FILE NO. 33-10722
FILE NO. 811-4932
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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. 21 (X)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (X)
Amendment No. 21 (X)
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JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND
(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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It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
( ) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
(X) on March 1, 1997 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
Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant has
registered an indefinite number of securities under the Securities Act of 1933.
A Rule 24f-2 Notice for the Registrant's most recent fiscal year was filed on
December 27, 1996.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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
INTERNATIONAL/
GLOBAL FUNDS
[graphic omitted]
PROSPECTUS
MARCH 1, 1997
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)
Short-Term Strategic Income Fund may invest up to 67% in junk bonds; read risk
information carefully.
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
GLOBAL FUND
GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND
GLOBAL RX FUND
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY FUND
INTERNATIONAL FUND
PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND
INCOME
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
WORLD BOND FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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, strategies, risks, expenses and financial history.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] GROWTH
GLOBAL FUND 4
GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND 6
GLOBAL RX FUND 8
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY FUND 10
INTERNATIONAL FUND 12
PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND 14
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] INCOME
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND 16
WORLD BOND FUND 18
Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in any
international/global fund.
YOUR ACCOUNT
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS 20
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED 20
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS 21
OPENING AN ACCOUNT 22
BUYING SHARES 23
SELLING SHARES 24
TRANSACTION POLICIES 26
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES 26
ADDITIONAL INVESTOR SERVICES 27
Details that apply to the international/global funds as a group.
FUND DETAILS
BUSINESS STRUCTURE 28
SALES COMPENSATION 29
MORE ABOUT RISK 31
FOR MORE INFORMATION BACK COVER
<PAGE>
OVERVIEW
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GOAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL/GLOBAL FUNDS
John Hancock international/global funds invest in foreign and U.S. securities.
Most of the funds invest primarily in stocks and seek long-term growth of
capital. Two funds invest primarily in bonds and seek current income or maximum
total return. Each fund has its own strategy and own 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 seeking to diversify a portfolio of domestic investments
o are seeking access to markets that can be less accessible to individual
investors
o are seeking funds for the growth or income portion of an asset allocation
portfolio
o are investing for goals that are many years in the future
International/global funds may NOT be appropriate if you:
o are investing with a shorter time horizon in mind
o are uncomfortable with an investment whose value may vary substantially
o want to limit your exposure to foreign securities
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock international/global 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
$19 billion in assets.
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and
the strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Risk factors The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Portfolio management The individual or group (including
subadvisers, if any) designated by the investment adviser to handle the fund's
day-to-day management.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including sales charges and annual expenses.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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>
GLOBAL FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: FREEDOM INVESTMENT TRUST II TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHGAX
CLASS B: FGLOX
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GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in common stocks of foreign and U.S. companies.
The fund maintains a diversified portfolio of company and government securities
from around the world. Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to invest in
the securities markets of at least three countries at any one time, potentially
including the U.S.
The fund does not maintain a fixed allocation of assets, either with respect to
securities type or to geography.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of
assets in common stocks and convertible securities, but may invest in virtually
any type of security, foreign or domestic, including preferred and convertible
securities, warrants and investment-grade debt securities. Not counting
short-term securities, the fund generally expects that no more than 5% of assets
will be invested in debt securities.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements.
Because it invests internationally, the fund carries additional risks, including
currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks, which may
make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund, are defined
in "More about risk" starting on page 31. The risks of international investing
are higher in emerging markets such as those of Latin America, Southeast Asia
and Eastern Europe.
To the extent that the fund utilizes higher-risk securities and practices, it
takes on further risks that could adversely affect its performance. Please read
"More about risk" carefully before investing.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Miren Etcheverry, John L.F. Wills and Gerardo J. Espinoza lead
the portfolio management team. Ms. Etcheverry and Mr. Espinoza are senior vice
presidents and joined John Hancock Funds in December 1996, having been in the
investment business since 1978 and 1979, respectively. Mr. Wills is a senior
vice president of the adviser and managing director of the subadviser, John
Hancock Advisers International. He joined John Hancock Funds in 1987 and has
been in the investment business since 1969.
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INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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.
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SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES CLASS A CLASS B
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Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 5.00% none
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Maximum sales charge imposed on reinvested dividends none none
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Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 5.00%
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Redemption fee(2) none none
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Exchange fee none none
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<PAGE>
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee(3) 0.96% 0.96%
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12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00%
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Other expenses 0.63% 0.63%
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Total fund operating expenses 1.89% 2.59
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $68 $106 $147 $260
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
Assuming redemption at end of period $76 $111 $158 $275
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Assuming no redemption $26 $ 81 $138 $275
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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) Includes a subadviser fee equal to 0.70% of the fund's net assets.
(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.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS
INDICATED BY CLASS
B YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN (%) 35.42(4) 7.05 30.22 14.04 34.95 7.97 9.10
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(scale varies from (16.97)(4) (10.42) (3.85) (1.01)
fund to fund)
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CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 10/92(1) 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
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Net asset value, beginning of period $11.31 $10.55 $14.30 $14.16 $12.67
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.04)(2) (0.10)(2) (0.07)(2) (0.03)(2) (0.02)(2)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions (0.72) 3.85 1.24 (0.13) 1.20
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Total from investment operations (0.76) 3.75 1.17 (0.16) 1.18
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Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
sold and foreign currency transactions -- -- (1.31) (1.33) (0.88)
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Net asset value, end of period $10.55 $14.30 $14.16 $12.67 $12.97
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TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) (6.72)(4) 35.55 8.64 (0.37) 9.87
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RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
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Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 76,980 90,787 100,973 93,597 94,746
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Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.47(5) 2.12 1.98 1.87 1.88
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Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.60)(5) (0.86) (0.54) (0.23) (0.19)
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Portfolio turnover rate (%) 69 108 61 60 98
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Average brokerage commission rate(6) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0221
<CAPTION>
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CLASS B -
PERIOD ENDED: 5/87(7) 10/87(8) 10/88 10/89 10/90 10/91 10/92 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning
of period $9.60 $13.00 $10.42 $10.67 $13.58 $ 9.94 $10.92 $10.50 $14.17 $13.93 $12.36
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment
income (loss) 0.08 (0.05) 0.01 (0.10) (0.02) (0.01)(2) (0.12)(2) (0.15)(2) (0.15)(2) (0.11)(2) (0.10)(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments and
foreign currency
transactions 3.32 (2.08) 0.69 3.25 (1.12) 1.35 (0.30) 3.82 1.22 (0.13) 1.16
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from
investment
operations 3.40 (2.13) 0.70 3.15 (1.14) 1.34 (0.42) 3.67 1.07 (0.24) 1.06
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Less distributions:
Distributions
from ne
investment
income -- (0.12) -- (0.01) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions
from net
realized
gain on
investments
sold and
foreign
currency
transactions -- (0.33) (0.45) (0.23) (2.50) (0.36) -- -- (1.31) (1.33) (0.88)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
distributions -- (0.45) (0.45) (0.24) (2.50) (0.36) -- -- (1.31) (1.33) (0.88)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
end of period $13.00 $10.42 $10.67 $13.58 $9.94 $10.92 $10.50 $14.17 $13.93 $12.36 $12.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN AT NET
ASSET
VALUE(3)(%) 35.42(4) (16.97)(4) 7.05 30.22 (10.42) 14.04 (3.85) 34.95 7.97 (1.01) 9.10
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND
SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets,
end of period
(000s omitted)($) 62,264 50,883 34,380 35,596 33,281 28,686 11,475 19,340 31,822 24,570 27,599
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Ratio of
expenses to
average net
assets (%) 2.38(5 2.56(5) 2.55 2.30 2.46 2.60 2.68 2.49 2.59 2.57 2.54
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net
investment
income (loss)
to average
net assets(%) 0.99(5) (0.78)(5) 0.09 (0.47) (0.59) (0.12) (1.03) (1.25) (1.12) (0.89) (0.83)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio
turnover rate(%) 91 81 142 138 58 106 69 108 61 60 98
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Average brokerage
commission
rate(6)($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0221
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(1) Class A shares commenced operations on January 3, 1992.
(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) For the period September 2, 1986 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 1987.
(8) For the period June 1, 1987 to October 31, 1987.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHGMX
CLASS B: JHMBX
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GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in foreign and U.S. stocks of companies that
merchandise goods and services to consumers or to consumer companies. The fund
seeks companies of any size that appear to possess a competitive advantage, such
as a unique product or distribution method, new technologies or innovative
marketing or sales methods. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at
least 65% of assets in these companies, and expects to invest in the securities
markets of at least three countries at any one time, potentially including the
U.S.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of U.S. and
foreign companies. It also may invest in warrants, preferred stocks and
convertible securities.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may invest up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates
on a single sector (consumer businesses), its performance may be
disproportionately affected by a few key factors, such as economic conditions
and consumer confidence levels.
Also, because the fund invests internationally, it carries additional risks,
including currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks,
which may make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund,
are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 31.
To the extent that the fund invests in smaller capitalization companies or
emerging markets, or utilizes higher-risk securities and practices, it takes on
further risks that could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More
about risk" carefully before investing.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Bernice S. Behar, CFA, leader of the fund's portfolio
management team since the fund's inception in September 1994, is a senior vice
president of the adviser. She joined the adviser in 1991 and has been in the
investment business since 1986.
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INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or
indirectly. The figures below are based on 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%
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Redemption fee(2) none none
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Exchange fee none none
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee (after expense limitation)(3) 0.22% 0.22%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 1.02% 1.02%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses (after limitation)(3) 1.54% 2.24%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $65 $96 $130 $224
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption at end of period $73 $100 $140 $240
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Assuming no redemption $23 $ 70 $120 $240
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
0.80% for each class and total fund operating expenses would be 2.12% for
Class A and 2.82% for Class B. The adviser may terminate this limitation at
any time.
(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.
<PAGE>
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY CLASS A YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN (%) 35.61(5) 31.94 0.99(5)
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(scale varies from fund to fund) two
months
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 8/95(1) 8/96 10/96(2)
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $11.49 $15.16
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.01(3) (0.08)(3) (0.02)(3)
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions 3.01 3.75 0.17
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Total from investment operations 3.02 3.67 0.15
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Less distributions:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.01) -- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income (0.02) -- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.03) -- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $11.49 $15.16 $15.31
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(4) (%) 35.61(5) 31.94 0.99(5)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset Value(4,6) (%) 28.69(5) 29.69 0.89(5)
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RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 712 16,966 21,782
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.50(7) 1.45 1.54(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 9.00(7) 3.70 2.12(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.06(7) (0.57) (0.70)(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (7.44)(7) (2.82) (1.28)(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 63 52 12
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Fee reduction per share ($) 0.65(3) 0.31 0.02
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(9) ($) N/A 0.0140 0.0079
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 8/96(1) 10/96(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.95 $15.09
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.11)(3) (0.04)(3)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 3.25 0.17
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 3.14 0.13
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $15.09 $15.22
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(4) (%) 26.28(5) 0.86(5)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 25.50(5) 0.76(5)
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RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 22,246 30,133
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.15(7) 2.24(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 3.49(7) 2.82(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.28)(7) (1.42)(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (2.62)(7) (2.00)(7)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 52 12
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.11 0.02
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(9) ($) 0.0140 0.0079
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations September 29, 1994 and January 22, 1996, respectively.
(2) Effective October 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from August 31 to October 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) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September 1, 1995 or later.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GLOBAL RX FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHGRX
CLASS B: JHRBX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in stocks of foreign and U.S. health care
companies. The fund defines health care companies as those deriving at least
half of their gross revenues, or committing at least half of their gross assets,
to health care-related activities. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests
at least 65% of assets in these companies, including small- and medium-sized
companies. The fund expects to invest in the securities markets of at least
three countries at any one time, potentially including the U.S. Because the fund
is non-diversified, it may invest more than 5% of assets in securities of a
single issuer.
The fund has an independent advisory board composed of scientific and medical
experts to provide advice and consultation on health care developments.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund invests primarily in foreign and domestic common
stocks, and may invest in warrants, preferred stocks and convertible debt
securities.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates
on a single sector (health care), and because this sector has historically been
volatile, investors should expect above-average volatility.
Also, because the fund invests internationally, it carries additional risks,
including currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks,
which may make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund,
are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 31.
To the extent that the fund invests in smaller capitalization companies or
utilizes higher-risk securities and practices, it takes on further risks that
could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More about risk" carefully
before investing.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Linda I. Miller, CFA, leader of the fund's portfolio
management team since January 1996, is a vice president of the adviser. She
joined John Hancock Funds in November 1995 and has been in the investment
business with a focus on the health care industry since 1980.
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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 0.80% 0.80%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(3) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.82% 0.82%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses 1.92% 2.62%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $69 $107 $148 $263
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption
at end of period $77 $111 $159 $278
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $27 $81 $139 $278
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY CLASS A YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL
INVESTMENT RETURN (%) 33.40(5) 30.89 23.39 18.39 0.30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund to fund) (1.26)(5)
two
months
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 8/92(1) 8/93 8/94 8/95 8/96 10/96(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00 $13.34 $13.38 $16.51 $21.61 $25.43
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.03) (0.23) (0.32) (0.36)(3) (0.19)(3) (0.05)(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions 3.37 0.27 3.45 5.46 4.15 (0.27)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 3.34 0.04 3.13 5.10 3.96 (0.32)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
sold and foreign currency transactions -- -- -- -- (0.14) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $13.34 $13.38 $16.51 $21.61 $25.43 $25.11
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(4) (%) 33.40(5) 0.30 23.39 30.89 18.39 (1.26)(5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return at net asset
value(4,6) (%) 32.11(5) 0.04 -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 14,702 15,647 18,643 24,394 42,405 42,618
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.98(7) 2.50 2.55 2.56 1.80 1.92(7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 3.39(7) 2.76 -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets (%) (0.51)(7) (1.67) (2.01) (1.99) (0.75) (1.04)(7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(8) (%) (1.92)(7) (1.93) -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 48 93 52 38 68 24
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.085 0.035 -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(9) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0181 0.0726
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 8/94(1) 8/95 8/96 10/96(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.29 $16.46 $21.35 $24.94
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.17)(3) (0.55)(3) (0.34)(3) (0.08)(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions (0.66) 5.44 4.07 (0.26)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.83) 4.89 3.73 (0.34)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
sold and foreign currency transactions -- -- (0.14) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $16.46 $21.35 $24.94 $24.60
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(4) (%) (4.80)(5) 29.71 17.53 (1.36)(5)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 1,071 6,333 36,591 37,521
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 3.34(7) 3.45 2.42 2.62(7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets (%) (2.65)(7) (2.91) (1.33) (1.74)(7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 52 38 68 24
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(9) ($) N/A N/A 0.0181 0.0726
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on October 1, 1991 and March 7, 1994, respectively.
(2) Effective October 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from August 31 to October 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) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September 1, 1995 or later.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK SERIES TRUST TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: NTTFX
CLASS B: FGTBX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in stocks of foreign and U.S. companies that
rely extensively on technology in their product development or operations. Under
normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of assets in these
companies, and expects to invest in the securities markets of at least three
countries at any one time, potentially including the U.S. Income is a secondary
goal.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund invests primarily in foreign and domestic common
stocks, and may invest in warrants, preferred stocks and convertible debt
securities. The fund may invest up to 10% of assets in debt securities of any
maturity. These may include securities rated as low as CC/Ca and their unrated
equivalents. Bonds rated lower than BBB/Baa are considered junk bonds.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, including restricted securities, and
may engage in other investment practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates
on a single sector (technology), and because this sector has historically been
volatile, investors should expect above-average volatility.
Also, because the fund invests internationally, it carries additional risks,
including currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks,
which may make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund,
are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 31. The risks of international
investing are higher in emerging markets such as those of Latin America, Asia
and Eastern Europe. To the extent that the fund invests in smaller
capitalization companies or junk bonds, it further increases the chances for
fluctuations in share price and total return. Please read "More about risk"
carefully before investing.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Barry J. Gordon and Marc H. Klee lead the fund's management
team, as they have since the fund's inception in 1983. They are principals of
American Fund Advisors, Inc. (AFA), which was the fund's adviser until 1991.
Since 1991, AFA has been the fund's subadviser.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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) 0.79% 0.79%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.48% 0.48%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses 1.57% 2.27%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $65 $97 $131 $227
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption
at end of period $73 $101 $142 $243
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $23 $71 $122 $243
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Includes a subadviser fee that will not exceed 0.40% of the fund's net
assets.
(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.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's
independent auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS
INDICATED BY CLASS A
YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL
INVESTMENT RETURN (%) 2.89 2.84 10.48 16.61 33.05 5.70 32.06 9.62 46.53 5.22(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund (18.46) ten
to fund) months
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD
ENDED: 12/86 12/87 12/88 12/89 12/90 12/91 12/92 12/93 12/94 12/95 10/96(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $13.57 $13.80 $13.98 $15.31 $16.93 $12.44 $15.60 $14.94 $17.45 $17.84 $24.51
Net investment
income (loss) 0.14 0.15 0.15 0.10 (0.04) 0.05 (0.15) (0.21) (0.22)(2) (0.22)(2) (0.14)(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments and
foreign currency
transactions 0.25 0.26 1.32 2.43 (3.09) 4.11 1.00 4.92 1.87 8.53 1.42
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 0.39 0.41 1.47 2.53 (3.13) 4.16 0.85 4.71 1.65 8.31 1.28
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income (0.16) (0.23) (0.14) (0.13) -- (0.04) -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from
net realized gain on
investments and
foreign currency
transactions -- -- -- (0.78) (1.36) (0.96) (1.51) (2.20) (1.26) (1.64) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.16) (0.23) (0.14) (0.91) (1.36) (1.00) (1.51) (2.20) (1.26) (1.64) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end
of period $13.80 $13.98 $15.31 $16.93 $12.44 $15.60 $14.94 $17.45 $17.84 $24.51 $25.79
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN AT NET ASSET
VALUE(3) (%) 2.89 2.84 10.48 16.61 (18.46) 33.05 5.70 32.06 9.62 46.53 5.22(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted
investment return
at net asset
value(3,5) -- -- -- -- -- -- 5.53 -- -- 46.41 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of
period (000s
omitted) ($) 56,927 44,224 38,594 40,341 28,864 31,580 32,094 41,749 52,193 155,001 166,010
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%) 1.75 1.63 1.75 1.90 2.36 2.32 2.05 2.10 2.16 1.67 1.57(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted
expenses to average
net assets(7) (%) -- -- -- -- -- -- 2.22 -- -- 1.79 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net
investment income
(loss) to average
net assets (%) 0.77 0.75 0.89 0.60 (0.28) 0.34 (0.88) (1.49) (1.25) (0.89) (0.68)(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted
net investment
income (loss) to
average net
assets(7) (%) -- -- -- -- -- -- (1.05) -- -- (1.01) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover
rate (%) 6 9 12 30 38 67 76 86 67 70 64
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per
share ($) -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.03 -- -- 0.02(2) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage
commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0685
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 12/94(9) 12/95 10/96(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value,
beginning of period $17.24 $17.68 $24.08
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income
(loss) (0.35)(2) (0.39)(2) (0.28)(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments 2.05 8.43 1.40
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 1.70 8.04 1.12
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Distributions from
net realized gain
on investments sold (1.26) (1.64) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $17.68 $24.08 $25.20
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN
AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 10.02 45.42 4.65(4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment
return at net asset
value(3,5) -- 45.30 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(000s omitted) ($) 9,324 35,754 50,949
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets (%) 2.90(6) 2.41 2.27(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted
expenses to average
net assets(7) (%) -- 2.53 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to average
net assets (%) (1.98)(6) (1.62) (1.38)(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net
investment income (loss) to
average net assets(7) (%) -- (1.74) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 67 70 64
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) -- 0.03(2) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage
commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A 0.0685
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Effective October 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from December 31 to October 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) 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.
(9) Class B shares commenced operations on January 3, 1994.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
International Fund
REGISTRANT NAME: FREEDOM INVESTMENT TRUST II TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: FINAX
CLASS B: FINBX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in stocks of foreign companies. Under normal
circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of assets in these companies. The
fund maintains a diversified portfolio of company and government securities from
around the world, and generally expects that at any one time it will invest in
the securities markets of at least three non-U.S. countries.
The fund does not maintain a fixed allocation of assets, either with respect to
securities type or to geography. The fund looks for companies of any size whose
earnings show strong growth or that appear to be undervalued.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Under normal circumstances, the fund invests primarily in
common stocks and other equity securities, but may invest in almost any type of
security, foreign or domestic, including preferred and convertible securities,
warrants and investment-grade debt securities.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements.
Because it invests internationally, the fund carries additional risks, including
currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks, which may
make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund, are defined
in "More about risk" starting on page 31. The risks of international investing
are higher in emerging markets such as those of Latin America, Asia and Eastern
Europe.
To the extent that the fund invests in smaller capitalization companies or
utilizes higher-risk securities and practices, it takes on further risks that
could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More about risk" carefully
before investing.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISER
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Miren Etcheverry, John L.F. Wills and Gerardo J. Espinoza lead
the fund's portfolio management team. Ms. Etcheverry and Mr. Espinoza are senior
vice presidents and joined John Hancock Funds in December 1996, having been in
the investment business since 1978 and 1979, respectively. Mr. Wills is a senior
vice president of the adviser and managing director of the subadviser, John
Hancock Advisers International. He joined John Hancock Funds in 1987 and has
been in the investment business since 1969.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Fund investors pay various expenses, either directly or
indirectly. The figures below show the expenses for the past fiscal 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 (after expense limitation)(3,4) 0.00% 0.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(5) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses (after limitation)(3) 1.45% 1.45%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses (after limitation)(3) 1.75% 2.45%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $67 $102 $140 $246
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
Assuming redemption
at end of period $75 $106 $151 $261
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $25 $76 $131 $261
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
1.00% for each class, other expenses would be 2.02% for each class and total
fund operating expenses would be 3.32% for Class A and 4.02% for Class B.
The adviser may terminate this limitation at any time.
(4) Includes a subadviser fee equal to 0.70% of the fund's net assets.
(5) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY CLASS A YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN (%) 1.77(4) 6.88
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund to fund) (4.96)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 10/94(1) 10/95 10/96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $8.65 $8.14
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.07(2) 0.04 0.06(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions 0.08 (0.47) 0.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.15 (0.43) 0.56
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income -- (0.03) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
sold and foreign currency transactions -- (0.05) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions -- (0.08) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.65 $8.14 $8.70
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 1.77(4) (4.96) 6.88
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) (0.52)(4) (8.12) 5.33
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 4,426 4,215 5,098
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.50(6) 1.64 1.75
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 3.79(6) 4.80 3.30
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.02(6) 0.56 0.68
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(7) (%) (1.27)(6) (2.60) (0.87)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 50 69 83
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.16(2) 0.25(2) 0.14(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A 0.0192
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 10/94(1) 10/95 10/96
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $8.61 $8.05
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.02(2) (0.03) 0.00(2,9)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions 0.09 (0.48) 0.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.11 (0.51) 0.50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized gain on investments
sold and foreign currency transactions -- (0.05) --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $8.61 $8.05 $8.55
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 1.29(4) (5.89) 6.21
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) (1.00)(4) (9.05) 4.66
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,948 3,990 8,175
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.22(6) 2.52 2.45
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7) (%) 4.51(6) 5.68 4.00
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.31(6) (0.37) 0.02
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average
net assets(7) (%) (1.98)(6) (3.53) (1.53)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 50 69 83
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.16(2) 0.25(2) 0.14(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(8) ($) N/A N/A 0.0192
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
(9) Less than one cent per share.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHWPX
CLASS B: FPBBX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of stocks of Pacific
Basin companies. The Pacific Basin includes countries bordering the Pacific
Ocean. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 65% of assets in
these companies, with the balance invested in equities of companies not in the
Pacific Basin countries and in investment-grade debt securities of U.S.,
Japanese, Australian and New Zealand issuers.
The fund does not maintain a fixed allocation of assets. The fund may at times
invest less than 65% of assets in Pacific Basin equities.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Under normal circumstances, the fund invests primarily in
common stocks and other equity securities, but may invest in virtually any type
of security, foreign or domestic, including preferred and convertible
securities, warrants and investment-grade debt securities.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest up to 100% in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain higher-risk securities, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with any growth fund, the value of your investment will
fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates
on one region, investors should expect above-average volatility.
Also, because the fund invests internationally, it carries additional risks,
including currency, information, natural event and political risks. These risks,
which may make the fund more volatile than a comparable domestic growth fund,
are defined in "More about risk" starting on page 31. The risks of international
investing are higher in emerging markets, a category that includes many Pacific
Basin countries.
To the extent that the fund utilizes higher-risk securities practices, it takes
on further risks that could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More
about risk" carefully before investing.
MANAGEMENT/SUBADVISERS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund's management is carried out jointly by the adviser's
international equities portfolio management team and two subadvisers, Indosuez
Asia Advisers Limited and John Hancock Advisers International. Indosuez is
majority owned by Caisse Nationale de Credit Agricole, a French banking
institution.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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) 0.80% 0.80%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(4) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 1.10% 1.10%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses 2.20% 2.90%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $71 $115 $162 $291
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption
at end of period $79 $120 $173 $306
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $29 $90 $153 $306
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Includes a subadviser fee equal to 0.35% of the fund's net assets.
(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.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's
independent auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY CLASS
A YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN (%) 18.06 49.61 22.82 4.47
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund to fund) (3.61)(6) (0.44) (2.15) (1.99) (7.65) (1.83)(6)
two
months
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 8/88(1) 8/89 8/90 8/91 8/92 8/93 8/94 8/95 8/96 10/96(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of
period $10.00 $9.61 $11.10 $10.34 $9.05 $8.87 $13.27 $15.88 $14.11 $14.74
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.01 (0.02) (0.04) (0.01) (0.07)(3) (0.11)(3) (0.10)(3) 0.02(3,4) (0.02)(3) (0.02)(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions (0.37) 1.75 0.11 (0.33) (0.11) 4.51 3.12 (1.24) 0.65 (0.25)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.36) 1.73 0.07 (0.34) (0.18) 4.40 3.02 (1.22) 0.63 (0.27)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment
income (0.03) (0.01) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized
gain on investments sold
and foreign currency
transactions -- (0.23) (0.83) (0.95) -- -- (0.41) (0.55) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.03) (0.24) (0.83) (0.95) -- -- (0.41) (0.55) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.61 $11.10 $10.34 $9.05 $8.87 $13.27 $15.88 $14.11 $14.74 $14.47
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET
ASSET VALUE(5) (%) (3.61)(6) 18.06 (0.44) (2.15) (1.99) 49.61 22.82 (7.65) 4.47 (1.83)(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return
at net asset value(5,7) (%) (8.05)(6) 15.12 (2.86) (5.19) (5.57) 48.31 -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(000s omitted) ($) 4,771 5,116 4,578 4,065 3,222 14,568 50,261 37,417 41,951 38,694
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets (%) 1.75(8) 1.75 2.45 2.75 2.73 2.94 2.43 2.05 1.97 2.21(8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to
average net assets(9) (%) 6.19(8) 4.69 4.89 5.79 6.31 4.24 -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets (%) 0.04(8) (0.15) (0.28) (0.06) (0.82) (0.98) (0.66) 0.13(4) (0.15) (0.83)(8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment
income (loss) to average
net assets(9) (%) (4.40)(8) (3.09) (2.70) (3.10) (4.40) (2.28) -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 148 227 154 151 179 171 68 48 73 15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 1.15 0.39 0.31 0.24 0.31(3) 0.14(3) -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission
rate(10) ($) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.0183 0.0221
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 8/94(1) 8/95 8/96 10/96(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of
period $15.11 $15.84 $13.96 $14.49
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.09)(3)(0.09)(3) (0.13)(3) (0.04)(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions 0.82 (1.24) 0.66 (0.25)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.73 (1.33) 0.53 (0.29)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net realized
gain on investments sold
and foreign currency transactions -- (0.55) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $15.84 $13.96 $14.49 $14.20
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET
ASSET VALUE(5) (%) (4.83)(6)(8.38) 3.80 (2.00)(6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s
omitted) ($) 9,480 14,368 32,342 30,147
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets (%) 3.00(8) 2.77 2.64 2.90(8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average net assets (%) (1.40)(8)(0.66) (0.86) (1.52)(8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 68 48 73 15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average brokerage commission rate(10) ($) N/A N/A 0.0183 0.0221
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on September 8, 1987 and March 7, 1994, respectively.
(2) Effective October 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from August 31 to October 31.
(3) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(4) May not accord to amounts shown elsewhere in the financial statements due to the timing of sales and repurchases of fund
shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the investments of the fund.
(5) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(6) Not annualized.
(7) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods
shown.
(8) Annualized.
(9) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(10) Per portfolio share traded. Required for fiscal years that began September 1, 1995 or later.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: FREEDOM INVESTMENT TRUST II TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: JHSAX
CLASS B: FRSWX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks a high level of current income. To pursue this
goal, the fund invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by:
o foreign governments and companies including those in emerging markets
o the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities
o U.S. companies
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests assets in all three of these
sectors, but may invest up to 100% in any one sector. The fund maintains an
average portfolio maturity of three years or less.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund may invest in all types of debt securities. The
fund's U.S. Government securities may include mortgage-backed securities. The
fund may invest up to 67% of assets in securities rated as low as B and their
unrated equivalents. Bonds rated lower than BBB/Baa are considered junk bonds.
However, the fund maintains an average portfolio quality rating of A, which is
an investment-grade rating.
Because the fund is non-diversified, it may invest more than 5% of assets in
securities of a single issuer, but no more than 25% of assets in the securities
of any one foreign government. The fund also may invest in certain other
investments, including derivatives, and may engage in other investment
practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The value of your investment in the fund will fluctuate with
changes in currency exchange rates as well as interest rates. Typically, a rise
in interest rates causes a decline in the market value of fixed income
securities.
International investing, particularly in emerging markets, carries additional
risks, including currency information, natural event and political risks. Junk
bonds may carry above-average credit and market risks and mortgage-backed
securities may carry extension and prepayment risks. These risks are defined in
"More about risk" starting on page 31.
To the extent that the fund utilizes higher-risk securities practices, it takes
on further risks that could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More
about risk" carefully before investing.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Anthony A. Goodchild, Lawrence J. Daly and Janet L. Clay lead
the portfolio management team. Messrs. Goodchild and Daly are senior vice
presidents and joined John Hancock Funds in July 1994, having been in the
investment business since 1968 and 1972, respectively. Ms. Clay, a second vice
president, joined John Hancock Funds in August 1995 and has been in the
investment business since 1990.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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) 3.00% none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge imposed on
reinvested dividends none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge none(1) 3.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fee(2) none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchange fee none none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.65% 0.65%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(3) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.52% 0.52%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses 1.47% 2.17%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $45 $75 $108 $200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption
at end of period $52 $88 $116 $209
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $22 $68 $116 $209
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY CLASS B YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN (%) 8.85(4) 0.64 5.98 1.93 7.97 7.89
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund to fund)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 10/92(1) 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $9.86 $9.32 $9.12 $8.47 $8.41
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.65 0.83(2) 0.76(2) 0.77(2) 0.65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and
foreign currency transactions (0.55) (0.20) (0.53) (0.06) 0.05
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.10 0.63 0.23 0.71 0.70
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.64) (0.83) (0.62) (0.61) (0.57)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- (0.04) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (0.12) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from capital paid-in -- -- (0.10) (0.16) (0.08)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.64) (0.83) (0.88) (0.77) (0.65)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.32 $9.12 $8.47 $8.41 $8.46
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 1.16(4) 6.78 2.64 8.75 8.60
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 20,468 11,130 13,091 16,997 49,338
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.37(4) 1.21 1.26 1.33 1.48
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 8.09(4) 8.59 8.71 9.13 7.59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 86 306 150 147 77
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 10/91(1) 10/92 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00 $10.01 $9.31 $9.11 $8.46 $8.40
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.76 0.87 0.75(2) 0.70(2) 0.70(2) 0.59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions 0.01 (0.80) (0.20) (0.53) (0.06) 0.05
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations 0.77 0.07 0.55 0.17 0.64 0.64
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net investment income (0.76) (0.77) (0.75) (0.56) (0.56) (0.52)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- -- (0.04) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net realized gain on
investments sold -- -- -- (0.12) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from capital paid-in -- -- -- (0.10) (0.14) (0.07)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.76) (0.77) (0.75) (0.82) (0.70) (0.59)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $10.01 $9.31 $9.11 $8.46 $8.40 $8.45
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 8.85(4) 0.64 5.98 1.93 7.97 7.89
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total adjusted investment return at net asset
value(3,5) (%) 8.81(4) -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 218,562 236,059 142,873 98,390 84,601 48,137
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.89(4) 2.07 2.01 1.99 2.07 2.12
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(6) (%) 1.93(4) -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 8.72(4) 8.69 7.81 8.00 8.40 7.07
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of adjusted net investment income to average net
assets(6) (%) 8.68(4) -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 22 86 306 150 147 77
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.0039 -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A and Class B shares commenced operations on January 3, 1992 and December 28,1990, respectively.
(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) Annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods
shown.
(6) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
WORLD BOND FUND
REGISTRANT NAME: FREEDOM INVESTMENT TRUST II TICKER SYMBOL CLASS A: FGLAX
CLASS B: FGLIX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund seeks a high total investment return -- a combination
of current income and capital appreciation. To pursue this goal, the fund
invests at least 65% of assets in debt securities issued or guaranteed by: o
foreign governments and companies including those in emerging markets o
multinational organizations such as the World Bank o the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities
Under normal circumstances, the fund expects to invest in the securities markets
of at least three countries at any one time, potentially including the U.S. The
fund does not maintain a fixed allocation of assets.
PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The fund may invest in all types of debt securities of any
maturity, including preferred and convertible securities. Less than 35% of
assets may be invested in junk bonds rated as low as CCC/Caa, or equivalent.
Because the fund is non-diversified, it may invest more than 5% of assets in
securities of a single issuer, but no more than 25% of assets in the securities
of any one foreign government.
For liquidity and flexibility, the fund may place up to 35% of assets in
investment-grade short-term securities. In abnormal market conditions, it may
invest more assets in these securities as a defensive tactic. The fund also may
invest in certain other investments, including derivatives, and may engage in
other investment practices.
RISK FACTORS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] As with most bond funds, the value of your investment in the
fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in
interest rates causes a decline in the market value of fixed income securities.
International investing, particularly in emerging markets, carries additional
risks, including currency, information, natural event and political risks. Junk
bonds may carry above-average credit and market risks and mortgage-backed
securities may carry extension and prepayment risks. These risks are defined in
"More about risk" starting on page 31.
To the extent that the fund utilizes higher-risk securities practices, it takes
on further risks that could adversely affect its performance. Please read "More
about risk" carefully before investing.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Anthony A. Goodchild, Lawrence J. Daly and Janet L. Clay lead
the portfolio management team. Messrs. Goodchild and Daly are senior vice
presidents and joined John Hancock Funds in July 1994, having been in the
investment business since 1968 and 1972, respectively. Ms. Clay, a second vice
president, joined John Hancock Funds in August 1995 and has been in the
investment business since 1990.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTOR EXPENSES
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] 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) 4.50% 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 0.75% 0.75%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12b-1 fee(3) 0.30% 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.54% 0.54%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total fund operating expenses 1.59% 2.29%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 $93 $128 $225
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming redemption
at end of period $73 $102 $143 $245
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assuming no redemption $23 $72 $123 $245
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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) Because of the 12b-1 fee, long-term shareholders may indirectly pay more
than the equivalent of the maximum permitted front-end sales charge.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] The figures below have been audited by the fund's independent
auditors, Price Waterhouse LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VOLATILITY, AS INDICATED BY
CLASS B YEAR-BY-YEAR TOTAL
INVESTMENT RETURN (%) 65.96(4) 1.59(4) 20.09 5.47 11.84 10.44 1.72 6.77 11.51 4.78
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(scale varies from fund to fund) (1.88)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A - PERIOD ENDED: 10/92(1) 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.57 $9.76 $9.62 $8.85 $9.30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.64 0.76 0.64(2) 0.57(2) 0.51(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency transactions (0.74) (0.10) (0.78) 0.48 (0.02)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations (0.10) 0.66 (0.14) 1.05 0.49
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.71) (0.38) (0.11) (0.59) (0.50)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- (0.04) -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from capital paid-in -- (0.38) (0.52) (0.01) (0.01)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.71) (0.80) (0.63) (0.60) (0.51)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $9.76 $9.62 $8.85 $9.30 $9.28
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) (0.88)(4) 7.14 (1.30) 12.25 5.48
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 12,880 12,882 8,949 35,334 27,537
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.41(4) 1.46 1.59 1.48 1.58
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets (%) 7.64(4) 7.89 7.00 6.43 5.54
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 476 363 174 263 214
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B - PERIOD ENDED: 5/87(5) 10/87(6) 10/88 10/89 10/90 10/91 10/92 10/93 10/94 10/95 10/96
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of
period $9.60 $10.79 $10.32 $10.98 $10.21 $10.38 $10.44 $9.74 $9.62 $8.85 $9.30
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) 0.31 0.25 0.67 0.83 0.85 0.90 0.78 0.72 0.59(2) 0.55(2) 0.45(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency
transactions 1.29 (0.18) 1.31 (0.27) 0.28 0.13 (0.59) (0.09) (0.78) 0.44 (0.02)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations 1.60 0.07 1.98 0.56 1.13 1.03 0.19 0.63 (0.19) 0.99 0.43
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends from net
investment income (0.26) (0.28) (0.68) (0.84) (0.85) (0.73) (0.89) (0.33) (0.06) (0.53) (0.44)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from net
realized gain on
investments (0.15) (0.26) (0.64) (0.49) -- (0.24) -- -- -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess
of net investment income -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (0.04) -- -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions from capital
paid-in -- -- -- -- (0.11) -- -- (0.38) (0.52) (0.01) (0.01)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions (0.41) (0.54) (1.32) (1.33) (0.96) (0.97) (0.89) (0.75) (0.58) (0.54) 0.45
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.79 $10.32 $10.98 $10.21 $10.38 $10.44 $9.74 $9.62 $8.85 $9.30 $9.28
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN
AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) (%) 65.96(4) 1.59(4) 20.09 5.47 11.84 10.44 1.72 6.77 (1.88) 11.51 4.78
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
(000s omitted) ($) 18,253 58,658 174,833 255,214 186,524 192,687 199,102 197,166 114,656 65,600 45,897
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets (%) 2.41(4) 2.19(4) 1.74 1.75 1.82 1.90 1.91 1.91 2.17 2.16 2.25
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment
income (loss) to average
net assets (%) 8.69(4) 6.32(4) 6.04 8.07 8.67 8.74 7.59 7.45 6.41 6.03 4.87
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 140(4) 152(4) 364 333 186 159 476 363 174 263 214
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Class A shares commenced operations on January 3, 1992.
(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) Annualized.
(5) For the period December 17, 1986 (commencement of operations) to May 31, 1987.
(6) For the period June 1, 1987 to October 31, 1987.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
YOUR ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
All John Hancock international/global funds offer two classes of shares, Class A
and Class B. Each class has its own cost structure, allowing you to choose the
one that best meets your requirements. Your financial representative can help
you decide.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Front-end sales charges, as o No front-end sales charge; all your
described below. There are several money goes to work for you right
ways to reduce these charges, also away.
described below.
o Higher annual expenses than Class A
o Lower annual expenses than Class B shares.
shares.
o A deferred sales charge, as
described below.
o Automatic conversion to Class A
shares after eight years (five years
for Short-Term Strategic Income
Fund), thus reducing future annual
expenses.
For actual past expenses of Class A and B shares, see the fund-by-fund
information earlier in this prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
CLASS A Sales charges are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SALES CHARGES - SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS A % OF AS A % OF YOUR
YOUR INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to $99,999 3.00% 3.09%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 - $499,999 2.50% 2.56%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 2.04%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 and over See below
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SALES CHARGES - WORLD BOND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AS A % OF AS A % OF YOUR
YOUR INVESTMENT OFFERING PRICE INVESTMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to $99,999 4.50% 4.71%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 - $249,999 3.75% 3.90%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 - $499,999 2.75% 2.83%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 2.04%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1,000,000 and over See below
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SALES CHARGES - GROWTH FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (ALL FUNDS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
<PAGE>
CLASS B Shares are offered at their net asset value per share, without any
initial sales charge. However, there is a contingent deferred sales charge
(CDSC) on shares you sell within a certain time after you bought them, as
described in the table below. 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:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B DEFERRED CHARGES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEARS AFTER CDSC ON SHORT-TERM CDSC ON ALL
PURCHASE STRATEGIC INCOME OTHER FUND SHARES
SHARES BEING SOLD BEING SOLD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st year 3.00% 5.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd year 2.00% 4.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd year 2.00% 3.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4th year 1.00% 3.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5th year None 2.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6th year None 1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After 6 years None 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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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 (see
the back cover of this prospectus).
GROUP INVESTMENT PROGRAM Allows established groups of four or more investors to
invest as a group. Each investor has an individual account, but for sales charge
purposes the group's investments are lumped together, making the investors
potentially eligible for reduced sales charges. There is no charge, no
obligation to invest (although initial aggregate investments must be at least
$250) and you may terminate the program at any time.
To utilize: contact your financial representative or Signature Services to find
out how to qualify.
CDSC WAIVERS As long as Signature Services is notified at the time you sell, the
CDSC for either 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
To utilize: if you think you may be eligible for a CDSC waiver, contact your
financial representative or Signature Services, or consult the SAI (see the back
cover of this prospectus).
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.
<PAGE>
WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INVESTORS Class A shares may be offered without front-end
sales charges or CDSCs to various individuals and institutions, including:
o government entities that are prohibited from paying mutual fund sales charges
o financial institutions or common trust funds investing $1 million or more for
non-discretionary accounts
o selling brokers and their employees and sales representatives
o financial representatives utilizing fund shares in fee-based investment
products under 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 to a John Hancock fund from an employee
benefit plan that has John Hancock funds
o members of an approved affinity group financial services program
o certain insurance company contract holders (one-year CDSC usually applies)
o participants in certain retirement plans with at least 100 members (one-year
CDSC applies)
o clients of AFA, when their funds are transferred directly to Global Technology
Fund from accounts managed by AFA
o certain former shareholders of John Hancock National Aviation & Technology
Fund and Nova Fund (applies to Global Technology Fund only).
To utilize: if you think you may be eligible for a sales charge waiver, contact
your financial representative or 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
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 can
initiate any purchase, exchange or sale of shares through your financial
representative.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUYING SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT ADDING TO AN ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY CHECK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Make out a check for the investment o Make out a check for the investment
amount, payable to "John Hancock amount payable to "John Hancock
Signature Services, Inc." Signature Services, Inc."
o Deliver the check and your completed o Fill out the detachable investment
application to your financial slip from an account statement. If
representative, or mail them to no slip is available, include a note
Signature Services (address below). 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
below).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY EXCHANGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Call your financial representative o Call Signature Services to request
or Signature Services to request an an exchange.
exchange.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By wire
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Deliver your completed application o Instruct your bank to wire the
to your financial representative, or amount of your investment to:
mail it to Signature Services. First Signature Bank & Trust
o Obtain your account number by Account # 900000260
calling your financial Routing # 211475000
representative or Signature Specify the fund name, your share
Services. class, your account number and the
o Instruct your bank to wire the name(s) in which the account is
amount of your investment to: registered. Your bank may charge a
First Signature Bank & Trust fee to wire funds.
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
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 STE 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
PHONE NUMBER
1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial To open or add to an account using the
representative for instructions and Monthly Automatic Accumulation
assistance. Program, see "Additional investor
services."
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELLING SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESIGNED FOR TO SELL SOME OR ALL OF YOUR SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY LETTER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Accounts of any type. o Write a letter of instruction or
o Sales of any amount. complete a stock power 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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Most accounts. o For automated service 24 hours a day
o Sales of up to $100,000. using your touch-tone 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)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Requests by letter to sell any o Fill out the "Telephone Redemption"
amount (accounts of any type). section of your new account
o Requests by phone to sell up to application.
$100,000 (accounts with telephone o To verify that the telephone
redemption privileges). redemption privilege is in place on
an account, or to 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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Accounts of any type. o Obtain a current prospectus for the
o Sales of any amount. fund into which you are exchanging
by calling your financial
representative or Signature
Services.
o Call Signature Services to request
an exchange.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY CHECK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
o Short-Term Strategic Income Fund o Request checkwriting on your account
only. application.
o Any account with checkwriting o Verify that the shares to be sold
privileges. were purchased more than 10 days
o Sales of over $100. earlier or were purchased by wire.
o Write a check for any amount over
$100.
ADDRESS
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way STE 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
PHONE NUMBER
1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial
To sell shares through a systematic representative for instructions and
withdrawal plan, see "Additional assistance.
investor services."
<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)
You can generally obtain a signature guarantee from the following sources:
o a broker or securities dealer
o a federal savings, cooperative or other type of bank
o a savings and loan or other thrift institution
o a credit union
o a securities exchange or clearing agency
A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELLER REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITTEN REQUESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[graphic omitted]
Owners of individual, joint, sole o Letter of instruction.
proprietorship, UGMA/UTMA (custodial o On the letter, the signatures and
accounts for minors) or general titles of all persons authorized to
partner accounts. sign for the account, exactly as the
account is registered.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owners of corporate or association o Letter of instruction.
accounts. o Corporate resolution, certified
within the past 90 days.
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
60 days.
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 account instructions.
types not listed above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<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 accepted 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 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.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES Purchases must be made in U.S. dollars. Purchases in foreign
currencies must be converted, which may result in a fee and delayed execution.
ELIGIBILITY BY STATE You may only invest in, or exchange into, fund shares
legally available in your state.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
<PAGE>
DIVIDENDS The income funds generally declare income dividends daily and pay them
monthly. These income dividends begin accruing the day after payment is received
by the fund and continue through the day your shares are actually sold. The
growth funds pay income dividends, if any, annually. All funds distribute
capital gains, if any, annually.
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 from the growth funds.
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 qualified retirement
plans, including IRAs, SEPs, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans (including TSAs) and
other 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.
<PAGE>
FUND DETAILS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
HOW THE FUNDS ARE ORGANIZED Each John Hancock international/global 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 international/global
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").
------------
SHAREHOLDERS
------------
| --------------------------------------------
| FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS AND
| THEIR REPRESENTATIVES
| DISTRIBUTION AND
| SHAREHOLDERS SERVICES Advise current and prospective share-
| holders on their fund investments, often
| in the context of an overall financial plan.
| --------------------------------------------
|
| <TABLE>
| <S> <C>
| ------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
| PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTOR TRANSFER AGENT
|
| John Hancock Funds, Inc. John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
| 101 Huntington Avenue 1 John Hancock Way STE 1000
| Boston, MA 02199-7603
| Handles shareholder services, including record-
| Markets the funds and distributes shares keeping and statements, distribution of dividends
| through selling brokers, financial planners and processing of buy and sell requests.
| and other financial representatives. -------------------------------------------------
| -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------------------ |
SUBADVISERS INVESTMENT ADVISER CUSTODIANS |
American Fund Advisors, Inc. John Hancock Advisers, Inc. Investors Bank & Trust Co. |
1415 Kelium Place 101 Huntington Avenue 89 South Street |
Garden City, NY 11530 Boston, MA 02199-7603 Boston, MA 02111 ASSET |
MANAGEMENT |
John Hancock Advisers Manages the fund's business and State Street Bank and Trust Company |
International Limited investment activities. 225 Franklin Street |
34 Dover Street ------------------------------- Boston, MA 02110 |
London, UK W1X 3RA |
Hold the funds' assets , settle all |
Indosuez Asia Advisers Limited portfolio trades and collect most of |
One Exchange Square the valuation data required for |
Hong Kong calculating each fund's NAV. |
------------------------------------ |
Provide portfolio management
to certain funds.
- ------------------------------
</TABLE>
-------------------------------
TRUSTEES
Supervise the funds' activities
-------------------------------
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING COMPENSATION The funds (except for Global Technology) 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.
Global Technology pays a $100,000 administration fee to the adviser.
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 Global Rx Fund,
International Fund and World Bond Fund, each fund's investment goal is
fundamental and may only be changed with shareholder approval.
DIVERSIFICATION Except for Global Rx Fund, Short-Term Strategic Income Fund and
World Bond Fund, all of the international/global 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 shares,
interest expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B UNREIMBURSED DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNREIMBURSED AS A % OF
FUND EXPENSES NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global $ 800,320 3.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Marketplace $ 172,913 0.64%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Rx $ 461,009 1.19%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Technology $ 1,170,398 2.59%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International $ 435,589 3.59%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Basin Equities $ 979,454 3.04%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Strategic Income $ 2,532,676 3.87%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
World Bond $ 4,967,286 9.07%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) As of the most recent fiscal year end covered by each fund's financial
highlights. These expenses may be carried forward indefinitely.
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.
<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)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $99,999 3.00% 2.26% 0.25% 2.50%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 - $499,999 2.50% 2.01% 0.25% 2.25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 1.51% 0.25% 1.75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WORLD BOND FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to $99,999 4.50% 3.76% 0.25% 4.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 - $249,999 3.75% 3.01% 0.25% 3.25%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 - $499,999 2.75% 2.06% 0.25% 2.30%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 1.51% 0.25% 1.75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 (ALL FUNDS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
All amounts 2.25% 0.25% 2.50%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL OTHER FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All amounts 3.75% 0.25% 4.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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.
</TABLE>
<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. To the extent that a fund utilizes these
securities or practices, its overall performance may be affected, either
positively or negatively. On the following pages 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 international/global fund will be positive over any period of time --
days, months or years. However, international markets have performed better over
the past two decades than domestic markets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Adverse
changes in exchange rates may erode or reverse any gains produced by foreign
currency denominated investments, and may widen any losses.
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. The seller may
have to lower the price, sell other securities instead, or forego an investment
opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on fund management or
performance.
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. These fluctuations may cause a security to
be worth less than it was worth at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a
single issuer, industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole. 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 attributable to government or political
actions, from changes in tax or trade statutes to governmental collapse and war.
PREPAYMENT RISK The risk that unanticipated prepayments may occur, 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.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 ( [ ] )
10 Percent of net assets (roman type)
X No policy limitation on usage; fund may be using currently
o Permitted, but has not typically been used
- -- Not permitted
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Short-Term
Global Global Basin Strategic World
Global Marketplace Global Rx Technology International Equities Income Bond
------ ----------- --------- ---------- ------------- -------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <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. [10] [33.3] [33.3] 10 [33.3] [33.3] [10] 10
CURRENCY TRADING The direct trading or
holding of foreign currencies as an
asset. Currency risk. X X X X X X X X
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS The purchase of
a security that must later be sold
back to the issuer at the same price
plus interest. Credit risk. X X X X X X X X
SECURITIES LENDING The lending of
securities to financial institutions,
which provide cash or government
securities as collateral. Credit risk. [10] [33.3] [33.3] [33.3] [33.3] [33.3] [30] [30]
SHORT SALES The selling of securities
which 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 -- 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. X X X X X X X X
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. X X X X X X X X
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVENTIONAL SECURITIES
FOREIGN DEBT SECURITIES Debt
securities issued by foreign
governments or companies. Credit,
currency, interest rate, market,
political risks. [5] [35](1) [35](1) 10(2) [35](1) [35](1) X(1) X(1)
NON-INVESTMENT-GRADE DEBT SECURITIES
Debt securities rated below BBB/Baa
are considered junk bonds. Credit,
market, interest rate, liquidity,
valuation, information risks. -- -- [35] 10(2) -- -- [67] [35]
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Securities not traded on the open
market. May include illiquid Rule 144A
securities. Liquidity, valuation,
market risks. 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNLEVERAGED DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES Securities
backed by unsecured debt, such as
credit card debt; these securities are
often guaranteed or
over-collateralized to enhance their
credit quality. Credit, interest rate
risks. o o o o o o X X
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES Securities
backed by pools of mortgages,
including passthrough certificates,
PACs, TACs and other senior classes of
collateralized mortgage obligations
(CMOs). Credit, extension, prepayment,
interest rate risks. o o o o o o X X
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS Securities
representing an interest in another
security or in bank loans. Credit,
interest rate, liquidity, valuation
risks. -- -- -- 10(2) -- -- 15(3) 15(3)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGHER-RISK SECURITIES AND PRACTICES (cont'd)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Short-Term
Global Global Basin Strategic World
Global Marketplace Global Rx Technology International Equities Income Bond
------ ----------- --------- ---------- ------------- -------- ----------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
LEVERAGED DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
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. X X X X X X X X
o SPECULATIVE. Currency, speculative
leverage, liquidity risks. o o o o o o o o
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. X X X o X X X X
o OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND INDICES.
Interest rate, currency, market,
hedged or speculative leverage,
correlation, liquidity, credit,
opportunity risks. o o o o o o o o
STRUCTURED SECURITIES Indexed and/or
leveraged mortgage-backed and other
debt securities, including
principal-only and interest-only
securities, leveraged floating rate
securities and others. These
securities tend to be highly sensitive
to interest rate movements and their
performance may not correlate to these
movements in a conventional fashion.
Credit, interest rate, extension,
prepayment, market, speculative
leverage, liquidity, valuation risks. X X X 10(2) X X X X
(1) No more than 25% of the fund's assets will be invested in securities of any one foreign government.
(2) Included in the 10% limitation on debt securities.
(3) Included in the 15% limitation on illiquid securities.
(4) Applies to purchased options only.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANALYSIS OF FUNDS WITH 5% OR MORE JUNK BONDS(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT-GRADE BONDS
QUALITY RATING SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC
(S&P/MOODY'S)(2) INCOME FUND
----------------- --------------------
AAA/Aaa 12.8%
AA/Aa 26.6%
A/A 6.0%
BBB/Baa 7.6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNK BONDS
QUALITY RATING SHORT-TERM STRATEGIC
(S&P/MOODY'S)(2) INCOME FUND
----------------- --------------------
BB/Ba 26.2%
B/B 14.9%
CCC/Caa 1.0%
CC/Ca 0.0%
C/C 0.0%
D 0.2%
% OF PORTFOLIO IN BONDS 95.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT-GRADE BONDS
QUALITY RATING WORLD BOND
(S&P/MOODY'S)(2) FUND
----------------- ----------
AAA/Aaa 65.7%
AA/Aa 25.5%
A/A 2.3%
BBB/Baa 0.3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNK BONDS
QUALITY RATING WORLD BOND
(S&P/MOODY'S)(2) FUND
----------------- ----------
BB/Ba 2.6%
B/B 1.3%
CCC/Caa 0.0%
CC/Ca 0.0%
C/C 0.0%
D 0.0%
% OF PORTFOLIO IN BONDS 97.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Average weighted quality distribution for the most recent fiscal year.
(2) In cases where the S&P and Moody's ratings for a given bond issue do not
agree, the issue has been counted in the higher category.
<PAGE>
FOR MORE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two documents are available that offer further information on John Hancock
international/global funds:
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL 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/ semi-annual 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).
To request a free copy of the current annual/semi-annual report or SAI, please
write or call:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way STE 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
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
(C) 1996 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
GLIPN 3/97
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND
Class A and Class B Shares
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Global Marketplace Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is
contained in the combined International/Global Funds' Prospectus dated March 1,
1997 (the "Prospectus"). The Fund is a diversified series of John Hancock World
Fund (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free
of charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way STE 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 ................................................ 13
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 Shares ................................ 32
Special Redemptions .................................................... 36
Additional Services And Programs ....................................... 36
Description of The Fund's Shares ....................................... 37
Tax Status ............................................................. 38
Calculation of Performance ............................................. 43
Brokerage Allocation ................................................... 44
Transfer Agent Services ................................................ 46
Custody of Portfolio ................................................... 46
Independent Auditors ................................................... 46
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 in August, 1986 under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Fund changed its name on December 11,
1995 from John Hancock Global Retail Fund to John Hancock Global Marketplace
Fund. The Fund was established in 1988.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance 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.
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund
will invest in a global portfolio consisting primarily equity securities of
issuers engaged in retail sales of consumer products and services. The types of
securities in which the Fund invests are listed in the Prospectus. See "Goal and
Strategy" and "Portfolio Securities" in the Prospectus. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in
the securities of companies that merchandise goods and services to consumers and
to consumer companies.
Investments in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in domestic or foreign
common stocks and securities convertible into or with rights to purchase common
stock of corporations in which the Fund is permitted to invest. The Fund may
invest in American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), or European Depository Receipts
("EDRs") which are receipts typically issued by an American or European bank or
trust company representing underlying shares of foreign issuers. Issuers of
unsponsored ADRs are not required to disclose material information in the United
States. Because the Fund has a limited scope of investment through its
concentration in the retail sales group of industries, the Fund seeks
investments without regard to geographical borders. Normally, the Fund will
invest in the securities markets of at least three countries including the
United States. A significant portion of the Fund's investments are expected to
be in countries with developing markets; and in smaller capitalization,
developing growth companies with relatively limited operating histories as
publicly traded companies. These investments may be made without regard to a
record of profits or dividends.
The securities markets of many countries have in the past moved relatively
independently of one another, due to differing economic, financial, political
and social factors. When markets in fact move in different directions and offset
each other, there may be a corresponding reduction in risk for the Fund's
portfolio as a whole. This lack of correlation among the movements of the
world's securities markets may also affect unrealized gains the Fund has derived
from movements in any one market.
If the securities of markets moving in different directions are combined into a
single portfolio, such as that of the Fund, total portfolio volatility maybe
reduced. Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other
than U.S. dollars, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the
value of its portfolio securities. Exchange rates may not move in the same
direction as the securities markets in a particular country. As a result, market
gains may be offset by unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations.
2
<PAGE>
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund's foreign currency exchange transactions
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 exchange contracts. The Fund may also enter
into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to enhance return, to hedge
against fluctuations in currency exchange rates affecting a particular
transaction or portfolio position, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale
of a currency or assets denominated in that currency. 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. 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 quoted or denominated in the same or related
foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency
contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the
same or related foreign currencies. The Fund may elect to hedge less than all of
its foreign portfolio positions as deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
If the Fund purchases a forward contract or sells a forward contract for
non-hedging purposes, its custodian will segregate cash or liquid securities, of
any type or maturity, in a separate account of the Fund in an amount equal to
the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of such
forward contract. The assets in the segregated account will be valued at market
daily and if the value of the securities in the separate account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of
the account will be equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to
such contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. 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.
Risks in Foregin Securities. Investments in foreign securities may involve a
greater 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
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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 a 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 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 and countries which 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 uncertainty of investing in
these 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 business, 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.
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 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, decline in value of the underlying securities or lack of access to
income during this period, as well as expense of enforcing its rights.
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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 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 the
securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under such agreements. In
addition, the Fund will not borrow money or enter into reverse repurchase
agreements except from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary emergency
purposes in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total
assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at marekt value. The Fund will not
leverage to attempt to increase income. 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 in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determine, 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
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.
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
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
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<PAGE>
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
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<PAGE>
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
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.
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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 or currency markets.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. To seek to increase total
return or hedge against changes in interest rates, or 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
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<PAGE>
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 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
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<PAGE>
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
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
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<PAGE>
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
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
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<PAGE>
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.
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 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 in order to profit from an
anticipated decline in the value of a security. The Fund may also engage in
short sales to attempt to limit its exposure to a possible market decline in the
value of its portfolio securities through short sales of securities which the
Adviser believes possess volatility characteristics similar to those being
hedged. To effect such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security sold
short to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the
security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of
replacement. Until the security is replaced the Fund is required to pay to the
lender any accrued interest or dividends and may be required to pay a premium.
The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between the date
of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security.
On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if
the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain
will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any
premium, interest or dividends the Fund may be required to pay in connection
with a short sale. The successful use of short selling as a hedging device may
be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of
the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
Under applicable guidelines of the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, if the Fund engages in short sales of the type referred to in
non-fundamental Investment Restriction No. (c) (ii) and (iii) below, it must put
in a segregated account (not with the broker) an amount of cash or U.S.
Government securities equal to the difference between (1) the market value of
the securities sold short at the time they were sold short and (2) any cash or
U.S. Government securities required to be deposited as collateral with the
broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the
short sale). In addition, until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, it must
daily maintain the segregated account at such a level that the amount deposited
in it plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the
current market value of the securities sold short.
Short selling may produce higher than normal portfolio turnover which may result
in increased transaction costs to the Fund and may result in gains from the sale
of securities deemed to have been held for less than three months, which gains
must be less than 30% of the Fund's gross income for a taxable year in order for
the Fund to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") for that year. See "TAX
STATUS."
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The Fund does not intend to enter into short sales (other than those "against
the box") if immediately after such sale the aggregate of the value of all
collateral plus the amount in such segregated account exceeds 5% of the value of
the Fund's net assets. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that the
Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain at no added cost
securities identical to those sold short.
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. 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 and may make it more difficult for the Fund to
qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. 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 approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information, means 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 restrictions.
The Fund may not:
13
<PAGE>
(1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs (2), (6) and
(7) below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts, forward contracts, forward commitments and
repurchase agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment
policy, and the pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's assets within
the meaning of paragraph (3) below, are not deemed to be the issuance of senior
securities.
(2) Borrow money, except from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary emergency purposes in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value
of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market
value. The Fund will not leverage to attempt to increase income.
(3) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
indebtedness permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if such pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% 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, any interest therein, or real estate
limited partnership interests, 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 that the Fund may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3 % of the Fund's
total assets taken at market value, enter into repurchase agreements and
purchase all or a portion of an issue of publicly distributed debt securities,
bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of deposit, banker's
acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made
upon the original issuance of the securities.
(7) Invest in commodities or in commodity contracts or in puts, calls, or
combinations of both, except options on currency, securities and securities
indices, futures contracts on currency, securities and securities indices and
options on such futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments, securities index put or call warrants and repurchase agreements
entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment policies.
(8) With respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, purchase securities of
an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities),
if (i) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken
at market value to 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.
(9) Purchase securities, other than obligations of the U.S. Government or
any of its agencies or instrumentalities, if such purchase would cause 25% or
more of the value of the Fund's total assets to be invested in securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry,
except that the Fund shall invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets
in securities of issuers in the retail sales group of industries.
For purposes of fundamental investment restriction (9) above, the "retail sales
group of industries" consists of the group of retail industries included under
the caption "Retail and Wholesale Trade-Retail" in the Directory of Companies
Filing Annual Reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission published by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
14
<PAGE>
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder 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 repurchase 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 be participation in a joint securities
trading account.
(b) Purchase securities on margin except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of securities.
(c) Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position unless (i)
at all times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal
amount of such securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable, without payment of any further consideration, for
securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the securities
sold short; (ii) for the purpose of hedging the Fund's exposure to an
actual or anticipated market decline in the value of its investments;
or (iii) in order to profit from an anticipated decline in the value of
a security.
(d) Knowingly purchase or retain securities of an issuer if one or more of
the Trustees or officers of the Trust or directors or officers of the
Adviser or any investment management subsidiary of the Adviser
individually owns beneficially more than 0.5% and together own
beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such issuer.
(e) 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 Fund. In addition, as a nonfundamental restriction,
the Fund may not purchase the shares of any closed-end investment
company except in the open market where no commission or profit to a
sponsor or dealer results from the purchase, other than customary
brokerage fees.
(f) Purchase securities of any issuer which, together with any predecessor,
has a record of less than three years' continuous operations prior to
the purchase if such purchase would cause investments of the Fund in
all such issuers to exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the
Fund.
(g) Purchase any security, including any repurchase agreement maturing in
more than seven days, which is not readily marketable, if more than 15%
of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market value, would be invested
in such securities.
15
<PAGE>
(h) The Fund will not purchase warrants of any issuer, if, as a result of
such purchases, more than 2% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in warrants which are not listed on the New York
Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange or more than 5% of the
value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in warrants
generally, whether or not so listed. For these purposes, warrants are
to be valued at the lesser of cost or market, but warrants acquired by
the Fund in units with or attached to debt securities shall be deemed
to be without value.
(i) The Fund will not purchase interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration programs; however, this policy will not prohibit the
acquisition of securities of companies engaged in the production or
transmission of oil, gas or other minerals.
(j) The Fund will not purchase securities while outstanding borrowings
exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, adopt restrictions on investment policy
more restrictive than those described above. Should the Trustees determine that
any such more restrictive policy is no longer in the best interest of the Fund
and its shareholders, the Fund may cease offering shares in the state involved
and the Trustees may revoke such restrictive policy. Moreover, if the states
involved shall no longer require any such restrictive policy, the Trustees may,
in their sole discretion, revoke such policy. The Fund has agreed with state
securities administrators that it will not purchase the following securities:
The Fund may not purchase securities of any open-end investment company
except when such purchase is part of a plan of merger, consolidation,
reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the assets of any
other investment company.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by its Trustees of the Trust 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 Trust 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").
16
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman and Chief Executive
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Officer, the Adviser and The
Boston, MA 02199 Berkeley Financial Group ("Berkeley
October 1944 Group"); Chairman, NM Capital
Management, Inc. ("NM Capital") and
John Hancock Advisers International
Limited ("Advisers International");
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President, John Hancock Funds,
Inc. ("John Hancock Funds"), First
Signature Bank and Trust Company
and Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp."); Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), 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; Vice Chairman and
President, the Adviser (until July
1992); Chairman, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
17
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dennis S. Aronowitz Trustee (3) Professor of Law, Emeritus, Boston
Boston University University School of Law; Trustee,
Boston, Massachusetts Brookline Savings Bank.
June 1931
Richard P. Chapman, Jr. Trustee (1, 3) President, Brookline Savings Bank;
160 Washington Street Director, Federal Home Loan Bank of
Brookline, MA 02147 Boston (lending); Director, Lumber
February 1935 Insurance Companies (fire and
casualty insurance); Trustee,
Northeastern University (education);
Director, Depositors Insurance Fund,
Inc. (insurance).
William J. Cosgrove Trustee (3) Vice President, Senior Banker and
20 Buttonwood Place Senior Credit Officer, Citibank,
Saddle River, NJ 07458 N.A. (retired September 1991);
January 1933 Executive Vice President, Citadel
Group Representatives, Inc.; EVP
Resource Evaluation, Inc.
(consulting) (until October 1993);
Trustee, the Hudson City Savings
Bank (since 1995).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
18
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Douglas M. Costle Trustee (1, 3) Director, Chairman of the Board and
RR2 Box 480 Distinguished Senior Fellow,
Woodstock, VT 05091 Institute for Sustainable
July 1939 Communities, Montpelier, Vermont
(since 1991); Dean Vermont Law
School (until 1991); Director, Air
and Water Technologies Corporation
(environmental services and
equipment), Niagara Mohawk Power
Company (electric services) and
Mitretek Systems (governmental
consulting services).
Leland O. Erdahl Trustee (3) Director, Santa Fe Ingredients
8046 Mackenzie Court Company of California, Inc. and
Las Vegas, NV 89129 Santa Fe Ingredients Company, Inc.
December 1928 (private food processing companies),
Uranium Resources, Inc.; President,
Stolar, Inc. (1987-1991); President,
Albuquerque Uranium Corporation
(1985-1992); Director,
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Company, Inc., Hecla Mining Company,
Canyon Resources Corporation and
Original Sixteen to One Mines, Inc.
(1984-1987 and 1991-1995)
(management consultant).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
19
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Richard A. Farrell Trustee(3) President of Farrell, Healer & Co.,
Venture Capital Partners (venture capital management firm)
160 Federal Street (since 1980); Prior to 1980, headed
23rd Floor the venture capital group at Bank of
Boston, MA 02110 Boston Corporation.
November 1932
Gail D. Fosler Trustee (3) Vice President and Chief Economist,
4104 Woodbine Street The Conference Board (non-profit
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 economic and business research);
December 1947 Director, Unisys Corp.; and H.B.
Fuller Company.
William F. Glavin Trustee (3) President, Babson College; Vice
Babson College Chairman, Xerox Corporation (until
Horn Library June 1989); Director, Caldor Inc.,
Babson Park, MA 02157 Reebok, Ltd. (since 1994) and Inco
March 1931 Ltd.
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser; Director,
Boston, MA 02199 The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
April 1953 Funds; Director, Advisers
International; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Senior Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1993); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
20
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dr. John A. Moore Trustee (3) President and Chief Executive
Institute for Evaluating Health Risks Officer, Institute for Evaluating
1629 K Street NW Health Risks, (nonprofit
Suite 402 institution) (since September 1989).
Washington, DC 20006-1602
February 1939
Patti McGill Peterson Trustee (3) Cornell Institute of Public Affairs,
Cornell University Cornell University (since August
Institute of Public Affairs 1996); President Emeritus of Wells
364 Upson Hall College and St. Lawrence University;
Ithica, NY 14853 Director, Niagara Mohawk Power
May 1943 Corporation (electric utility) and
Security Mutual Life (insurance).
John W. Pratt Trustee (3) Professor of Business Administration
2 Gray Gardens East at Harvard University Graduate
Cambridge, MA 02138 School of Business Administration
September 1931 (since 1961).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
21
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
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; Trustee,
The Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, John Hancock Property and
Casualty Insurance and its
affiliates (until November 1993);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Edward J. Spellman, CPA Trustee (3) Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
259C Commercial Bld. (retired June 1990).
Lauderdale, FL 33308
November 1932
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; 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
22
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(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, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and NM
Capital; Counsel, John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company (until
January 1996).
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 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
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 of the other funds for which the
Adviser serves as the investment adviser.
As of January 31, 1997, the officers and Trustees of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. To the knowledge of the
Trust, only the following person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of
any class of the Fund's outstanding securities:
Percentage of
Class A Shares Owned Outstanding Shares
------- ------------ ------------------
Boatmans Trust Co Agent For 134,953 8.02%
Lambros LP
PO Box 14737
St Louis MO
Percentage of
Class B Shares Owned Outstanding Shares
------- ------------ ------------------
MLPF & S For The 351,576 16.61%
Sole Benefit of Its Customers
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
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, Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Fund
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund for their services. The compensation to
the Trustees from the Fund shown below is for the period from September 1, 1996
to October 31, 1996.
24
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Compensation From the
Aggregate Compensation Fund and John Hancock Fund
Independent Trustees From the Fund Complex to Trustees*
- -------------------- ------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Dennis S. Aronowitz $ -- $ 72,450
Richard P. Charpman, Jr.+ -- 75,200
William J. Cosgrove+ -- 72,450
Douglas M. Costle++ -- 75,350
Leland O. Erdahl++ -- 72,350
Richard A. Farrell++ -- 75,350
Gail D. Fosler -- 68,450
William F. Glavin+ ++ -- 72,250
Bayard Henry** -- 23,700
John A. Moore++ -- 68,350
Patti McGill Peterson++ -- 72,100
John W. Pratt++ -- 72,350
---- --------
$ $894,300
</TABLE>
* The total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees is as of the calendar year ended December 31,
1996. As of this date, there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock
Fund Complex of which each of these Independent Trustees served on
thirty-five of funds.
** Mr. Henry retired from his position as a Trustee of the Fund effective
April 26, 1996.
+ As of December 31, 1996 the value of the aggregate accrued deferred
compensation from each Fund in the John Hancock Fund Complex for Mr.
Chapman was $63,164 and for Mr. Cosgrove was $131,317 and for Mr.
Glavin was $109,059 under the John Hancock Deferred Compensation Plan
for Independent Trustees.
++ Became Trustees of the Trust on June 26, 1996.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and presently has more than $19 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 over 1,080,000 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 $80 billion, the
Life Company is one of ten largest life insurance companies in the United
States, and carries high ratings 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. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
agreed to act as investment adviser and manager to the Fund. As manager and
investment adviser, 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.
25
<PAGE>
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
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 provided by the investment management contract, the Fund pays the Adviser
monthly an investment management fee, which is accrued daily, based on a stated
percentage of the average of the daily net assets of the Fund as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $250,000,000 0.80%
Amount over $250,000,000 0.70%
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 investment management contract, 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 their respective contract 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 applicable contract.
Under the investment management contract, the Fund may use the name "John
Hancock" or any name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the
contract or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If
the contract 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
26
<PAGE>
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 investment management contract and the distribution agreement discussed
below, continue in effect from year to year if approved annually by vote of a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of one of the parties to
the contract, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval, and by either the Trustees or the holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities. Each of these contracts automatically
terminates upon assignment and may be terminated on 60 days' written notice by
either party or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund.
For the periods ended August 31, 1996 and 1995, the Adviser's management fee was
$79,077 and $4,205, respectively. After the expense reductions by the Adviser,
for the periods ended August 31, 1996 and 1995, the Adviser did not impose any
investment management fee. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31,
1996, the Adviser's management fee was $63,995. After the reduction by the
Adviser for the period ended September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Adviser
was paid an investment management fee of $17,973. In 1996, the Trustees changed
the fiscal year-end of the Fund to October 31.
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 October 31, 1996, the
Fund paid the Adviser $1,500 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 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 on behalf 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 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, or, in the case of Class B
shares, on a deferred basis. The sales charges are discussed further in the
Prospectus.
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
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
27
<PAGE>
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 and others for 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 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 Class B Plan at
any time. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, an
aggregate of $172,913 of Distribution Expenses or 0.636% of the average net
assets of the Fund's Class B shares was not reimbursed or recovered by John
Hancock Funds through the receipt of deferred sales charge or Rule 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 ("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 these 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
the 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 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 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 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 period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Funds paid
John Hancock Funds the following amounts of expenses with respect to the Class A
and Class B shares of the Fund:
28
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and
Mailing of
Prospectus to Compensation to Expense Interest Carrying
New Selling of or Other Finance
Advertising Shareholders Brokers Distributor Charges
----------- ------------ ------- ----------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares $ 2,380 $ 693 $ 45 $ 7,241 $ --
Class B shares $10,645 $ (74) $ 335 $33,848 $ 710
</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
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.
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 the 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 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.
Combined Purchases. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases of
shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined 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) certain
groups of four or more individuals making use of salary deductions or similar
group methods of payment whose funds are combined for the purchase of mutual
fund shares. Further information about combined purchases, including certain
restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature Services
or a Selling Broker's representative.
Without Sales Charges. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or CDSC to various individuals and institutions as follows:
o Any state, county or any instrumentality, department, authority, or
agency of these entities that is prohibited by applicable investment
laws from paying a sales charge or commission when it purchases shares
of any registered investment management company.*
o A bank, trust company, credit union, savings institution or other
depository institution, its trust departments or common trust funds if
it is purchasing $1 million or more for non-discretionary customers or
accounts.*
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) 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.
30
<PAGE>
o A member of an approved affinity group financial services plan.*
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group annuity
contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant directed defined
contribution plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the inception of the
Fund account, 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:
<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.
Shareholders of the John Hancock Global Technology Fund who were shareholders of
John Hancock National Aviation & Technology Fund ("National Aviation") who held
shares prior to May 1, 1984 are permitted for an indefinite period to purchase
additional shares of the John Hancock Global Technology Fund at net asset value,
without a sales charge, provided that the purchasing shareholder held shares of
National Aviation continuously from April 30, 1984 to July 28, 1995 (the date of
the merger of National Aviation into the John Hancock Global Technology Fund)
and shares of the John Hancock Global Technology Fund from that date to the date
of the purchase in question.
*For investments made under these provisions, John Hancock Funds may make a
payment out of its own resources to the Selling Broker in an amount not to
exceed 0.25% of the amount invested.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of a reduced sales
charge by taking into account not only the amount then being invested but also
the purchase price or current account value of the Class A shares already held
by such person.
Combination Privilege. Reduced sales charges also are available to an investor
based on the aggregate amount of his concurrent and prior investments in Class A
shares of the Fund and shares of all other John Hancock funds which carry a
sales charge.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made 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 specified period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
qualified retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments
called for by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These qualified
retirement plans include IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including TSAs) and
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
31
<PAGE>
invested had been invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not actually
invested, the difference between 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 applied (including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI been for the
amount actually invested.
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient 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 the sales charge as may be due. By signing
the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his or her
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed 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 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 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 Class B
shares being redeemed. Accordingly, no CDSC will be imposed on increases in
account value above the initial purchase prices, including Class B shares
derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. No CDSC
will be imposed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital
gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service defined contribution 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. However, you cannot redeem appreciation value only in order to avoid a
CDSC.
32
<PAGE>
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:
* Proceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per share $600
* Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC
(dividend reinvestment) -120
* Minus appreciation on remaining shares (40 shares X $2) -80
-----
* Amount subject to CDSC $400
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 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. See the
Prospectus for additional information regarding the CDSC.
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.
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemptions of Class B shares made under a periodic withdrawal plan, 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 shares that are subject to a
CDSC.)
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, Rollover IRA, TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k),
Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and other qualified plans as
described in the Internal Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted.
33
<PAGE>
* 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 plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for reference.
34
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B Funds.
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Type of 401(a) Plan 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-retirement
Distribution (401(k), MPP, Rollover
PSP)
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of account
mandatory value annually in
distributions or periodic payments
12% of account
value annually
in periodic
payments
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of account
and 70 1/2 Expectancy or value annually in
12% of account periodic payments
value annually
in periodic
payments
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of account
annuity payments annuity payments annuity payments value annually in
(72+) or 12% of (72+) or 12% of (72+) or 12% of periodic payments
account value account value account value
annually in annually in annually in
periodic payments periodic payments periodic 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
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
</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 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 he would 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
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 transaction 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, John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund and John Hancock
Limited-Term 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 the Fund's shares. Since the redemption price of the Fund shares
may be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending upon the market value
of the securities owned by the Fund at the time of redemption, a withdrawal
pursuant to this plan may result in recognition 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 that a Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves the
36
<PAGE>
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
five (5) business days prior to the due date of any investment.
Reinstatement or Reinvestment Privilege. Upon notification of Signature
Services, 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 in
any John Hancock mutual 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 mutual funds. 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 shares of the Fund 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."
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. Additional series may be added in the future. The Declaration of Trust
37
<PAGE>
also authorizes the Trustees to classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund,
or any other 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 each 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)
Class B shares will pay higher distribution and service fees than Class A shares
and (ii) 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 on whether Class A
or Class B shares are purchased.
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, the Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or affairs of the
Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the
Trust 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 limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to
meet its obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is remote.
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 and elected to be treated as a
"regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code and intends to
continue to so qualify for each taxable year. As such and by complying with the
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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) which is distributed to shareholders in accordance with
the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a four percent 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 long-term 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 net capital gain, after reduction by
deductible expenses.) Some distributions from investment company taxable income
and/or net capital gain 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,
foreign currency forward contracts, certain options or futures contracts on
foreign currencies, 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. Any
such transactions that are not directly related to the Fund's investment in
stock or securities, possibly including speculative currency positions or
currency derivatives not used for hedging purposes, may increase the amount of
gain it is deemed to recognize from the sale of certain investments or
derivatives held for less than three months, which gain is limited under the
Code to less than 30% of its gross income for each taxable year, and may 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.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, rentals, 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 these passive foreign
investment 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
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credit or deduction for such a tax. Certain elections may, if available,
ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require
the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of
cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its investments in passive foreign
investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return from
these investments.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into options and futures contracts,
foreign currency positions and foreign currency forward contracts. 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 may
affect the character as long-term or short-term (or, in the case of certain
foreign currency options, futures and forward contracts, as ordinary income or
loss) of some capital gains and losses realized by the Fund. Additionally,
certain of the Fund's losses on transactions involving options, futures, forward
contracts, and any offsetting or successor positions in its portfolio may be
deferred rather than being taken into account currently in calculating the
Fund's taxable income or gain. 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 applicable to options, futures or forward contracts, including
consideration of available elections, in order to seek to minimize any potential
adverse tax consequences.
The amount of net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year will result
from sales of securities or the use of options or future contracts 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 transactions, and any
resulting gains or losses, may therefore vary considerably from year to year. 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 on those 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 of shares of the Fund (including by exercise of the exchange
privilege) 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 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.
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
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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 Fund 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
realized 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
realized 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 has $2,061,437 of capital loss
carryforwards available to offset against future net realized capital gains. The
carryforwards expire as follows: October 31, 2003-$849 and October 31,
2004-$2,060,588.
For purposes of the dividends-received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund from U.S. domestic corporations in respect of any
share of stock 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) 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 Fund shares in order to qualify for
the deduction and, if they have any debt that is deemed under the Code directly
attributable to Fund 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 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 may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Tax conventions
between certain countries and the U.S. or deductions may reduce or eliminate
such taxes in some cases. 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"), subject to certain provisions and
limitations contained in the Code. Specifically, if more than 50% of the Fund's
total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stock or securities of
foreign corporations, the Fund may file an election with the Internal Revenue
Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be required to (i)
include in ordinary gross income (in addition to taxable dividends and
distributions actually received) their pro rata shares of qualified foreign
taxes paid by the Fund even though not actually received by them, and (ii) treat
such respective pro rata portions as foreign taxes paid by them.
If the Fund makes this election, shareholders may then deduct such pro rata
portions of qualified foreign taxes in computing their taxable incomes, or,
alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to applicable
limitations, against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not
itemize deductions for Federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to
deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund,
although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such
taxes in gross income. Shareholders who claim a foreign tax credit for such
foreign taxes may be required to treat a portion of dividends received from the
Fund as a separate category of income for purposes of computing the limitations
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on the foreign tax credit. Tax-exempt shareholders will ordinarily not benefit
from this election. Each year (if any) that the Fund files the election
described above, its shareholders will be notified of the amount of (i) each
shareholder's pro rata share of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund and
(ii) the portion of Fund dividends that represents income from each foreign
country. If the Fund cannot or does not make this election, the Fund will deduct
the foreign taxes it pays in determining the amount it has available for
distribution to shareholders, and shareholders will not include these foreign
taxes in their income, nor will they be entitled to any tax deductions or
credits with respect to such taxes.
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 rules applicable to certain options, futures contracts, and forward
contracts may also require the Fund to recognize income or gain without 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 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 intangibles 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 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 provision.
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 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
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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 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.
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
The average annual total return for Class A shares of the Fund for the one year
period ended October 31, 1996 and since commencement of operations on September
29, 1994 was 22.28% and 29.65%, respectively. The total return (not annualized)
for Class B shares of the Fund since commencement of operations on January 22,
1996 was 22.36%. The Fund's total return is computed by finding the average
annual compounded rate of return over the 1 year and life-of-fund 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 and life-of-fund periods.
Because each share 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.
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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 shares and the CDSC on Class B shares from a total return calculation
produces a higher total return figure.
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s "Lipper - Mutual Performance Analysis," a monthly publication
which tracks net assets, total return and yield on 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 may 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.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and the
allocation of brokerage commissions are made by the officers of the Adviser
pursuant to recommendations made by an investment committee of the Adviser,
which consists of officers and directors of the Adviser and affiliates and
officers and Trustees 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 officers 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 makers reflect a "spread."
Investments in 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.
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
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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.
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 not make commitments to allocate portfolio transactions upon any
prescribed basis. While the Trust's officers 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 period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996, the Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions in the amount
of $38,488.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay 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 commission is reasonable in
light of the services provided and to policies that the Trustees may adopt from
time to time. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the
Fund directed commissions in the amount of $7,448 to compensate brokers for
research services such as industry, economics, 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., 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
period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Fund paid no brokerage
commissions to any Affiliated Broker.
Distributors 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 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 or the Affiliated Broker. 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
include 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.
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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 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 STE 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 an annual fee of
$19.00 for each Class A shareholder and $21.50 for each Class B shareholder,
plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. 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 State Street Bank & Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Under the custodian agreement, State Street Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Price Waterhouse audits and renders an
opinion on the Fund's annual financial statements and reviews the Fund's annual
Federal income tax return.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL Rx FUND
Class A and Class B Shares
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Global Rx Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is contained in
the combined International/Global Funds' Prospectus dated March 1, 1997 (the
"Prospectus"). The Fund is a non-diversified series of John Hancock World Fund
(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 STE 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.................................................... 15
Those Responsible for Management........................................... 18
Investment Advisory And Other Services..................................... 27
Distribution Contracts..................................................... 29
Net Asset Value............................................................ 31
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares..................................... 32
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B Shares ................................... 35
Special Redemptions........................................................ 39
Additional Services And Programs........................................... 39
Description Of The Fund's Shares........................................... 41
Tax Status................................................................. 42
Calculation Of Performance................................................. 47
Brokerage Allocation....................................................... 49
Transfer Agent Services.................................................... 51
Custody Of Portfolio....................................................... 51
Independent Auditors....................................................... 51
Appendix A-Description of Bond and Commercial Paper Ratings................ 52
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 in August, 1986 under the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On January 1, 1995, the Fund changed its name
from John Hancock Freedom Global Rx.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance 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.
The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation through
investments in an international portfolio consisting primarily of equity
securities of issuers in the health care industry. Accordingly, the Fund seeks
to increase the value of shareholder investments, and any current income is
incidental to this objective. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective.
Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets
in the securities of health care companies. A "health care" company is one in
which at least 50% of gross revenues are derived from, or 50% of gross assets
are committed to, health care activities as of the end of its last fiscal year
or its most recent publicly available financial statement. The health care
industry is diverse, including companies which design, produce and/or sell
prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines, drug delivery systems and
medical and analytical instruments; companies which own and/or manage health
care facilities; and companies involved in biotechnology. Because the Fund
concentrates its investments in the health care industry, its performance is
closely tied to conditions in this industry. The types of products and services
comprising this industry tend to become obsolete quickly with the discovery of
more effective medical techniques. Additionally, the companies providing these
services and products are subject to strict government regulation which could
have an unfavorable impact on the price and supply of their services and
products. Because the Fund is non-diversified it will be more susceptible to
adverse developments affecting any single issuer.
The Fund invests in common stocks and in securities convertible into or with
rights to purchase common stock of U.S. and foreign issuers. 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 Fund will not purchase any convertible
securities rated below "B" by a major rating agency.
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A significant portion of the Fund's investments are expected to be in countries
with developing markets, and in smaller capitalization developing-growth
companies with relatively limited operating histories as publicly traded
companies, and without regard to a record of profits or dividends. Investing in
securities of smaller capitalization developing-growth companies also involves
greater risk and the possibility of greater portfolio price volatility. Among
the reasons for the greater price volatility in these small companies and
unseasoned stocks are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms, the
lower degree of liquidity in the markets for these stocks and the greater
sensitivity of small companies to changing economic conditions in their
geographic region. Securities of these companies involve higher investment risks
than those normally associated with larger firms due to the greater business
risks of small size and limited product lines, markets, distribution channels
and financial and managerial resources.
Investment in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers 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 an American bank or trust company
which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign
corporation. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S.
securities markets and EDRs are designed for use in foreign securities markets.
Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not contractually obligated to disclose material
information including financial information, in the United States.
The securities markets of many countries have in the past moved relatively
independently of one another, due to differing economic, financial, political
and social factors. When markets in fact move in different directions and offset
each other, there may be a corresponding reduction in risk for the Fund's
portfolio as a whole. This lack of correlation among the movements of the
world's securities markets may also affect unrealized gains the Fund has derived
from movements in any one market.
If securities traded in markets moving in different directions are combined into
a single portfolio, such as that of the Fund, total portfolio volatility may be
reduced. Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated in currencies other
than U.S. dollars, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the
value of its portfolio securities. Exchange rates may not move in the same
direction as the securities markets in a particular country. As a result, market
gains may be offset by unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund's foreign currency exchange transactions
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 exchange contracts to enhance return, to
hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates affecting a particular
transaction or portfolio position, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale
of a currency or assets denominated in that currency. 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. Transaction hedging is the purchase
or sale of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific
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receivables or payables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and
sale of its portfolio securities quoted or denominated in the same or related
foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency
contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the
same or related foreign currencies. The Fund may elect to hedge less than all of
its foreign portfolio positions as deemed appropriate by the Adviser.
If the Fund purchases a forward contract or sells a forward contract for
non-hedging purposes, its custodian will segregate cash or liquid securities, of
any type or maturity, in a separrate account of the Fund in an amount equal to
the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of such
forward contract. The assets in the segregated account will be valued at market
daily and if the value of the securities in the separate account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of
the account will be equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to
such contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. 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.
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
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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
State 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 favorable or unfavorable 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.
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.
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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 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.
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 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 accrued interest thereon) under such agreements. In addition,
the Fund will not borrow money or enter into reverse repurchase agreements
except from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary emergency purposes in
amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including
the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The Fund will not use leverage to
attempt to increase income. The Fund will not purchase securities while
outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's 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 in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determine, 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
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
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<PAGE>
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
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
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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;
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(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), 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.
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
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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
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
10
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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
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.
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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
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.
12
<PAGE>
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.
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 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 in order to profit from an
anticipated decline in the value of a security. The Fund may also engage in
short sales to attempt to limit its exposure to a possible market decline in the
value of its portfolio securities through short sales of securities which the
Adviser believes possess volatility characteristics similar to those being
hedged. To effect such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security sold
short to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the
security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of
replacement. Until the security is replaced the Fund is required to pay to the
lender any accrued interest and may be required to pay a premium.
The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between the date
of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security.
On the other hand, the Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if
the price of the security increases between those dates. The amount of any gain
will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any
premium or interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short
sale. The successful use of short selling as a hedging device may be adversely
affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security
sold short and the securities being hedged.
Under applicable guidelines of the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC"), if the Fund engages in short sales of the type referred
to in non-fundamental Investment Restriction No. (c) (ii) and (iii) below, it
must put in a segregated account (not with the broker) an amount of cash or U.S.
Government securities equal to the difference between (1) the market value of
the securities sold short at the time they were sold short and (2) any cash or
U.S. Government securities required to be deposited as collateral with the
broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds from the
short sale). In addition, until the Fund replaces the borrowed security, it must
daily maintain the segregated account at such a level that the amount deposited
13
<PAGE>
in it plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the
current market value of the securities sold short. Except for short sales
against the box, the amount of the Fund's net assets that may be committed to
short sales is limited and the securities in which short sales are made must be
listed on a national securities exchange.
Short selling may produce higher than normal portfolio turnover which may result
in increased transaction costs to the Fund and may result in gains from the sale
of securities deemed to have been held for less than three months, which gains
must constitute less than 30% of the Fund's gross income for its taxable year in
order for the Fund to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for that year.
The Fund does not intend to enter into short sales (other than those "against
the box") if immediately after such sale the aggregate of the value of all
collateral plus the amount in such segregated account exceeds 5% of the value of
the Fund's net assets. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that the
Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to obtain at no added cost
securities identical to those sold short.
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. 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
14
<PAGE>
developments, or to take advantage of yield disparities between various fixed
income securities in order to realize capital gains or improve income. Over the
past several years, political and economic events in foreign countries and in
the health care industry have affected the Fund's geographic allocation of
assets. Consequently, the Fund's portfolio turnover has been relatively high, as
the Fund repositioned its investments to limit risk and take advantage of
evolving investment opportunities. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or
more) involves correspondingly greater brokerage expenses and may make it more
difficult for the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes. 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 approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information, means 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 may not:
(1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs (2), (6) and (7)
below. For purposes of this restriction the issuance of shares of beneficial
interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, forward 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, except from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary
emergency purposes in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's
total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The Fund
will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. The Fund will not purchase
securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
(3) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure indebtedness
permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if such pledging, mortgaging or
hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% 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.
15
<PAGE>
(5) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, 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 that the Fund may (1) lend portfolio securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3% 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 publicly distributed 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) Invest in commodities or in commodity contracts or in puts, calls, or
combinations of both, except options on currency, securities and securities
indices, futures contracts on currency, securities and securities indices and
options on such futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments, securities index put or call warrants and repurchase agreements
entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment policies.
(8) Purchase securities, other than obligations of the U.S. Government or any of
its agencies or instrumentalities, if such purchase would cause 25% or more of
the value of the Fund's total assets to be invested in securities of issuers
conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that
the Fund shall invest at least 25% of the value of its total assets in
securities of issuers in the health care industry.
Non-fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder 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 repurchase 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 be
participation in a joint securities trading account.
(b) Purchase securities on margin except that the Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of securities.
(c) Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position unless (i) at
all times when a short position is open the Fund owns an equal amount of such
securities or securities convertible into or exchangeable, without payment of
any further consideration, for securities of the same issue as, and equal in
amount to, the securities sold short; (ii) for the purpose of hedging the Fund's
exposure to an actual or anticipated market decline in the value of its
investments; or (iii) in order to profit from an anticipated decline in the
value of a security.
(d) Knowingly purchase or retain securities of an issuer if one or more of the
Trustees or officers of the Trust or directors or officers of the Adviser or any
16
<PAGE>
investment management subsidiary of the Adviser individually owns beneficially
more than 0.5%, and together own beneficially more than 5%, of the securities of
such issuer.
(e) 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. In addition, as a nonfundamental restriction, the
Fund may not purchase the shares of any closed-end investment company except in
the open market where no commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer results
from the purchase, other than customary brokerage fees.
(f) Purchase securities of any issuer which, together with any predecessor, has
a record of less than three years' continuous operations prior to the purchase
if such purchase would cause investments of the Fund in all such issuers to
exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund.
(g) Purchase any security, including any repurchase agreement maturing in more
than seven days, which is not readily marketable, if more than 15% of the net
assets of the Fund taken at market value, would be invested in such securities.
(The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission considers over-the-counter
options to be illiquid securities subject to the 15% limit.)
In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, adopt restrictions or investment
policies more restrictive than those described above. Should the Trustees
determine that any such more restrictive policy is no longer in the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund may cease offering shares
in the state involved and the Trustees may revoke such restrictive policy.
Moreover, if the states involved shall no longer require any such restrictive
policy, the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, revoke such policy. The Fund
has agreed with a states securities administrator that it will not purchase the
following securities:
The Fund will not invest in real estate limited partnership interests.
Purchase warrants of any issuer, if, as a result of such purchases,
more than 2% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested
in warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the
American Stock Exchange or more than 5% of the value of the total
assets of the Fund would be invested in warrants generally, whether or
not so listed. For these purposes, warrants are to be valued at the
17
<PAGE>
lesser of cost or market, but warrants acquired by the Fund in units
with or attached to debt securities shall be deemed to be without
value.
Purchase interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration programs;
however, this policy will not prohibit the acquisition of securities of
companies engaged in the production or transmission of oil, gas or
other minerals.
The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its total assets in the
aggregate in securities of issuers which, together with any
predecessors, have a record of less than three years continuous
operation.
The Fund will not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, acquire
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by the Trustees of the Trust 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 Trust 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").
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman and Chief Executive
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Officer, the Adviser and The
Boston, MA 02199 Berkeley Financial Group ("Berkeley
October 1944 Group"); Chairman, NM Capital
Management, Inc. ("NM Capital") and
John Hancock Advisers International
Limited ("Advisers International");
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President, John Hancock Funds,
Inc. ("John Hancock Funds"), First
Signature Bank and Trust Company
and Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp."); Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), 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; Vice Chairman and
President, the Adviser (until July
1992); Chairman, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
19
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dennis S. Aronowitz Trustee (3) Professor of Law, Emeritus, Boston
Boston University University School of Law; Trustee,
Boston, Massachusetts Brookline Savings Bank.
June 1931
Richard P. Chapman, Jr. Trustee (1, 3) President, Brookline Savings Bank;
160 Washington Street Director, Federal Home Loan Bank of
Brookline, MA 02147 Boston (lending); Director, Lumber
February 1935 Insurance Companies (fire and
casualty insurance); Trustee,
Northeastern University (education);
Director, Depositors Insurance Fund,
Inc. (insurance).
William J. Cosgrove Trustee (3) Vice President, Senior Banker and
20 Buttonwood Place Senior Credit Officer, Citibank,
Saddle River, NJ 07458 N.A. (retired September 1991);
January 1933 Executive Vice President, Citadel
Group Representatives, Inc.; EVP
Resource Evaluation, Inc.
(consulting) (until October 1993);
Trustee, the Hudson City Savings
Bank (since 1995).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
20
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Douglas M. Costle Trustee (1, 3) Director, Chairman of the Board and
RR2 Box 480 Distinguished Senior Fellow,
Woodstock, VT 05091 Institute for Sustainable
July 1939 Communities, Montpelier, Vermont
(since 1991); Dean Vermont Law
School (until 1991); Director, Air
and Water Technologies Corporation
(environmental services and
equipment), Niagara Mohawk Power
Company (electric services) and
Mitretek Systems (governmental
consulting services).
Leland O. Erdahl Trustee (3) Director, Santa Fe Ingredients
8046 Mackenzie Court Company of California, Inc. and
Las Vegas, NV 89129 Santa Fe Ingredients Company, Inc.
December 1928 (private food processing companies),
Uranium Resources, Inc.; President,
Stolar, Inc. (1987-1991); President,
Albuquerque Uranium Corporation
(1985-1992); Director,
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Company, Inc., Hecla Mining Company,
Canyon Resources Corporation and
Original Sixteen to One Mines, Inc.
(1984-1987 and 1991-1995)
(management consultant).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
21
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Richard A. Farrell Trustee(3) President of Farrell, Healer & Co.,
Venture Capital Partners (venture capital management firm)
160 Federal Street (since 1980); Prior to 1980, headed
23rd Floor the venture capital group at Bank of
Boston, MA 02110 Boston Corporation.
November 1932
Gail D. Fosler Trustee (3) Vice President and Chief Economist,
4104 Woodbine Street The Conference Board (non-profit
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 economic and business research);
December 1947 Director, Unisys Corp.; and H.B.
Fuller Company.
William F. Glavin Trustee (3) President, Babson College; Vice
Babson College Chairman, Xerox Corporation (until
Horn Library June 1989); Director, Caldor Inc.,
Babson Park, MA 02157 Reebok, Ltd. (since 1994) and Inco
March 1931 Ltd.
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser; Director,
Boston, MA 02199 The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
April 1953 Funds; Director, Advisers
International; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Senior Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1993); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
22
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dr. John A. Moore Trustee (3) President and Chief Executive
Institute for Evaluating Health Risks Officer, Institute for Evaluating
1629 K Street NW Health Risks, (nonprofit
Suite 402 institution) (since September 1989).
Washington, DC 20006-1602
February 1939
Patti McGill Peterson Trustee (3) Cornell Institute of Public Affairs,
Cornell University Cornell University (since August
Institute of Public Affairs 1996); President Emeritus of Wells
364 Upson Hall College and St. Lawrence University;
Ithica, NY 14853 Director, Niagara Mohawk Power
May 1943 Corporation (electric utility) and
Security Mutual Life (insurance).
John W. Pratt Trustee (3) Professor of Business Administration
2 Gray Gardens East at Harvard University Graduate
Cambridge, MA 02138 School of Business Administration
September 1931 (since 1961).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
23
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
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; Trustee,
The Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, John Hancock Property and
Casualty Insurance and its
affiliates (until November 1993);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Edward J. Spellman, CPA Trustee (3) Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
259C Commercial Bld. (retired June 1990).
Lauderdale, FL 33308
November 1932
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; 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
24
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(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, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and NM
Capital; Counsel, John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company (until
January 1996).
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 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
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 of the other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of January 31, 1997, the officers and Trustees of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. To the knowledge of the
Trust, only the following person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of
any class of the Fund's outstanding securities:
Percentage of
Outstanding
Name and Address Class Shares Shares of
of Shareholder of Shares Owned Class of Fund
-------------- --------- ----- -------------
MLP& S For The B 166,229 10.43%
Sole Benefit of its Customers
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville FL 32246-6484
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, Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Funds
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund for their services. The compensation to
the Trustees from the Fund shown below is for the Fund's fiscal period from
September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996.
Total Compensation From All
Aggregate Compensation Funds in John Hancock Fund
Independent Trustees From the Fund Complex to Trustees (*)
- -------------------- ------------- -----------------------
Dennis S. Aronowitz $ -- $ 72,450
Richard P. Chapman, Jr.+ -- 75,200
William J. Cosgrove+ -- 72,450
Gail D. Fosler -- 68,450
Bayard Henry** -- 23,700
Edward J. Spellman -- 73,950
Douglas M. Costle++ -- 75,350
Leland O. Erdahl++ -- 72,350
Richard A. Farrell++ -- 75,350
William F. Glavin+ ++ -- 72,250
John A. Moore++ -- 68,350
Patti McGill Peterson++ -- 72,100
John W. Pratt++ -- 72,350
---- --------
$ -- $894,300
* Total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the Independent
Trustees is for the calendar year ended December 31, 1996. As of this date,
26
<PAGE>
there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex of which each of
these Independent Trustees served on thirty-five funds.
** Mr. Henry retired from his position as a Trustee effective April 26, 1996.
+ On December 31, 1996, the value of the aggregate deferred compensation from
all funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex for Mr. Chapman was $63,164, for Mr.
Cosgrove was $131,317 and for Mr. Glavin was $109,059.
++ Became Trustees of the Trust on June 26, 1996.
As of June 16, 1992, the Trustees established an advisory board in order to
provide information of a general medical and scientific nature to investment
officers of the Fund. The members of the advisory board are distinct from the
Board of Trustees, hold office at the pleasure of the Trustees, are persons with
scientific and medical expertise who do not serve the Fund in any other
capacity, and are persons who have no power to determine what securities are
purchased or sold.
Currently, the advisory board consists of: Mark S. Klempner, M.D., Professor of
Medicine, physician and scientist, since 1978 with the New England Medical
Center Hospitals - Tufts University School Of Medicine, located at 750
Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111; Deeb Salem, M.D., since 1987 the
Chief of Cardiology and Professor of Medicine with the New England Medical
Center Hospitals - Tufts University School of Medicine, located at 750
Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111; Martin A. Samuels, M.D., since
1988 Chief of Neurology with Brigham and Woman's Hospitals, 75 Francis Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02115 and Charles L. Cooney, M.D., a founder of Genzyme
Corporation and Chairman of the Biochemistry Department and Pharmaceutical
Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Fund pays each member of
the advisory board an annual retainer fee of $10,000.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and presently has more than $19 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 combined total of over 1,080,000 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 $80
billion, the Life Company is one of ten largest life insurance companies in the
United States, and carries high ratings 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. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
agreed to act as investment adviser and manager to the Fund. As manager and
investment adviser, 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
27
<PAGE>
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
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 provided by the investment management contract, the Fund pays the Adviser
monthly an investment management fee, which is based on a stated percentage of
the Fund's average daily net assets as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $200,000,000 0.80%
Amount over $200,000,000 0.70%
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 other
funds or clients 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 investment management contract, 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 its contract 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 contract.
28
<PAGE>
Under the investment management contract, the Fund may use the name "John
Hancock" or any name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the
contract or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If
the contract 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 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 investment management contract, and the distribution agreement discussed
below, continue in effect from year to year if approved annually by vote of a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of one of the parties to
the contract, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval, and by either the Trustees or the holders of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities. Both agreements automatically terminate
upon assignment and may be terminated on 60 days' written notice by either party
to the contract or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund.
For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Adviser received
fees of $457.352, $190,775 and $145,229, respectively . For the period from
September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Adviser received fees of $112,225. In
1996, the Trustees changed the fiscal year-end of the Fund to October 31.
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 October 31, 1996,
the Fund paid the Adviser $2,630 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 a Distribution Agreement contract with John Hancock Funds. Under
the agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to sell
shares on behalf 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
29
<PAGE>
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 or, in the case of Class B
shares, on a deferred basis. The sales charges are discussed further in the
Prospectus.
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
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 fee 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 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 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 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 Class B Plan
expenses at any time. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996,
an aggregate of $461,009 of Distribution Expenses or 1.194% of the average net
assets of the Fund's Class B shares was not reimbursed or recovered by John
Hancock Funds through the receipt of deferred sales charges or Rule 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 provide the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which these 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
the Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated without
penalty, (a) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, (b) by the
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
30
<PAGE>
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
vote of a majority 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
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 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 Fund.
For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Funds paid John
Hancock Funds the following amounts of expenses with respect to the Class A and
Class B shares of the Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and Interest,
Mailing of Compensation Carrying or
Prospectus to to Selling Expenses of Other Finance
Advertising New Shareholders Brokers Distributor Charges
----------- ---------------- ------- ----------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares $3,450 $ 592 $6,528 $12,151 $ --
Class B shares $9,734 $1,123 $9,538 $36,297 $7,853
</TABLE>
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value ("NAV") of a 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.
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<PAGE>
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 a 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 asset 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.
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 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 shares 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
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.
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<PAGE>
Combined Purchases. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases of
Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined 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)
certain groups of four or more individuals making use of salary deductions or
similar group methods of payment whose funds are combined for the purchase of
mutual fund shares. Further information about combined purchases, including
certain restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature
Services or a Selling Broker's representative.
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 Any state, county or any instrumentality, department, authority, or
agency of these entities that is prohibited by applicable investment
laws from paying a sales charge or commission when it purchases shares
of any registered investment management company.*
o A bank, trust company, credit union, savings institution or other
depository institution, its trust departments or common trust funds if
it is purchasing $1 million or more for non-discretionary customers or
accounts.*
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) 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 an approved affinity group financial services plan.*
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed defined contribution plans with at least 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account, may purchase Class A
shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
33
<PAGE>
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.
*For investments made under these provisions, John Hancock Funds may make a
payment out of its own resources to the Selling Broker in an amount not to
exceed 0.25% of the amount invested.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of a reduced sales
charge by taking into account not only the amount then being invested but also
the purchase price or current account value of the Class A shares already held
by such person.
Combination Privilege. Reduced sales charges also are available to an investor
based on the aggregate amount of his concurrent and prior investments in Class A
shares of the Fund and shares of all other John Hancock funds which carry a
sales charge.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made 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 specified period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
qualified retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments
called for by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These qualified
retirement plans include IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including TSAs) and
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
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
34
<PAGE>
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 the sales charge as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his or her
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 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 Class B
shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value
above the initial purchase prices, including Class B shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. No CDSC will be
imposed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service defined contribution 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. However, you cannot redeem appreciation value only in order to avoid a
CDSC.
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<PAGE>
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:
* Proceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per share $600
* Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC
(dividend reinvestment) -120
* Minus appreciation on remaining shares (40 shares X $2) 80
----
* Amount subject to CDSC $400
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 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. See the
Prospectus for additional information regarding the CDSC.
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 a 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.
* Redemption made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability.
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemptions of Class B shares made under a periodic withdrawal plan, 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
36
<PAGE>
Services. (Please note that this waiver does not apply to periodic
withdrawal plan redemptions of Class A shares that are subject to a
CDSC).
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, Rollover IRA, TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k),
Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and other qualified 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 plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for reference.
37
<PAGE>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B Funds
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Type of 401(a) Plan 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-retirement
Distribution (401(k), MPP, Rollover
PSP)
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of account
mandatory value annually in
distributions or periodic payments
12% of account
value annually
in periodic
payments
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of account
and 70 1/2 Expectancy or value annually in
12% of account periodic payments
value annually
in periodic
payments
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of account
annuity payments annuity payments annuity payments value annually in
(72t) or 12% of (72t) or 12% of (72t) or 12% of periodic payments
account value account value account value
annually in annually in annually in
periodic payments periodic payments periodic 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
- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------
</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.
38
<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, he 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
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 transaction 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, John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund and John Hancock
Limited-Term 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
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redemption of Fund's shares. Since the redemption price of the Fund shares may
be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending upon the market value of
the securities owned by the Fund at the time of redemption, the distribution of
cash pursuant to this plan 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 that 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"). This program is explained in
the Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic investment checks, is
subject to the following conditions:
The investment 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. Upon notification of Signature
Services, 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 in
any John Hancock mutual funds, subject to the minimum investment limit in 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 mutual funds. 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.
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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."
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. Additional series may be added in the future. 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 shares 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.
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 other class expenses properly allocable to that class of
shares, subject to the conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with
respect to multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per share
may vary depending on the class of shares purchased.
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
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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, the Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or 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 limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to
meet its obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is remote.
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 and elected to be treated 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) which is
distributed to shareholders at least annually in accordance with the timing
requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a four percent 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 avoid 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 long-term 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 net capital gain, after reduction by
deductible expenses.) Some distributions from investment company taxable income
and/or net capital gain may be paid in January but may be taxable to
shareholders as if they had been received on December 31 of the previous year.
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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,
foreign currency forward contracts, certain options or futures contracts on
foreign currencies, 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. Any
such transactions that are not directly related to the Fund's investment in
stock or securities, possibly including speculative currency positions or
currency derivatives not used for hedging purposes, may increase the amount of
gain it is deemed to recognize from the sale of certain investments or
derivatives held for less than three months, which gain is limited under the
Code to less than 30% of its gross income for each taxable year, and may 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.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, rents, 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 these passive foreign
investment 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. Certain elections may, if available,
ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require
the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of
cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its investments in passive foreign
investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return from
these investments.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into options and futures contracts,
foreign currency positions and foreign currency forward contracts. 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 may
affect the character as long-term or short-term (or, in the case of certain
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foreign currency options, futures and forward contracts, as ordinary income or
loss) of some capital gains and losses realized by the Fund. Additionally,
certain of the Fund's losses on transactions involving options, futures, forward
contracts, and any offsetting or successor positions in its portfolio may be
deferred rather than being taken into account currently in calculating the
Fund's taxable income or gain. 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 applicable to options, futures or forward contracts, including
consideration of available elections, in order to seek to minimize any potential
adverse tax consequences.
The amount of net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year will result
from sales of securities or the use of options or futures contracts 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 transactions, and any
resulting gains or losses, may therefore vary considerably from year to year. 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 on those 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 of shares of the Fund (including by exercise of the exchange
privilege) 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 Class A 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.
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
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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 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 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 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 from U.S. domestic corporations in respect of any
share of stock 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) 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 Fund shares in order to qualify for
the deduction and, if they have any debt that is deemed under the Code directly
attributable to Fund 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 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 may be subject to
withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries with respect to its
investments in foreign securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and
the U.S. or deductions may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases.
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"), subject to certain provisions and limitations contained in the
Code. Specifically, if 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 may file an election with the Internal Revenue Service
pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be required to (i) include in
ordinary gross income (in addition to taxable dividends and distributions
actually received) their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the
Fund even though not actually received by them, and (ii) treat such respective
pro rata portions as foreign taxes paid by them.
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If the Fund makes this election, shareholders may then deduct such pro rata
portions of qualified foreign taxes in computing their taxable incomes, or,
alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to applicable
limitations, against their U.S. Federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not
itemize deductions for Federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to
deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund,
although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such
taxes in gross income. Shareholders who claim a foreign tax credit for such
foreign taxes may be required to treat a portion of dividends received from the
Fund as a separate category of income for purposes of computing the limitations
on the foreign tax credit. Tax-exempt shareholders will ordinarily not benefit
from this election. Each year (if any) that the Fund files the election
described above, its shareholders will be notified of the amount of (i) each
shareholder's pro rata share of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund and
(ii) the portion of Fund dividends which represents income from each foreign
country. If the Fund cannot or does not make this election, the Fund will deduct
the foreign taxes it pays in determining the amount it has available for
distribution to shareholders, and shareholders will not include these foreign
taxes in their income, nor will they be entitled to any tax deductions or
credits with respect to such taxes.
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 rules applicable to certain options, futures contracts and forward
contracts may also require the Fund to recognize income or gain without 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 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 intangibles 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 the Fund with their correct taxpayer
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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.
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 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 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 non-resident 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.
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
The average annual total return on Class A shares of the Fund for the 1 year and
5 year periods ended October 31, 1996 and since commencement of operations on
October 1, 1991 was 7.59%, 17.33% and 18.80%, respectively. The average annual
total return on Class B shares of the Fund for the 1 year period ended October
31, 1996 and since commencement of operations on March 7, 1994 was 7.45% and
13.59%, respectively.
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Total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return
over the 1 year, 5 year and life-of-fund periods that would equate the initial
amount invested to the ending redeemable value according to the following
formula:
n _____
T = \ /ERV/P - 1
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 share 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 shares and the CDSC on Class B shares from a total return calculation
produces a higher total return figure.
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds, such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s "Lipper- Mutual Performance Analysis," a monthly publication
which tracks net assets and total return on 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, may 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 risks of the Fund by
showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
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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 and the
allocation of brokerage commissions are made by officers of the Adviser pursuant
to recommendations made by an investment committee of the Adviser, which
consists of officers and 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 officers 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 such 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 such 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 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
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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 years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Fund paid
negotiated brokerage commissions in the amount of $18,059, $21,243 and $77,611,
respectively. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the
Fund paid negotiated commissions in the amount of $31,063.
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 such policies as the
Trustees may adopt from time to time. For the period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996, the Fund directed commissions in the amount of $7,105 to
compensate to 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., 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
period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Fund paid no brokerage
commissions to any Affiliated Broker.
Distributors 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 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 or the Affiliated Broker. 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
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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 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 STE 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 an annual fee of
$19.00 for each Class A shareholder and $21.50 for each Class B shareholder,
plus certain out-of- pocket expenses. 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 State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Under the custodian agreement, State Street Bank
and Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Price Waterhouse LLP audits and renders an
opinion on the Fund's annual financial statements and reviews the Fund's annual
Federal income tax return.
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APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS 1
Moody's Bond Ratings
"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.
"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 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."
"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 sometime in the future."
"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,
characterizes 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."
Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been suspended or
withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the issue. Should
no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following: (i) an
application for rating was not received or accepted; (ii) the issue or issuer
belongs to a group of securities that are not rated as a matter of policy; (iii)
- -------------------
1 As described by the rating companies themselves.
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there is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer; or (iv) the
issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published in Moody's
publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Standard & Poor's Bond Ratings
"AAA. Debt rated 'AAA' has the highest rating 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 higher 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 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" or "B" is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative
with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and pay 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 may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions."
Unrated. This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
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COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Commercial Paper Ratings
Moody's ratings for commercial paper are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in
excess of nine months. Moody's two highest commercial paper rating categories
are as follows:
"P-1 -- "Prime-1" indicates the highest quality repayment capacity of the rated
issues.
"P-2 -- "Prime-2" indicates that the issuer has a strong capacity for repayment
of short-term promissory obligations. 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."
Standard & Poor's Commercial Paper Ratings
Standard & Poor's commercial paper ratings are current assessments of the
likelihood of timely payment of debts having an original maturity of no more
than 365 days. Standard & Poor's two highest commercial paper rating categories
are as follows:
"A-1 -- This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics will be denoted with a plus (+) sign designation."
"A-2 -- Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated
A-1."
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND
Class A and Class B Shares
Statement of Additional Information
March 1, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Pacific Basin Equities Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is
contained in the combined International/Global Funds' Prospectus dated March 1,
1997 (the "Prospectus"). The Fund is a diversified series of John Hancock World
Fund (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 STE 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..........................................18
Investment Advisory and Other Services....................................28
Distribution Contracts....................................................31
Net Asset Value...........................................................33
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares....................................34
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B Shares...................................36
Special Redemptions.......................................................40
Additional Services and Programs..........................................40
Description of the Fund's Shares..........................................42
Tax Status................................................................43
Calculation of Performance................................................49
Brokerage Allocation......................................................50
Transfer Agent Services...................................................53
Custody of Portfolio......................................................53
Independent Auditors......................................................53
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 in August, 1986 under the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On October 1, 1992, the Fund changed its name
from John Hancock World Fund - Pacific Basin Equities Portfolio to John Hancock
Freedom Pacific Basin Equities Fund. As of January 1, 1994, the word "Freedom"
was deleted from the Fund's name.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser and
is solely responsible for advising the Fund with respect to investments in the
U.S. and Canada. The Adviser is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), a Massachusetts life
insurance company chartered in 1862, with national headquarters at John Hancock
Place, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Fund has two sub-advisers: Indosuez Asia Advisers Limited ("IAAL") and John
Hancock Advisers International Limited ("JHAI") (collectively, the
"Sub-Advisers"). IAAL is organized under the laws of Hong Kong and indirectly
owned by Banque Indosuez through Banque Indosuez's wholly owned subsidiary,
Indosuez Asset Management Asia Limited ("IAMA"). Banque Indosuez is a subsidiary
Compagnie de Suez, which has sold 51% of its ownership interest in Banque
Indosuez to Caisse Nationale de Credit Agricole. IAMA is an experienced
investment adviser for funds authorized to invest in the Asian region, and
investment personnel of IAAL also act as portfolio managers of IAMA in
connection with these Asian country funds. Together IAAL and JHAI, a London
based wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, are responsible for providing
advice to the Fund with respect to investments other than in the U.S. and
Canada, subject to the review of the Trustees and overall supervision of the
Adviser.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies discussed in the Prospectus.
The Fund's investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation
through investment in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of issuers
located in countries of the Pacific Basin. These investments will consist of (1)
securities of companies traded principally on stock exchanges in Pacific Basin
countries; (2) securities of companies deriving at least 50% of their total
revenue from goods produced, sales made or services performed in Pacific Basin
countries; (3) securities of companies that are organized under the laws of
Pacific Basin countries, which are publicly traded on recognized securities
exchanges outside these countries; and (4) securities of investment companies
and trusts that invest principally in the foregoing. The Pacific Basin is
defined as those countries bordering on the Pacific Ocean. The principal Pacific
Basin countries in which the Fund's securities are issued and traded are
Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New
Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the United
2
<PAGE>
States. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets
in Pacific Basin corporate common stock and other equity securities (consisting
of common stock, warrants and securities convertible into common stock). The
balance of the Fund's assets will be invested in (1) equity securities of
issuers located in Asian countries not in the Pacific Basin (including India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) and (2) investment grade debt securities
(i.e., rated BBB, Baa or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Moody's
Investors Services, Inc., or, if unrated by either such service, determined to
be of comparable quality by the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser) of U.S., Japanese,
Australian and New Zealand companies and governments and bank certificates of
deposit. Debt securities rated BBB or Baa and unrated securities of equivalent
quality are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative
characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may
weaken the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
The Fund has not established any limitations on the allocation of investments
among the Pacific Basin countries. The portion of the Fund's assets to be
allocated to each of the Pacific Basin countries will be determined by the
Trustees based on recommendations of the Adviser, in consultation with the
Sub-Advisers, as described under the caption "Those Responsible for Management."
In making this allocation recommendation, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will
consider several factors, including the relative economic growth and potential
of the various economies and securities markets, expected levels of inflation,
governmental policies influencing business conditions, regulatory and tax
considerations, the domestic and international strength of the leading
industrial sectors and currency stability relative to the U.S. When the Adviser
and the Sub-Advisers believe that investment conditions are unfavorable, they
may recommend a temporary reduction in the proportion of assets assigned to
Pacific Basin countries and investment of a higher than normal proportion in the
debt and other securities described above.
Under normal conditions, up to 35% of the Fund's total assets may be held in
cash or investment grade short-term securities and repurchase agreements
(denominated in U.S. dollars) to meet anticipated redemptions of the Fund's
shares. When the Adviser or Sub- Advisers believe it is appropriate to maintain
a defensive position, any of them may temporarily maintain all or any part of
the Fund's assets in money market instruments, including but not limited to
governmental obligations, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
commercial paper and investment grade short-term corporate debt securities, cash
and repurchase agreements. Any of the foregoing, including cash, may be
denominated in U.S. or foreign currencies and may be obligations of foreign
issuers.
Investment in Foreign Securities. 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
3
<PAGE>
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. 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. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are
not required to disclose material information in the United States.
Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund's foreign currency exchange transactions
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 exchange contracts to enhance return, to
hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates affecting a particular
transaction or portfolio position, or as a substitute for the purchase or sale
of a currency or assets denominated in that currency. 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. 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 quoted or denominated in the same or related
foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency
contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the
same or related foreign currencies. The Fund may elect to hedge less than all of
its foreign portfolio positions deemed appropriate by the Adviser and
Sub-Advisers.
If the Fund purchases a forward contract or sells a forward contract for
non-hedging purposes, its custodian will segregate cash or liquid securities, of
any type or maturity, in a separate account of the Fund in an amount equal to
the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of such
forward contract. The assets in the segregated account will be valued at market
daily and if the value of the securities in the separate account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of
the account will be equal to the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to
such contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such 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.
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
4
<PAGE>
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 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 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
5
<PAGE>
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.
The U.S. Government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions,
through taxation and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as
the Fund. If such restrictions should be reinstituted, it might become necessary
for the Fund to invest all or substantially all of its assets in U.S.
securities. In such event, the Fund would review its investment objective and
investment policies to determine whether changes are appropriate.
The Fund's ability and decisions to purchase or sell portfolio securities may be
affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility and repatriation
of assets. Because the shares of the Fund are redeemable on a daily basis in
U.S. dollars, the Fund intends to manage its portfolio so as to give reasonable
assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars. Under present conditions,
it is not believed that these considerations will have any significant effect on
its portfolio strategy.
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 or a Sub-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 underlying 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
6
<PAGE>
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 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. In
addition, the Fund will not borrow money or enter into reverse repurchase
agreements except from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary emergency
purposes in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets (including
the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The Fund will not use leverage to
attempt to increase income. The Fund will not purchase securities while
outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's 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 the 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 in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determine, 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
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.
Options on Securities, and Securities Indices. 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. 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 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.
Writing Covered Options. A call option on securities written by the Fund
obligates the Fund to sell specified securities 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 written by the Fund obligates the Fund to
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<PAGE>
purchase specified securities 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 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 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 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 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 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
8
<PAGE>
ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the
underlying securities 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.
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), 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
9
<PAGE>
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.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. To seek to increase total
return or hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices, 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 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 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 will usually be liquidated in
this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying
securities 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, 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 that would adversely affect the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include
10
<PAGE>
contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the Fund or securities
with characteristics similar to those of the Fund's portfolio securities.
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, to alter the
investment characteristics of portfolio securities or to gain or increase its
exposure to a particular securities market.
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
11
<PAGE>
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 that the Fund owns or
futures contracts will be purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in
the price of securities 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 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
12
<PAGE>
example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, or securities prices 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 and securities indices. 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.
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. 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.
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 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
13
<PAGE>
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. 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 and may make it more difficult for the Fund to
qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The
Fund's portfolio turnover rate is set forth in the table of under the caption
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions will
not be changed without approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities which, as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information, means 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
14
<PAGE>
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 restrictions.
The Fund may not:
(1) Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs (2), (6)
and (7) below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares
of beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or
sale of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, and
forward foreign 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, except from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary emergency purposes in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market
value. The Fund will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. The
Fund will not purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5%
of the Fund's total assets.
(3) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
indebtedness permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if such
pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% 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, 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 that the Fund (1) may lend portfolio securities
in accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3% 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 publicly
distributed debt securities, bank loan participation interests, bank
certificates of deposits, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other
securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original
issuance of the securities.
(7) Invest in commodities or in commodity contracts or in puts, calls,
or combinations of both, except options on securities and securities
indices, futures contracts on securities and securities indices and
options on such futures, forward foreign exchange contracts, forward
15
<PAGE>
commitments, 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
(i) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value to 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.
Non-fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following restrictions are
designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder 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 or the Sub-Advisers to save commissions or to average
prices among them is not deemed to result in a joint 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 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 and in
connection with transactions involving forward foreign currency exchange
contracts.
(c) Knowingly purchase or retain securities of an issuer if one or more
of the Trustees or officers of the Trust or directors or officers of the
Adviser or Sub-Advisers or any investment management subsidiary of the
Adviser or Sub-Advisers individually owns beneficially more than 0.5%,
and together own beneficially more than 5%, of the securities of such
issuer.
(d) 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)
16
<PAGE>
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. In addition, as a nonfundamental restriction,
the Fund may not purchase the shares of any closed-end investment
company except in the open market where no commission or profit to a
sponsor or dealer results from the purchase, other than customary
brokerage fees.
(e) Purchase securities of any issuer which, together with any
predecessor, has a record of less than three years' continuous
operations prior to the purchase if such purchase would cause
investments of the Fund in all such issuers to exceed 5% of the value of
the total assets of the Fund.
(f) Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of
any company.
(g) Purchase warrants of any issuer, if, as a result of such purchases,
more than 2% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested
in warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the
American Stock Exchange or more than 5% of the value of the total assets
of the Fund would be invested in warrants generally, whether or not so
listed. For these purposes, warrants are to be valued at the lesser of
cost or market, but warrants acquired by the Fund in units with or
attached to debt securities shall be deemed to be without value.
(h) Purchase interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration
programs; however, this policy will not prohibit the acquisition of
securities of companies engaged in the production or transmission of
oil, gas, or other minerals.
(i) Purchase any security, including any repurchase agreement maturing
in more than seven days, which is not readily marketable, if more than
15% of the net assets of the Fund taken at market value, would be
invested in such securities. (The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission considers over-the-counter options to be illiquid securities
subject to the 15% limit).
In order to permit the sale of shares of the Fund in certain states, the
Trustees may, in their sole discretion, adopt restrictions or investment
policies more restrictive than those described above. Should the Trustees
determine that any such more restrictive policy is no longer in the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund may cease offering shares
in the state involved and the Trustees may revoke such restrictive policy.
17
<PAGE>
Moreover, if the states involved shall no longer require any such restrictive
policy, the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, revoke such policy.
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 values of the Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
Nothing in the foregoing investment restrictions shall be deemed to prohibit the
Fund from purchasing the securities of any issuer pursuant to the exercise of
subscription rights distributed to the Fund by the issuer, except that no such
purchase may be made if as a result, the Fund will no longer be a diversified
investment company as defined in the Investment Company Act or will fail to meet
the diversification requirements for a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Japanese corporations frequently
issue additional capital stock by means of subscription rights offerings to
existing shareholders at a price substantially below the market prices of the
shares. The failure to exercise such rights would result in the Fund's interest
in the issuing company being diluted. The market for such rights is not well
developed in all cases and, accordingly, the Fund may not always realize full
value on the sale of rights. Therefore, the exception applies in cases where the
limits set forth in the investment restrictions in the Prospectus would
otherwise be exceeded as a result of fluctuations in the market value of the
Fund's portfolio securities with the result that the Fund would be forced either
to sell securities at a time when it might not otherwise have done so, or to
forego exercising the rights.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by the Trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust 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").
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman and Chief Executive
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Officer, the Adviser and The
Boston, MA 02199 Berkeley Financial Group ("Berkeley
October 1944 Group"); Chairman, NM Capital
Management, Inc. ("NM Capital") and
John Hancock Advisers International
Limited ("Advisers International");
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and President, John Hancock Funds,
Inc. ("John Hancock Funds"), First
Signature Bank and Trust Company
and Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp."); Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), 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; Vice Chairman and
President, the Adviser (until July
1992); Chairman, John Hancock
Distributors, Inc. (until April
1994); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
19
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dennis S. Aronowitz Trustee (3) Professor of Law, Emeritus, Boston
Boston University University School of Law; Trustee,
Boston, Massachusetts Brookline Savings Bank.
June 1931
Richard P. Chapman, Jr. Trustee (1, 3) President, Brookline Savings Bank;
160 Washington Street Director, Federal Home Loan Bank of
Brookline, MA 02147 Boston (lending); Director, Lumber
February 1935 Insurance Companies (fire and
casualty insurance); Trustee,
Northeastern University (education);
Director, Depositors Insurance Fund,
Inc. (insurance).
William J. Cosgrove Trustee (3) Vice President, Senior Banker and
20 Buttonwood Place Senior Credit Officer, Citibank,
Saddle River, NJ 07458 N.A. (retired September 1991);
January 1933 Executive Vice President, Citadel
Group Representatives, Inc.; EVP
Resource Evaluation, Inc.
(consulting) (until October 1993);
Trustee, the Hudson City Savings
Bank (since 1995).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
20
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Douglas M. Costle Trustee (1, 3) Director, Chairman of the Board and
RR2 Box 480 Distinguished Senior Fellow,
Woodstock, VT 05091 Institute for Sustainable
July 1939 Communities, Montpelier, Vermont
(since 1991); Dean Vermont Law
School (until 1991); Director, Air
and Water Technologies Corporation
(environmental services and
equipment), Niagara Mohawk Power
Company (electric services) and
Mitretek Systems (governmental
consulting services).
Leland O. Erdahl Trustee (3) Director, Santa Fe Ingredients
8046 Mackenzie Court Company of California, Inc. and
Las Vegas, NV 89129 Santa Fe Ingredients Company, Inc.
December 1928 (private food processing companies),
Uranium Resources, Inc.; President,
Stolar, Inc. (1987-1991); President,
Albuquerque Uranium Corporation
(1985-1992); Director,
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Company, Inc., Hecla Mining Company,
Canyon Resources Corporation and
Original Sixteen to One Mines, Inc.
(1984-1987 and 1991-1995)
(management consultant).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
21
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Richard A. Farrell Trustee(3) President of Farrell, Healer & Co.,
Venture Capital Partners (venture capital management firm)
160 Federal Street (since 1980); Prior to 1980, headed
23rd Floor the venture capital group at Bank of
Boston, MA 02110 Boston Corporation.
November 1932
Gail D. Fosler Trustee (3) Vice President and Chief Economist,
4104 Woodbine Street The Conference Board (non-profit
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 economic and business research);
December 1947 Director, Unisys Corp.; and H.B.
Fuller Company.
William F. Glavin Trustee (3) President, Babson College; Vice
Babson College Chairman, Xerox Corporation (until
Horn Library June 1989); Director, Caldor Inc.,
Babson Park, MA 02157 Reebok, Ltd. (since 1994) and Inco
March 1931 Ltd.
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer
101 Huntington Avenue and Director, the Adviser; Director,
Boston, MA 02199 The Berkeley Group, John Hancock
April 1953 Funds; Director, Advisers
International; Executive Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1994); Senior Vice
President, the Adviser (until
December 1993); 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
22
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
Dr. John A. Moore Trustee (3) President and Chief Executive
Institute for Evaluating Health Risks Officer, Institute for Evaluating
1629 K Street NW Health Risks, (nonprofit
Suite 402 institution) (since September 1989).
Washington, DC 20006-1602
February 1939
Patti McGill Peterson Trustee (3) Cornell Institute of Public Affairs,
Cornell University Cornell University (since August
Institute of Public Affairs 1996); President Emeritus of Wells
364 Upson Hall College and St. Lawrence University;
Ithica, NY 14853 Director, Niagara Mohawk Power
May 1943 Corporation (electric utility) and
Security Mutual Life (insurance).
John W. Pratt Trustee (3) Professor of Business Administration
2 Gray Gardens East at Harvard University Graduate
Cambridge, MA 02138 School of Business Administration
September 1931 (since 1961).
- -------------------
* 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
23
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
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; Trustee,
The Berkeley Group; Director, JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Director, John Hancock Property and
Casualty Insurance and its
affiliates (until November 1993);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Edward J. Spellman, CPA Trustee (3) Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
259C Commercial Bld. (retired June 1990).
Lauderdale, FL 33308
November 1932
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; 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
24
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupations(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, SAMCorp.,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and NM
Capital; Counsel, John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company (until
January 1996).
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 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.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee and the Administration Committee.
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
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
Trustees of one or more of the other funds for which the Adviser serves as
investment adviser.
As of January 31, 1997, the officers and Trustees of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. To the knowledge of the
Trust, only the following person owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of
any class of the Fund's outstanding securities:
Percentage of
Outstanding
Name and Address Class Shares Shares of
of Shareholder of Shares Owned Class of Fund
- -------------- --------- ----- -------------
MLPF& S For The B 280,415 14.03%
Sole Benefit of Its
Customers
Attn Fund Administration
4800 Deerlake Dr. East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
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,
Scipione and Ms. Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the
officers of the Funds are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by
the Adviser and receive no compensation from the Fund for their services. The
compensation to the Trustees from the Fund shown below is for the Fund's fiscal
period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996.
26
<PAGE>
Aggregate Total Compensation From
Compensation All Funds in John Hancock
Independent Trustees From the Fund Fund Complex to Trustees(*)
- -------------------- ------------- ---------------------------
Dennis S. Aronowitz $ -- $ 72,450
Richard P. Chapman, Jr.+ -- 75,200
William J. Cosgrove+ -- 72,450
Gail D Fosler -- 68,450
Bayard Henry** -- 23,700
Edward J. Spellman -- 73,950
Douglas M. Costle++ -- 75,350
Leland O. Erdahl++ -- 72,350
Richard A. Farrell++ -- 75,350
William F. Glavin+ ++ -- 72,250
John A. Moore++ -- 68,350
Patti McGill Peterson++ -- 72,100
John W. Pratt++ -- 72,350
--------- --------
$ -- $894,300
* Total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the Independent
Trustees is for the calendar year ended December 31, 1996. As of this date,
there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex of which each of
these independent trustees served on thirty-five funds.
** Mr. Henry retired from his position as a Trustee effective April 26, 1996.
+ On December 31, 1996, the value of the aggregate deferred compensation from
all funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex for Mr. Chapman was $63,164, for Mr.
Cosgrove was $131,317 and for Mr. Glavin was $109,059.
++ Became Trustees of the Trust on June 26, 1996.
27
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and presently has more than $19 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 approximately 1,080,000 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 $80 billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest
life insurance companies in the United States, and carries high ratings from
Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best's. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been
serving clients for over 130 years.
JHAI, with offices located at 34 Dover Street, London, England W1X 3RA, is a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser and was formed in 1987 to provide
international investment research and advisory services to U.S.
institutional clients.
IAAL is a Hong-Kong based investment adviser located at One Exchange Square,
Suite 2606-2608, Hong Kong.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser
agreed to act as investment adviser and manager to the Fund. As manager and
investment adviser, 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 Adviser has entered into a sub-investment management contract with each
Sub-Adviser under which the Sub-Advisers, subject to the review of the Trustees
and the overall supervision of the Adviser, are responsible for providing the
Fund with advice with respect to that portion of the assets invested in
countries other than the U.S. and Canada.
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
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'
28
<PAGE>
meetings; trade association membership; insurance premiums; and any
extraordinary expenses.
As provided by the investment management contract, the Fund pays the Adviser
monthly an investment management fee, which is based on a stated percentage of
the Fund's average daily net assets as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $200,000,000 0.80%
Amount over $200,000,000 0.70%
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, a Sub-Adviser or any of their respective
affiliates 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 other funds or clients are selling the same
security. If opportunities for purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser or
the Sub-Advisers for the Fund or for other funds or clients for which the
Adviser or a Sub-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, a Sub-Adviser or its affiliate may increase the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be
an adverse effect on price.
The investment management fee paid by the Fund is higher than the fee paid by
most mutual funds but is comparable to the fee paid by similar funds which
invest primarily in international securities. During the years ended August 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994, the Fund paid the Adviser fees in the amount of $542,565,
$430,725 and $307,356, respectively. For the period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996, the Fund paid the Adviser fees in the amount of $99,055. In
1996, the Trustees changed the fiscal year of the Fund to October 31, 1996.
The Adviser pays JHAI a quarterly management fee at the annual rate as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $200,000,000 0.50%
Amount over $200,000,000 0.4375%
The Fund is not responsible for paying JHAI's fee. As of September 1, 1994, JHAI
limited its fee to 0.05% of average daily net assets.
29
<PAGE>
The Adviser pays IAAL a fee at the annual rate equal to (a) .30% of the first
$100 million of the Fund's average daily net assets managed by IAAL plus (b) the
following additional amount, based on a percentage of the gross management fee
received by the Adviser pursuant to the investment management contract with
respect to the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $100 million which
are managed by IAAL:
Net Assets Percentage of Gross
Managed by IAAL Management Fee
- --------------- --------------
More than $100 million up to $250 million 40%
More than $250 million 50%
The Fund is not responsible for paying IAAL's fee.
Pursuant to their respective management contracts, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers
are 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 contracts
relate, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on the part of the Adviser or Sub-Advisers in the performance of
their duties or from reckless disregard by them of their obligations and duties
under the applicable contract.
Under the investment management contract, the Fund may use the name "John
Hancock" or any name derived from or similar to it only for so long as the
contract or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If
the contract 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 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 investment management contract, the sub-investment management contracts, and
the distribution agreement discussed below, continue in effect from year to year
if approved annually by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of one of the parties to the contract, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and by either the
Trustees or the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities. Both agreements automatically terminate upon assignment and may be
terminated on 60 days' written notice by either party or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
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
30
<PAGE>
and legal services. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996,
the Fund paid the Adviser $2,322 for services under this agreement.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser, the
Sub-Advisers and the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal
securities trading by personnel of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and their
respective affiliates. In the case of the Adviser, 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. A Sub-Adviser's restrictions may differ
where appropriate, as long as they maintain the same intent. 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 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 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 or, in the case of Class B shares, on a
deferred basis. The sales charges are discussed further in the Prospectus.
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
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 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 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 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 period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, an
aggregate of $979,454 of distribution expenses or 3.044% of the average net
31
<PAGE>
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.
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 provide the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which these 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
vote of a majority 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
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 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.
For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996, the Funds paid John
Hancock Funds the following amounts of expenses with respect to the Class A and
Class B shares of the Fund:
32
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expense Items
Printing and
Mailing of Interest,
Prospectuses Compensation Carrying or
to New Expenses of to Selling Other Finance
Advertising Shareholders Distributors Brokers Charges
----------- ------------ ------------ ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares $ 3,363 $ 721 $ 8,746 $ 8,186 $ --
Class B shares $ 7,886 $ 1,843 $15,952 $14,678 $13,411
</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.
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
33
<PAGE>
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.
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 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 shares of Class A shares of the
Fund are described in the Prospectus. Methods of obtaining a reduced sales
charge 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.
Combined Purchases. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases of
Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined 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)
certain groups of four or more individuals making use of salary deductions or
similar group methods of payment whose funds are combined for the purchase of
mutual fund shares. Further information about combined purchases, including
certain restrictions on combined group purchases, is available from Signature
Services or a Selling Broker's representative.
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 Any state, county or any instrumentality, department, authority, or
agency of these entities that is prohibited by applicable investment
laws from paying a sales charge or commission when it purchases shares
of any registered investment management company.*
o A bank, trust company, credit union, savings institution or other
depository institution, its trust departments or common trust funds if
it is purchasing $1 million or more for non-discretionary customers or
accounts.*
34
<PAGE>
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) 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 an approved affinity group financial services plan.*
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed defined contribution plans with at least 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account, 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.
*For investments made under these provisions, John Hancock Funds may make a
payment out of its own resources to the Selling Broker in an amount not to
exceed 0.25% of the amount invested.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of a reduced sales
charge by taking into account not only the amount then being invested but also
the purchase price or current account value of the Class A shares already held
by such person.
35
<PAGE>
Combination Privilege. Reduced sales charges also are available to an investor
based on the aggregate amount of his concurrent and prior investments in Class A
shares of the Fund and shares of all other John Hancock funds which carry a
sales charge.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made 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 specified period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
qualified retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments
called for by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These qualified
retirement plans include IRA, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including TSAs) and
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
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 the sales charge as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his or her
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 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 Class B
shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value
36
<PAGE>
above the initial purchase prices, including Class B shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. No CDSC will be
imposed on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service defined contribution 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. However, you cannot redeem appreciation value only in order to avoid a
CDSC.
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:
* Proceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per share $600
* Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to CDSC
(dividend reinvestment) -120
* Minus appreciation on remaining shares (40 shares X $2) -80
* Amount subject to CDSC $400
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 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
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<PAGE>
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. See the
Prospectus for additional information regarding the CDSC.
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 a 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.
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemptions of Class B shares made under a periodic withdrawal plan, 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 shares that are subject to a
CDSC).
For Retirement Accounts (such as IRA, Rollover IRA, TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k),
Money Purchase Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and other qualified 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 plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
38
<PAGE>
Please see matrix for reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CDSC Waiver Matrix for Class B Funds
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of 401(a) Plan 403(b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-
Distribution 401(k), MMP Rollover retirement
PSP)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of account
mandatory value annually
distributions in periodic
or 12% of payments
account value
annually in
periodic
payments
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of account
and 70 1/2 Expectancy or value annually
12% of account in periodic
value annually payments
in periodic
payments
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of account
annuity payments annuity annuity value annually
(72t) or 12% of payments (72t) payments (72t) in periodic
account value or 12% of or 12% of payments
annually in account value account value
periodic payments annually in annually in
periodic periodic
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
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
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, he 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
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 transaction 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, John Hancock Intermediate Maturity Government Fund and John Hancock
Limited-Term 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.
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<PAGE>
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's shares. Since the redemption price of the Fund shares may
be more or less than the shareholder's cost, depending upon the market value of
the securities owned by the Fund at the time of redemption, the distribution of
cash pursuant to this plan 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 such 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 that 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"). This 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. Upon notification of Signature
Services, 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 in
any John Hancock funds, subject to the minimum investment limit in 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 funds. 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.
41
<PAGE>
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."
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. Additional series may be added in the future. 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.
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
multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per share may vary
depending on whether Class A and Class B shares are purchased.
42
<PAGE>
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, the Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or 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 limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to
meet its obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is remote.
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) which is distributed to shareholders at
least annually in accordance with the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a four percent 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 avoid liability for such tax by
satisfying such distribution requirements.
43
<PAGE>
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 long-term 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 net capital gain, after reduction by
deductible expenses.) Some distributions from investment company taxable income
and/or net capital gain 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,
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. Any such transactions that are not directly
related to the Fund's investment in stock or securities, possibly including
speculative currency positions or currency derivatives not used for hedging
purposes, may increase the amount of gain it is deemed to recognize from the
sale of certain investments or derivatives held for less than three months,
which gain is limited under the Code to less than 30% of its gross income for
each taxable year, and may 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.
If the Fund invests in stock of certain non-U.S. corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, rents, 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 these passive foreign
investment 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. Certain elections may, if available,
ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require
44
<PAGE>
the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of
cash. The Fund may limit and/or manage its investments in passive foreign
investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return from
these investments.
Limitations imposed by the Code on regulated investment companies like the Fund
may restrict the Fund's ability to enter into foreign currency positions and
foreign currency forward contracts. 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 may affect the character as
long-term or short-term (or, in the case of certain forward contracts, as
ordinary income or loss) of some capital gains and losses realized by the Fund.
Additionally, certain of the Fund's losses on transactions involving forward
contracts, and any offsetting or successor positions in its portfolio may be
deferred rather than being taken into account currently in calculating the
Fund's taxable income or gain. 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 applicable to forward contracts, including consideration of available
elections, in order to seek to minimize any potential adverse tax consequences.
The amount of net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year will vary
depending upon the current investment strategy of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers
and whether the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers believes it to be in the best
interest of the Fund to dispose of portfolio securities 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 on those 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 of shares of the Fund (including by exercise of the exchange
privilege) 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 Class A 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
45
<PAGE>
long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of
long- term capital gain with respect to such shares.
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
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 long-term 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 carryforward a net
realized 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 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 from U.S. domestic corporations in respect of any
share of stock 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) 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 Fund shares in order to qualify for
the deduction and, if they have any debt that is deemed under the Code directly
attributable to Fund 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 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 may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Tax conventions
between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in
some cases. Investors may be entitled to claim U.S. foreign tax credits or
deductions with respect to foreign income taxes or certain other foreign taxes
46
<PAGE>
("qualified foreign taxes"), subject to certain provisions and limitations
contained in the Code. Specifically, if 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 may file an election with the Internal Revenue
Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be required to (i)
include in ordinary gross income (in addition to taxable dividends and
distributions actually received) their pro rata shares of foreign income taxes
paid by the Fund even though not actually received by them, and (ii) treat such
respective pro rata portions as foreign taxes paid by them.
If the Fund makes this election, shareholders may then deduct such pro rata
portions of qualified foreign taxes in computing their taxable incomes, or,
alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to applicable
limitations, against their U.S. Federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not
itemize deductions for Federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to
deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund,
although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such
taxes in gross income. Shareholders who claim a foreign tax credit for such
foreign taxes may be required to treat a portion of dividends received from the
Fund as a separate category of income for purposes of computing the limitations
on the foreign tax credit. Tax-exempt shareholders will ordinarily not benefit
from this election. Each year (if any) that the Fund files the election
described above, its shareholders will be notified of the amount of (i) each
shareholder's pro rata share of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund and
(ii) the portion of Fund dividends which represents income from each foreign
country. If the Fund cannot or does not make this election, the Fund will deduct
the foreign taxes it pays in determining the amount it has available for
distribution to shareholders, and shareholders will not include these foreign
taxes in their income, nor will they be entitled to any tax deductions or
credits with respect to such taxes.
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 rules applicable to certain forward contracts may also require the Fund
to recognize income or gain without 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 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 intangibles 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.
47
<PAGE>
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.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pare-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 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 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 non- resident 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.
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.
48
<PAGE>
Hong Kong Taxes
Taxation of the Fund. The Fund will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax at the
current rate of 16.5% if (i) it carries on business in Hong Kong and (ii) its
profits are derived from a Hong Kong source. Dividends and capital gains are
exempt from profits tax in any event, as are profits from trading in securities
listed on exchanges outside Hong Kong. Profits from trading in securities listed
on a Hong Kong exchange may in certain cases be subject to profits tax.
Taxation of Shareholders. There is no tax in Hong Kong on capital gains arising
from the sale by an investor of shares of the Fund. However, in the case of
certain investors (principally share traders, financial institutions and certain
companies carrying on business in Hong Kong), such gains may be considered to be
part of the investor's normal business profits and in such circumstances will be
subject to Hong Kong profits tax at the current rate of 16.5% for corporations
and 15% for individuals. Dividends which the Fund pays to its shareholders are
not taxable in Hong Kong (whether through withholding or otherwise) under
current legislation and practice. No Hong Kong stamp duty will be payable in
respect of transactions in the Fund's shares provided that the register of
shareholders is maintained outside of Hong Kong.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return on Class A shares of the Fund for the 1 year and
5 year period ended October 31, 1996 and since commencement of operations on
September 8, 1987 was (1.70)%, 9.40% and 6.62%, respectively. The average annual
total return on Class B shares of the Fund for the one year period ended October
31, 1996 and since commencement of operations on March 7, 1994 was (2.25)% and
(2.38)%, respectively.
Total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return
over the 1 year, 5 year and life-of-fund 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 years, and life-of-fund periods.
49
<PAGE>
Because each share 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 shares and the CDSC on Class B shares from a total return calculation
produces a higher total return figure.
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s "Lipper - Mutual Fund Performance Analysis," a monthly
publication which tracks net assets and total return on 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, BARRON'S, etc. may 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 and the
allocation of brokerage commissions are made by the Adviser pursuant to
recommendations made by an investment committee of the Adviser, which consists
of officers and directors of the Adviser, Sub-Advisers, and officers and
50
<PAGE>
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 officers 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 such other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser or a
Sub-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 and the
Sub-Advisers 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 and the Sub-Advisers.
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 or Sub-Advisers, and, conversely, brokerage commissions
and spreads paid by other advisory clients of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers 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, in consultation with the Sub-Advisers,
will be primarily responsible for the allocation of the Fund's brokerage
business, the policies and practices of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers in this
regard must be consistent with the foregoing and at all times be subject to
review by the Trustees. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and
1996 the Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions of $405,841, $246,610 and
$530,822, respectively. For the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31,
1996, the Fund paid negotiated commissions of $127,834.
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<PAGE>
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay to a broker-dealer which provides brokerage and research services to the
Fund an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another
broker- dealer 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 such policies as the
Trustees may adopt from time to time. During the period from September 1, 1996
to October 31, 1996, the Fund did not pay 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., a broker-dealer ("Distributors
or "Affiliated Broker"). Also included as an Affiliated Broker is W.I. Carr
Group, a British brokerage firm specializing in Asian securities, which is
directly owned by Banque Indosuez, one of the indirect parents of IAAL. 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 period from September 1, 1996 to October 31,
1996, the Fund paid no brokerage commissions to any Affiliated Broker.
Distributors 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 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 or the Affiliated Broker. Because the Adviser and
the Sub-Adviser, which are affiliated with the Affiliated Brokers, 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 securities to be
sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other
52
<PAGE>
clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way STE 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 an annual fee of
$19.00 for each Class A shareholder and $21.50 for each Class B shareholder,
plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. 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 State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Under the custodian agreement, State Street Bank
and Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Price Waterhouse LLP audits and renders an
opinion on the Fund's annual financial statements and reviews the Fund's annual
Federal income tax return.
53
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
RATINGS
The Fund's investments in debt securities must be in obligations rated Baa or
better by Moody's Signature Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or be of comparable
quality in the judgment of the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser if no rating has been
assigned by either service.
Moody's describes its four highest ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
"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.
"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 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.
"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 some time in the future."
"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.
Standard & Poor's describes its four highest ratings for corporate bonds as
follows:
"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 higher 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
A-1
<PAGE>
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories."
"BBB. Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
A-2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
<PAGE>
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 from the 1996 Annual
Report to Shareholders for the period from September 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996
(filed electronically on December 27, 1996, file nos. 811-4932 and 33-10722;
accession number 0000928816-96-000371):
John Hancock Pacific Basin Equities Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the period from September 1,
1996 to October 31, 1996.
Statement of Operations for the period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for the period from September 1, 1996
to October 31, 1996.
Financial Highlights for the period from September 1, 1996 to October
31, 1996.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1996.
Report of Independent Auditors.
John Hancock Global Rx Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the period from September 1,
1996 to October 31, 1996.
Statement of Operations for the period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for the period from September 1, 1996
to October 31, 1996.
Financial Highlights for the period from September 1, 1996 to October
31, 1996.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1996.
Report of Independent Auditors.
John Hancock Global Marketplace Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the period from September 1,
1996 to October 31, 1996.
Statement of Operations for the period from September 1, 1996 to
October 31, 1996.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for the period from September 1, 1996
to October 31, 1996.
Financial Highlights for the period from September 1, 1996 to October
31, 1996.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1996.
Report of Independent Auditors.
C-1
<PAGE>
The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibits
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 January 31, 1997, the number of record holders of shares of
Registrant was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Record
Series Title of Class Holders
------ -------------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
(Shares of Beneficial Interest, without par value)
John Hancock Pacific Basin Equities Fund Class A 9,448
Class B 6,362
John Hancock Global Rx Fund Class A 7,333
Class B 6,284
John Hancock Global Marketplace Fund Class A 4,335
Class B 4,266
Item 27. Indemnification
</TABLE>
(a) Under Registrant's Declaration of Trust. Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3
of Article VI of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
provide for indemnification of the Registrant's Trustees and Officers under
certain circumstances. A copy of the Registrant's Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust is attached as Exhibit 1 to this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 18 to the Registration Statement of the Registrant.
(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 a 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 Distributors, 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
C-3
<PAGE>
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.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers
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.
(b) Subadviser
Registrant's subadvisers, John Hancock Advisers International Limited
("JHAIL"), 34 Dover Street, WIX 3RA, London, England and Indosuez Asia Advisers
Limited ("Indosuez "), Suite 2606-2608, One Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong,
also acts as investment adviser to other Investment Company clients. Information
pertaining to the officers and directors of JHAIL and Indosuez and their
affiliations is set forth in the Form ADV of JHAIL (File No. 801-29498)and
Indosuez (File No. 801-45773 which are hereby incorporated by reference.
(a) The Registrant's sole principal underwriter is JH Funds, Inc.,
which also acts as principal underwriter for the following investment
companies: John Hancock Institutional Series Trust, John Hancock
Capital Series, John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund, John Hancock Special
Equities Fund, John Hancock Strategic Series, John Hancock Tax-Exempt
Series Fund, John Hancock Limited Term Government Fund, John Hancock
World Fund, John Hancock Investment Trust II, John Hancock Investment
Trust III, John Hancock Investment Trust IV, John Hancock Bond Fund,
John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund, John Hancock Cash
Reserve, Inc., John Hancock Current Interest, John Hancock Investment
Trust, John Hancock Series Trust and John Hancock Tax-Free Bond Fund.
(b) The following table lists, for each director and officer of JH
Funds, Inc., 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
Stephen M. Blair Executive Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Anne C. Hodsdon Director, Executive President, Trustee
101 Huntington Avenue Vice President
Boston, Massachusetts
James W. McLaughlin 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 Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer
Boston, Massachusetts
William S. Nichols Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
C-5
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
John A. Morin Vice President and Secretary Vice President
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Susan S. Newton Vice President Vice President
101 Huntington Avenue and Secretary
Boston, Massachusetts
Christopher M. Meyer Second 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
Richard O. Hansen Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
John M. DeCiccio 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
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Foster L. Aborn Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
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
James V. Bowhers Executive Vice President None
101 Huntington avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Anthony P. Petrucci Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Karen F. Walsh Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Charles H. Womack Senior Vice President None
6501 Americas Parkway
Suite 950
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Keith Harstein Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Griselda Lyman Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
</TABLE>
C-7
<PAGE>
(c) None.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
The Registrant maintains the records required to be maintained by it
under Rules 31a-1 (a), 31a-1(b), and 31a-2(a) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 at 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 offices 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.
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) The Registrant on behalf of each of its each of its series
undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy
of such series' annual report to shareholders, 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 of
the requirements of the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities and Exchange 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
24th day of February, 1997.
JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND
By: _________________________________
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.*,Chairman
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
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.* (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/James B. Little
- ------------------------ Senior Vice President and Chief February 24, 1997
James B. Little Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
- ------------------------ Trustee
Dennis S. Aronowitz*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Richard P. Chapman, Jr.*
- ------------------------ Trustee
William J. Cosgrove*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Douglas M. Costle
- ------------------------ Trustee
Leland O. Erdahl
- ------------------------ Trustee
Richard A. Farrell
- ------------------------ Trustee
Gail D. Fosler*
- ------------------------ Trustee
William F. Glavin
- ------------------------ Trustee
Anne C. Hodsdon*
C-9
<PAGE>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
- ------------------------ Trustee
Dr. John A. Moore
- ------------------------ Trustee
Patti McGill Peterson
- ------------------------ Trustee
John W. Pratt
- ------------------------ Trustee
Richard S. Scipione*
- ------------------------ Trustee
Edward J. Spellman
/s/Susan S. Newton February 24, 1997
- ------------------------
Susan S. Newton, Attorney In Fact
under Powers of Attorney dated
May 21, 1996.
</TABLE>
C-10
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
99.B1 Declaration of Trust of Registrant as amended and
restated February 8, 1994.*
99.B1.1 Establishment and Designation of Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares of Beneficial Interest of John
Hancock Pacific Basin Equities Fund and Class A Shares and
Class B Shares for John Hancock Global Rx Fund dated
February 8, 1994.*
99.B1.2 Establishment and Designation of Class A Shares and
Class B Shares of Beneficial Interest of John Hancock
Global Retail Fund dated September 27, 1994.*
99.B1.3 Abolition of Class C Shares of Beneficial Interest of
John Hancock Pacific Basin Equities Fund dated May 1, 1995.*
99.B1.4 Instrument Changing Names of Series of Shares of the
Trust dated September 27, 1994.*
99.B1.5 Written Consent of Sole Shareholder of John Hancock
Global Retail Fund dated September 28, 1994.*
99.B1.6 Instrument Changing Names of Series of Shares of the Trust
dated December 12, 1995.*
99.B1.7 Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated
March 5, 1996.***
99.B2 Amended and Restated By-Laws dated December 3, 1996.+
99.B3 None
99.B4 Specimen share certificate for the John Hancock Pacific
Basin Equities Fund Classes A and B.*
99.B4.1 Specimen share certificate for the John Hancock Global
Rx Fund Classes A and B.*
99.B5 Investment Management Contract between Registrant and
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. May 5, 1987.*
99.B5.1 Amendment to Investment Management Contract dated
December 19, 1989.*
<PAGE>
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
99.B5.2 Investment Management Contract between John Hancock
Global Rx Fund and John Hancock Advisers, Inc. dated
June 24, 1991.*
99.B5.3 Investment Management Contract between John Hancock
Global Retail Fund and John Hancock Advisers, Inc. dated
September 28, 1994.*
99.B5.4 Sub-Investment Management Contract between Registrant,
John Hancock Advisers and John Hancock*
99.B5.5 Sub-Advisory Agreement between John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. and Indosuez Asia Advisers, Limited dated
July 18, 1996.***
99.B6 Distribution Agreement with Registrant and John Hancock
Broker Distribution Services, Inc. dated August 1, 1991.*
99.B6.1 Amendment to Distribution Services Agreement with John
Hancock Global Rx and John Hancock Broker Services, Inc.
dated October 1, 1991.*
99.B6.2 Amendment to Distribution Services Agreement with John
Hancock Global Retail and John Hancock Broker Services, Inc.
dated September 30, 1994.*
99.B6.3 Form of Soliciting Dealer Agreement between John Hancock
Broker Distribution Services, Inc. and Selected Dealers.*
99.B7 None
99.B8 Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State
Street Bank & Trust Company.*
99.B8.1 Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement between John
Hancock Global Retail Fund dated September 28, 1994.*
99.B8.2 Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement.*
99.B9 Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant
and John Hancock Fund Services, Inc. dated January 1, 1991.*
99.B9.1 Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
between John Hancock Global Rx Fund and John Hancock Fund
Services, Inc. dated June 24, 1991.*
99.B9.2 Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement
between John Hancock Global Retail Fund and John Hancock
Fund Services, Inc. dated September 28, 1994.*
99.B9.3 Accounting and Legal Services Agreement between John Hancock
Advisers, Inc. and Registrant as of January 1, 1996.**
<PAGE>
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
99.B10 None
99.B11 Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.+
99.B12 Not applicable.
99.B13 Subscription Agreement between Registrant and John
Hancock Advisers, Inc.*
99.B14 None
99.B15 Class A Distribution Plan between John Hancock Global
Retail Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B15.1 Class B Distribution Plan between John Hancock Global
Retail Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B15.2 Class A Distribution Plan between John Hancock Global
Rx Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B15.3 Class A Distribution Plan between John Hancock Pacific
Basin Equities Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B15.4 Class B Distribution Plan between John Hancock Pacific
Basin Equities Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B15.5 Class B Distribution Plan between John Hancock Global
Rx Fund and John Hancock Funds, Inc.*
99.B16 Schedule for Computation of Total Return.*
27.1A Pacific Basin Equities+
27.1B Pacific Basin Equities+
27.2A Global Rx+
27.2B Global Rx+
27.3A Global Marketplace+
27.3B Global Marketplace+
* Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 18
(file nos. 811-4932 and 33-10722) on December , 1995, accession number
0000950135-95-002745.
** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 19
(file nos. 811-4932 and 33-10722) on July 1, 1996 accession number
0001010521-96-000117.
*** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 20
(file nos. 811-4932 and 33-10722) on December 23, 1996 accession number
0001010521-96-000228.
+ Filed herewith.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
OF
JOHN HANCOCK WORLD FUND
DECEMBER 3, 1996
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents
Page
<S> <C> <C>
ARTICLE I -- Definitions .........................................................................1
ARTICLE II -- Offices .........................................................................1
Section 2.1 Principal Office.........................................................1
Section 2.2 Other Offices............................................................1
ARTICLE III -- Shareholders .........................................................................1
Section 3.1 Meetings.................................................................1
Section 3.2 Notice of Meetings.......................................................1
Section 3.3 Record Date for Meetings and Other Purposes..............................1
Section 3.4 Proxies..................................................................2
Section 3.5 Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes.........................................2
Section 3.6 Inspection of Records....................................................2
Section 3.7 Action without Meeting...................................................3
ARTICLE IV -- Trustees .........................................................................3
Section 4.1 Meetings of the Trustees.................................................3
Section 4.2 Quorum and Manner of Acting..............................................3
ARTICLE V -- Committees .........................................................................4
Section 5.1 Executive and Other Committees...........................................4
Section 5.2 Meetings, Quorum and Manner of Acting....................................4
ARTICLE VI -- Officers .........................................................................4
Section 6.1 General Provisions.......................................................4
Section 6.2 Election, Term of Office and Qualifications..............................5
Section 6.3 Removal..................................................................5
Section 6.4 Powers and Duties of the Chairman........................................5
Section 6.5 Powers and Duties of the Vice Chairman...................................5
Section 6.6 Powers and Duties of the President.......................................5
Section 6.7 Powers and Duties of Vice Presidents.....................................5
Section 6.8 Powers and Duties of the Treasurer.......................................6
Section 6.9 Powers and Duties of the Secretary.......................................6
i
<PAGE>
Section 6.10 Powers and Duties of Assistant Officers..................................6
Section 6.11 Powers and Duties of Assistant Secretaries...............................6
Section 6.12 Compensation of Officers and Trustees and
Members of the Advisory Board........................................6
ARTICLE VII -- Fiscal Year .........................................................................7
ARTICLE VIII -- Seal .........................................................................7
ARTICLE IX -- Sufficiency and Waivers of Notice.............................................................7
ARTICLE X -- Amendments .........................................................................7
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
All capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust of John Hancock World Fund dated February 8, 1994,
as amended or restated from time to time.
ARTICLE II
OFFICES
Section 2.1. Principal Office. Until changed by the Trustees, the principal
office of the Trust shall be in Boston, Massachusetts.
Section 2.2. Other Offices. The Trust may have offices in such other places
without as well as within The Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Trustees may
from time to time determine.
ARTICLE III
SHAREHOLDERS
Section 3.1. Meetings. Meetings of the Shareholders of the Trust or a Series or
Class thereof shall be held as provided in the Declaration of Trust at such
place within or without The Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the Trustees shall
designate. The holders of a majority the Outstanding Shares of the Trust or a
Series or Class thereof present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust or a Series
or Class thereof.
Section 3.2. Notice of Meetings. Notice of all meetings of the Shareholders,
stating the time, place and purposes of the meeting, shall be given by the
Trustees by mail or telegraphic means to each Shareholder at his address as
recorded on the register of the Trust mailed at least seven (7) days before the
meeting, provided, however, that notice of a meeting need not be given to a
Shareholder to whom such notice need not be given under the proxy rules of the
Commission under the 1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Any adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.
No notice need be given to any Shareholder who shall have failed to inform the
Trust of his current address or if a written waiver of notice, executed before
or after the meeting by the Shareholder or his attorney thereunto authorized, is
filed with the records of the meeting.
Section 3.3. Record Date for Meetings and Other Purposes. For the purpose of
determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any
meeting, or to participate in any distribution, or for the purpose of any other
action, the Trustees may from time to time close the transfer books for such
period, not exceeding sixty (60) days, as the Trustees may determine; or without
1
<PAGE>
closing the transfer books the Trustees may fix a date not more than ninety (90)
days prior to the date of any meeting of Shareholders or distribution or other
action as a record date for the determination of the persons to be treated as
Shareholders of record for such purposes, except for dividend payments which
shall be governed by the Declaration of Trust.
Section 3.4. Proxies. At any meeting of Shareholders, any holder of Shares
entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy shall be
voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the
Secretary, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Secretary may
direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. A
proxy shall be deemed signed if the shareholder's name is placed on the proxy
(whether by manual signature, typewriting or telegraphic transmission) by the
shareholder or the shareholder's attorney-in-fact. Proxies may be solicited in
the name of one or more Trustees or one or more of the officers of the Trust.
Only Shareholders of record shall be entitled to vote. Each whole share shall be
entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled by the Declaration
of Trust to vote and fractional shares shall be entitled to a proportionate
fractional vote. When any Share is held jointly by several persons, any one of
them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in respect of such Share, but
if more than one of them shall be present at such meeting in person or by proxy,
and such joint owners or their proxies so present disagree as to any vote to be
cast, such vote shall not be received in respect of such Share. A proxy,
including a photographic or similar reproduction thereof and a telegram,
cablegram, wireless or similar transmission thereof, purporting to be executed
by or on behalf of a Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or
prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the
challenger. If the holder of any such Share is a minor or a person of unsound
mind, and subject to guardianship or the legal control of any other person as
regards the charge or management of such Share, he may vote by his guardian or
such other person appointed or having such control, and such vote may be given
in person or by proxy. The placing of a Shareholder's name on a proxy pursuant
to telephonic or electronically transmitted instructions obtained pursuant to
procedures reasonably designed to verify that such instructions have been
authorized by such Shareholder shall constitute execution of such proxy by or on
behalf of such Shareholder.
Section 3.5. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes. Outstanding Shares represented in
person or by proxy (including Shares which abstain or do not vote with respect
to one or more of any proposals presented for Shareholder approval) will be
counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at a meeting.
Abstentions will be treated as Shares that are present and entitled to vote for
purposes of determining the number of Shares that are present and entitled to
vote with respect to any particular proposal, but will not be counted as a vote
in favor of such proposal. If a broker or nominee holding Shares in "street
name" indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to
vote as to a particular proposal, those Shares will not be considered as present
and entitled to vote with respect to such proposal.
Section 3.6. Inspection of Records. The records of the Trust shall be open to
inspection by Shareholders to the same extent as is permitted shareholders of a
Massachusetts business corporation.
2
<PAGE>
Section 3.7. Action without Meeting. For as long as there are under one hundred
fifty (150) shareholders, any action which may be taken by Shareholders may be
taken without a meeting if a majority of Outstanding Shares entitled to vote on
the matter (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be required by law, the
Declaration of Trust, or the By-laws) consent to the action in writing and the
written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders.
Such consents shall be treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of
Shareholders.
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEES
Section 4.1. Meetings of the Trustees. The Trustees may in their discretion
provide for regular or stated meetings of the Trustees. Notice of regular or
stated meetings need not be given. Meetings of the Trustees other than regular
or stated meetings shall be held whenever called by the President, the Chairman
or by any one of the Trustees, at the time being in office. Notice of the time
and place of each meeting other than regular or stated meetings shall be given
by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or by the officer or Trustee calling
the meeting and shall be mailed to each Trustee at least two days before the
meeting, or shall be given by telephone, cable, wireless, facsimilie or
electronic means to each Trustee at his business address, or personally
delivered to him at least one day before the meeting. Such notice may, however,
be waived by any Trustee. Notice of a meeting need not be given to any Trustee
if a written waiver of notice, executed by him before or after the meeting, is
filed with the records of the meeting, or to any Trustee who attends the meeting
without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of notice to
him. A notice or waiver of notice need not specify the purpose of any meeting.
The Trustees may meet by means of a telephone conference circuit or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other at the same time and participation by such means
shall be deemed to have been held at a place designated by the Trustees at the
meeting. Participation in a telephone conference meeting shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken
at any meeting of the Trustees may be taken by the Trustees without a meeting if
a majority of the Trustees consent to the action in writing and the written
consents are filed with the records of the Trustees' meetings. Such consents
shall be treated as a vote for all purposes.
Section 4.2. Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the Trustees shall be
present in person at any regular or special meeting of the Trustees in order to
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting and (except
as otherwise required by law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws) the act
of a majority of the Trustees present at any such meeting, at which a quorum is
present, shall be the act of the Trustees. In the absence of a quorum, a
majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until
a quorum shall be present. Notice of an adjourned meeting need not be given.
3
<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
Section 5.1. Executive and Other Committees. The Trustees by vote of a majority
of all the Trustees may elect from their own number an Executive Committee to
consist of not less than two (2) members to hold office at the pleasure of the
Trustees, which shall have the power to conduct the current and ordinary
business of the Trust while the Trustees are not in session, including the
purchase and sale of securities and the designation of securities to be
delivered upon redemption of Shares of the Trust or a Series thereof, and such
other powers of the Trustees as the Trustees may, from time to time, delegate to
them except those powers which by law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws
they are prohibited from delegating. The Trustees may also elect from their own
number other Committees from time to time; the number composing such Committees,
the powers conferred upon the same (subject to the same limitations as with
respect to the Executive Committee) and the term of membership on such
Committees to be determined by the Trustees. The Trustees may designate a
chairman of any such Committee. In the absence of such designation the Committee
may elect its own Chairman.
Section 5.2. Meetings, Quorum and Manner of Acting. The Trustees may (1) provide
for stated meetings of any Committee, (2) specify the manner of calling and
notice required for special meetings of any Committee, (3) specify the number of
members of a Committee required to constitute a quorum and the number of members
of a Committee required to exercise specified powers delegated to such
Committee, (4) authorize the making of decisions to exercise specified powers by
written assent of the requisite number of members of a Committee without a
meeting, and (5) authorize the members of a Committee to meet by means of a
telephone conference circuit.
The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and records
of decisions taken without a meeting and cause them to be recorded in a book
designated for that purpose and kept in the office of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 6.1. General Provisions. The officers of the Trust shall be a Chairman,
a President, a Treasurer and a Secretary, who shall be elected by the Trustees.
The Trustees may elect or appoint such other officers or agents as the business
of the Trust may require, including one or more Vice Presidents, one or more
Assistant Secretaries, and one or more Assistant Treasurers. The Trustees may
delegate to any officer or committee the power to appoint any subordinate
officers or agents.
4
<PAGE>
Section 6.2. Election, Term of Office and Qualifications. The officers of the
Trust and any Series thereof (except those appointed pursuant to Section 6.10)
shall be elected by the Trustees. Except as provided in Sections 6.3 and 6.4 of
this Article VI, each officer elected by the Trustees shall hold office at the
pleasure of the Trustees. Any two or more offices may be held by the same
person. The Chairman of the Board shall be selected from among the Trustees and
may hold such office only so long as he/she continue to be a Trustee. Any
Trustee or officer may be but need not be a Shareholder of the Trust.
Section 6.3. Removal. The Trustees, at any regular or special meeting of the
Trustees, may remove any officer with or without cause, by a vote of a majority
of the Trustees then in office. Any officer or agent appointed by an officer or
committee may be removed with or without cause by such appointing officer or
committee.
Section 6.4. Powers and Duties of the Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at
the meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees. He may call meetings of
the Trustees and of any committee thereof whenever he deems it necessary. He
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and shall have, with the
President, general supervision over the business and policies of the Trust.
Section 6.5. Powers and Duties of the Vice Chairman. The Trustees may, but need
not, appoint one or more Vice Chairman of the Trust. A Vice Chairman shall be an
executive officer of the Trust and shall have the powers and duties of a Vice
President of the Trust as provided in Section 7 of this Article VI. The Vice
Chairman shall perform such duties as may be assigned to him or her from time to
time by the Trustees or the Chairman.
Section 6.6. Powers and Duties of the President. The President shall preside at
all meetings of the Shareholders in the absence of the Chairman. Subject to the
control of the Trustees and to the control of any Committees of the Trustees,
within their respective spheres as provided by the Trustees, he shall at all
times exercise general supervision over the business and policies of the Trust.
He shall have the power to employ attorneys and counsel for the Trust or any
Series or Class thereof and to employ such subordinate officers, agents, clerks
and employees as he may find necessary to transact the business of the Trust or
any Series or Class thereof. He shall also have the power to grant, issue,
execute or sign such powers of attorney, proxies or other documents as may be
deemed advisable or necessary in furtherance of the interests of the Trust or
any Series thereof. The President shall have such other powers and duties, as
from time to time may be conferred upon or assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 6.7. Powers and Duties of Vice Presidents. In the absence or disability
of the President, the Vice President or, if there be more than one Vice
President, any Vice President designated by the Trustees, shall perform all the
duties and may exercise any of the powers of the President, subject to the
control of the Trustees. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the Trustees and the President.
5
<PAGE>
Section 6.8. Powers and Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the
principal financial and accounting officer of the Trust. He shall deliver all
funds of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof which may come into his hands
to such Custodian as the Trustees may employ. He shall render a statement of
condition of the finances of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof to the
Trustees as often as they shall require the same and he shall in general perform
all the duties incident to the office of a Treasurer and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees. The Treasurer shall
give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, if required so to do by
the Trustees, in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees shall
require.
Section 6.9. Powers and Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the
minutes of all meetings of the Trustees and of the Shareholders in proper books
provided for that purpose; he shall have custody of the seal of the Trust; he
shall have charge of the Share transfer books, lists and records unless the same
are in the charge of a transfer agent. He shall attend to the giving and serving
of all notices by the Trust in accordance with the provisions of these By-laws
and as required by law; and subject to these By-laws, he shall in general
perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 6.10. Powers and Duties of Assistant Officers. In the absence or
disability of the Treasurer, any officer designated by the Trustees shall
perform all the duties, and may exercise any of the powers, of the Treasurer.
Each officer shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the Trustees. Each officer performing the duties and
exercising the powers of the Treasurer, if any, and any Assistant Treasurer,
shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, if required so to do
by the Trustees, in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees
shall require.
Section 6.11. Powers and Duties of Assistant Secretaries. In the absence or
disability of the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary designated by the Trustees
shall perform all the duties, and may exercise any of the powers, of the
Secretary. Each Assistant Secretary shall perform such other duties as from time
to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 6.12. Compensation of Officers and Trustees and Members of the Advisory
Board. Subject to any applicable provisions of the Declaration of Trust, the
compensation of the officers and Trustees and members of an advisory board shall
be fixed from time to time by the Trustees or, in the case of officers, by any
Committee or officer upon whom such power may be conferred by the Trustees. No
officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation as such officer by
reason of the fact that he is also a Trustee.
6
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Trust and any Series thereof shall be established by
resolution of the Trustees.
ARTICLE VIII
SEAL
The Trustees may adopt a seal which shall be in such form and shall have such
inscription thereon as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe but the
absence of a seal shall not impair the validity or execution of any document.
ARTICLE IX
SUFFICIENCY AND WAIVERS OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given by law, the Declaration of
Trust or these By-laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or
persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated
therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. A notice shall be deemed to have
been sent by mail, telegraph, cable, wireless, facsimilie or electronic means
for the purposes of these By-laws when it has been delivered to a representative
of any entity holding itself out as capable of sending notice by such means with
instructions that it be so sent.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
These By-laws, or any of them, may be altered, amended or repealed, or new
By-laws may be adopted by a vote of a majority of the Trustees, provided,
however, that no By-law may be amended, adopted or repealed by the Trustees if
such amendment, adoption or repeal requires, pursuant to federal or state law,
the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, a vote of the Shareholders.
END OF BY-LAWS
7
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statements of Additional Information
constituting parts of this Post Effective Amendment No. 21 to the registration
statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement") of our reports dated
December 12, 1996, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights
appearing in the October 31, 1996 Annual Reports to Shareholders of John Hancock
Pacific Basin Equities Fund, John Hancock Global Marketplace Fund, and John
Hancock Global Rx Fund, which appear in such Statements of Additional
Information and to the incorporation by reference of our reports into the
Prospectuses which constitute parts of this Registration Statement. We also
consent to the references to us under the headings "Independent Auditors" in
such Statements of Additional Information and to the references to us under the
headings "Financial Highlights" in such Prospectuses.
/s/PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 24, 1997
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<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND - CLASS A
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<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK PACIFIC BASIN EQUITIES FUND - CLASS B
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<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL RX FUND - CLASS A
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<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL RX FUND - CLASS B
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<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND - CLASS A
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<NAME> JOHN HANCOCK GLOBAL MARKETPLACE FUND - CLASS B
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