  Redemption
    APS Issued and
     
Period   Amount     Outstanding      
 
2,167
  $ 54,175,000       1,083      
 
The APS are redeemable at the option of the Fund at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, on any dividend payment date. The APS are also subject to mandatory redemption at a redemption price equal to $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if the Fund is in default for an extended period on its asset maintenance requirements with respect to the APS. If the dividends on the APS remain unpaid in an amount equal to two full years’ dividends, the holders of the APS as a class have the right to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In general, the holders of the APS and the common shares have equal voting rights of one vote per share, except that the holders of the APS, as a separate class, have the right to elect at least two members of the Board of Trustees. The APS have a liquidation preference of $25,000 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. The Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage with respect to the APS as defined in the Fund’s By-Laws and the 1940 Act. The Fund pays an annual fee equivalent to 0.15% (0.25% prior to March 2009) of the liquidation value of the APS to broker-dealers as a service fee if the auctions are unsuccessful; otherwise, the annual fee is 0.25%.
 
3     Distributions to Shareholders
 
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions of net investment income to common shareholders, after payment of any dividends on any outstanding APS. In addition, at least annually, the Fund intends to distribute

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Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
all or substantially all of its net realized capital gains, (reduced by available capital loss carryforwards from prior years, if any). Distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to preferred shareholders are recorded daily and are payable at the end of each dividend period. The dividend rate for the APS at April 30, 2009 was 1.83%. For the year ended April 30, 2009, the amount of dividends paid (including capital gains, if any) to APS shareholders was $873,750, representing an average APS dividend rate of 3.23% and dividend rate ranges of 1.74% to 7.15%.
 
Beginning February 13, 2008 and consistent with the patterns in the broader market for auction-rate securities, the Fund’s APS auctions were unsuccessful in clearing due to an imbalance of sell orders over bids to buy the APS. As a result, the dividend rates of the APS were reset to the maximum applicable rate. The rate above reflects such maximum dividend rate as of April 30, 2009.
 
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. For tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital gains are considered to be from ordinary income.
 
The tax character of distributions declared for the years ended April 30, 2009 and April 30, 2008 was as follows:
 
                     
    Year Ended April 30,
    2009     2008      
 
 
Distributions declared from:
                   
Ordinary income
  $ 9,939,345     $ 18,588,665      
Return of capital
    591,173            
 
During the year ended April 30, 2009, accumulated net realized loss was increased by $6,329,905, accumulated undistributed net investment income was decreased by $3,492,597, and paid-in capital was increased by $9,822,502 due to differences between book and tax accounting, primarily for mixed straddles, interest rate floor contracts, premium amortization and foreign currency gain (loss). These reclassifications had no effect on the net assets or net asset value per share of the Fund.
 
As of April 30, 2009, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on a tax basis were as follows:
 
             
Capital loss carryforward and post October losses
  $ (42,846,380 )    
Net unrealized depreciation
  $ (60,564,217 )    
 
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 premium amortization, defaulted bond interest, foreign currency losses and investments in partnerships.
 
4     Investment Adviser Fee and Other Transactions with Affiliates
 
The investment adviser fee is earned by EVM as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Fund. The fee is computed at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily gross assets and is payable monthly. Gross assets as referred to herein represent net assets plus obligations attributable to investment leverage. The portion of the adviser fee payable by Cash Management on the Fund’s investment of cash therein is credited against the Fund’s adviser fee. For the year ended April 30, 2009, the Fund’s adviser fee totaled $964,060 of which $17,907 was allocated from Cash Management and $946,153 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 Trust’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 $257,051 of its adviser fee for the year ended April 30, 2009.
 
EVM has further agreed to waive its adviser fee to the extent that the cost of the committed financing to partially redeem the APS is greater than the dividends and preferred shares service fee that would have been incurred had the APS not been redeemed, hereafter referred to as “incremental cost”. Such waiver was calculated as the lesser of 50% of the Fund’s adviser fee on assets attributable to the committed financing or the incremental cost and remained in effect until the committed financing was terminated (see Note 11). Pursuant to this agreement, no such waiver was required for the year ended April 30, 2009.
 
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 April 30, 2009, no significant amounts have been deferred. Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are officers of EVM.

21


Table of Contents

 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
5     Purchases and Sales of Investments
 
Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations and including maturities and principal repayments on Senior Loans, aggregated $25,065,007 and $90,959,246, respectively, for the year ended April 30, 2009.
 
6     Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
 
Common shares issued pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan for the years ended April 30, 2009 and April 30, 2008 were 17,348 and 85,480, respectively.
 
7     Federal Income Tax Basis of Investments
 
The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments of the Fund at April 30, 2009, as determined on a federal income tax basis, were as follows:
 
             
Aggregate cost
  $ 126,727,765      
 
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
  $ 635,270      
Gross unrealized depreciation
    (61,206,199 )    
 
 
Net unrealized depreciation
  $ (60,570,929 )    
 
 
 
8     Restricted Securities
 
At April 30, 2009, the Fund owned the following securities (representing less than 0.1% of net assets applicable to common shares) which were restricted as to public resale and not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (excluding Rule 144A securities). The Fund has various registration rights (exercisable under a variety of circumstances) with respect to these securities. The value of these securities is determined based on valuations provided by brokers when available, or if not available, they are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
 
                                     
    Date of
                       
Description   Acquisition     Units     Cost     Value      
 
Preferred Stock
 
Fontainebleau Resorts LLC
    6/1/07       210     $ 210,460     $ 19,910      
 
 
Total Restricted Securities
                  $ 210,460     $ 19,910      
 
 
 
9     Financial Instruments
 
The Fund may trade in financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its investing activities. These financial instruments may include forward foreign currency exchange contracts and may involve, to a varying degree, elements of risk in excess of the amounts recognized for financial statement purposes. The notional or contractual amounts of these instruments represent the investment the Fund has in particular classes of financial instruments and does not necessarily represent the amounts potentially subject to risk. The measurement of the risks associated with these instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting transactions are considered.
 
A summary of obligations under these financial instruments at April 30, 2009 is as follows:
 
                     
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
 
Sales
 
            Net Unrealized
     
Settlement Date   Deliver   In Exchange For   Depreciation      
 
5/29/09
  British Pound Sterling
1,293,419
  United States Dollar
1,897,057
  $ (16,310 )    
5/29/09
  Euro
2,716,663
  United States Dollar
3,562,197
    (31,924 )    
 
 
            $ (48,234 )    
 
 
 
At April 30, 2009, the Fund had sufficient cash and/or securities to cover commitments under these contracts.
 
10     Overdraft Advances
 
Pursuant to the custodian agreement, SSBT may, in its discretion, advance funds to the Fund to make properly authorized payments. When such payments result in an overdraft, the Fund is obligated to repay SSBT at the current rate of interest charged by SSBT for secured loans (currently, a rate above the Federal Funds rate). This obligation is payable on demand to SSBT. SSBT has a lien on the Fund’s assets to the extent of any overdraft. At April 30, 2009, the Fund had payments due to SSBT pursuant to the foregoing arrangement of $435,083.
 
11     Revolving Credit and Security Agreement
 
Effective April 11, 2008, the Fund entered into a Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, as amended (the Agreement) with conduit lenders and a bank to borrow up to an initial limit of $54,175,000 for a period of five years, the proceeds of which were used to partially redeem the Fund’s APS (see Note 2). The Agreement provided for a renewable 364-day backstop financing arrangement, which ensured that alternate financing would continue to be available to the Fund should the conduits be unable to place their commercial paper. Interest was charged at a rate above the conduits’ commercial paper issuance rate. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund paid a monthly program fee of 1.25% per annum (0.60% per annum prior to October 31, 2008) on its outstanding borrowings to administer the facility and a monthly liquidity fee of 1.25% per annum (0.40% per annum prior to October 31, 2008) on the borrowing limit under the Agreement. The Fund also paid a structuring fee of $541,750, which was being amortized to interest expense over a period of five years. The

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
Agreement was terminated by the Fund on March 31, 2009. Unamortized structuring fees on the termination date of the Agreement of $433,400 were written off as a realized loss. For the period from May 2, 2008, the date of the initial draw on the Agreement, through March 31, 2009, the average borrowings under the Agreement and the average interest rate (annualized) were $30,601,418 and 3.05%, respectively.
 
12     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.
 
13     Concentration of Credit Risk
 
The Fund invests primarily in below investment grade floating-rate loans and floating-rate debt obligations, which are considered speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to reduce the capacity of issuers of these securities to make principal and interest payments. Such companies are more likely to default on their payments of interest and principal owed than issuers of investment grade bonds. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a loan or other debt obligation may lose significant value before a default occurs. Lower rated investments also may be subject to greater price volatility than higher rated investments. Moreover, the specific collateral used to secure a loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the loan’s value.
 
14     Fair Value Measurements
 
The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (FAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements”, effective May 1, 2008. FAS 157 established a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions, referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
 
  •  Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
 
  •  Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
 
  •  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
At April 30, 2009, the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s investments, which are carried at value, were as follows:
 
                         
        Investments in
    Other Financial
     
    Valuation Inputs   Securities     Instruments*      
 
Level 1
  Quoted Prices   $ 15,403,369     $      
Level 2
  Other Significant Observable Inputs     50,172,663       (48,234 )    
Level 3
  Significant Unobservable Inputs     580,804            
 
 
Total
      $ 66,156,836     $ (48,234 )    
 
 
 
* Other financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts not reflected in the Portfolio of Investments, which are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument.
 
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
 
             
    Investments in
     
    Securities      
 
Balance as of April 30, 2008
  $ 1,105,998      
Realized gains (losses)
    147      
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    (935,697 )    
Net purchases (sales)
    26,486      
Accrued discount (premium)
    13,635      
Net transfer to (from) Level 3
    370,235      
 
 
Balance as of April 30, 2009
  $ 580,804      
 
 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments still held as of April 30, 2009*
  $ (935,697 )    
 
 
 
* Amount is included in the related amount on investments in the Statement of Operations.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  CONT’D
 
15     Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 (FAS 161), “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. FAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, including qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk related contingent features in derivative instruments. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FAS 161 will have on the Fund’s financial statement disclosures.
 
16     Subsequent Events
 
On May 22, 2009, the Fund redeemed an additional 763 shares of its outstanding APS at a liquidation price of $25,000 per share.
 
In June 2009, the Trustees of the Fund approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the Agreement) whereby Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund (the Acquiring Fund) would acquire substantially all the assets and assume substantially all the liabilities of the Fund in exchange for common shares of the Acquiring Fund and cash consideration equal to the aggregate liquidation value of the Fund’s APS. The proposed reorganization is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Fund.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Trustees and Shareholders of
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of April 30, 2009, and the related statement 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 two years in the period then ended, and the period from the start of business, May 30, 2006 to April 30, 2007. 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 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 and senior loans owned as of April 30, 2009, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers and selling or agent banks; where replies were not received from brokers and selling or agent banks, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund as of April 30, 2009, 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 two years in the period then ended, and the period from the start of business, May 30, 2006 to April 30, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
June 18, 2009

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION  (Unaudited)
 
 
The Form 1099-DIV you receive in January 2010 will show the tax status of all distributions paid to your account in calendar 2009. 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 $82,242, 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 2009 ordinary income dividends, 0.83% qualifies for the corporate dividends received deduction.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund   as of April 30, 2009
 
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS  (Unaudited)
 
The Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 27, 2009. The following action was taken by the shareholders:
 
Item 1:  The election of Helen Frame Peters, Lynn A. Stout and Ralph F. Verni (APS) as Class III Trustees of the Fund for a three-year term expiring in 2012.
 
                     
    Number of Shares      
Nominee for Trustee
 
Elected by All Shareholders   For     Withheld      
 
 
Helen Frame Peters
    5,663,610       174,383      
Lynn A. Stout
    5,659,249       178,744      
Ralph F. Verni (APS)
    957       13      

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
 
 
The Fund offers a dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan) pursuant to which shareholders automatically have dividends and capital gains distributions reinvested in common shares (the Shares) of the Fund unless they elect otherwise through their investment dealer. On the distribution payment date, if the net asset value per Share is equal to or less than the market price per Share plus estimated brokerage commissions then new Shares will be issued. The number of Shares shall be determined by the greater of the net asset value per Share or 95% of the market price. Otherwise, Shares generally will be purchased on the open market by the Plan Agent. Distributions subject to income tax (if any) are taxable whether or not shares are reinvested.
 
If your shares are in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you can ask the firm or nominee to participate in the Plan on your behalf. If the nominee does not offer the Plan, you will need to request that your shares be re-registered in your name with the Fund’s transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, or you will not be able to participate.
 
The Plan Agent’s service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each participant will be charged their pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open-market purchases.
 
Plan participants may withdraw from the Plan at any time by writing to the Plan Agent at the address noted on the following page. If you withdraw, you will receive shares in your name for all Shares credited to your account under the Plan. If a participant elects by written notice to the Plan Agent to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her Shares and remit the proceeds, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct a $5.00 fee plus brokerage commissions from the proceeds.
 
If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your own name, you may complete the form on the following page and deliver it to the Plan Agent.
 
Any inquiries regarding the Plan can be directed to the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 1-866-439-6787.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
 
 
This form is for shareholders who hold their common shares in their own names. If your common shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee, you should contact your nominee to see if it will participate in the Plan on your behalf. If you wish to participate in the Plan, but your brokerage firm, bank, or nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you should request that your common shares be re-registered in your own name which will enable your participation in the Plan.
 
The following authorization and appointment is given with the understanding that I may terminate it at any time by terminating my participation in the Plan as provided in the terms and conditions of the Plan.
 
Please print exact name on account:
Shareholder signature                                   Date
Shareholder signature                                   Date
 
Please sign exactly as your common shares are registered. All persons whose names appear on the share certificate must sign.
 
YOU SHOULD NOT RETURN THIS FORM IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. THIS IS NOT A PROXY.
 
This authorization form, when signed, should be mailed to the following address:
 
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
P.O. Box 922
Wall Street Station
New York, NY 10269-0560
 
Number of Employees
The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, closed-end management investment company and has no employees.
 
Number of Shareholders
As of April 30, 2009, our records indicate that there are 21 registered shareholders and approximately 4,947 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.
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
1-800-262-1122
 
New York Stock Exchange symbol
 
The New York Stock Exchange symbol is EOE.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL APPROVAL OF 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 27, 2009, 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 2009. 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.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL APPROVAL OF 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, 2009, the Board met eighteen times and the Contract Review Committee, the Audit Committee, the Governance Committee, the Portfolio Management Committee and the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee, each of which is a Committee comprised solely of Independent Trustees, met seven, five, six, six and six 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.
 
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 Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) and Eaton Vance Management (the “Adviser”), including its fee structure, is in the interests of shareholders and, therefore, the Contract Review Committee recommended to the Board approval of the agreement. The Board accepted the recommendation of the Contract Review Committee as well as the factors considered and conclusions reached by the Contract Review Committee with respect to the agreement. Accordingly, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, voted to approve continuation of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund.
 
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
 
In considering whether to approve the investment advisory agreement of the Fund, the Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Adviser.
 
The Board considered the Adviser’s management capabilities and investment process with respect to the types of investments held by the Fund, including the education, experience and number of its investment professionals and other personnel who provide portfolio management, investment research, and similar services to the Fund. In particular, the Board evaluated the abilities and experience of such investment personnel in analyzing special considerations relevant to investing in senior secured floating-rate loans. Specifically, the Board noted the experience of the Adviser’s large group of bank loan investment professionals and other personnel who provide services to the Fund, including portfolio managers and analysts. The Board also took into account the resources dedicated to portfolio management and other services, including the compensation paid to recruit and retain investment personnel, and the time and attention devoted to the Fund by senior management.
 
The Board also reviewed the compliance programs of the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof. Among other matters, the Board considered compliance and reporting matters relating to personal trading by investment personnel, selective disclosure of portfolio holdings, late trading, frequent trading, portfolio valuation, business continuity and the allocation of investment opportunities. The Board also evaluated the responses of the Adviser and its affiliates to requests from regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
 
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.
 
The Board considered the Adviser’s recommendations for Board action and other steps taken in response to the unprecedented dislocations experienced in the capital markets over recent periods, including sustained periods of high volatility, credit disruption and government intervention. In particular, the Board considered the Adviser’s efforts and expertise with respect to each of the following matters as they relate to the Fund and/or other funds within the Eaton Vance family of funds: (i) negotiating and maintaining the

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT  CONT’D
 
availability of bank loan facilities and other sources of credit used for investment purposes or to satisfy liquidity needs; (ii) establishing the fair value of securities and other instruments held in investment portfolios during periods of market volatility and issuer-specific disruptions; and (iii) the ongoing monitoring of investment management processes and risk controls. In addition, the Board considered the Adviser’s actions with respect to the Auction Preferred Shares (“APS”) issued by the Fund, including the Adviser’s efforts to seek alternative forms of debt and other leverage that may over time reduce financing costs associated with APS and enable the Fund to restore liquidity for APS holders.
 
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.
 
Fund Performance
 
The Board compared the Fund’s investment performance to a relevant universe of similarly managed funds identified by an independent data provider and appropriate benchmark indices. The Board reviewed comparative performance data for the one-year period ended September 30, 2008 for the Fund. In light of the Fund’s relatively brief operating history, the Board concluded that additional time was required to evaluate longer term performance of the Fund.
 
Management Fees and Expenses
 
The Board reviewed contractual investment advisory fee rates, including any administrative fee rates, payable by the Fund (referred to as “management fees”). As part of its review, the Board considered the management fees and the Fund’s total expense ratio for the year ended September 30, 2008, as compared to a group of similarly managed funds selected by an independent data provider. The Board considered the fact that the Adviser had waived fees and/or paid expenses for the Fund.
 
After reviewing the foregoing information, and in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board concluded that the management fees charged for advisory and related services and the Fund’s total expense ratio are reasonable.
 
Profitability
 
The Board reviewed the level of profits realized by the Adviser and relevant affiliates thereof in providing investment advisory and administrative services to the Fund and to all Eaton Vance Funds as a group. The Board considered the level of profits realized with and without regard to revenue sharing or other payments by the Adviser and its affiliates to third parties in respect of distribution services. The Board also considered other direct or indirect benefits received by the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with its relationship with the Fund.
 
The Board concluded that, in light of the foregoing factors and the nature, extent and quality of the services rendered, the profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates are reasonable.
 
Economies of Scale
 
In reviewing management fees and profitability, the Board also considered the extent to which the Adviser and its affiliates, on the one hand, and the Fund, on the other hand, can expect to realize benefits from economies of scale as the assets of the Fund increase. The Board acknowledged the difficulty in accurately measuring the benefits resulting from the economies of scale with respect to the management of any specific fund or group of funds. The Board also considered the fact that the Fund is not continuously offered and concluded that, in light of the level of the adviser’s profits with respect to the Fund, the implementation of breakpoints in the advisory fee schedule is not appropriate at this time. Based upon the foregoing, the Board concluded that the benefits from economies of scale are currently being shared equitably by the Adviser and its affiliates and the Fund.

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION
 
 
Fund Management.  The Trustees of Eaton Vance Credit 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 Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. As used below, “EVC” refers to Eaton Vance Corp., “EV” refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., “EVM” refers to Eaton Vance Management, “BMR” refers to Boston Management and Research and “EVD” refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of EVM and BMR. EVD is the Fund’s principal underwriter and a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of EVC. 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.
 
                         
        Term of
      Number of Portfolios
     
    Position(s)
  Office and
      in Fund Complex
     
Name and
  with the
  Length of
  Principal Occupation(s)
  Overseen By
     
Date of Birth   Fund   Service   During Past Five Years   Trustee (1)     Other Directorships Held
 
 
 
Interested Trustees
                         
Thomas E. Faust Jr.
5/31/58
  Class I
Trustee and Vice
President
  Until 2010.
3 years. Trustee
since 2007 and
Vice President
since 2005.
  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 175 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.     175     Director of EVC
 
Noninterested Trustees
                         
Benjamin C. Esty (A)
1/2/63
  Class I
Trustee
  Until 2010. 3 years. Since 2005.   Roy and Elizabeth Simmons Professor of Business Administration, Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.     175     None
                         
Allen R. Freedman
4/3/40
  Class I
Trustee
  Until 2010. 3 years. Since 2007.   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).     175     Director of Assurant, Inc. (insurance provider) and Stonemor Partners, L.P. (owner and operator of cemeteries)
                         
William H. Park
9/19/47
  Class II
Trustee
  Until 2011. 3 years. Since 2005.   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).     175     None
                         
Ronald A. Pearlman
7/10/40
  Class II
Trustee
  Until 2011. 3 years. Since 2005.   Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center.     175     None
                         
Helen Frame Peters
3/22/48
  Class III
Trustee
  Until 2012. 3 years. Since 2008.   Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Adjunct Professor of Finance, Peking University, Beijing, China (since 2005).     175     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)
                         
Heidi L. Steiger
7/8/53
  Class II
Trustee
  Until 2011. 3 years. 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).     175     Director of Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd. (nuclear insurance provider) and Aviva USA (insurance provider)
                         
Lynn A. Stout
9/14/57
  Class III
Trustee
  Until 2012. 3 years. Since 2005.   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.     175     None

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Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund  
 
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION  CONT’D
 
                         
        Term of
      Number of Portfolios
     
    Position(s)
  Office and
      in Fund Complex
     
Name and
  with the
  Length of
  Principal Occupation(s)
  Overseen By
     
Date of Birth   Fund   Service   During Past Five Years   Trustee (1)     Other Directorships Held
 
 
Noninterested Trustees (continued)
                         
Ralph F. Verni (A)
1/26/43
  Chairman of
the Board
and Class III
Trustee
  Chairman of the Board since 2007. Trustee until 2012. 3 years. Trustee since 2005.   Consultant and private investor.     175     None
 
Principal Officers who are not Trustees
 
             
        Term of
   
        Office and
   
Name and
  Position(s) with
  Length of
  Principal Occupation(s)
Date of Birth   the Fund   Service   During Past Five Years
 
 
             
Payson F. Swaffield
8/13/56
  President   Since 2007   Chief Income Investment Officer of EVC. Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 5 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
             
Scott H. Page
11/30/59
  Vice President   Since 2007   Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 11 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
             
Andrew N. Sveen
3/13/61
  Vice President   Since 2007   Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 5 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
             
Michael W. Weilheimer
2/11/61
  Vice President   Since 2005   Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 25 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 175 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
             
Maureen A. Gemma
5/24/60
  Secretary   Secretary since 2007 and Chief Legal Officer since 2008   Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 175 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
             
Paul M. O’Neil
7/11/53
  Chief Compliance Officer   Since 2005   Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 175 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR.
 
(1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.
 
(A) APS Trustee
 
 
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 3, 2009. 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 Credit Opportunities Fund
Eaton Vance Management
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
 
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 Credit Opportunities Fund
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110


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2613-6/09 CE-COFSRC


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Item 2. Code of Ethics
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of such code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-262-1122.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The registrant’s Board has designated William H. Park, an independent trustee, as its audit committee financial expert. Mr. Park is a certified public accountant who is the Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp (specialty finance company). Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation (“UAM”) (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms).
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
(a) —(d)
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the registrant’s fiscal years ended April 30, 2008 and April 30, 2009 by the Fund’s principal accountant for professional services rendered for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and fees billed for other services rendered by the principal accountant during such period.
                 
Fiscal Years Ended   4/30/2008     4/30/2009  
 
Audit Fees
  $ 74,500     $ 72,245  
 
               
Audit-Related Fees (1)
  $ 4,120     $ 22,250  
 
               
Tax Fees (2)
  $ 18,560     $ 23,060  
 
               
All Other Fees (3)
  $ 101     $ 0  
     
 
               
Total
  $ 97,281     $ 117,555  
 
             
 
(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 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 registrant’s auction preferred shares.
 
(2)   Tax fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant relating to tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning and specifically include fees for tax return preparation.
 
(3)   All other fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by the principal accountant other than audit, audit-related, and tax services.
(e)(1) The registrant’s audit committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the pre-approval of services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant (the “Pre-Approval Policies”). The Pre-Approval Policies establish a framework intended to assist the audit committee in the proper discharge of its pre-approval responsibilities. As a general matter, the Pre-Approval Policies (i) specify certain types of audit, audit-related, tax, and other services determined to be pre-approved by the audit committee; and (ii) delineate specific procedures governing the mechanics of the pre-approval process, including the approval and monitoring of audit and non-audit service fees. Unless a service is specifically pre-approved under the Pre-Approval Policies, it must be separately pre-approved by the audit committee.
The Pre-Approval Policies and the types of audit and non-audit services pre-approved therein must be reviewed and ratified by the registrant’s audit committee at least annually. The registrant’s audit committee maintains full responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the registrant’s principal accountant.

 


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(e)(2) No services described in paragraphs (b)-(d) above were approved by the registrant’s audit committee pursuant to the “de minimis exception” set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
(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 registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant’s fiscal year ended April 30, 2008 and the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009; and (ii) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed for services rendered to the Eaton Vance organization for the registrant’s principal accountant for the same time periods, respectively.
                 
Fiscal Years Ended   4/30/2008   4/30/2009
 
Registrant
  $ 22,680     $ 45,310  
 
               
Eaton Vance (1)
  $ 319,338     $ 391,481  
 
(1)  The Investment adviser to the registrant, as well as any of its affiliates that provide ongoing services to the registrant, are subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp.
(h) The registrant’s audit committee has considered whether the provision by the registrant’s principal accountant of non-audit services to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed registrants
The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. William H. Park (Chair), Lynn A. Stout, Heidi L. Steiger and Ralph E. Verni are the members of the registrant’s audit committee.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments
Please see schedule of investments contained in the Report to Stockholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
The Board of 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 Fund’s investment adviser and adopted the investment adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Policies”) which are described below. The Trustees will review the Fund’s 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 Fund’s shareholders and the investment adviser, the administrator, or any of their affiliates or any affiliate of the Fund, the investment adviser will generally refrain from

 


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voting the proxies related to the companies giving rise to such conflict until it consults with the Board’s Special Committee except as contemplated under the Fund Policy. The Board’s Special Committee will instruct the investment adviser on the appropriate course of action.
The Policies are designed to promote accountability of a company’s management to its shareholders and to align the interests of management with those shareholders. An independent proxy voting service (“Agent”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc., has been retained to assist in the voting of proxies through the 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 Fund’s 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 adviser’s 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 Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov .
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Scott H. Page, Andrew N. Sveen, Payson F. Swaffield, Michael W. Weilheimer and other Eaton Vance Management (“EVM”) investment professionals comprise the investment team responsible for the overall management of the Fund’s investments as well as allocations of the Fund’s assets between common and preferred stocks. Messrs. Page, Sveen, Swaffield, and Weilheimer are the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of specific segments of the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 


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Mr. Page has been an Eaton Vance portfolio manager since 1996 and is a Vice President of EVM and Boston Management and Research, an Eaton Vance subsidiary (“BMR”). He is head of Eaton Vance’s Bank Loan Investment Group. Mr. Sveen is a Vice President of EVM and BMR and a portfolio manager since 2007. Mr. Swaffield has been an Eaton Vance portfolio manager since 1996 and is a Vice President of EVM and BMR as well as Chief Income Investment Officer. Mr. Weilheimer has been an Eaton Vance portfolio manager since 1996 and is a Vice President of EVM and BMR. He is head of Eaton Vance’s Fixed Income High Yield Group. This information is provided as of the date of filing of this report.
The following tables show, as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, the number of accounts each portfolio manager managed in each of the listed categories and the total assets in 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 of    
    Number           Accounts   Total Assets of
    of All   Total Assets of   Paying a   Accounts Paying a
    Accounts   All Accounts*   Performance Fee   Performance Fee*
Scott H. Page
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    10 (1)   $ 9,186.0       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    4     $ 2,588.5       4     $ 2,588.5  
Other Accounts
    5     $ 4,030.9       0     $ 0  
 
Payson F. Swaffield
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    3     $ 2,902.7       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    0     $ 0       0     $ 0  
Other Accounts
    0     $ 0       0     $ 0  
 
Andrew N. Sveen
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    2     $ 884.4       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    0     $ 0       0     $ 0  
Other Accounts
    1     $ 216.2       0     $ 0  
 
Michael W. Weilheimer (2)
                               
Registered Investment Companies
    6 (1)   $ 4,780.5       0     $ 0  
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
    4     $ 614.4       2     $ 73.4  
Other Accounts
    15     $ 469.9       0     $ 0  
 
*   In millions of dollars.
 
(1)   Numbers provided include an investment company structured as a fund-of-funds which invests in funds in the Eaton Vance complex advised by other portfolio managers.
 
(2)   Certain of the funds that Mr. Weilheimer serves as portfolio manager may invest in underlying portfolios that he also serve as portfolio manager.

 


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The following table shows the dollar range of Fund shares beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end.
         
    Dollar Range of
    Equity Securities
Portfolio Manager   Owned in the Fund
Scott H. Page
  $ 10,001-$50,000  
Andrew N. Sveen
  $ 10,001-$50,000  
Payson F. Swaffield
  $ 10,001-$50,000  
Michael W. Weilheimer
  None
Potential for Conflicts of Interest . It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager’s management of a Fund’s investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts for which the 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 a 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 the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities. Whenever conflicts of interest arise, the portfolio manager will endeavor to exercise his or her discretion in a manner that he or she believes is equitable to all interested persons. EVM and the sub-adviser have adopted several policies and procedures designed to address these potential conflicts including: a code of ethics; and policies which govern the investment adviser or sub-adviser’s 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 EVM’s 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 EVC’s nonvoting common stock andr restricted shares of EVC’s nonvoting common stock. EVM’s investment professionals also receive certain retirement, insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to EVM’s employees. Compensation of EVM’s investment professionals is reviewed primarily on an annual basis. Cash bonuses, stock-based compensation awards, and adjustments in base salary are typically paid or put into effect at or shortly after the October 31st fiscal year end of EVC.
Method to Determine Compensation . EVM 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. In addition to rankings within peer groups of funds on the basis of absolute performance, consideration may also be given to relative risk-adjusted performance. Risk-adjusted performance measures include, but are not limited to, the Sharpe Ratio. 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

 


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Lipper Inc. and/or Morningstar, Inc. When a fund’s peer group as determined by Lipper or Morningstar is deemed by EVM’s 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. For funds with an investment objective other than total return (such as current income), consideration will also be given to the fund’s success in achieving its objective. For managers responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis, based on averages or weighted averages among managed funds and accounts. Funds and accounts that have performance-based advisory fees are not accorded disproportionate weightings in measuring aggregate portfolio manager performance.
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 EVM’s portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to year, based on changes in manager performance and other factors as described herein. For a high performing portfolio manager, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may represent a substantial portion of total compensation.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
No such purchases this period.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
No Material Changes.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures
(a) It is the conclusion of the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrant’s current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to

 


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the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits
     
(a)(1)
  Registrant’s Code of Ethics – Not applicable (please see Item 2).
 
   
(a)(2)(i)
  Treasurer’s Section 302 certification.
 
   
(a)(2)(ii)
  President’s Section 302 certification.
 
   
(b)
  Combined Section 906 certification.

 


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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Eaton Vance Credit Opportunities Fund
         
 
 By:
  /s/ Payson F. Swaffield
 
Payson F. Swaffield
   
 
  President    
Date:    June 16, 2009
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
         
 
 By:
  /s/ Barbara E. Campbell
 
Barbara E. Campbell
   
 
  Treasurer    
Date:    June 16, 2009
         
 
 By:
  /s/ Payson F. Swaffield
 
Payson F. Swaffield
   
 
  President    
Date:    June 16, 2009

 

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