BOSTON, Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities Trust (NYSE: EOT) (the "Trust"), a closed-end management investment company, today announced the earnings of the Trust for the three and six-month periods ended September 30, 2011. The Trust's fiscal year ends on March 31, 2012.

For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Trust had net investment income of $4,576,845 ($0.299 per common share). The Trust's net investment income for the six months ended September 30, 2011 was $9,189,190 ($0.601 per common share). In comparison, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, the Trust had net investment income of $4,703,901 ($0.308 per common share). The Trust's net investment income for the six months ended September 30, 2010 was $9,441,555 ($0.618 per common share).

Net realized and unrealized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2011 were $8,359,141 ($0.550 per common share). The Trust's net realized and unrealized gains for the six months ended September 30, 2011 were $21,392,544 ($1.402 per common share). In comparison, net realized and unrealized gains for the three months ended September 30, 2010 were $14,256,738 ($0.937 per common share). The Trust's net realized and unrealized gains for the six months ended September 30, 2010 were $13,874,078 ($0.912 per common share).

On September 30, 2011, net assets of the Trust were $317,002,089. The net asset value per common share on September 30, 2011 was $20.73 based on 15,294,435 common shares outstanding. In comparison, on September 30, 2010, net assets of the Trust were $338,268,524. The net asset value per common share on September 30, 2010 was $22.14 based on 15,282,019 common shares outstanding.

The Trust periodically makes certain performance data and information about portfolio characteristics available on www.eatonvance.com (on the fund information page under "Individual Investors - Closed-End Funds"). Trust portfolio holdings for the most recent calendar quarter-end are also posted to the website approximately 30 days following quarter-end.

The Trust is managed by Eaton Vance Management, a subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV), based in Boston, one of the oldest investment management firms in the United States, with a history dating back to 1924. Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $188.2 billion in assets as of October 31, 2011 offering individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company's long record of providing exemplary service 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 about Eaton Vance, visit www.eatonvance.com.

                                                           EATON VANCE NATIONAL MUNICIPAL OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
                                                                    SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                                (in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                             Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended
                                                September 30,                  September 30,
                                                -------------                  -------------
                                                            2011                           2010                    2011      2010
                                                            ----                           ----                    ----      ----
    Net investment income                                 $4,577                         $4,704                  $9,189    $9,442
    Net realized and
     unrealized gains
     (losses)
      on investments                                      8,359                         14,257                  21,393    13,874
                                                          -----                         ------                  ------    ------
             Net increase (decrease) in net
             assets
              from operations                           $12,936                        $18,961                 $30,582   $23,316
                                                        =======

    Earnings per Share
     Outstanding
    ------------------
    Net investment income                                $0.299                         $0.308                  $0.601    $0.618
    Net realized and
     unrealized gains
     (losses)
      on investments                                      0.550                          0.937                   1.402     0.912
                                                          -----                          -----                   -----     -----
             Net increase (decrease) in net
             assets
              from operations                            $0.849                         $1.245                  $2.003    $1.530
                                                         ======

    Net Asset Value at
     September 30
    ------------------
            Net assets                                                                                        $317,002  $338,269
            Shares outstanding                                                                                  15,294    15,282
             Net asset value per share
             outstanding                                                                                        $20.73    $22.14

    Market Value Summary
    --------------------
             Market price on NYSE at
             September 30                                                                                       $19.74    $21.54
             High market price (period ended
             September 30)                                                                                      $19.92    $22.14
             Low market price (period ended
             September 30)                                                                                      $18.17    $20.07

SOURCE Eaton Vance Management