Company Description
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company in the asset management industry. The fund is part of the financial services sector and its shares of beneficial interest trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EVT, as disclosed in its SEC filings. It is organized as a Massachusetts entity and is overseen by a Board of Trustees.
The fund’s stated investment objective, according to available information, is to provide a high level of after-tax total return consisting mainly of tax-advantaged dividend income and capital appreciation. To pursue this objective, the fund invests in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks. Its portfolio of investments has included holdings in areas such as electric utilities, energy equipment and services, food products, health care providers and services, internet software and services, and other sectors.
Investment Objective and Strategy
The fund seeks after-tax total return by focusing on dividend income that may receive favorable tax treatment and on potential capital appreciation. According to the description provided, it does this by investing in dividend-paying equity securities, including both common and preferred shares. The emphasis on tax-advantaged dividend income reflects a goal of enhancing after-tax outcomes for shareholders, subject to applicable tax rules.
The portfolio’s exposure to industries such as electric utilities, energy equipment and services, food products, health care providers and services, and internet software and services indicates that the fund invests across multiple segments of the equity market. This diversified approach within dividend-paying securities is consistent with its classification as a diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Closed-End Fund Structure
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund is structured as a closed-end fund. As disclosed in its SEC filings, its common shares of beneficial interest are listed on the NYSE. In a closed-end structure, the fund issues a fixed number of shares that trade on an exchange, and investors buy and sell those shares in the market. The fund’s net asset value (NAV) and market price can differ, and distributions are determined by the fund’s Board of Trustees and its policies.
Managed Distribution Plan and Distributions
According to a January 2021 press release issued by Eaton Vance Management, the fund operates under a managed distribution plan that has been approved by its Board of Trustees and supported by an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Under this plan, the Board has approved the implementation of monthly cash distributions to common shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share.
The January 2021 notice explains that the information regarding the distribution is provided for informational purposes and is an estimate of the sources of that distribution. It notes that the amounts and sources of distributions reported in such notices are estimates, are not provided for tax reporting purposes, and may later be determined to be from other sources, including net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains, and return of capital, to the extent permitted by law. The fund indicates that the actual amounts and sources for tax reporting purposes depend on its investment experience over its fiscal year and may change based on tax regulations. Shareholders receive a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that explains how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.
The same notice also explains that shareholders should not draw conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of a particular distribution or from the terms of the managed distribution plan. It states that if the fund distributes more than its income and net realized capital gains, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital, which may represent a payment of some of the shareholder’s original investment rather than income or gain.
Regulatory Status and Governance
SEC Form 8-K filings identify Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund as a Massachusetts entity with a Commission File Number 811-21400 and an employer identification number listed in those filings. The fund’s common shares of beneficial interest, with a par value of $0.01 per share, are registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and trade on the NYSE under the symbol EVT.
The fund is overseen by a Board of Trustees. An 8-K filed in August 2025 reports that the Board reduced its size from ten to nine members following the passing of the then Chairperson of the Board. A subsequent 8-K filed later in August 2025 reports that, effective August 27, 2025, the Board appointed a new Chairperson of the Board for a specified term, replacing the acting Chairperson who had served following the prior Chairperson’s passing. These filings illustrate that governance changes at the Board level are disclosed through current reports on Form 8-K.
Portfolio Composition and Sector Exposure
According to the available description, the fund’s portfolio has included investments in several sectors and industries. These include electric utilities, energy equipment and services, food products, health care providers and services, internet software and services, and other areas. This sector exposure reflects a diversified approach within dividend-paying equities, consistent with its goal of generating tax-advantaged dividend income and potential capital appreciation.
The fund’s focus on dividend-paying common and preferred stocks means that its performance and distribution characteristics are influenced by the dividend policies and financial condition of the underlying issuers, as well as by market conditions affecting those sectors.
Performance and Investor Information
The January 2021 distribution notice includes examples of performance and distribution metrics based on the fund’s net asset value for specific historical periods, such as average annual total return at NAV and cumulative total return at NAV for a portion of a fiscal year. The notice explains that these figures reflect changes in NAV with distributions reinvested and that distribution rates are expressed as a percentage of NAV for the relevant dates. These metrics are presented in the context of that particular time period and are accompanied by explanatory footnotes.
The same notice emphasizes that the amounts and sources of distributions reported there are only estimates and are not provided for tax reporting purposes. It reiterates that the fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year, which will indicate how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.
Role Within the Asset Management Sector
Within the financial services sector, Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund represents a closed-end fund strategy focused on dividend-paying equities and after-tax total return. Its managed distribution plan, emphasis on tax-advantaged dividend income, and diversified portfolio across sectors such as utilities, energy-related industries, consumer products, health care providers and services, and internet software and services define its stated approach.
Investors and observers can review the fund’s SEC filings, including Forms 8-K and other periodic reports, for additional details about governance changes, distribution policies, and regulatory disclosures related to the fund’s operations.
Stock Performance
SEC Filings
Financial Highlights
Upcoming Events
Short Interest History
Short interest in EV Tax Advantaged Dividend (EVT) currently stands at 38.7 thousand shares, up 85.4% from the previous reporting period, representing 0.1% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has increased by 63%. This relatively low short interest suggests limited bearish sentiment.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for EV Tax Advantaged Dividend (EVT) currently stands at 1.0 days. This low days-to-cover ratio indicates high liquidity, allowing short sellers to quickly exit positions if needed.