municipal-bonds-in-2015-time-to-get-back-to-basics

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EATON VANCE

Seeking tax-efficient income and equity

FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

Municipal bonds in 2015: Time to get back to basics What’s next for municipal bond investors after a year of outperformance?

SUMMARY ■■

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Municipal bonds outperformed nearly all other asset classes in 2014.

Municipal Insight Committee The Municipal Insight Committee is composed of Eaton Vance thought leaders in the municipal bond market.

fter a year of strong gains, we think municipal bonds A remain attractive entering 2015. unicipal bond investors should focus on M taxable-equivalent yields, valuations, credit quality and supply/demand dynamics.

At Eaton Vance, we value independent thinking. In our experience, clients benefit from a range of distinctive, strongly argued perspectives. That’s why we encourage our independent investment teams and strategists to share their views on pressing issues—even when they run counter to conventional wisdom or the opinions of other investment managers. Timely Thinking. Timeless Values.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 2

After a very challenging year for the municipal bond (muni) market in 2013, munis staged a dramatic comeback in 2014, outperforming nearly all other asset classes, including U.S. Treasurys, investment-grade and high-yield corporate bonds, and domestic equities.

So what comes next after an impressive year of outperformance?

Muni bond returns benefited largely from declining interest rates in 2014, a scenario that few market participants expected. While munis’ performance in 2014 appeared stunning relative to 2013, it was our belief that investors overlooked several reasons why munis were so compelling at 2013 year-end, including the impact of higher tax rates and a steep muni yield curve.

Our assessment of the market proved to be correct and, unfortunately, those who fled munis in 2013 missed out on a great investment opportunity (Exhibit A).

10000

108

5000

104

0

100 96

-5000

92

-10000

88

-15000

84 b 4 (e er st 2 im 01 at 4 ed )

4

/1

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/1

/1

De

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m

11

14

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14

1/

1/

9/

14

8/

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1/

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1/

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1/ 2/

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-20000

Barclays Municipal Bond Index (Indexed to 100)

After massive fund outflows in 2013, muni investors (and performance) came back in 2014.

1/

Monthly Net New Cash Flow ($ millions)

Exhibit A

Sources: Investment Company Institute, Barclays as of 12/31/2014. Please refer to the end of this Insight for important disclosures and index definitions.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an Index.

Higher tax makeinvestors municipals attractive With longer-term interest rates unlikely to continue their downward trend in rates 2015, might ask why they3.90% should stay the relative to other bond sectors.

4.0% Nominal Yield course with munisTax-Adjusted in 2015.Yield We believe the basic tenets of holding munis have not change. These include providing federal 3.5 tax-exempt income, diversification and relative credit stability. In addition, for 2015, we think that3.28% there are several timely reasons 3.06% 2.95% why investors should favor muni bonds, including: 3.0 2.72% 2.77% 2.47%

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Munis2.5continue to be attractive on a tax-adjusted basis.

2.07% 2.16%

2.0

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Valuations continue to be attractive.

1.5

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Issuers’ 1.0 credit quality continues to be a positive.

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Munis may still benefit from favorable supply/demand dynamics.

0.5 0.0

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Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch Intermediate-BofA and long-term munis may7-10 outperform based on Fed7-10 action.

7-10 Year U.S. 7-10 Year U.S. Year U.S. 7-10 Year AAA U.S. Year U.S. Treasury Index

Agency Index

Mortgage Backed Securities Index

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Corporate Index

Corporate & Government Index

BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AA U.S. 7-10 Year Single-A U.S. Municipal Corporate Index U.S. Corporate Index Securities Index

88

-15000

FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 843

1/ 1/ 13 2/ 1/ 13 3/ 1/ 13 4/ 1/ 13 5/ 1/ 13 6/ 1/ 13 7/ 1/ 13 8/ 1/ 13 9/ 1/ 13 10 /1 /1 3 11 /1 /1 3 12 /1 /1 3 1/ 1/ 14 2/ 1/ 14 3/ 1/ 14 4/ 1/ 14 5/ 1/ 14 6/ 1/ 14 7/ 1/ 14 8/ 1/ 14 9/ 1/ 14 10 /1 /1 4 De 11 ce /1 /1 m b 4 (e er st 2 im 01 at 4 ed )

-20000

Exhibit B

4.0% 3.5

Muni bonds continue to be attractive on a tax-adjusted basis.

Higher tax rates make municipals attractive relative to other bond sectors.

Nominal Yield Tax-Adjusted Yield

3.28%

3.0 2.5

3.90%

2.72%

2.77%

2.95%

3.06%

2.47% 2.07% 2.16%

2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Treasury Index

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Agency Index

BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AAA U.S. 7-10 Year U.S. 7-10 Year U.S. Corporate Index Corporate & Mortgage Backed Government Index Securities Index

BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AA U.S. 7-10 Year Single-A U.S. Municipal Corporate Index U.S. Corporate Index Securities Index

Source: BofA Merrill Lynch as of 12/31/2014. Yield to Worst is a measure that reflects the lowest potential yield earned on a bond without the issuer defaulting.

Taxable-equivalent yield refers to the yield an investor in a particular tax bracket would have to earn on a taxable investment to have the same after-tax yield as on a given tax-free security such as a municipal bond. Assumes a maximum rate of 44.59%. A portion of income may be subject to federal income and/or alternative minimum tax. The after-tax return for the investor may be even higher when the municipal exemption from state taxes is also included. The broader muni index was chosen because of similar duration and average maturity to the other indexes. Please refer to the end of this Insight for important disclosures and index definitions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an Index.

250% 5 Year 10 Year 30 Year ■■

When is a 2% coupon really closer to a 4% coupon? The federal tax-exempt status of income from muni bonds creates a 200 taxable-equivalent rate for munis that is higher than comparable duration Treasurys and corporate bonds.

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s of December 31, 2014, munis (as measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Municipal Securities Index) were yielding A 150 2.16% on a pretax basis. Under the current maximum rate of 44.59%, which includes the new tax from the Affordable Care Act and itemized deduction limitations, the taxable-equivalent rate climbs to 3.90%.

100

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ith higher tax rates that remain in effect for the 2014 and 2015 tax years, we think munis continue to be attractive on a W tax-adjusted basis compared to other fixed-income alternatives, as the chart above illustrates.

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12/29/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 12/31/14 I n his 201512/30/05 State of the Union address, President Obama12/31/09 called for 12/31/10 increasing 12/30/11 tax rates on12/31/12 long-term 12/31/13 capital gains and qualified dividends. Although the likelihood of these tax increases gaining approval in Congress appears to be very low, the president’s proposal shows that future tax hikes, particularly around investment income, are possible.

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ith a divided government at the federal level, we do not anticipate comprehensive tax reform that would impact the W tax-exempt status of municipal bonds in 2015.

50

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Barclays Municipal Bond

92

-10000

AAA Muni-to-Treasury Yield Ratios (%)

Monthly Net New Cas

96

-5000

1.5 1.0 0.5

FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 4

0.0 BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Treasury Index

Exhibit C

AAA Muni-to-Treasury Yield Ratios (%)

250%

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Agency Index

BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. 7-10 Year AAA U.S. 7-10 Year U.S. Mortgage Backed Corporate Index Corporate & Securities Index Government Index

BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AA U.S. 7-10 Year Single-A U.S. Municipal Corporate Index U.S. Corporate Index Securities Index

Muni valuations continue to be attractive.

5 Year 10 Year 30 Year

200

150

100

50

12/30/05

12/29/06

12/31/07

12/31/08

12/31/09

12/31/10

12/30/11

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

Source: Barclays as of 12/31/2014. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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After munis outperformed other fixed-income sectors in 2014, such as corporate bonds and U.S. Treasurys, investors may think that munis are too rich on a valuation basis. However, we think muni bond yields still appear attractive compared to Treasurys.

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s of December 31, 2014, AAA-rated municipals on the long end of the curve yielded over 100% of similar-maturity A Treasury securities. Historically, when investors have purchased municipal bonds at high ratios, they have experienced outperformance, although past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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istorically, when Treasury yields rise, muni-to-Treasury ratios that are classified as cheap have tended to cushion the H adverse impact of rising rates.

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e think muni-to-Treasury ratios may still have to adjust to a new world of higher tax rates. For example, investors in certain W federal tax brackets historically believed that a 30-year muni with a muni-to-Treasury ratio of 85% was rich. With higher tax rates on investment income, we think that the ratio would have to be lower in order for 30-year munis to be considered rich.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

Exhibit D

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 5

Munis may still benefit from favorable supply/demand dynamics.

$500 $429.9

$408.3

Total Issuance ($ Billions)

400

$433.3

$409.7

$386.6

$388.8

$379.6 $334.1

$334.4

2013

2014

$357.5

$287.7

300

200

100

0

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

SIFMA 2015 Estimate

Sources: Thomson Reuters, The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association as of 12/31/2014.

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25

Treasury Over the past few years, a decline in muni bond issuance has been a positive tail wind. Looking ahead in 30-Yr. 2015, a survey of MMD 30 AAA underwriters and dealers by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) shows that issuance is Fed Funds Target Rate 20 expected to climb to $357.5 billion in 2015.

e think that this expected pickup in issuance will not be overwhelming to the market. However, looking beyond this year, W we also recognize there are significant infrastructure requirements that have been deferred, as state governments and municipalities have favored austerity since the financial crisis of 2008.

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tate and local budgets have improved as the financial crisis moves further back in the rearview mirror. These dynamics S could help drive muni bond issuance in the future; that greater supply could become a headwind for the market. That said, 5 historically, there has been a long lead time before new issues are brought to market, so we do not anticipate outsized issuance in 2015. n9

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200

175

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0 -42

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-15

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eanwhile, we expect demand for muni bonds to remain strong. Investor demand is typically robust leading up to Tax Day M in April, as investors come to realize the full impact of higher tax rates. In addition, increased volatility in the general Change market in Yields –may Basiscreate Points a flight to quality, where Change we in Yields – Basis Points Changeand, in Yields Basis Points fixed-income think munis may benefit from their stable in –many cases, Feb 1994 – Feb 1995 June 1999 – May 2000 June 2004 – June 2006 500 500 500 improving credit quality.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

Muni issuers’ credit quality continues to be a positive.

100%

OPEB Liabilities State Share of Adjusted Unfunded Pension Liability Debt

80

At 88%, Puerto Rico’s liabilities-to-GDP ratio is more than double any of the 50 states.

60

40

20 State Median = 10.8%

ra sk h Io a Da wa ko Id ta Fl aho o N rid e a Ar vad izo a n W U a yo ta h m M W ont ing isc an Te o a nn ns e in N or O sse th re e g N ew Dak on H Vir ota am gi p ni M shi a iss re Ar o ka ur W Col nsa i as or s hi ad N or I ngt o th nd on Ca ian r a G olin Al eorg a ab ia am N O a ew h Yo io M Tex rk M ich as N in ig So ew ne an ut M so h e ta C xi Ca arol co li in O Pe kl forn a nn ah ia sy om lv a a M Ka nia Rh iss ns od iss as e ip I p Ve sla i n M rm d ar on yl t an W De Ma d es la ine tV w a Ke irgi re n M L tu nia as ou c sa is ky N chu ian ew s a e Je tts r Ill sey Co A ino nn la is ec ska Pu H ticu er aw t to ai Ri i co

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Debt, Pension and OPEB Liabilities as a % of GDP

Exhibit E

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 6

Source: Debt is net tax supported debt from Moody’s May 2014. Unfunded pension liabilities from State CAFRs as of June 30, 2013. States’ share of estimated pension liabilities is based upon the states’ share of the total state and local liabilities as per Moody’s “US State Pension Medians Increase in Fiscal 2012” (January 2014) and Eaton Vance assumptions. GDP from the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2013 advanced estimates. State’s pension plan discount rates from 2013 State CAFRs. Eaton Vance then applied a 5.5% discount rate to pension liabilities, based on Moody’s Adjustments to US State and Local Government Reported Pension Data, July 2, 2012, where for each 1% difference between 5.5% and a plan’s discount rate, the actuarial accrued liability increased by 13%.

Puerto Rico GDP from The World Bank. OPEB liabilities from State CAFRs and Puerto Rico CAFR. Importantly, the states’ unfunded OPEB liability has not been adjusted for the states’ share of the total state and local OPEB liability, which could result in the states’ OPEB liability being overstated.

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Thanks to an improving U.S. economy, the credit outlook for the majority of muni issuers is positive. Historically, muni credit has generally improved as the economy has strengthened.

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n a year-over-year basis, state tax revenues have increased in 17 out of the last 18 quarters (according to the Rockefeller O Institute, data through the second quarter of 2014). And as the chart above shows, most state’s long-term liabilities are manageable. The positive environment has contributed to a current muni default rate of 0.29% (according to Municipal Market Advisors).

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e think muni issuers’ strong credit quality reflects their resiliency in the midst of broader economic themes, which may be W a negative for certain other asset classes (e.g., the adverse impact of oil price declines on certain high-yield bond issuers).

On a relative basis, we think munis offer a particularly compelling source of income.

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ooking ahead, Puerto Rico could be the so-called elephant in the room, given the high likelihood of a restructuring at L PREPA (the islands publicly owned utility) in 2015. We do think broad investor reaction to a PREPA restructuring will be muted; however, if additional Puerto Rico entities were to initiate debt restructurings, it could cause a broad sell-off in munis. In this scenario, we would consider that a potential value opportunity.

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side from Puerto Rico, there are other credit risks muni investors should be mindful of. As a result of new accounting rules, A unfunded pension liabilities will now appear on governmental balance sheets and mandated lower discount rates will increase unfunded pension liabilities. Additionally, a potential downgrade of Illinois’ credit rating to the BBB-rating category could generate negative headlines for the market.

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Total Issuance

200

100

FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING 0

2005

Exhibit F

2006

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 7

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

SIFMA 2015 Estimate

With the Fed set to raise interest rates, intermediate- and long-term munis may outperform.

25

30-Yr. Treasury MMD 30 AAA Fed Funds Target Rate

20

15

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5

500

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Change in Yields – Basis Points June 1999 – May 2000

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03 nJa

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500

Fed Raises Rates 17 Times

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n-

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99 n-

98

Change in Yields – Basis Points Feb 1994 – Feb 1995

Ja

n-

97

Fed Raises Rates 5 Times

Ja

nJa

96 nJa

95 nJa

3 r-9

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Ap

500

n-

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94

Fed Raises Rates 8 Times

Change in Yields – Basis Points June 2004 – June 2006 425

400 300

300

400

400

300

300

200

200

200

175

120

100 0

75

100 0

100 7

18

0 -42

-15

Source: Thompson Reuters, Municipal Market Data; 04/30/93 - 12/31/14. Data provided are for informational use only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an Index. All spreads are in basis points.

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We believe the Federal Reserve (Fed) will raise rates in 2015, the first time the Fed has increased the fed funds rate since 2006. Because of this shift in monetary policy, we expect short-term U.S. rates to increase more than long-term U.S. rates (which we believe will remain low due to continuing overall slow global growth), resulting in a flatter yield curve.

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uni bond yields tend to move with U.S. Treasury yields. So, in the possible scenario of a flattening yield curve with M short-term rates rising, we think intermediate- and long-term bonds may outperform short-term bonds.

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I nvestors may be concerned that a potential rising fed funds rate will lead to increased volatility for long-term municipal bonds. However, as the chart above shows, rising short-term fed funds rates have not historically led to an expected high level of volatility for long-term municipal bonds.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 8

Get back to the basics of muni bond investing It is unlikely muni bonds will experience the same kind of price appreciation we saw in 2014. However, we do not think that is a reason to abandon the asset class in 2015. On the contrary, we think muni bonds should be an anchor of a portfolio, and the reasons are clear: ■■

They provide income that is exempt from federal taxes.

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The credit quality of most muni issuers is stable.

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Muni bonds may provide diversification and volatility reduction to an overall portfolio.

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Muni valuations are relatively attractive versus other fixed-income asset classes.

With volatility in the bond markets expected to increase in 2015, we think investors should consider muni bonds as part of their overall asset allocation. However, credit research remains very important. With more than 60,000 issuers, over one million CUSIPs and about $3.7 trillion outstanding, we believe skilled professional management and credit research are absolutely necessary to sort through the diverse muni landscape.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 9

Index Definitions 30-Year AAA Municipal Market Data (MMD) Index is an index of AAA-rated general obligation bonds.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AA U.S. Corporate Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years and rated AA1 through AA3, inclusive.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year AAA U.S. Corporate Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years and rated AAA. BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year Single-A U.S. Corporate Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years and rated A1 through A3, inclusive.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Agency Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated U.S. agency senior debt issued in the U.S. domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Corporate & Government Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market, including U.S. Treasury, U.S. agency, foreign government, supranational and corporate securities with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-rate and hybrid residential mortgage pass-through securities publicly issued by U.S. agencies in the U.S. domestic market with an average life greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years.

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. Municipal Securities Index is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated investment-grade tax-exempt debt publicly issued by U.S. states and territories, and their political subdivisions, in the U.S. domestic market.

BofA Merrill Lynch 7-10 Year U.S. Treasury Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar-denominated sovereign debt publicly issued by the U.S. government in its domestic market with a remaining term to final maturity greater than or equal to 7 years and less than 10 years.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 10

About Eaton Vance Eaton Vance Corp. is one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates offer individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company’s long record of exemplary service, timely innovation and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today’s most discerning investors. For more information, visit eatonvance.com.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 11

About Risk An imbalance in supply and demand in the municipal market may result in valuation uncertainties and greater volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency in the market. There generally is limited public information about municipal issuers. As interest rates rise, the value of certain income investments is likely to decline. Longer-term bonds typically are more sensitive to interest-rate changes than shorter-term bonds. Investments in income securities may be affected by changes in the creditworthiness of the issuer and are subject to the risk of nonpayment of principal and interest. The value of income securities also may decline because of real or perceived concerns about the issuer’s ability to make principal and interest payments. A portion of municipal bond income may be subject to alternative minimum tax. Income may be subject to state and local tax.

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FEBRUARY 2015 TIMELY THINKING

2015 MUNI OUTLOOK • 12

Income Volatility Taxes

Strategies. For times like these.

Eaton Vance offers strategies to help meet three of today’s most important investment challenges—Income, Volatility and Taxes.

Explore our broad range of strategies to address these issues at eatonvance.com/IVT.

For more information visit eatonvance.com/munis Municipal Insight Committee Payson Swaffield, CFA Chief Income Investment Officer

Cindy Clemson Co-Director of Municipal Investments

William Delahunty, CFA Director of Municipal Research

Craig Brandon, CFA Co-Director of Municipal Investments

Tom Metzold, CFA Senior Portfolio Advisor

James Evans, CFA Director of Tax-Advantaged Bond Strategies

Jonathan Rocafort Municipal Portfolio Manager

Michael Sullivan, CFA Institutional Portfolio Manager

The views expressed in this insight are those of the authors and are current only through the date stated at the top of this page. These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions, and Eaton Vance disclaims any responsibility to update such views.

These views may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions for Eaton Vance are based on many factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any Eaton Vance fund. Eaton Vance does not provide legal or tax advice. The discussion herein is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. There is no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness.

Individuals should consult their own legal and tax counsel as to matters discussed.

Before investing, investors should consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus and summary prospectus, which can be obtained from a financial advisor.

Prospective investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing. ©2015 Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. | Member FINRA/SIPC | Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110 | 800.836.2414 | eatonvance.com

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