<Page> FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act File Number: 811-09837 --------- Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio ------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Alan R. Dynner The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (Name and Address of Agent for Services) (617) 482-8260 -------------- (Registrant's Telephone Number) October 31 ---------- Date of Fiscal Year End October 31, 2003 ---------------- Date of Reporting Period ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS <Page> TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO as of October 31, 2003 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS COMMON STOCKS -- 84.9% <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BIOTECHNOLOGY -- 1.4% ArQule Inc.(1) 27,000 $ 140,400 Celgene Corp.(1) 13,000 541,970 Cephalon, Inc.(1) 3,500 164,360 Kosan Biosciences, Inc.(1) 42,713 391,678 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,238,408 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BROADCASTING AND CABLE -- 3.2% Comcast Corp., Special Class A(1) 22,100 $ 720,902 EchoStar Communications Corp., Class A(1) 20,000 766,400 Liberty Media Corp.(1) 1,000 10,090 NTL, Inc.(1) 21,000 1,296,330 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 2,793,722 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BROADCASTING AND RADIO -- 0.3% Cumulus Media, Inc., Class A(1) 16,000 $ 299,680 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 299,680 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BUILDING - RESIDENTIAL -- 2.1% Lennar Corp., Class A 10,000 $ 918,500 M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. 13,000 875,160 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,793,660 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BUSINESS SERVICES -- 5.4% BearingPoint, Inc.(1) 45,000 $ 423,000 Coinstar, Inc.(1) 100,000 1,465,000 Heidrick and Struggles International, Inc.(1) 42,000 829,500 Hudson Highland Group, Inc.(1) 6,375 140,441 Integrated Alarm Services Group, Inc.(1) 21,300 187,653 Navigant Consulting, Inc.(1) 34,000 558,620 Sotheby's Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) 100,000 1,065,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 4,669,214 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES -- 0.5% Cubic Corp. 15,000 $ 426,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 426,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPUTER SERVICES -- 0.7% Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp.(1) 14,000 $ 635,460 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 635,460 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ <Caption> SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPUTERS - INTEGRATED SYSTEMS -- 1.0% Diebold, Inc. 15,000 $ 855,900 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 855,900 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMPUTERS AND BUSINESS EQUIPMENT -- 0.6% Insight Enterprises, Inc.(1) 30,000 $ 504,600 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 504,600 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISTRIBUTION SERVICES -- 0.8% Central European Distribution Corp.(1) 18,800 $ 706,692 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 706,692 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DRUGS -- 6.6% American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc.(1) 43,479 $ 1,058,714 Biovail Corp.(1) 111,000 2,669,550 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. 15,000 399,900 Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.(1) 13,500 867,375 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. 13,000 739,570 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 5,735,109 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EDUCATION -- 2.1% Apollo Group, Inc., Class A(1) 5,500 $ 349,415 Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.(1) 51,400 1,454,620 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,804,035 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT & INSTRUMENTS -- 0.5% FEI Co.(1) 15,000 $ 356,250 L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.(1) 2,000 93,480 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 449,730 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES -- 0.5% FLIR Systems, Inc.(1) 14,000 $ 437,640 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 437,640 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ENERGY SOURCES -- 0.5% AES Corp.(1) 50,000 $ 437,500 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 437,500 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 7.2% Countrywide Financial Corp. 9,000 $ 946,080 Freddie Mac 15,000 841,950 Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group, Inc. ADR 200,000 1,468,000 </Table> See notes to financial statements. 17 <Page> <Table> <Caption> SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ FINANCIAL SERVICES (CONTINUED) Providian Financial Corp.(1) 162,000 $ 1,799,820 Student Loan Corp., (The) 2,500 323,800 W Holding Company, Inc. 39,200 912,968 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 6,292,618 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ GAMING -- 0.5% Shuffle Master, Inc.(1) 13,000 $ 395,720 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 395,720 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HEALTH CARE SERVICES -- 5.5% American Healthcorp, Inc.(1) 16,900 $ 700,505 Community Health Systems, Inc.(1) 24,000 576,480 Davita, Inc.(1) 50 1,755 Health Management Associates, Inc., Class A 24,000 531,600 Lincare Holdings, Inc.(1) 15,000 584,100 MIM Corp.(1) 57,860 340,795 United Surgical Partners International, Inc.(1) 67,000 2,020,720 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 4,755,955 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INSURANCE -- 9.3% Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd. 5,600 $ 165,592 Everest Re Group Ltd. 19,603 1,626,069 Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. 14,446 415,178 PMI Group, Inc. 56,500 2,159,995 Progressive Corp. 14,500 1,070,100 Radian Group, Inc. 41,000 2,168,900 Triad Guaranty, Inc.(1) 9,800 483,434 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 8,089,268 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INTERNET SERVICES -- 7.1% At Road, Inc.(1) 35,000 $ 451,500 InterActiveCorp(1) 107,800 3,957,338 Monster Worldwide, Inc.(1) 9,900 252,153 Yahoo!, Inc.(1) 35,000 1,529,500 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 6,190,491 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MEDICAL PRODUCTS -- 3.5% ICU Medical, Inc.(1) 54,000 $ 1,824,660 I-Flow Corp.(1) 50,000 727,500 Labopharm, Inc.(1) 80,000 $ 461,600 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 3,013,760 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ METALS - STEEL -- 0.4% Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. 10,000 $ 376,800 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 376,800 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MINING -- 1.2% Aber Diamond Corp.(1) 7,000 $ 220,563 Inco Ltd.(1) 26,000 863,200 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,083,763 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MORTGAGE BANK -- 1.0% Doral Financial Corp. 17,000 $ 858,500 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 858,500 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OIL AND GAS - EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES -- 0.6% Halliburton Co. 22,000 $ 525,360 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 525,360 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OIL AND GAS - EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION -- 1.5% Chesapeake Energy Corp. 82,000 $ 978,260 Plains Exploration and Production Co.(1) 27,000 366,390 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,344,650 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PHARMACEUTICALS -- 0.4% Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) 10,000 $ 392,700 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 392,700 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETAIL -- 6.4% BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.(1) 40,800 $ 1,048,152 CSK Auto Corp.(1) 27,000 463,050 Hollywood Entertainment Corp.(1) 39,400 598,880 Kmart Holding Corp.(1) 50,000 1,449,500 Linens 'n Things, Inc.(1) 54,000 1,594,080 Select Comfort Corp.(1) 100 3,130 Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.(1) 45,000 375,750 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 5,532,542 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETAIL - FOOD AND DRUG -- 0.6% Starbucks Corp.(1) 17,000 $ 537,200 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 537,200 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETAIL - SPECIALTY AND APPAREL -- 1.7% Burberry Group PLC 120,000 $ 801,680 Vans, Inc.(1) 25,000 280,750 </Table> See notes to financial statements. 18 <Page> <Table> <Caption> SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RETAIL - SPECIALTY AND APPAREL (CONTINUED) Warnaco Group, Inc., (The)(1) 23,000 $ 401,350 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,483,780 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 0.4% Veeco Instruments, Inc.(1) 15,000 $ 380,100 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 380,100 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SEMICONDUCTORS -- 2.3% Motorola, Inc. 55,000 $ 744,150 SIPEX Corp.(1) 140,000 1,226,400 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 1,970,550 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOFTWARE -- 0.5% Manugistics Group, Inc.(1) 55,000 $ 399,300 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 399,300 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SPECIALTY RETAIL -- 5.8% Bombay Co., Inc. (The)(1) 35,000 $ 461,300 CarMax, Inc.(1) 16,000 504,160 Copart, Inc.(1) 18,282 227,977 MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. 17,000 402,050 NBTY, Inc.(1) 105,000 2,861,250 Rona, Inc.(1) 30,200 560,445 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 5,017,182 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TELECOMMUNICATIONS - SERVICES -- 0.0% IDT Corp.(1) 1,000 $ 18,550 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 18,550 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS -- 2.8% Nextel Communications, Inc.(1) 36,000 $ 871,200 NII Holdings, Inc., Class B(1) 6,000 462,540 Nokia Oyj ADR 22,000 373,780 Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.(1) 40,000 760,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $ 2,467,520 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (IDENTIFIED COST $59,821,413) $ 77,963,959 </Table> EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS -- 4.7% <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nasdaq-100 Index Trading Stock(1) 115,000 $ 4,050,300 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (IDENTIFIED COST $3,994,525) $ 4,050,300 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 4.7% <Table> <Caption> PRINCIPAL AMOUNT SECURITY (000'S OMITTED) VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investors Bank & Trust Company Time Deposit, 1.08%, 11/3/03 $ 4,108 $ 4,108,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (AT AMORTIZED COST, $4,108,000) $ 4,108,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> COMMERCIAL PAPER -- 3.7% <Table> <Caption> PRINCIPAL AMOUNT SECURITY (000'S OMITTED) VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cafco LLC, 1.05%, 11/12/03 $ 1,600 $ 1,599,487 CRC Funding LLC, 1.05%, 11/24/03 1,600 1,598,927 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL COMMERCIAL PAPER (AT AMORTIZED COST, $3,198,414) $ 3,198,414 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 98.0% (IDENTIFIED COST $71,122,352) $ 85,270,373 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> SECURITIES SOLD SHORT -- (1.7)% <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yahoo!, Inc. 35,000 $ (1,529,500) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT (PROCEEDS $1,144,289) $ (1,529,500) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES EXCLUDING SECURITIES SOLD SHORT -- 3.7% $ 3,247,480 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $ 86,988,353 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> ADR - American Depositary Receipt (1) Non-income producing security. See notes to financial statements. 19 <Page> TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO as of October 31, 2003 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2003 <Table> ASSETS Investments, at value (identified cost, $71,122,352) $ 85,270,373 Cash 508 Deposits with brokers for securities sold short 1,144,289 Receivable for investments sold 3,896,601 Interest and dividends receivable 1,131 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL ASSETS $ 90,312,902 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LIABILITIES Payable for investments purchased $ 1,766,153 Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees 148 Payable for securities sold short, at value (proceeds received of $1,144,289) 1,529,500 Accrued expenses 28,748 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 3,324,549 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO INVESTORS' INTEREST IN PORTFOLIO $ 86,988,353 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOURCES OF NET ASSETS Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals $ 73,225,543 Net unrealized appreciation (computed on the basis of identified cost) 13,762,810 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL $ 86,988,353 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 <Table> INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends (net of foreign taxes, $5,175) $ 117,475 Interest 34,417 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME $ 151,892 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EXPENSES Investment adviser fee $ 398,799 Trustees' fees and expenses 1,329 Custodian fee 55,521 Legal and accounting services 25,982 Miscellaneous 4,616 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL EXPENSES $ 486,247 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET INVESTMENT LOSS $ (334,355) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) Net realized gain (loss) -- Investment transactions (identified cost basis) $ 8,863,307 Foreign currency transactions (398) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET REALIZED GAIN $ 8,862,909 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) -- Investments (identified cost basis) $ 10,327,075 Securities sold short (385,211) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) $ 9,941,864 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN $ 18,804,773 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $ 18,470,418 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> See notes to financial statements. 20 <Page> STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS <Table> <Caption> INCREASE (DECREASE) YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED IN NET ASSETS OCTOBER 31, 2003 OCTOBER 31, 2002 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From operations -- Net investment loss $ (334,355) $ (281,818) Net realized gain (loss) 8,862,909 (10,717,936) Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 9,941,864 1,856,909 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $ 18,470,418 $ (9,142,845) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital transactions -- Contributions $ 37,008,735 $ 42,921,678 Withdrawals (17,386,798) (19,274,525) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS $ 19,621,937 $ 23,647,153 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS $ 38,092,355 $ 14,504,308 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSETS - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At beginning of year $ 48,895,998 $ 34,391,690 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AT END OF YEAR $ 86,988,353 $ 48,895,998 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> See notes to financial statements. 21 <Page> SUPPLEMENTARY DATA <Table> <Caption> YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, --------------------------------------------------------------- 2003 2002 2001 2000(1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Ratios (As a percentage of average daily net assets): Expenses 0.79% 0.82% 1.09% 1.36%(2) Expenses after custodian fee reduction 0.79% 0.82% 1.09% 1.28%(2) Net investment loss (0.54)% (0.58)% (0.36)% (0.21)%(2) Portfolio Turnover 224% 225% 324% 90% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL RETURN(3) 34.80% (12.80)% -- -- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S OMITTED) $ 86,988 $ 48,896 $ 34,392 $ 4,012 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> (1) For the period from the commencement of investment operations, June 29, 2000 to October 31, 2000. (2) Annualized. (3) Total return is required to be disclosed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2000. See notes to financial statements. 22 <Page> TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO as of October 31, 2003 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio (formerly Capital Appreciation Portfolio) (the Portfolio) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified open-end investment management company. The Portfolio, which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of New York on February 28, 2000, seeks to achieve long-term, after-tax returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity securities. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue beneficial interests in the Portfolio. At October 31, 2003, the Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Fund held approximately 65.0% interest in the Portfolio and one other investor owned an interest greater than 10% that was approximatley 34.9%. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A INVESTMENT VALUATION -- Marketable securities, including options, that are listed on foreign or U.S. securities exchanges are valued at closing sale prices, on the exchange where such securities are principally traded. Marketable securities listed in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sale prices are not available are generally valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices. Futures positions on securities or currencies are generally valued at closing settlement prices. Short-term debt securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Other fixed income and debt securities, including listed securities and securities for which price quotations are available, will normally be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service. Over-the-counter options are normally valued at the mean between the last bid and asked price. Investments for which valuations or market quotations are unavailable are valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Trustees. B INCOME -- Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date for dividends received in cash and/or securities. However, if the ex-dividend date has passed, certain dividends from foreign securities are recorded as the Portfolio is informed of the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. C INCOME TAXES -- The Portfolio has elected to be treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes. No provision is made by the Portfolio for federal or state taxes on any taxable income of the Portfolio because each investor in the Portfolio is ultimately responsible for the payment of any taxes. Since at least one of the Portfolio's investors is a regulated investment company that invests all or substantially all of its assets in the Portfolio, the Portfolio normally must satisfy the applicable source of income and diversification requirements (under the Internal Revenue Code) in order for its investors to satisfy them. The Portfolio will allocate at least annually among its investors each investor's distributive share of the Portfolio's net investment income, net realized capital gains, and any other items of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit. D EXPENSE REDUCTION -- Investors Bank & Trust Company (IBT) serves as custodian of the Portfolio. Pursuant to the custodian agreement, IBT receives a fee reduced by credits which are determined based on the average daily cash balance the Portfolio maintains with IBT. All significant credit balances used to reduce the Portfolio's custodian fees are reported as a reduction of total expenses on the Statement of Operations. E SECURITIES SOLD SHORT -- The Portfolio may sell a security short if it owns at least an equal amount of the security sold short or another security exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against the box) in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities or in order to hedge portfolio positions. The Portfolio will generally borrow the security sold in order to make the delivery to the buyer. Upon executing the transaction, the Portfolio records the proceeds as deposits with brokers in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and establishes an offsetting payable for securities sold short for the securities due on settlement. The proceeds are retained by the broker as collateral for the short position. The liability is marked to market on a daily basis and the Portfolio is required to pay the lending broker any dividend or interest income earned while the short position is open. A gain or loss is recorded when the security is delivered to the broker. The Portfolio may recognize a loss on the transaction if the market value of the securities sold increases before the securities are delivered. F OTHER -- Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains and losses are computed based on the specific identification of securities sold. G USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires 23 <Page> management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 2 INVESTMENT ADVISER FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES The investment adviser fee is earned by Boston Management and Research (BMR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management (EVM), as compensation for management and investment advisory services rendered to the Portfolio. Under the advisory agreement, BMR receives a monthly advisory fee equal to 0.65% annually of average daily net assets of the Portfolio up to $500 million, and at reduced rates as daily net assets exceed that level. For the year ended October 31, 2003, the advisory fee amounted to $398,799. Except for Trustees of the Portfolio who are not members of EVM's or BMR's organization, officers and Trustees receive remuneration for their services to the Portfolio out of such investment adviser fee. Trustees of the Portfolio that are not affiliated with the Investment Adviser may elect to defer receipt of all or a percentage of their annual fees in accordance with the terms of the Trustees Deferred Compensation Plan. For the year ended October 31, 2003, no significant amounts have been deferred. Certain officers and Trustees of the Portfolio are officers of the above organizations. 3 INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, aggregated $140,288,961 and $129,666,087, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2003. 4 FEDERAL INCOME TAX BASIS OF UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) The cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in value of the investments owned at October 31, 2003 as computed on a federal income tax basis, were as follows: <Table> AGGREGATE COST $ 72,041,055 ------------------------------------------------------ Gross unrealized appreciation $ 14,011,155 Gross unrealized depreciation (781,837) ------------------------------------------------------ NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION $ 13,229,318 ------------------------------------------------------ </Table> 5 LINE OF CREDIT The Portfolio participates with other portfolios and funds managed by BMR and EVM and its affiliates in a $150 million unsecured line of credit agreement with a group of banks. Borrowings will be made by the Portfolio solely to facilitate the handling of unusual and/or unanticipated short-term cash requirements. Interest is charged to each participating portfolio or fund based on its borrowings at an amount above either the Eurodollar rate or federal funds rate. In addition, a fee computed at an annual rate of 0.10% on the daily unused portion of the line of credit is allocated among the participating portfolios and funds at the end of each quarter. The Portfolio did not have any significant borrowings or allocated fees during the year ended October 31, 2003. 6 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Portfolio may trade in financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its investing activities to assist in managing exposure to various market risks. These financial instruments include written options and financial futures contracts, and may involve, to a varying degree, elements of risk in excess of the amounts recognized for financial statement purposes. The notional or contractual amounts of these instruments represent the investment the Portfolio has in particular classes of financial instruments and does not necessarily represent the amounts potentially subject to risk. The measurement of the risks associated with these instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting transactions are considered. At October 31, 2003 there were no outstanding obligations under these financial instruments. 7 INTERESTHOLDER MEETING (UNAUDITED) The Portfolio held a Special Meeting of Interestholders on June 6, 2003 to elect Trustees. The results of the vote were as follows: <Table> <Caption> INTEREST IN THE PORTFOLIO ---------------------------- NOMINEE FOR TRUSTEE AFFIRMATIVE WITHHOLD ----------------------------------------------------------- Jessica M. Bibliowicz 99% 1% Donald R. Dwight 99% 1% James B. Hawkes 99% 1% Samuel L. Hayes, III 99% 1% William H. Park 99% 1% Norton H. Reamer 99% 1% Lynn A. Stout 99% 1% </Table> Results are rounded to the nearest whole number. Donald R. Dwight retired as a Trustee effective July 1, 2003 pursuant to the mandatory retirement policy of the Portfolio. 24 <Page> TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO as of October 31, 2003 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND INVESTORS OF TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO: We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio (the Portfolio) as of October 31, 2003, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the years ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, and the supplementary data for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2003, and for the period from the start of business June 29, 2000 to October 31, 2000. These financial statements and supplementary data are the responsibility of the Portfolio's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and supplementary data based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and supplementary data are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities held at October 31, 2003 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other audit procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such financial statements and supplementary data present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio at October 31, 2003, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the supplementary data for the respective stated periods in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Boston, Massachusetts December 16, 2003 25 <Page> EATON VANCE TAX-MANAGED MULTI-CAP OPPORTUNITY FUND MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION Fund Management. The Trustees of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (the Trust) and Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio (the Portfolio) are responsible for the overall management and supervision of the Trust's and Portfolio's affairs. The Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Portfolio are listed below. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Portfolio hold indefinite terms of office. The "noninterested Trustees" consist of those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and the Portfolio, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. The business address of each Trustee and officer is The Eaton Vance Building, 255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. As used below, "EVC" refers to Eaton Vance Corp., "EV" refers to Eaton Vance, Inc., "EVM" refers to Eaton Vance Management, "BMR" refers to Boston Management and Research, and "EVD" refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. EVC and EV are the corporate parent and trustee, respectively, of EVM and BMR. EVD is the Fund's principal underwriter, the Portfolio's placement agent and wholly-owned subsidiary of EVM. <Table> <Caption> POSITION(S) TERM OF NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS WITH THE OFFICE AND IN FUND COMPLEX OTHER NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INTERESTED TRUSTEE(S) Jessica M. Bibliowicz Trustee Trustee of the Chairman, President and Chief 192 Director of 11/28/59 Trust since Executive Officer of National National 1998; of the Financial Partners (financial Financial Portfolio services company) (since April Partners since 2000 1999). President and Chief Operating Officer of John A. Levin & Co. (registered investment adviser) (July 1997 to April 1999) and a Director of Baker, Fentress & Company, which owns John A. Levin & Co. (July 1997 to April 1999). Ms. Bibliowicz is an interested person because of her affiliation with a brokerage firm. James B. Hawkes Trustee Trustee of the Chairman, President and Chief 194 Director of EVC 11/9/41 Trust since Executive Officer of BMR, EVC, EVM 1991; of the and EV; Director of EV; Vice Portfolio since President and Director of EVD. 2000 Trustee and/or officer of 194 registered investment companies in the Eaton Vance Fund Complex. Mr. Hawkes is an interested person because of his positions with BMR, EVM, EVC and EV, which are affiliates of the Trust and the Portfolio. NONINTERESTED TRUSTEE(S) Samuel L. Hayes, III Trustee Trustee of the Jacob H. Schiff Professor of 194 Director of 2/23/35 Trust since Investment Banking Emeritus, Tiffany & Co. 1986; of the Harvard University Graduate School (specialty Portfolio since of Business Administration. retailer) and 2000 Telect, Inc. (telecommunication services company) William H. Park Trustee Since 2003 President and Chief Executive 191 None 9/19/47 Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (since 2002). Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) (1982-2001). Ronald A. Pearlman Trustee Since 2003 Professor of Law, Georgetown 191 None 7/10/40 University Law Center (since 1999). Tax Partner Covington & Burling, Washington, DC (1991-2000). </Table> 26 <Page> <Table> <Caption> POSITION(S) TERM OF NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS WITH THE OFFICE AND IN FUND COMPLEX OTHER NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY DIRECTORSHIPS DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NONINTERESTED TRUSTEE(S) (CONTINUED) Norton H. Reamer Trustee Trustee of the President and Chief Executive 194 None 9/21/35 Trust since Officer of Asset Management Finance 1986; of the Corp. (a specialty finance company Portfolio since serving the investment management 2000 industry) (since October 2003). President, Unicorn Corporation (an investment and financial advisory services company) (since September 2000). Formerly, Chairman, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Inc. (an investment management company) (2000-2003). Formerly, Advisory Director, Berkshire Capital Corporation (investment banking firm) (2002-2003). Formerly, Chairman of the Board, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) and Chairman, President and Director, UAM Funds (mutual funds) (1980-2000). Lynn A. Stout Trustee Trustee of the Professor of Law, University of 194 None 9/14/57 Trust since California at Los Angeles School of 1998; of Law (since July 2001). Formerly, the Portfolio Professor of Law, Georgetown since 2000 University Law Center. </Table> PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES <Table> <Caption> POSITION(S) TERM OF WITH THE OFFICE AND NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas E. Faust Jr. President of Since 2002 Executive Vice President of EVM, BMR, EVC and 5/31/58 the Trust EV; Chief Investment Officer of EVM and BMR and Director of EVC. Chief Executive Officer of Belair Capital Fund LLC, Belcrest Capital Fund LLC, Belmar Capital Fund LLC, Belport Capital Fund LLC, and Belrose Capital Fund LLC (private investment companies sponsored by EVM). Officer of 53 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. William H. Ahern, Jr. Vice President Since 1995 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 35 7/28/59 of the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Arieh Coll Vice President Since 2002 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 3 11/9/63 of the Portfolio registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Thomas J. Fetter Vice President Since 1997 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Trustee and 8/20/43 of the Trust President of The Massachusetts Health & Education Tax-Exempt Trust. Officer of 127 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Michael R. Mach Vice President Since 1999 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Previously, 7/15/47 of the Trust Managing Director and Senior Analyst for Robertson Stephens (1998-1999). Officer of 25 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Robert B. MacIntosh Vice President Since 1998 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 127 1/22/57 of the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Duncan W. Richardson Vice President Vice President of the Trust Senior Vice President and Chief Equity 10/26/57 of the Trust; since 2001; President of the Investment Officer of EVM and BMR. Officer of President Portfolio since 2002 41 registered investment companies managed by of the Portfolio EVM or BMR. </Table> 27 <Page> <Table> <Caption> POSITION(S) TERM OF WITH THE OFFICE AND NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walter A. Row, III Vice President Since 2001 Director of Equity Research and a Vice 7/20/57 of the Trust President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 22 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Judith A. Saryan Vice President Since 2003 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Previously, 8/21/54 of the Trust Portfolio Manager and Equity Analyst for State Street Global Advisers (1980-1999). Officer of 24 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Susan Schiff Vice President Since 2002 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 26 3/13/61 of the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Alan R. Dynner Secretary Secretary of the Trust Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal 10/10/40 since 1997; of the Officer of BMR, EVM, EVD, EV and EVC. Officer Portfolio since 2000 of 194 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Kristin S. Anagnost Treasurer of Since 2002(2) Assistant Vice President of EVM and BMR. 6/12/65 the Portfolio Officer of 109 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. James L. O'Connor Treasurer of the Trust Since 1989 Vice President of BMR, EVM and EVD. Officer 4/1/45 of 115 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. </Table> (1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure (2) Prior to 2002, Ms. Anagnost served as Assistant Treasurer of the Portfolio since 2000. The SAI for the Fund includes additional information about the Trustees and officers of the Fund and the Portfolio and can be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-225-6265. 28 <Page> ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS The registrant has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. The registrant undertakes to provide a copy of such code of ethics to any person upon request, without charge, by calling 1-800-262-1122. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT The registrant's Board has designated William H. Park, Samuel L. Hayes, III and Norton H. Reamer, each an independent trustee, as its audit committee financial experts. Mr. Park is a certified public accountant who is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Prizm Capital Management, LLC (a fixed income investment management firm). Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Asset Management Corporation ("UAM") (a holding company <Page> owning institutional investment management firms). Mr. Hayes is the Jacob H. Schiff Professor of Investment Banking Emeritus of the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Reamer is the President of Unicorn Capital (an investment and financial advisory services company), Chairman of Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Inc. (an investment management company) and Advisory Director of Berkshire Capital Corporation (an investment banking firm). Previously, Mr. Reamer was Chairman of the Board of UAM and Chairman, President and Director of the UAM Funds (mutual funds). ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Not required in this filing. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS Not required in this filing. ITEM 6. [RESERVED] ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Not required in this filing. ITEM 8. [RESERVED] ITEM 9. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (a) It is the conclusion of the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrant's current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission's rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. (b) There have been no significant changes in the registrant's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. ITEM 10. EXHIBITS (a)(1) Registrant's Code of Ethics - Not applicable (please see Item 2). (a)(2)(i) Treasurer's Section 302 certification. (a)(2)(ii) President's Section 302 certification. (b) Combined Section 906 certification. <Page> SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Tax-Managed Multi-Cap Opportunity Portfolio - ------------------------------------------- By: /S/ Duncan W. Richardson ------------------------------- Duncan W. Richardson President Date: December 16, 2003 ----------------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. By: /S/ Kristin S. Anagnost ------------------------------- Kristin S. Anagnost Treasurer Date: December 16, 2003 ----------------- By: /S/ Duncan W. Richardson ------------------------------- Duncan W. Richardson President Date: December 16, 2003 -----------------