UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
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Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11.
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Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
January 28, 2016
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of your Fund, which will be held at the principal office of each Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).
At this meeting you will be asked to consider the election of Trustees. The enclosed proxy statement contains additional information.
We hope that you will be able to attend the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend and regardless of the number of shares you own, it is important that your shares be represented. I urge you to complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope as soon as possible to assure that your shares are represented at the meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ Scott H. Page
Scott H. Page
President
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT - PLEASE RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD PROMPTLY.
It is important that your shares be represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend in person, you are requested to complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as soon as possible. You may withdraw your proxy if you attend the Annual Meeting and desire to vote in person.
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held on Thursday, March 24, 2016: The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Shareholder Report are available on the Eaton Vance website at www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of each of the above registered investment companies, each a Massachusetts business trust (collectively, the Funds), will be held at the principal office of each Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), for the following purposes:
| (1) | To elect Trustees of each Fund as outlined below: | |
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| a. | two Class III Trustees, Helen Frame Peters and Valerie A. Mosley, to be elected by the holders of each Fund's Common Shares and Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class; and |
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| b. | one Class III Trustee, Ralph F. Verni, to be elected by the holders of each Fund's Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, voting separately as a single class. |
| (2) | To consider and act upon any other matters that may properly come before the meeting and any adjourned or postponed session thereof. |
Each Fund will hold a separate meeting. Shareholders of each Fund will vote separately. Any such vote in FAVOR or AGAINST the proposal will also authorize the persons named as proxies to vote accordingly in FAVOR or AGAINST any such adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Board of Trustees of each Fund has fixed the close of business on January 11, 2016 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders of a Fund entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
By Order of each Board of Trustees
/s/ Maureen A. Gemma
Maureen A. Gemma
Secretary
January 28, 2016
Boston, Massachusetts
IMPORTANT
Shareholders can help the Board of Trustees of their Fund avoid the necessity and additional expense to the Funds of further solicitations by promptly returning the enclosed proxy. The enclosed addressed envelope requires no postage if mailed in the United States and is intended for your convenience.
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust
Two International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund (the Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund) and Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (the Floating-Rate Income Trust) (collectively, the Funds). The proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of each Fund and at any adjournments or postponements thereof. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the principal office of each Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The meeting will be held for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice. This proxy material is being mailed to shareholders on or about January 28, 2016.
The Board of Trustees of each Fund has fixed the close of business on January 11, 2016 as the record date for the determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The number of Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share (Common Shares), and the number of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares, $0.01 par value per share, liquidation preference $100,000 per share (VRTPS), of each Fund outstanding on January 11, 2016, were as follows:
Fund | No. of Common Shares | No. of VRTPS |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund | 7,606,422 | 360 |
Floating-Rate Income Trust | 41,373,110 | 800 |
Each Fund will vote separately on each item; votes of multiple Funds will not be aggregated.
According to filings made pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, one or more shareholders of a Fund owns more than 5% of the Fund's Common Shares and/or VRTPS. Information relating to such shareholders can be found on Exhibit C. As of January 11, 2016, to each Funds knowledge: (i) no other shareholder beneficially owned more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund; and (ii) the Trustees and officers of the Fund, individually and as a group, owned beneficially less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
Shareholders as of the close of business on the record date will be entitled to one vote for each share held. All properly executed proxies received prior to the meeting will be voted at the meeting. Each proxy will be voted in accordance with its instructions; if no instruction is given, an executed proxy will authorize the persons named on the respective proxy card enclosed as proxies, or any of them, to vote in favor of the election of each Trustee. An executed proxy delivered to a Fund is revocable by the person giving it prior to its exercise by a signed writing filed with the Funds Secretary, by executing and delivering a later dated proxy, or by attending the meeting and voting the shares in person. Merely attending the meeting will not revoke a previously executed proxy. If you hold Fund shares through an intermediary (such as a broker, bank, adviser or custodian), please consult with the intermediary regarding your ability to revoke voting instructions after they have been provided.
If you are a record holder of Fund shares and plan to attend the meeting in person, you must show a valid photo identification (such as a drivers license) to gain admission to the meeting. If you hold Fund shares through an intermediary and plan to attend the meeting in person, you will be required to show a valid photo identification and authority to vote your shares (referred to as a legal proxy) to gain admission to the meeting. You must contact your intermediary to obtain a legal proxy for your shares.
The Boards of Trustees of the Funds know of no business other than that mentioned in Item 1 of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders that will be presented for consideration. If any other matters are properly presented, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.
PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
Each Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that a majority of the Trustees shall fix the number of the entire Board and that such number shall be at least two and no greater than fifteen. Each Board has fixed the number of Trustees at ten. Under the terms of each Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years to expire on the date of the third annual meeting following its election. An effect of staggered terms is to limit the ability of entities or persons to acquire control of a Fund.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Proxies will be voted for the election of the following nominees: | ||
| a. | two Class III Trustees, Helen Frame Peters and Valerie A. Mosley, to be elected by the holders of each Fund's Common Shares and VRTPS, voting together as a single class; and |
| b. | one Class III Trustee, Ralph F. Verni, to be elected by the holders of each Fund's VRTPS, voting separately as a single class. |
The Board of Trustees recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the Trustee nominees of each Fund.
Each nominee is currently serving as a Trustee of his or her respective Fund and has consented to continue to so serve. In the event that a nominee is unable to serve for any reason (which is not now expected) when the election occurs, the accompanying proxy will be voted for such other person or persons as the Board of Trustees may recommend. Election of Trustees is non-cumulative. Shareholders do not have appraisal rights in connection with the proposal in this proxy statement. The Trustees of each Fund shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of the Fund entitled to vote. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. No nominee is a party adverse to his or her respective Fund or any of its affiliates in any material pending legal proceeding, nor does any nominee have an interest materially adverse to such Fund.
Under the terms of each Funds By-laws, as amended, the holders of the VRTPS are entitled as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of the Common Shares, to elect two Trustees of each Fund. Mr. Verni has been nominated for election by holders of each Fund's VRTPS at this meeting. Each Funds By-laws further provide for the election of the other nominees named above by the holders of the Common Shares and the VRTPS, voting together as a single class.
The following table presents certain information regarding the current Trustees of each Fund, including the principal occupations of each such person for at least the last five years. Information in the table below about a Trustee's position with a Fund, the period as a Trustee and the current term of each Trustee are for both Funds unless otherwise noted.
Name and Year of Birth |
| Position(s) with the Funds |
| Trustee Since(1) |
| Current Term Expiring |
| Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| Other Directorships Held |
Interested Trustee |
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THOMAS E. FAUST JR. |
| Trustee |
| 2007 |
| Class I Trustee until 2017. |
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance Corp. (EVC), Director and President of Eaton Vance, Inc. (EV), Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance Management (EVM or Eaton Vance) and Boston Management and Research (BMR), and Director of Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) and Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (EVMI). Trustee and/or officer of 174 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance, EVMI or BMR. |
| Director of EVC and Hexavest Inc. (investment management firm). |
Noninterested Trustees |
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RALPH F. VERNI |
| Chairperson of the Board and Trustee |
| 2007 (Chairperson) and 2005 (Trustee) |
| Class III Trustee until 2016.(3) |
| Consultant and private investor. Formerly, Chief Investment Officer (1982-1992), Chief Financial Officer (1988-1990) and Director (1982-1992), New England Life. Formerly, Chairperson, New England Mutual Funds (1982-1992). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, State Street Management & Research (1992-2000). Formerly, Chairperson, State Street Research Mutual Funds (1992-2000). Formerly, Director, W.P. Carey, LLC (1998-2004) and First Pioneer Farm Credit Corp. (2002-2006). |
| None |
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Name and Year of Birth |
| Position(s) with the Funds |
| Trustee Since(1) |
| Current Term Expiring |
| Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| Other Directorships Held |
SCOTT E. ESTON |
| Trustee |
| 2011 |
| Class I Trustee until 2017.(3) |
| Private investor. Formerly held various positions at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo and Co., L.L.C. (investment management firm) (1997-2009), including Chief Operating Officer (2002-2009), Chief Financial Officer (1997-2009) and Chairman of the Executive Committee (2002-2008); President and Principal Executive Officer, GMO Trust (open-end registered investment company) (2006-2009). Former Partner, Coopers and Lybrand L.L.P. (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (an independent registered public accounting firm) (1987-1997). |
| None |
CYNTHIA E. FROST |
| Trustee |
| 2014 |
| Class I Trustee until 2017. |
| Private investor. Formerly, Chief Investment Officer of Brown University (university endowment) (2000-2012); Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company (university endowment manager) (1995-2000); Managing Director, Cambridge Associates (investment consulting company) (1989-1995); Consultant, Bain and Company (management consulting firm) (1987-1989); Senior Equity Analyst, BA Investment Management Company (1983-1985). |
| None |
GEORGE J. GORMAN |
| Trustee |
| 2014 |
| Class II Trustee until 2018. |
| Principal at George J. Gorman LLC (consulting firm). Formerly, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young LLP (public accounting firm) (1974-2009). |
| Formerly, Trustee of the Bank of America Money Market Funds Series Trust (2011-2014) and of the Ashmore Funds (2010-2014). |
VALERIE A. MOSLEY |
| Trustee |
| 2014 |
| Class III Trustee until 2016. |
| Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmo Ventures (a consulting and investment firm). Former Partner and Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist at Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1992-2012). Former Chief Investment Officer, PG Corbin Asset Management (1990-1992). Formerly worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody (1986-1990). |
| Director of Dynex Capital, Inc. (mortgage REIT) (since 2013). |
WILLIAM H. PARK |
| Vice-Chairperson of the Board and Trustee |
| 2016 (Vice-Chairperson) and 2003 (Trustee) |
| Class II Trustee until 2018. |
| Private investor. Formerly, Consultant (management and transactional) (2012-2014). Formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Aveon Group, L.P. (investment management firm) (2010-2011). Formerly, Vice Chairman, Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. (specialty finance company) (2006-2010). Formerly, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (2002-2005). Formerly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (investment management firm) (1982-2001). Formerly, Senior Manager, Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (an independent registered public accounting firm) (1972-1981). |
| None |
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Name and Year of Birth |
| Position(s) with the Funds |
| Trustee Since(1) |
| Current Term Expiring |
| Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
| Other Directorships Held |
HELEN FRAME PETERS |
| Trustee |
| 2008 |
| Class III Trustee until 2016. |
| Professor of Finance, Carroll School of Management, Boston College. Formerly, Dean, Carroll School of Management, Boston College (2000-2002). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income, Scudder Kemper Investments (investment management firm) (1998-1999). Formerly, Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income, Colonial Management Associates (investment management firm) (1991-1998). |
| Formerly, Director of BJs Wholesale Club, Inc. (wholesale club retailer) (2004-2011). Formerly, Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust (exchange traded funds) (2000-2009). Formerly, Director of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (a bank for banks) (2007-2009). |
SUSAN J. SUTHERLAND |
| Trustee |
| 2015 |
| Class II Trustee until 2018. |
| Private investor. Formerly, Associate, Counsel and Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (law firm) (1982-2013). |
| Formerly, Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (global provider of customized insurance and reinsurance products) (2013-2015). |
HARRIETT TEE TAGGART |
| Trustee |
| 2011 |
| Class II Trustee until 2018. |
| Managing Director, Taggart Associates (a professional practice firm). Formerly, Partner and Senior Vice President, Wellington Management Company, LLP (investment management firm) (1983-2006). |
| Director of Albemarle Corporation (chemicals manufacturer) (since 2007) and The Hanover Group (specialty property and casualty insurance company) (since 2009). Formerly, Director of Lubrizol Corporation (specialty chemicals) (2007-2011). |
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(1)
Year first appointed to serve as Trustee for a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds. Each Trustee has served continuously since appointment unless indicated otherwise.
(2)
During their respective tenures, the Trustees (except for Mmes. Frost and Sutherland and Mr. Gorman) also served as Board members of one or more of the following funds (which operated in the years noted): eUnits 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust: Upside to Cap / Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014); eUnits 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust II: Upside to Cap / Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014); and Eaton Vance National Municipal Income Trust (launched in 1998 and terminated in 2009). However, Ms. Mosley did not serve as a Board member of eUnits 2 Year U.S. Market Participation Trust: Upside to Cap / Buffered Downside (launched in 2012 and terminated in 2014).
(3)
Elected or nominated to be elected by holders of each Fund's VRTPS.
Each current Trustee listed above served as a Trustee of 174 funds within the Eaton Vance Fund complex as of January 11, 2016 (including both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure). The address of each Trustee is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
Each Trustee holds office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, subject to a prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Under the terms of each Funds Trustee retirement policy as currently in effect, a Trustee must retire as a Trustee on the first day of July following his or her 74th birthday unless such retirement would cause a Fund to be out of compliance with Section 16 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), in which case the retirement and resignation will occur on the first day thereafter on which a Fund would be in compliance with Section 16. Section 16 requires in substance that at least two-thirds of the Trustees be elected by shareholders.
Interested Trustee
Mr. Faust is an interested person (as defined in the 1940 Act) by reason of his affiliation with EVM, each Funds investment adviser, and EVC, a publicly-held holding company, which owns all the outstanding shares of EVM and of EVMs trustee, EV. (EVM, EVC, and their affiliates are sometimes referred to collectively as the Eaton Vance Organization.) Mr. Faust holds positions with other Eaton Vance affiliates that are comparable to his position with Eaton Vance listed above.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Share Ownership by Trustee
The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned in each Fund and in all registered investment companies advised, administered and/or distributed by Eaton Vance or its affiliates (the Eaton Vance family of funds) by each Trustee.
| Name of Trustee | Dollar Range of Equity Securities | Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity |
Interested Trustee |
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| Thomas E. Faust Jr. | None | Over $100,000 |
Noninterested Trustees |
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| Scott E. Eston | None | Over $100,000 |
| Cynthia E. Frost | None | Over $100,000*** |
| George J. Gorman | None | Over $100,000 |
| Valerie A. Mosley | None | Over $100,000 |
| William H. Park | None | Over $100,000 |
| Helen Frame Peters | None | Over $100,000 |
| Susan J. Sutherland** | None | Over $100,000*** |
| Harriett Tee Taggart | None | Over $100,000 |
| Ralph F. Verni | None | Over $100,000 |
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* | As of January 11, 2016. | ||
** | Ms. Sutherland began serving as a Trustee effective May 1, 2015. | ||
*** | Includes shares which may be deemed to be beneficially owned through the Trustee Deferred Compensation Plan. |
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board of Trustees (the Board) has general oversight responsibility with respect to the business and affairs of each Fund. The Board has engaged an investment adviser and (if applicable) a sub-adviser (collectively the adviser) to manage each Fund and an administrator to administer each Fund and is responsible for overseeing such adviser and administrator and other service providers to the Fund. The Board is currently composed of ten Trustees, including nine Trustees who are not interested persons of a Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (each a noninterested Trustee). In addition to six regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may require action prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established six committees to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.
The Board has appointed a noninterested Trustee to serve in the role of Chairperson. The Chairpersons primary role is to participate in the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the Board. The Chairperson also presides at all meetings of the Board and acts as a liaison with service providers, officers, attorneys, and other Board members generally between meetings. The Chairperson may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. In addition, the Board has appointed a noninterested Trustee to serve in the role of Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson has the power and authority to perform any or all of the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson and/or as requested by the Chairperson. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to each Funds Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation of Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson does not impose on such noninterested Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board, generally.
Each Fund is subject to a number of risks, including, among others, investment, compliance, operational, and valuation risks. Risk oversight is part of the Boards general oversight of each Fund and is addressed as part of various activities of the Board and its Committees. As part of its oversight of each Fund, the Board directly, or through a Committee, relies on and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the adviser, the administrator, the principal underwriter, the Chief Compliance Officer (the CCO), and other Fund service providers responsible for day-to-day oversight of Fund investments, operations and
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
compliance to assist the Board in identifying and understanding the nature and extent of risks and determining whether, and to what extent, such risks can or should be mitigated. The Board also interacts with the CCO and with senior personnel of the adviser, the administrator, the principal underwriter and other Fund service providers and provides input on risk management issues during meetings of the Board and its Committees. Each of the adviser, the administrator, the principal underwriter and the other Fund service providers has its own independent interest and responsibilities in risk management, and its policies and methods for carrying out risk management functions will depend, in part, on its individual priorities, resources and controls. It is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect a Fund or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Moreover, it is necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve a Funds goals.
The Board, with the assistance of management and with input from the Boards various committees, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of Fund performance. The Board has appointed a Fund CCO who oversees the implementation and testing of each Fund compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Funds and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Boards periodic review of the advisory, subadvisory (if applicable), distribution and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible. With respect to valuation, the Board approves and periodically reviews valuation policies and procedures applicable to valuing each Funds shares. The administrator and the adviser are responsible for the implementation and day-to-day administration of these valuation policies and procedures and provides reports to the Audit Committee of the Board and the Board regarding these and related matters. In addition, the Audit Committee of the Board or the Board receives reports periodically from the independent public accounting firm for each Fund regarding tests performed by such firm on the valuation of all securities, as well as with respect to other risks associated with mutual funds. Reports received from service providers, legal counsel and the independent public accounting firm assist the Board in performing its oversight function.
Each Funds Declaration of Trust does not set forth any specific qualifications to serve as a Trustee. The Charter of the Governance Committee also does not set forth any specific qualifications, but does set forth certain factors that the Committee may take into account in considering noninterested Trustee candidates. In general, no one factor is decisive in the selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considers when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board are the following: (i) knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) experience as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) educational background; (iv) reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) specific financial, technical or other expertise, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board members existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the ability to qualify as a noninterested Trustee for purposes of the 1940 Act and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the individual and each Fund; and (viii) such other factors as the Board determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board.
Among the attributes or skills common to all Board members are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the other members of the Board, management, sub-advisers, other service providers, counsel and independent registered public accounting firms, and to exercise effective and independent business judgment in the performance of their duties as members of the Board. Each Board members ability to perform his or her duties effectively has been attained through the Board members business, consulting, public service and/or academic positions and through experience from service as a member of the Boards of the Eaton Vance family of funds (Eaton Vance Fund Boards) (and/or in other capacities, including for any predecessor funds), public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations as set forth below. Each Board members ability to perform his or her duties effectively also has been enhanced by his or her educational background, professional training, and/or other life experiences.
In respect of each current member of the Board, the individuals substantial professional accomplishments and experience, including in fields related to the operations of registered investment companies, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a member of the Board. The following is a summary of each Board members particular professional experience and additional considerations that contributed to the Boards conclusion that he or she should serve as a member of the Board:
Scott E. Eston. Mr. Eston has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2011 and is the Chairperson of the Contract Review Committee. He currently serves on the board and on the investment committee of Michigan State University Foundation, and on the investment advisory sub-committee of Michigan State University. From 1997 through 2009, Mr. Eston served in several capacities at Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo and Co. (GMO), including as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer, and also as the President and Principal Executive officer of GMO Trust, an affiliated open-end registered investment company. From 1978 through 1997, Mr. Eston was employed at Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) (since 1987 as a Partner).
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Thomas E. Faust Jr. Mr. Faust has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2007. He is currently Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of EVC, Director and President of EV, Chief Executive Officer and President of Eaton Vance and BMR, and Director of EVD and EVMI. Mr. Faust has served as a Director of Hexavest Inc. since 2012. Mr. Faust previously served as an equity analyst, portfolio manager, Director of Equity Research and Management and Chief Investment Officer of Eaton Vance (1985-2007). He holds B.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Faust has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 1988.
Cynthia E. Frost. Ms. Frost has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since May 29, 2014. From 2000 through 2012, Ms. Frost was the Chief Investment Officer of Brown University, where she oversaw the evaluation, selection and monitoring of the third party investment managers who managed the universitys endowment. From 1995-2000, Ms. Frost was a Portfolio Strategist for Duke Management Company, which oversaw Duke Universitys endowment. Ms. Frost also served in various investment and consulting roles at Cambridge Associates (1989-1995), Bain and Company (1987-1989) and BA Investment Management Company (1983-1985). She serves as a member of an advisory board of Creciente Partners Investment Management, LLC, a manager of a multi-manager hedge fund, and has additional experience as a member of the investment committee of several non-profit organizations.
George J. Gorman. Mr. Gorman has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since May 29, 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. From 1974 through 2009, Mr. Gorman served in various capacities at Ernst & Young LLP, including as a Senior Partner in the Asset Management Group (from 1988) specializing in managing engagement teams responsible for auditing mutual funds registered with the SEC, hedge funds and private equity funds. Mr. Gorman also has experience serving as an independent trustee of other mutual fund complexes, including the Bank of America Money Market Funds Series Trust (2011-2014) and the Ashmore Funds (2010-2014).
Valerie A. Mosley. Ms. Mosley has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since January 1, 2014 and is the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. She currently owns and manages a consulting and investment firm, Valmo Ventures and is a Director of Progress Investment Management Company, a manager of emerging managers. From 1992 through 2012, Ms. Mosley served in several capacities at Wellington Management Company, LLP, an investment management firm, including as a Partner, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist. Ms. Mosley also served as Chief Investment Officer at PG Corbin Asset Management from 1990-1992 and worked in institutional corporate bond sales at Kidder Peabody from 1986-1990. Ms. Mosley is a Director of Dynex Capital, Inc., a mortgage REIT, where she serves on the boards audit and investment committees. She also serves as a trustee or board member of several major non-profit organizations and endowments, including Mass Ventures, a quasi-public early-stage investment corporation active in Massachusetts, and New Profit, a non-profit venture philanthropy fund. She is a member of the Risk Audit Committee of the United Auto Workers Retiree Medical Benefits Trust and a member of the Investment Advisory Committee of New York State Common Retirement Fund.
William H. Park. Mr. Park has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2003, is the Independent Vice-Chairperson of the Board and is the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. Mr. Park was formerly a consultant (2012-2014) and formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Aveon Group, L.P. from 2010-2011. Mr. Park also served as Vice Chairman of Commercial Industrial Finance Corp. from 2006-2010, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC from 2002-2005, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation from 1982-2001 and as Senior Manager of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) from 1972-1981.
Helen Frame Peters. Ms. Peters has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2008 and is the Chairperson of the Portfolio Management Committee. Ms. Peters is currently a Professor of Finance at Carroll School of Management, Boston College and was formerly Dean of Carroll School of Management from 2000-2002. Ms. Peters was previously a Director of BJs Wholesale Club, Inc. from 2004-2011. In addition, Ms. Peters was the Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income at Scudder Kemper Investments from 1998-1999 and Chief Investment Officer, Equity and Fixed Income at Colonial Management Associates from 1991-1998. Ms. Peters also served as a Trustee of SPDR Index Shares Funds and SPDR Series Trust from 2000-2009 and as a Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston from 2007-2009.
Susan J. Sutherland. Ms. Sutherland has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since May 1, 2015. Ms. Sutherland also serves as a director of Hagerty Holding Corp., a leading provider of specialized automobile and marine insurance. Ms. Sutherland was a Director of Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd., a global provider of customized reinsurance and insurance products, from 2013 until its sale in 2015. From 1982 through 2013, Ms. Sutherland was an associate, counsel and then a partner in the Financial Institutions Group of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she primarily represented U.S. and international insurance and reinsurance companies, investment banks and private equity firms in insurance-related corporate transactions. In addition, Ms. Sutherland is qualified as a Governance Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors and has also served as a board member of prominent non-profit organizations.
7
Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Harriett Tee Taggart. Ms. Taggart has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2011 and is the Chairperson of the Governance Committee. Ms. Taggart currently manages a professional practice, Taggart Associates. Since 2007, Ms. Taggart has been a Director of Albemarle Corporation, a specialty chemical company where she serves as a member of the Executive Compensation Committee. Since 2009 she has served as a Director of the Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. where she serves as a member of the Nomination and Governance Committee. Ms. Taggart is also a trustee or member of several major non-profit boards, advisory committees and endowment investment companies. From 1983 through 2006, Ms. Taggart served in several capacities at Wellington Management Company, LLP, an investment management firm, including as a Partner, Senior Vice President and chemical industry sector portfolio manager. Ms. Taggart also served as a Director of the Lubrizol Corporation, a specialty chemicals manufacturer from 2007-2011.
Ralph F. Verni. Mr. Verni has served as a member of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards since 2005 and is the Independent Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Verni was formerly the Chief Investment Officer (from 1982-1992), Chief Financial Officer (from 1988-1990) and Director (from 1982-1992) of New England Life. Mr. Verni was also the Chairperson of the New England Mutual Funds from 1982-1992; President and Chief Executive Officer of State Street Management & Research from 1992-2000; Chairperson of the State Street Research Mutual Funds from 1992-2000; Director of W.P. Carey, LLC from 1998-2004; and Director of First Pioneer Farm Credit Corp. from 2002-2006. Mr. Verni has been a Chartered Financial Analyst since 1977.
During the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, the Trustees of each Fund met nine times. Each Board of Trustees has several standing Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Contract Review Committee, the Governance Committee, the Portfolio Management Committee, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. The Audit Committee met eighteen times, the Contract Review Committee met eight times, the Governance Committee met seven times, the Portfolio Management Committee met eleven times, the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee met thirteen times and the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters met two times during such period. Each Trustee attended at least 75% of such Board and Committee meetings on which he or she serves. None of the Trustees attended the Funds’ 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Each Committee of the Board of Trustees of each Fund is comprised of only noninterested Trustees. The respective duties and responsibilities of these Committees remain under the continuing review of the Governance Committee and the Board.
Messrs. Park (Chairperson), Eston and Verni, and Ms. Frost are members of the Audit Committee. The Board has designated Mr. Park, a noninterested Trustee, as audit committee financial expert. Each Audit Committee member is independent under applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The purposes of the Audit Committee are to (i) oversee each Funds accounting and financial reporting processes, its internal control over financial reporting, and, as appropriate, the internal control over financial reporting of certain service providers; (ii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the quality and integrity of each Funds financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, each Funds compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Funds accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits; (iv) approve, prior to appointment, the engagement and, when appropriate, replacement of the independent auditors, and, if applicable, nominate independent auditors to be proposed for shareholder ratification in any proxy statement of each Fund; (v) evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and the audit partner in charge of leading the audit; and (vi) prepare, as necessary, audit committee reports consistent with the requirements of applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and stock exchange rules for inclusion in the proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund. Each Funds Board of Trustees has adopted a written charter for its Audit Committee, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit A. The written charter is also available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Tools & Resources and then Fund Corporate Governance. The Audit Committees Report is set forth below under Additional Information.
Messrs. Eston (Chairperson), Gorman, Park and Verni, and Mmes. Mosley, Peters, Sutherland and Taggart are members of the Contract Review Committee. The purposes of the Contract Review Committee are to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning the following matters: (i) contractual arrangements with each service provider to each Fund, including advisory, sub-advisory, transfer agency, custodial and fund accounting, distribution services (if any) and administrative services; (ii) any and all other matters in which any of each Funds service providers (including Eaton Vance or any affiliated entity thereof) has an actual or potential conflict of interest with the interests of the Fund or its shareholders; and (iii) any other matter appropriate for review by the noninterested Trustees, unless the matter is within the responsibilities of other Committees of the Board.
Mmes. Peters (Chairperson), Frost, Mosley and Taggart are members of the Portfolio Management Committee. The purposes of the Portfolio Management Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight of the portfolio management process employed by each Fund and their investment adviser and sub-adviser(s), if applicable, relative to the Funds stated objective(s), strategies and restrictions; (ii) assist the Board in its oversight of the trading policies and procedures and risk management techniques applicable to the Funds; and (iii) assist the Board in its monitoring of the performance results of all funds, giving special attention to the performance of certain funds that it or the Board of Trustees identifies from time to time.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Messrs. Gorman (Chairperson) and Eston, and Ms. Sutherland are members of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee. The purposes of the Compliance Reports and Regulatory Matters Committee are to: (i) assist the Board in its oversight role with respect to compliance issues and certain other regulatory matters affecting the Funds; (ii) serve as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Funds CCO; and (iii) serve as a qualified legal compliance committee within the rules promulgated by the SEC.
Ms. Mosley (Chairperson) and Messrs. Gorman and Park are members of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters. The purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee for Closed-End Fund Matters is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to issues specifically related to Eaton Vance Closed-End Funds.
Mmes. Taggart (Chairperson), Frost, Mosley, Peters and Sutherland, and Messrs. Eston, Gorman, Park and Verni are members of the Governance Committee. Each Governance Committee member is independent under applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange. The purpose of the Governance Committee is to consider, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board with respect to the structure, membership and operation of the Board and the Committees thereof, including the nomination and selection of noninterested Trustees and a Chairperson of the Board and the compensation of such persons.
Each Funds Board of Trustees has adopted a written charter for its Governance Committee, a copy of which is available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Tools & Resources and then Fund Corporate Governance. The Governance Committee identifies candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it deems appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Fund, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Funds who submit recommendations in accordance with the procedures described in the Committees charter. In no event shall the Governance Committee consider as a candidate to fill any vacancy an individual recommended by management of the Funds, unless the Governance Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation. The Governance Committee will, when a vacancy exists, consider a nominee for Trustee recommended by a shareholder, provided that such recommendation is submitted in writing to the Funds Secretary at the principal executive office of the Fund. Such recommendations must be accompanied by biographical and occupational data on the candidate (including whether the candidate would be an interested person of the Fund), a written consent by the candidate to be named as a nominee and to serve as Trustee if elected, record and ownership information for the recommending shareholder with respect to the Fund, and a description of any arrangements or understandings regarding recommendation of the candidate for consideration. The Governance Committees procedures for evaluating candidates for the position of noninterested Trustee are set forth in an appendix to the Committees charter.
The Governance Committee does not have a formal policy to consider diversity when identifying candidates for the position of noninterested Trustee. Rather, as a matter of practice, the Committee considers the overall diversity of the Boards composition when identifying candidates. Specifically, the Committee considers how a particular candidate could be expected to contribute to overall diversity in the backgrounds, skills and experiences of the Boards members and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the Board. In addition, as part of its annual self-evaluation, the Board has an opportunity to consider the diversity of its members, including specifically whether the Boards members have the right mix of characteristics, experiences and skills. The results of the self-evaluation are considered by the Governance Committee in its decision-making process with respect to candidates for the position of noninterested Trustee.
Communications with the Board of Trustees
Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board may do so by sending a written communication to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, the Chairperson of any Committee of the Board of Trustees or to the noninterested Trustees as a group, at the following address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, c/o the Secretary of the applicable Fund.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Remuneration of Trustees
Each noninterested Trustee is compensated for his or her services according to a fee schedule adopted by each Board of Trustees, and receives a fee that consists of an annual retainer and a committee service component. Each Fund currently pays each noninterested Trustee a pro rata share, as described below, of: (i) an annual retainer of $235,000; (ii) an additional annual retainer of $125,000 for serving as the Chairperson of the noninterested Trustees; (iii) an additional annual retainer of $60,000 for Committee Service; (iv) an additional annual retainer of $30,000 for serving as the Governance Committee Chairperson, the Audit Committee Chairperson, the Compliance Committee Chairperson, the Contract Review Committee Chairperson or the Portfolio Management Committee Chairperson (to be split evenly in the event of Co-Chairpersons); (v) the Chairperson of an Ad Hoc Committee will receive $5,000 for any six-month period the Ad Hoc Committee is in existence, with the six-month periods being October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30; and (vi) out-of-pocket expenses. The pro rata share paid by each Fund is based on the Funds average net assets as a percentage of the average net assets of all the funds in the Eaton Vance family of funds. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, the Trustees of each Fund earned the compensation set forth below in their capacities as Trustees of each Fund, and assumes they served for the entire period. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, the Trustees earned the compensation set forth below in their capacities as members of the Eaton Vance Fund Boards(1):
| Scott E. | Cynthia E. | George J. | Valerie A. | William H. | Helen Frame | Susan J. | Harriett Tee | Ralph F. |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund | $1,201(2) | $962(3) | $962 | $1,174 | $1,257 | $1,244 | $1,154 | $1,244 | $1,461(4) |
Floating-Rate Income Trust | 5,008(2) | 4,022(3) | 4,022 | 4,897 | 5,241 | 5,187 | 4,812 | 5,187 | 6,102(4) |
Total Compensation from Fund and | $312,083 | $290,000(5) | $297,500 | $300,000 | $316,250 | $316,250 | $290,000(6) | $316,250 | $415,833 |
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(1)
As of January 11, 2016, the Eaton Vance fund complex consisted of 174 registered investment companies or series thereof. The compensation schedule disclosed above reflects the current compensation schedule, and may not have been in place for each Funds full fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 or the full calendar year ended December 31, 2015. Amounts do not include expenses reimbursed to Trustees for attending Board meetings, which in the aggregate amounted to $82,126 for the calendar year ended December 31, 2015. Ms. Sutherland began serving as a Trustee effective May 1, 2015, and thus compensation figures listed for each Fund and the Fund and Fund Complex are estimated based on amounts she would have received if she had been a Trustee for the full fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 and the full calendar year ended December 31, 2015. Allen R. Freedman retired as a Trustee effective July 1, 2014. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, Mr. Freedman received $314 from Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund and $1,292 from Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust. Ronald A. Pearlman retired as a Trustee effective July 1, 2015. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015, Mr. Pearlman received Trustees fees of $1,257 from Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund and $5,241 from Floating-Rate Income Trust. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, he received $235,000 from the Fund and Fund Complex.
(2)
Includes deferred compensation as follows: Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund - $588; and Floating-Rate Income Trust - $2,422.
(3)
Includes deferred compensation as follows: Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund - $766; and Floating-Rate Income Trust - $3,194.
(4)
Includes deferred compensation as follows: Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund - $454; and Floating-Rate Income Trust - $1,869.
(5)
Includes $180,000 of deferred compensation.
(6)
Includes $277,490 of deferred compensation.
Trustees of each Fund who are not affiliated with Eaton Vance may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of a Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan). Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, an eligible Trustee may elect to have his or her deferred fees invested in the shares of one or more funds in the Eaton Vance family of funds, and the amount paid to the Trustees under the Deferred Compensation Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments. Deferral of Trustees fees in accordance with the Deferred Compensation Plan will have a negligible effect on the assets, liabilities, and net income of a participating Fund, and will not obligate a Fund to retain the services of any Trustee or obligate a Fund to pay any particular level of compensation to the Trustee. No Fund has a retirement plan for its Trustees.
The Board of Trustees recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election of the Trustee nominees of each Fund.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
NOTICE TO BANKS AND BROKER/DEALERS
Each Fund has previously solicited all Nominee and Broker/Dealer accounts as to the number of additional proxy statements required to supply owners of shares. Should additional proxy material be required for beneficial owners, please call 1-866-864-4942, send an email to corporateservices@astfundsolutions.com or forward such requests to AST Fund Solutions, LLC, 55 Challenger Road, Suite 201, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Audit Committee Report
Each Audit Committee reviews and discusses the audited financial statements with Fund management. Each Audit Committee also discusses with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented. Each Audit Committee receives the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as modified or supplemented, and discusses with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, each Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Trustees that the audited financial statements be included in the Funds annual report to shareholders for filing with the SEC. As mentioned, the Audit Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Park (Chairperson), Eston and Verni, and Ms. Frost.
Auditors, Audit Fees and All Other Fees
Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte), 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of each Fund. Representatives of Deloitte are not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.
Aggregate audit, audit-related, tax, and other fees billed to each Fund by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for the relevant periods are set forth on Exhibit B hereto. Aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed for the relevant periods to (i) each Fund by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm; and (ii) the Eaton Vance Organization by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm are also set forth on Exhibit B hereto.
Each Funds Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures relating to the pre-approval of services provided by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm (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 each Funds Audit Committee at least annually. Each Funds Audit Committee maintains full responsibility for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the Funds independent registered public accounting firm.
Each Funds Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by the Funds independent registered public accounting firm of non-audit services to the Funds investment adviser, as well as any of its affiliates that provide ongoing services to the Fund, that were not pre-approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii) of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firms independence.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
Officers of the Funds
The officers of the Funds and their length of service are set forth below. The officers of the Funds hold indefinite terms of office. Because of their positions with Eaton Vance and their ownership of EVC stock, the officers of the Funds will benefit from any advisory and/or administration fees paid by each Fund to Eaton Vance. Each officer affiliated with Eaton Vance may hold a position with other Eaton Vance affiliates that is comparable to his or her position with Eaton Vance listed below. References below to EFF are to Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund and to EFT are to Floating-Rate Income Trust. Information in the table below about an officer's position with a Fund and the period as an officer are for both Funds unless otherwise noted.
Name and Year of Birth(1) |
| Position(s) Held with the Funds |
| Officer Since(2) |
| Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years(3) |
SCOTT H. PAGE |
| President |
| 1998 |
| Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 6 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. |
PAYSON F. SWAFFIELD |
| Vice President of EFT |
| 2003 |
| Vice President and Chief Income Investment Officer of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 148 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. |
MAUREEN A. GEMMA |
| Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
| 2007 |
| Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 174 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. |
JAMES F. KIRCHNER |
| Treasurer |
| 2007 |
| Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 174 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. |
PAUL M. ONEIL |
| Chief Compliance Officer |
| 2004 |
| Vice President of Eaton Vance and BMR. Officer of 174 registered investment companies managed by Eaton Vance or BMR. |
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(1)
The business address of each officer is Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
(2)
Year first elected to serve as officer of a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds when the officer has served continuously. Otherwise, year of most recent election as an officer of a fund in the Eaton Vance family of funds. Titles may have changed since initial election.
(3)
Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure.
Investment Adviser and Administrator
Eaton Vance Management, with its principal office at Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, serves as the investment adviser and administrator to each Fund.
Proxy Solicitation and Tabulation
The expense of preparing, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and enclosures and the costs of soliciting proxies on behalf of the Board of Trustees of each Fund will be borne ratably by the Funds. Proxies will be solicited by mail and may be solicited in person or by telephone or facsimile by officers of a Fund, by personnel of its administrator, Eaton Vance, by the transfer agent, AST Fund Solutions, LLC, by broker-dealer firms, or by a professional solicitation organization. The expenses associated with the solicitation of these proxies and with any further proxies will be borne by the applicable Fund. A written proxy may be delivered to a Fund or its transfer agent prior to the meeting by facsimile machine, graphic communication equipment or similar electronic transmission. A Fund will reimburse banks, broker-dealer firms, and other persons holding shares registered in their names or in the names of their nominees, for their expenses incurred in sending proxy material to and obtaining proxies from the beneficial owners of such shares. Total estimated proxy solicitation costs are approximately $30,000 and will be paid by the Funds pro rata based on the number of shareholder accounts.
All proxy cards solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the meeting, and which are not revoked, will be voted at the meeting. Shares represented by such proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no specification is made on the proxy card with respect to Proposal 1, it will be voted FOR the matters specified on the proxy card. All shares that are voted and votes to ABSTAIN will be counted towards establishing a quorum, as will broker non-votes. (Broker non-votes are shares for which (i) the beneficial owner has not voted and (ii) the broker holding the shares does not have discretionary authority to vote on the particular matter.) Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes, which will be treated as shares that are present at the meeting but which have not been voted, will assist a Fund in obtaining a quorum but will have no effect on the outcome of Proposal 1.
A quorum requires the presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the outstanding shares of a Fund entitled to vote. In the event that a quorum is not present at the meeting, or if a quorum is present at the meeting but sufficient votes by the shareholders of a Fund in favor of the Proposal set forth in the Notice of this meeting are not received by March 24, 2016, the
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any such adjournment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of that Fund present in person or by proxy at the session of the meeting to be adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of the Proposal for which further solicitation of proxies is to be made. They will vote against any such adjournment those proxies required to be voted against such Proposal. The costs of any such additional solicitation and of any adjourned session will be borne by the Funds.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms received by the Funds, all of the Trustees and officers of each Fund, EVM and its affiliates, and any person who owns more than ten percent of a Funds outstanding securities have made all filings required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding ownership of shares of the Funds for the Funds most recent fiscal year end.
Each Fund will furnish without charge a copy of its most recent Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to any shareholder upon request. Shareholders desiring to obtain a copy of such reports should call 1-866-864-4942, send an email to corporateservices@astfundsolutions.com or write to the Fund c/o AST Fund Solutions, LLC, 55 Challenger Road, Suite 201, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. Shareholder reports are also available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
To be considered for presentation at a Funds 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 must be received at the Funds principal office c/o the Secretary of the Fund on or before September 30, 2016. Written notice of a shareholder proposal submitted outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8 must be delivered to the Funds principal office c/o the Secretary of the Fund no later than the close of business on December 24, 2016 and no earlier than November 24, 2016. In order to be included in the Funds proxy statement and form of proxy, a shareholder proposal must comply with all applicable legal requirements. Timely submission of a proposal does not guarantee that such proposal will be included.
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Proxy Statement dated January 28, 2016
EXHIBIT A
EATON VANCE FUNDS
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. Purposes of the Committee.
The Board of Trustees or Directors (the Board) of each registered investment company or series thereof (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds) sponsored by the Eaton Vance organization (Eaton Vance) has established an Audit Committee (the Committee) of the Board and has approved this Charter for the operation of the Committee. The purposes of the Committee are as follows:
1.
To oversee each Funds accounting and financial reporting processes, its internal control over financial reporting, and, as appropriate, the internal control over financial reporting of certain service providers;
2.
To oversee or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of the quality and integrity of the Funds financial statements and the independent audit thereof;
3.
To oversee, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the Funds compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Funds accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audits;
4.
To approve prior to appointment the engagement and, when appropriate, replacement of the independent registered public accountants (independent auditors), and, if applicable, nominate independent auditors to be proposed for shareholder ratification in any proxy statement of a Fund;
5.
To evaluate, or, as appropriate, assist Board oversight of, the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditors and the audit partner in charge of leading the audit; and
6.
To prepare such audit committee reports consistent with the requirements of applicable Securities and Exchange Commission, NYSE MKT and New York Stock Exchange rules for inclusion in the proxy statement for the annual meeting of shareholders of a Fund.
The primary function of the Committee is oversight. The Committee is not responsible for managing the Funds or for performing tasks that are delegated to the officers of any Fund, any investment adviser to a Fund, the custodian of a Fund, and other service providers for the Funds, and nothing in this Charter shall be construed to reduce the responsibilities or liabilities of management or the Funds service providers, including the independent auditors. It is managements responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, management is responsible for: (1) the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements of each Fund; (2) the maintenance of appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies; and (3) the maintenance of internal control over financial reporting and other procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and related laws and regulations. The independent auditors are responsible for planning and carrying out an audit consistent with applicable legal and professional standards and the terms of their engagement letter, and shall report directly to the Committee. In performing its oversight function, the Committee shall be entitled to rely upon advice and information that it receives in its discussions and communications with management, the independent auditors and such experts, advisors and professionals as may be consulted by the Committee.
II. Composition of the Committee.
The Committee shall be comprised of at least three members appointed by the Board, which shall also determine the number and term, if any, of such members, in each case upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee of the Board. All members of the Committee shall be Trustees or Directors who are not interested persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)) of any Fund or of the investment adviser, sub-adviser or principal underwriter of any Fund (each, an Independent Trustee and collectively, the Independent Trustees). In the event that a resignation, retirement, removal or other event or circumstance causes the number of Committee members to fall below the minimum set forth above, the Committee shall nevertheless be authorized to take any and all actions otherwise permitted under this Charter pending the appointment, within a reasonable time, of one or more Independent Trustees to fill the vacancy created thereby.
The following requirements shall also be satisfied with respect to the membership and composition of the Committee:
1.
each member of the Committee shall have been determined by the Board to have no material relationship that would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment;
2.
no member of the Committee shall receive any compensation from a Fund except compensation for service as a member or Chairperson of the Board or of a committee of the Board;
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3.
each member of the Committee shall also satisfy the applicable Committee membership requirements imposed under the rules of the NYSE MKT LLC (NYSE MKT) (formerly NYSE AMEX and the American Stock Exchange) and New York Stock Exchange (and any other national securities exchange on which a Funds shares are listed), as in effect from time to time, including with respect to the members former affiliations or employment and financial literacy;
4.
at least one member of the Committee must have the accounting or related financial management expertise and financial sophistication required under applicable rules of the NYSE MKT and New York Stock Exchange; and
5.
unless it determines that no member of the Committee qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR, the Board will identify one (or in its discretion, more than one) member of the Committee as an audit committee financial expert.
III. Meetings of the Committee.
Meetings of the Committee shall be held, upon reasonable notice, at such times (but not less frequently than annually with respect to each Fund), at such places and for such purposes (consistent with the purposes of the Committee set forth in this Charter) as determined from time to time by the Committee, the Chairperson of the Committee, the Board or the Chairperson of the Board. The Committee shall periodically meet separately with any independent auditors rendering reports to the Committee. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting, and the decision of a majority of the members present and voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall determine any matter submitted to a vote. The Committee may adopt such procedures or rules not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Charter as it deems appropriate to govern its conduct under this Charter, which procedures or rules, if any, shall be included as an appendix to this Charter. Notices of all meetings of the Committee shall be provided to all Independent Trustees and all Independent Trustees shall be entitled to attend such meetings. Materials provided to the members of the Committee in connection with meetings of the Committee shall be made available to each Independent Trustee.
IV. Chairperson of the Committee.
A member of the Committee shall be appointed Chairperson of the Committee by the Board, upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, for a term of not more than four years, and such member may serve as Chairperson of the Committee for more than one term. The Chairperson of the Committee, or another member of Committee designated by the Chairperson, shall preside at meetings of the Committee. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be authorized to determine the agenda of such meetings, the materials to be provided in connection with such meetings, the topics to be discussed, the amount of time to be devoted to such topics and the order in which the topics are to be addressed. The Chairperson of the Committee may from time to time establish one or more working groups comprised of members of the Committee to assist the Chairperson and the Committee in performing their duties and responsibilities. The Chairperson of the Committee shall provide oral or written reports to the Board at regular meetings of the Board regarding the activities of the Committee (and any working group thereof), including any approval by the Chairperson of the Board of expenditures by the Committee not previously reported to the Board. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be primarily responsible for interfacing with the Chairperson of the Board and with the Chairperson of each other committee of the Board with respect to matters potentially affecting the activities of the Committee. The Chairperson of the Committee shall also be primarily responsible, on behalf of the Committee, for interfacing with those individuals identified by Eaton Vance from time to time as being primarily responsible for responding to requests of the Committee. The Board may, upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, appoint a Vice-Chairperson of the Committee with the power and authority to perform any or all of the duties and responsibilities of the Chairperson of the Committee in the absence of the Chairperson of the Committee and/or as requested by the Chairperson of the Committee. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, if any, of the Committee shall receive such compensation as determined from time to time by the Board upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee.
V. Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee.
To carry out its purposes, the Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
1.
To meet to review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the audited financial statements and other periodic financial statements of the Fund (including the Funds specific disclosures under the item Managements Discussion of Fund Performance); provided that discussion with the independent auditors shall not be required with respect to any periodic financial statement of the Fund that was not the subject of a review by such auditors.
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2.
To consider the results of the examination of the Funds financial statements by the independent auditors, the independent auditors opinion with respect thereto, and any management letter issued by the independent auditors.
3.
To review and discuss with the independent auditors: (a) the scope of audits and audit reports and the policies relating to internal auditing procedures and controls and the accounting principles employed in the Funds financial reports and any proposed changes therein; (b) the personnel, staffing, qualifications and experience of the independent auditors; and (c) the compensation of the independent auditors.
4.
To review and assess the performance of the independent auditors and to approve, on behalf of the Board, the appointment and compensation of the independent auditors. Approval by the Committee shall be in addition to any approval required under applicable law by a majority of the members of the Board who are not interested persons of the Fund as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. In performing this function, the Committee shall: (a) consider whether there should be a regular rotation of the Funds independent auditing firm; (b) discuss with the independent auditors matters bearing upon the qualifications of such auditors as independent under applicable standards of independence established from time to time by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and other regulatory authorities; and (c) shall secure from the independent auditors the information required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, as in effect from time to time. The Committee shall actively engage in a dialogue with the independent auditors with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors.
5.
To pre-approve: (a) audit and non-audit services provided by the independent auditors to the Fund; and (b) non-audit services provided by the independent auditors to the adviser or any other entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the adviser that provides on-going services to the Fund (Adviser Affiliates) if the engagement of the independent auditors relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund, as contemplated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and the rules issued by the SEC in connection therewith (except, in the case of non-audit services provided to the Fund or any Adviser Affiliate, those within applicable de minimis statutory or regulatory exceptions), and to consider the possible effect of providing such services on the independence of the independent auditors.
6.
To adopt, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Committee, policies and procedures for pre-approval of the audit or non-audit services referred to above, including policies and procedures by which the Committee may delegate to one or more of its members authority to grant such pre-approval on behalf of the Committee (subject to subsequent reporting to the Committee). The Committee hereby delegates to each of its members the authority to pre-approve any non-audit services referred to above between meetings of the Committee, provided that: (i) all reasonable efforts shall be made to obtain such pre-approval from the Chairperson of the Committee prior to seeking such pre-approval from any other member of the Committee; and (ii) all such pre-approvals shall be reported to the Committee not later than the next meeting thereof.
7.
To consider the controls implemented by the independent auditors and any measures taken by management to ensure that all items requiring pre-approval by the Committee are identified and referred to the Committee in a timely fashion.
8.
To receive at least annually and prior to the filing with the SEC of the independent auditors report on the Funds financial statements, a report from such independent auditors of: (i) all critical accounting policies and practices used by the Fund (or, in connection with any update, any changes in such accounting policies and practices), (ii) all material alternative accounting treatments within GAAP that have been discussed with management since the last annual report or update, including the ramifications of the use of the alternative treatments and the treatment preferred by the accounting firm, (iii) other material written communications between the independent auditors and the management of the Fund since the last annual report or update, (iv) a description of all non-audit services provided, including fees associated with the services, to any fund complex of which the Fund is a part since the last annual report or update that was not subject to the pre-approval requirements as discussed above; and (v) any other matters of concern relating to the Funds financial statements, including any uncorrected misstatements (or audit differences) whose effects management believes are immaterial, both individually and in aggregate, to the financial statements taken as a whole. If this information is not communicated to the Committee within 90 days prior to the audit reports filing with the SEC, the independent auditors will be required to provide an update, in the 90 day period prior to the filing, of any changes to the previously reported information.
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9.
To review and discuss with the independent auditors the matters required to be communicated with respect to the Fund pursuant to communications pursuant to applicable auditing standards, as in effect from time to time, and to receive such other communications or reports from the independent auditors (and managements responses to such reports or communications) as may be required under applicable listing standards of the national securities exchanges on which the Funds shares are listed, including a report describing: (1) the internal quality-control procedures of the independent auditors, any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the independent auditors, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional regulatory authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the independent auditors, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and (2) all relationships between the independent auditors and the Fund and any other relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors. To the extent unresolved disagreements exist between management and the independent auditors regarding the financial reporting of the Fund, it shall be the responsibility of the Committee to resolve such disagreements.
10.
To consider and review with the independent auditors any reports of audit problems or difficulties that may have arisen in the course of the audit, including any limitations on the scope of the audit, and managements response thereto.
11.
To establish hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditors who will serve as officers or employees of the Fund.
12.
With respect to each Fund the securities of which are listed on a national securities exchange, to: (a) provide a recommendation to the Board regarding whether the audited financial statements of the Fund should be included in the annual report to shareholders of the Fund; and (b) prepare an audit committee report consistent with the requirements of applicable regulations under Regulation S-K for inclusion in the proxy statement for the Funds annual meeting of shareholders.
13.
To discuss generally the Funds earnings releases, as well as financial information and guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, in the event a Fund issues any such releases or provides such information or guidance. Such discussions may include the types of information to be disclosed and the type of presentation to be made. The Committee need not discuss in advance each earnings release or each instance in which earnings guidance may be provided.
14.
To consider the Funds major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken.
15.
To review and report to the Board with respect to any material accounting, tax, valuation, or record-keeping issues which may affect the Fund, its respective financial statements or the amount of their dividend or distribution rates.
16.
To establish procedures for: (a) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints received by the Fund regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Fund or its service providers (including its investment advisers, administrators, principal underwriters and any other provider of accounting related services to the Fund) of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
17.
To direct and supervise investigations with respect to the following: (a) evidence of fraud or significant deficiencies in the design or implementation of internal controls reported to the Committee by the principal executive or financial officers of the Fund pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules; and (b) any other matters within the scope of this Charter, including the integrity of reported facts and figures, ethical conduct, and appropriate disclosure concerning the financial statements of the Funds.
18.
To review and recommend to the Board policies and procedures for valuing portfolio securities of the Fund and to make recommendations to the Board with respect to specific fair value determinations and any pricing errors involving such portfolio securities.
19.
To coordinate its activities with the other committees of the Board as necessary or appropriate to carry out its purposes effectively and efficiently, and to communicate with such other committees regarding matters that the Committee or such other committees may wish to consider in exercising their respective powers.
A-4
20.
To review the adequacy of this Charter and evaluate the Committees performance of its duties and responsibilities hereunder at least annually, and to make recommendations to the Board for any appropriate changes or other action.
21.
To take such other actions as may be requested by the Board or Chairperson of the Board from time to time consistent with carrying out the purposes of the Committee.
VI. Powers and Authority of the Committee.
In performing its duties and responsibilities, the Committee shall have the following powers and authority:
1.
To make recommendations to the Board with respect to any of the foregoing matters and such other matters as the Committee may determine to be necessary or appropriate to carry out its purposes, including recommendations with respect to industry trends, best practices and educational or training opportunities for Independent Trustees to enhance the Boards understanding of such matters.
2.
To exercise such additional powers as from time to time may be authorized by the Board.
VII. Resources of the Committee.
The Committee shall have the resources appropriate to exercise its powers and fulfill its responsibilities hereunder. Subject to the prior approval of the Board or the Chairperson of the Board, the Committee may engage counsel, consultants and other experts, at the expense of the Funds, and may determine the appropriate levels of funding for payment of compensation to such counsel, consultants and other experts, as well as the ordinary administrative expenses necessary or appropriate in exercising its powers and fulfilling its responsibilities under this Charter, including the reasonable costs of specialized training for Committee and Board members. The Committee may access directly such officers and employees of the Funds, Eaton Vance and the Funds other services providers, as it deems necessary or desirable in accordance with such communication protocols, if any, as may be established from time to time by the Board.
A-5
EXHIBIT B
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEE INFORMATION
The following table presents the aggregate fees billed for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 and for the fiscal period from June 28, 2013 (commencement of operations) through May 31, 2014 to Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund and for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015 and May 31, 2014 to Floating-Rate Income Trust by the independent registered public accounting firm for professional services rendered for the audit of each Funds annual financial statements and fees billed for other services rendered by the independent registered public accounting firm during these periods. No services described in the table below were approved by a Funds Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
| AUDIT FEES | AUDIT-RELATED FEES(1) | TAX FEES(2) | ALL OTHER FEES(3) | TOTAL | |||||
| Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal | Fiscal |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund | $35,150 | $30,300(4) | $18,000 | $0 | $20,450 | $19,310(4) | $0 | $0 | $73,600 | $49,610(4) |
Floating-Rate Income Trust | 103,150 | 99,425 | 0 | 18,000 | 19,920 | 19,000 | 0 | 0 | 123,070 | 136,425 |
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(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 registrants revolving credit and security agreement.
(2)
Tax fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the independent registered public accounting firm relating to tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning and specifically include fees for tax return preparation and other related tax compliance/planning matters.
(3)
All other fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm other than audit, audit-related, and tax services.
(4)
For the fiscal period June 28, 2013 (commencement of operations) through May 31, 2014.
The following table presents (i) the aggregate non-audit fees (i.e., fees for audit-related, tax, and other services) billed for services rendered for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015 and for the fiscal period June 28, 2013 (commencement of operations) through May 31, 2014 to Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund and for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015 and May 31, 2014 to Floating-Rate Income Trust by the independent registered public accounting firm; 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 by the independent registered public accounting firm for such periods.
| Fiscal Year Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund | $38,450 | $19,310(2) |
Floating-Rate Income Trust | 19,920 | 37,000 |
Eaton Vance(1) | 76,000 | 423,473 |
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(1)
The Funds’ investment adviser, as well as any of its affiliates that provide ongoing services to the Funds, are subsidiaries of Eaton Vance Corp.
(2)
For the fiscal period June 28, 2013 (commencement of operations) through May 31, 2014.
B-1
EXHIBIT C
SCHEDULE 13 FILINGS
According to filings made pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the following shareholders own more than 5% of a Funds Common Shares and/or VRTPS.*
Fund Name and Title of Class | Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | Aggregate Share Amount Beneficially Owned | Percent |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund VRTPS | CHARTA LLC | 360 | 100% |
Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund – Common | First Trust Portfolios L.P. | 1,250,250 | 16.44% |
Floating-Rate Income Trust – VRTPS | CHARTA LLC | 800 | 100% |
Floating-Rate Income Trust – Common | First Trust Portfolios L.P. | 2,603,558 | 6.56% |
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*
Information in this table is based on filings made on or before January 11, 2016.
C-1
PROXY CARD
EATON VANCE FLOATING-RATE INCOME PLUS FUND
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, March 24, 2016
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Board of Trustees
HOLDERS OF VARIABLE RATE TERM PREFERRED SHARES
The undersigned holders of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares of beneficial interest of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the Fund), hereby appoints JUSTINE E. ABBADESSA, MAUREEN A. GEMMA, JAMES F. KIRCHNER, SCOTT H. PAGE and DEIDRE E. WALSH, and each of them, with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on March 24, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, and to vote all Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares of the Fund which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, in accordance with the instructions on this proxy.
WHEN THIS PROXY IS PROPERLY EXECUTED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH BELOW AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO ALL OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. | |
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Signature | Date |
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Signature (if held jointly) | Date |
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Title if a corporation, partnership or other entity |
-------------------------------------------------------PLEASE FOLD HERE-------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE POSTMARKED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE: x
1. | Election of Trustees: |
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| NOMINEES: |
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| a. Helen Frame Peters (Class III) | ¨ |
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| FOR ALL NOMINEES | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES | FOR ALL EXCEPT (instructions below) |
| b. Valerie A. Mosley (Class III) | ¨ |
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| c. Ralph F. Verni (Class III) | ¨ |
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MARK THE BOX TO THE RIGHT IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND PROOF OF SHARE OWNERSHIP. |
| INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the square next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: n | |||||
TO CHANGE THE ADDRESS ON YOUR ACCOUNT, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR NEW ADDRESS IN THE SPACE BELOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES TO THE REGISTERED NAME(S) ON THE ACCOUNT MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS METHOD. |
| COMMENTS: | |||||
ADDRESS CHANGE: |
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NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Shareholder Report are available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
TAGID: CUSIP: |
PROXY CARD
EATON VANCE FLOATING-RATE INCOME TRUST
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, March 24, 2016
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Board of Trustees
HOLDERS OF VARIABLE RATE TERM PREFERRED SHARES
The undersigned holders of Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares of beneficial interest of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Fund), hereby appoints MAUREEN A. GEMMA, JAMES F. KIRCHNER, DAN A. MAALOULY, SCOTT H. PAGE and DEIDRE E. WALSH, and each of them, with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on March 24, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, and to vote all Variable Rate Term Preferred Shares of the Fund which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, in accordance with the instructions on this proxy.
WHEN THIS PROXY IS PROPERLY EXECUTED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH BELOW AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO ALL OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. | |
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Signature | Date |
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Signature (if held jointly) | Date |
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Title if a corporation, partnership or other entity |
-------------------------------------------------------PLEASE FOLD HERE-------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE POSTMARKED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE: x
1. | Election of Trustees: |
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| NOMINEES: |
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| a. Helen Frame Peters (Class III) | ¨ |
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| FOR ALL NOMINEES | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES | FOR ALL EXCEPT (instructions below) |
| b. Valerie A. Mosley (Class III) | ¨ |
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| c. Ralph F. Verni (Class III) | ¨ |
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MARK THE BOX TO THE RIGHT IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND PROOF OF SHARE OWNERSHIP. |
| INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the square next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: n | |||||
TO CHANGE THE ADDRESS ON YOUR ACCOUNT, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR NEW ADDRESS IN THE SPACE BELOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES TO THE REGISTERED NAME(S) ON THE ACCOUNT MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS METHOD. |
| COMMENTS: | |||||
ADDRESS CHANGE: |
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NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Shareholder Report are available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
TAGID: CUSIP: |
PROXY CARD
EATON VANCE FLOATING-RATE INCOME PLUS FUND
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, March 24, 2016
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Board of Trustees
HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES
The undersigned holders of Common Shares of beneficial interest of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the Fund), hereby appoints JUSTINE E. ABBADESSA, MAUREEN A. GEMMA, JAMES F. KIRCHNER, SCOTT H. PAGE and DEIDRE E. WALSH, and each of them, with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on March 24, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, and to vote all Common Shares of the Fund which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, in accordance with the instructions on this proxy.
WHEN THIS PROXY IS PROPERLY EXECUTED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH BELOW AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO ALL OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. | |
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Signature | Date |
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Signature (if held jointly) | Date |
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Title if a corporation, partnership or other entity |
-------------------------------------------------------PLEASE FOLD HERE-------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE POSTMARKED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE: x
1. | Election of Trustees: |
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| NOMINEES: |
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| a. Helen Frame Peters (Class III) | ¨ |
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| FOR ALL NOMINEES | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES | FOR ALL EXCEPT (instructions below) |
| b. Valerie A. Mosley (Class III) | ¨ |
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MARK THE BOX TO THE RIGHT IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND PROOF OF SHARE OWNERSHIP. |
| INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the square next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: n | |||||
TO CHANGE THE ADDRESS ON YOUR ACCOUNT, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR NEW ADDRESS IN THE SPACE BELOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES TO THE REGISTERED NAME(S) ON THE ACCOUNT MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS METHOD. |
| COMMENTS: | |||||
ADDRESS CHANGE: |
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NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Shareholder Report are available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
TAGID: CUSIP: |
PROXY CARD
EATON VANCE FLOATING-RATE INCOME TRUST
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, March 24, 2016
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of Board of Trustees
HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES
The undersigned holders of Common Shares of beneficial interest of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the Fund), hereby appoints MAUREEN A. GEMMA, JAMES F. KIRCHNER, DAN A. MAALOULY, SCOTT H. PAGE and DEIDRE E. WALSH, and each of them, with full power of substitution and revocation, as proxies to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held at the principal office of the Fund, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, on March 24, 2016 at 12:00 P.M. (Eastern Time), and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, and to vote all Common Shares of the Fund which the undersigned would be entitled to vote, with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, in accordance with the instructions on this proxy.
WHEN THIS PROXY IS PROPERLY EXECUTED, THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE TRUSTEES AS SET FORTH BELOW AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES WITH RESPECT TO ALL OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AND ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF. THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. | |
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Signature (if held jointly) | Date |
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE POSTMARKED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED.
TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX BELOW.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE: x
1. | Election of Trustees: |
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| NOMINEES: |
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| a. Helen Frame Peters (Class III) | ¨ |
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| FOR ALL NOMINEES | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES | FOR ALL EXCEPT (instructions below) |
| b. Valerie A. Mosley (Class III) | ¨ |
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MARK THE BOX TO THE RIGHT IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PRESENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION AND PROOF OF SHARE OWNERSHIP. |
| INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the square next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: n | |||||
TO CHANGE THE ADDRESS ON YOUR ACCOUNT, PLEASE INDICATE YOUR NEW ADDRESS IN THE SPACE BELOW. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES TO THE REGISTERED NAME(S) ON THE ACCOUNT MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS METHOD. |
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ADDRESS CHANGE: |
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NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL
The Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Proxy Statement, Proxy Card and Shareholder Report are available on the Eaton Vance website, www.eatonvance.com, by selecting Individual Investors followed by Products and then Closed-End Fund Documents.
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