<Page> FORM N-CSR CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES Investment Company Act File Number: 811-10597 --------- Tax-Managed Mid-Cap Core 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 <Page> ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS <Page> TAX-MANAGED MID-CAP CORE PORTFOLIO AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2003 PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS COMMON STOCKS -- 97.3% <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ADVERTISING AGENCIES -- 2.1% Omnicom Group, Inc. 12,300 $ 981,540 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 981,540 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AIRLINES -- 1.3% SkyWest, Inc. 31,900 $ 589,831 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 589,831 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BANKS - REGIONAL -- 3.1% City National Corp. 9,500 $ 571,995 SouthTrust Corp. 15,200 484,120 Synovus Financial Corp. 13,800 380,880 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,436,995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BROADCASTING AND RADIO -- 2.0% Cox Radio, Inc. Class A(1) 42,100 $ 931,252 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 931,252 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUILDING PRODUCTS -- 1.1% Valspar Corp. 11,000 $ 524,700 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 524,700 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUSINESS SERVICES - MISCELLANEOUS -- 5.8% ChoicePoint, Inc.(1) 23,366 $ 818,745 Fair Isaac Corp. 7,200 459,216 Fiserv, Inc.(1) 13,400 473,288 SEI Investments Co. 14,700 428,064 The Reynolds and Reynolds Co., Class A 18,700 507,892 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 2,687,205 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHEMICALS -- 1.8% Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. 18,700 $ 849,167 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 849,167 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTER SERVICES -- 1.7% SunGard Data Systems, Inc.(1) 27,200 $ 762,960 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 762,960 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTER SOFTWARE -- 1.2% National Instruments Corp. 12,500 $ 532,250 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 532,250 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMPUTERS - INTEGRATED SYSTEMS -- 3.8% Adobe Systems, Inc. 8,800 $ 385,792 Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.(1) 18,100 885,633 Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. Class A 25,000 499,500 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,770,925 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COSMETICS & TOILETRIES -- 1.8% Alberto-Culver Co. Class A 13,100 $ 830,409 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 830,409 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISTRIBUTION / WHOLESALE -- 1.7% CDW Corp. 13,100 $ 786,655 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 786,655 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDUCATION -- 1.4% Education Management Corp.(1) 10,500 $ 663,390 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 663,390 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT -- 1.7% Cooper Industries Ltd. Class A 14,400 $ 761,760 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 761,760 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELECTRONICS - EQUIPMENT / INSTRUMENTS -- 1.6% Amphenol Corp. Class A(1) 12,700 $ 746,125 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 746,125 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ELECTRONICS - SEMICONDUCTORS -- 1.5% QLogic Corp.(1) 12,600 $ 706,230 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 706,230 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION -- 1.8% Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.(1) 17,900 $ 829,128 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 829,128 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> See notes to financial statements. 16 <Page> <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCE - INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT -- 7% Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.(1) 13,000 $ 942,500 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. 7,700 544,698 Franklin Resources, Inc. 17,700 839,334 Legg Mason, Inc. 11,100 924,075 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 3,250,607 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD - WHOLESALE / DISTRIBUTION -- 1.5% Performance Food Group Co.(1) 19,000 $ 707,750 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 707,750 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GAS DISTRIBUTION -- 1.1% Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc. 12,100 $ 480,733 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 480,733 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEALTHCARE SERVICES -- 2.5% First Health Group Corp.(1) 17,100 $ 417,411 WellPoint Health Networks, Inc.(1) 8,000 711,200 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,128,611 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS -- 1.9% Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1) 11,700 $ 867,204 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 867,204 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSURANCE -- 2.2% Ace Ltd. 28,300 $ 1,018,800 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,018,800 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INSURANCE BROKERS -- 1.8% Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Inc. 28,500 $ 831,915 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 831,915 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT SERVICES -- 2.1% A.G. Edwards, Inc. 24,200 $ 980,100 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 980,100 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MANUFACTURING -- 4.1% Danaher Corp. 5,900 $ 488,815 Dover Corp. 19,500 760,890 Nucor Corp. 11,700 641,511 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,891,216 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDICAL - HOSPITALS -- 1.8% Health Management Associates, Inc. Class A 37,100 $ 821,765 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 821,765 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDICAL DEVICES -- 1.5% Varian Medical Systems, Inc.(1) 10,700 $ 684,158 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 684,158 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDICAL PRODUCTS -- 5.3% Biomet, Inc. 18,400 $ 659,824 C.R. Bard, Inc. 8,700 696,435 Patterson Dental Co.(1) 9,200 588,616 Renal Care Group, Inc.(1) 13,200 495,132 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 2,440,007 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEDICAL SERVICES / SUPPLIES -- 1.8% DENTSPLY International, Inc. 19,100 $ 844,029 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 844,029 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MULTI-UTILITIES -- 1.8% Questar Corp. 26,700 $ 847,725 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 847,725 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE ELECTRONICS / TECHNOLOGY -- 1.8% Zebra Technologies Corp. Class A(1) 14,250 $ 811,537 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 811,537 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OIL AND GAS - EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION -- 5.8% Apache Corp. 9,425 $ 657,111 EOG Resources, Inc. 13,600 573,104 Newfield Exploration Co.(1) 21,900 870,087 Pogo Producing Co. 13,300 556,073 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 2,656,375 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PERSONAL PRODUCTS -- 1.1% Estee Lauder Companies Inc., (The) Class A 14,000 $ 523,460 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 523,460 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINTING AND BUSINESS PRODUCTS -- 1.5% Avery Dennison Corp. 13,200 $ 694,056 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 694,056 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> See notes to financial statements. 17 <Page> <Table> <Caption> SECURITY SHARES VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PUBLISHING -- 1.6% E.W. Scripps Co. 8,000 $ 743,280 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 743,280 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RETAIL - DISCOUNT -- 1.1% Family Dollar Stores, Inc. 11,300 $ 492,793 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 492,793 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RETAIL - RESTAURANTS -- 3.8% Brinker International, Inc.(1) 30,000 $ 954,900 Sonic Corp.(1) 28,400 789,804 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,744,704 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RETAIL - SPECIALTY AND APPAREL -- 2.4% Bed Bath and Beyond, Inc.(1) 11,100 $ 468,864 Tiffany & Co. 13,000 616,850 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,085,714 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT -- 2.2% Microchip Technology, Inc. 30,650 $ 1,002,562 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,002,562 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- 1.3% CenturyTel, Inc. 16,700 $ 597,025 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 597,025 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANSPORTATION -- 2.9% C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 16,300 $ 638,634 Expeditors International of Washington, Inc 18,000 675,720 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,314,354 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (IDENTIFIED COST $37,950,093) $ 44,851,002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 97.3% (IDENTIFIED COST $37,950,093) $ 44,851,002 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER ASSETS, LESS LIABILITIES -- 2.7% $ 1,261,269 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSETS -- 100.0% $ 46,112,271 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> (1) Non-income producing security. See notes to financial statements. 18 <Page> TAX-MANAGED MID-CAP CORE 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, $37,950,093) $ 44,851,002 Cash 1,128,349 Receivable for investments sold 684,463 Interest and dividends receivable 11,317 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 46,675,131 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Payable for investments purchased $ 539,190 Payable to affiliate for Trustees' fees 62 Accrued expenses 23,608 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 562,860 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO INVESTORS' INTEREST IN PORTFOLIO $ 46,112,271 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOURCES OF NET ASSETS Net proceeds from capital contributions and withdrawals $ 39,211,362 Net unrealized appreciation (computed on the basis of identified cost) 6,900,909 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL $ 46,112,271 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 <Table> INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends $ 216,653 Interest 3,060 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME $ 219,713 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPENSES Investment adviser fee $ 229,597 Trustees' fees and expenses 192 Custodian fee 30,994 Legal and accounting services 20,933 Miscellaneous 2,898 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL EXPENSES $ 284,614 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INVESTMENT LOSS $ (64,901) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) Net realized gain (loss) -- Investment transactions (identified cost basis) $ (927,356) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET REALIZED LOSS $ (927,356) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) -- Investments (identified cost basis) $ 8,290,032 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) $ 8,290,032 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN $ 7,362,676 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $ 7,297,775 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> See notes to financial statements. 19 <Page> STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS <Table> <Caption> INCREASE (DECREASE) YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED IN NET ASSETS OCTOBER 31, 2003 OCTOBER 31, 2002(1) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- From operations -- Net investment loss $ (64,901) $ (49,816) Net realized loss (927,356) (577,498) Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 8,290,032 (1,389,123) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $ 7,297,775 $ (2,016,437) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital transactions -- Contributions $ 25,984,940 $ 19,978,729 Withdrawals (4,319,456) (913,290) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS $ 21,665,484 $ 19,065,439 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS $ 28,963,259 $ 17,049,002 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NET ASSETS At beginning of year $ 17,149,012 $ 100,010 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- AT END OF YEAR $ 46,112,271 $ 17,149,012 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- </Table> (1) For the period from the start of business, March 1, 2002, to October 31, 2002. See notes to financial statements. 20 <Page> SUPPLEMENTARY DATA <Table> <Caption> YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 OCTOBER 31, 2002(1) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Ratios (As a percentage of average daily net assets): Expenses 0.99% 1.68%(2) Net investment loss (0.22)% (0.81)%(2) Portfolio Turnover 50% 13% - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TOTAL RETURN 25.97% (14.72)%(3) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S OMITTED) $ 46,112 $ 17,149 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ </Table> (1) For the period from the start of business, March 1, 2002, to October 31, 2002. (2) Annualized. (3) Total return is not computed on an annualized basis. See notes to financial statements. 21 <Page> TAX-MANAGED MID-CAP CORE PORTFOLIO AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2003 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Tax-Managed Mid-Cap Core Portfolio (the Portfolio) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified open-end management investment company. The Portfolio, which was organized as a trust under the laws of the State of New York on December 10, 2001, seeks to achieve long-term, after-tax returns by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of mid-cap companies. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue interests in the Portfolio. At October 31, 2003, Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Mid-Cap Core Fund held an approximate 32.9% interest in the Portfolio and one other investor owned an interest greater than 10% that equaled 66.8%. 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 ask 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. 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 is 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 on its share of taxable income. Since the Portfolio's investors include regulated investment companies that invest all or substantially all of their 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 FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACT -- Upon entering a financial futures contract, the Portfolio is required to deposit either in cash or securities an amount (initial margin) equal to a certain percentage of the purchase price indicated in the financial futures contract. Subsequent payments are made or received by the Portfolio (margin maintenance) each day, dependent on daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and are recorded for book purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Portfolio. The Portfolio's investment in financial futures contracts is designed to hedge against anticipated future changes in price of current or anticipated Portfolio positions. Should prices move unexpectedly, the Portfolio may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. E PUT OPTIONS -- Upon the purchase of a put option by the Portfolio, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. When a purchased option expires, the Portfolio will realize a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. When the Portfolio enters into a closing sale transaction, the Portfolio will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. When the Portfolio exercises a put option, settlement is made in cash. The risk associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid. F 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 convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security sold short. Such transactions are done 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 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 22 <Page> 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 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. G FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- Investment valuations, other assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates. Purchases and sales of foreign investment securities and income and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Recognized gains or losses on investment transactions attributable to foreign currency exchange rates are recorded for financial statement purposes as net realized gains and losses on investments. That portion of unrealized gains and losses on investments that results from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is not separately disclosed. H USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. I OTHER -- Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. 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 0.80% annually of the 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 $229,597. Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement, BMR has delegated the investment management of the Portfolio to Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC (Atlanta Capital), a majority-owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance. BMR pays Atlanta Capital a monthly fee for sub-advisory services provided to the Portfolio equal to 0.55% annually of the average daily net assets up to $500 million, and at reduced rates as daily net assets exceed that level. 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 the investment adviser fee. Trustees of the Portfolio that are not affiliated with BMR 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 $34,655,917 and $14,180,550, 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 $ 38,204,563 ----------------------------------------------------- Gross unrealized appreciation $ 6,819,922 Gross unrealized depreciation (173,483) ----------------------------------------------------- NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION $ 6,646,439 ----------------------------------------------------- </Table> 5 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, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, 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 23 <Page> transactions are considered. The Portfolio did not have any open obligations under these financial instruments at October 31, 2003. 6 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 for the year ended October 31, 2003. 7 INTERESTHOLDER MEETING 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 MID-CAP CORE PORTFOLIO AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2003 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND INVESTORS OF TAX-MANAGED MID-CAP CORE PORTFOLIO: We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Tax-Managed Mid-Cap Core Portfolio (the Portfolio) as of October 31, 2003, and the related statement of operations, and the statements of changes in net assets and the supplementary data for the year then ended and the period from the start of business, March 1, 2002, to October 31, 2002. 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 as of October 31, 2003 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing 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 Mid-Cap Core Portfolio at October 31, 2003, the results of its operations for the year then ended, and the changes in its net assets and the supplementary data for the year then ended and the period from the start of business, March 1, 2002, to October 31, 2002, 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 MID-CAP CORE FUND MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION FUND MANAGEMENT. The Trustees of Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Trust (the Trust) and Tax-Managed Mid-Cap Core 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, 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, "EVD" refers to Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. and "Atlanta Capital" refers to Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC. 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 a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVM. <Table> <Caption> POSITION(S) TERM OF NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS WITH THE OFFICE AND IN FUND COMPLEX NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INTERESTED TRUSTEE(S) Jessica M. Trustee Trustee of Chairman, President and 192 Director of National Bibliowicz the Trust Chief Executive Officer of Financial Partners 11/28/59 since 1998; National Financial of the Partners (financial Portfolio services company) (since since 2001 April 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 of the Trustee of Chairman, President and 194 Director of EVC 11/9/41 Trust; Trustee the Trust Chief Executive Officer of and President since 1991; BMR, EVC, EVM and EV; of the Portfolio Trustee and Director of EV; Vice President of President and Director of the Portfolio EVD. Trustee and/or since 2001 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 Jacob H. Schiff Professor 194 Director of Tiffany & 2/23/35 the Trust of Investment Banking Co. (specialty since 1986; Emeritus, Harvard retailer) and Telect, of the University Graduate School Inc. Portfolio of Business Administration. (telecommunication since 2001 services company) William H. Park Trustee Since 2003 President and Chief 191 None 9/19/47 Executive Officer, Prizm Capital Management, LLC (investment management firm) (since 2002). Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) (1982-2001). Ronald A. Pearlman Trustee Since 2003 Professor of Law, 191 None 7/10/40 Georgetown 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 NAME AND TRUST AND LENGTH OF PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN BY OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS DATE OF BIRTH THE PORTFOLIO SERVICE DURING PAST FIVE YEARS TRUSTEE(1) HELD - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NONINTERESTED TRUSTEE(S) (CONTINUED) Norton H. Reamer Trustee Trustee of President and Chief 194 None 9/21/35 the Trust Executive Officer of Asset since 1986; Management Finance Corp. of the (a specialty finance Portfolio company serving the since 2001 investment management industry) (since October 2003). President, Unicorn Corporation (an investment and financial advisory services company) (since September 2000). Formerly, Chairman, Hellman, Jordan Management Co., Inc. (an investment management company) (2000-2003). Formerly, Advisory Director of Berkshire Capital Corporation (investment banking firm) (2002-2003). Formerly, Chairman of the Board, United Asset Management Corporation (a holding company owning institutional investment management firms) and Chairman, President and Director, UAM Funds (mutual funds) (1980-2000). Lynn A. Stout Trustee Trustee of Professor of Law, 194 None 9/14/57 the Trust University of California since 1998; at Los Angeles School of of the Law (since July 2001). Portfolio Formerly, Professor of since 2001 Law, Georgetown 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 the President of Executive Vice President of EVM, BMR, EVC and EV; 5/31/58 Trust; Vice the Trust Chief Investment Officer of EVM and BMR and President of the since 2002; Director of EVC. Chief Executive Officer of Portfolio Vice President Belair Capital Fund LLC, Belcrest Capital Fund of the LLC, Belmar Capital Fund LLC, Belport Capital Portfolio Fund LLC and Belrose Capital Fund LLC (private since 2001 investment companies sponsored by EVM). Officer of 53 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. William H. Ahern, Jr. Vice President of Since 1995 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 35 7/28/59 the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Thomas J. Fetter Vice President of Since 1997 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Trustee and 8/20/43 the Trust President of The Massachusetts Health & Education Tax-Exempt Trust. Officer of 127 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. William R. Hackney, III Vice President of Since 2001 Managing Partner and member of the Executive 4/12/48 the Portfolio Committee of Atlanta Capital. Officer of 3 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Michael R. Mach Vice President of Since 1999 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Previously, 7/15/47 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 of Since 1998 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 127 1/22/57 the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Paul J. Marshall Vice President of Since 2001 Vice President of Atlanta Capital. Portfolio 5/2/65 the Portfolio manager for Bank of America Capital Management (1995-2000). Officer of 3 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Charles B. Reed Vice President of Since 2001 Vice President of Atlanta Capital. Portfolio 10/9/65 the Portfolio manager with the Florida State Board of Administration (1995-1998). Officer of 2 registered investment companies managed by 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 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES (CONTINUED) Duncan W. Richardson Vice President of Since 2001 Senior Vice President and Chief Equity Investment 10/26/57 the Trust Officer of EVM and BMR. Officer of 41 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Walter A. Row, III Vice President of Since 2001 Director of Equity Research and a Vice President of 7/20/57 the Trust EVM and BMR. Officer of 22 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Judith A. Saryan Vice President of Since 2003 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Previously, Portfolio 8/21/54 the Trust 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 of Since 2002 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Officer of 26 3/13/61 the Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. Alan R. Dynner Secretary Secretary of Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of 10/10/40 the Trust BMR, EVM, EVD, EV and EVC. Officer of 194 registered since 1997; of investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. the Portfolio since 2001 Michelle A. Alexander Treasurer of the Since 2002 Vice President of EVM and BMR. Chief Financial 8/25/69 Portfolio 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 85 registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. James L. O'Connor Treasurer of the Since 1989 Vice President of BMR, EVM and EVD. Officer of 115 4/1/45 Trust registered investment companies managed by EVM or BMR. </Table> (1) Includes both master and feeder funds in a master-feeder structure. 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 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 MID-CAP CORE PORTFOLIO By: /S/ James B. Hawkes ------------------- James B. Hawkes 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/ Michelle A. Alexander ------------------------- Michelle A. Alexander Treasurer Date: December 16, 2003 ----------------- By: /S/ James B. Hawkes ------------------- James B. Hawkes President Date: December 16, 2003 -----------------