FILE NO. 2-10156
FILE NO. 811-0560
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (X)
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ( )
Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 (X)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (X)
Amendment No. 33 (X)
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JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, (617) 375-1700
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SUSAN S. NEWTON
Vice President and Secretary
John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
( ) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
(X) on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
( ) 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
( ) on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
a previously filed post-effective amendment.
List of Funds included in the filing:
John Hancock Growth and Income Fund
John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
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CONSOLIDATED PROSPECTUS
Item Number Form N-1A, Statement of Additional
Part A Prospectus Caption Information Caption
------ ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1 Front Cover Page *
2 Overview; Investor Expenses; *
3 Financial Highlights *
4 Overview; Goal and Strategy; Portfolio *
Securities; Risk Factors; Business
Structure; More About Risk
5 Overview; Business Structure; *
Manager/Subadviser; Investor Expenses
6 Choosing a Share Class; Buying Shares; *
Selling Shares; Transaction Policies;
Dividends and Account Policies;
Additional Investor Services
7 Choosing a Share Class; How Sales Charges *
are Calculated; Sales Charge Deductions
and Waivers; Opening an Account; Buying
Shares; Transaction Policies; Additional
Investor Services
8 Selling Shares; Transaction Policies; *
Dividends and Account Policies
9 Not Applicable *
10 * Front Cover Page
11 * Table of Contents
12 * Organization of the Fund
13 * Investment Objectives and Policies;
Certain Investment Practices;
Investment Restrictions
14 * Those Responsible for Management
15 * Those Responsible for Management
16 * Investment Advisory; Subadvisory
and Other Services; Distribution
Contract; Transfer Agent Services;
Custody of Portfolio; Independent
Auditors
17 * Brokerage Allocation
18 * Description of Fund's Shares
19 * Net Asset Value; Additional
Services and Programs
20 * Tax Status
21 * Distribution Contract
22 * Calculation of Performance
23 * Financial Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK
Growth and
Income Funds
[LOGO]
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Prospectus
May 1, 1998
This prospectus gives vital information about these funds. For your own benefit
and protection, please read it before you invest, and keep it on hand for future
reference.
Please note that these funds:
o are not bank deposits
o are not federally insured
o are not endorsed by any bank
or government agency
o are not guaranteed to achieve their goal(s)
Like all mutual fund shares, these securities have not been approved or
disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities
commission, nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state
securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Growth and Income Fund
Independence Equity Fund
Sovereign Balanced Fund
Sovereign Investors Fund
Special Value Fund
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
<PAGE>
Contents
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A fund-by-fund look at goals, Growth and Income Fund 4
strategies, risks, expenses and
financial history. Independence Equity Fund 6
Sovereign Balanced Fund 8
Sovereign Investors Fund 10
Special Value Fund 12
Policies and instructions for Your account
opening, maintaining and Choosing a share class 14
closing an account in any How sales charges are calculated 14
growth and income fund. Sales charge reductions and waivers 15
Opening an account 16
Buying shares 17
Selling shares 18
Transaction policies 20
Dividends and account policies 20
Additional investor services 21
Details that apply to the Fund details
growth and income funds as a Business structure 22
group. Sales compensation 23
More about risk 25
For more information back cover
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Overview
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GOAL OF THE GROWTH AND INCOME FUNDS
John Hancock growth and income funds invest for varying combinations of income
and capital appreciation. Each fund has its own emphasis with regard to income,
growth and total return, and has its own strategy and risk/reward profile.
Because you could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all
risk disclosure carefully before investing.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
These funds may be appropriate for investors who:
o are looking for a more conservative alternative to exclusively
growth-oriented funds
o need an investment to form the core of a portfolio
o seek above-average total return over the long term
o are retired or nearing retirement
Growth and income funds may NOT be appropriate if you:
o are investing for maximum return over a long time horizon
o require a high degree of stability of your principal
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock growth and income funds are managed by John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. Founded in 1968, John Hancock Advisers is a wholly owned subsidiary of John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and manages more than $30 billion in
assets.
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[Clip art] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and the
strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[Clip art] Portfolio securities The primary types of securities in which the
fund invests. Secondary investments are described in "More about risk" at the
end of the prospectus.
[Clip art] Risk factors The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[Clip art] Portfolio management The individual or group (including subadvisers,
if any) designated by the investment adviser to handle the fund's day-to-day
management.
[Clip art] Expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including sales charges and annual expenses.
[Clip art] Financial highlights A table showing the fund's financial performance
for up to ten years, by share class. A bar chart showing total return allows you
to compare the fund's historical risk level to those of other funds.
<PAGE>
Growth and Income Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST
TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: TAGRX CLASS B: TSGWX CLASS C: N/A
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GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip art] The fund seeks the highest total return (capital appreciation plus
current income) that is consistent with reasonable safety of capital. To pursue
this goal, the fund invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and
money market instruments. Although the fund may concentrate in any of these
securities, under normal circumstances it invests primarily in stocks. The fund
may not invest more than 25% of assets in any one industry.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[Clip art] The fund may invest in most types of securities, including:
o common and preferred stocks, warrants and convertible securities
o U.S. Government and agency debt securities, including mortgage-backed
securities
o corporate bonds, notes and other debt securities of any maturity
The fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in junk bonds, including convertible
securities, that may be rated as low as CC/Ca and their unrated equivalents.
The fund may invest up to 25% of assets in foreign securities (35% during
adverse U.S. market conditions). To a limited extent, the fund also may invest
in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment practices.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest some or all of its assets
in investment-grade short-term securities.
RISK FACTORS
[Clip art] As with any growth and income fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock and bond market movements.
To the extent that it invests in certain securities, the fund may be affected by
additional risks:
o foreign securities: currency, information, natural event and political
risks
o mortgage-backed securities: extension and prepayment risks
These risks are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 25. This section
also details other higher-risk securities and practices that the fund may
utilize. Before you invest, please read "More about risk" carefully.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[Clip art] Timothy E. Keefe, CFA, has been the leader of the fund's portfolio
management team since joining John Hancock Funds in July 1996. He is a senior
vice president of the adviser and has been in the investment business since
1987.
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INVESTOR EXPENSES
[Clip art] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly.
The figures below show the expenses for the past year, adjusted to reflect any
changes. Because no Class C shares were issued or outstanding during the past
year, Class C expenses are based on Class B expenses. Future expenses may be
greater or less.
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Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
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Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) 5.00% none none
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none none
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
Redemption fee(2) none none none
Exchange fee none none none
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Annual fund operating expenses (as a % of average net assets)
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Management fee(3) 0.625% 0.625% 0.625%
12b-1 fee(4) 0.250% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.245% 0.245% 0.245%
Total fund operating expenses 1.120% 1.870% 1.870%
Example The table below shows what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over the
various time frames indicated. The example assumes you reinvested all dividends
and that the average annual return was 5%.
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Share class Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
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Class A shares $61 $84 $109 $180
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $69 $89 $121 $199
Assuming no redemption $20 $62 $101 $199
Class C shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $29 $59 $101 $219
Assuming no redemption $19 $59 $101 $219
This example is for comparison purposes only and is not a representation of the
fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
(2) Does not include wire redemption fee (currently $4.00).
(3) There will be a one-time reduction of $150,000 in the management fee in
fiscal year 1998. With this reduction, the management fee would be 0.591%
for each class and total Fund operating expenses would be 1.086% for Class
A and 1.836% for Class B and Class C.
(4) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
4 GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[Clip art] The figures below have been audited
by the fund's independent auditors,
Ernst & Young LLP.
[The following table was represented as a bar graph in the printed materials.]
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volatility, as indicated by Class A
year-by-year total investment return (%) (9.86) 23.47 0.18 23.80 10.47 13.64 (2.39) 19.22 15.33 14.53(4) 36.71
(scale varies from fund to fund) four
months
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Class A - period ended: 8/88 8/89 8/90 8/91 8/92 8/93
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.04 $8.83 $10.19 $9.87 $11.77 $12.43
Net investment income (loss) 0.50 0.55 0.20 0.20 0.32(2) 0.40(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments (1.73) 1.42 (0.18) 2.07 0.89 1.12
Total from investment operations (1.23) 1.97 0.02 2.27 1.21 1.52
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.49) (0.61) (0.27) (0.19) (0.25) (0.42)
Distributions from net realized gain on
investments sold (1.49) -- (0.07) (0.18) (0.30) (1.45)
Total distributions (1.98) (0.61) (0.34) (0.37) (0.55) (1.87)
Net asset value, end of period $8.83 $10.19 $9.87 $11.77 $12.43 $12.08
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (9.86) 23.47 0.18 23.80 10.47 13.64
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 69,555 70,513 63,150 77,461 89,682 115,780
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.29 1.12 1.29 1.38 1.34 1.29
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets (%) 5.45 6.07 1.96 1.90 2.75 3.43
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 120 214 69 70 119 107
Average brokerage commission rate(6) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
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Class A - period ended: 8/94 8/95 8/96 12/96(1) 12/97
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.08 $11.42 $13.38 $15.07 $15.62
Net investment income (loss) 0.32(2) 0.21(2) 0.19(2) 0.05(2) 0.12(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments (0.61) 1.95 1.84 2.15 5.57
Total from investment operations (0.29) 2.16 2.03 2.20 5.69
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.37) (0.20) (0.19) (0.08) (0.07)
Distributions from net realized gain on
investments sold -- -- (0.15) (1.57) (1.92)
Total distributions (0.37) (0.20) (0.34) (1.65) (1.99)
Net asset value, end of period $11.42 $13.38 $15.07 $15.62 $19.32
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (2.39) 19.22 15.33 14.53(4) 36.71
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 121,160 130,183 139,548 163,154 303,313
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.31 1.30 1.17 1.22(5) 1.12
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets (%) 2.82 1.82 1.28 0.85(5) 0.65
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 195 99 74 26 102
Average brokerage commission rate(6) ($) N/A N/A 0.0665 0.0692 0.0686
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Class B - period ended: 8/91(7) 8/92 8/93 8/94 8/95 8/96 12/96(1) 12/97
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.52 $11.77 $12.44 $12.10 $11.44 $13.41 $15.10 $15.66
Net investment income (loss)(2) -- 0.23 0.30 0.24 0.13 0.08 0.01 (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments 0.25 0.89 1.12 (0.61) 1.96 1.85 2.14 5.60
Total from investment operations 0.25 1.12 1.42 (0.37) 2.09 1.93 2.15 5.58
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income -- (0.15) (0.31) (0.29) (0.12) (0.09) (0.02) (0.01)
Distributions from net realized gain on
investments sold -- (0.30) (1.45) -- -- (0.15) (1.57) (1.92)
Total distributions -- (0.45) (1.76) (0.29) (0.12) (0.24) (1.59) (1.93)
Net asset value, end of period $11.77 $12.44 $12.10 $11.44 $13.41 $15.10 $15.66 $19.31
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 2.17(4) 9.67 12.64 (3.11) 18.41 14.49 14.15(4) 35.80
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 7,690 29,826 65,010 114,025 114,723 125,781 146,399 340,334
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.19(5) 2.07 2.19 2.06 2.03 1.90 1.98(5) 1.87
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets (%) 1.46(5) 2.02 2.53 2.07 1.09 0.55 0.10(5) (0.10)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 70 119 107 195 99 74 26 102
Average brokerage commission rate(6) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0665 0.0692 0.0686
</TABLE>
(1) Effective December 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from August 31 to
December 31.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
(7) Class B shares commenced operations on August 22, 1991.
GROWTH AND INCOME FUND 5
<PAGE>
Independence Equity Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES
TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHDCX CLASS B: JHIDX CLASS C: N/A
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GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip art] The fund seeks above-average total return (capital appreciation plus
income). To pursue this goal, the fund invests primarily in a diversified stock
portfolio whose risk profile is similar to that of the S&P 500 index. The fund
does not invest exclusively in S&P 500 stocks.
In choosing stocks, the fund uses a proprietary computer model (NIXDEX) to
identify stocks that appear to be undervalued. The fund favors those undervalued
stocks that are selected by its model and that are believed to have improving
fundamentals. The fund may not invest more than 25% of assets in any one
industry.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[Clip art] Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of assets
in common stocks. It may also invest in warrants, preferred stocks and
investment-grade convertible debt securities.
The fund may invest in foreign securities in the form of American Depository
Receipts (ADRs) and U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers traded
on U.S. exchanges. To a limited extent the fund also may invest in certain
higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment practices.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest some or all of its assets
in investment-grade short-term securities.
RISK FACTORS
[Clip art] As with any growth and income fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock and bond market movements. Because the fund
follows an index-tracking strategy, it is likely to remain fully invested even
if the fund's managers anticipate a market downturn.
To the extent that it invests in foreign securities, the fund may be affected by
additional risks, such as information, natural event and political risks. These
risks are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 25. This section also
details other higher-risk securities and practices that the fund may utilize.
Please read "More about risk" carefully before you invest.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[Clip art] The fund's investment decisions are made by a portfolio management
team, and no individual is primarily responsible for making them. Team members
are employees of Independence Investment Associates, Inc., the fund's
subadviser and a subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
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INVESTOR EXPENSES
[Clip art] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly.
The figures below show the expenses for the past year, adjusted to reflect any
changes. Because no Class C shares were issued or outstanding during the past
year, Class C expenses are based on Class B expenses. Future expenses may be
greater or less.
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Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
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Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 5.00% none none
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none none
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
Redemption fee(2) none none none
Exchange fee none none none
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Annual fund operating expenses (as a % of average net assets)
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Management fee(3) 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.39% 0.39% 0.39%
Total fund operating expenses 1.44% 2.14% 2.14%
Example The table below shows what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over the
various time frames indicated. The example assumes you reinvested all dividends
and that the average annual return was 5%.
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Share class Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
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Class A shares $64 $93 $125 $214
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $72 $97 $135 $229
Assuming no redemption $22 $67 $115 $229
Class C shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $32 $67 $115 $247
Assuming no redemption $22 $67 $115 $247
This example is for comparison purposes only and is not a representation of the
fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
(2) Does not include wire redemption fee (currently $4.00).
(3) Management fee includes a subadviser fee equal to 55% of the management
fee.
(4) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
6 INDEPENDENCE EQUITY FUND
<PAGE>
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[Clip art] The figures below have been audited
by the fund's independent auditors,
Price Waterhouse LLP.
[The following table was represented as a bar graph in the printed materials.]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volatility, as indicated by Class A
year-by-year total investment return (%) 10.95(5) 13.58 6.60 16.98 29.12 10.33(5) 29.19
(scale varies from fund to fund) seven
months
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Class A - period ended: 5/92(1) 5/93 5/94 5/95 5/96 12/96(2) 12/97
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00 $10.98 $12.16 $12.68 $14.41 $17.98 $19.42
Net investment income (loss) 0.15 0.22 0.28(3) 0.32(3) 0.20(3) 0.13(3) 0.10(3)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments 0.94 1.25 0.52 1.77 3.88 1.72 5.55
Total from investment operations 1.09 1.47 0.80 2.09 4.08 1.85 5.65
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.11) (0.23) (0.23) (0.28) (0.22) (0.14) (0.04)
Distributions from net realized gain
on investments sold -- (0.06) (0.05) (0.08) (0.29) (0.27) (1.10)
Total distributions (0.11) (0.29) (0.28) (0.36) (0.51) (0.41) (1.14)
Net asset value, end of period $10.98 $12.16 $12.68 $14.41 $17.98 $19.42 $23.93
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 10.95(5) 13.58 6.60 16.98 29.12 10.33(5) 29.19
Total adjusted investment return at net
asset value(4,6) (%) 9.23(5) 11.40 6.15 16.94 28.47 10.08(5) 29.17
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 2,622 12,488 66,612 101,418 14,878 31,013 92,204
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.66(7) 0.76 0.70 0.70 0.94 1.30(7) 1.42
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net
assets(8) (%) 3.38(7) 2.94 1.15 0.74 1.59 1.73(7) 1.44
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets (%) 1.77(7) 2.36 2.20 2.43 1.55 1.16(7) 0.45
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss)
to average net assets(8) (%) 0.05(7) 0.18 1.75 2.39 0.90 0.73(7) 0.43
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 53 53 43 71 157 35 62
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.15 0.20 0.06(3) 0.005(3) 0.08(3) 0.05(3) 0.00(3,9)
Average brokerage commission rate(10) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0326 0.0440
<CAPTION>
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Class B - period ended: 5/96(1) 12/96(2) 12/97
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.25 $17.96 $19.41
Net investment income (loss)(3) 0.09 0.05 (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.71 1.72 5.56
Total from investment operations 2.80 1.77 5.50
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.09) (0.05) (0.01)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.27) (1.10)
Total distributions (0.09) (0.32) (1.11)
Net asset value, end of period $17.96 $19.41 $23.80
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 18.46(5) 9.83(5) 28.39
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 17.59(5) 9.58(5) 28.37
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 15,125 42,461 134,939
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.00(7) 2.00(7) 2.12
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 3.21(7) 2.43(7) 2.14
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.78(7) 0.45(7) (0.25)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(8) (%) (0.43)(7) 0.02(7) (0.27)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 157 35 62
Fee reduction per share(3) ($) 0.13 0.05 0.00(9)
Average brokerage commission rate(10) ($) N/A 0.0326 0.0440
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on June 10, 1991 and
September 7, 1995, respectively.
(2) Effective December 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from May 31 to
December 31.
(3) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(4) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Less than $0.01 per share.
(10) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
INDEPENDENCE EQUITY FUND 7
<PAGE>
Sovereign Balanced Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST
TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: SVBAX CLASS B: SVBBX
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GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip art] The fund seeks current income, long-term growth of capital and
income, and preservation of capital. To pursue these goals, the fund allocates
its assets among a diversified mix of debt and equity securities. While the
relative weightings of debt and equity securities will shift over time, at least
25% of assets will be invested in senior debt securities. The fund may not
invest more than 25% of assets in any one industry.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[Clip art] The fund may invest in any type or class of security, including (but
not limited to) stocks, warrants, U.S. Government and agency securities,
corporate debt securities, investment-grade short-term securities, foreign
currencies and options and futures contracts.
The fund's stock investments are exclusively in companies that have increased
their dividend payout in each of the last ten years. Up to 25% of the fund's
bond investments may be rated from BB/Ba to C (junk bonds).
The fund may invest up to 35% of assets in foreign securities; however, these
typically have not exceeded 5% of assets. To a limited extent, the fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest some or all of its assets
in investment-grade short-term securities.
RISK FACTORS
[Clip art] As with any growth and income fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock and bond market movements. To the extent that it
invests in certain securities, the fund may be affected by additional risks:
o junk bonds: above-average credit, market and other risks
o foreign securities: currency, information, natural event and political
risks
o mortgage-backed securities: extension and prepayment risks
These risks are listed and defined in "More about risk" starting on page 25.
This section also details other higher-risk securities and practices that the
fund may utilize. Please read "More about risk" carefully before you invest.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[Clip art] John F. Snyder III and Barry H. Evans, CFA, lead the fund's portfolio
management team. Mr. Snyder, an investment manager since 1971, is an executive
vice president of Sovereign Asset Management Corporation, the fund's subadviser
and a subsidiary of John Hancock Funds. Mr. Evans, a senior vice president of
the adviser, has been in the investment business since joining John Hancock
Funds in 1986.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[Clip art] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly.
The figures below show the expenses for the past year, adjusted to reflect any
changes. Future expenses may be greater or less.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 5.00% none
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00%
Redemption fee(2) none none
Exchange fee none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual fund operating expenses (as a % of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee(3) 0.60% 0.60%
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.32% 0.32%
Total fund operating expenses 1.22% 1.92%
Example The table below shows what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over the
various time frames indicated. The example assumes you reinvested all dividends
and that the average annual return was 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share class Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $62 $87 $114 $190
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $70 $90 $124 $206
Assuming no redemption $20 $60 $104 $206
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This example is for comparison purposes only and is not a representation of the
fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
(2) Does not include wire redemption fee (currently $4.00).
(3) Management fee includes a subadviser fee equal to 40% of the stock portion
of the management fee.
(4) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
8 SOVEREIGN BALANCED FUND
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[Clip art] The figures below have been audited
by the fund's independent auditors,
Ernst & Young LLP.
[The following table was represented as a bar graph in the printed materials.]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volatility, as indicated by Class A
year-by-year total investment return (%) 2.37(4) 11.38 (3.51) 24.23 12.13 20.79
(scale varies from fund to fund)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/92(1) 12/93 12/94 12/95 12/96 12/97
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00 $10.19 $10.74 $9.84 $11.75 $12.27
Net investment income (loss) 0.04(2) 0.46 0.50 0.44(2) 0.41(2) 0.37(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.20 0.68 (0.88) 1.91 0.99 2.14
Total from investment operations 0.24 1.14 (0.38) 2.35 1.40 2.51
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.05) (0.45) (0.50) (0.44) (0.41) (0.37)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.14) (0.02) -- (0.47) (1.08)
Total distributions (0.05) (0.59) (0.52) (0.44) (0.88) (1.45)
Net asset value, end of period $10.19 $10.74 $9.84 $11.75 $12.27 $13.33
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 2.37(4) 11.38 (3.51) 24.23 12.13 20.79
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 2.34(4) -- -- -- -- --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 5,796 62,218 61,952 69,811 71,242 84,264
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.79(6) 1.45 1.23 1.27 1.29 1.22
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 2.94(6) -- -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 3.93(6) 4.44 4.89 3.99 3.33 2.77
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(7) (%) 3.78(6) -- -- -- -- --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) -- 85 78 45 80 115
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.0016(2) -- -- -- -- --
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0700 0.0700
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 12/92(1) 12/93 12/94 12/95 12/96 12/97
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00 $10.20 $10.75 $9.84 $11.74 $12.27
Net investment income (loss) 0.03(2) 0.37 0.43 0.36(2) 0.32(2) 0.28(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.20 0.70 (0.89) 1.90 1.01 2.14
Total from investment operations 0.23 1.07 (0.46) 2.26 1.33 2.42
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.03) (0.38) (0.43) (0.36) (0.33) (0.28)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.14) (0.02) -- (0.47) (1.08)
Total distributions (0.03) (0.52) (0.45) (0.36) (0.80) (1.36)
Net asset value, end of period $10.20 $10.75 $9.84 $11.74 $12.27 $13.33
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 2.29(4) 10.63 (4.22) 23.30 11.46 19.96
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 2.26(4) -- -- -- -- --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 14,311 78,775 79,176 87,827 90,855 101,249
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 3.51(6) 2.10 1.87 1.96 1.99 1.91
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 3.66(6) -- -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 3.21(6) 4.01 4.25 3.31 2.63 2.08
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(7) (%) 3.06(6) -- -- -- -- --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) -- 85 78 45 80 115
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.0012(2) -- -- -- -- --
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0700 0.0700
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on October 5, 1992. This
period is covered by the report of other independent auditors (not
included herein).
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
SOVEREIGN BALANCED FUND 9
<PAGE>
Sovereign Investors Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST
TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: SOVIX CLASS B: SOVBX CLASS C: N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip art] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital and of income without
assuming undue market risks. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests most
of its assets in a diversified selection of stocks, although it may respond to
market conditions by investing in other types of securities such as bonds or
short-term securities. The fund may not invest more than 25% of assets in any
one industry.
Currently, the fund utilizes a "dividend performers" strategy in selecting
common stocks, investing exclusively in companies that have increased their
dividend payout in each of the last ten years.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[Clip art] The fund may invest in most types of securities, including:
o common and preferred stocks, warrants and convertible securities
o U.S. Government and agency debt securities, including mortgage-backed
securities
o corporate bonds, notes and other debt securities of any maturity
The fund's bond investments are primarily investment-grade, although up to 5% of
assets may be invested in junk bonds rated as low as C and their unrated
equivalents. To a limited extent, the fund may invest in certain higher-risk
securities, and may engage in other investment practices.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest some or all of its assets
in investment-grade short-term securities.
RISK FACTORS
[Clip art] As with any growth and income fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock and bond market movements.
To the extent that the fund invests in higher-risk securities, it takes on
additional risks that could adversely affect its performance. Before you invest,
please read "More about risk" starting on page 25.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[Clip art] John F. Snyder III and Barry H. Evans, CFA, lead the fund's portfolio
management team. Mr. Snyder, an investment manager since 1971, is an executive
vice president of Sovereign Asset Management Corporation, the fund's subadviser
and a subsidiary of John Hancock Funds. Mr. Evans, a senior vice president of
the adviser, has been in the investment business since joining John Hancock
Funds in 1986.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[Clip art] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly.
The figures below show the expenses for the past year, adjusted to reflect any
changes. Because no Class C shares were issued or outstanding during the past
year, Class C expenses are based on Class B expenses. Future expenses may be
greater or less.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 5.00% none none
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none none
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
Redemption fee(2) none none none
Exchange fee none none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual fund operating expenses (as a % of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee(3) 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.21% 0.28% 0.28%
Total fund operating expenses 1.06% 1.83% 1.83%
Example The table below shows what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over the
various time frames indicated. The example assumes you reinvested all dividends
and that the average annual return was 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share class Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $60 $82 $106 $173
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $69 $88 $119 $195
Assuming no redemption $19 $58 $99 $195
Class C shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $29 $58 $99 $215
Assuming no redemption $19 $58 $99 $215
This example is for comparison purposes only and is not a representation of the
fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
(2) Does not include wire redemption fee (currently $4.00).
(3) Management fee includes a subadviser fee equal to 40% of the management
fee.
(4) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
10 SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[Clip art] The figures below have been audited
by the fund's independent auditors,
Ernst & Young LLP.
[The following table was represented as a bar graph in the printed materials.]
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Volatility, as indicated by Class A
year-by-year total investment return (%) 11.23 23.76 4.38 30.48 7.23 5.71 (1.85) 29.15 17.57 29.14
(scale varies from fund to fund)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/88(1) 12/89(1) 12/90(1) 12/91(1,2) 12/92(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.96 $11.19 $12.60 $11.94 $14.31
Net investment income (loss) 0.57 0.59 0.58 0.54 0.47
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.65 2.01 (0.05) 3.03 0.54
Total from investment operations 1.22 2.60 0.53 3.57 1.01
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.61) (0.61) (0.59) (0.53) (0.45)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.38) (0.58) (0.60) (0.67) (0.09)
Total distributions (0.99) (1.19) (1.19) (1.20) (0.54)
Net asset value, end of period $11.19 $12.60 $11.94 $14.31 $14.78
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 11.23 23.76 4.38 30.48 7.23
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 45,861 66,466 83,470 194,055 872,932
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.86 1.07 1.14 1.18 1.13
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 4.97 4.80 4.77 4.01 3.32
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 35 40 55 67 30
Average brokerage commission rate(5) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/93 12/94 12/95 12/96 12/97
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $14.78 $15.10 $14.24 $17.87 $19.48
Net investment income (loss) 0.44 0.46 0.40 0.36(3) 0.32(3)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.39 (0.75) 3.71 2.77 5.31
Total from investment operations 0.83 (0.29) 4.11 3.13 5.63
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.42) (0.46) (0.40) (0.36) (0.32)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.09) (0.11) (0.08) (1.16) (2.38)
Total distributions (0.51) (0.57) (0.48) (1.52) (2.70)
Net asset value, end of period $15.10 $14.24 $17.87 $19.48 $22.41
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 5.71 (1.85) 29.15 17.57 29.14
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 1,258,575 1,090,231 1,280,321 1,429,523 1,748,490
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.10 1.16 1.14 1.13 1.06
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.94 3.13 2.45 1.86 1.44
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 46 45 46 59 62
Average brokerage commission rate(5) ($) N/A N/A N/A 0.0696 0.0659
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 12/94(6) 12/95 12/96 12/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $15.02 $14.24 $17.86 $19.46
Net investment income (loss)(3) 0.38 0.27 0.21 0.16
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.69) 3.71 2.77 5.29
Total from investment operations (0.31) 3.98 2.98 5.45
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.36) (0.28) (0.22) (0.15)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.11) (0.08) (1.16) (2.38)
Total distributions (0.47) (0.36) (1.38) (2.53)
Net asset value, end of period $14.24 $17.86 $19.46 $22.38
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) (2.04)(7) 28.16 16.67 28.14
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 128,069 257,781 406,523 610,976
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.86(8) 1.90 1.91 1.83
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.57(8) 1.65 1.10 0.67
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 45 46 59 62
Average brokerage commission rate(5) ($) N/A N/A 0.0696 0.0659
</TABLE>
(1) These periods are covered by the report of other independent auditors (not
included herein).
(2) On October 23, 1991, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. became the investment
adviser of the fund.
(3) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(4) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(5) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
(6) Class B shares commenced operations on January 3, 1994.
(7) Not annualized.
(8) Annualized.
SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND 11
<PAGE>
Special Value Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES
TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: SPVAX CLASS B: SPVBX CLASS C: N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip art] The fund seeks capital appreciation, with income as a secondary
consideration. To pursue this goal, the fund invests primarily in stocks that
appear comparatively undervalued and are out of favor. The fund looks for
small-size companies with total market capitalization of $1 billion or less,
whose earnings power or asset value does not appear to be reflected in their
current stock price, and whose stocks therefore have potential for appreciation.
The fund may not invest more than 25% of assets in any one industry.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[Clip art] The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of U.S. companies. It
may also invest in warrants, preferred stocks and convertible securities.
The fund may invest up to 50% of assets in foreign securities, including
American Depository Receipts. The fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in
junk bonds, including convertible securities, that may be rated as low as CC/Ca
and their unrated equivalents. To a limited extent, the fund also may invest in
certain higher-risk securities and may engage in other investment practices.
For temporary defensive purposes, the fund may invest some or all of its assets
in investment-grade short-term securities.
RISK FACTORS
[Clip art] As with any growth and income fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate. Even comparatively undervalued stocks typically fall in price during
broad market declines. Small- and medium-sized company stocks, which may
comprise a significant portion of the fund's portfolio, tend to be more volatile
than the market as a whole.
To the extent that it invests in foreign securities, the fund may be affected by
additional risks, such as currency, information, natural event and political
risks. These risks are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 25. This
section also details other higher-risk securities and practices that the fund
may utilize. Please read "More about risk" carefully before you invest.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[Clip art] Timothy E. Keefe, CFA, has been the leader of the fund's portfolio
management team since August 1996. He is a senior vice president of the adviser.
He joined John Hancock Funds in July 1996 and has been in the investment
business since 1987.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[Clip art] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or indirectly.
The figures below show the expenses for the past year, adjusted to reflect any
changes. Class C expenses are based on Class B expenses as no Class C shares
were issued or outstanding during the past year. Future expenses may be greater
or less.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 5.00% none none
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none none
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
Redemption fee(2) none none none
Exchange fee none none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual fund operating expenses (as a % of average net assets)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee (after
expense limitation)(3) 0.10% 0.10% 0.10%
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses (after limitation)(3) 0.59% 0.59% 0.59%
Total fund operating expenses
(after limitation)(3) 0.99% 1.69% 1.69%
Example The table below shows what you would pay if you invested $1,000 over the
various time frames indicated. The example assumes you reinvested all dividends
and that the average annual return was 5%.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share class Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A shares $60 $80 $102 $165
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $67 $83 $112 $181
Assuming no redemption $17 $53 $92 $181
Class C shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $27 $53 $92 $200
Assuming no redemption $17 $53 $92 $200
This example is for comparison purposes only and is not a representation of the
fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
(2) Does not include wire redemption fee (currently $4.00).
(3) Reflects the adviser's agreement to limit expenses (except for 12b-1 and
transfer agent expenses). Without this limitation, management fees would
be 0.70% for each class and total fund operating expenses would be 1.59%
for Class A and 2.29% for Class B and Class C. The adviser may terminate
this limitation in the future.
(4) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
12 SPECIAL VALUE FUND
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[Clip art] The figures below have been audited
by the fund's independent auditors,
Ernst & Young LLP.
[The following table was represented as a bar graph in the printed materials.]
Volatility, as indicated by Class A
year-by-year total investment return (%) 7.81(4) 20.26 12.91 25.25
(scale varies from fund to fund)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/94(1) 12/95 12/96 12/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $8.99 $10.39 $10.32
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.18 0.21 0.14 0.06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.48 1.60 1.17 2.52
Total from investment operations 0.66 1.81 1.31 2.58
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.17) (0.20) (0.14) (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.21) (1.24) (0.60)
Total distributions (0.17) (0.41) (1.38) (0.63)
Net asset value, end of period $8.99 $10.39 $10.32 $12.27
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 7.81(4) 20.26 12.91 25.25
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 7.30(4) 19.39 12.20 24.65
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 4,420 12,845 15,853 20,961
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.99(6) 0.98 0.99 0.99
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 4.98(6) 1.85 1.70 1.59
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.10(6) 2.04 1.31 0.47
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7) (%) (1.89)(6) 1.17 0.60 (0.13)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 0.3 9 72 140
Fee reduction per share (2) ($) 0.34 0.09 0.08 0.07
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A 0.0658 0.0654
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 12/94(1) 12/95 12/96 12/97
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.00 $10.38 $10.31
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.13 0.12 0.07 (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.48 1.59 1.17 2.53
Total from investment operations 0.61 1.71 1.24 2.50
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.11) (0.12) (0.07) --
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.21) (1.24) (0.60)
Total distributions (0.11) (0.33) (1.31) (0.60)
Net asset value, end of period $9.00 $10.38 $10.31 $12.21
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 7.15(4) 19.11 12.14 24.41
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 6.64(4) 18.24 11.43 23.81
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,296 16,994 22,097 35,033
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.72(6) 1.73 1.69 1.69
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 5.71(6) 2.60 2.40 2.29
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.53(6) 1.21 0.62 (0.24)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7) (%) (2.46)(6) 0.34 (0.09) (0.84)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 0.3 9 72 140
Fee reduction per share (2)($) 0.34 0.09 0.08 0.07
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A 0.0658 0.0654
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on January 3, 1994.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
SPECIAL VALUE FUND 13
<PAGE>
Your account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
All John Hancock growth and income funds offer two classes of shares, Class A
and Class B. In addition, Class C shares are available for Growth and Income
Fund, Independence Equity Fund, Sovereign Investors Fund and Special Value Fund.
Each class has its own cost structure as outlined below, allowing you to choose
the one that best meets your requirements. For more details, see "How sales
charges are calculated." Your financial representative can help you decide which
share class is best for you.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - for all funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Front-end sales charges. There are several ways to reduce these charges,
described under "Sales charge reductions and waivers" on the following
page.
o Lower annual expenses than Class B and Class C shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - for all funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.
o Higher annual expenses than Class A shares.
o A contingent deferred sales charge that declines from 5% over 6 years.
o Automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, thus reducing
future annual expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C - for selected funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applies to Growth and Income Fund, Independence Equity Fund, Sovereign Investors
Fund and Special Value Fund.
o No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.
o Higher annual expenses than Class A shares.
o A 1% contingent deferred sales charge on shares sold within one year of
purchase.
o No automatic conversion to Class A shares, so the fund's annual expenses
continue at the same level throughout the life of your investment.
For actual past expenses of Class A and Class B shares, see the fund-by-fund
information earlier in this prospectus.
Sovereign Investors Fund offers Class Y shares, which have their own expense
structure and are available to financial institutions only. Call Signature
Services for more information (see back cover of this prospectus).
It is presently the policy of Signature Services not to accept any order of
$100,000 or more for Class B shares or any order of $1 million or more for Class
C shares. In these circumstances it would be more beneficial for the investor to
purchase Class A shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Class A Sales charges are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A sales charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a % of As a % of your
Your investment offering price investment
Up to $49,999 5.00% 5.26%
$50,000 - $99,999 4.50% 4.71%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.50% 3.63%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.50% 2.56%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 2.04%
$1,000,000 and over See below
Investments of $1 million or more Class A shares are available with no front-end
sales charge. However, there is a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on any
shares sold within one year of purchase, as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDSC on $1 million+ investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your investment CDSC on shares being sold
First $1M - $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $1 - $5M above that 0.50%
Next $1 or more above that 0.25%
For purposes of this CDSC, all purchases made during a calendar month are
counted as having been made on the LAST day of that month.
The CDSC is based on the lesser of the original purchase cost or the current
market value of the shares being sold, and is not charged on shares you acquired
by reinvesting your dividends. To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time
you place a request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in your account
that are not subject to a CDSC.
Class B Shares are offered at their net asset value per share, without any
initial sales charge. However, you may be charged a contingent deferred sales
charge (CDSC) on shares you sell within six years of buying them. There is no
CDSC on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends. The CDSC is based on
the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold,
whichever is less. The longer the time between the purchase and the sale of
shares, the lower the rate of the CDSC:
14 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B deferred charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years after purchase CDSC on shares being sold
1st year 5.00%
2nd year 4.00%
3rd or 4th year 3.00%
5th year 2.00%
6th year 1.00%
After 6 years None
For purposes of this CDSC, all purchases made during a calendar month are
counted as having been made on the FIRST day of that month.
CDSC calculations are based on the number of shares involved, not on the value
of your account. To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a
request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in your account that carry
no CDSC. If there are not enough of these to meet your request, we will sell
those shares that have the lowest CDSC.
Class C Shares are offered at their net asset value per share, without any
initial sales charge. However, you may be charged a contingent deferred sales
charge (CDSC) of 1% on shares you sell within one year of purchase. There is no
CDSC on shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends. The CDSC is based on
the original purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold,
whichever is less.
CDSC calculations are based on the number of shares involved, not on the value
of your account. Each time you place a request to sell shares, we will first
sell any shares in your account that carry no CDSC.
For purposes of this CDSC, all purchases made during a calendar month are
counted as having been made on the FIRST day of that month.
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
Reducing your Class A sales charges There are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares of John Hancock funds to take advantage of
the breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. The first three ways can be
combined in any manner.
o Accumulation Privilege -- lets you add the value of any Class A shares you
already own to the amount of your next Class A investment for purposes of
calculating the sales charge. Retirement plans investing $1 million in
Class B shares may add that value to Class A purchases to calulate
charges.
o Letter of Intention -- lets you purchase Class A shares of a fund over a
13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if all shares had
been purchased at once.
o Combination Privilege -- lets you combine Class A shares of multiple funds
for purposes of calculating the sales charge.
To utilize: complete the appropriate section of your application, or contact
your financial representative or Signature Services to add these options or
consult the SAI (see the back cover of this prospectus).
Group Investment Program A group may be treated as a single purchaser under the
accumulation and combination privileges. Each investor has an individual
account, but the group's investments are lumped together for sales charge
purposes, making the investors potentially eligible for reduced sales charges.
There is no charge, no obligation to invest (although initial investments must
total at least $250) and individual investors may close their accounts at any
time.
To utilize: contact your financial representative or Signature Services to find
out how to qualify, or consult the SAI (see the back cover of the prospectus).
CDSC waivers As long as Signature Services is notified at the time you sell, the
CDSC for each share class will generally be waived in the following cases:
o to make payments through certain systematic withdrawal plans
o to make certain distributions from a retirement plan
o because of shareholder death or disability
o to purchase a John Hancock Declaration annuity
To utilize: If you think you may be eligible for a CDSC waiver, contact your
financial representative or Signature Services, or consult the SAI.
YOUR ACCOUNT 15
<PAGE>
Reinstatement privilege If you sell shares of a John Hancock fund, you may
reinvest some or all of the proceeds in the same share class of any John Hancock
fund within 120 days without a sales charge, as long as Signature Services is
notified before you reinvest. If you paid a CDSC when you sold your shares, you
will be credited with the amount of the CDSC. All accounts involved must have
the same registration.
To utilize: contact your financial representative or Signature Services.
Waivers for certain investors Class A shares may be offered without front-end
sales charges or CDSCs to various individuals and institutions, including:
o selling brokers and their employees and sales representatives
o financial representatives utilizing fund shares in fee-based investment
products under signed agreement with John Hancock Funds
o fund trustees and other individuals who are affiliated with these or other
John Hancock funds
o individuals transferring assets from an employee benefit plan into a John
Hancock fund
o certain insurance company contract holders (one-year CDSC usually applies)
o participants in certain retirement plans with at least 100 eligible
employees (one-year CDSC applies)
To utilize: if you think you may be eligible for a sales charge waiver, contact
Signature Services or consult the SAI.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
1 Read this prospectus carefully.
2 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investments for
the John Hancock funds are as follows:
o non-retirement account: $1,000
o retirement account: $250
o group investments: $250
o Monthly Automatic Accumulation Plan (MAAP): $25 to open; you must
invest at least $25 a month
o fee-based clients of selling brokers who placed at least $2 billion
in John Hancock funds: $250
3 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application, carefully
following the instructions. If you have questions, please contact your
financial representative or call Signature Services at 1-800-225-5291.
4 Complete the appropriate parts of the account privileges section of the
application. By applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay and
inconvenience of having to file an additional application if you want to
add privileges later.
5 Make your initial investment using the table on the next page. You and
your financial representative can initiate any purchase, exchange or sale
of shares.
16 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buying shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening an account Adding to an account
By check
[Clip art] o Make out a check for the o Make out a check for the
investment amount, payable to investment amount payable
"John Hancock Signature to "John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Services, Inc."
o Deliver the check and your o Fill out the detachable
completed application to your investment slip from an
financial representative, or account statement. If no
mail them to Signature Services slip is available, include
(address on next page). a note specifying the fund
name, your share class,
your account number and
the name(s) in which the
account is registered.
o Deliver the check and your
investment slip or note to
your financial
representative, or mail
them to Signature Services
(address on next page).
By exchange
[Clip art] o Call your financial o Call your financial
representative or Signature representative or Signature
Services to request an Services to request an
exchange. exchange.
By wire
[Clip art] o Deliver your completed o Instruct your bank to wire
application to your financial the amount of your
representative, or mail investment to:
it to Signature Services. First Signature Bank & Trust
Account # 900000260
o Obtain your account number Routing # 211475000
by calling your financial Specify the fund name, your
representative or share class, your account
Signature Services. number and the name(s)
in which the account is
o Instruct your bank to wire registered. Your bank may
the amount of your investment charge a fee to wire funds.
to:
First Signature Bank & Trust
Account # 900000260
Routing # 211475000
Specify the fund name, your
choice of share class, the new
account number and the name(s)
in which the account is
registered. Your bank may charge
a fee to wire funds.
By phone
[Clip art] See "By wire" and "By exchange." o Verify that your bank or
credit union is a member of
the Automated Clearing
House (ACH) system.
o Complete the "Invest-By-
Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections on
your account application.
o Call Signature Services to
verify that these features
are in place on your account.
o Tell the Signature Services
representative the fund name,
your share class, your
account number, the name(s)
in which the account is
registered and the amount
of your investment.
- ----------------------------------------
Address
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Phone
1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial representative
for instructions and assistance.
- ----------------------------------------
To open or add to an account using the Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program,
see "Additional investor services."
YOUR ACCOUNT 17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designed for To sell some or all of your shares
By letter
[Clip art] o Accounts of any type. o Write a letter of instruction
or complete a stock power
o Sales of any amount. indicating the fund name, your
share class, your account
number, the name(s) in which
the account is registered and
the dollar value or number of
shares you wish to sell.
o Include all signatures and any
additional documents that may
be required (see next page).
o Mail the materials to Signature
Services.
o A check will be mailed to the
name(s) and address in which
the account is registered, or
otherwise according to your
letter of instruction.
By phone
[Clip art] o Most accounts. o For automated service 24 hours
a day using your touch-tone
o Sales of up to $100,000. phone, call the EASI-Line at
1-800-338-8080.
o To place your order with a
representative at John Hancock
Funds, call Signature Services
between 8 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Eastern Time on most business
days.
By wire or electronic funds transfer (EFT)
[Clip art] o Requests by letter to o Fill out the "Telephone
sell any amount (accounts Redemption" section of your
of any type). new account application.
o Requests by phone to sell o To verify that the telephone
up to $100,000 (accounts redemption privilege is in
with telephone redemption place on an account, or to
privileges). request the forms to add it
to an existing account, call
Signature Services.
o Amounts of $1,000 or more will
be wired on the next business
day. A $4 fee will be deducted
from your account.
o Amounts of less than $1,000
may be sent by EFT or by check.
Funds from EFT transactions
are generally available by
the second business day.
Your bank may charge a fee
for this service.
By exchange
[Clip art] o Accounts of any type. o Obtain a current prospectus for
the fund into which you are
o Sales of any amount. exchanging by calling your
financial representative or
Signature Services.
o Call your financial
representative or Signature
Services to request an exchange.
----------------------------------------
Address
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Phone
1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial representative
for instructions and assistance.
----------------------------------------
To sell shares through a systematic withdrawal plan, see "Additional investor
services."
18 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Selling shares in writing In certain circumstances, you will need to make your
request to sell shares in writing. You may need to include additional items with
your request, as shown in the table below. You may also need to include a
signature guarantee, which protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need
a signature guarantee if:
o your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares
o you are requesting payment other than by a check mailed to the address of
record and payable to the registered owner(s)
The signature guarantee must be from a member of the Signature Guarantee
Medallion Program (generally, a broker or securities dealer). We may refuse any
other source. A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seller Requirements for written requests
[Clip art]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owners of individual, joint, o Letter of instruction.
sole proprietorship, UGMA/UTMA
(custodial accounts for minors) o On the letter, the signatures and
or general partner accounts. titles of all persons authorized to
sign for the account, exactly as
the account is registered.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Owners of corporate or o Letter of instruction.
association accounts.
o Corporate resolution, certified
within the past twelve months.
o On the letter and the resolution,
the signature of the person(s)
authorized to sign for the account.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Owners or trustees of trust accounts. o Letter of instruction.
o On the letter, the signature(s) of
the trustee(s).
o If the names of all trustees are
not registered on the account,
please also provide a copy of the
trust document certified within the
past twelve months.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Joint tenancy shareholders whose o Letter of instruction signed by
co-tenants are deceased. surviving tenant.
o Copy of death certificate.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Executors of shareholder estates. o Letter of instruction signed by
executor.
o Copy of order appointing executor.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Administrators, conservators, o Call 1-800-225-5291 for
guardians and other sellers or instructions.
account types not listed above.
YOUR ACCOUNT 19
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION POLICIES
Valuation of shares The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund and class
is determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (typically 4 P.M. Eastern Time) by dividing a class's net assets
by the number of its shares outstanding.
Buy and sell prices When you buy shares, you pay the NAV plus any applicable
sales charges, as described earlier. When you sell shares, you receive the NAV
minus any applicable deferred sales charges.
Execution of requests Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are
executed at the next NAV to be calculated after your request is received by
Signature Services.
At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider using EASI-Line or sending your request in writing.
In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of proceeds for up to three business days
or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
Telephone transactions For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded
in order to verify their accuracy. In addition, Signature Services will take
measures to verify the identity of the caller, such as asking for name, account
number, Social Security or other taxpayer ID number and other relevant
information. If appropriate measures are taken, Signature Services is not
responsible for any losses that may occur to any account due to an unauthorized
telephone call. Also for your protection, telephone transactions are not
permitted on accounts whose names or addresses have changed within the past 30
days. Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed to the address of
record.
Exchanges You may exchange shares of one John Hancock fund for shares of the
same class of any other, generally without paying any additional sales charges.
The registration for both accounts involved must be identical. Class B and Class
C shares will continue to age from the original date and will retain the same
CDSC rate as they had before the exchange, except that the rate will change to
the new fund's rate if that rate is higher. A CDSC rate that has increased will
drop again with a future exchange into a fund with a lower rate.
To protect the interests of other investors in the fund, a fund may cancel the
exchange privileges of any parties that, in the opinion of the fund, are using
market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. A fund may also refuse any exchange order.
A fund may change or cancel its exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days'
notice to its shareholders.
Certificated shares Most shares are electronically recorded. If you wish to have
certificates for your shares, please write to Signature Services. Certificated
shares can only be sold by returning the certificates to Signature Services,
along with a letter of instruction or a stock power and a signature guarantee.
Sales in advance of purchase payments When you place a request to sell shares
for which the purchase money has not yet been collected, the request will be
executed in a timely fashion, but the fund will not release the proceeds to you
until your purchase payment clears. This may take up to ten business days after
the purchase.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
Account statements In general, you will receive account statements as follows:
o after every transaction (except a dividend reinvestment) that affects your
account balance
o after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)
o in all other circumstances, every quarter
Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement, mailed by January 31.
Dividends The funds generally distribute most or all of their net earnings in
the form of dividends. The funds seek to pay income dividends quarterly, and
capital gains dividends, if any, are typically paid annually.
20 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Dividend reinvestments Most investors have their dividends reinvested in
additional shares of the same fund and class. If you choose this option, or if
you do not indicate any choice, your dividends will be reinvested on the
dividend record date. Alternatively, you can choose to have a check for your
dividends mailed to you. However, if the check is not deliverable, your
dividends will be reinvested.
Taxability of dividends As long as a fund meets the requirements for being a
tax-qualified regulated investment company, which each fund has in the past and
intends to in the future, it pays no federal income tax on the earnings it
distributes to shareholders.
Consequently, dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or taken as
cash, are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's long-term
capital gains are taxable as capital gains; dividends from other sources are
generally taxable as ordinary income.
Some dividends paid in January may be taxable as if they had been paid the
previous December. Corporations may be entitled to take a dividends-received
deduction for a portion of certain dividends they receive.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase price and the sale
price of the shares you sell or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the
transaction. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your
transactions.
Small accounts (non-retirement only) If you draw down a non-retirement account
so that its total value is less than $1,000, you may be asked to purchase more
shares within 30 days. If you do not take action, your fund may close out your
account and mail you the proceeds. Alternatively, Signature Services may charge
you $10 a year to maintain your account. You will not be charged a CDSC if your
account is closed for this reason, and your account will not be closed if its
drop in value is due to fund performance or the effects of sales charges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INVESTOR SERVICES
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program (MAAP)
MAAP lets you set up regular investments from your paycheck or bank account to
the John Hancock fund(s) of your choice. You determine the frequency and amount
of your investments, and you can terminate your program at any time. To
establish:
o Complete the appropriate parts of your account application.
o If you are using MAAP to open an account, make out a check ($25 minimum)
for your first investment amount payable to "John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Deliver your check and application to your financial
representative or Signature Services.
Systematic withdrawal plan This plan may be used for routine bill payments or
periodic withdrawals from your account. To establish:
o Make sure you have at least $5,000 worth of shares in your account.
o Make sure you are not planning to invest more money in this account
(buying shares during a period when you are also selling shares of the
same fund is not advantageous to you, because of sales charges).
o Specify the payee(s). The payee may be yourself or any other party, and
there is no limit to the number of payees you may have, as long as they
are all on the same payment schedule.
o Determine the schedule: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or in
certain selected months.
o Fill out the relevant part of the account application. To add a systematic
withdrawal plan to an existing account, contact your financial
representative or Signature Services.
Retirement plans John Hancock Funds offers a range of retirement plans,
including Traditional and Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SIMPLE 401(k)s, SEPs, 401(k)s,
money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans. Using these plans, you can
invest in any John Hancock fund (except tax-free income funds) with a low
minimum investment of $250 or, for some group plans, no minimum investment at
all. To find out more, call Signature Services at 1-800-225-5291.
YOUR ACCOUNT 21
<PAGE>
Fund details
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
How the funds are organized Each John Hancock growth and income fund is an
open-end management investment company or a series of such a company.
Each fund is supervised by a board of trustees, an independent body that has
ultimate responsibility for the fund's activities. The board retains various
companies to carry out the fund's operations, including the investment adviser,
custodian, transfer agent and others (see diagram). The board has the right, and
the obligation, to terminate the fund's relationship with any of these companies
and to retain a different company if the board believes it is in the
shareholders' best interests.
At a mutual fund's inception, the initial shareholder (typically the adviser)
appoints the fund's board. Thereafter, the board and the shareholders determine
the board's membership. The boards of the John Hancock growth and income funds
may include individuals who are affiliated with the investment adviser. However,
the majority of board members must be independent.
The funds do not hold annual shareholder meetings, but may hold special meetings
for such purposes as electing or removing board members, changing fundamental
policies, approving a management contract or approving a 12b-1 plan (12b-1 fees
are explained in "Sales compensation").
[The following information was originally a flow chart in the printed material.]
-----------------
Shareholders
-----------------
Distribution and
shareholder services
-------------------------------------------------
Financial services firms and
their representatives
Advise current and prospective share-
holders on their fund investments, often
in the context of an overall financial plan.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Principal distributor
John Hancock Funds, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199-7603
Markets the funds and distributes shares
through selling brokers, financial planners
and other financial representatives.
-------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Handles shareholder services, including record-
keeping and statements, distribution of dividends
and processing of buy and sell requests.
------------------------------------------------------
Asset management
------------------------------------
Subadvisers
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation
One Westlakes
1235 Westlakes Drive
Berwyn, PA 19312
Provide portfolio management
services to certain funds.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Investment adviser
John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199-7603
Manages the funds' business and
investment activities.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Custodian
Investors Bank & Trust Co.
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
Holds the funds' assets, settles all
portfolio trades and collects most of
the valuation data required for
calculating each fund's NAV.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Trustees
Supervise the funds' activities.
------------------------------------
22 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
Accounting compensation The funds compensate the adviser for performing tax and
financial management services. Annual compensation is not expected to exceed
0.02% of each fund's average net assets.
Portfolio trades In placing portfolio trades, the adviser may use brokerage
firms that market the fund's shares or are affiliated with John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company, but only when the adviser believes no other firm offers
a better combination of quality execution (i.e., timeliness and completeness)
and favorable price.
Investment goals Except for Growth and Income Fund, Sovereign Balanced Fund and
Special Value Fund, each fund's investment goal is fundamental and may only be
changed with shareholder approval.
Diversification All of the growth and income funds are diversified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES COMPENSATION
As part of their business strategies, the funds, along with John Hancock Funds,
pay compensation to financial services firms that sell the funds' shares. These
firms typically pass along a portion of this compensation to your financial
representative.
Compensation payments originate from two sources: from sales charges and from
12b-1 fees that are paid out of the funds' assets ("12b-1" refers to the federal
securities regulation authorizing annual fees of this type). The 12b-1 fee rates
vary by fund and by share class, according to Rule 12b-1 plans adopted by the
funds. The sales charges and 12b-1 fees paid by investors are detailed in the
fund-by-fund information. The portions of these expenses that are reallowed to
financial services firms are shown on the next page.
Distribution fees may be used to pay for sales compensation to financial
services firms, marketing and overhead expenses and, for Class B and Class C
shares, interest expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B unreimbursed distribution expenses(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unreimbursed As a % of
Fund expenses net assets
Growth and Income $ 6,085,174 2.78%
Independence Equity $ 438,366 0.46%
Sovereign Balanced $ 3,636,034 3.80%
Sovereign Investors $ 9,895,659 1.93%
Special Value $ 913,269 3.44%
(1) As of the most recent fiscal year end covered by each fund's financial
highlights. These expenses may be carried forward indefinitely.
Class C Class C shares began operations after the 1997 fiscal year. Therefore,
there are no unreimbursed expenses to report.
Initial compensation Whenever you make an investment in a fund or funds, the
financial services firm receives either a reallowance from the initial sales
charge or a commission, as described below. The firm also receives the first
year's service fee at this time.
Annual compensation Beginning with the second year after an investment is made,
the financial services firm receives an annual service fee of 0.25% of its total
eligible net assets. This fee is paid quarterly in arrears.
Financial services firms selling large amounts of fund shares may receive extra
compensation. This compensation, which John Hancock Funds pays out of its own
resources, may include asset retention fees as well as reimbursement for
marketing expenses.
FUND DETAILS 23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
Sales charge reallowance First year Maximum
paid by investors or commission service fee total compensation(1)
(% of offering price) (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $49,999 5.00% 4.01% 0.25% 4.25%
$50,000 - $99,999 4.50% 3.51% 0.25% 3.75%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.50% 2.61% 0.25% 2.85%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.50% 1.86% 0.25% 2.10%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 1.36% 0.25% 1.60%
Regular investments of
$1 million or more
First $1M - $4,999,999 -- 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
Next $1 - $5M above that -- 0.25% 0.25% 0.50%
Next $1 or more above that -- 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
Waiver investments(2) -- 0.00% 0.25% 0.25%
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee total compensation
(% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
All amounts 3.75% 0.25% 4.00%
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum
reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee total compensation
(% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
All amounts 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
</TABLE>
(1) Reallowance/commission percentages and service fee percentages are
calculated from different amounts, and therefore may not equal total
compensation percentages if combined using simple addition.
(2) Refers to any investments made by municipalities, financial institutions,
trusts and affinity group members that take advantage of the sales charge
waivers described earlier in this prospectus.
CDSC revenues collected by John Hancock Funds may be used to pay commissions
when there is no initial sales charge.
24 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE ABOUT RISK
A fund's risk profile is largely defined by the fund's primary securities and
investment practices. You may find the most concise description of each fund's
risk profile in the fund-by-fund information.
The funds are permitted to utilize -- within limits established by the trustees
- -- certain other securities and investment practices that have higher risks and
opportunities associated with them. On the following page are brief descriptions
of these securities and practices, along with the risks associated with them.
The funds follow certain policies that may reduce these risks.
As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the performance of a John
Hancock growth and income fund will be positive over any period of time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK
Correlation risk The risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will
not match those of the asset being hedged (hedging is the use of one investment
to offset the effects of another investment).
Credit risk The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a
contract, will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial
obligation.
Currency risk The risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S.
dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment.
Extension risk The risk that an unexpected rise in interest rates will extend
the life of a mortgage-backed security beyond the expected prepayment time,
typically reducing the security's value.
Information risk The risk that key information about a security or market is
inaccurate or unavailable.
Interest rate risk The risk of market losses attributable to changes in interest
rates. With fixed-rate securities, a rise in interest rates typically causes a
fall in values, while a fall in rates typically causes a rise in values.
Leverage risk Associated with securities or practices (such as borrowing) that
multiply small index or market movements into large changes in value.
o Hedged When a derivative (a security whose value is based on another
security or index) is used as a hedge against an opposite position that
the fund also holds, any loss generated by the derivative should be
substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa.
While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or
eliminate gains.
o Speculative To the extent that a derivative is not used as a hedge, the
fund is directly exposed to the risks of that derivative. Gains or losses
from speculative positions in a derivative may be substantially greater
than the derivative's original cost.
Liquidity risk The risk that certain securities may be difficult or impossible
to sell at the time and the price that the seller would like.
Management risk The risk that a strategy used by a fund's management may fail to
produce the intended result. Common to all mutual funds.
Market risk The risk that the market value of a security may move up and down,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Common to all stocks and bonds and the
mutual funds that invest in them.
Natural event risk The risk of losses attributable to natural disasters, crop
failures and similar events.
Opportunity risk The risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because
the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous
investments.
Political risk The risk of losses directly attributable to government or
political actions of any sort.
Prepayment risk The risk that unanticipated prepayments may occur during periods
of falling interest rates, reducing the value of mortgage-backed securities.
Valuation risk The risk that a fund has valued certain of its securities at a
higher price than it can sell them for.
Year 2000 risk The risk that the funds' operations could be disrupted by year
2000-related computer system problems. Although the adviser and the funds'
service providers are taking steps to address this issue, there may still be
some risk of adverse effects. Common to all mutual funds.
FUND DETAILS 25
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Higher-risk securities and practices
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table shows each fund's investment limitations as a percentage of portfolio
assets. In each case the principal types of risk are listed (see previous page
for definitions). Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual
usage, consult the fund's annual/semi-annual reports.
10 Percent of total assets (italic type)
10 Percent of net assets (roman type)
* No policy limitation on usage; fund may be using currently
o Permitted, but has not typically been used
- -- Not permitted
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Growth Independence Sovereign Sovereign Special
and Income Equity Balanced Investors Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment practices
Borrowing; reverse repurchase agreements
The borrowing of money from banks
or through reverse repurchase agreements.
Leverage, credit risks. 33.3 33.3 33 -- 33.3
Repurchase agreements The purchase of a
security that must later be sold back to
the issuer at the same price plus interest.
Credit risk. * * * * *
Securities lending The lending of securities
to financial institutions, which provide cash
or government securities as collateral.
Credit risk. 33 33.3 33.3 33.3 33.3
Short sales The selling of securities that
have been borrowed on the expectation
that the market price will drop.
o Hedged. Hedged leverage, market,
correlation, liquidity, opportunity risks. -- o o o o
o Speculative. Speculative leverage, market,
liquidity risks. -- o -- -- o
Short-term trading Selling a security soon
after purchase. A portfolio engaging in
short-term trading will have higher turnover
and transaction expenses. Market risk. * * * * *
When-issued securities and forward commitments
The purchase or sale of securities for
delivery at a future date; market value may
change before delivery. Market,
opportunity, leverage risks. * * * * *
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conventional securities
Non-investment-grade debt securities Debt
securities rated below BBB/Baa are
considered junk bonds. Credit, market,
interest rate, liquidity, valuation and
information risks. 15 -- 25 5 15
Foreign securities Securities issued by
foreign companies, as well as American or
European depository receipts, which are
dollar-denominated securities typically
issued by American or European banks and
are based on ownership of securities
issued by foreign companies. Market, currency,
information, natural event, political risks. 35 * 35 * 50
Restricted and illiquid securities Securities
not traded on the open market. May
include illiquid Rule 144A securities.
Liquidity, valuation, market risks. 10 15 15 15 15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leveraged derivative securities
Financial futures and options; securities and
index options Contracts involving the right
or obligation to deliver or receive assets or
money depending on the performance of one or
more assets or an economic index.
o Futures and related options. Interest rate,
currency, market, hedged or speculative
leverage, correlation, liquidity, opportunity risks. * o o -- *
o Options on securities and indices. Interest rate,
currency, market, hedged or speculative leverage,
correlation, liquidity, credit, opportunity risks. 10(1) o * * *
Currency contracts Contracts involving the right or
obligation to buy or sell a given amount of foreign
currency at a specified price and future date.
o Hedged. Currency, hedged leverage, correlation,
liquidity, opportunity risks. * -- * -- *
o Speculative. Currency, speculative leverage,
liquidity risks. -- -- -- -- --
(1) Applies to purchased options only.
</TABLE>
26 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
For more information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two documents are available that offer further information on John Hancock
growth and income funds:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes financial statements, detailed performance information, portfolio
holdings, a statement from portfolio management and the auditor's report.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds. The
current annual/semiannual report is included in the SAI.
A current SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference (is legally a part of this prospectus). You may visit
the Securities and Exchange Commission's Internet website (www.sec.gov) to view
the SAI, material incorporated by reference and other information.
To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or SAI, please
write or call:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Telephone: 1-800-225-5291
EASI-Line: 1-800-338-8080
TDD: 1-800-544-6713
Internet: www.jhancock.com/funds
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
John Hancock (R) (C) 1996 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
GINPN 5/98
<PAGE>
John Hancock
Sovereign
Investors
Fund
Class Y Shares
Prospectus
May 1, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
-----
<S> <C>
Expense Information .............................. 2
The Fund's Financial Highlights .................. 3
Investment Objective and Policies ................ 4
Organization and Management of the Fund .......... 6
The Fund's Expenses .............................. 7
Dividends and Taxes .............................. 8
Performance ...................................... 8
Who Can Buy Class Y Shares ....................... 8
How to Buy Class Y Shares ........................ 9
Class Y Share Price .............................. 10
How to Redeem Class Y Shares ..................... 11
Additional Services and Programs ................. 12
</TABLE>
This Prospectus sets forth information about John Hancock Sovereign
Investors Fund (the "Fund"), a diversified series of John Hancock Investment
Trust (the "Trust"), that you should know before investing. Please read and
retain it for future reference.
Additional information about the Fund has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You can obtain a copy of the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information, dated May 1, 1998, and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, free of charge by writing to or by telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., P.O. Box 9296, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9296, 1-800-755-4371.
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank, and the shares are not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other agency.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
EXPENSE INFORMATION
The purpose of the following information is to help you understand the
various fees and expenses that you will bear, directly or indirectly, when you
purchase Fund shares. The operating expenses included in the table and
hypothetical example below are based on fees and expenses of Class Y shares of
the Fund (formerly Class C shares) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
adjusted to reflect current fees and expenses. Actual fees and expenses of Class
Y shares in the future may be greater or less than those shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class Y
Shares*
Shareholder Transaction Expenses --------
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested dividends ....................... None
Maximum deferred sales charge .............................................. None
Redemption fee+ ............................................................ None
Exchange fee ............................................................... None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(As a percentage of average net assets)
Management fee++ ........................................................... 0.55
Other Expenses ............................................................. 0.16
Total Fund operating expenses .............................................. 0.71
</TABLE>
*The information set forth in the foregoing table relates only to Class Y
shares.
+Redemption by wire fee (currently $4.00) not included.
++The calculation of the management fee is based on average net assets for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. See "The Fund's Expenses."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Example: Class Y Shares 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
You would pay the following expenses for the indicated period of years on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return ......................... $7 $23 $40 $88
</TABLE>
(This example should not be considered a representation of past or future
expenses. Actual expenses of Class Y shares may be greater or less than those
shown.)
The management fee referred to above is more fully explained in this
Prospectus under the caption "The Fund's Expenses" and in the Statement of
Additional Information under the caption "Investment Advisory and Other
Services."
2
<PAGE>
THE FUND'S FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following Financial Highlights, for each of the five years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the
Fund's independent auditors whose unqualified report is included in the Fund's
1997 Annual Report and is included in the Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained in the Fund's
Annual Report to Shareholders that may be obtained free of charge by writing or
telephoning John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") at the
address or telephone number listed on the front page of this Prospectus.
Selected data for each class of shares outstanding throughout each period
indicated is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------
1997 1996
---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Class Y (1)
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ............................. $19.48 $17.87
-------- --------
Net Investment Income ............................................ 0.41(2) 0.44(2)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ........... 5.30 2.76
------------ ------------
Total from Investment Operations ............................... 5.71 3.20
------------ ------------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ............................. (0.40) (0.43)
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on Investments Sold ......... (2.38) (1.16)
------------ ------------
Total Distributions ............................................ ( 2.78) (1.59)
------------ ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ................................... $22.41 $19.48
============= =============
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (3) ................... 29.60% 17.99%
------------- -------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted) ........................ $48,256 $29,431
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .......................... 0.71% 0.75%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets ............. 1.79% 2.26%
Portfolio Turnover Rate .......................................... 62% 59%
Average Broker Commission Rate (4) ............................... $0.0659 $0.0696
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class Y (1)
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ............................. $14.24 $15.11 $14.79
--------- --------- ---------
Net Investment Income ............................................ 0.46(2) 0.52(2) 0.27(2)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ........... 3.71 (0.77) 0.48
--------- --------- ------------
Total from Investment Operations ............................... 4.17 (0.25) 0.75
--------- --------- ------------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ............................. (0.46) (0.51) (0.34)
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on Investments Sold ......... (0.08) (0.11) (0.09)
--------- --------- ------------
Total Distributions ............................................ (0.54) (0.62) (0.43)
--------- --------- ------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ................................... $17.87 $14.24 $15.11
========= ========= ============
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (3) ................... 29.68% (1.57%) 5.13%(5)
--------- --------- ------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted) ........................ $19,946 $15,128 $10,189
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .......................... 0.74% 0.81% 0.88%(6)
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets ............. 2.84% 3.53% 3.17%(6)
Portfolio Turnover Rate .......................................... 46% 45% 46%
Average Broker Commission Rate (4) ............................... N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
(1) Class Y shares commenced operations on May 7, 1993 (formerly Class C
shares).
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September
1, 1995 or later.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
3
<PAGE>
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital and
income without assuming undue market risks.
The Fund will invest primarily in common stocks, although it may respond to
market conditions by investing in other types of securities.
The Fund generally invests in seasoned companies in sound financial condition
with a long record of paying dividends.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to provide long term growth of capital and of
income without undue market risk. The Fund believes that its shares are suitable
for investment by persons who are in search of above-average long term reward.
At times, however, because of market conditions the Fund may find it
advantageous to invest primarily for current income. The Fund will diversify its
investments among a number of industry groups without concentrating more than
25% of its assets in any particular industry. The Fund's investments will be
subject to market fluctuation and risks inherent in all securities. There is no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Subject to the Fund's policy of investing primarily in common stocks, the Fund
may invest without limit in investment grade debt securities or investment grade
preferred stocks (equivalent to the top four bond rating categories of an
NRSRO). For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest some or all of its
assets in investment grade short-term securities. The Fund's portfolio
securities are selected mainly for their investment character based upon
generally accepted elements of intrinsic value, including industry position,
management, financial strength, earning power, marketability and prospects for
future growth. The distribution or mix of various types of investments is based
on general market conditions, the level of interest rates, business and economic
conditions and the availability of investments in the equity or fixed income
markets. The amount of the Fund's assets that may be invested in either equity
or fixed income securities is not restricted and is based upon management's
judgment of what might best achieve the Fund's investment objective.
The Fund currently uses a strategy of investing only in those common stocks
which have a record of having increased their dividend payout in each of the
preceding ten or more years. This dividend performers strategy can be changed at
any time.
Investments in corporate fixed income securities may be in bonds, convertible
debentures and preferred convertible or non-convertible stock. Convertible
issues, while influenced by the level of interest rates, are also subject to the
changing value of the underlying common stock into which they are convertible.
Fixed income securities eligible for purchase by the Fund may have stated
maturities of one to thirty years. The value of fixed income securities varies
inversely with interest rates. Although fixed income securities in the Fund's
portfolio may include securities rated as low as C by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Group ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and unrated
securities deemed of equivalent quality by John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the
"Adviser"), no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in debt
securities rated lower than BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or unrated securities
of equivalent quality. Bonds rated BBB or Baa normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters. However, speculative characteristics, and adverse changes
in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than higher grade
bonds. Bonds rated lower than BBB or Baa are high risk securities commonly known
as "junk bonds." If any security in the Fund's portfolio falls below the Fund's
minimum credit quality standards, as a result of a rating downgrade or the
Adviser's determination, the Fund will dispose of the security as promptly as
possible while attempting to minimize any loss.
4
<PAGE>
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act") including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the
1933 Act. Restricted Securities may include those eligible for resale to
"qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. The
Trustees will monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on
certain factors, including valuation, liquidity and availability of information.
Purchases of restricted securities are subject to an investment restriction
limiting all the Fund's illiquid securities to not more than 15% of the Fund's
net assets.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities. When the Fund
lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the borrower may fail to return
the loaned securities. As a result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event
of the borrower's bankruptcy, the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from
liquidating the collateral. It is a fundamental policy of the Fund not to lend
portfolio securities having a total value in excess of 331/3% of its total
assets.
Government Securities. The Fund may also invest in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Certain
U.S. Government securities, including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and
Government National Mortgage Association certificates ("Ginnie Maes"), are
supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Certain other U.S.
Government securities, issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or government
sponsored enterprises, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States, but may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from
the U.S. Treasury. These securities include obligations of the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Macs") and Federal National Mortgage Association
("Fannie Maes"), and obligations supported by the credit of the instrumentality.
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities which have stated maturities
of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the
mortgages underlying the securities. In practice, however, unscheduled or early
payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the
securities' effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest
rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of the Fund's portfolio at
the time the Fund receives the payments for reinvestment. Mortgage-backed
securities may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable
fixed-income securities, due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of
mortgages as interest rates decline. If the Fund buys mortgage-backed securities
at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and prepayments of principal by mortgagors
(which may be made at any time without penalty) may result in some loss of the
Fund's principal investment to the extent of the premium paid.
Repurchase Agreements, Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities. The Fund
may enter into repurchase agreements and may purchase securities on a forward
commitment or when-issued basis. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a
security subject to the right and obligation to sell it back to the seller at a
higher price. These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but
involve some credit risk to the Fund if the other party defaults on its
obligations and the Fund is delayed in or prevented from
5
<PAGE>
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
The Fund follows certain policies which may help to reduce investment risk.
Brokers are chosen based on best price and execution.
The Trustees elect officers and retain the investment adviser, who is
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund, subject to the Trustees'
policies and supervision.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. advises investment companies having a total asset
value of more than $30 billion.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
liquidating the collateral. The Fund will segregate in a separate account cash
or liquid, high grade debt securities equal in value to its forward commitments
and when-issued securities. Purchasing securities for future delivery or on a
when-issued basis may increase the Fund's overall investment exposure and
involves a risk of loss if the value of the securities declines before the
settlement date.
Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions
that are detailed in the Statement of Additional Information, where they are
classified as fundamental or non-fundamental. The Fund's investment objective
and those investment restrictions designated as fundamental may not be changed
without shareholder approval. The Fund's non-fundamental investment policies and
restrictions, however, may be changed by a vote of the Directors without
shareholder approval.
When choosing brokerage firms to carry out the Fund's transactions, the Adviser
gives primary consideration to execution at the most favorable prices, taking
into account the broker's professional ability and quality of service.
Consideration may also be given to the broker's sale of Fund shares. Pursuant to
procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser may place securities
transactions with brokers affiliated with the Adviser. John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. is affiliated with the Adviser because it is indirectly owned
by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), which in
turn indirectly owns the Adviser.
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of the John Hancock Investment Trust, an open-end Fund's
investment management company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 12, 1984. Prior to December 2, 1996, the Fund was a diversified series
of John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund, Inc. The Trust reserves the right to
create and issue a number of series of shares, or funds or classes thereof,
which are separately managed and have different investment objectives. The
Trustees have authorized the issuance of four classes of the Fund, designated as
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y. On March 10, 1998 the Trustees authorized
a new class of shares, called Class C, and renamed the original Class C shares
as Class Y shares. The shares of each class represent an interest in the same
portfolio of investments of the Fund. Each class has equal rights as to voting,
redemption, dividends and liquidation. However, each class bears different
distribution and transfer agent fees and other expenses. Also, Class A, Class B
and Class C shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to their
distribution plans.
The Fund is not required to and does not intend to hold annual meetings of
shareholders, although special meetings may be held for such purposes as
electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental policies or approving a
management contract. The Fund, under certain circumstances, will assist in
shareholder communications with other shareholders.
The Adviser was organized in 1968 and is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of
the Life Company, a financial services company. It provides the Fund, and other
investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds, with investment
research and portfolio management services. John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John
Hancock Funds") distributes shares for all of the John Hancock funds through
selected broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers"). Certain Fund officers are also
officers of the Adviser and John Hancock Funds. Pursuant to an order granted by
the Securities and Exchange Commis-
6
<PAGE>
sion, the Fund has adopted a deferred compensation plan for its independent
Trustees which allows Trustees' fees to be invested by the Fund in other John
Hancock funds.
Pursuant to an agreement with the Adviser and its affiliate, Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation ("SAMCorp"), SAMCorp furnishes to the Adviser certain
portfolio management services with respect to the securities held in the
portfolio of the Fund. The Adviser supervises SAMCorp's performance of such
services and is responsible for all services required to be provided under the
Adviser's investment management contract with the Fund. The Adviser pays to
SAMCorp 40% of the fee received from the Fund by the Adviser.
John F. Snyder III and Barry H. Evans, CFA, lead the fund's portfolio
management team. Mr. Snyder, an investment manager since 1971, is an executive
vice president of SAM Corp. Mr. Evans, a senior vice president of the Adviser,
has been in the investment business since joining John Hancock Funds in 1986.
In order to avoid any conflict with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser,
SAMCorp and the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal securities
trading by personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. Some of these
restrictions are: pre-clearance for all personal trades and a ban on the
purchase of initial public offerings, as well as contributions to specified
charities of profits on securities held for less than 91 days. These
restrictions are a continuation of the basic principle that the interests of the
Fund and its shareholders come first.
Year 2000 Compliance
The Adviser has addressed the Year 2000 issue by taking steps that it believes
are reasonably designed to address the potential failure of computer programs
used by the Adviser and the Funds' service providers. There can be no assurance
that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact to the Funds.
THE FUND'S EXPENSES
For managing its investment and business affairs, the Fund pays a fee to the
Adviser which is based on a stated percentage of the Fund's average daily net
asset value equivalent on an annual basis as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
$0 to 750 million 0.60%
750 million to 1.5 billion 0.55%
1.5 billion to 2.5 billion 0.50%
2.5 billion and over 0.45%
</TABLE>
The investment management fee for the 1997 fiscal year was 0.55% of the Fund's
average daily net asset value.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of average net assets. The
Adviser retains the right to impose such fee and recover any other payments to
the extent at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's actual expenses at year end
fall below the limit.
The Fund compensates the Adviser for performing necessary tax and financial
management services. The compensation for 1997 was calculated to be at an annual
rate of 1.18% of the average net assets of the Fund.
7
<PAGE>
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The Fund has paid quarterly distributions continuously since 1937.
The Fund may advertise its yield and total return on Class Y shares.
Class Y shares are available to certain institutional investors.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
Information on the Fund's total expenses is in the Fund's Financial Highlights
section of this Prospectus.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
Taxability of dividends. As long as a fund meets the requirements for being a
tax-qualified regulated investment company, which each fund has in the past and
intends to in the future, it pays no federal income tax on the earnings it
distributes to shareholders.
Consequently, dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or taken as
cash, are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's long-term
capital gains are taxable as capital gains; dividends from other sources are
generally taxable as ordinary income.
Some dividends paid in January may be taxable as if they had been paid the
previous December. Corporations may be entitled to take a dividends-received
deduction for a portion of certain dividends they receive.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions. Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase price and the sale
price of the shares you sell or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the
transaction. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your
transactions.
PERFORMANCE
Yield reflects the Fund's rate of income on portfolio investments as a
percentage of the Class Y share price. Yield is computed by annualizing the
result of dividing the net investment income per share over a 30 day period by
the net asset value per Class Y share on the last day of that period. Yield is
also calculated according to accounting methods that are standardized for all
stock and bond funds. Because yield accounting methods differ from the methods
used for other accounting purposes, the Fund's yield may not equal the income
paid on Class Y shares or the income reported in the Fund's financial
statements.
The Fund's total return on Class Y shares shows the overall dollar or percentage
change in value of a hypothetical investment in the Fund, assuming the
reinvestment of all dividends. Cumulative total return shows the Class Y shares'
performance over a period of time. Average annual total return shows the
cumulative return of the Class Y Fund shares divided by the number of years
included in the period. Because average annual total return tends to smooth out
variations in the performance of Class Y Fund shares, you should recognize that
it is not the same as actual year-to-year results. Neither total return nor
yield calculations with respect to Class Y shares reflect the imposition of a
sales charge. The value of Class Y Fund shares, when redeemed, may be more or
less than their original cost. Both yield and total return are historical
calculations and are not an indication of future performance.
WHO CAN BUY CLASS Y SHARES
In order to buy Class Y Fund shares, you must qualify as one of the following
types of institutional investors: (i) Benefits plans (other than self-directed
plans) not affiliated with the Adviser which have at least $25,000,000 in plan
assets and either have
8
<PAGE>
a separate trustee vested with investment discretion and certain limitations on
the ability of the plan beneficiaries to access their plan investments without
incurring adverse tax consequences or allow their participants to select among
one or more investment options, including the Fund ("participant-direct plans");
(ii) Banks and insurance companies which are not affiliated with the Adviser
purchasing shares for their own account; (iii) Investment companies not
affiliated with the Adviser; (iv) Tax exempt retirement plans of the Adviser and
its affiliates, including affiliated brokers; and (v) Unit investment trusts
sponsored by John Hancock Funds and certain other sponsors and (vi) existing
full-service clients of the Life Company who were group annuity contract holders
as of September 1, 1994. Participant-directed plans include but are not limited
to 401(k), 403(b), and Section 457 plans.
This Fund also offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares which have their own
expense structure. Call Signature Services for more information (see back cover
of this prospectus).
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
Opening an account.
Buying additional Class Y shares.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
HOW TO BUY CLASS Y SHARES
The minimum initial investment is $1,000,000, except that this requirement may
be waived at the dis cretion of the Fund's officers. You may qualify for the
minimum investment if you invest more than $1,000,000 in Class Y shares in the
Fund and Class Y shares of other funds in the John Hancock family.
Complete the Account Application attached to this Prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Check 1. Make your check payable to John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services").
2. Deliver the completed application and check to your
registered representative or Selling Broker, or mail it
directly to Signature Services.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Wire 1. Obtain an account number by contacting your registered
representative or Selling Broker or by calling
1-800-755-4371.
2. Instruct your bank to wire funds to:
First Signature Bank and Trust
John Hancock Deposit Account No. 900000260
ABA Routing No. 211475000
For credit to: John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
(Class Y shares)
Your account number
Name(s) under which account is registered.
3. Deliver the completed application to your registered
representative or Selling Broker, or mail it directly to
Signature Services.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Telephone 1. Complete the "Invest-By-Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections on the Account Privileges Application
designating a bank account from which funds may be drawn.
Note that in order to invest by phone, your account must
be in a bank or credit union that is a member of the
Automated Clearing House System (ACH).
2. After your authorization form has been processed, you may
purchase additional Class Y shares by calling Signature
Services toll-free at 1-800-755-4371.
3. Give the Signature Services representative the name(s) in
which your account is registered, the Fund name and your
account number, and the amount you wish to invest in Class Y
shares.
4. Your investment normally will be credited to your account
the business day following your phone request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
<PAGE>
By Check 1. Either complete the detachable stub included on your
account statement or include a note with your investment
listing the name of the Fund and the class of shares you
own, your account number and the name(s) in which the
account is registered.
2. Make your check payable to John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc.
3. Mail the account information and check to:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 9296
Boston, MA 02205-9296
or deliver it to your registered representative or Selling
Broker.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Wire Instruct your bank to wire funds to:
First Signature Bank and Trust
John Hancock Deposit Account No. 900000260
ABA Routing No. 211475000
For credit to: John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
(Class Y Shares)
Your Account Number
Name(s) under which account is registered.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Requirements All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars. Checks written
on foreign banks will delay purchases until U.S. funds are received and a
collection charge may be imposed. Shares of the Fund are priced at the offering
price based on the net asset value computed after John Hancock Funds receives
notification of the dollar equivalent from the Fund's custodian bank. Wire
purchases normally take two or more hours to complete and, to be accepted the
same day, must be received by 4:00 p.m., New York time. Your bank may charge a
fee to wire funds. Telephone transactions are recorded to verify information.
Class Y share certificates are not issued unless a request is made in writing
to Signature Services.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
You will receive account statements that you should keep to help with your
personal recordkeeping.
The offering price of your Class Y shares is their net asset value.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
You will receive a statement of your account after any transactions that affects
your share balance or registration (statements related to reinvestment of
dividends will be sent to you quarterly). A tax information statement will be
mailed to you by January 31 of each year.
CLASS Y SHARE PRICE
The net asset value per share ("NAV") of a Class Y share is the value of one
Class Y share. The NAV is calculated by dividing the net assets of each class by
the number of outstanding shares of that class. The NAV of each class can differ
in value. Securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on the basis of market
quotations, valuations provided by independent pricing services or at fair value
as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures approved by the
Trustees. Short-term debt investments maturing within 60 days are valued at
amortized cost which the Trustees have determined to approximate market value.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S.
dollars using current exchange rates. If quotations are not readily available
or, the value has been materially affected by events occurring after the closing
of a foreign market, assets are valued by a method that the Trustees believe
accurately reflects fair value. The NAV of Class Y shares is calculated once
daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") (generally at 4:00 p.m., New York time) on each day that the
Exchange is open.
10
<PAGE>
Class Y shares of the Fund are sold at the offering price based on the NAV
computed after your investment request is received in good order by John Hancock
Funds. If you buy shares of the Fund through a Selling Broker, the Selling
Broker must receive your investment before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange and transmit it to John Hancock Funds prior to its close of business to
receive that day's offering price. No sales charge is imposed on the purchase of
Class Y shares. A one-time payment of up to 0.15% of the amount invested in
Class Y shares may be made by John Hancock Funds to a Selling Broker for sales
of Class Y shares made by that Selling Broker. A person entitled to receive
compensation for selling shares of the Fund may receive different compensation
with respect to sales of Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares of
the Fund. John Hancock Funds, out of its own resources, may pay to a selling
Broker an annual service fee up to 0.20% of the amount invested in Class Y
shares by these clients.
HOW TO REDEEM CLASS Y SHARES
You may redeem all or a portion of your Class Y shares on any business day. Your
Class Y shares will be redeemed at the next NAV for Class Y shares calculated
after your redemption request is received in good order by Signature Services.
The Fund may hold payment until reasonably satisfied that investments which were
recently made by check or Invest-by-Phone have been collected (which may take up
to 10 calendar days). Once your Class Y shares are redeemed, the Fund generally
sends you payment on the next business day. When you redeem your Class Y shares,
you may realize a taxable gain or loss depending usually on the difference
between what you paid for them and what you receive for them, subject to certain
tax rules. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or
postpone payment for up to three business days or longer, as permitted by
Federal securities laws.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
To assure acceptance of your redemption request, please follow the procedures.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Telephone All Fund shareholders are eligible automatically for the
telephone redemption privilege. Call 1-800-755-4371, from
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. (New York Time), Monday through
Friday, excluding days on which the New York Stock Exchange
is closed. Signature Services employs the following
procedures to confirm that instructions received by
telephone are genuine. Your name, the account number,
taxpayer identification number applicable to the account and
other relevant information may be requested. In addition,
telephone instructions are recorded. You may redeem up to $5
million by telephone. Redemption proceeds of up to $100,000
may be sent by wire or by check. Checks will be mailed to
the exact name(s) and address on the account. Redemption
proceeds between $100,000 and $5 million must be wired to
your designated corporate bank account. If reasonable
procedures, such as those described above, are not followed,
the Fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. In all other cases, neither the
Fund nor Signature Services will be liable for any loss or
expense for acting upon telephone instructions made
according with the telephone transaction procedures
mentioned above. Telephone redemption is not available for
tax-qualified retirement plans or for Class Y shares of the
Fund that are in certificate form. During periods of extreme
economic conditions or market changes, telephone requests
may be difficult to implement due to a large volume of
calls. During such times you should consider placing
redemption requests in writing. This feature may be elected
by completing the "Telephone Redemption" section on the
Institutional Account Application that is included with this
Prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
<PAGE>
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES BEGIN]
Who may guarantee your signature.
Additional information about redemptions.
You may exchange Class Y shares of the Fund only for Class Y shares of another
John Hancock fund.
[SUBTEXT ENTRIES END]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Writing Send a stock power or letter of instruction specifying the
name of the Fund, the dollar amount or the number of Class Y
shares to be redeemed, your name, class of shares, your
account number and the additional requirements listed below
that apply to your particular account.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of Registration Requirements
- -------------------- ------------
<S> <C>
Corporation, Association A letter of instruction and a
corporate resolution signed
by person(s) authorized to act on
the account. The
signature(s) must be guaranteed if
redemption proceeds
will be sent by check and exceed
$100,000.
Retirement Plan or Trusts A letter of instruction signed by
the Trustee(s). The
signatures must be guaranteed if
redemption proceeds
will be sent by check and exceed
$100,000. (If the
Trustee's name is not registered on
your account, also
provide a copy of the trust
document, certified within the
last 60 days.)
Redemptions of $5 million or more must always be made in writing and signature
guaranteed.
If you do not fall into any of these registration categories, please call
1-800-755-4371 for further instructions.
</TABLE>
A signature guarantee is a widely accepted way to protect you and the Fund by
verifying the signature on your request. It may not be provided by a notary
public. The signature guarantee must be from a member of the Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program (generally, a broker or securities dealer). We may
refuse any other source.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Through Your Broker Your broker may be able to initiate the redemption.
Contact your broker for instructions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have certificates for your shares, you must submit them with your stock
power or a letter of instruction. You may not redeem certificated shares by
telephone. Due to the proportionately high cost of maintaining smaller accounts,
the Fund reserves the right to redeem all Class Y shares in an account which
holds fewer than 50 shares (except accounts under retirement plans) and to mail
the proceeds to the shareholder, or the transfer agent may impose an annual fee
of $10.00. No account will be involuntarily redeemed or additional fee imposed,
if the value of the account is in excess of the Fund's minimum initial
investment. Shareholders will be notified before these redemptions are to be
made or this charge is imposed and will have 30 days to purchase additional
Class Y shares to bring their account balance up to the required minimum. Unless
the number of Class Y shares acquired by additional purchases and any dividend
reinvestments exceeds the number of Class Y shares redeemed, repeated
redemptions from a smaller account may eventually trigger this policy.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Exchange Privilege
If your investment objective changes, or if you wish to achieve further
diversification, John Hancock offers other funds with a wide range of investment
goals. Not all John Hancock funds offer Class Y. Contact your registered
representative or Selling Broker and request a prospectus for the John Hancock
funds that interest you. Read the prospectus carefully before exchanging your
Class Y shares. Exchanges may be made only into Class Y shares of other John
Hancock funds.
12
<PAGE>
Exchanges between funds are based on their respective net asset values. No sales
charge or transaction charge is imposed.
The Fund reserves the right to require you to keep previously exchanged Class Y
shares (and reinvested dividends) in the Fund for 90 days before you are
permitted a new exchange. The Fund may also terminate or alter the terms of the
exchange privilege upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal income tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss.
When you make an exchange, your account registration must be identical in both
the existing and new account. The exchange privilege is available only in states
where the exchange can be made legally.
Under exchange agreements with John Hancock Funds, certain dealers, brokers and
investment advisers may exchange their clients' Fund shares, subject to the
terms of those agreements and John Hancock Funds' right to reject or suspend
those exchanges at any time. Because of the restrictions and procedures under
those agreements, the exchanges may be subject to timing limitations and other
restrictions that do not apply to exchanges requested by shareholders directly,
as described above.
Because Fund performance and shareholders can be hurt by excessive trading, the
Fund reserves the right to terminate the exchange privilege for any person or
group that, in John Hancock Funds' judgment, is involved in a pattern of
exchanges that coincide with a "market timing" strategy that may disrupt the
Fund's ability to invest effectively according to its investment objective and
policies, or might otherwise affect the Fund and its shareholders adversely. The
Fund may also temporarily or permanently terminate the exchange privilege for
any person who makes seven or more exchanges out of the Fund per calendar year.
Accounts under common control or ownership will be aggregated for this purpose.
Although the Fund will attempt to give prior notice whenever it is reasonably
able to do so, it may impose these restrictions at any time.
By Telephone
1. When you complete the application for your initial purchase of Class Y
shares of the Fund, you automatically authorize exchanges by telephone
unless you check the box indicating that you do not wish to authorize the
telephone exchange privilege.
2. Call 1-800-755-4371. Have the account number of your current fund and the
exact name in which it is registered available to give to the customer
service representative.
3. Your name, the account number, taxpayer identification number applicable to
the account and other relevant information may be requested. In addition,
telephone instructions are recorded.
13
<PAGE>
In Writing
1. In a letter request an exchange and list the following:
-- name of the Fund whose Class Y shares you currently own
-- your account number
-- the name(s) in which the account is registered
-- the name of the fund in which you wish your exchange to be
invested
-- the number of Class Y shares, all Class Y shares or the dollar
amount you wish to exchange.
Sign your request exactly as the account is registered.
2. Mail the request and information to:
Attn: Institutional Services
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 9296
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9296
14
<PAGE>
NOTES
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN
INVESTORS FUND
Investment Adviser
John Hancock
Advisers, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
Principal Distributor
John Hancock Funds, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
Custodian
Investors Bank & Trust Company
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Transfer Agent
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 9296
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9296
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon St.
Boston, MA 02116
HOW TO OBTAIN INFORMATION
ABOUT THE FUND
For Service Information
For Telephone Exchange Call 1-800-755-4371
For Investment-by-Phone
For Telephone Redemption
290YP 5/98
JOHN HANCOCK
SOVEREIGN
INVESTORS
FUND
CLASS Y SHARES
Prospectus
May 1, 1998
A mutual fund seeking long-term growth of capital and income without undue
market risks.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
Telephone 1-800-755-4371
[recycle logo] Printed on Recycled Paper
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Statement Of Additional Information
May 1, 1998
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Growth and Income Fund (the "Fund"), in addition to the information that is
contained in the combined Growth and Income Funds' Prospectus, dated May 1, 1998
(the "Prospectus"). The Fund is a diversified series of John Hancock Investment
Trust (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free of
charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
1-800-225-5291
Table Of Contents
Page
Organization of the Fund.......................................................2
Investment Objective and Policies..............................................2
Investment Restrictions.......................................................14
Those Responsible for Management..............................................16
Investment Advisory and Other Services........................................25
Distribution Contracts........................................................27
Net Asset Value...............................................................29
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares........................................30
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B and Class C Shares...........................32
Special Redemptions...........................................................36
Additional Services and Programs..............................................36
Description of the Fund's Shares..............................................38
Tax Status....................................................................39
Calculation of Performance....................................................43
Brokerage Allocation..........................................................45
Transfer Agent Services.......................................................47
Custody of Portfolio..........................................................47
Independent Auditors..........................................................47
Appendix A-Description of Bond Ratings.......................................A-1
Financial Statements.........................................................F-1
1
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end investment management company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust under a Declaration of Trust dated
December 12, 1984. Prior to December 22, 1994, the Fund was called Transamerica
Growth and Income Fund.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), chartered in 1862 with
national headquarters at John Hancock Place, Boston, Massachusetts.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies discussed in the Prospectus. There is no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The investment objective of the Fund is to obtain the highest total return, a
combination of capital appreciation and current income, consistent with
reasonable safety of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
allocating its assets between equity and fixed-income securities, including
money market instruments. The Fund is designed primarily, but not exclusively,
for the long-term investor as a base or central investment which may be termed a
"core portfolio." While there is no limitation as to the proportion of the
Fund's portfolio which may be invested in any type of security (unless otherwise
stated below), the Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any
particular industry. Depending upon the judgment of the Adviser as to general
market and economic conditions and other factors, the Fund may emphasize
growth-oriented or income-oriented investments at different times and in varying
degrees in pursuit of its objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund's equity investments will consist of common
and preferred stocks which have yielded their holders a dividend return within
the preceding twelve months and have the potential to increase dividends in the
future; however, non-income producing securities may be held for anticipated
increase in value.
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities and corporate bonds, notes and
other debt securities of any maturity.
In selecting equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser emphasizes issuers
whose equity securities trade at valuation ratios lower than comparable issuers
or the Standard & Poor's Composite Index. Some of the valuation tools used
include price to earnings, price to cash flow and price to sales ratios and
earnings discount models. The Fund's portfolio will also include securities that
the Adviser considers to have the potential for capital appreciation, due to
potential recognition of earnings power or asset value which is not fully
reflected in the securities' current market value. The Adviser attempts to
identify investments which possess characteristics, such as high relative value,
intrinsic value, going concern value, net asset value and replacement book
value, which are believed to limit sustained downside price risk, generally
referred to as the "margin of safety" concept. The Adviser also considers an
issuer's financial strength, competitive position, projected future earnings and
dividends and other investment criteria.
The Fund's investment policy reflects the Adviser's belief that while the
securities markets tend to be efficient, sufficiently persistent price anomalies
exist which the strategically disciplined active equity manager can exploit in
seeking to achieve an above-average rate of return. Each of the investment
2
<PAGE>
practices described in the following section, unless otherwise specified, is
deemed to be a fundamental policy and may not be changed without the approval of
the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities.
Investment in Foreign Securities. As a matter of non-fundamental policy the Fund
may invest up to 25% (and up to 35% during time of adverse U.S. market
conditions) of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers including
securities in the form of sponsored or unsponsored American Depository Receipts
("ADRs"), European Depository Receipts ("EDRs") or other securities convertible
into securities of foreign issuers. These securities may include debt and equity
securities of corporate and governmental issuers in countries with emerging
economies or securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an
American bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe which
evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not
contractually obligated to disclose material information, including financial
information, in the United States. Generally, ADRs are designed for use in the
United States securities markets and EDRs are designed for use in European
securities markets.
Foreign Currency Transactions. As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the foreign
currency exchange transactions of the Fund may be conducted on a spot (i.e.,
cash) basis at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in
the foreign exchange market. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency
exchange contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which it
may invest as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rate
between these currencies. This is accomplished through contractual agreements to
purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date and price set
at the time of the contract. The Fund's dealings in forward foreign currency
contracts will be limited to hedging either specific transactions or portfolio
positions. The Fund will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio
positions and will not engage in speculative forward currency transactions.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, its
custodian will segregate cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, in
a separate account of the Fund in an amount necessary to complete the forward
contract. These assets will be marked to market daily, and, if the value of the
assets in the separate account declines, additional cash or liquid assets will
be added so that the value of the account will equal to the amount of the Fund's
commitments in purchased forward contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. These transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency rises. Moreover, it may
not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in foreign currency exchange transactions
varies with such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract
period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign
currency are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are
involved.
Risks of Foreign Securities. Investments in foreign securities may involve a
greater degree of risk than those in domestic securities. There is generally
less publicly available information about foreign companies in the form of
reports and ratings similar to those that are published about issuers in the
United States. Also, foreign issuers are generally not subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements comparable to those
applicable to United States issuers.
3
<PAGE>
Because foreign securities may be denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the fund's net
asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses
realized on the sale of securities, and any net investment income and gains that
the Fund distributes to shareholders. Securities transactions undertaken in some
foreign markets may not be settled promptly, so that the Fund's investments on
foreign exchanges may be less liquid and subject to the risk of fluctuating
currency exchange rates pending settlement.
Foreign securities will be purchased in the best available market whether
through over-the-counter markets or exchanges located in the countries where
principal offices of the issuers are located. Foreign securities markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. While
growing in volume, they usually have substantially less volume than the New York
Stock Exchange, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable United States issuers. Fixed commissions
on foreign exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on United
States exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable
net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed issuers
than in the United States.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or
other assets of the Fund, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United State's economy in terms of growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiently and balance of
payments position.
The dividends in some cases, capital gains and interest payable on certain of
the Fund's foreign portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding or
other foreign taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income or gains available
for distribution to the Fund's shareholders.
These risks may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets or
countries with limited or developing capital markets. These countries are
located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America and
Africa. Security prices in these markets can be significantly more volatile than
in more developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing
less established markets and economies. Political, legal and economic structure
in many of these emerging market countries may be undergoing significant
evolution and rapid development, and they may lack the social, political, legal
and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. Their
economies may be predominantly based on only a few industries, may be highly
vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from
extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets
may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively
to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of
substantial holdings difficult or impossible at times. The Fund may be required
to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making certain
investments in those countries. Securities of issuers located in these countries
may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") represent
opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities which they rate.
It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective
and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used by the
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Fund as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities. Among the
factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the issuer to pay
principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix A contains further
information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities. Appendix A contains further
information concerning the ratings of Moody's and S&P and their significance.
Lower Rated High Yield "High Risk" Debt Obligations. As a matter of
nonfundamental policy, the Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in high
yielding, fixed income instruments below investment grade; that is, securities
rated as low as Ca by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or CC by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group S&P.
Securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard & Poor's are
sometimes referred to as junk bonds. The Fund is not obligated to dispose of
securities whose issuers subsequently are in default or which are downgraded
below the above-stated ratings. The credit ratings of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's, such as those ratings described here, may not be changed by Moody's and
Standard & Poor's in a timely fashion to reflect subsequent economic events. The
credit ratings or securities do not reflect an evaluation of market risk. Debt
obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated, involve
greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In
addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in
financial condition affecting the issuer's ability to make payments of interest
and principal. The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income
securities generally respond more to short-term corporate and market
developments than do those of higher rated securities, because these
developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of
an issuer of lower rated securities to meet its on going debt obligations. The
Adviser seeks to minimize these risks through diversification, investment
analysis and attention to current developments in interest rates and economic
conditions.
Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield high risk bond market, or the
reduced availability of market quotations, will make it more difficult to
dispose of the bonds and to value accurately the Fund's assets. The reduced
availability of reliable, objective data may increase the Fund's reliance on
management's judgment in valuing high yield high risk bonds. In addition, the
Fund's investment in high yield high risk securities may be susceptible to
adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not justified by
fundamental factors. The Fund's investments, and consequently its net asset
value, will be subject to the market fluctuations and risk inherent in all
securities. Increasing rate note securities are typically refinanced by the
issuers within a short period of time. The Fund may invest in pay-in-kind (PIK)
securities, which pay interest in either cash or additional securities, at the
issuer's option, for a specified period. The Fund also may invest in zero coupon
bonds, which have a determined interest rate, but payment of the interest is
deferred until maturity of the bonds. Both types of bonds may be more
speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value than securities which
pay interest periodically and in cash, due to changes in interest rates.
The market value of debt securities which carry no equity participation usually
reflects yields generally available on securities of similar quality and type.
When such yields decline, the market value of a portfolio already invested at
higher yields can be expected to rise if such securities are protected against
early call. In general, in selecting securities for its portfolio, the Fund
intends to seek protection against early call. Similarly, when such yields
increase, the market value of a portfolio already invested at lower yields can
be expected to decline. The Fund's portfolio may include debt securities which
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sell at substantial discounts from par. These securities are low coupon bonds
which, during periods of high interest rates, because of their lower acquisition
cost tend to sell on a yield basis approximating current interest rates.
Government Securities. As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund's
investments in fixed income securities may include U.S. Government securities,
which are obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government and its
agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Certain U.S. Government securities,
including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and Government National Mortgage
Association certificates ("Ginnie Maes"), are supported by the full faith and
credit of the United States. Certain other U.S. Government securities issued or
guaranteed by Federal agencies or government sponsored enterprises, are not
supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, but may be
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. These
securities include obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("Freddie Macs"), and obligations supported by the credit of the
instrumentality, such as Federal National Mortgage Association bonds ("Fannie
Maes"). No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide
financial support to such Federal agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and
government sponsored enterprises in the future.
Short-Term Bank and Corporate Obligations. As a matter of nonfundamental policy,
the Fund's investments in short-term investment grade securities may include
depository-type obligations of banks and savings and loan associations and other
high quality money market instruments consisting of short-term obligations of
the U.S. Government or its agencies and commercial paper rated at least P-1 by
Moody's or A-1 by Standard & Poor's. Commercial paper represents short-term
unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding
companies, corporations and finance companies. Depository-type obligations in
which the Fund may invest include certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances
and fixed time deposits. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates
issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of
time and earning a specified return.
Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn
by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are "accepted"
by a bank, meaning, in effect, that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the
face value of the instrument at maturity. Fixed time deposits are bank
obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed
rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be
subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market
conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no
contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a
fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such
deposits. Bank notes and bankers' acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit
liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations
of the bank. Bank notes are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other insurer. Deposit notes are insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation only to the extent of $100,000 per depositor per
bank.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement the Fund buy a security for a
relatively short period (usually not more than seven days) subject to the
obligation to sell it back to the issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued
interest. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks
of the Federal Reserve System and with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government
securities. The Adviser will continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the
parties with whom the Fund enters into repurchase agreements.
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
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collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in
liquidating the underlying securities and could experience losses, including the
possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in
which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible subnormal levels of
income decline in value of the underlying securities or lack of access to income
during this period, as well as the expense of enforcing its rights. The Fund
will not invest in a repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days, if
such investment, together with other illiquid securities held by the Fund
(including restricted securities) would exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that the Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. The Fund will
also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the
securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities
upon effecting their repurchase. To minimize various risks associated with
reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will establish and maintain of the
Fund's custodian separate account consisting of liquid securities, of any type
or maturity, an amount at least equal to the repurchase process of the
securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under such agreements. The Fund
will not enter into reverse repurchase agreements exceeding in the aggregate 33
1/3% of the market value of its total assets. In addition, the Fund will not
purchase additional securities while any borrowings are outstanding. The Fund
will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with federally insured banks
or savings and loan associations which are approved in advance as being
creditworthy by the Trustees. Under procedures established by the Trustees, the
Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the banks involved.
Restricted Securities. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total
assets in securities that are not registered ("restricted securities") under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), including commercial paper issued in
reliance on section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and securities offered and sold to
"qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. The Fund
will not invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid investments. If the
Trustees determines, based upon a continuing review of the trading markets for
specific section 4(2) paper or Rule 144A securities, that are liquid, they will
not be subject to the 10% limit on illiquid investments. The Trustees may adopt
guidelines and delegate to the Adviser the daily function of determining and
monitoring the liquidity of restricted securities. The Trustees, however, will
retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately responsible for the
determinations. The Trustees will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in
these securities, focusing on such important factors, among others, as
valuation, liquidity and availability of information. This investment practice
could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund if
qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing
these restricted securities.
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Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Currency. The Fund may purchase
and write (sell) call and put options on any securities in which it may invest,
or on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest or any
currency in which Fund investments may be denominated. These options may be
listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges
or traded in the over-the-counter market. The Fund may write covered put and
call options and purchase put and call options or securities and securities
indices to enhance total return, as a substitute for the purchase or sale of
securities or currency, or to protect against declines in the value of portfolio
securities and against increases in the cost of securities to be acquired.
The Fund may purchase and write currency options only for hedging purposes.
The Fund will not purchase a call or put option if as a result the premium paid
for the option, together with premiums paid for all other stock options and
options on stock indexes then held by the Fund, exceed 10% of the Fund's total
net assets. In addition, the Fund may not write put options on securities or
securities indices with aggregate exercise prices in excess of 50% of the Fund's
total net assets measured at the Fund's net asset value at the time the option
is written.
Writing Covered Options. A call option on securities or currency written by the
Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities or currency to the holder
of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before
the expiration date. A put option on securities or currency written by the Fund
obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities or currency from the option
holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. Options on securities indices are similar to options on
securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash
settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather
than price fluctuations in a single security. Writing covered call options may
deprive the Fund of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market
price of the securities or foreign currency assets in its portfolio. Writing
covered put options may deprive the Fund of the opportunity to profit from a
decrease in the market price of the securities or foreign currency assets to be
acquired for its portfolio.
The Fund may not write uncovered options. The Fund will write listed and
over-the-counter call options only if they are covered, which means that the
Fund owns or has the immediate right to acquire the securities underlying the
options without additional cash consideration upon conversion or exchange of
other securities held in its portfolio. A call option written by the Fund may
also be "covered" if the Fund holds in a share-for-share basis a covering call
on the same securities where (i) the exercise price of the covering call held is
(a) equal to the exercise price of the call written or (b) greater than the
exercise price of the call written, if the difference is maintained by the Fund
in cash, U.S. Treasury bills or high grade liquid debt obligations in a
segregated account with the Fund's custodian, and (ii) the covering call expires
at the same time as the call written.
The Fund will write put options on indices only if they are covered by
segregating with the Fund's custodian an amount of cash or short-term
investments equal to the aggregate exercise prices of such put options or an
offsetting option. In additional, the Fund will write call options on indices
only if, on the date on which any such options is written, it holds securities
qualified to serve as "cover" under the applicable rules of national securities
exchanges or maintains in a segregated account an amount of cash or short-term
investments equal to the aggregate exercise price of such call options with a
value at least equal to the value of the index times the multiplier or an
offsetting option.
The Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations
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under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are
referred to as "closing purchase transactions."
Purchasing Options. The Fund would normally purchase call options in
anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease
("protective puts") in the market value of securities or currencies of the type
in which it may invest. The Fund may also sell call and put options to close out
its purchased options.
The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium
paid, to purchase specified securities or currency at a specified price during
the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a
call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities or
currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on
the purchase of the call option.
The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to sell specified securities or currency at a specified price during the
option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge
against a decline in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities or the
currencies in which they are denominated. Put options may also be purchased by
the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price
of securities or currencies which it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily
realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying
securities or currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover
the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no
gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the
purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by
each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in
each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading
facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be
affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of
the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any
particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options
it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
currencies or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options
expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing
sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction
costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
9
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volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary
market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to
exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the
Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would
continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than
with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The
Adviser will determine the liquidity of each over-the-counter option in
accordance with guidelines adopted by the Trustees. In addition, the Fund will
acquire only those OTC options for which management believes the Fund can
receive on each business day two separate bids or offers (one of which will be
from an entity other than a party to the option) or those options valued by an
independent pricing service. Each Fund will write and purchase OTC options only
with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and primary dealers in U.S.
Government securities or their affiliates which have capital of at least $50
million or whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at
least $50 million.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options
depends in part on the Adviser's ability to predict future price fluctuations
and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the options and
securities or currency markets.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. To seek to increase total
return or hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency
exchange rates, the Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures
contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on these futures
contracts. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions
with respect to any of these contracts and options. The futures contracts may be
based on various securities (such as U.S. Government securities), securities
indices, foreign currencies and any other financial instruments and indices. All
futures contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on U.S. or foreign
exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed, regulated or approved by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement
between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments or
currencies for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the
final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or
otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the
contract).
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are
instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit
or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be
liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the
underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous
to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures
contracts are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will
be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging and Other Strategies. Hedging is an attempt to establish with more
certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return
on portfolio securities or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire or the
exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or
denominated. When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling,
the Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio
securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are
falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of
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futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later
be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. The Fund may
seek to offset anticipated changes in the value of a currency in which its
portfolio securities, or securities that it intends to purchase, are quoted or
denominated by purchasing and selling futures contracts on such currencies.
The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by
selling futures contracts in an attempt to hedge against an anticipated rise in
interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that
would adversely affect the dollar value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such
futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities
held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the
Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may sell futures contracts on
any currencies in which its portfolio securities are quoted or denominated or in
one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities
denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical
pattern of correlation between the two currencies.
If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation
between price trends for the Fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts
based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the
Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy.
Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the Fund's portfolio
may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Adviser
will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on
historical patterns and compensate for any differential by having the Fund enter
into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve
only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund's portfolio
securities.
When a short hedging position is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a
decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable
market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available. The Fund
may also purchase futures contracts as a substitute for transactions in
securities or foreign currency, to alter the investment characteristics of or
currency exposure associated with]portfolio securities or to gain or increase
its exposure to a particular securities market or currency.
Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and write options on futures
for the same purposes as its transactions in futures contracts. The purchase of
put and call options on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not
the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the
underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the
purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of
the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk
of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium
and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may
partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By writing a call
option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium (upon exercise
of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may
have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put
option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an
11
<PAGE>
increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However,
the Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures
contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the
exercise price. The loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option of the same series. There
is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Other Considerations. The Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions either for bona fide hedging purposes or to seek to increase total
return as permitted by the CFTC. To the extent that the Fund is using futures
and related options for hedging purposes, futures contracts will be sold to
protect against a decline in the price of securities (or the currency in which
they are quoted or denominated) that the Fund owns or futures contracts will be
purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities (or
the currency in which they are quoted or denominated) it intends to purchase.
The Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and
options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments which
it expects to purchase. As evidence of its hedging intent, the Fund expects that
on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or option
position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have
purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of
related securities (or assets denominated in the related currency) in the cash
market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out. However,
in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the Fund to do so,
a long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire without the
corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.
To the extent that the Fund engages in nonhedging transactions in futures
contracts and options on futures, the aggregate initial margin and premiums
required to establish these nonhedging positions will not exceed 5% of the net
asset value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized
profits and losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which such
options were in-the-money at the time of purchase. The Fund will engage in
transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such
transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for maintaining its qualifications as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.
Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating the Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
establish with the custodian a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and
options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. For
example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency
exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if
it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
Perfect correlation between the Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions
will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon
individual securities, except certain U.S. Government securities. The only
futures contracts available to hedge the Fund's portfolio are various futures on
U.S. Government securities, securities indices and foreign currencies. In the
event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio
position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be
obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. In addition, it is not
possible to hedge fully or protect against currency fluctuations affecting the
12
<PAGE>
value of securities denominated in foreign currencies because the value of such
securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent factors not related
to currency fluctuations.
Some futures contracts or options on futures may become illiquid under adverse
market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity
exchange may suspend or limit trading in a futures contract or related option,
which may make the instrument temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price
of a futures contract or related option can vary from the previous day's
settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that
day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the Fund from closing out
positions and limiting its losses.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities involved in the transaction. As a
result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy,
the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from liquidating the collateral. The
Fund may not lend portfolio securities having a total value exceeding 33% of its
total assets.
Rights and Warrants. The Fund may purchase warrants and rights which are
securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to purchase the
underlying securities at a predetermined price, subject to the Fund's Investment
Restrictions. Generally, warrants and stock purchase rights do not carry with
them the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to
the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of
the issuer. As a result, an investment in warrants and rights may be considered
to entail greater investment risk than certain other types of investments. In
addition, the value of warrants and rights does not necessarily change with the
value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not
exercised on or prior to their expiration date. Investment in warrants and
rights increase the potential profit or loss to be realized from the investment
of a given amount of the Fund's assets as compared with investing the same
amount in the underlying stock. No such purchase will be made by the Fund,
however, if the Fund's holdings of warrants (valued at lower of cost or market)
would exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets as a result of the
purchase. In addition, the Fund will not purchase rights or warrants which is
not listed on the New York or American Stock Exchange of the purchase would
result in the Fund's only unlisted warrants on an amount exceed of 2% of its net
assets.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to
be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. For
when-issued transactions, no payment is made until delivery is due, often a
month or more after the purchase. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund
contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond
customary settlement time.
When the Fund engages in forward commitment and when-issued transactions it
relies on the seller to consummate the transaction. The failure of the issuer or
seller to consummate the transaction may result in the Fund's losing the
opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered to be advantageous. The
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis also
involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
prior to the settlement date.
13
<PAGE>
On the date the Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, equal in value to
the Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and
additional cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the
extent that the total value of the assets in the account declines below the
amount of the when-issued commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into
offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
Short-Term Trading and Portfolio Turnover. Short-term trading means the purchase
and subsequent sale of a security after it has been held for a relatively brief
period of time. As a matter of nonfundamental policy, the Fund may engage in
short-term trading in response to stock market conditions, changes in interest
rates or other economic trends and developments, or to take advantage of yield
disparities between various fixed income securities in order to realize capital
gains or improve income. Short-term trading may have the effect of increasing
the Fund's portfolio turnover rate. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or
greater) involves correspondingly greater brokerage expenses. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rate is set forth in the table under the caption "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions will
not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information means the approval by the lesser of (1) the holders of
67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at a meeting by more than 50% of
the Fund's outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy at that meeting
or (2) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
1. Invest in real estate (including interests in real estate
investment trusts).
2. Invest in a company having a record of less than three years'
continuous operation, which may include the operations of any
predecessor company or enterprise to which the company has
succeeded by merger, consolidation, reorganization or purchase
of assets.
3. Invest in commodities or in commodity contracts or in puts,
calls, or combinations of both except options on securities,
securities indices, currency and other financial instruments,
futures contracts on securities, securities indices, currency
and other financial instruments, options on such futures
contracts, forward commitments, forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, interest rate or currency swaps,
securities index put or call warrants and repurchase
agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's
investment policies.
4. Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that, in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the
Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the
Securities Act of 1933.
5. Buy securities on margin or sell short.
14
<PAGE>
6. Purchase securities of a company in which any officer or
trustee of the Trust or the Adviser owns beneficially more
than of 1% of the securities of such company and all such
officers and trustees own beneficially in the aggregate more
than 5% of the securities of such company.
7. Borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes, and
then not in excess of 10% of its gross assets taken at cost.
Assets taken at market may not be pledged to an extent greater
than 15% of gross assets taken at cost (although this would
permit the Fund to pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its
portfolio securities to the extent that the percentage of
pledged securities would exceed 10% of the offering price of
the Fund's shares, it will not do so as a matter of operating
policy in order to comply with certain state statutes or
investment restrictions); any such loan must be from a bank
and the value of the Fund's assets, including the proceeds of
the loan, less other liabilities of the Fund, must be at least
three times the amount of the loan. (Although the Fund has
never borrowed any money or pledged any portion of its assets,
and has no intention of doing so, in the event that such
borrowing became necessary, the Fund expects that additional
portfolio securities would not be purchased while the
borrowing is outstanding). The borrowing restriction set forth
above does not prohibit the use of reverse repurchase
agreements, in an amount (including any borrowings) not to
exceed 33 1/3% of net assets.
8. Make loans to any of its officers or trustees, or to any
firms, corporations or syndicates in which officers or
trustees of the Trust have an aggregate interest of 10% or
more. It is the intention of the Trust not to make loans of
any nature, except the Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements and lend its portfolio securities (as permitted by
the Investment Company Act of 1940) as referred to under
"Investment Objectives and Policies" above. In addition, the
purchase of a portion of an issue of a publicly issued
corporate debt security is not considered to be the making of
a loan.
9. Purchase any securities, other than obligations of domestic
banks or of the U.S. Government, or its agencies or
instrumentalities, if as a result of such purchase more than
25% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested
in the securities of issuers in any one industry.
10. Issue senior securities as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules
thereunder; except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have
issued a senior security by reason of entering into a
repurchase agreement or engaging in permitted borrowings.
11. Purchase securities which will result in the Fund's holdings
of the issuer thereof to be more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets (exclusive of U.S. Government securities).
12. Purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any class
of securities of any one issuer.
Nonfundamental Investment Restriction. The following restrictions are designated
as nonfundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without the shareholder
approval.
The Fund may not purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of other investment
companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than 3% of the total outstanding voting
15
<PAGE>
securities of any one investment company, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of any one investment company.
These limitations do not apply to (a) the investment of cash collateral,
received by the Fund in connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities,
in the securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the purchase of shares
of any investment company in connection with a merger, consolidation,
reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the assets of another
investment company. Subject to the above percentage limitations, the Fund may,
in connection with the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan
for Independent Trustees/Directors, purchase securities of other investment
companies within the John Hancock Group of Funds.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by its Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Fund are
also officers or directors of the Adviser or officers and directors of the
Fund's principal distributor, John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock Funds").
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and
President, John Hancock Funds, Inc.
("John Hancock Funds"); Chairman,
First Signature Bank and Trust
Company; Director, John Hancock
Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Insurance
Agency, Inc."), John Hancock
Advisers International (Ireland)
Limited ("International Ireland"),
John Hancock Capital Corporation
and New England/Canada Business
Council; Member, Investment Company
Institute Board of Governors;
Director, Asia Strategic Growth
Fund, Inc.; Trustee, Museum of
Science; Director, John Hancock
Freedom Securities Corporation
(until September 1996); Director,
John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual Insurance Company
(insurance), Health Plan Services,
Inc., Massachusetts Health and
Education Tax Exempt Trust, Flagship
Healthcare, Inc., Carlin Insurance
Agency, Inc., West Insurance Agency,
Inc. (until May 1995), Uno
Restaurant Corp.; Chairman,
Massachusetts Board of Higher
Education (since 1995).
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company);
Director, Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Texas Commerce Bank - Austin.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of
1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Charles F. Fretz Trustee Retired; self employed; Former Vice
RD #5, Box 300B President and Director, Towers,
Clothier Springs Road Perrin, Foster & Crosby, Inc.
Malvern, PA 19355 (international management
June 1928 consultants) (1952-1985).
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser; Trustee,
Boston, MA 02199 The Berkeley Group; Director, John
April 1953 Hancock Funds, Advisers
International, Insurance Agency,
Inc. and International Ireland;
President and Director, SAMCorp. and
NM Capital; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Director, Energy North, Inc. (public
UGI Corporation utility holding company) (until
P.O. Box 858 1992); Senior Vice President of UGI
Valley Forge, PA 19482 Corp. Holding Company Public
February 1938 Utilities, LPGAS, Vice President of
Amerigas Partners L.P.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, PanEnergy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm) (1980-1993);
Former Director, Greater Houston
Partnership (1980 -1995).
Patricia P. McCarter Trustee Director and Secretary, The McCarter
1230 Brentford Road Corp. (machine manufacturer).
Malvern, PA 19355
May 1928
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of
1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 33942 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Life
John Hancock Place Company; Director, the Adviser,
P.O. Box 111 Advisers International, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02117 Funds, John Hancock Distributors,
August 1937 Inc., Insurance Agency, Inc., John
Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp.
and NM Capital; Director, The
Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Robert G. Freedman Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Vice Chairman and Chief Investment
101 Huntington Avenue Officer (2) Officer, the Adviser; Director, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, Advisers International,
July 1938 John Hancock Funds, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Southeastern Thrift & Bank Fund and
NM Capital; Director and Senior
Vice President, The Berkeley Group;
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James B. Little Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President, the Adviser,
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02199 Funds.
February 1935
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services and John Hancock
July 1950 Funds; Secretary, NM Capital and
SAMCorp.; Clerk, Insurance Agency,
Inc.; Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company (until
February 1996), and Vice President
of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
(until April 1994).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group; Vice
March 1950 President, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994).
James J. Stokowski Vice President and Treasurer Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Fund and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Ms. Hodsdon and Messrs. Boudreau and
Scipione, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Trust
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
received no compensation from the Funds for their services.
Total Compensation
from all Funds in
Aggregate John Hancock Fund
Compensation Complex to
Independent Trustees from the Fund+ Trustees**
James F. Carlin $ 2,888 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham* 2,888 74,000
Charles F. Fretz 2,888 74,250
Harold R. Hiser, Jr.* 2,888 74,000
Charles L. Ladner 2,888 74,250
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 2,888 74,250
Patricia P. McCarter* 2,888 74,250
Steven R. Pruchansky* 3,024 77,250
Norman H. Smith* 3,024 77,250
John P. Toolan* 2,888 74,250
-------- ----------
Total $ 29,152 $ 747,750
+The compensation to the Trustees from the Fund shown below is for the Fund's
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
*As of December 31, 1997, the value of the aggregate accrued deferred
compensation from all funds in the John Hancock Fund complex for Mr. Cunningham
was $220,106, for Mr. Hiser was $103,868, for Ms. McCarter was $159,075, for Mr.
Pruchansky was $68,102, for Mr. Smith was $70,607 and for Mr. Toolan was
$281,133 under the John Hancock Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent
Trustees.
**The total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.
As of that date, there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Funds
Complex, with each of these Independent Trustees serving thirty-two
funds.
All of the officers listed are officers or employees of the Adviser or
affiliated companies. Some of the Trustees and officers may also be officers
and/or Trustees and/or Trustees of one or more of the other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of April 1, 1998, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of
that date, the following shareholders beneficially owned 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of the Fund:
24
<PAGE>
Name and Address Percentage of Outstanding
of Shareholder Class of Shares Shares of Class of Fund
- -------------- --------------- -----------------------
MLPF&S For The Sole Benefit Of Its B 7.14%
Customers
Attn: Fund Administration
4800 Deerlake Drive East
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Fund and the other mutual funds and
publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds, having
a combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The Adviser is an affiliate of
the Life Company, one of the most recognized and respected financial
institutions in the nation. With total assets under management of more than $100
billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest life insurance companies in
the United States and carries a high rating from Standard & Poor's and A.M.
Best's. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been serving clients for over 130
years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser, which was approved by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held sold or exchanged and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including expenses
of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders' reports, notices,
prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory agencies; expenses
relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of shares; government
fees; interest charges; expenses of furnishing to shareholders their account
statements; taxes; expenses of redeeming shares; brokerage and other expenses
connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions; expenses
pursuant to the Fund's plan of distribution; fees and expenses of custodian
including those for keeping books and accounts and calculating the net asset
value of shares; fees and expenses of transfer agents and dividend disbursing
agents; legal, accounting, financial, management, tax and auditing fees and
expenses of the Fund (including an allocable portion of the cost of the
Adviser's employees rendering such services to the Fund; the compensation and
expenses of trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the Trust, the
Adviser or any of their affiliates; expenses of Trustees' and shareholders'
meetings; trade association memberships; insurance premiums; and any
extraordinary expenses.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Adviser monthly a fee based on a stated percentage of the average daily net
assets, equal on an annual basis to 0.625% of the Fund.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of average daily net assets.
The Adviser retains the right to reimpose a fee and recover any other payments
to the extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's annual expenses
fall below this limit. The Adviser has agreed to reduce its management fee for
Growth and Income Fund by $150,000 in total during the fiscal year of 1998 only.
25
<PAGE>
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995, advisory fees paid by the Fund to
Transamerica Fund Management Company ("TFMC"), the Fund's former investment
adviser and the Adviser amounted to $468,939 and $972,142 respectively. For the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1996, the advisory fee paid by the Fund to the
Adviser amounted to $1,616,654. For the period from September 1, 1996 to
December 31, 1996, and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the advisory
fee paid by the Fund to the Adviser amounted to $616,603 and $2,735,337,
respectively.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser or its affiliates provide investment
advice. Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a
particular security may be bought for one or more funds or clients when one or
more are selling the same security. If opportunities for purchase or sale of
securities by the Adviser or for other funds or clients for which the Adviser
renders investment advice arise for consideration at or about the same time,
transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the
respective funds or clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them. To the
extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser or its
affiliates may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply
of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable to the Fund or its
shareholders for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which its Advisory
Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from
its reckless disregard of the obligations and duties under the Advisory
Agreement.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If the Fund's
Advisory Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it
lawfully can) will cease to use such name or any other name indicating that it
is advised by or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser
or the Life Company may grant the non-exclusive right to use the name "John
Hancock" or any similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but
not limited to any investment company of which the Life Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof or any successor to the business of any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof shall be the investment adviser.
The continuation of the Advisory Agreement and Distribution Agreement (discussed
below) was last approved by all of the Trustees. The Advisory Agreement, and the
Distribution Agreement will continue in effect from year to year, provided that
its continuance is approved annually both (I) by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Trustees, and (ii) by a
majority of the Trustees who are no parties to the Agreement or "interested
persons" of any such parties. Both agreements may be terminated on 60 days
written notice by any party or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and will terminate automatically if assigned.
Administrative Services Agreement. The Fund was a party to an administrative
services agreement with TFMC (the "Services Agreement"), pursuant to which TFMC
performed bookkeeping and accounting services and functions, including preparing
and maintaining various accounting books, records and other documents and
keeping such general ledgers and portfolio accounts as are reasonably necessary
for the operation of the Fund. Other administrative services included
communications in response to shareholder inquiries and certain printing
expenses of various financial reports. In addition, staff and office space,
facilities and equipment was provided as necessary to provide administrative
services to the Fund. The Services Agreement was amended in connection with the
appointment of the Adviser as adviser to the Fund to permit services under the
26
<PAGE>
Agreement to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser and its affiliates. The
Services Agreement was terminated during the fiscal year 1995.
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1995, the Fund paid to TFMC (pursuant to
the Services Agreement) $31,385 of which $20,130 was retained by TFMC and
$11,255, respectively, was paid for certain data processing and pricing
information services.
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting
and legal services. For the period from September 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996,
the Fund paid the Adviser $27,211 for services under this Agreement. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund paid the Adviser $79,241 for
services under this Agreement.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser and
the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal securities trading by
personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. Some of these restrictions are:
pre-clearance for all personal trades and a ban on the purchase of initial
public offerings, as well as contributions to specified charities of profits on
securities held for less than 91 days. These restrictions are a continuation of
the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its shareholders come
first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds.
Under the agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to
sell shares of each class of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by
selected broker-dealers (the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling
agency agreements with John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for
the purchase of the shares of the Fund which are continually offered at net
asset value next determined, plus an applicable sales charge, if any. In
connection with the sale of Fund shares, John Hancock Funds and Selling Brokers
receive compensation from a sales charge imposed, in the case of Class A shares,
at the time of sale. In the case of Class B or Class C shares, the broker
receives compensation immediately but John Hancock Funds is compensated on a
deferred basis. John Hancock Funds may pay extra compensation to financial
services firms selling large amounts of fund shares. This compensation would be
calculated as a percentage of fund shares sold by the firm.
Total underwriting commissions for sales of the Fund's Class A shares for the
fiscal periods ended December 31, 1997, September 1, 1996 to December 31, 1996,
August 31, 1996 and August 31, 1995 were $1,420,957, $82,503, $322,955 and
$899,731, respectively, and $222,283, $13,029, $40,602 and $69,597 were retained
by John Hancock Funds in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The remainder of the
underwriting commissions were reallowed to dealers.
The Fund's Trustees adopted Distribution Plans with respect to each class of
shares (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Under the Plans, the Fund will pay distribution and service fees at an
aggregate annual rate of up to 25% for Class A and 1.00% for Class B and Class C
of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to shares of that class.
However, the service fee will not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to each class of shares. The distribution fees will be used
to reimburse John Hancock Funds for their distribution expenses, including but
not limited to: (i) initial and ongoing sales compensation to Selling Brokers
and others (including affiliates of John Hancock Funds) engaged in the sale of
Fund shares; (ii) marketing, promotional and overhead expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of Fund shares; and (iii) with respect to Class
B and Class C shares only, interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution
expenses. The service fees will be used to compensate Selling Brokers for
27
<PAGE>
providing personal and account maintenance services to shareholders. In the
event the John Hancock Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments or expenses
they incur under the Class A Plan, these expenses will not be carried beyond
twelve months from the date they were incurred. Unreimbursed expenses under the
Class B and Class C Plans will be carried forward together with interest on the
balance of these unreimbursed expenses. The Fund does not treat unreimbursed
expenses under Class B and Class C Plans as a liability of the Fund, because the
Trustees may terminate the Class B and/or Class C Plans at any time. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, an aggregate of $6,085,174 of distribution
expenses or 2.78% of the average net assets of the Class B shares of the Fund,
was not reimbursed or recovered by John Hancock Funds through the receipt of
deferred sales charges or Rule 12b-1 fees in prior periods. Class C shares did
not commence operations until May 1, 1998; therefore, there are no unreimbursed
expenses to report.
The Plans were approved by a majority of the voting securities of the Fund. The
Plans and all amendments were approved by the Trustees, including a majority of
the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct
or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans (the "Independent
Trustees"), by votes cast in person at meetings called for the purpose of voting
on such Plans.
Pursuant to the Plans, at least quarterly, John Hancock Funds provides the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which the expenditures were made. The Trustees review these reports on a
quarterly basis to determine their continued appropriateness.
The Plans provide that they will continue in effect only so long as their
continuance is approved at least annually by a majority of both the Trustees and
Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated without
penalty, (a) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, (b) by a vote of
a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares of the applicable class upon 60
days' written notice to John Hancock Funds, and (c) automatically in the event
of assignment. The Plans further provide that they may not be amended to
increase the maximum amount of the fees for the services described therein
without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class of the
Fund which has voting rights with respect to that Plan. Each Plan provides, that
no material amendment to the Plans will be effective unless it is approved by a
majority vote of the Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the Fund. The
holders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Plan applicable to their respective class of shares. In adopting
the Plans, the Trustees concluded that, in their judgment, these is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the holders of the applicable class of
shares of the Fund.
Amounts paid to John Hancock Funds by any class of shares of the Fund will not
be used to pay the expenses incurred with respect to any other class of shares
of the Fund; provided, however, that expenses attributable to the Fund as a
whole will be allocated, to the extent permitted by law, according to a formula
based upon gross sales dollars and/or average daily net assets of each such
class, as may be approved from time to time by vote of a majority of Trustees.
From time to time, the Fund may participate in joint distribution activities
with other Funds and the costs of those activities will be borne by each Fund in
proportion to the relative net asset value of the participating Funds.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Funds paid John Hancock
Funds the following amounts of expenses in connection with their services of the
Fund. Class C shares did not commence operations until May 1, 1998; therefore,
there are no expenses to report.
28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and Interest
Mailing of Expenses of Carrying or
Prospectus to Compensation John Other Finance
New to Selling Hancock Finance
Shares Advertising Shareholders Brokers Funds Charges
------ ----------- ------------ ------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $ 88,089 $ 5,508 $238,259 $215,867 $ --
Class B $ 319,168 $18,420 $668,273 $796,424 $370,690
</TABLE>
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares,
the following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the mean
between the current closing bid and asked prices.
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded. Any assets or liabilities expressed in terms of
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by the custodian bank based
on London currency exchange quotations as of 5:00 p.m., London time (12:00 noon,
New York time) on the date of any determination of the Fund's NAV. If quotations
are not readily available , or the value has been materially affected by the
events occurring after closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a
method that the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
The NAV for each fund and class is determined each business day at the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) by dividing a class's net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
On any day an international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is
open, any foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the
current day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on
Saturdays and U.S. business holidays on which the Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
29
<PAGE>
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A SHARES
Shares of the Fund are offered at a price equal to their net asset value plus a
sales charge which, at the option of the purchaser, may be imposed either at the
time of purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or on a contingent
deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Share certificates
will not be issued unless requested by the shareholder in writing, and then they
will only be issued for full shares. The Trustees reserve the right to change or
waive a Fund's minimum investment requirements and to reject any order to
purchase shares (including purchase by exchange) when in the judgment of the
Adviser such rejection is in the Fund's best interest.
The sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund are
described in the Prospectus. Methods of obtaining reduced sales charges referred
to generally in the Prospectus are described in detail below. In calculating the
sales charge applicable to current purchases of Class A shares, the investor is
entitled to cumulate current purchases with the greater of the current value (at
offering price) of the Class A shares of the Fund, owned by the Investor, or if
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") is notified by the
investor's dealer or the investor at the time of the purchase, the cost of the
Class A shares owned.
Without Sales Charge. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or CDSC to various individuals and institutions as follows:
o A Trustee or officer of the Trust; a Director or officer of the Adviser
and its affiliates or Selling Brokers; employees or sales
representatives of any of the foregoing; retired officers, employees or
Directors of any of the foregoing; a member of the immediate family
(spouse, children, grandchildren, mother, father, sister, brother,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, niece,
nephew, grandparents and domestic partner) of any of the foregoing; or
any fund, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan of the
individuals described above.
o A broker, dealer, financial planner, consultant or registered
investment advisor that has entered into a signed agreement with John
Hancock Funds providing specifically for the use of Fund shares in
fee-based investment products or services made available to their
clients.
o A former participant in an employee benefit plan with John Hancock
funds, when he or she withdraws from his or her plan and transfers any
or all of his or her plan distributions directly to the Fund.
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch servicing programs, if
the Plan has more than $3 million in assets or 500 eligible employees
at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping
Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial consultant for
further information.
o Retirment plans investing through the PruArray Program sponsored by
Prudential Securities.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the
inception of the Fund account. Each of these investors may purchase
Class A shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
redeemed within 12 months after the end of the calendar year in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC will be imposed at the following rate:
30
<PAGE>
Amount Invested CDSC Rate
--------------- ---------
$1 to $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $5 million to $9,999,999 0.50%
Amounts of $10 million and over 0.25%
Class A shares may also be purchased without an initial sales charge in
connection with certain liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies or personal holding companies.
Combination Privilege. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases
of Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined to reduce
sales charges if made by (a) an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21, purchasing securities for his or their own account, (b) a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or fiduciary
account and (c) groups which qualify for the Group Investment Program (see
below). Further information about combined purchases, including certain
restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature Services
or a Selling Broker's representative.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of the reduced
sales charge by taking into account not only the amount being invested but also
the investor's purchase price or current value of the Class A shares of all John
Hancock funds which carry a sales charge already held by such person. Class A
shares of John Hancock money market funds will only be eligible for the
accumulation privilege if the investor has previously paid a sales charge on the
amount of those shares. Retirement plan investors may include the value of Class
B shares if Class B shares held are greater than $1 million. Retirement plans
must notify Signature Services to utilize.
Group Investment Program. Under the Combination and Accumulation Privileges,
all members of a group may combine their individual purchases of Class A shares
to potentially qualify for breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. This
feature is provided to any group which (1) has been in existence for more than
six months, (2) has a legitimate purpose other than the purchase of mutual fund
shares at a discount for its members, (3) utilizes salary deduction or similar
group methods of payment, and (4) agrees to allow sales materials of the fund in
its mailings to members at a reduced or no cost to John Hancock Funds.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
pursuant to a Letter of Intention (LOI), which should be read carefully prior to
its execution by an investor. The Fund offers two options regarding the
specified period for making investments under the LOI. All investors have the
option of making their investments over a period of thirteen (13) months.
Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a retirement plan,
however, may opt to make the necessary investments called for by the LOI over a
forty-eight (48) month period. These retirement plans include Traditional, Roth
and Education IRAs, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including TSAs), SIMPLE IRA,
SIMPLE 401(k), Money Purchase Pension, Profit Sharing and Section 457 plans.
Such an investment (including accumulations and combinations) must aggregate
$50,000 or more invested during the specified period from the date of the LOI or
from a date within ninety (90) days prior thereto, upon written request to
Signature Services. The sales charge applicable to all amounts invested under
the LOI is computed as if the aggregate amount intended to be invested had been
invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not actually invested, the
difference in the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge payable had
the LOI not been in effect is due from the investor. However, for the purchases
actually made within the specified period (either 13 or 48 months) the sales
31
<PAGE>
charge applicable will not be higher than that which would have been applied
(including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI been for the amount
actually invested.
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient Class A
shares (approximately 5% of the aggregate) to make up any difference in sales
charges on the amount intended to be invested and the amount actually invested,
until such investment is completed within the specified period, at which time
the escrowed Class A shares will be released. If the total investment specified
in the LOI is not completed, the Class A shares held in escrow may be redeemed
and the proceeds used as required to pay such sales charges as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed Class A shares and adjust the sales
charge, if necessary. A LOI does not constitute a binding commitment by an
investor to purchase, or by the Fund to sell, any additional Class A shares and
may be terminated at any time.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B AND C SHARES
Investments in Class B and Class C shares are purchased at net asset value per
share without the imposition of a sales charge so the Fund will receive the full
amount of the purchase payment.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed
within six years or one year of purchase, respectively, will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at the rates set forth in the
Prospectus as a percentage of the dollar amount subject to the CDSC. The charge
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or
the original purchase cost of the Class B and Class C shares being redeemed. No
CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase
prices, including all shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital
gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service retirement plans administered
by Signature Services or the Life Company that had more than 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchases of both Class B and Class C
shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month.
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the calculation will be
determined in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged.
It will be assumed that your redemption comes first from shares you have held
beyond the six-year CDSC redemption period for Class B or one year CDSC
redemption period for Class C or those you acquired through dividend and capital
gain reinvestment, and next from the shares you have held the longest during the
six-year period for Class B shares. For this purpose, the amount of any increase
in a share's value above its initial purchase price is not regarded as a share
exempt from CDSC. Thus, when a share that has appreciated in value is redeemed
during the CDSC period, a CDSC is assessed only on its initial purchase price.
When requesting a redemption for a specific dollar amount please indicate if you
require the proceeds to equal the dollar amount requested. If not indicated,
only the specified dollar amount will be redeemed from your account and the
proceeds will be less any applicable CDSC.
32
<PAGE>
Example:
You have purchased 100 shares at $10 per share. The second year after your
purchase, your investment's net asset value per share has increased by $2 to
$12, and you have gained 10 additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If
you redeem 50 shares at this time your CDSC will be calculated as follows:
oProceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per shares (50 x 12) $600.00
o*Minus Appreciation ($12 - $10) x 100 shares (200.00)
oMinus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC
(dividend reinvestment) (120.00)
-------
oAmount subject to CDSC $280.00
*The appreciation is based on all 100 shares in the lot not just the
shares being redeemed.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to John Hancock Funds and are used in whole or
in part by John Hancock Funds to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the
Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to select
Selling Brokers for selling Class B and Class C shares. The combination of the
CDSC and the distribution and service fees facilitates the ability of the Fund
to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at
the time of the purchase.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC will be waived on
redemptions of Class B shares and Class C shares and of Class A shares that are
subject to CDSC, unless indicated otherwise, in the circumstances defined below:
For all account types:
* Redemptions made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate your account
if you own shares worth less than $1,000.
* Redemptions made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability. (Does not apply to Trust
accounts unless Trust is being dissolved.)
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemption of Class B or Class C shares where the proceeds are used to
purchase a John Hancock Declaration Variable Annuity.
* Redemptions of Class B (but not Class C) shares made under a periodic
withdrawal plan, or redemptions for fees charged by planners or
advisors for advisory services, as long as your annual redemptions do
not exceed 12% of your account value, including reinvested dividends,
at the time you established your periodic withdrawal plan and 12% of
the value of subsequent investments (less redemptions) in that account
at the time you notify Signature Services. (Please note that this
waiver does not apply to periodic withdrawal plan redemptions of Class
A or Class C shares that are subject to a CDSC).
* Redemptions by Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch
servicing programs, if the Plan has less than $3 million in assets or
500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
33
<PAGE>
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
* Redemptions of Class A or Class C shares by retirement plans that
invested through the PruArray Program sponsored by Prudential
Securities.
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Rollover IRA,
TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and
other plans as described in the Internal Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted.
* Redemptions made to effect mandatory or life expectancy distributions
under the Internal Revenue Code.
* Returns of excess contributions made to these plans.
* Redemptions made to effect distributions to participants or
beneficiaries from employer sponsored retirement plans under Section
401(a) of the Code (such as 401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit
Sharing Plan).
*Redemptions from certain IRA and retirement plans that purchased
shares prior to October 1, 1992 and certain IRA accounts that purchased
shares prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for reference.
34
<PAGE>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B and Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of 401(a) 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-
Distribution Plan Rollover retirement
(401(k),
MPP, PSP)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
mandatory account
distri- value
butions annually in
or 12% of periodic
account payments
value
annually
in
periodic
payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
and 70 1/2 Life account
Expec- value
tancy or annually in
12% of periodic
account payments
value
annually
in
periodic
payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived for Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
annuity for for annuity account
payments annuity annuity payments value
(72t) or payments payments (72t) or annually in
12% of (72t) or (72t) or 12% of periodic
account 12% of 12% of account payments
value account account value
annually value value annually
in period annually annually in
payments in in periodic
periodic periodic payments
payments payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans Waived Waived N/A N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Termination of Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived N/A
Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardships Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of Waived Waived Waived Waived N/A
Excess
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you qualify for a CDSC waiver under one of these situations, you must notify
Signature Services at the time you make your redemption. The waiver will be
granted once Signature Services has confirmed that you are entitled to the
waiver.
35
<PAGE>
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although it would not normally do so, the Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholder will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. The Fund has
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule the Fund must redeem shares for cash except to the extent that
the redemption payment to any shareholder during any 90-day period would exceed
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the beginning of
such period.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Exchange Privilege. The Fund permits exchanges of shares of any class of the
Fund for shares of the same class in any other John Hancock fund offering that
class.
Exchanges between funds with shares that are not subject to a CDSC are based on
their respective net asset values. No sales charge or transactions charge is
imposed. Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into
shares of any of the other John Hancock funds that are subject to a CDSC without
incurring the CDSC; however, the shares acquired in an exchange will be subject
to the CDSC schedule of the shares acquired if and when such shares are redeemed
(except that shares exchanged into John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund
and John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund will retain the exchanged
fund's CDSC schedule). For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon
redemption of shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of the original
shares is added to the holding period of the shares acquired in an exchange.
If a shareholder exchanges Class B shares purchased prior to January 1, 1994
(except John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund) for Class B shares of any
other John Hancock fund, the acquired shares will continue to be subject to the
CDSC schedule that was in effect when the exchanged shares were purchased.
The Fund reserves the right to require that previously exchanged shares (and
reinvested dividends) be in the Fund for 90 days before a shareholder is
permitted a new exchange.
The Fund may refuse any exchange order. The Fund may change or cancel its
exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal Income Tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss. See "TAX STATUS".
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The Fund permits the establishment of a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. Payments under this plan represent proceeds arising from the
redemption of Fund shares which may result in realization of gain or loss for
purposes of Federal, state and local income taxes. The maintenance of a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
the Fund could be disadvantageous to a shareholder because of the initial sales
charge payable on such purchases of Class A shares and the CDSC imposed on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and because redemptions are taxable
events. Therefore, a shareholder should not purchase shares at the same time a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves the right to modify
36
<PAGE>
or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of any shareholder on 30 days'
prior written notice to such shareholder, or to discontinue the availability of
such plan in the future. The shareholder may terminate the plan at any time by
giving proper notice to Signature Services.
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program ("MAAP"). The program is explained in the
Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic investment checks, is
subject to the following conditions:
The investments will be drawn on or about the day of the month indicated.
The privilege of making investments through the MAAP may be revoked by Signature
Services without prior notice if any investment is not honored by the
shareholder's bank. The bank shall be under no obligation to notify the
shareholder as to the non-payment of any checks.
The program may be discontinued by the shareholder either by calling Signature
Services or upon written notice to Signature Services which is received at least
five (5) business days prior to the due date of any investment.
Reinstatement or Reinvestment Privilege. If Signature Services is notified prior
to reinvestment, a shareholder who has redeemed Fund shares may, within 120 days
after the date of redemption, reinvest without payment of a sales charge any
part of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of the Fund or
another John Hancock fund, subject to the minimum investment limit of that fund.
The proceeds from the redemption of Class A shares may be reinvested at net
asset value without paying a sales charge in Class A shares of the Fund or in
Class A shares of any John Hancock fund. If a CDSC was paid upon a redemption, a
shareholder may reinvest the proceeds from this redemption at net asset value in
additional shares of the class from which the redemption was made. The
shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any CDSC charged upon
the prior redemption and the new shares will continue to be subject to the CDSC.
The holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will, for
purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption, include the
holding period of the redeemed shares.
To protect the interests of other investors in the Fund, the Fund may cancel the
reinvestment privilege of any parties that, in the opinion of the Fund, are
using market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. Also, the Fund may refuse any reinvestment
request.
The Fund may change or cancel its reinvestment policies at any time.
A redemption or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for Federal
income tax purposes even if the reinvestment privilege is exercised, and any
gain or loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption or other disposition of
Fund shares will be treated for tax purposes as described under the caption "TAX
STATUS".
Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch's servicing programs:
Class A shares are available at net asset value for plans with $3 million in
plan assets or 500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. If the plan does not meet either
of these limits, Class A shares are not available.
For participating retirement plans investing in Class B shares, shares will
convert to Class A shares after eight years, or sooner if the plan attains
assets of $5 million (by means of a CDSC-free redemption/purchase at net asset
value).
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DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, without
par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the authority to
create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without
further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund and one other
series. The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the Trustees to classify and
reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any new series of the Trust, into one or
more classes. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
Trustees have authorized the issuance of three classes of shares of the Fund,
designated as Class A and Class B and Class C.
The shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal proportionate interest
in the aggregate net assets attributable to that class of the Fund. Holders of
each class of shares have certain exclusive voting rights on matters relating to
their respective distribution plans. The different classes of the Fund may bear
different expenses relating to the cost of holding shareholder meetings
necessitated by the exclusive voting rights of any class of shares.
Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be
in the same amount, except for differences resulting from the facts that (i) the
distribution and service fees relating to each class will be borne exclusively
by that class; (ii) Class B and Class C shares will pay higher distribution and
service fees than Class A shares; and (iii) each class of shares will bear any
class expenses properly allocable to that class of shares, subject to the
conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with respect to the
multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per share may vary
depending on which class of shares are purchased. No interest will be paid on
uncashed dividend or redemption checks.
In the event of liquidation, shareholders of each class are entitled to share
pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to these
shareholders. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share, are freely
transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. When
issued shares are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Fund has no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Fund shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall promptly
call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by the record
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with a request for a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business Trust could
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the Trust. However, Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts, obligations and affairs of the Fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the Fund's assets
for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable by reason
of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the liabilities of any other
series. Furthermore, no Fund included in this Fund's prospectus shall be liable
for the liabilities of any other John Hancock fund. Liability is therefore
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limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is remote.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with the
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept credit card checks. All checks returned by the
post office as undeliverable will be reinvested at net asset value in the fund
or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend paid. Use of information
provided on the account application may be used by the Fund to verify the
accuracy of the information or for background or financial history purposes. A
joint account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of
survivorship, unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different
intent. A shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
TAX STATUS
Each series of the Trust, including the Fund, is treated as a separate entity
for tax purposes. The Fund has qualified as a "regulated investment company"
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify in each taxable year. As such and
by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code regarding the sources of
its income, the timing of its distributions, and the diversification of its
assets, the Fund will not be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income
(including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to shareholders in
accordance with the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% non-deductible Federal excise tax on certain
amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. The Fund
intends under normal circumstances to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distributions from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits
("E&P") will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If
these distributions are paid from the Fund's "investment company taxable
income," they will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the
Fund's "net capital gain," they will be taxable as capital gain. (Net capital
gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and
capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net
capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) As a result of federal
tax legislation enacted on August 5, 1997 (the "Act"), gain recognized after May
6, 1997 from the sale of a capital asset is taxable to individual (noncorporate)
investors at different maximum federal income tax rates, depending generally
upon the tax holding period for the asset, the federal income tax bracket of the
taxpayer, and the dates the asset was acquired and/or sold. The Treasury
Department has issued guidance under the Act that enables the Fund to pass
through to its shareholders the benefits of the capital gains rates enacted in
the Act. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on the correct
application of these new rules in their particular circumstances. Some
distributions may be paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as if
they had been received on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment
described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
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<PAGE>
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
If the Fund invests in stock (including an option to acquire stock such as is
inherent in a convertible bond) of certain foreign corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends certain rents and royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of
their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign
investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to Federal income tax and
additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
These investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains
as ordinary income. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may be
available to ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election
would require the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the
concurrent receipt of cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in
passive foreign investment companies or make an available election to minimize
its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection with
certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities,
certain foreign currency options, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign
currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are
subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses
to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing
and character of distributions to shareholders. Transactions in foreign
currencies that are not directly related to the Fund's investment in stock or
securities, including speculative currency positions, could under future
Treasury regulations produce income not among the types of "qualifying income"
from which the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income for each
taxable year. If the net foreign exchange loss for a year treated as ordinary
loss under Section 988 were to exceed the Fund's investment company taxable
income computed without regard to such loss, the resulting overall ordinary loss
for such year would not be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future
years.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Some tax
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. The Fund does not expect to qualify to pass such taxes through to its
shareholders, who consequently will not take such taxes into account on their
own tax returns. However, the Fund will deduct such taxes in determining the
amount it has available for distribution to shareholders.
The amount of the Fund's realized capital gains, if any, in any given year will
vary depending upon the Adviser's current investment strategy and whether the
Adviser believes it to be in the best interest of the Fund to dispose of
portfolio securities and/or engage in options, futures or forward transactions
that will generate capital gains. At the time of an investor's purchase of Fund
shares, a portion of the purchase price is often attributable to realized or
unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio or undistributed taxable income
of the Fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions from such appreciation or
income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset value of the
investor's shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the
investor's cost for such shares, and the distributions in reality represent a
return of a portion of the purchase price.
Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund (including by
exercise of the exchange privilege) in a transaction that is treated as a sale
for tax purposes, a shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss depending
upon the amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his shares. Such
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<PAGE>
gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital
assets in the shareholder's hands and will be long-term or short-term, depending
upon the shareholder's tax holding period for the shares and subject to the
special rules described below. A sales charge paid in purchasing Class A shares
of the Fund cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or
loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their
purchase to the extent shares of the Fund or another John Hancock Fund are
subsequently acquired without payment of a sales charge pursuant to the
reinvestment or exchange privilege. This disregarded charge will result in an
increase in the shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently acquired.
Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed to the
extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within
a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares
are disposed of, such as pursuant to an election to reinvest dividends in
additional shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized upon the redemption
of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long-term capital gain with respect to such shares. Shareholders should consult
their own tax advisers regarding their particular circumstances to determine
whether a disposition of Fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax
purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing discussion. Also, future Treasury
Department guidance issued to implement the Act may contain additional rules for
determining the tax treatment of sales of Fund shares held for various periods,
including the treatment of losses on the sales of shares held for six months or
less that are recharacterized as long-term capital losses, as described above.
Although its present intention is to distribute, at least annually, all net
capital gain, if any, the Fund reserves the right to retain and reinvest all or
any portion of the excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss in any year. The Fund
will not in any event distribute net capital gain realized in any year to the
extent that a capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such
gain. To the extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the
carryforward of prior years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal
income tax in the hands of the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by
the Fund, each shareholder would be treated for Federal income tax purposes as
if the Fund had distributed to him on the last day of its taxable year his pro
rata share of such excess, and he had paid his pro rata share of the taxes paid
by the Fund and reinvested the remainder in the Fund. Accordingly, each
shareholder would (a) include his pro rata share of such excess as capital gain
income in his return for his taxable year in which the last day of the Fund's
taxable year falls, (b) be entitled either to a tax credit on his return for, or
to a refund of, his pro rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund, and (c) be
entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis for his shares in the Fund by the
difference between his pro rata share of such excess and his pro rata share of
such taxes.
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
realized capital loss in any year to offset its net capital gains, if any,
during the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent
net capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in Federal
income tax liability to the Fund and, as noted above, would not be distributed
as such to shareholders. The Fund does not have any capital loss carry forwards.
For purposes of the dividends received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in
respect of the stock of such corporations held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) during a prescribed period extending before and after each
dividend and distributed and properly designated by the Fund may be treated as
qualifying dividends. Corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding
period requirement stated above (46 or 91 days) with respect to their shares of
the Fund for each dividend in order to qualify for the deduction and, if they
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have any debt that is deemed under the Code directly attributable to such
shares, may be denied a portion of the dividends received deduction. The entire
qualifying dividend, including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included
in determining the excess (if any) of a corporate shareholder's adjusted current
earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase its
alternative minimum tax liability, if any. Additionally, any corporate
shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its
basis in its shares may be reduced, for Federal income tax purposes, by reason
of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares, for the
purpose of computing its gain or loss on redemption or other disposition of the
shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced to zero, that current
recognition of income would be required.
The Fund is required to accrue income on any debt securities that have more than
a de minimis amount of original issue discount (or debt securities acquired at a
market discount, if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payment. The mark to
market rules or constructive sale applicable to certain options and forward
contracts may also require the Fund to recognize income or gain without a
concurrent receipt of cash. Additionally, some countries restrict repatriation
which may make it difficult or impossible for the Fund to obtain cash
corresponding to its earnings or assets in those countries. However, the Fund
must distribute to shareholders for each taxable year substantially all of its
net income and net capital gains, including such income or gain, to qualify as a
regulated investment company and avoid liability for any federal income or
excise tax. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities
under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage
itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.
A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the
value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations
and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy
any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although the Fund may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders.
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
all taxable distributions to shareholders, as well as gross proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
recipients, i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to
which are exempt from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under
the backup withholding provisions of Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury
regulations, all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be subject to
backup withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of
non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish a Fund with their correct taxpayer
identification number and certain certifications required by the IRS or if the
IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder
is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a
result of failure to report interest or dividend income. A Fund may refuse to
accept an application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification
number or certification that the number provided is correct. If the backup
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds,
whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts
required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors should consult their
tax advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
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retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into options, futures, foreign currency
positions, and foreign currency forward contracts.
Certain options, futures and forward foreign currency transactions undertaken by
the Fund may cause the Fund to recognize gains or losses from marking to market
even though its positions have not been sold or terminated and affect the
character as long-term or short-term (or, in the case of certain foreign
currency contracts, as ordinary income or loss) and timing of some capital gains
and losses realized by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may be required to
recognize gain, but not loss, if an option or other transactions is treated as a
constructive sale of an appreciated financial position in the Fund's portfolio.
Also, certain of the Fund's losses on its transactions involving options,
futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting or successor portfolio positions
may be deferred rather than being taken into account currently in calculating
the Fund's taxable income or gains. These transactions may therefore affect the
amount, timing and character of the Fund's distributions to shareholders.
Certain of such transactions may also cause the Fund to dispose of investments
sooner than would otherwise have occurred. The Fund will take into account the
special tax rules (including consideration of available elections) applicable to
options, futures and forward contracts in order to seek to minimize any
potential adverse tax consequences.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes
of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions, and ownership of or gains
realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of Fund shares may also be
subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax
advisers as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of
shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund in their particular
circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their
investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal
income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These
investors may be subject to nonresident alien withholding tax at the rate of 30%
(or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary
dividends from the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8 or authorized
substitute for Form W-8 is on file, to 31% backup withholding on certain other
payments from the Fund. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisers
regarding such treatment and the application of foreign taxes to an investment
in the Fund.
The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Fund anticipates that, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company under the Code, it will also not be required to pay any
Massachusetts income tax.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
As of December 31, 1997, the average annual total returns of the Class A shares
of the Fund for the one, five and 10 year periods were 29.87%, 16.86%, and
14.78%, respectively. As of December 31, 1997, the average annual returns for
the Fund's Class B shares for the one and five year periods and since inception
on August 22, 1991 were 30.80%, 16.96% and 16.00%, respectively. Class C shares
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of the Fund commenced operations on May 1, 1998; therefore, there is no average
annual total return to report.
The Fund's total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded
rate of return over the 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods that would equate
the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value according to the
following formula:
n ________
T = \ / ERV / P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment
made at the beginning of the 1 year, 5 year and 10 year
periods.
Because each class has its own sales charge and fee structure, the classes have
different performance results. In the case of each class, this calculation
assumes the maximum sales charge is included in the initial investment or the
CDSC is applied at the end of the period, respectively. This calculation also
assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value
on the reinvestment dates during the period. The "distribution rate" is
determined by annualizing the result of dividing the declared dividends of the
Fund during the period stated by the maximum offering price or net asset value
at the end of the period. Excluding the Fund's sales charge from the
distribution rate produces a higher rate.
In addition to average annual total returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments, and/or a series of redemptions, over any time period. Total returns
may be quoted with or without taking the Fund's maximum sales charge on Class A
shares or the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares into account. Excluding the
Fund's sales charge on Class A shares and the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares
from a total return calculation produces a higher total return figure.
The Fund may advertise yield, where appropriate. The Fund's yield is computed by
dividing net investment income per share determined for a 30-day period by the
maximum offering price per share (which includes the full sales charge, if
applicable) on the last day of the period, according to the following standard
formula:
a - b 6
_____
Yield = 2 ( [ ( cd ) + 1 ] - 1 )
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued during the period.
c = the average daily number of fund shares outstanding during the period
that would be entitled to receive dividends.
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d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
(NAV where applicable).
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return/ or yield will be compared to indices of mutual funds and bank deposit
vehicles such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s "Lipper -- Fixed Income Fund
Performance Analysis," a monthly publication which tracks net assets, total
return, and yield on fixed income mutual funds in the United States. Ibottson
and Associates, CDA Weisenberger and F.C. Towers are also used for comparison
purposes, as well as the Russell and Wilshire Indices.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as MONEY Magazine, FORBES, BUSINESS WEEK, THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL, MICROPAL, INC., MORNINGSTAR, STANGER'S and BARRON'S, etc. will also be
utilized. The Fund's promotional and sales literature may make reference to the
Fund's "beta." Beta is a reflection of the market-related risk of the Fund by
showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
The performance of the Fund is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of the Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of the Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares of beneficial interest; and changes
in operating expenses are all examples of items that can increase or decrease
the Fund's performance.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities of the Fund
and the allocation of brokerage commissions are made by the Adviser and officers
of the Fund pursuant to recommendations made by its investment committee of the
Adviser, which consists of officers and Trustees of the Adviser who are
interested persons of the Fund. Orders for purchases and sales of securities are
placed in a manner which, in the opinion of the Adviser, will offer the best
price and market for the execution of each transaction. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities may include a commission or commissions
paid by the issuer and transactions with dealers serving as market makers
reflect a "spread." Debt securities are generally traded on a net basis through
dealers acting for their own account as principals and not as brokers; no
brokerage commissions are payable on such transactions.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and other policies that the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
In the U.S. and in some other countries, debt securities are traded principally
in the over-the-counter market on a net basis through dealers acting for their
own account and not as brokers. In other countries, both debt and equity
securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. Commissions on
foreign transactions are generally higher than the negotiated commission rates
available in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and broker-dealers than in the U.S.
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To the extent consistent with the foregoing, the Fund will be governed in the
selection of brokers and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and to a
lesser extent statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser of the Fund, and
their value and expected contribution to the performance of the Fund. It is not
possible to place a dollar value on information and services to be received from
brokers and dealers, since it is only supplementary to the research efforts of
the Adviser. The receipt of research information is not expected to reduce
significantly the expenses of the Adviser. The research information and
statistical assistance furnished by brokers and dealers may benefit the Life
Company or other advisory clients of the Adviser, and conversely, brokerage
commissions and spreads paid by other advisory clients of the Adviser may result
in research information and statistical assistance beneficial to the Fund. The
Fund will make no commitments to allocate portfolio transactions upon any
prescribed basis. While the Advisers will be primarily responsible for the
allocation of the Fund's brokerage business, their policies and practices in
this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will at all times be
subject to review by the Trustees. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994, the Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions of $246,980,
$1,135,806 and $373,133, respectively. For the period from September 1, 1996 to
December 31, 1996, the fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions of $238,830.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the fund paid negotiated brokerage
commissions of $1,098,874.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay to a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund
an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another
broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is
subject to a good faith determination by the Trustees that the price is
reasonable in light of the services provided and to policies that the Trustees
may adopt from time to time. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the
Fund paid $173,386 commissions as compensation to any brokers for research
services such as industry, economic and company reviews and evaluations of
securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder of John Hancock Distributors, Inc. ("Distributors" or "Affiliated
Brokers"). Pursuant to procedures determined by the Trustees and consistent with
the above policy of obtaining best net results, the Fund may execute portfolio
transactions with or through Affiliated Brokers. During the year ended December
31, 1997, the Fund did not execute any portfolio transactions with then
affiliated brokers.
Any of the Affiliated Brokers may act as broker for the Fund on exchange
transactions, subject, however, to the general policy of the Fund set forth
above and the procedures adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the 1940 Act.
Commissions paid to an Affiliated Broker must be at least as favorable as those
which the Trustees believe to be contemporaneously charged by other brokers in
connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being
purchased or sold. A transaction would not be placed with an Affiliated Broker
if the Fund would have to pay a commission rate less favorable than the
Affiliated Broker's contemporaneous charges for comparable transactions for its
other most favored, but unaffiliated, customers, except for accounts for which
the Affiliated Broker acts as a clearing broker for another brokerage firm, and
any customers of the Affiliated Broker not comparable to the Fund as determined
by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the Fund, the Adviser or the Affiliated Brokers. Because the
Adviser, which is affiliated with the Affiliated Brokers, has, as an investment
adviser to the Fund, the obligation to provide investment management services,
which includes elements of research and related investment skills, such research
and related skills will not be used by the Affiliated Brokers as a basis for
negotiating commissions at a rate higher than that determined in accordance with
the above criteria.
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Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities and the Fund. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transaction as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Fund. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the adviser may aggregate the securities
to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for
other clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000, Boston,
MA 02217-1000, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company, is the
transfer and dividend paying agent for the Fund. The Fund pays Signature Service
an annual fee of $19.00 for each Class A shareholder account, $21.50 for each
Class B shareholder account and $20.50 for each Class C shareholder account. The
Fund pays certain out-of-pocket expenses and these expenses are aggregated and
charged to the Fund and allocated to each class on the basis of their relative
net asset values.
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a custodian agreement
between the Fund and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the custodian agreement, Investor Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, has been
selected as the independent auditors of the Fund. The financial statements of
the Fund included in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP for the periods indicated in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such
report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
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APPENDIX A
Description of Bond Ratings
The ratings of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings
Group represent their opinions as to the quality of various debt instruments
they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized that ratings are not absolute
standards of quality. Consequently, debt instruments with the same maturity,
coupon and rating may have different yields while debt instruments of the same
maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment at some time in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack the characteristics of desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represented obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
A-1
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STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B: Debt rated BB, and B is regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
CCC: Debt rated 'CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The 'CCC' rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
'B' or 'B-' rating.
CC: The rating 'CC' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.
A-2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1997 Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997; (filed
electronically on March 3, 1998, accession number 0001010521-98-000206) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Growth and Income Fund (file nos. 811-00560 and
2-10156).
John Hancock Investment Trust
John Hancock Growth and Income Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years indicated therein.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the periods indicated therein.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y Shares
Statement of Additional Information
May 1, 1998
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Sovereign Investors Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is
contained in the combined Growth and Income Funds' Prospectus for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class Y shares, dated May 1, 1998, and in the Fund's Prospectus
for Class Y shares, dated May 1, 1998 (the "Prospectuses"). The Fund is a
diversified series of John Hancock Investment Trust (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectuses, a copy of which can be obtained
free of charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, Massachusetts 02217-1000
1-(800)-225-5291
Table of Contents
Page
Organization of the Fund.......................................................2
Investment Objective and Policies..............................................2
Investment Restrictions........................................................9
Those Responsible for Management..............................................11
Investment Advisory and Other Services........................................20
Distribution Contracts........................................................22
Net Asset Value...............................................................24
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares........................................25
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B and Class C..................................28
Special Redemptions...........................................................32
Additional Services and Programs for Classes A, B and C Shares................32
Description of the Fund's Shares..............................................34
Tax Status....................................................................35
Calculation of Performance....................................................40
Brokerage Performance.........................................................41
Transfer Agent Services.......................................................43
Custody of Portfolio..........................................................44
Independent Auditors..........................................................44
Appendix.....................................................................A-1
Financial Statements.........................................................F-1
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ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end investment management company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 12, 1984. Prior to
December 2, 1996, the Fund was a diversified series of John Hancock Sovereign
Investors Fund, Inc.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), a Massachusetts life insurance
chartered in 1862, with national headquarters at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies discussed in the Prospectus. There is no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund's investment objective is to provide long-term growth of capital and of
income without assuming undue market risks. At times, however, because of market
conditions, the Fund may invest primarily for current income. The Fund will make
investments in different types and classes of securities in accordance with the
Trustees' and the Adviser's appraisal of economic and market conditions. The
Fund's portfolio securities are selected mainly for their investment character
based upon generally accepted elements of intrinsic value, including industry
position, management, financial strength, earning power, marketability and
prospects for future growth. The distribution or mix of various types of
investments is based on general market conditions, the level of interest rates,
business and economic conditions, and the availability of investments in the
equity and fixed income markets. The amount of the Fund's assets that may be
invested in either equity or fixed income securities is not restricted and is
based upon management's judgment of what might best achieve the Fund's
investment objectives. The securities held by the Fund are under continuous
study by the Adviser. They are selected because they are considered by the
management to contribute to the possible achievement of the Fund's objective.
They are held or disposed of in accordance with the results of a continuing
examination of their merit.
The Fund currently uses a strategy of investing only in those common stocks
which have a record of having increased their dividend payout in each of the
preceding ten or more years. This dividend performers strategy can be changed at
any time.
The Fund has adhered to this philosophy since 1979. By investing primarily in
these companies, the portfolio management team focuses on investments with
characteristics such as: a strong management team that has demonstrated
leadership through changing market cycles; financial soundness as evidenced by
consistently rising dividends and profits, strong cash flows, high return on
equity and a balance sheet showing little debt; and strong brand recognition and
market acceptance, backed by proven products and a well-established, often
global, distribution network.
Subject to the Fund's policy of investing primarily in common stocks, the Fund
may invest without limit in investment grade debt securities or investment grade
preferred stocks (equivalent to the top four bond rating categories of an
NRSRO). For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest some or all of its
assets in investment grade short-term securities.
The investment policy of the Fund is to purchase and hold securities for capital
appreciation and investment income, although there may be a limited number of
short- term transactions incidental to the pursuit of its investment objective.
The Fund may make portfolio purchases and sales to the extent that in its
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<PAGE>
Board's opinion, relying on the Adviser or independently, such transactions are
in the interest of shareholders.
The Fund endeavors to achieve its objective by utilizing experienced management
and generally investing in securities of seasoned companies in sound financial
condition. The Fund has not purchased securities of real estate investment
trusts and has no present intention of doing so in the future.
Diversification. The Fund's investments are diversified in a broad list of
issues, representing many different industries. Although diversification does
not eliminate market risk, it may tend to reduce it. At the same time, holdings
of a large number of shares in any one company are avoided. Thus, during periods
when general economic and political conditions are subject to rapid changes, it
may be appropriate to effect rapid changes in the Fund's investments. This can
be more readily accomplished by limiting the amount of any one investment.
As is common to all securities investments, the stock of this managed
diversified Fund is subject to fluctuation in value; its portfolio will not
necessarily prove a defense in periods of declining prices or lead the advance
in rising markets. The Fund's management will endeavor to reduce the risks
encountered in the use of any single investment by investing the assets of the
Fund in a widely diversified group of securities. Diversification, however, will
not necessarily reduce inherent market risks. Securities are selected mainly for
their investment character, based upon generally accepted elements of intrinsic
value including industry position, management, financial strength, earning
power, ready marketability and prospects for future growth.
Concentration. The Fund's policy is not to concentrate its investments in any
one industry, but investments of up to 25% of its total assets at market value
may be made in a single industry. This limitation may not be changed without the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment
Company Act").
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") represent
the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities which they
rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are relative and subjective
and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used by the
Funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities. Among the
factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the issuer to pay
principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix A contains further
information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities.
Lower Rated High-Yield "High Risk" Debt Obligations. The Fund may invest less
than 5% of its net assets in debt securities rated as low as C by Moody's or S&P
and unrated securities deemed of equivalent quality by the Adviser. These
securities are speculative to a high degree and often have very poor prospects
of attaining real investment standing. Lower rated securities are generally
referred to as junk bonds. See the Appendix attached to this Statement of
Additional Information which describes the characteristics of the securities in
the various rating categories.
3
<PAGE>
Securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard & Poor's are
sometimes referred to as junk bonds. See the Appendix attached to this Statement
of Additional Information which describes the characteristics of the securities
in the various ratings categories. The Fund is not obligated to dispose of
securities whose issuers subsequently are in default or which are downgraded
below the above-stated ratings. The credit ratings of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's in a timely fashion to reflect subsequent economic events. The credit
ratings of securities do not reflect an evaluation of market risk. Debt
obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated, involve
greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In
addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in
financial condition affecting the issuer's ability to make payments of interest
and principal. The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income
securities generally respond more to short-term corporate and market
developments than do those of higher rated securities, because these
developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of
an issuer of lower rated securities to meet its ongoing debt obligations. The
Adviser seeks to minimize these risks through diversification, investment
analysis and attention to current developments in interest rates and economic
conditions.
Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield high risk bond market, or the
reduced availability of market quotations, will make it more difficult to
dispose of the bonds and to value accurately the Fund's assets. The reduced
availability of reliable, objective data may increase the Fund's reliance on
management's judgment in valuing high yield high risk bonds. In addition, the
Fund's investments in high yield high risk securities may be susceptible to
adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not justified by
fundamental factors. The Fund's investment, and consequently its net asset
value, will be subject to the market fluctuations and risk inherent in all
securities. Increasing rate note securities are typically refinanced by the
issuers within a short period of time.
The market value of debt securities which carry no equity participation usually
reflects yields generally available on securities of similar quality and type.
When such yields decline, the market value of a portfolio already invested at
higher yields can be expected to rise if such securities are protected against
early call. In general, in selecting securities for its portfolio, the Fund
intends to seek protection against early call. Similarly, when such yields
increase, the market value of a portfolio already invested at lower yields can
be expected to decline. The Fund's portfolio may include debt securities which
sell at substantial discounts from par. These securities are low coupon bonds
which, during periods of high interest rates, because of their lower acquisition
cost tend to sell on a yield basis approximating current interest rates.
Options and Futures. The Fund may not invest in futures contracts or sell call
or put options. The Fund has authority to purchase put and call options,
although the Fund has no present intention of doing so in the coming fiscal
year.
Options on Securities and Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase call and put
options on debt securities in which it may invest or on any securities index
based on debt securities in which it may invest. These options may be listed on
national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded
in the over-the-counter market. The Fund may purchase put and call options to
enhance total return, as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or
to protect against declines in the value of portfolio securities and against
increases in the cost of securities to be acquired.
Purchasing Options. The Fund would normally purchase call options in
anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease
("protective puts") in the market value of securities of the type in which it
4
<PAGE>
may invest. The Fund may also sell call and put options to close out its
purchased options.
The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium
paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option
period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call
option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the
sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the
Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.
The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option
period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a
decline in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Put options may
also be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a
decline in the price of securities which it does not own. The Fund would
ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the
underlying securities or currency decreased below the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund
would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains
and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing
changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by
each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in
each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading
facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be
affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of
the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular
exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is unable to
effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it
would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur
transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the
secondary market on that exchange ( or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
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<PAGE>
The Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than
with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The
Adviser will determine the liquidity of each over-the-counter option in
accordance with guidelines adopted by the Trustees.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options
depends in part on the Adviser's ability to predict future price fluctuations
and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the options and
securities markets.
Government Securities. Certain U.S. Government securities, including U.S.
Treasury bills notes and bonds, and Government National Mortgage Association
certificates ("Ginnie Maes"), are supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Certain other U.S. Government securities issued or guaranteed by
Federal agencies or government sponsored enterprises, are not supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States, but may be supported by the right of
the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. These securities include
obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Macs"), and
obligations supported by the credit of the instrumentality, such as Federal
National Mortgage Association Bonds ("Fannie Maes"). No assurance can be given
that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to such Federal
agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and government sponsored enterprises in
the future.
Ginnie Maes, Freddie Macs, Fannie Maes and Sallie Maes are mortgage-backed
securities which provide monthly payments which are, in effect, a "pass-through"
of the monthly interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made
by the individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans. Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs") in which the Fund may invest are securities issued
by a U.S. Government instrumentality that are collateralized by a portfolio of
mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities may be less
effective than traditional debt obligations of similar maturity at maintaining
yields during periods of declining interest rates.
Mortgage-backed securities have stated maturities of up to thirty years when
they are issued depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the
securities. In practice, however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and
interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities' effective maturity
shorter than this and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than
the current yield of the Fund's portfolio at the time such payments are received
by the Fund for reinvestment. Mortgage-backed securities may have less potential
for capital appreciation than comparable fixed-income securities due to the
likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline. If
the Fund buys mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and
prepayments of principal by mortgagors (which may be made at any time without
penalty) may result in some loss of the Fund's principal investment to the
extent of the premium paid.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"),
including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the 1933 act
and securities offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the 1933 Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determines, based upon a
continuing review of the trading markets for specific Section 4(2) paper or Rule
144A securities, that they are liquid, they will not be subject to the 15% limit
on illiquid investments. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the
Advisers the daily function of determining, the monitoring and liquidity of
restricted securities. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight
6
<PAGE>
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. The Trustees will
carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such
important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of
information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the
level of illiquidity in the Fund if qualified institutional buyers become for a
time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The Fund does not
intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in Rule 144A securities.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement the Fund buys a security for a
relatively short period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation
to sell it back to the issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued interest.
The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities.
The Adviser will continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the parties with
whom the Fund enters into repurchase agreements.
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in
liquidating the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks
to enforce its rights thereto, possible subnormal levels of income decline in
value of the underlining securities or lack of access to income during this
period, as well as, the expense of enforcing its rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that the Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. To minimize
various risks associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will
establish and maintain with the Fund's custodian a separate account consisting
of liquid securities, of any type or maturity in an amount at least equal to the
repurchase prices of these securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under
such agreements. The Fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a
decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because
it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. The Fund
will not enter into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings exceeding
in the aggregate 33 1/3% of the market value of its total assets. In addition,
the Fund may not borrow money except in connection with the sale or resale of
its shares. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with
federally insured banks which are approved in advance as being creditworthy by
the Trustees. Under procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser will
monitor the creditworthiness of the firms involved.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities involved in the transaction. As a
result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy,
the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from liquidating the collateral. It is a
fundamental policy of the Fund not to lend portfolio securities having a total
value exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets.
7
<PAGE>
Rights and Warrants. The Fund may purchase warrants and rights which are
securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to purchase the
underlying securities at a predetermined price. Generally, warrants and stock
purchase rights do not carry with them the right to receive dividends or
exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do
not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, an investment
in warrants and rights may be considered to entail greater investment risk than
certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of warrants and
rights does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities,
and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or prior to their
expiration date. Investment in warrants and rights increases the potential
profit or loss to be realized from the investment of a given amount of the
Fund's assets as compared with investing the same amount in the underlying
stock.
Short-Sales. The Fund may engage in short sales against the Box. In a short sale
against the box, the Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it
either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra cost. If
the price of the security has declined at the time the Fund is required to
deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If
the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the
difference.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to
be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. For
when-issued transactions, no payment is made until delivery is due, often a
month or more after the purchase. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund
contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond
customary settlement time.
When the Fund engages in forward commitment and when-issued transactions, it
relies on the seller to consummate the transaction. The failure of the issuer or
seller to consummate the transaction may result in the Fund's losing the
opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered to be advantageous. The
purchase of securities on a when- issued or forward commitment basis also
involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
prior to the settlement date.
On the date the Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a when-
issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, equal in value to
the Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and
additional cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the
extent that the total value of the assets in the account declines below the
amount of the when-issued commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into
offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
Short-Term Trading and Portfolio Turnover. Although the Fund does not intend to
invest for the purpose of seeking short-term profits, the Fund's particular
portfolio securities may be changed without regard to their holding period
(subject to certain tax restrictions) when the Advisers deem that this action is
appropriate in view of a change in the issuer's financial or business operations
or changes in general market conditions. Short-term trading may have the effect
of increasing portfolio turnover rate. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100%
or greater) involves correspondingly higher brokerage expenses. It is
anticipated that, under normal market conditions, the Fund's annual portfolio
turnover rate will be less than 100%. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is set
forth in the table under the caption "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus.
8
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions will
not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information means the approval by the lesser of (1) the holders of
67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at a meeting if more than 50% of
the Fund's outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy at that meeting
or (2) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The Fund observes the following fundamental investment restriction. The Fund may
not:
(1) The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets,
purchase any security (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities and repurchase agreements collateralized by
such securities) if, as a result: (a) more than 5% of its
total assets would be invested in the securities of any one
issuer, or (b) the Fund would own more than 10% of the voting
securities of any one issuer.
(2) The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as permitted
by paragraphs (3) and (7) below. For purposes of this
restriction, the issuance of shares of common stock in
multiple classes, the purchase or sale of options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, forward
commitments, and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies, and the
pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's assets are not
deemed to be senior securities.
(3) The Fund may not borrow money except in connection with the
sale or resale of its shares.
(4) The Fund may not act as an underwriter, except to the extent
that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
investments, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for
purposes of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5) The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, or any interest
therein, including real estate mortgage loans, except that the
Fund may: (i) hold and sell real estate acquired as the result
of its ownership of securities, or (ii) invest in securities
of corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate
or marketable interests therein or securities issued by
companies (other that real estate limited partnerships) that
invest in real estate or interests therein.
(6) The Fund may not make loans, except that the Fund (1) may lend
portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund's investment
policies in an amount up to 331/3% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value, (2) enter into repurchase agreements,
and (3) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt
securities, bank loan participation interests, bank
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or
other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the
original issuance of the securities.
(7) The Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or commodity
contracts; except that the Fund may purchase and sell options
on securities, securities indices, currency and other
financial instruments, futures contracts on securities,
securities indices, currency and other financial instruments
and options on such futures contracts, forward commitments,
9
<PAGE>
interest rate swaps, caps and floors, securities index put or
call warrants and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies.
(8) The Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer conducting
its principal activity in any particular industry if
immediately after such purchase the value of the Fund's
investments in all issuers in this industry would exceed 25%
of its total assets taken at market value.
Nonfundamental Investment Restrictions. The following restrictions are
designated as nonfundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder approval.
The Fund may not:
(a) Participate on a joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or
purchase of marketable portfolio securities with other
accounts under the management of any investment adviser to the
Fund in order to save commissions or to average prices among
the accounts, and the participation of the Fund as a part of a
group bidding for the purchase of tax exempt bonds shall not
be deemed to result in participation in a securities trading
account.
(b) Purchase securities on margin or make short sales unless, by
virtue of its ownership of other securities, the Fund has the
right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to
the securities sold short and, if the right is conditional,
the sale is made upon the same conditions, except that the
Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary
for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities.
(c) Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the
Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of
other investment companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than
3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any one
investment company, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in the securities of any one
investment company. These limitations do not apply to (a) the
investment of cash collateral, received by the Fund in
connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities, in
the securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the
purchase of shares of any investment company in connection
with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or purchase of
substantially all of the assets of another investment company.
Subject to the above percentage limitations, the Fund may, in
connection with the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred
Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees/Directors, purchase
securities of other investment companies within the John
Hancock Group of Funds.
(d) Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or
management of any company.
(e) Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
(f) Write put or call options.
(g) No officer or Trustee of the Fund may take a short position in
the shares of the Fund, withhold orders or buy shares in
anticipation of orders.
10
<PAGE>
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by its Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Fund are
also officers or directors of the Adviser or officers and directors of the
Fund's principal distributor, John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock Funds").
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and
President, John Hancock Funds, Inc.
("John Hancock Funds"); Chairman,
First Signature Bank and Trust
Company; Director, John Hancock
Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Insurance
Agency, Inc."), John Hancock
Advisers International (Ireland)
Limited ("International Ireland"),
John Hancock Capital Corporation
and New England/Canada Business
Council; Member, Investment Company
Institute Board of Governors;
Director, Asia Strategic Growth
Fund, Inc.; Trustee, Museum of
Science; Director, John Hancock
Freedom Securities Corporation
(until September 1996); Director,
John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual Insurance Company
(insurance), Health Plan Services,
Inc., Massachusetts Health and
Education Tax Exempt Trust, Flagship
Healthcare, Inc., Carlin Insurance
Agency, Inc., West Insurance Agency,
Inc. (until May 1995), Uno
Restaurant Corp.; Chairman,
Massachusetts Board of Higher
Education (since 1995).
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company);
Director, Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Texas Commerce Bank - Austin.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Charles F. Fretz Trustee Retired; self employed; Former Vice
RD #5, Box 300B President and Director, Towers,
Clothier Springs Road Perrin, Foster & Crosby, Inc.
Malvern, PA 19355 (international management
June 1928 consultants) (1952-1985).
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser, The
Boston, MA 02199 Berkeley Group; Director, John
April 1953 Hancock Funds, Advisers
International, Insurance Agency,
Inc. and International Ireland;
President and Director, SAMCorp. and
NM Capital; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Director, Energy North, Inc. (public
UGI Corporation utility holding company) (until
P.O. Box 858 1992); Senior Vice President of UGI
Valley Forge, PA 19482 Corp. Holding Company Public
February 1938 Utilities, LPGAS, Vice President of
Amerigas Partners L.P.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, PanEnergy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm) (1980-1993);
Former Director, Greater Houston
Partnership (1980 -1995).
Patricia P. McCarter Trustee Director and Secretary, The McCarter
1230 Brentford Road Corp. (machine manufacturer).
Malvern, PA 19355
May 1928
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 33942 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Life
John Hancock Place Company; Director, the Adviser,
P.O. Box 111 Advisers International, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02117 Funds, John Hancock Distributors,
August 1937 Inc., Insurance Agency, Inc., John
Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp.
and NM Capital; Director, The
Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> ` <C>
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Robert G. Freedman Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Vice Chairman and Chief Investment
101 Huntington Avenue Officer (2) Officer, the Adviser; Director, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, Advisers International,
July 1938 John Hancock Funds, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Southeastern Thrift & Bank Fund and
NM Capital; Director and Senior
Vice President, The Berkeley Group;
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James B. Little Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President, the Adviser,
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02199 Funds.
February 1935
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services and John Hancock
July 1950 Funds; Secretary, NM Capital and
SAMCorp.; Clerk, Insurance Agency,
Inc.; Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company (until
February 1996), and Vice President
of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
(until April 1994).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group; Vice
March 1950 President, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994).
James J. Stokowski Vice President and Treasurer Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Fund and other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Messrs. Boudreau and Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Fund
are interested persons of the Adviser, and/or affiliates are compensated by the
Adviser and receive no compensation from the Fund for their services.
Total
Compensation
From the Fund
and John
Aggregate Hancock Fund
Compensation From Complex to
Independent Trustees the Fund+ Trustees **
- -------------------- --------- -----------
James F. Carlin $ 16,997 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham* 16,997 74,000
Charles F. Fretz 16,997 74,250
Harold R. Hiser, Jr.* 16,997 74,000
Charles L. Ladner 16,997 74,250
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 16,997 74,250
Patricia P. McCarter* 16,997 74,250
Steven R. Pruchansky* 17,700 77,250
Norman H. Smith* 17,700 77,250
John P. Toolan* 16,997 74,250
-------- ------
Total $ 171,376 $ 747,750
+ Compensation for the period ended December 31, 1997.
* As of December 31, 1997, the value of the aggregate deferred
compensation from all funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex for Mr.
Cunningham was $220,106, for Mr. Hiser was $103,868, for Ms. McCarter
was $159,075, for Mr. Pruchansky was $68,102, for Mr. Smith was $70,607
and for Mr. Toolan was $281,133 under the John Hancock Deferred
Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees.
** The total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 1997.
As of that date, there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Fund
Complex, with each of these Independent Trustees serving on thirty-two
funds.
All of the officers listed are officers or employees of the Adviser or
affiliated companies. Some of the Trustees and officers may also be officers
and/or Directors and/or Trustees of one or more other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of April 1, 1998, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group owned less
than 1% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund and as of the same
date the following shareholders beneficially owned 5% of or more of the
outstanding shares of the Fund:
19
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Class of Share of the Class
Shareholder Shares of the Fund
- ------------------ ------ -----------
Mellon Bank Trustee Class Y shares 76.25%
California Savings Plus Program
457 Plan A/C CSPF0135002
Attn: Bob Stein
1 Cabot Rd.
Medford, MA 02155-5158
Mellon Bank Trustee Class Y shares 23.74%
California Savings Plus Program
401(K) Thrift Plan A/C CSPF0035002
Attn: Bob Stein
1 Cabot Rd.
Medford, MA 02155-5158
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Fund and the other mutual funds and
publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds, having
a combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The Adviser is an affiliate of
the Life Company, one of the most recognized and respected financial
institutions in the nation. With total assets under management of more than $100
billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest life insurance companies in
the United States, and carries a high rating from Standard & Poor's and A.M.
Best's. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been serving clients for over 130
years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser which was approved by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held, sold or exchanged, and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including expenses
of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders' reports, notices,
prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory agencies, expenses
relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of shares; government
fees; interest charges; expenses of furnishing to shareholders their account
statements; taxes; expenses of redeeming shares; brokerage and other expenses
connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions; expenses
pursuant to the Fund's plan of distribution; fees and expenses of custodians
including those for keeping books and accounts and calculating the net asset
value of shares; fees and expenses of transfer agents and dividend disbursing
20
<PAGE>
agents; legal, accounting, financial, management, tax and auditing fees and
expenses of the Fund (including an allocable portion of the cost of the
Adviser's employees rendering such services to the Fund; the compensation and
expenses of Trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the Trust, the
Adviser or any of their affiliates; expenses of Trustees' and shareholders'
meetings; trade association membership; insurance premiums; and any
extraordinary expenses.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Adviser quarterly a fee based on a stated percentage of the average of the daily
net assets of the Fund as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rates
- --------------- ------------
$0 to $750 million 0.60%
750 million to 1.5 billion 0.55%
1.5 billion to 2.5. billion 0.50%
2.5 billion and over 0.45%
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of average daily net assets.
The Adviser retains the right to re-impose a fee and recover any other payments
to the extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's annual expenses
fall below this limit.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser or affiliates provide investment advice.
Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a particular
security may be bought for one or more funds or clients when one or more are
selling the same security. If opportunities for purchase or sale of securities
by the Adviser for the Fund or for other funds or clients for which the Adviser
renders investment advice arise for consideration at or about the same time,
transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the
respective funds or clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them. To the
extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser or
affiliates may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply
of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which the Advisory Agreement relates, except a loss
resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of the
obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If the Advisory
Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can)
will cease to use such a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by
or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser or the Life
Company may grant the non-exclusive right to use the name "John Hancock" or any
similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but not limited to
any investment company of which the Life Company or any subsidiary or affiliate
thereof or any successor to the business of any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
shall be the investment adviser.
Investment advisory fees paid to the Adviser in 1997, 1996 and 1995 amounted to
$11,885,521, $9,708,887, and $8,017,834, respectively. The Adviser paid SAMCorp
the sum of $3,232,490 in 1995, $3,926,670 in 1996 and $4,754,212 in 1997.
21
<PAGE>
The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation ("SAMCorp"), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Life Company. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that SAMCorp will
provide to the Adviser certain portfolio management services with respect to the
securities held in the portfolio of the Fund. The Sub-Advisory Agreement further
provides that the Adviser will remain ultimately responsible for all of its
obligations under the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Fund.
Subject to the supervision of the Adviser, SAMCorp furnishes the Fund with
recommendations with respect to the purchase, holding and disposition of equity
securities in the Fund's portfolio; furnishes the Fund with research, economic
and statistical data in connection with the Fund's equity investments; and
places orders for transactions in equity securities.
The Adviser pays to SAMCorp 40% of the quarterly fee received by the Adviser
with respect to the Fund during such quarter. The fees paid by the Fund to the
Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are not affected by this arrangement.
The continuation of the Advisory Agreement and Distribution Agreement (discussed
below) was approved by all of the Trustees. The Advisory Agreement and the
Distribution Agreement will continue in effect from year to year, provided that
its continuance is approved annually both (i) by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Trustees, and (ii) by a
majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested
persons" of any such parties. Both Agreements may be terminated on 60 days
written notice by either party or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund and will terminate automatically if assigned.
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting
and legal services. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the
Fund paid the Adviser $321,896 and $390,993, respectively, for the services
under this Agreement.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser and
the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal securities trading by
personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. Some of these restrictions are:
pre-clearance for all personal trades and a ban on the purchase of initial
public offerings, as well as contributions to specified charities of profits on
securities held for less than 91 days. These restrictions are a continuation of
the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its shareholders come
first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds.
Under the agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to
sell shares of each class of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by
selected broker-dealers (the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling
agency agreements with John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for
the purchase of the shares of the Fund which are continually offered at net
asset value next determined, plus any applicable sales charge, if any. In
connection with the sale of Fund shares, John Hancock Funds and Selling Brokers
receive compensation from a sales charge imposed, in the case of Class A shares,
at the time of sale. In the case of Class B or Class C shares, the broker
receives compensation immediately but John Hancock Funds is compensated on a
deferred basis. John Hancock Funds may pay extra compensation to financial
services firms selling large amounts of fund shares. This compensation would be
calculated as a percentage of fund shares sold by the firm.
22
<PAGE>
Total underwriting commissions for sales of the Fund's Class A shares for the
fiscal period ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $3,557,117, $3,840,458
and $3,398,411, respectively, and $557,524, $604,382 and $521,352, were retained
by John Hancock Funds in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The remainder of the
underwriting commissions were reallowed to dealers.
The Fund's Trustees adopted Distribution Plans with respect to each class of
shares ("the Plans"), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Under the Plans, the Fund will pay distribution and service fees at an
aggregate annual rate of up to 0.30% for Class A and 1.00% for Class B and Class
C shares of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to shares of that
class. However, the service fee will not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average
daily net assets attributable to each class of shares. The distribution fees
will be used to reimburse the John Hancock Funds for its distribution expenses,
including but not limited to: (i) initial and ongoing sales compensation to
Selling Brokers and others (including affiliates of John Hancock Funds) engaged
in the sale of Fund shares; (ii) marketing, promotional and overhead expenses
incurred in connection with the distribution of Fund shares; and (iii) with
respect to Class B and Class C shares only, interest expenses on unreimbursed
distribution expenses. The service fees will be used to compensate Selling
Brokers and others for providing personal and account maintenance services to
shareholders. In the event that John Hancock Funds is not fully reimbursed for
payments or expenses it incurs under the Class A Plan, these expenses will not
be carried beyond twelve months from the date they were incurred. Unreimbursed
expenses under the Class B and Class C Plans will be carried forward together
with interest on the balance of these unreimbursed expenses. The Fund does not
treat unreimbursed expenses under the Class B and Class C Plans as a liability
of the Fund, because the Trustees may terminate the Class B and/or Class C Plans
at any time. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 an aggregate of
$9,895,659 of distribution expenses or 1.93% of the average net assets of the
Class B shares of the Fund was not reimbursed or recovered by John Hancock Funds
through the receipt of deferred sales charges or 12b-1 fees in prior periods.
Class C shares did not commence operations until May 1, 1998; therefore, there
are no unreimbursed expenses to report.
The Plans were approved by a majority of the voting securities of the Fund. The
Plans and all amendments were approved by the Trustees, including a majority of
the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct
or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans (the "Independent
Trustees"), by votes cast in person at meetings called for the purpose of voting
on such Plans.
Pursuant to the Plans, at least quarterly, John Hancock Funds provides the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which the expenditures were made. The Trustees review these reports on a
quarterly basis to determine their continued appropriateness.
The Plans provide that they will continue in effect only so long as their
continuance is approved at least annually by a majority of both the Trustees and
by the Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated
without penalty (a) by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, (b) by
a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares of the applicable class
upon 60 days' written notice to John Hancock Funds, and (c) automatically in the
event of assignment. The Plans further provide that they may not be amended to
increase the maximum amount of the fees for the services described therein
without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class of the
Fund which has voting rights with respect to the Plan. Each Plan provides, that
no material amendment to the Plans will be effective unless it is approved by a
majority vote of the Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the Fund. The
23
<PAGE>
holders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Plan applicable to their respective class of shares. In adopting
the Plans, the Trustees concluded that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the holders of the applicable class of
shares of the Fund.
Class Y shares of the Fund are not subject to any distribution plan. Expenses
associated with the obligation of John Hancock Funds to use its best efforts to
sell Class Y shares will be paid by the Adviser or by John Hancock Funds and
will not be paid from the fees paid under Class A, Class B or Class C Plans.
Amounts paid to John Hancock Funds by any class of shares of the Fund will not
be used to pay the expenses incurred with respect to any other class of shares
of the Fund; provided, however, that expenses attributable to the Fund as a
whole will be allocated, to the extent permitted by law, according to a formula
based upon gross sales dollars and/or average daily net assets of each such
class, as may be approved from time to time by vote of a majority of the
Trustees. From time to time the Fund may participate in joint distribution
activities with other Funds and the costs of those activities will be borne by
each Fund in proportion to the relative net asset value of the participating
Funds.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Fund paid John Hancock Funds
the following amounts of expenses in connection with their services for the
Fund. Class C shares did not commence operations until May 1, 1998; therefore,
there are no expenses to report.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and
Mailing of Interest Carrying
Prospectus to Compensation Expenses of Carrying or
New to Selling John Hancock Other Finance
Shares Advertising Shareholders Brokers Funds Charges
- ------ ----------- ------------ ------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $448,889 $15,887 $3,343,641 $ 988,894 $ --
Class B $603,338 $21,211 $1,913,488 $ 1,315,488 $ 1,284,717
</TABLE>
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares,
the following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last
available bid price.
24
<PAGE>
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded. Any assets or liabilities expressed in terms of
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by the custodian bank based
on London currency exchange quotations as of 5:00 p.m., London time (12:00 noon,
New York time) on the date of any determination of the Fund's NAV. If quotations
are not readily available, or the value has been materially affected by events
occurring after the closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a method
that the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
The NAV for each fund and class is determined each business day at the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) by dividing a class's net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
On any day an international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is
open, any foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the
current day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on
Saturdays and U.S. business holidays on which a Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A SHARES
Shares of the Fund are offered at a price equal to their net asset value plus a
sales charge which, at the option of the purchaser, may be imposed either at the
time of purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or on a contingent
deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Share certificates
will not be issued unless requested by the shareholder in writing, and then they
will only be issued for full shares. The Trustees reserve the right to change or
waive the Fund's minimum investment requirements and to reject any order to
purchase shares (including purchases by exchange) when in the judgment of the
Adviser such rejection is in the Fund's best interest.
The sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund are
described in the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C Prospectus. Methods of
obtaining reduced sales charges referred to generally in the Prospectus are
described in detail below. In calculating the sales charge applicable to current
purchases of Class A shares of the Fund, the investor is entitled to cumulate
current purchases with the greater of the current value (at offering price) of
the Class A shares of the Fund owned by the investor, or if John Hancock
Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") is notified by the investor's
dealer or the investor at the time of the purchase, the cost of the Class A
shares owned.
Without Sales Charge. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or CDSC to various individuals and institutions as follows:
o A Trustee or officer of the Trust; a Director or officer of the Adviser
and its affiliates or Selling Brokers; employees or sales
representatives of any of the foregoing; retired officers, employees or
Trustees of any of the foregoing; a member of the immediate family
(spouse, children, grandchildren, mother, father, sister, brother,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, niece,
25
<PAGE>
nephew, grandparents and domestic partner) of any of the foregoing; or
any fund, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the
individuals described above.
o A broker, dealer, financial planner, consultant or registered
investment advisor that has entered into a signed agreement with John
Hancock Funds providing specifically for the use of Fund shares in
fee-based investment products or services made available to their
clients.
o A former participant in an employee benefit plan with John Hancock
funds, when he or she withdraws from his or her plan and transfers any
or all of his or her plan distributions directly to the Fund.
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch servicing programs, if
the Plan has more than $3 million in assets or 500 eligible employees
at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping
Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial consultant for
further information.
o Retirement plans investing through the PruArray Program sponsored by
Prudential Securities.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the
inception of the Fund account. Each of these investors may purchase
Class A shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
redeemed within 12 months after the end of the calendar year in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC will be imposed at the following rate:
Amount Invested CDSC Rate
--------------- ---------
$1 to $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $5 million to $9,999,999 0.50%
Amounts of $10 million and over 0.25%
Class A shares may also be purchased without an initial sales charge in
connection with certain liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies or personal holding companies.
Combination Privilege. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases
of Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined to reduce
sales charges if made by (a) an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21, purchasing securities for his or their own account, (b) a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or fiduciary
account and (c) groups which qualify for the Group Investment Program (see
below). Further information about combined purchases, including certain
restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature Services
or a Selling Broker's representative.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of the reduced
sales charge by taking into account not only the amount being invested but also
the investor's purchase price or current value of the Class A shares of all John
Hancock funds which carry a sales charge already held by such person. Class A
shares of John Hancock money market funds will only be eligible for the
accumulation privilege if the investor has previously paid a sales charge on the
26
<PAGE>
amount of those shares. Retirement plan investors may include the value of Class
B shares if Class B shares held are greater than $1 million. Retirement plans
must notify Signature Services to utilize.
Group Investment Program. Under the Combination and Accumulation Privileges, all
members of a group may combine their individual purchases of Class A shares to
potentially qualify for breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. This feature
is provided to any group which (1) has been in existence for more than six
months, (2) has a legitimate purpose other than the purchase of mutual fund
shares at a discount for its members, (3) utilizes salary deduction or similar
group methods of payment, and (4) agrees to allow sales materials of the fund in
its mailings to members at a reduced or no cost to John Hancock Funds.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
pursuant to a Letter of Intention (the "LOI"), which should be read carefully
prior to its execution by an investor. The Fund offers two options regarding the
specified period for making investments under the LOI. All investors have the
option of making their investments over a period of thirteen (13) months.
Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a retirement plan,
however, may opt to make the necessary investments called for by the LOI over a
forty-eight (48) month period. These retirement plans include Traditional, Roth
and Education IRAs, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including TSAs), SIMPLE IRA,
SIMPLE 401(k), Money Purchase Pension, Profit Sharing and Section 457 plans.
Such an investment (including accumulations and combinations) must aggregate
$50,000 or more invested during the specified period from the date of the LOI or
from a date within ninety (90) days prior thereto, upon written request to
Signature Services. The sales charge applicable to all amounts invested under
the LOI is computed as if the aggregate amount intended to be invested had been
invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not actually invested, the
difference in the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge payable had
the LOI not been in effect is due from the investor. However, for the purchases
actually made within the specified period (either 13 or 48 months) the sales
charge applicable will not be higher than that which would have been applied
(including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI been for the amount
actually invested.
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient Class A
shares (approximately 5% of the aggregate) to make up any difference in sales
charges on the amount intended to be invested and the amount actually invested,
until such investment is completed within the specified period, at which time
the escrowed Class A shares will be released. If the total investment specified
in the LOI is not completed, the Class A shares held in escrow may be redeemed
and the proceeds used as required to pay such sales charge as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed Class A shares and adjust the sales
charge, if necessary. A LOI does not constitute a binding commitment by an
investor to purchase, or by the Fund to sell, any additional Class A shares and
may be terminated at any time.
Because Class Y shares are sold at net asset value without the imposition of any
sales charge, none of the privileges described under these captions are
available to Class Y investors, with the following exception:
Combination Privilege. As explained in the Prospectus for Class Y Shares, a
Class Y investor may qualify for the minimum $1,000,000 investment (or such
other amount as may be determined by the Fund's officers) if the aggregate
amount of his current and prior investments in Class Y shares of the Fund and
Class Y shares of any other John Hancock Fund exceeds $1,000,000.
27
<PAGE>
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investments in Class B and Class C shares are purchased at net asset value per
share without the imposition of an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the purchase payment.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed
within six years or one year of purchase, respectively, will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at the rates set forth in the Class A,
Class B and Class C Prospectus as a percentage of the dollar amount subject to
the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the
current market value or the original purchase cost of the Class B or Class C
shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value
above the initial purchase prices, including all shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service retirement plans administered
by Signature Services or the Life Company that had more than 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchase of both Class B and Class C
shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month.
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the calculation will be
determined in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged.
It will be assumed that your redemption comes first from shares you have held
beyond the six-year CDSC redemption period for Class B or one year CDSC
redemption period for Class C or those you acquired through dividend and capital
gain reinvestment, and next from the shares you have held the longest during the
six-year period for Class B shares. For this purpose, the amount of any increase
in a share's value above its initial purchase price is not regarded as a share
exempt from CDSC. Thus, when a share that has appreciated in value is redeemed
during the CDSC period, a CDSC is assessed only on its initial purchase price.
When requesting a redemption for a specific dollar amount, please indicate if
you require the proceeds to equal the dollar amount requested. If not indicated,
only the specified dollar amount will be redeemed from your account and the
proceeds will be less any applicable CDSC.
28
<PAGE>
Example:
You have purchased 100 shares at $10 per share. The second year after your
purchase, your investment's net asset value per share has increased by $2 to
$12, and you have gained 10 additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If
you redeem 50 shares at this time your CDSC will be calculated as follows:
oProceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per shares (50 x 12) $600.00
o*Minus Appreciation ($12 - $10) x 100 shares (200.00)
oMinus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC
(dividend reinvestment) (120.00)
-------
oAmount subject to CDSC $280.00
*The appreciation is based on all 100 shares in the lot not just the shares
being redeemed.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to John Hancock Funds and are used in whole or
in part by Signature Services to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the
Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to select
Selling Brokers for selling Class B and Class C shares. The combination of the
CDSC and the distribution and service fees enables the Fund to sell the Class B
and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of the
purchase.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC will be waived on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and of Class A shares that are subject
to CDSC, unless indicated otherwise, in the circumstances defined below:
For all account types:
* Redemptions made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate your account
if you own shares worth less than $1,000.
* Redemptions made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability. (Does not apply to Trust
accounts unless Trust is being dissolved.)
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemption of Class B or Class C shares where the proceeds are used to
purchase a John Hancock Declaration Variable Annuity.
* Redemptions of Class B (but not Class C) shares made under a periodic
withdrawal plan, or redemptions for fees charged by planners or
advisors for advisory services, as long as your annual redemptions do
not exceed 12% of your account value, including reinvested dividends,
at the time you established your periodic withdrawal plan and 12% of
the value of subsequent investments (less redemptions) in that account
at the time you notify Signature Services. (Please note that this
waiver does not apply to periodic withdrawal plan redemptions of Class
A or Class C shares that are subject to a CDSC).
* Redemptions by Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch
servicing programs, if the Plan has less than $3 million in assets or
500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
29
<PAGE>
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
* Redemptions of Class A or Class C shares by retirement plans that
invested through the PruArray Program sponsored by Prudential
Securities.
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Rollover
IRA,TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan
and other plans as described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code")) unless otherwise noted.
* Redemptions made to effect mandatory or life expectancy distributions
under the Internal Revenue Code.
* Returns of excess contributions made to these plans.
* Redemptions made to effect distributions to participants or
beneficiaries from employer sponsored retirement plans under Section
401(a) of the Code (401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing
Plan).
* Redemptions from certain IRA and retirement plans that purchased shares
prior to October 1, 1992 and certain IRA plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for reference.
30
<PAGE>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B and Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of 401(a) 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-
Distribution Plan Rollover retirement
(401(k),
MPP, PSP)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
mandatory account
distri- value
butions annually in
or 12% of periodic
account payments
value
annually
in
periodic
payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
and 70 1/2 Life account
Expec- value
tancy or annually in
12% of periodic
account payments
value
annually
in
periodic
payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived for Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
annuity for for annuity account
payments annuity annuity payments value
(72t) or payments payments (72t) or annually in
12% of (72t) or (72t) or 12% of periodic
account 12% of 12% of account payments
value account account value
annually value value annually
in period annually annually in
payments in in periodic
periodic periodic payments
payments payments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans Waived Waived N/A N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Termination of Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived N/A
Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardships Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return of Waived Waived Waived Waived N/A
Excess
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you qualify for a CDSC waiver under one of these situations, you must notify
Signature Services at the time you make your redemption. The waiver will be
granted once Signature Services has confirmed that you are entitled to the
waiver.
31
<PAGE>
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although it would not normally do so, the Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholder will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. The Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule, the Fund must redeem its shares for cash except to the extent
that the redemption payments to any shareholder during any 90-day period would
exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the
beginning of such period.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR CLASSES A, B AND C SHARES
Exchange Privilege. The Fund permits exchanges of shares of any class of a fund
for shares of the same class in any other John Hancock fund offering that class.
Exchanges between funds with shares that are not subject to a CDSC are based on
their respective net asset values. No sales charge or transactions charge is
imposed. Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into
shares of any of the other John Hancock funds that are subject to a CDSC without
incurring the CDSC; however, the shares acquired in an exchange will be subject
to the CDSC schedule of the shares acquired if and when such shares are redeemed
(except that shares exchanged into John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund
and John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund will retain the exchanged
fund's CDSC schedule). For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon
redemption of shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of the original
shares is added to the holding period of the shares acquired in an exchange.
If a shareholder exchanges Class B shares purchased prior to January 1, 1994
(except John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund) for Class B shares of any
other John Hancock fund, the acquired shares will continue to be subject to the
CDSC schedule that was in effect when the exchanged shares were purchased.
The Fund reserves the right to require that previously exchanged shares (and
reinvested dividends) be in the Fund for 90 days before a shareholder is
permitted a new exchange.
The Fund may refuse any exchange order. The Fund may change or cancel its
exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal Income Tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss. See "TAX STATUS".
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The Fund permits the establishment of a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. Payments under this plan represent proceeds arising from the
redemption of Fund shares, which may result in realization of gain or loss for
purposes of Federal, state and local income taxes. The maintenance of a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
the Fund could be disadvantageous to a shareholder because of the initial sales
charge payable on such purchases of Class A shares and the CDSC imposed on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and because redemptions are taxable
events. Therefore, a shareholder should not purchase shares at the same time as
a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves the right to modify
or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of any shareholder on 30 days'
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prior written notice to such shareholder, or to discontinue the availability of
such plan in the future. The shareholder may terminate the plan at any time by
giving proper notice to Signature Services.
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program (MAAP). The program is explained in the
Class A, Class B and Class C Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic
investment checks, is subject to the following conditions:
The investments will be drawn on or about the day of the month indicated.
The privilege of making investments through the MAAP may be revoked by Signature
Services without prior notice if any investment is not honored by the
shareholder's bank. The bank shall be under no obligation to notify the
shareholder as to the non-payment of any checks.
The program may be discontinued by the shareholder either by calling Signature
Services or upon written notice to Signature Services which is received at least
five (5) business days prior to the processing date of any investment.
Reinstatement and Reinvestment Privilege. If Signature Services is notified
prior to reinvestment, a shareholder who has redeemed shares of the Fund may,
within 120 days after the date of redemption, reinvest without payment of a
sales charge any part of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of
the Fund or another John Hancock fund, subject to the minimum investment limit
in any fund. The proceeds from the redemption of Class A shares may be
reinvested at net asset value without paying a sales charge in Class A shares of
any John Hancock funds. If a CDSC was paid upon a redemption, a shareholder may
reinvest the proceeds from such redemption at net asset value in additional
shares of the class from which the redemption was made. The shareholder's
account will be credited with the amount of any CDSC charged upon the prior
redemption and the new shares will continue to be subject to the CDSC. The
holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will, for purposes of
computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption, include the holding
period of the redeemed shares.
To protect the interests of other investors in the Fund, the Fund may cancel the
reinvestment privilege of any parties that, in the opinion of the Fund, are
using market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. Also, the Fund may refuse any reinvestment
request.
The Fund may change or cancel its reinvestment policies at any time.
A redemption or exchange of shares is a taxable transaction for Federal income
tax purposes even if the reinvestment privilege is exercised, and any gain or
loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption or other disposition of shares
will be treated for tax purposes as described below under the caption "TAX
STATUS."
Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch's servicing programs:
Class A shares are available at net asset value for plans with $3 million in
plan assets or 500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. If the plan does not meet either
of these limits, Class A shares are not available.
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For participating retirement plans investing in Class B shares, shares will
convert to Class A shares after eight years, or sooner if the plan attains
assets of $5 million (by means of a CDSC-free redemption/purchase at net asset
value).
DESCRIPTION OF FUND'S SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, without
par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the authority to
create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without
further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund and two other
series. The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the Trustees to classify and
reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any new series of the Trust, into one or
more classes. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
Trustees have authorizes the issuance of four classes of shares of the Fund,
designated as Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y.
The shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal proportionate interest
in the aggregate net assets attributable to that class of the Fund. Holders of
Class A, Class B and Class C shares have certain exclusive voting rights on
matters relating to their respective distribution plans. The different classes
of the Fund may bear different expenses relating to the cost of holding
shareholder meetings necessitated by the exclusive voting rights of any class of
shares.
Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be
in the same amount, except for differences resulting from the facts that (i) the
distribution and service fees relating to Class A, Class B and Class C shares
will be borne exclusively by that class; (ii) Class B and Class C shares will
pay higher distribution and service fees than Class A shares, and (iii) each
class of shares will bear any class expenses properly allocable to that class of
shares, subject to the conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with
respect to the multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per
share may vary depending on which class of shares are purchased.
No interest will be paid on uncashed dividend or redemption checks.
In the event of liquidation, shareholders of each class are entitled to share
pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to these
shareholders. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share, are freely
transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. When
issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Fund has no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Fund shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall promptly
call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by the record
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with a request for a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the Trust. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer
of shareholder liability for acts, obligations and affairs of the Fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the Fund's assets
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for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable by reason
of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the liabilities of any other
series. Furthermore, no fund included in this Fund's prospectus shall be liable
for the liabilities of any other John Hancock Funds. Liability is therefore
limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is remote.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with the
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept credit card checks. All checks returned by the
post office as undeliverable will be reinvested at net asset value in the fund
or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend paid. Use of information
provided on the account application may be used by the Fund to verify the
accuracy of the information or for background or financial history purposes. A
joint account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of
survivorship, unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different
intent. A shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
TAX STATUS
Each series of the Trust, including the Fund, is treated as a separate entity
for tax purposes. The Fund has qualified as a "regulated investment company"
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify for each taxable year. As such
and by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code regarding the
sources of its income, the timing of its distributions and the diversification
of its assets, the Fund will not be subject to Federal income tax on taxable
income (including net realized capital gains) distributed to shareholders in
accordance with the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible Federal excise tax on certain
amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. The Fund
intends under normal circumstances to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distributions from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits
("E&P") will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If
these distributions are paid from the Fund's "investment company taxable
income," they will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the
Fund's "net capital gain," they will be taxable as capital gain. (Net capital
gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and
capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net
capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) As a result of federal
tax legislation enacted on August 5, 1997 (the "Act"), gain recognized after May
6, 1997 from the sale of a capital asset is taxable to individual (noncorporate)
investors at different maximum federal income tax rates, depending generally
upon the tax holding period for the asset, the federal income tax bracket of the
taxpayer, and the dates the asset was acquired and/or sold. The Treasury
Department has issued guidance under the Act that enables the Fund to pass
through to its shareholders the benefits of the capital gains rates enacted in
the Act. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on the correct
application of these new rules in their particular circumstances. Some
distributions may be paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as if
they had been received on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment
described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
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Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
The amount of net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year will result
from sales of securities made with a view to the maintenance of a portfolio
believed by the Fund's management to be most likely to attain the Fund's
objective. Such sales, and any resulting gains or losses, may therefore vary
considerably from year to year. At the time of an investor's purchase of shares
of the Fund, a portion of the purchase price is often attributable to realized
or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio. Consequently, subsequent
distributions on these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to
such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a
result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares
and the distributions in reality represent a return of a portion of the purchase
price.
If the Fund invests in stock (including an option to acquire stock as is
inherent in a convertible bond) of certain foreign corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends certain rents and royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of
their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign
investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to federal income tax and
additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
These investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains
as ordinary income. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may be
available to ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but could require the
Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash.
The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment
companies or make an available election to minimize its tax liability or
maximize its return from these investments.
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on its income from investments in
certain foreign securities, if any. Some tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Because more than 50%
of the Fund's assets at the close of any taxable year will generally not consist
of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will generally be
unable to pass such taxes through to shareholders, who will therefore generally
not be entitled to any foreign tax credit or deduction with respect to their
investment in the Fund. The Fund will deduct the foreign taxes it pays in
determining the amount it has available for distribution to shareholders.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection with
certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities,
foreign currencies, or payable or receivables denominated in foreign currency
are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and
losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount,
timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into options transactions.
Certain of these transactions may cause the Fund to recognize gains or losses
from marking to market even though its positions have not been sold or
terminated and affect the character as long-term or short-term and timing of
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some capital gains and losses realized by the Fund. Additionally, certain of the
Fund's losses on its transactions involving options and any offsetting or
successor portfolio positions may be deferred rather than being taking into
account currently in calculating the Fund's taxable income or gains. Certain of
such transactions may also cause the Fund to dispose of investments sooner than
would otherwise have occurred. These transactions may therefore affect the
amount, timing and character of the Fund's distributions to shareholders. The
Fund will take into account the special tax rules (including consideration of
available elections) applicable to options in order to minimize any potential
adverse tax consequences.
Upon a redemption of shares of the Fund (including by exercise of the exchange
privilege) in a transaction that is treated as a sale for tax purposes, a
shareholder will ordinarily realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon the
amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his shares. Such gain or loss
will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in the
shareholder's hands and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the
shareholder's tax holding period for the shares and subject to the special rules
described below. A sales charge paid in purchasing Class A shares of the Fund
cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain or loss on the
redemption or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their purchase to the
extent Class A shares of the Fund or another John Hancock fund are subsequently
acquired without payment of a sales charge pursuant to the reinvestment or
exchange privilege. This disregarded charge will result in an increase in the
shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently acquired. Also, any loss
realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed to the extent the shares
disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61
days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed
of, such as pursuant to automatic dividend reinvestment. In such a case, the
basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period of six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any
amounts treated as distributions of long- term capital gain with respect to such
shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding their
particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of Fund shares is
properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing
discussion. Also, future Treasury Department guidance issued to implement the
Act may contain additional rules for determining the tax treatment of sales of
Fund shares held for various periods, including the treatment of losses on the
sales of shares held for six months or less that are recharacterized as
long-term capital losses, as described above.
Although the Fund's present intention is to distribute, at least annually, all
net capital gain, if any, the Fund reserves the right to retain and reinvest all
or any portion of the excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of
net gain over net short- term capital loss in any year. The Fund will not in any
event distribute net capital gain realized in any year to the extent that a
capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such gain. To the
extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the carryforward of prior
years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal income tax in the hands of
the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by the Fund, each shareholder
would be treated for Federal income tax purposes as if the Fund had distributed
to him on the last day of its taxable year his pro rata share of such excess,
and he had paid his pro rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund and reinvested
the remainder in the Fund. Accordingly, each shareholder would (a) include his
pro rata share of such excess as long-term capital gain in his return for his
taxable year in which the last day of the Fund's taxable year falls, (b) be
entitled either to a tax credit on his return for, or to a refund of, his pro
rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund, and (c) be entitled to increase the
adjusted tax basis for his shares in the Fund by the difference between his pro
rata share of such excess and his pro rata share of these taxes.
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For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains, if any, during the eight
years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent net capital gains
are offset by such losses, they would not result in Federal income tax liability
to the Fund and as noted above would not be distributed as such to shareholders.
Presently, there are no realized capital loss carryforwards available to offset
future net realized capital gains.
For purposes of the dividends received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in
respect of the stock of such corporations held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) during a prescribed period extending before and after each
dividend and distributed and properly designated by the Fund may be treated a
qualifying dividends. Corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding
period requirement stated above (46 or 91 days) with respect to their shares of
the Fund for each dividend in order to qualify for the deduction and, if they
have any debt that is deemed under the Code directly attributable to such
shares, may be denied a portion of the dividends received deduction. The entire
qualifying dividend, including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included
in determining the excess (if any) of a corporate shareholder's adjusted current
earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase its
alternative minimum tax liability, if any. Additionally, any corporate
shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its
tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for Federal income tax purposes, by
reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares, for the
purpose of computing its gain or loss on redemption or other disposition of the
shares.
The Fund is required to accrue income on any debt securities that have more than
a de minimus amount of original issue discount (or debt securities acquired at a
market discount, if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. The mark to
market rules applicable to certain options and futures contracts may also
require the Fund to recognize gain within a concurrent receipt of cash. However,
the Fund must distribute to shareholders for each taxable year substantially all
of its net income and net capital gains, including such income or liability for
any federal income or excise tax. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its
portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or
may have to leverage itself by borrowing the cash, to satisfy these distribution
requirements.
A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible taxes, the value of
its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations, provided in
some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations and/or
reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy any
threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although the Fund may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders.
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
all taxable distributions to shareholders, as well as gross proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt
recipients, i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to
which are exempt from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under
the backup withholding provisions of the Code, Section 3406, and applicable
Treasury regulations, all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be
subject to backup withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the
case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their correct
taxpayer identification number and certain certifications required by the IRS or
if the IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the
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shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup
withholding as a result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The
Fund may refuse to accept an application that does not contain any required
taxpayer identification number or certification that the number provided is
correct. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such
distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will
be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against a shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors
should consult their tax advisers about the applicability of the backup
withholding provisions.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default may present
special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues
such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount, or
market discount; when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts
or worthless securities; how payments received on obligations in default should
be allocated between principal and income; and whether exchanges of debt
obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be
addressed by the Fund, in the event it invests in such securities, in order to
reduce the risk of distributing insufficient income to preserve its status as a
regulated investment company and seek to avoid becoming subject to Federal
income or excise tax.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax laws
applicable to the U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under
such law. The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to
certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies
and financial institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions, and ownership
of or gains realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of shares of the
Fund may also be subject to state and local taxes. The foregoing discussion
related to U.S. investors that are not exempt from U.S. Federal income tax.
Different tax consequences will apply to plan participants, tax-exempt investors
and investors that are subject to tax deferral. You should consult your tax
adviser for specific advice. Under the Code, a tax-exempt investor in the Fund
will not generally recognize unrelated business taxable income from its
investment in the Fund unless the tax-exempt investor incurred indebtedness to
acquire or continue to hold Fund shares and such indebtedness remains unpaid.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the Federal, state or
local tax consequences of ownership of shares of, and receipt of distributions
from, the Fund in their particular circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their Fund
investment is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal income tax
treatment that is different from that described above. These investors may be
subject to nonresident alien withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate
under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from
the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8 or authorized substitute for Form
W-8 is on file, to 31% backup withholding on certain other payments from the
Fund. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisers regarding such
treatment and the application of foreign taxes to an investment in the Fund.
The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Fund anticipates that, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company under the Code, it will not be required to pay Massachusetts
income taxes.
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CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1997, the annualized yield on Class A,
Class B and Class Y shares of the Fund was 1.29%, 0.52%, and 1.69%,
respectively. The average annual total return of the Class A shares of the Fund
for the 1, 5 and 10 year periods ended December 31, 1997 was 22.68%, 14.09% and
14.56%, respectively. The average annual total return of the Class B shares of
the Fund for the 1 year period ended December 31, 1997 and for the period from
the commencement of operations, January 3, 1994 to December 31, 1997 was 23.14%
and 16.61%, respectively. The average annual total return of the Class Y shares
of the Fund for the 1 year period ended December 31, 1997 and for the period
from commencement of operation, May 7, 1993 to December 31, 1997 was 29.60% and
16.71%, respectively. Class C shares of the Fund commenced operations on May 1,
1998; therefore, there is no average annual total return to report.
The Fund's total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded
rate of return over the 1 year, 5 year and 10 year periods that would equate the
initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value according to the
following formula:
n ________
T = \ / ERV / P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000. T = average annual
total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at
the beginning of the 1, 5 and 10 year periods.
Because each class has its own sales charge and fee structure, the classes have
different performance results. In the case of Class A, Class B or Class C
shares, this calculation assumes the maximum sales charge is included in the
initial investment or the CDSC applied at the end of the period, respectively.
This calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The "distribution
rate" is determined by annualizing the result of dividing the declared dividends
of the Fund during the period stated by the maximum offering price or net asset
value at the end of the period. Excluding the Fund's sales charge from the
distribution rate produces a higher rate. Performance calculations for Class Y
shares do not include any sales charge or distribution plan fees.
In addition to average annual total returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments, and/or a series of redemptions, over any time period. Total returns
may be quoted with or without taking the Fund's sales charge on Class A shares
or the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares into account. Excluding the Fund's
sales charge on Class A shares and the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares from a
total return calculation produces a higher total return figure.
The Fund may advertise yield, where appropriate. The Fund's yield is computed by
dividing net investment income per share determined for a 30-day period by the
maximum offering price per share (which includes the full sales charge) on the
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last day of the period, according to the following standard formula:
a - b
_____ 6
Yield = 2 ( [ ( cd ) + 1 ] - 1 )
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued during the period.
c = the average daily number of fund shares outstanding during the period
that would be entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
(NAV where applicable).
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's yield/total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds and bank deposit vehicles
such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s "Lipper -- Growth and Income Fund
Performance Analysis," a monthly publication which tracks mutual fund net
assets, total return, and yield. Comparisons may also be made to bank
certificates of deposit ("CDs"), which differ from mutual funds, such as the
Fund, in several ways. The interest rate established by the sponsoring bank is
fixed for the term of a CD, there are penalties for early withdrawal from CDs,
and the principal on a CD is insured.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as MONEY Magazine, FORBES, BUSINESS WEEK, the WALL STREET
JOURNAL, MICROPAL, INC., MORNINGSTAR, BARRON'S and IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES will also
be utilized as well as the Russell and Wilshire indices. The Fund may also cite
Morningstar Mutual Values, an independent mutual fund information service which
ranks mutual funds. The Fund's promotional and sales literature may make
reference to the Fund's "beta." Beta is a reflection of the market-related risk
of the Fund by showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
The performance of the Fund is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of the Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of the Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares; and changes in operating expenses
are all examples of items that can increase or decrease the Fund's performance.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities of the Fund
and the allocation of broker commissions are made by the Advisers pursuant to
recommendations made by its investment committee of the Adviser, which consists
of officers and Trustees of the Adviser and officers and Trustees who are
interested persons of the Fund, and by SAMCorp. Orders for purchases and sales
of securities are placed in a manner, which, in the opinion of the Adviser, will
offer the best price and market for the execution of each such transaction.
Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities may include a commission or
commissions paid by the issuer and transactions with dealers serving as market
maker reflect a "spread." Debt securities are generally traded on a net basis
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through dealers acting for their own account as principals and not as brokers;
no brokerage commissions are payable on these transactions.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and other policies that the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
In the U.S. and in some other countries, debt securities are traded principally
in the over-the-counter market on a net basis through dealers acting for their
own account and not as brokers. In other countries, both debt and equity
securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. Commissions on
foreign transactions are generally higher than the negotiated commission rates
available in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and broker-dealers than in the U.S.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers sand the market in
which a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy,
the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. and other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
To the extent consistent with the foregoing, the Fund will be governed in the
selection of broker and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and to a
lesser extent statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser and SAMCorp, and
their value and expected contribution to the performance of the Fund. It is not
possible to place a dollar value on information and services to be received from
brokers and dealers, since it is only supplementary to the research efforts of
the Adviser and SAMCorp. The receipt of research information is not expected to
reduce significantly the expenses of the Adviser. The research information and
statistical assistance furnished by brokers and dealers may benefit the Life
Company or other advisory clients of the Adviser and SAMCorp, and, conversely,
brokerage commissions and spreads paid by other advisory clients of the Adviser
or SAMCorp may result in research information and statistical assistance
beneficial to the Fund. The Fund will make no commitment to allocate portfolio
transactions upon any prescribed basis. While the Adviser and SAMCorp will be
primarily responsible for the allocation of the Fund's brokerage business, their
policies and practices in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and
will at all times be subject to review by the Trustees. For the years ended on
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions
in the amount of $2,034,103, $1,622,709 and $1,652,520, respectively.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay to a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund
an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another
broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is
subject to a good faith determination by the Trustees that such price is
reasonable in light of the services provided and to these policies as the
Trustees may adopt from time to time. During the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, the Fund directed commissions in the amount of $270,599 to compensate
42
<PAGE>
brokers for research services such as industry, economic and company reviews and
evaluation of securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder of John Hancock Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer ("Distributors"
or "Affiliated Broker"). Pursuant to procedures determined by the Trustees and
consistent with the above policy of obtaining best net results, the Fund may
execute portfolio transactions with or through Affiliated Brokers. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Fund paid no brokerage
commissions to any Affiliated Broker.
Distributors may act as broker for the Fund on securities or commodities
exchange transactions, subject, however, to the general policy of the Fund set
forth above and the procedures adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the
Investment Company Act. Commissions paid to an Affiliated Broker must be at
least as favorable as those which the Trustees believe to be contemporaneously
charged by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving
similar securities being purchased or sold. A transaction would not be placed
with an Affiliated Broker if the Fund would have to pay a commission rate less
favorable than the Affiliated Broker's contemporaneous charges for comparable
transactions for its other most favored, but unaffiliated, customers except for
accounts for which the Affiliated Broker acts as clearing broker for another
brokerage firm, and any customers of the Affiliated Broker not comparable to the
Fund as determined by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons
(as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Fund, the Adviser, SAMCorp or
the Affiliated Broker. Any such transactions would be subject to a good faith
determination by the Trustees that the compensation paid to Affiliated Brokers
is fair and reasonable. Because the Adviser and SAMCorp, which are affiliated
with the Affiliated Broker, have, as investment advisers to the Fund, the
obligation to provide investment management services, which includes elements of
research and related investment skills, such research and related skills will
not be used by the Affiliated Broker as a basis for negotiating commissions at a
rate higher than that determined in accordance with the above criteria.
Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities as the Fund. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transactions as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Fund. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate the securities
to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for
other clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000, Boston,
MA 02217-1000, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company, is the
transfer and dividend paying agent for the Fund. The Fund pays Signature
Services an annual fee of $19.00 for each Class A shareholder account, $21.50
for each Class B shareholder account, $20.50 for each Class C shareholder
account and 0.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Class Y
shares.
43
<PAGE>
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a custodian agreement
between the Fund and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the custodian agreement, Investors Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. The independent auditors audit and render
an opinion on the Fund's annual financial statements and prepare the Fund's
annual income tax returns.
44
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
Moody's describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterized
bonds in this class.
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Bonds which are rated Ca represented obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Standard & Poor's describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Debt rated 'BBB' is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
Debt rated 'BB,' 'B,' 'CCC,' or 'CC' is regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. 'BB' indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and 'CC' the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
Moody's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
A-1
<PAGE>
Issuers rated P-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. P-1 repayment capacity will
normally be evidenced by the following characteristics: (1) leading market
positions in well- established industries; (2) high rates of return on funds
employed; (3) conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protections; (4) broad margins in earnings coverage of
fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and (5) well
established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated P-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated P-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for
repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
Standard & Poor's describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
BBB Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C Debt rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC" and 'C' is regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. 'BB'
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and 'C' the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
BB Debt rated 'BB' has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The 'BB'
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied 'BBB-' rating.
B Debt rated 'B' has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal. The 'B' rating category is also used for debt
A-2
<PAGE>
subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied 'BB' or 'BB-'
rating.
CCC Debt rated 'CCC' has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The 'CCC' rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
'B' or 'B-' rating.
CC The rating 'CC' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC' rating.
C The rating 'C' is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied 'CCC-' debt rating. The 'C' rating may be used
to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.
Standard & Poor's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as
follows:
A-1. This designation indicated that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
A-2. Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3. Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
Issuers rated P-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated P-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for
repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
A-3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1997 Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997; (filed
electronically on March 3, 1998, accession number 0001010521-98-000206) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund (file nos. 811-00560 and
2-10156).
John Hancock Investment Trust
John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1997.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the periods indicated therein.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BALANCED FUND
Class A and Class B Shares
Statement of Additional Information
May 1, 1998
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Sovereign Balanced Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is
contained in the combined Growth and Income Funds' Prospectus dated May 1, 1998
(the "Prospectus"). The Fund is a diversified series of John Hancock Investment
Trust (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free of
charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, Massachusetts 02217-1000
1-(800)-225-5291
Table of Contents
Page
Organization of the Fund
Investment Objective and Policies ........................................ 2
Investment Restrictions .................................................. 15
Those Responsible for Management ......................................... 17
Investment Advisory and Other Services ................................... 25
Distribution Contracts ................................................... 27
Net Asset Value .......................................................... 29
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares ................................... 30
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B Shares .................................. 32
Special Redemptions ...................................................... 35
Additional Services and Programs ......................................... 36
Description of the Fund's Shares ........................................ 37
Tax Status ............................................................... 38
Calculation of Performance ............................................... 43
Brokerage Allocation ..................................................... 45
Transfer Agent Services .................................................. 46
Custody of Portfolio ..................................................... 46
Independent Auditors ..................................................... 47
Appendix.................................................................. A-1
Financial Statements ..................................................... F-1
1
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION OF FUND
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end investment management company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on December 12, 1984. Prior to
December 2, 1996, the Fund was a diversified series of John Hancock Sovereign
Investors Fund, Inc.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the John Hancock Mutual
Life Company (the "Life Company"), a Massachusetts life insurance company
chartered in 1862, with national headquarters at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies discussed in the Prospectus. There is no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The investment objectives of the Fund are to provide current income, long-term
growth of capital and income and preservation of capital without assuming what
the Adviser believes to be undue market risks. At times, however, because of
market conditions, the Fund may invest primarily for current income. The Fund
will allocate its investments among different types and classes of securities in
accordance with the Adviser's appraisal of economic and market conditions.
Shareholder approval is not required to effect changes in the Fund's investment
objectives.
The Fund may invest in any type or class of security. At least 25% of the value
of the Fund's total assets will be invested in fixed income senior securities.
Fixed income securities may include both convertible and non-convertible debt
securities and preferred stock, and only that portion of their value attributed
to their fixed income characteristics, as determined by the Adviser, can be used
in applying the 25% test. The balance of the Fund's total assets may consist of
cash or (i) equity securities of established companies, (ii) equity and fixed
income securities of foreign corporations, governments or other issuers meeting
applicable quality standards as determined by the Fund's investment adviser,
(iii) foreign currencies, (iv) securities that are issued or guaranteed as to
interest and principal by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities, (v) obligations and equity securities of banks or savings and
loan associations (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances);
and (vi) to the extent available and permissible, options and futures contracts
on securities, currencies and indices. Each of these investments is more fully
described below. The Fund's portfolio securities are selected mainly for their
investment character based upon generally accepted elements of intrinsic value,
including industry position, management, financial strength, earning power,
marketability and prospects for future growth. The distribution or mix of
various types of investments is based on general market conditions, the level of
interest rates, business and economic conditions and the availability of
investments in the equity or fixed income markets.
Equity securities, for purposes of the Fund's investment policy, are limited to
common stocks, preferred stocks, investment grade convertible securities and
warrants. In addition, the Fund utilizes a strategy of investing only in those
common stocks which have a record of having increased their shareholder dividend
in each of the preceding ten or more years. This dividend performers strategy
may be changed at any time.
At least 75% of the Fund's total investments in fixed income securities (other
than commercial paper) will be rated within the four highest grades as
determined by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa) or
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A or BBB). Fixed income
securities rated Baa or BBB are considered medium grade obligations with
speculative characteristics; and adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances may weaken their issuers' capacity to pay interest and repay
principal.
2
<PAGE>
The Fund diversifies its investments among a number of industry groups without
concentrating more than 25% of its assets in any particular industry. The Fund's
investments are subject to market fluctuation and the risks inherent in all
securities.
Assuming relatively stable economic conditions, it is anticipated that the
annual portfolio turnover rate will not usually exceed 100%. However, under
certain economic conditions, a higher turnover may be advisable to achieve the
Fund's objectives.
Investment in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total
assets in securities of foreign companies. The Fund may invest directly in the
securities of foreign issuers as well as in the form of sponsored and
unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"). European Depository Receipts
("EDRs") or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers.
These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted but rather in the currency of the
market in which they are traded. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United
States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities
issued by a foreign corporation. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe by banks or
depositories which evidence a similar ownership arrangement. Issuers of
unsponsored ADRs are not required to disclose material information in the United
States. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S.
securities markets and EDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European
securities markets.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The foreign currency transactions of the Fund may
be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate for purchasing or
selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market. The Fund may also
enter into forward foreign currency contracts involving currencies of the
different countries in which it will invest as a hedge against possible
variations in the foreign exchange rate between these currencies. Forward
contracts are agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The Fund's transactions
in forward foreign currency contracts will be limited to hedging either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or
payables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its
portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the
use of forward foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions
denominated or quoted in such foreign currencies. The Fund will not attempt to
hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and will enter into such
transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, its
custodian bank will segregate cash or liquid securities, of any type or
maturity, in a separate account of the Fund in an amount necessary to complete
the contract. Those assets will be market to market daily and if the value of
the securities in the separate account declines, additional cash or liquid
assets will be added so that the value of the account will be equal to the
amount of the Fund's commitment in purchased forward contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. These transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency rises. Moreover, it may
not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with
such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the
market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency are
usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
3
<PAGE>
Risks of Foreign Securities. Investments in foreign securities may involve a
greater degree of risk than those in domestic securities. There is generally
less publicly available information about foreign companies in the form of
reports and ratings similar to those that are published about issuers in the
United States. Also, foreign issuers are generally not subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements comparable to those
applicable to United States issuers.
Because foreign securities may be denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the Fund's net
asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses
realized on the sale of securities, and any net investment income and gains that
the Fund distributes to shareholders. Securities transactions undertaken in some
foreign markets may not be settled promptly, so that the Fund's investments on
foreign exchanges may be less liquid and subject to the risk of fluctuating
currency exchange rates pending settlement.
Foreign securities will be purchased in the best available market whether
through over-the-counter markets or exchanges located in the countries where
principal offices of the issuers are located. Foreign securities markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. While
growing in volume, they usually have substantially less volume than the New York
Stock Exchange, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable United States issuers. Fixed commissions
on foreign exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on United
States exchanges. although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable
net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed issuers
than in the United States.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of funds or
other assets of the Fund, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States economy in terms of growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position.
The dividends, in some cases capital gains and interest payable on certain of
the Fund's foreign portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding or
other foreign taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income or gains available
for distribution to the Fund's shareholders.
These risks may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets or
countries with limited or developing capital markets. These countries are
located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America and
Africa. Security prices in these markets can be significantly more volatile than
in more developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing
in less established markets and economies. Political, legal and economic
structures in many of these emerging market countries may be undergoing
significant evolution and rapid development, and they may lack the social,
political, legal and economic stability characteristic of more developed
countries. Emerging market countries may have failed in the past to recognize
private property rights. They may have relatively unstable governments, present
the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or
prohibitions on repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property
rights than more developed countries. Their economies may be predominantly based
on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global
trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or
inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities
and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume,
potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or
impossible at times. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or
other arrangements before making certain investments in those countries.
Securities of issuers located in these countries may have limited marketability
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.
4
<PAGE>
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement the Fund buys a security for a
relatively short period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation
to sell it back to the issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued interest.
The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities.
The Adviser will continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the parties with
whom it enters into repurchase agreements.
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in or be
prevented from liquidating the underlying securities and could experience
losses, including the possible decline in the value of the underlying securities
during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible
subnormal levels of income and decline in value of the underlining securities or
of access to income during this period as well as expense of enforcing its
rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that the Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. To minimize
various risks associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will
establish and maintain with the Fund's custodian a separate account consisting
of liquid securities, of any type or maturity in an amount at least equal to the
repurchase prices of these securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under
such agreements. The Fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a
decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because
it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. In addition,
the Fund will not enter into reverse repurchase agreements and other borrowings
exceeding in the aggregate 33% of the market value of its total assets. The Fund
will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with federally insured banks
which are approved in advance as being creditworthy by the Trustees. Under
procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser will monitor the
creditworthiness of the banks involved.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"),
including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the 1933 act
and securities offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the 1933 Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net
assets on illiquid investments. If the Trustees determines, based upon a
continuing review of the trading markets for specific Section 4(2) paper or Rule
144A securities, that they are liquid, they will not be subject to the 15% limit
on illiquid investments. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the
Advisers the daily function of determining the monitoring and liquidity of
restricted securities. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. The Trustees will
carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such
important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of
information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the
level of illiquidity in the Fund if qualified institutional buyers become for a
time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Currency. The Fund may purchase
and write (sell) call and put options on any securities in which it may invest,
on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest or on any
currency in which Fund investments may be denominated. These options may be
listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges
or traded in the over-the-counter market. The Fund may write covered put and
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call options and purchase put and call options to enhance total return, as a
substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or currency, or to protect
against declines in the value of portfolio securities and against increases in
the cost of securities to be acquired.
Writing Covered Options. A call option on securities or currency written by the
Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities or currency to the holder
of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before
the expiration date. A put option on securities or currency written by the Fund
obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities or currency from the option
holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. Options on securities indices are similar to options on
securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash
settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather
than price fluctuations in a single security. Writing covered call options may
deprive the Fund of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market
price of the securities or foreign currency assets in its portfolio. Writing
covered put options may deprive the Fund of the opportunity to profit from a
decrease in the market price of the securities or foreign currency assets to be
acquired for its portfolio.
All call and put options written by the Fund are covered. A written call option
or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities,
either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated
account maintained by the Fund's custodian with a value at least equal to the
Fund's obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward
commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option
which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the Fund's net
exposure on its written option position. A written call option on securities is
typically covered by maintaining the securities that are subject to the option
in a segregated account. The Fund may cover call options on a securities index
by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of
the underlying index.
The Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations
under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are
referred to as "closing purchase transactions."
Purchasing Options. The Fund would normally purchase call options in
anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease
("protective puts"), in the market value of securities or currencies of the type
in which it may invest. The Fund may also sell call and put options to close out
its purchased options.
The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium
paid, to purchase specified securities or currency at a specified price during
the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a
call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities or
currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on
the purchase of the call option.
The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to sell specified securities or currency at a specified price during the
option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge
against a decline in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities or the
currencies in which they are denominated. Put options may also be purchased by
the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price
of securities or currencies which it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily
realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying
securities or currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover
the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no
gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the
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purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by
each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in
each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading
facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be
affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of
the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any
particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options
it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
currencies or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options
expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing
sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction
costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the
secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than
with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The
Adviser will determine the liquidity of each over-the-counter option in
accordance with guidelines adopted by the Trustees.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options
depends in part on the Adviser's ability to predict future price fluctuations
and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the options and
securities or currency markets.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. To seek to increase total
return or hedge against changes in interest rates, the Fund may purchase and
sell interest rate futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put
options on these futures contracts. The Fund may also enter into closing
purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of these contracts and
options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S.
Government securities) and securities indices. All futures contracts entered
into by the Fund are traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or boards of trade that
are licensed, regulated or approved by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC").
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Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement
between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an
agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement
price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling
for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are
instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit
or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be
liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the
underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous
to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures
contracts are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will
be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging and Other Strategies. Hedging is an attempt to establish with more
certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return
on portfolio securities or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire. When
interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the Fund can seek to
offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the
sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices
are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to
secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when
it effects anticipated purchases. The Fund may seek to offset anticipated
changes in the value of a currency in which its portfolio securities, or
securities that it intends to purchase, are quoted or denominated by purchasing
and selling futures contracts on such currencies.
The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by
selling futures contracts in an attempt to hedge against an anticipated rise in
interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that
would adversely affect the dollar value of the Funds portfolio securities. Such
futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities
held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the
Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may sell futures contracts on
any currencies in which its portfolio securities are quoted or denominated or in
one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities
denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical
pattern of correlation between the two currencies.
If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation
between price trends for the Fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts
based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the
Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy.
Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the Fund's portfolio
may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Adviser
will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on
historical patterns and compensate for any differential by having the Fund enter
into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve
only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund's portfolio
securities.
When a short hedging position is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a
decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable
than prices that are currently available. The Fund may also purchase futures
contracts as a substitute for transactions in securities or foreign currency, to
alter the investment characteristics of or currency exposure associated with
portfolio securities or to gain or increase its exposure to a particular market
or currency.
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Options on Futures Contracts. The Fund may purchase and write options on futures
for the same purposes as its transactions in futures contracts. The purchase of
put and call options on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not
the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the
underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the
purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of
the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk
of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium
and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may
partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By writing a call
option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium (upon exercise
of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may
have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put
option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an
increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However,
the Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures
contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the
exercise price. The loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option of the same series. There
is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Other Considerations. The Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions either for bona fide hedging purposes or to seek to increase total
return as permitted by the CFTC. To the extent that the Fund is using futures
and related options for hedging purposes, futures contracts will be sold to
protect against a decline in the price of securities (or the currency in which
quoted or denominated) that the Fund owns or futures contracts will be purchased
to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities (or the
currency in which quoted or denominated) it intends to purchase. The Fund will
determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on
futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments which
it expects to purchase. As evidence of its hedging intent, the Fund expects that
on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or option
position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have
purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of
related securities (or assets denominated in the related currency) in the cash
market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out. However,
in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the Fund to do so,
a long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire without the
corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.
To the extent that the Fund engages in nonhedging transactions in futures
contracts and options on futures, the aggregate initial margin and premiums
required to establish these nonhedging positions will not exceed 5% of the net
asset value of the Fund's portfolio, after taking into account unrealized
profits and losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which such
options were in-the-money at the time of purchase. The Fund will engage in
transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such
transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for maintaining its qualification as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.
Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating the Fund to purchase securities, require the Fund to establish with
the custodian a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an
amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. For
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example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency
exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if
it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
Perfect correlation between the Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions
will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon
individual fixed income securities, except certain U.S. Government securities.
The only futures contracts available to hedge the Fund's fixed income securities
are various futures on U.S. Government securities, securities indices and
foreign currencies. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures
position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired
protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. In
addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or protect against currency
fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies
because the value of such securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of
independent factors not related to currency fluctuation.
Some futures contracts or options on futures may become illiquid under adverse
market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity
exchange may suspend or limit trading in a futures contract or related option,
which may make the instrument temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price
of a futures contract or related option can vary from the previous day's
settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that
day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the Fund from closing out
positions and limiting its losses.
Government Securities. Certain U.S. Government securities, including U.S.
Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and Government National Mortgage Association
certificates ("Ginnie Maes"), are supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Certain other U.S. Government securities, issued or guaranteed by
Federal agencies or government sponsored enterprises, are not supported by the
full faith and credit of the United States, but may be supported by the right of
the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. These securities include
obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Macs"), and
obligations supported by the credit of the instrumentality, such as Federal
National Mortgage Association Bonds ("Fannie Maes"). No assurance can be given
that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to such Federal
agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and government sponsored enterprises in
the future.
Ginnie Maes, Freddie Macs and Fannie Maes are mortgage-backed securities which
provide monthly payments which are, in effect, a "pass-through" of the monthly
interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the
individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans. Collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") in which the Fund may invest are securities issued by a
U.S. Government instrumentality that are collateralized by a portfolio of
mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities may be less
effective than traditional debt obligations of similar maturity at maintaining
yields during periods of declining interest rates. The Fund will not invest more
than 50% of its assets in mortgage-backed securities.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's and S&P
represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities
which they rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are relative and
subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used
by the Funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities.
Among the factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the
issuer to pay principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix A
contains further information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their
significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities.
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Lower Rated High Yield "High Risk" Securities. Up to 25% of the Fund's total
investments in fixed income securities may be in high yielding, fixed income
securities rated as low as C by Moody's or S&P. These lower rated securities are
speculative to a high degree and often have very poor prospects of attaining
real investment standing. Lower rated securities are generally referred to as
junk bonds. Ratings are based largely on the historical financial condition of
the issuer.
Securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard & Poor's are
sometimes referred to as junk bonds. See the Appendix attached to this Statement
of Additional Information which describes the characteristics of the securities
in the various ratings categories. The Fund is not obligated to dispose of
securities whose issuers subsequently are in default or which are downgraded
below the above-stated ratings. The credit ratings of Moody's and Standard &
Poor's such as those ratings described here, may not be changed by Moody's and
Standard & Poor's in a timely fashion to reflect subsequent economic events. The
credit ratings of securities do not reflect an evaluation of market risk. Debt
obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated, involve
greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In
addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in
financial condition affecting the issuer's ability to make payments of interest
and principal. The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income
securities generally respond more to short-term corporate and market
developments than do those of higher rated securities, because these
developments are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of
an issuer of lower rated securities to meet its ongoing debt obligations. The
Adviser seeks to minimize these risks through diversification, investment
analysis and attention to current developments in interest rates and economic
conditions.
Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield high risk bond market, or the
reduced availability of market quotations, will make it more difficult to
dispose of the bonds and to value accurately the Fund's assets. The reduced
availability of reliable, objective data may increase the Fund's reliance on
management's judgment in valuing high yield high risk bonds. In addition, the
Fund's investments in high yield high risk securities may be susceptible to
adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not justified by
fundamental factors. The Fund's investments, and consequently its net asset
value, will be subject to the market fluctuations and risk inherent in all
securities. Increasing rate note securities are typically refinanced by the
issuers within a short period of time.
The market value of debt securities which carry no equity participation usually
reflects yields generally available on securities of similar quality and type.
When such yields decline, the market value of a portfolio already invested at
higher yields can be expected to rise if such securities are protected against
early call. In general, in selecting securities for its portfolio, the Fund
intends to seek protection against early call. Similarly, when such yields
increase, the market value of a portfolio already invested at lower yields can
be expected to decline. The Fund's portfolio may include debt securities which
sell at substantial discounts from par. These securities are low coupon bonds
which, during periods of high interest rates, because of their lower acquisition
cost tend to sell on a yield basis approximating current interest rates.
Investments in corporate fixed income securities may be in bonds, convertible
debentures and convertible or non-convertible preferred stock. The value of
convertible securities, while influenced by the level of interest rates, is also
affected by the changing value of the underlying common stock into which the
securities are convertible. The value of fixed income securities varies
inversely with interest rates.
Mortgage "Dollar Roll" Transactions. The Fund may enter into mortgage "dollar
roll" transactions with selected banks and broker-dealers pursuant to which the
Fund sells mortgage-backed securities and simultaneously contracts to repurchase
substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified
future date. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. A "covered roll" is a
specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or a
cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the forward
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settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. Covered rolls are not treated as
a borrowing or other senior security and will be excluded from the calculation
of the Fund's borrowing and other senior securities. For financial reporting and
tax purposes, the Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate
transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate
transaction involving a sale. The Fund does not currently intend to enter into
mortgage dollar roll transactions that are accounted for as a financing.
Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in
asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are often subject to more rapid
repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the
pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods
of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed
securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, the Fund's ability to
maintain positions in these securities will be affected by reductions in the
principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability
to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to
generally prevailing interest rates at that time.
Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors on such
receivables are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
Automobile receivables generally are secured, but by automobiles rather than
residential real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the
loan services to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the service
were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the
purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of vehicles
involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the
trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper
security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the
possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be
available to support payments on these securities.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the loaned securities. As a result, the Fund may
incur a loss or in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy may be delayed in or
prevented from liquidating the collateral. It is a fundamental policy of the
Fund not to lend portfolio securities having a total value in excess of 33 1/3%
of its total assets.
Rights and Warrants. The Fund may purchase warrants and rights which are
securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to purchase the
underlying securities at a predetermined price, subject to the Fund's
Fundamental Investment Restriction. Generally, warrants and stock purchase
rights do not carry with them the right to receive dividends or exercise voting
rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any
rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, an investment in warrants and
rights may be considered to entail greater investment risk than certain other
types of investments. In addition, the value of warrants and rights does not
necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease
to have value if they are not exercised on or prior to their expiration date.
Investment in warrants and rights increases the potential profit or loss to be
realized from the investment of a given amount of the Fund's assets as compared
with investing the same amount in the underlying stock.
Short-Sales. The Fund may engage in short sales against the Box. In a short sale
against the box, the Fund agrees to sell at a future date a security that it
either contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no extra cost. If
the price of the security has declined at the time the Fund is required to
deliver the security, the Fund will benefit from the difference in the price. If
the price of the security has increased, the Fund will be required to pay the
difference.
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Structured or Hybrid Notes. The Fund may invest in "structured" or "hybrid"
notes. The distinguishing feature of a structured or hybrid note is that the
amount of interest and/or principal payable on the note is based on the
performance of a benchmark asset or market other than fixed income securities or
interest rates. Examples of these benchmark include stock prices, currency
exchange rates and physical commodity prices. Investing in a structured note
allows the Fund to gain exposure to the benchmark market while fixing the
maximum loss that the Fund may experience in the event that market does not
perform as expected. Depending on the terms of the note, the Fund may forego all
or part of the interest and principal that would be payable on a comparable
conventional note; the Fund's loss cannot exceed this foregone interest and/or
principal. An investment in structured or hybrid notes involves risks similar to
those associated with a direct investment in the benchmark asset.
Swaps, Caps, Floor and Collars. As one way of managing its exposure to different
types of investments, the Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, currency
swaps, and other types of swap agreements such as caps, collars and floors. In a
typical interest rate swap, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a
floating interest rate times a "notional principal amount," in return for
payments equal to a fixed rate times the same amount, for a specified period of
time. If a swap agreement provides for payment in different currencies, the
parties might agree to exchange the notional principal amount as well. Swaps may
also depend on other prices or rates, such as the value of an index or mortgage
prepayment rates.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only
under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the
other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to
receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an
agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to
make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an
agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and
selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund's investment exposure from one type
of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agreed to exchange payments
in dollars for payments in a foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to
decrease the Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to
foreign currency and interest rates. Caps and floors have an effect similar to
buying or writing options. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may
increase or decrease the overall volatility of a Fund's investments and its
share price and yield.
Swap agreements are sophisticated hedging instruments that typically involve a
small investment of cash relative to the magnitude of risks assumed. As a
result, swaps can be highly volatile and may have a considerable impact on the
Fund's performance. Swap agreements are subject to risks related to the
counterpart's ability to perform, and may decline in value if the counterpart's
credit worthiness deteriorates. The Fund may also suffer losses if it is unable
to terminate outstanding swap agreements or reduce its exposure through
offsetting transactions. The Fund will maintain in a segregated account with its
custodian, cash or liquid, high grade debt securities equal to the net amount,
if any, of the excess of the Fund's obligations over its entitlement with
respect to swap, cap, collar or floor transactions.
Participation Interests. Participation interests, which may take the form of
interests in, or assignments of certain loans, are acquired from banks who have
made these loans or are members of a lending syndicate. The Fund's investments
in participation interests are subject to its 15% limitation on investments in
liquid securities.
Pay-In-Kind, Delayed and Zero Coupon Bonds. The Fund may invest in pay- in-kind,
delayed and zero coupon bonds. These are securities issued at a discount from
their face value because interest payments are typically postponed until
maturity. The amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including
the time remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security's
liquidity and the issuer's credit quality. These securities also may take the
form of debt securities that have been stripped of their interest payments. A
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portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their
coupons may be taxable. The market prices in pay-in-kind, delayed and zero
coupon bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of
interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a grater degree to
changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar
maturities and credit quality. The Fund's investments in pay-in-kind, delayed
and zero coupon bonds may require the Fund to sell certain of its portfolio
securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy certain income distribution
requirements. See "Tax Status."
Brady Bonds. The Fund may invest in Brady Bonds and other sovereign debt
securities of countries that have restructured or are in the process of
restructuring sovereign debt pursuant to the Brady Plan. Brady Bonds are debt
securities issued by U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a
mechanism for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external
indebtedness (generally, commercial bank debt). In restructuring its external
debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor nation negotiates with its
existing bank lenders as well as multilateral institutions such as the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund (the "IMF"). The Brady Plan facilitate
the exchange of commercial bank debt for newly issued bonds known as Brady
Bonds. The World Bank and the IMF provide funds pursuant to loan agreements or
other arrangements which enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady
Bonds or to repurchase outstanding bank debt at a discount. Under these
arrangements IMF, debtor nations are required to agree implement domestic
monetary and fiscal reforms. These reforms have included the liberalization of
trade and foreign investment, the privatization of state-owned enterprises and
the setting of targets for public spending and borrowing. These policies and
programs promote the debtor country's ability to service its external
obligations and promote its economic growth and development. The Brady Plan only
sets forth general guiding principles for economic reform and debt reduction,
emphasizing that solutions must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis between
debtor nations and their creditors. The Adviser believes that economic reforms
undertaken by countries in connection with the issuance of Brady Bonds make the
debt of countries which have issued or have announced plans to issue Brady Bonds
an attractive opportunity for investment.
Brady Bonds have recently been issued by Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa
Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, the
Philippines, Uruguay and Venezuela and may be issued by other countries. Over
$130 billion in principal amount of Brady Bonds have been issued to date, the
largest portion having been issued by Argentina and Brazil. Brady Bonds may
involve a high degree of risk, may be in default or present the risk of default.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Fund is not
aware of the occurrence of any payment defaults on Brady Bonds. Investors should
recognize however, that Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and,
accordingly, they do not have a long payment history. Agreements implemented
under the Brady Plan to date are designed to achieve debt and debt-service
reduction through specific options negotiated by a debtor nation with its
creditors. As a result, the financial packages offered by each country differ.
The types of options have included the exchange of outstanding commercial bank
debt for bonds issued at 100% of face value of such debt, bonds issued at a
discount of face value of such debt, bonds bearing an interest rate which
increases over time and bonds issued in exchange for the advancement of new
money by existing lenders. Certain Brady Bonds have been collateralized as to
principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds with a maturity
equal to the final maturity of such Brady Bonds, although the collateral is not
available to investors until the final maturity of the Brady Bonds. Collateral
purchases are financed by the IMF, the World Bank and the debtor nations'
reserves. In addition, the first two or three interest payments on certain types
of Brady Bonds may be collateralized by cash or securities agreed upon by
creditors. Although Brady Bonds may be collateralized by U.S. Government
securities, repayment of principal and interest is not guaranteed by the U.S.
Government.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to
14
<PAGE>
be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. For
when-issued transactions, no payment is made until delivery is due, often a
month or more after the purchase. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund
contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond
customary settlement time.
When the Fund engages in forward commitment and when-issued transactions, it
relies on the seller to consummate the transaction. The failure of the issuer or
seller to consummate the transaction may result in the Fund's losing the
opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered to be advantageous. The
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis also
involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
prior to the settlement date.
On the date the Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities of any type or maturity equal in value to the
Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and additional
cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the extent that
the total value of the assets in the account declines below the amount of the
when-issued commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into offsetting
contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
Short Term Trading and Portfolio Turnover. Short-term trading means the purchase
and subsequent sale of a security after it has been held for a relatively brief
period of time. The Fund may engage in short-term trading in response to stock
market conditions, changes in interest rates or other economic trends and
developments, or to take advantage of yield disparities between various fixed
income securities in order to realize capital gains or improve income. Short
term trading may have the effect of increasing portfolio turnover rate. A high
rate of portfolio turnover (100% or greater) involves correspondingly greater
brokerage expenses. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is set forth in the table
under the caption "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus.
Defensive Investments. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest
some or all of its assets in investment grade short-term securities.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions will
not be changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information means the approval by the lesser of (1) the holders of
67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at a meeting if more than 50% of
the Fund's outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy at that meeting
or (2) more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The Fund observes the fundamental restrictions listed in items (1) through (9)
below.
The Fund may not:
(1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraph (2)
below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of
shares in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts,
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies, and the
pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's assets within
the meaning of paragraph (3) below, are not deemed to be
senior securities.
(2) Borrow money in amounts exceeding 33% of the Fund's total
assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value.
Interest paid on borrowings will reduce income available to
shareholders.
15
<PAGE>
(3) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
indebtedness permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if
the assets subject to such pledging, mortgaging or
hypothecation do not exceed 33% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value.
(4) Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that, in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the
Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the
Securities Act of 1933.
(5) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein,
including real estate limited partnerships, except that the
Fund may invest in securities of corporate or governmental
entities secured by real estate or marketable interests
therein or securities issued by companies that invest in real
estate or interests therein.
(6) Make loans, except for collateralized loans of portfolio
securities in accordance with the Fund's investment policies.
The Fund does not, for this purpose, consider the purchase of
all or a portion of an issue of bonds, bank certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities,
whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance
of the securities, to be the making of a loan.
(7) Buy or sell commodities, commodity contracts, puts, calls or
combinations thereof, except futures contracts and options on
securities, securities indices, currency and other financial
instruments, options on such futures contracts, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts, forward commitments,
interest rate or currency swaps, securities index put or call
warrants and repurchase agreements entered into in accordance
with the Fund's investment policies.
(8) Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal
business activity in the same industry if, immediately after
such purchase, the value of its investments in such industry
would exceed 25% of its total assets taken at market value at
the time of each investment. This limitation does not apply to
investments in obligations of the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies or instrumentalities.
(9) Purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities), if, with
respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets,
(i) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at
market value would be invested in the securities of
such issuer, or,
(ii) such purchase would at the time result in more than
10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer being held by the Fund.
In connection with the lending of portfolio securities under item (6) above,
such loans must at all times be fully collateralized and the Fund's custodian
must take possession of the collateral either physically or in book entry form.
Securities used as collateral must be marked to market daily.
Nonfundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as nonfundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholders' approval.
The Fund may not:
(a) Participate on a joint or joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of
marketable portfolio securities with other accounts under the
management of the Adviser to save commissions or to average prices
among them is not deemed to result in a joint securities trading
account.
16
<PAGE>
(b) Purchase securities on margin (except that it may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
transactions in securities and forward foreign currency exchange
contracts and may make margin payments in connection with transactions
in futures contracts and options on futures) or make short sales of
securities unless by virtue of its ownership of other securities, the
Fund has the right to obtain, without the payment of any additional
consideration, securities equivalent in kind and amount to the
securities sold and, if the right is conditional, the sale is made upon
the same conditions.
(c) Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of other investment
companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, or (iii)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to (a) the investment of cash collateral, received by the Fund in
connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities, in the
securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the purchase of
shares of any investment company in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the
assets of another investment company. Subject to the above percentage
limitations, the Fund may, in connection with the John Hancock Group of
Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees/Trustees,
purchase securities of other investment companies within the John
Hancock Group of Funds.
(d) Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of any
company.
(e) Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by its Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Fund are
also officers or directors of the Adviser or officers or directors of the Fund's
principal distributor, John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock Funds").
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and
President, John Hancock Funds, Inc.
("John Hancock Funds"); Chairman,
First Signature Bank and Trust
Company; Director, John Hancock
Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Insurance
Agency, Inc."), John Hancock
Advisers International (Ireland)
Limited ("International Ireland"),
John Hancock Capital Corporation
and New England/Canada Business
Council; Member, Investment Company
Institute Board of Governors;
Director, Asia Strategic Growth
Fund, Inc.; Trustee, Museum of
Science; Director, John Hancock
Freedom Securities Corporation
(until September 1996); Director,
John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
18
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual Insurance Company
(insurance), Health Plan Services,
Inc., Massachusetts Health and
Education Tax Exempt Trust, Flagship
Healthcare, Inc., Carlin Insurance
Agency, Inc., West Insurance Agency,
Inc. (until May 1995), Uno
Restaurant Corp.; Chairman,
Massachusetts Board of Higher
Education (since 1995).
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company);
Director, Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Texas Commerce Bank - Austin.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
19
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Charles F. Fretz Trustee Retired; self employed; Former Vice
RD #5, Box 300B President and Director, Towers,
Clothier Springs Road Perrin, Foster & Crosby, Inc.
Malvern, PA 19355 (international management
June 1928 consultants) (1952-1985).
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser, The
Boston, MA 02199 Berkeley Group; Director, John
April 1953 Hancock Funds, Advisers
International, Insurance Agency,
Inc. and International Ireland;
President and Director, SAMCorp. and
NM Capital; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Director, Energy North, Inc. (public
UGI Corporation utility holding company) (until
P.O. Box 858 1992); Senior Vice President of UGI
Valley Forge, PA 19482 Corp. Holding Company Public
February 1938 Utilities, LPGAS, Vice President of
Amerigas Partners L.P.
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
20
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, PanEnergy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm) (1980-1993);
Former Director, Greater Houston
Partnership (1980 -1995).
Patricia P. McCarter Trustee Director and Secretary, The McCarter
1230 Brentford Road Corp. (machine manufacturer).
Malvern, PA 19355
May 1928
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
21
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 33942 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Life
John Hancock Place Company; Director, the Adviser,
P.O. Box 111 Advisers International, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02117 Funds, John Hancock Distributors,
August 1937 Inc., Insurance Agency, Inc., John
Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp.
and NM Capital; Director, The
Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
22
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Robert G. Freedman Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Vice Chairman and Chief Investment
101 Huntington Avenue Officer (2) Officer, the Adviser; Director, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, Advisers International,
July 1938 John Hancock Funds, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc.,
Southeastern Thrift & Bank Fund and
NM Capital; Director and Senior
Vice President, The Berkeley Group;
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Director, Signature
Services (until January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
23
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
James B. Little Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President, the Adviser,
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
Boston, MA 02199 Funds.
February 1935
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services and John Hancock
July 1950 Funds; Secretary, NM Capital and
SAMCorp.; Clerk, Insurance Agency,
Inc.; Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company (until
February 1996), and Vice President
of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
(until April 1994).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group; Vice
March 1950 President, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994).
James J. Stokowski Vice President and Treasurer Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Fund and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Messrs. Boudreau and Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Trust
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund for their services.
Total Compensation
Aggregate From the Fund and John
Compensation Hancock Fund Complex
Independent Trustees From the Fund+ to Trustees **
- -------------------- -------------- --------------
James F. Carlin $ 1,454 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham* 1,454 74,000
Charles F. Fretz 1,454 74,250
Harold R. Hiser, Jr.* 1,454 74,000
Charles L. Ladner 1,454 74,250
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 1,454 74,250
Patricia P. McCarter* 1,454 74,250
Steven R. Pruchansky* 1,511 77,250
Norman H. Smith* 1,511 77,250
John P. Toolan* 1,454 74,250
------- --------
Total $14,654 $747,750
+ Compensation for the period ended December 31, 1997.
* As of December 31, 1997, the value of the aggregate deferred compensation
from all funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex for Mr. Cunningham was
$220,106, for Mr. Hiser was $103,868, for Ms. McCarter was $159,075, for
Mr. Pruchansky was $68,102, for Mr. Smith was $70,607 and for Mr. Toolan
was $281,133 under the John Hancock Deferred Compensation Plan for
Independent Trustees.
** Total compensation paid by the John Hancock Funds Complex to the
Independent Trustees is as of December 31, 1997. As of that date, there
were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Fund complex, with each of these
Independent Trustees serving thirty- two funds.
All of the officers listed are officers or employees of the Adviser or the
Affiliated Companies. Some of the Trustees and officers may also be officers
and/or directors and/or Trustees of one or more other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of April 1, 1998, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares. As of that date, no
person or entity owned beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Fund and other mutual funds and
publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds having a
25
<PAGE>
combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The Adviser is an affiliate of
the Life Company, one of the most recognized and respected financial
institutions in the nation. With total assets under management of more than $100
billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest life insurance companies in
the United States, and carries a high rating from Standard & Poor's and A.M.
Best's. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been serving clients for over 130
years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser, which was approved by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held, sold or exchanged, and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including expenses
of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders' reports, notices,
prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory agencies; expenses
relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of shares; government
fees; interest charges; expenses of furnishing to shareholders their account
statements; taxes; expenses of redeeming shares; brokerage and other expenses
connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions; expenses
pursuant to the Fund's plan of distribution; fees and expenses of custodians
including those for keeping books and accounts and calculating the net asset
value of shares; fees and expenses of transfer agents and dividend disbursing
agents; legal, accounting, financial, management, tax and auditing fees and
expense of the Fund (including an allocable portion of the cost of the Adviser's
employees rendering such services to the Fund; the compensation and expenses of
Trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or any of
their affiliates; expenses of Trustees' and shareholders' meetings; trade
association membership; insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Adviser monthly a fee which is based on an annual rate of 0.60% of the average
of the daily net assets of the Fund.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of average net assets. The
Adviser retains the right to re-impose a fee and recover other payments to the
extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's actual expenses at year
end fall below this limit.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser or any affiliate provides investment
advice. Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a
particular security may be bought for one or more funds or clients when one or
more are selling the same security. If opportunities for purchase or sale of
securities by the Adviser for the Fund or for other funds or clients for which
the Adviser renders investment advice arise for consideration at or about the
same time, transactions in such securities will be made, insofar as feasible,
for the respective funds or clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them.
To the extent that transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser
or affiliates may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the
supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which the Advisory Agreement relates, except a loss
resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If the Advisory
Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can)
will cease to use such a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by
26
<PAGE>
or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser or the Life
Company may grant the nonexclusive right to use the name "John Hancock" or any
similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but not limited to
any investment company of which the Life Company or any subsidiary or affiliate
thereof or any successor to the business of any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
shall be the investment adviser.
The continuation of the Advisory Agreement and Distribution Agreement (discussed
below) was approved by all Trustees. The Advisory Agreement, and the
Distribution Agreement will continue in effect from year to year, provided that
its continuance is approved annually both (i) by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Trustees, and (ii) by a
majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested
persons" of any such parties. Both Agreements may be terminated on 60 days
written notice by any party or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund and will terminate automatically if assigned.
Investment Advisory fees to the Adviser during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 amounted to $1,043,923, $956,674 and $891,221,
respectively.
The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation ("SAMCORP") which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Life Company. The Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that SAMCORP will
provide to the Adviser certain portfolio management services with respect to the
equity securities held in the portfolio of the Fund. The Sub-Advisory Agreement
further provides that the Adviser will remain ultimately responsible for all of
its obligations under the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Fund.
Subject to the supervision of the Adviser, SAMCORP furnishes the Fund with
recommendations with respect to the purchase, holding and disposition of equity
securities in the Fund's portfolio; furnishes the Fund with research, economic
and statistical data in connection with the Fund's equity investments; and
places orders for transactions in equity securities.
The Adviser pays to SAMCORP 40% of the monthly fee received by the Adviser with
respect to the equity securities held in the portfolio of the Fund during such
month. The fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are
not affected by this arrangement.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Adviser paid
SAMCORP the sum of $265,424, $228,702 and $118,896, respectively, in connection
with the service agreement with SAMCORP.
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust on behalf of the Fund, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this Agreement the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting and
legal services. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Fund
paid the Adviser $31,635 and $29,896 for services under this Agreement.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser and
the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal securities trading by
personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. Some of these restrictions are:
pre-clearance for all personal trades and a ban on the purchase of initial
public offerings, as well as contributions to specified charities of profits on
securities held for less than 91 days. These restrictions are a continuation of
the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its shareholders come
first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds.
Under the agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to
sell shares of each class of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by
selected broker-dealers (the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling
agency agreements with John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for
the purchase of the shares of the Fund which are continually offered at net
27
<PAGE>
asset value next determined, plus any applicable sales charge, if any. In
connection with the sale of Class A or Class B shares, John Hancock Funds and
Selling Brokers receive compensation in the form of a sales charge imposed, in
the case of Class A shares, at the time of sale. In the case of Class B shares
the broker receives compensation immediately but John Hancock Funds is
compensated on a deferred basis. John Hancock Funds may pay extra compensation
to financial services firms selling large amounts of fund shares. This
compensation would be calculated as a percentage of fund shares sold by the
firm.
Total underwriting commissions for sales of the Fund's Class A shares for the
fiscal period ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were $189,374, $186,339 and
$158,821, respectively, and $30,586, $26,816 and $24,668, were retained by John
Hancock Funds in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The remainder of the
underwriting commissions were reallowed to dealers.
The Fund's Trustees adopted Distribution Plans with respect to Class A and Class
B shares ("the Plans"), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act
of 1940. Under the Plans, the Fund will pay distribution and service fees at an
aggregate annual rate of up to 0.30% and 1.00% respectively, of the Fund's
average daily net assets attributable to shares of that class. However, the
service fee will not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to each class of shares. The distribution fees are used to
reimburse John Hancock Funds for its distribution expenses, including but not
limited to: (i) initial and ongoing sales compensation to Selling Brokers and
others (including affiliates of John Hancock Funds) engaged in the sale of Fund
shares; (ii) marketing, promotional and overhead expenses incurred in connection
with the distribution of Fund shares; and (iii) with respect to Class B shares
only, interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses. The service fees
will be used to compensate Selling Brokers for providing personal and account
maintenance services to shareholders. In the event that John Hancock Funds is
not fully reimbursed for payments or expenses it incurs under the Class A Plan,
these expenses will not be carried beyond one year from the date they were
incurred. Unreimbursed expenses under the Class B Plan will be carried forward
together with interest on the balance of these unreimbursed expenses. The Fund
does not treat unreimbursed expenses under the Class B Plan as a liability of
the Fund because the Trustees may terminate the Class B Plan at any time. For
the year ended December 31, 1997, an aggregate of $3,636,034 of distribution
expenses or 3.80% of the average net assets of Class B shares were not
reimbursed or recovered by John Hancock Funds through the receipt of deferred
sales charges or 12b-1 fees in prior periods.
The Plans were approved by a majority of the voting securities of the Fund. The
Plans and all amendments were approved by the Trustees, including a majority of
the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct
or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans (the "Independent
Trustees"), by votes cast in person at meetings called for the purpose of voting
on such Plans.
Pursuant to the Plans, at least quarterly, John Hancock Funds provides the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which the expenditures were made. The Trustees review these reports on a
quarterly basis to determine their continued appropriateness.
The Plans provide that they will continue in effect only so long as their
continuance is approved at least annually by a majority of both the Trustees and
Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated without
penalty (a) by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees (b) by a vote of
a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares of the applicable class upon 60
days' written notice to John Hancock Funds, and (c) automatically in the event
of assignment. The Plans further provide that they may not be amended to
increase the maximum amount of the fees for the services described therein
without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class of the
Fund which has voting rights with respect to the Plan. Each Plan provides that
no material amendment to the Plans will be effective unless it is approved by a
majority vote of the Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the Fund. The
holders of Class A and Class B shares have exclusive voting rights with respect
28
<PAGE>
to the Plan applicable to their respective class of shares. In adopting the
Plans, the Trustees concluded that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the holders of the applicable class of
shares of the Fund.
Amounts paid to John Hancock Funds by any class of shares of the Fund will not
be used to pay the expenses incurred with respect to any other class of shares
of the Fund; provided, however, that expenses attributable to the Fund as a
whole will be allocated, to the extent permitted by law, according to a formula
based upon gross sales dollars and/or average daily net assets of each such
class, as may be approved from time to time, the Fund may participate in joint
distribution activities with other Funds and the costs of those activities will
be borne by each Fund in proportion to the relative net asset value of the
participating Funds.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Funds paid John Hancock
Funds the following amounts of expenses in connection with their services for
the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and Expenses Interest
Mailing of Compensation of John Carrying or
Prospectus to to Hancock Other Finance
Shares Advertising New Shareholders Selling Brokers Funds Charges
- ------ ----------- ---------------- --------------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A $40,079 $4,604 $134,820 $ 55,122 $ --
Class B $90,397 $8,540 $359,058 $125,541 $361,615
</TABLE>
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares,
the following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last
available bid price.
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded. Any assets or liabilities expressed in terms of
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by the custodian bank based
on London currency exchange quotations as of 5:00 p.m., London time (12:00 noon,
New York time) on the date of any determination of the Fund's NAV. If quotations
are not readily available, or the value has been materially affected by events
occurring after the closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a method
that the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
29
<PAGE>
The NAV for each fund and class is determined each business day at the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) by dividing a class's net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
On any day an international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is
open, any foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the
current day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on
Saturdays and U.S. business holidays on which a Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A SHARES
Shares of the Fund are offered at a price equal to their net asset value plus a
sales charge which, at the option of the purchaser, may be imposed either at the
time of purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or on a contingent
deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Share certificates
will not be issued unless requested by the shareholder in writing, and then they
will only be issued for full shares. The Trustees reserve the right to change or
waive the Fund's minimum investment requirements and to reject any order to
purchase shares (including purchases by exchange) when in the judgment of the
Adviser such rejection is in the Fund's best interest.
The sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund are
described in the Prospectus. Methods of obtaining reduced sales charges referred
to generally in the Prospectus are described in detail below. In calculating the
sales charge applicable to current purchases of Class A shares, the investor is
entitled to cumulate current purchases with the greater of the current value (at
offering price) of the Class A shares of the Fund owned by the investor, or if
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") is notified by the
investor's dealer or the investor at the time of the purchase, the cost of the
Class A shares owned.
Without Sales Charge. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or CDSC to various individuals and institutions as follows:
o A Trustee/Director or officer of the Trust; a Director or officer of
the Adviser and its affiliates or Selling Brokers; employees or sales
representatives of any of the foregoing; retired officers, employees or
Directors of any of the foregoing; a member of the immediate family
(spouse, children, grandchildren, mother, father, sister, brother,
mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, niece,
nephew, grandparents and domestic partner) of any of the foregoing; or
any fund, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the
individuals described above.
o A broker, dealer, financial planner, consultant or registered
investment advisor that has entered into an agreement with John Hancock
Funds providing specifically for the use of Fund shares in fee-based
investment products or services made available to their clients.
o A former participant in an employee benefit plan with John Hancock
funds, when he or she withdraws from his or her plan and transfers any
or all of his or her plan distributions directly to the Fund.
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch servicing programs, if
the Plan has more than $3 million in assets or 500 eligible employees
at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping
Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial consultant for
further information.
o Retirement plans investing through the PruArray Program sponsored by
Prudential Securities.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the
30
<PAGE>
inception of the Fund account. Each of these investors may purchase
Class A shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
redeemed within 12 months after the end of the calendar year in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC will be imposed at the following rate:
Amount Invested CDSC Rate
--------------- ---------
$1 to $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $5 million to $9,999,999 0.50%
Amounts to $10 million and over 0.25%
Class A shares may also be purchased without an initial sales charge in
connection with certain liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies or personal holding companies.
Combination Privilege. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases
of Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined to reduce
sales charges if made by (a) an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21, purchasing securities for his or their own account, (b) a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or fiduciary
account and (c) groups which qualify for the Group Investment Program (see
below). Further information about combined purchases, including certain
restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature Services
or a Selling Broker's representative.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of the reduced
sales charge by taking into account not only the amount being invested but also
the investor's purchase price or current value of the Class A shares of all John
Hancock funds which carry a sales charge already held by such person. Class A
shares of John Hancock money market funds will only be eligible for the
accumulation privilege if the investor has previously paid a sales charge on the
amount of those shares. Retirement plan investors may include the value of Class
B shares if Class B shares held are greater than $1 million. Retirement plans
must notify Signature Services to utilize.
Group Investment Program. Under the Combination and Accumulation Privileges, all
members of a group may combine their individual purchases of Class A shares to
potentially qualify for breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. This feature
is provided to any group which (1) has been in existence for more than six
months, (2) has a legitimate purpose other than the purchase of mutual fund
shares at a discount for its members, (3) utilizes salary deduction or similar
group methods of payment, and (4) agrees to allow sales materials of the fund in
its mailings to members at a reduced or no cost to John Hancock Funds.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made over a specified period pursuant to a Letter of Intention (LOI), which
should be read carefully prior to its execution by an investor. The Fund offers
two options regarding the specified period for making investments under the LOI.
All investors have the option of making their investments over a period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments called for
by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These retirement plans include
Traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including
TSAs), SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Money Purchase Pension, Profit Sharing and
Section 457 plans. Such an investment (including accumulations and combinations)
must aggregate $50,000 or more invested during the specified period from the
date of the LOI or from a date within ninety (90) days prior thereto, upon
written request to Signature Services. The sales charge applicable to all
amounts invested under the LOI is computed as if the aggregate amount intended
to be invested had been invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not
actually invested, the difference in the sales charge actually paid and the
sales charge payable had the LOI not been in effect is due from the investor.
However, for the purchases actually made within the specified period (either 13
or 48 months), the sales charge applicable will not be higher than that which
31
<PAGE>
would have been applied (including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI
been for the amount actually invested.
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient Class A
shares (approximately 5% of the aggregate) to make up any difference in sales
charges on the amount intended to be invested and the amount actually invested,
until such investment is completed within the 13-month period, at which time the
escrowed Class A shares will be released. If the total investment specified in
the LOI is not completed, the Class A shares held in escrow may be redeemed and
the proceeds used as required to pay such sales charge as may be due. By signing
the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed Class A shares and adjust the sales
charge, if necessary. A LOI does not constitute a binding commitment by an
investor to purchase, or by the Fund to sell, any additional Class A shares and
may be terminated at any time.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B SHARES
Investments in Class B shares are purchased at net asset value per share without
the imposition of an initial sales charge so that the Fund will receive the full
amount of the purchase payment.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B shares which are redeemed within six
years of purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
at the rates set forth in the Prospectus as a percentage of the dollar amount
subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares
being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the
initial purchase prices, including all shares derived from reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service retirement plans administered
by Signature Services or the Life Company that had more than 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchases of shares, all payments
during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day
of the month.
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the calculation will be
determined in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged.
It will be assumed that your redemption comes first from shares you have held
beyond the six-year CDSC redemption period or those you acquired through
dividend and capital gain reinvestment, and next from the shares you have held
the longest during the six-year period. For this purpose, the amount of any
increase in a share's value above its initial purchase price is not regarded as
a share exempt from CDSC. Thus, when a share that has appreciated in value is
redeemed during the CDSC period, a CDSC is assessed only on its initial purchase
price.
When requesting a redemption for a specific dollar amount, please indicate if
you require the proceeds to equal the dollar amount requested. If not indicated,
only the specified dollar amount will be redeemed from your account and the
proceeds will be less any applicable CDSC.
Example:
You have purchased 100 shares at $10 per share. The second year after your
purchase, your investment's net asset value per share has increased by $2 to
$12, and you have gained 10 additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If
you redeem 50 shares at this time your CDSC will be calculated as follows:
32
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
o Proceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per shares (50 x 12) $600.00
o *Minus Appreciation ($12 - $10) x 100 shares (200.00)
o Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC (dividend reinvestment) (120.00)
-------
o Amount subject to CDSC $280.00
</TABLE>
*The appreciation is based on all 100 shares in the lot not just the shares
being redeemed.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to John Hancock Funds and are used in whole or
in part by Signature Services to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution- related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the
Class B shares, such as the payment of compensation to select Selling Brokers
for selling Class B shares. The combination of the CDSC and the distribution and
service fees facilitates the ability of the Fund to sell the Class B shares
without a sales charge being deducted at the time of the purchase.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC will be waived on
redemptions of Class B shares and of Class A shares that are subject to CDSC,
unless indicated otherwise, in the circumstances defined below:
For all account types:
* Redemptions made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate your account
if you own shares worth less than $1,000.
* Redemptions made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability. (Does not apply to Trust
accounts unless Trust is being dissolved.)
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemption of Class B shares where the proceeds are used to purchase a
John Hancock Declaration Variable Annuity.
* Redemptions of Class B shares made under a periodic withdrawal plan, or
redemptions for fees charged by planners or advisors for advisory
services, as long as your annual redemptions do not exceed 12% of your
account value, including reinvested dividends, at the time you
established your periodic withdrawal plan and 12% of the value of
subsequent investments (less redemptions) in that account at the time
you notify Signature Services. (Please note, this waiver does not apply
to periodic withdrawal plan redemptions of Class A shares that are
subject to a CDSC.)
* Redemptions by Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch
servicing programs, if the Plan has less than $3 million in assets or
500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
* Redemptions of Class A shares by retirement plans that invested through
the Pru-Array Program sponsored by Prudential Securities.
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Rollover IRA,
TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and
other plans as described in the Internal Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted.
* Redemptions made to effect mandatory distributions under the Internal
Revenue Code.
* Returns of excess contributions made to these plans.
33
<PAGE>
* Redemptions made to effect distributions to participants or
beneficiaries from employer sponsored retirement plans under Section
401(a) of the Code (such as 401(k), Money Purchase Pension Plan and
Profit-Sharing Plan).
* Redemptions from certain IRA and retirement plans that purchased shares
prior to October 1, 1992 and certain IRA plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for reference.
34
<PAGE>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Type of Distribution 401(a) Plan 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-Retirement
(401(k), MPP, PSP) Rollover
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Death or Disability Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of
mandatory account value
distributions annually in
or 12% of periodic
account value payments
annually in
periodic
payments.
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Between 59 1/2 and Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of
70 1/2 Expectancy or account value
12% of account annually in
value annually periodic
in periodic payments
payments.
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived for annuity Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of
payments (72t) or annuity annuity annuity account value
12% of account payments (72t) payments (72t) payments (72t) annually in
value annually in or 12% of or 12% of or 12% of periodic
periodic payments. account value account value account value payments
annually in annually in annually in
periodic periodic periodic
payments. payments. payments.
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Loans Waived Waived N/A N/A N/A
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Termination of Plan Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived N/A
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Hardships Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
Return of Excess Waived Waived Waived Waived N/A
- --------------------- -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
If you qualify for a CDSC waiver under one of these situations, you must notify
Signature Services at the time you make your redemption. The waiver will be
granted once Signature Services has confirmed that you are entitled to the
waiver.
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although it would not normally do so, the Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholder will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. The Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule, the Fund must redeem its shares for cash except to the extent
that the redemption payments to any shareholder during any 90-day period would
exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the
beginning of such period.
35
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Exchange Privilege. The Fund permits exchanges of shares of any class of a fund
for shares of the same class in any other John Hancock fund offering that class.
Exchanges between funds with shares that are not subject to a CDSC are based on
their respective net asset values. No sales charge or transactions charge is
imposed. Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into
shares of any of the other John Hancock funds that are subject to a CDSC without
incurring the CDSC; however, the shares acquired in an exchange will be subject
to the CDSC schedule of the shares acquired if and when such shares are redeemed
(except that shares exchanged into John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund
and John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund will retain the exchanged
fund's CDSC schedule). For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon
redemption of shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of the original
shares is added to the holding period of the shares acquired in an exchange.
If a shareholder exchanges Class B shares purchased prior to January 1, 1994
(except John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund) for Class B shares of any
other John Hancock fund, the acquired shares will continue to be subject to the
CDSC schedule that was in effect when the exchanged shares were purchased.
The Fund reserves the right to require that previously exchanged shares (and
reinvested dividends) be in the Fund for 90 days before a shareholder is
permitted a new exchange.
The Fund may refuse any exchange order. The Fund may change or cancel its
exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal Income Tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss. See "TAX STATUS".
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The Fund permits the establishment of a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. Payments under this plan represent proceeds arising from the
redemption of Fund shares, which may result in realization of gain or loss for
purposes of Federal, state and local income taxes. The maintenance of a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional Class A or
Class B shares of the Fund could be disadvantageous to a shareholder because of
the initial sales charge payable on purchases of Class A shares and the CDSC
imposed on redemptions of Class B shares and because redemptions are taxable
events. Therefore, a shareholder should not purchase Class A or Class B shares
at the same time as a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves
the right to modify or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of any
shareholder on 30 days' prior written notice to such shareholder, or to
discontinue the availability of such plan in the future. The shareholder may
terminate the plan at any time by giving proper notice to Signature Services.
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program (MAAP). The program is explained in the
Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic investment checks, is
subject to the following conditions:
The investments will be drawn on or about the day of the month indicated.
The privilege of making investments through the MAAP may be revoked by Signature
Services without prior notice if any investment is not honored by the
shareholder's bank. The bank shall be under no obligation to notify the
shareholder as to the non-payment of any checks.
The program may be discontinued by the shareholder either by calling Signature
Services or upon written notice to Signature Services which is received at least
36
<PAGE>
five (5) business days prior to the processing date of any investment.
Reinstatement or Reinvestment Privilege. If Signature Services is notified prior
to reinvestment, a shareholder who has redeemed shares of the Fund may, within
120 days after the date of redemption, reinvest without payment of a sales
charge any part of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of the
Fund or another John Hancock fund, subject to the minimum investment limit in
any fund. The proceeds from the redemption of Class A shares may be reinvested
at net asset value without paying a sales charge in Class A shares of any John
Hancock funds. If a CDSC was paid upon a redemption, a shareholder may reinvest
the proceeds from such redemption at net asset value in additional shares of the
class from which the redemption was made. The shareholder's account will be
credited with the amount of any CDSC charged upon the prior redemption and the
new shares will continue to be subject to the CDSC. The holding period of the
shares acquired through reinvestment will, for purposes of computing the CDSC
payable upon a subsequent redemption, include the holding period of the redeemed
shares.
To protect the interests of other investors in the Fund, the Fund may cancel the
reinvestment privilege of any parties that, in the opinion of the Fund, are
using market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. Also, the Fund may refuse any reinvestment
request.
The Fund may change or cancel its reinvestment policies at any time.
A redemption or exchange of shares is a taxable transaction for Federal income
tax purposes even if the reinvestment privilege is exercised, and any gain or
loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption or other disposition of shares
will be treated for tax purposes as described under the caption "TAX STATUS."
Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch's servicing programs:
Class A shares are available at net asset value for plans with $3 million in
plan assets or 500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. If the plan does not meet either
of these limits, Class A shares are not available.
For participating retirement plans investing in Class B shares, shares will
convert to Class A shares after eight years, or sooner if the plan attains
assets of $5 million (by means of a CDSC-free redemption/purchase at net asset
value).
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, without
par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the authority to
create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without
further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund and two other
series. The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the Trustees to classify and
reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any new series of the Trust, into one or
more classes. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
Trustees have authorized the issuance of two classes of shares of the Fund,
designated as Class A and Class B.
The shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal proportionate interest
in the aggregate net assets attributable to that class of the Fund. Holders of
Class A and Class B shares have certain exclusive voting rights on matters
relating to their respective distribution plans. The different classes of the
Fund may bear different expenses relating to the cost of holding shareholder
meetings necessitated by the exclusive voting rights of any class of shares.
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Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be
in the same amount, except for differences resulting from the facts that (i) the
distribution and service fees relating to Class A and Class B shares will be
borne exclusively by that class; (ii) Class B shares will pay higher
distribution and service fees than Class A shares, and (iii) each of Class A and
Class B shares will bear any class expenses properly allocable to that class of
shares, subject to the conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with
respect to the multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per
share may vary depending whether Class A or Class B shares are purchased. No
interest will be paid on uncashed dividend or redemption checks.
In the event of liquidation, shareholders of each class are entitled to share
pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to these
shareholders. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share, are freely
transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. When
issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Fund has no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Fund shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall promptly
call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by the record
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with requesting a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the Trust. However, Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts, obligations and affairs of the Fund. The
Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the Fund's assets
for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable by reason
of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the liabilities of any other
series. Furthermore, no fund included in the Fund's prospectus shall be liable
for any other John Hancock fund. Liability is therefore limited to circumstances
in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations, and the
possibility of this occurrence is remote.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with the
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept credit card checks. All checks returned by the
post office as undeliverable will be reinvested at net asset value in the fund
or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend paid. Use of information
provided on the account application may be used by the Fund to verify the
accuracy of the information or for background or financial history purposes. A
joint account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of
survivorship, unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different
intent. A shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
TAX STATUS
Each series of the Trust, including the Fund, is treated as a separate entity
for tax purposes. The Fund has qualified as a "regulated investment company"
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). As such
and by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code regarding the
sources of its income, the timing of its distributions and the diversification
of its assets, the Fund will not be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable
income (including net realized capital gains) which is distributed to
shareholders in accordance with the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible Federal excise tax on certain
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amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. The Fund
intends under normal circumstances to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distributions from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits
("E&P") will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If
these distributions are paid from the Fund's "investment company taxable
income," they will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the
Fund's "net capital gain," they will be taxable as capital gain. (Net capital
gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and
capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net
capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) As a result of federal
tax legislation enacted on August 5, 1997 (the "Act"), gain recognized after May
6, 1997 from the sale of a capital asset is taxable to individual (noncorporate)
investors at different maximum federal income tax rates, depending generally
upon the tax holding period for the asset, the federal income tax bracket of the
taxpayer, and the dates the asset was acquired and/ or sold. The Treasury
Department has issued guidance under the Act that enables the Fund to pass
through to its shareholders the benefits of the capital gains rates enacted in
the Act. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on the correct
application of these new rules in their particular circumstances. Some
distributions may be paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as if
they had been received on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment
described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection with
certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities,
certain foreign currency options, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign
currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are
subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses
to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing
and character of distributions to shareholders. Transactions in foreign
currencies that are not directly related to the Fund's investment in stock or
securities, including certain currency positions or could under future Treasury
regulations produce income not among the types of "qualifying income" from which
the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year. If
the net foreign exchange loss for a year treated as ordinary loss under Section
988 were to exceed the Fund's investment company taxable income computed without
regard to such loss, the resulting overall ordinary loss for such year would not
be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Some tax
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. Investors may be entitled to claim U.S. foreign tax credits or deductions
with respect to foreign income taxes or certain other foreign taxes ("qualified
foreign taxes") paid by the Fund, subject to certain provisions and limitations
contained in the Code, only if, among other things, more than 50% of the value
of the Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of stock or
securities of foreign corporations. The Fund anticipates that it normally will
not satisfy this 50% requirement and that, consequently, investors will not be
entitled to any foreign tax credits or deductions with respect to their
investments in the Fund.
If the Fund invests stock (including an option to acquire stock such as is
inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
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dividends, certain rents and royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of
their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign
investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to Federal income tax and
additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. An election may be available to ameliorate there
adverse tax consequences, but could require the Fund to recognize taxable income
or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash. These investments could also
result in the treatment of associated capital gains as ordinary income. The Fund
may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies or
make an available election to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return
from these investments.
The amount of the Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year
will result from sales of securities or transactions in options or futures made
with a view to the maintenance of a portfolio believed by the Fund's management
to be most likely to attain the Fund's objective. Such sales, and any resulting
gains or losses, may therefore vary considerably from year to year. At the time
of an investor's purchase of shares of the Fund, a portion of the purchase price
is often attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's
portfolio or undistributed taxable income of the Fund. Consequently, subsequent
distributions on these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to
such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a
result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares
and the distributions in reality represent a return of a portion of the purchase
price.
Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund (including by
exercise of the exchange privilege) in a transaction that is treated as a sale
for tax purposes, a shareholder will ordinarily realize a taxable gain or loss
depending upon the amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his
shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares
are capital assets in the shareholder's hands and will be long-term or
short-term, depending upon the shareholder's tax holding period for the shares
and subject to the special rules described below. A sales charge paid in
purchasing Class A shares of the Fund cannot be taken into account for purposes
of determining gain or loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within
90 days after their purchase to the extent Class A shares of the Fund or another
John Hancock fund are subsequently acquired without payment of a sales charge
pursuant to the reinvestment or exchange privilege. This disregarded charge will
result in an increase in the shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently
acquired. Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed
to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund
within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the
shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to automatic dividend reinvestments. In
such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax
holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long- term capital gain
with respect to such shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers
regarding their particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of
Fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the
foregoing discussion. Also, future Treasury Department guidance issued to
implement the Act may contain additional rules for determining the tax treatment
of sales of Fund shares held for various periods, including the treatment of
losses on the sales of shares held for six months or less that are
recharacterized as long-term capital losses, as described above.
Although the Fund's present intention is to distribute, at least annually, all
net capital gain, if any, the Fund reserves the right to retain and reinvest all
or any portion of the excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss in any year. The
Fund will not in any event distribute net capital gain realized in any year to
the extent that a capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such
gain. To the extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the
carryforward of prior years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal
income tax in the hands of the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by
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the Fund, each shareholder would be treated for Federal income tax purposes as
if the Fund had distributed to him on the last day of its taxable year his pro
rata share of such excess, and he had paid his pro rata share of the taxes paid
by the Fund and reinvested the remainder in the Fund. Accordingly, each
shareholder would (a) include his pro rata share of such excess as capital gain
in his return for his taxable year in which the last day of the Fund's taxable
year falls, (b) be entitled either to a tax credit on his return for, or to a
refund of, his pro rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund, and (c) be entitled
to increase the adjusted tax basis for his shares by the difference between his
pro rata share of such excess and his pro rata share of such taxes.
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains, if any, during the eight
years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent net capital gains
are offset by such losses, they would not result in Federal income tax liability
to the Fund and as noted above would not be distributed as such to shareholders.
Presently, there are no realized capital loss carry forwards available to offset
future net realized capital gains.
For purposes of the dividends received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in
respect of the stock of such corporations held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) during a prescribed period extending before and after each such
dividend and distributed and properly designated by the Fund may be treated as
qualifying dividends. Corporate shareholders must meet the holding period
requirement stated above with respect to their shares of the Fund for each
dividend in order to qualify for the deduction and, if they have any debt that
is deemed under the Code directly attributable to such shares, may be denied a
portion of the dividends received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend,
including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the
excess (if any) of a corporate shareholder's adjusted current earnings over its
alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase its alternative minimum
tax liability, if any. Additionally, any corporate shareholder should consult
its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its basis in its shares may be
reduced, for Federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends"
received with respect to the shares, and, to the extent such basis would be
reduced below zero, that current recognition of income would be required.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
The Fund is required to accrue income on any debt securities that have more than
a de minimis amount of original issue discount (or debt securities acquired at a
market discount, if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. The mark to
market or constructive sale rules applicable to certain options, futures,
forwards, short sales or other transactions may also require the Fund to
recognize income or gain without a concurrent receipt of cash. Additionally,
some countries restrict repatriation which may make it difficult or impossible
for the Fund to obtain cash corresponding to its earnings or assets in those
countries. However, the Fund must distribute to shareholders for each taxable
year substantially all of its net income and net capital gains, including such
income or gain, to qualify as a regulated investment company and avoid liability
for any federal income or excise tax. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of
its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash,
or borrow the cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.
A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the
value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations
and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy
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any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although the Fund may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders. The Fund will be required to report to the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") all taxable distributions to shareholders, as well
as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the
case of certain exempt recipients, i.e., corporations and certain other
investors distributions to which are exempt from the information reporting
provisions of the Code. Under the backup withholding provisions of Code Section
3406 and applicable Treasury regulations, all such reportable distributions and
proceeds may be subject to backup withholding of federal income tax at the rate
of 31% in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with
their correct taxpayer identification number and certain certifications required
by the IRS or if the IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished
by the shareholder is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup
withholding as a result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The
Fund may refuse to accept an application that does not contain any required
taxpayer identification number or certification that the number provided is
correct. If the backup withholding provisions are applicable, any such
distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will
be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against a shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors
should consult their tax advisers about the applicability of the backup
withholding provisions.
Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present
special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues
such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount, or
market discount; when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts
or worthless securities; how payments received on obligations in default should
be allocated between principal and income; and whether exchanges of debt
obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be
addressed by the Fund, in the event it invests in such securities, in order to
reduce the risk of distributing insufficient income to preserve its status as a
regulated investment company and seek to avoid becoming subject to Federal
income or excise tax.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into options, futures, foreign currency
positions, and foreign currency forward contracts.
Certain options, futures, and forward foreign currency contracts undertaken by
the Fund may cause the Fund to recognize gains or losses from marking to market
even though its positions have not been sold or terminated and affect the
character as long-term or short-term (or, in the case of certain foreign
currency contracts, ordinary income or loss) and timing of some capital gains
and losses realized by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may be required to
recognize gain, but not loss, it an option, short sales or other transaction is
treated as a constructive sale of an appreciated financial position in the
Fund's portfolio. Also, certain of the Fund's losses on its transactions
involving options, futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting or successor
portfolio positions may be deferred rather than being taken into account
currently in calculating the Fund's taxable income or gains. Certain of these
transactions may also cause the Fund to dispose of investments sooner than would
otherwise have occurred. These transactions may therefore affect the amount,
timing and character of the Fund's distributions to shareholders. The Fund will
take into account the special tax rules (including consideration of any
available elections) applicable to options, futures or forward contracts in
order to minimize any potential adverse tax consequences.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain classes
of investors, such as tax exempt entities, insurance companies and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions, and ownership of or gains
realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of shares of the Fund may
also be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of
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shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund in their particular
circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their
investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal
income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These
investors may be subject to nonresident alien withholding tax at the rate of 30%
(or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary
dividends from the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8 or authorized
substitute for Form W-8 is on file, to 31% backup withholding on certain other
payments from the Fund. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisers
regarding such treatment and the application of foreign taxes to an investment
in the Fund
The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Fund anticipates that, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company under the Code, it will not be required to pay any
Massachusetts income tax.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return is determined separately for each class of
shares at December 31, 1997 with all distributions reinvested in shares. The
average annualized total returns for Class A shares for the 1-year and 5-year
periods and since the Fund's inception on October 5, 1992, were 14.75%, 11.43%
and 11.38%, respectively.
The average annualized total returns for Class B shares for the 1-year and
5-year periods and since the Fund's inception on October 5, 1992, were 14.96%,
11.54% and 11.48%, respectively.
The Fund's total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded
rate of return over the 1 year, 5 year and life of Fund year periods that would
equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value according to
the following formula:
n _____
T = \ /ERV/P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment
made at the beginning of the 1 year, 5 year and life-of-fund
periods.
Because each class has its own sales charge and fee structure, the classes have
different performance results. In the case of Class A or Class B shares, this
calculation assumes the maximum sales charge is included in the initial
investment or the CDSC is applied at the end of the period, respectively. This
calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net
asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The "distribution rate"
is determined by annualizing the result of dividing the declared dividends of
the Fund during the period stated by the maximum offering price or net asset
value at the end of the period. Excluding the Fund's sales charge from the
distribution rate produces a higher rate.
In addition to average annual total returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments, and/or a series of redemptions, over any time period. Total returns
may be quoted with or without taking the Fund's sales charge on Class A shares
or the CDSC on Class B shares into account. Excluding the Fund's sales charge on
Class A and the CDSC on Class B shares from a total return calculation produces
a higher total return figure.
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The Fund's yield is computed by dividing net investment income per share
determined for a 30-day period by the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period, according to the following standard formula:
6
Yield = 2 ( [ ( a - b ) + 1 ] - 1
-----
cd
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued during the period (net of fee reductions and expense
limitation payments, if any).
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that
would be entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
The Class A and Class B shares' yield at December 31, 1997 was 2.44% and 1.90%,
respectively. Both total return and yield calculations for Class A shares
include the effect of paying the maximum sales charge. Investments at lower
sales charges would result in higher performance figures. Both total return and
yield for the Class B shares reflect deduction of the applicable CDSC imposed on
a redemption of shares held for the applicable period. All calculations assume
that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value on the
reinvestment dates during the periods. The total return and yield of Class A and
Class B shares will differ; the Fund will include the total return and yield of
both classes in any advertisement or promotional material including Fund
performance data. The value of Fund shares, when redeemed, may be more or less
than their original cost. Both total return and yield are historical
calculations and are not an indication of future performance.
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's yield and
total return will be compared to indices of mutual funds and bank deposit
vehicles such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s "Lipper-Fund Performance
Analysis," a publication which tracks mutual fund net assets, total return, and
yield. Comparisons may also be made to bank certificates of deposit ("CDs"),
which differ from mutual funds, such as the Fund, in several ways. The interest
rate established by the sponsoring bank is fixed for the term of a CD, there are
penalties for early withdrawal from CDs, and the principal on a CD is insured.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as MONEY Magazine, FORBES, BUSINESS WEEK, the WALL STREET
JOURNAL, MICROPAL, INC., MORNINGSTAR, BARRON'S and IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES will also
be utilized as well as the RUSSELL and WILSHIRE indices. The Fund may also cite
Morningstar Mutual Values, an independent mutual fund information service which
ranks mutual funds. The Fund's promotional and sales literature may make
reference to the Fund's "beta." Beta is a reflection of the market-related risk
of the Fund by showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
The performance of the Fund is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of the Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of the Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares; and changes in operating expenses
are all examples of items that can increase or decrease the Fund's performance.
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BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities of the Fund
are made by the Adviser pursuant to recommendations made by its investment
committee of the Adviser, which consists of directors of the Adviser and
officers and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust. Orders for
purchases and sales of securities are placed in a manner, which, in the opinion
of the Adviser, will offer the best price and market for the execution of each
such transaction. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities may
include a commission or commissions paid by the issuer and transactions with
dealers serving as market maker reflect a "spread." Debt securities are
generally traded on a net basis through dealers acting for their own account as
principals and not as brokers; no brokerage commissions are payable on these
transactions.
In the U.S. and in some other countries, debt securities are traded principally
in the over-the-counter market on a net basis through dealers acting for their
own account and not as brokers. In other countries, both debt and equity
securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. Commissions on
foreign transactions are generally higher than the negotiated commission rates
available in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and broker-dealers than in the U.S.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and other policies that the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider sales
of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute
the Fund's portfolio transactions.
To the extent consistent with the foregoing, the Fund will be governed in the
selection of brokers and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and to a
lesser extent statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser of the Fund, and
their value and expected contribution to the performance of the Fund. It is not
possible to place a dollar value on information and services to be received from
brokers and dealers, since it is only supplementary to the research efforts of
the Adviser. The receipt of research information is not expected to reduce
significantly the expenses of the Adviser. The research information and
statistical assistance furnished by brokers and dealers may benefit the Life
Company or other advisory clients of the Adviser, and, conversely, brokerage
commissions and spreads paid by other advisory clients of the Adviser may result
in research information and statistical assistance beneficial to the Fund. The
Fund will make no commitment to allocate portfolio transactions upon any
prescribed basis. While the Adviser will be primarily responsible for the
allocation of the Fund's brokerage business, the policies and practices of the
Adviser in this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will at all
times be subject to review by the Trustees. For the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid brokerage commissions in the amount of
$159,892, $100,598 and $187,534, respectively.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay to a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund
an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another
broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is
subject to a good faith determination by the Trustees that the price is
45
<PAGE>
reasonable in light of the services provided and to these policies as the Board
may adopt from time to time. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the
Fund paid commissions in the amount of $18,702 to compensate brokers for
research services evaluations of securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder of John Hancock Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer ("Distributors"
or "Affiliated Broker"). Pursuant to procedures determined by the Trustees and
consistent with the above policy of obtaining best net results, the Fund may
execute portfolio transactions with or through Affiliated Brokers. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Fund paid no brokerage
commissions to any Affiliated Broker.
Distributors may act as broker for the Fund on securities or commodities
exchange transactions, subject, however, to the general policy of the Fund set
forth above and the procedures adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the
Investment Company Act. Commissions paid to an Affiliated Broker must be at
least as favorable as those which the Board believes to be contemporaneously
charged by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving
similar securities being purchased or sold. A transaction would not be placed
with an Affiliated Broker if the Fund would have to pay a commission rate less
favorable than the Affiliated Broker's contemporaneous charges for comparable
transactions for its other most favored, but unaffiliated, customers, except for
accounts for which the Affiliated Broker acts as clearing broker for another
brokerage firm, and any customers of the Affiliated Broker not comparable to the
Fund as determined by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons
(as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Trust, the Adviser or the
Affiliated Broker. Any such transactions would be subject to a good faith
determination by the Trustees that the compensation paid to Affiliated Brokers
is fair and reasonable. Because the Adviser, which is affiliated with the
Affiliated Brokers, has, as an investment adviser to the Fund, the obligation to
provide investment management services, which includes elements of research and
related investment skills, such research and related skills will not be used by
the Affiliated Broker as a basis for negotiating commissions at a rate higher
than that determined in accordance with the above criteria.
Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities as the Fund. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transactions as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Fund. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate the securities
to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for
other clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000, Boston,
MA 02217-1000, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company, is the
transfer and dividend paying agent for the Fund. The Fund pays Signature Service
an annual fee for Class A shares of $19.00 per shareholder account and for Class
B shares of $21.50 per shareholder account, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses.
These expenses are aggregated and charged to the Fund and allocated to each
class on the basis of the related net asset values.
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a custodian agreement
between the Trust and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the custodian agreement, Investors Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services. These
expenses are aggregated and charged to the Fund and allocated to each class on
the basis of their relative net asset values.
46
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. The independent auditors audit and render
an opinion on the Fund's annual financial statements and prepare the Fund's
income tax returns.
47
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
Moody's describes its ratings for fixed income securities as follows:
Fixed income securities which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Fixed income securities which are rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality by
all standards. Together with the Aaa group they are generally referred to as
"high grade" obligations. They are rated lower than the best fixed income
securities because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa
securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or
there may be other elements present which make the long term risks appear
somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
Fixed income securities which are rated "A" possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the
future.
Fixed income securities which are rated "Baa" are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such fixed income securities lack
outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well.
Fixed income securities which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative
elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby
not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty
of position characterizes fixed income securities in this class.
Fixed income securities which are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of
the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Fixed income securities which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing. Such issues
may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Fixed income securities which are rated "Ca" represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
Fixed income securities which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of fixed
income securities and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
S&P describes its ratings for fixed income securities as follows:
A-1
<PAGE>
Fixed income securities rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Fixed income securities rated "AA" have a very strong capacity to pay interest
and repay principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small
degree.
Fixed income securities rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than fixed income
securities in higher rated categories.
Fixed income securities rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity
to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas such securities normally exhibit
adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and
repay principal for fixed income securities in this category than in higher
rated categories.
Fixed income securities rated "BB," "B," "CCC," "CC" and "C" are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the
obligations. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation and "C" the highest
degree of speculation. While such fixed income securities will likely have some
quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Moody's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
Issuers rated "P-1" (or related supporting institutions) have a superior
capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. "P-1" repayment
capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics: (1)
leading market positions in well- established industries; (2) high rates of
return on funds employed; (3) conservative capitalization structures with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protections; (4) broad margins in
earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation;
and (5) well established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated "P-2" (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternative liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated "P-3" (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for
repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
A-2
<PAGE>
S&P describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
"A-1." This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
"A-2." Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated "A-1."
"A-3." Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
A-3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1997 Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997; (filed
electronically on March 3, 1998, accession number 0001010521-98-000206) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund (file nos. 811-00560 and
2-10156).
John Hancock Investment Trust
John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year then ended.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for each of the two years in the period
then ended.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
<PAGE>
John Hancock Investment Trust
PART C.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) The financial statements listed below are included in and incorporated
by reference into Part B of the Registration Statement for the Growth
and Income Fund, Sovereign Balanced and Sovereign Investors Fund 1997
Annual Reports to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1997
filed electronically on March 3, 1998; file nos. 811-0560 and 2-10156,
accession number 0001010521-98-000206.
John Hancock Growth and Income Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years indicated therein.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the periods indicated therein.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1997.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Finanical Highlights for each of the four years in the period then
ended.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1997.
Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1997.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the five years in the period then
ended.
Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 1997.
(b) Exhibits:
The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index
hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant
No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control
with Registrant.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
As of April 1, 1998, the number of record holders of shares of
Registrant was as follows:
Title of Class Number of Record Holders
-------------- ------------------------
John Hancock Growth & Income Fund
Class A Shares - 27,939
Class B Shares - 37,474
John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
Class A Shares - 122,569
Class B Shares - 56,098
Class Y Shares - 184
John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
Class A Shares - 10,086
Class B Shares - 8,977
C-1
<PAGE>
Item 27. Indemnification
Section 4.3 of Registrant's Declaration of Trust provides that (i) every
person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust (including any individual who serves at its request as director,
officer, partner, trustee or the like of another organization in which it
has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) shall be
indemnified by the Trust, or by one or more Series thereof if the claim
arises from his or her conduct with respect to only such Series, to the
fullest extent permitted by law against all liability and against all
expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim,
action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or
otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and
against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof; and that
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to
all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, or other,
including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability" and
"expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs,
judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other
liabilities.
However, no indemnification shall be provided to a Trustee or officer (i)
against any liability to the Trust, a Series thereof or the Shareholders by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office; (ii) with
respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally adjudicated
not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action
was in the best interest of the Trust or a Series thereof; (iii) in the
event of a settlement or other disposition not involving a final
adjudication resulting in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there
has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
the duties involved in the conduct of his office by (A) a court by (B) a
majority of the Non- interested trustees or independent legal counsel, or
(C) a vote of the majority of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The rights of indemnification may be insured against by policies maintained
by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to
which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter be entitled, shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and
shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and
assigns of such a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights
to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust or any Series thereof
other than Trustees and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise
under law.
Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action,
suit or proceeding may be advanced by the Trust or a Series thereof before
final disposition, if the recipient undertakes to repay the amount if it is
ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification, provided
that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other
appropriate security provided by the recipient, or the Trust or Series
thereof shall be insured against losses arising out of any such
advances; or (ii) a majority of the Non-interested Trustees acting on
the matter (provided that a majority of the Non-interested Trustees
act on the matter) or an independent legal counsel in a written
opinion shall determine, based upon a review of readily available
facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason
to believe that the recipient ultimately will be found entitled to
indemnification.
For purposes of indemnification Non-interested Trustee" is one who (i)
is not an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has
been exempted from being an "Interested Person" by any rule,
regulation or order of the Commission), and (ii) is not involved in
the claim, action, suit or proceeding.
(b) Under the Distribution Agreement. Under Section 12 of the Distribution
Agreement, John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock Funds") has agreed to
indemnify the Registrant and its Trustees, officers and controlling persons
against claims arising out of certain acts and statements of John Hancock Funds.
C-2
<PAGE>
Section 9(a) of the By-Laws of the Insurance Company provides, in effect,
that the Insurance Company will, subject to limitations of law, indemnify each
present and former director, officer and employee of the of the Insurance
Company who serves as a Trustee or officer of the Registrant at the direction or
request of the Insurance Company against litigation expenses and liabilities
incurred while acting as such, except that such indemnification does not cover
any expense or liability incurred or imposed in connection with any matter as to
which such person shall be finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith
in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interests of the
Insurance Company. In addition, no such person will be indemnified by the
Insurance Company in respect of any liability or expense incurred in connection
with any matter settled without final adjudication unless such settlement shall
have been approved as in the best interests of the Insurance Company either by
vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting composed of directors who have no
interest in the outcome of such vote, or by vote of the policyholders. The
Insurance Company may pay expenses incurred in defending an action or claim in
advance of its final disposition, but only upon receipt of an undertaking by the
person indemnified to repay such payment if he should be determined to be
entitled to indemnification.
Article IX of the respective By-Laws of John Hancock Funds and the Adviser
provide as follows:
"Section 9.01. Indemnity: Any person made or threatened to be made a party to
any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was at any time since the
inception of the Corporation serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified by the Corporation
against expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid
in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and the liability was not
incurred by reason of gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his office, and expenses in connection therewith may
be advanced by the Corporation, all to the full extent authorized by the law."
"Section 9.02. Not Exclusive; Survival of Rights: The indemnification provided
by Section 9.01 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other right to which those
indemnified may be entitled, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to
be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the
heirs, executors and administrators of such as person."
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Act") may be permitted to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of
Registrant pursuant to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation, Article 10.1 of the Registrant's By-Laws, The underwriting
Agreement, the By-Laws of John Hancock Funds, the Adviser, or the Insurance
Company or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
C-3
<PAGE>
Item 28. Business and other Connections of Investment Adviser
For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature of each of the officers and Directors of the Investment
Adviser, reference is made to Forms ADV (801-8124) filed under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, herein incorporated by reference.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
(a) John Hancock Funds acts as principal underwriter for the Registrant and also
serves as principal underwriter or distributor of shares for John Hancock Cash
Reserve, Inc., John Hancock Bond Trust, John Hancock Current Interest, John
Hancock Series Trust, John Hancock Tax-Free Bond Trust, John Hancock California
Tax-Free Income Fund, John Hancock Capital Series, John Hancock Special Equities
Fund, John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund, John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series Fund,
John Hancock Strategic Series, John Hancock World Fund, John Hancock Investment
Trust, John Hancock Institutional Series Trust, John Hancock Investment Trust II
and John Hancock Investment Trust III.
(b) The following table lists, for each director and officer of John Hancock
Funds, the information indicated.
C-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Director, Chairman, President and Trustee, Chairman, and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Executive Officer Executive Officer
Boston, Massachusetts
Robert H. Watts Director, Executive Vice None
John Hancock Place President and Chief Compliance
P.O. Box 111 Officer
Boston, Massachusetts
Robert G. Freedman Director Vice Chairman and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Investment Officer
Boston, Massachusetts
James V. Bowhers Executive Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Osbert Hood Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue and
Boston, Massachusetts Chief Financial Officer
David A. King Director None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
James B. Little Senior Vice President Senior Vice President and
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Financial Officer
Boston, Massachusetts
Richard O. Hansen Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
John A. Morin Vice President and Secretary Vice President
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Susan S. Newton Vice President Vice President and Secretary
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
C-5
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Christopher M. Meyer Vice President and None
101 Huntington Avenue Treasurer
Boston, Massachusetts
Stephen L. Brown Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Thomas E. Moloney Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Jeanne M. Livermore Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Richard S. Scipione Director Trustee
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Anne C. Hodsdon Director and Executive President
101 Huntington Avenue Vice President
Boston, Massachusetts
John M. DeCiccio Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Foster L. Aborn Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
C-6
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
David F. D'Alessandro Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
William C. Fletcher Director None
53 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts
Anthony P. Petrucci Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Charles H. Womack Senior Vice President None
6501 Americas Parkway
Suite 950
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Keith F. Hartstein Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
J. William Benintende Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Gary Cronin Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Kristine Pancare Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
C-7
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Griselda Lyman Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Karen F. Walsh Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
</TABLE>
(c) None.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
Registrant maintains the records required to be maintained by it under
Rules 31a-1 (a), 31a-a(b), and 31a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of
1940 as its principal executive offices at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston
Massachusetts 02199-7603. Certain records, including records relating to
Registrant's shareholders and the physical possession of its securities,
may be maintained pursuant to Rule 31a-3 at the main office of Registrant's
Transfer Agent and Custodian.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus with respect to a series of the Registrant is delivered with a copy
of the latest annual report to shareholders with respect to that series upon
request and without charge.
C-8
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the
requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement to Rule 485 (b)
under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the
City of Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 28th day of
April, 1998.
JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST
By: *
---------------------------------
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registration has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
*
- ------------------------ Chairman and Chief Executive
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ James B. Little
- ------------------------ Senior Vice President and Chief April 28, 1998
James B. Little Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
* Trustee
- ------------------------
James F. Carlin
* Trustee
- ------------------------
William H. Cunningham
* Trustee
- ------------------------
Charles F. Fretz
* Trustee
- ------------------------
Harold R. Hiser, Jr.
* Trustee
- ------------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
- ------------------------ Trustee
Charles L. Ladner
C-9
<PAGE>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Patricia P. McCarter
* Trustee
- ------------------------
Steven R. Pruchansky
* Trustee
- ------------------------
Norman H. Smith
*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Richard S. Scipione
* Trustee
- ------------------------
John P. Toolan
By: /s/Susan S. Newton April 28, 1998
------------------
Susan S. Newton,
Attorney-in-Fact
Powers of Attorney dated
June 25, 1996.
</TABLE>
C-10
<PAGE>
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
99.B1 Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of John Hancock
Investment Trust dated July 1, 1996.***
99.B2 Amended and Restated By-Laws dated November 19, 1996.****
99.B3 Not Applicable.
99.B4 Form of Class A Share and Class B Share Certificates for
Growth and Income Fund.**
99.B5 Investment Advisory Agreement between John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. and the Registrant on behalf of Growth and Income Fund.*
99.B5.1 Amended and Restated Administrative Service Agreement among
Transamerica Fund Management Company, Transamerica Funds
Distributor, Inc., and the Registrant on behalf of Growth and
Income Fund.*
99.B5.2 Investment Management Contract between John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. and the Registrant on behalf of Sovereign Investors
Fund dated December 2, 1996.*****
99.B5.3 Investment Management Contract between John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. and the Registrant on behalf of Sovereign Balanced
Fund dated December 2, 1996.*****
99.B5.4 Service Agreement between Registrant and Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation dated December 2, 1996.*****
99.B6 Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and John
Hancock Broker Distribution Services, Inc.*
99.B6.1 Form of Soliciting Dealer Agreement between John Hancock
Funds, Inc. and the John Hancock funds.*
99.B6.2 Form of Financial Distribution Sales and Services Agreement
between John Hancock Funds, Inc. and the John Hancock funds.*
99.B6.3 Amendment to Distribution Agreement between John Hancock
Funds and the Registrant dated December 2, 1996.*****
99.B7 Not Applicable.
99.B8 Master Custodian Agreement between the John Hancock Funds and
Investors Bank & Trust company.*
99.B9 Transfer Agency Agreement between John Hancock Investor
Services Corporation and the John Hancock funds.*
99.B9.1 Amended Transfer Agency and Service Agreements for Sovereign
Balanced Fund and Sovereign Investors Fund dated
December 2, 1996.*****
C-11
<PAGE>
Exhibit No. Description
99.B10 Not Applicable.
99.B11 Auditor's Consent.+
99.B12 Not Applicable.
99.B13 Not Applicable.
99.B14 Not Applicable.
99.B15 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class A Shares).
(i) Growth and Income Fund *
99.B15.1 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class B Shares).
(i) Growth and Income Fund *
99.B15.2 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class A Shares)
(i) Sovereign Investors Fund.*****
99.B15.3 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class B Shares)
(i) Sovereign Investors Fund.*****
99.B15.4 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class A Shares)
(i) Sovereign Balanced Fund.*****
99.B15.5 Rule 12b-1 Plan (Class B Shares)
(i) Sovereign Balanced Fund.*****
99.B16 Schedule for computation of each performance quotation
provided in the Registration Statement.**
99.27.1A John Hancock Growth and Income Fund
99.27.1B John Hancock Growth and Income Fund
99.27.2A John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
99.27.2B John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund
99.27.3A John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
99.27.3B John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
99.27.3Y John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund
* Previously filed with post-effective amendment number 73 (file nos.
811-0560; 2-10156) on May 10, 1995, accession number
0000950135-95-001122.
** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 74
(file nos. 811-0560 and 2-10156) on December 26, 1996, accession number
0000950135-95-002738.
*** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 76
(file nos. 811-0560 and 2-10156) on September 13, 1996, accession
number 0001010521-96-000179.
**** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 77
(file nos. 811-0560 and 2-10156) on December 20, 1996, accession number
0001010521-96-000224.
***** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 78
(file nos. 811-0560 and 2-10156) on February 27, 1997, accession number
0001010521-97-000228.
+ Filed herewith.
C-12
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" for the John Hancock Growth and Income Fund, John Hancock Sovereign
Balanced Fund and John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund (comprising the John
Hancock Investment Trust) in the John Hancock Growth and Income Funds
Prospectus, "The Fund's Financial Highlights" in the John Hancock Sovereign
Investors Fund Class Y Share Prospectus, and "Independent Auditors" in the John
Hancock Growth and Income Fund, John Hancock Sovereign Balanced Fund, and John
Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund Statements of Additional Information in
Post-Effective Number 81 to Registration Statement (Form N-1A, No. 2-10156)
dated May 1, 1998.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated
February 6, 1998, with respect to the financial statements and financial
highlights of the John Hancock Growth and Income Fund, John Hancock Sovereign
Balanced Fund and John Hancock Sovereign Investors Fund in the Form N-1A.
/s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 24, 1998
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<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 011
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - CLASS A
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<TABLE> <S> <C>
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<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 012
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GROWTH AND INCOME FUND - CLASS B
<S> <C>
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 488,027,874
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<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 481,827,140
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<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 9,346,021
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<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 152,851,457
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<EXPENSES-NET> 6,552,586
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 1,207,231
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 63,063,227
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 72,108,994
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 136,379,452
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<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 101,491
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 26,375,037
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 11,015,047
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 3,973,150
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3,973,150
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 334,094,091
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 15.66
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<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 5.60
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.01)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.92)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 19.31
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.87
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 021
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BALANCED FUND - CLASS A
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 144,810,096
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 182,710,021
<RECEIVABLES> 4,177,632
<ASSETS-OTHER> 17,315
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 186,904,968
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 1,129,900
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 262,126
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 1,392,026
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 145,791,940
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 6,322,633
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 5,805,051
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 9,876
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 1,810,335
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 37,900,791
<NET-ASSETS> 185,512,942
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2,132,936
<INTEREST-INCOME> 4,814,006
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 2,788,539
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 4,158,403
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<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 13,605,012
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<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 2,166,268
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 6,328,684
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,109,775
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 1,210,119
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 617,926
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 23,415,229
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 2,636,267
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 7,829
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 1,043,923
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 2,788,539
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 12.27
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.37
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 2.14
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<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (1.08)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 13.33
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.22
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
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<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 022
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BALANCED FUND - CLASS B
<S> <C>
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
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</TABLE>
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<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND - CLASS A
<S> <C>
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
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</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
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<NUMBER> 032
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND - CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
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<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 1,695,552,616
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</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
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<NUMBER> 033
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN INVESTORS FUND - CLASS Y
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 581,603
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<SHARES-REINVESTED> 238,907
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 542,245,148
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 39,507,785
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 11,885,521
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 26,621,024
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 39,158,772
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 19.48
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.41
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 5.30
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.40)
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<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 22.41
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 0.71
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
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</TABLE>
