ANNUAL REPORT
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[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income
Fund
AUGUST 31, 1998
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
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TRUSTEES
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR.
DENNIS S. ARONOWITZ
RICHARD P. CHAPMAN, JR.*
WILLIAM J. COSGROVE
DOUGLAS M. COSTLE
LELAND O. ERDAHL
RICHARD A. FARRELL
GAIL D. FOSLER
WILLIAM F. GLAVIN
ANNE C. HODSDON
DR. JOHN A. MOORE
PATTI MCGILL PETERSON
JOHN W. PRATT*
RICHARD S. SCIPIONE
EDWARD SPELLMAN*
*Members of the Audit Committee
OFFICERS
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ROBERT G. FREEDMAN
Vice Chairman and
Chief Investment Officer
ANNE C. HODSDON
President and Chief Operating Officer
JAMES B. LITTLE
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
SUSAN S. NEWTON
Vice President and Secretary
JAMES J. STOKOWSKI
Vice President and Treasurer
THOMAS H. CONNORS
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
CUSTODIAN
INVESTORS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
200 CLARENDON STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
TRANSFER AGENT
JOHN HANCOCK SIGNATURE SERVICES, INC.
1 JOHN HANCOCK WAY, SUITE 1000
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02217-1000
INVESTMENT ADVISER
JOHN HANCOCK ADVISERS, INC.
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02199-7603
PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTOR
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02199-7603
LEGAL COUNSEL
HALE AND DORR LLP
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109-1803
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
160 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
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===============================CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE===============================
DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
An often-used analogy for stock market performance over the short term is a
roller coaster. That is because, while long-term history suggests the market's
general direction is up, its swings over the short term can be dramatic and, at
times, violent. Recently, the market has given us a stark example of this
phenomenon. From the new highs set in mid-July, the major indices plunged by 19%
through the end of August. It was the worst such fall since 1990. For the first
time in a number of years, some bonds and bond mutual funds outperformed stocks
and stock mutual funds. Seeking safety in a world of global economic
uncertainties, investors everywhere converged on U.S. Treasury bonds and pushed
their yields to historic lows.
[A 1" x 1" photo of Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, flush right next to second paragraph.]
For the record-breaking number of investors who have entered the market
for the first time since 1990, it was their worst taste of stock market reality.
We are pleased to report that most individual investors did not panic, and we
hope that means they've taken our words to heart. Over the long term, markets do
not move up or down in a straight line. That's why after watching the market
charge ahead almost uninterrupted for so many years, we have been striking a
more cautionary stance in this space over the last several months.
Analysts are still pondering whether the global turmoil and the prospects
for slower U.S. economic and corporate earnings growth are signs that the long
bull market has finally run its course. While we don't make a practice of
opining on what the market will do next, we continue to believe it would be wise
for investors to set more realistic expectations. Over the long term, the
market's historical results have been more in the 10% per year range, which is
still a solid result, considering it has been produced despite wars, depressions
and other social upheavals along the way.
There is no doubt, however, that the market's heightened volatility and
recent dramatic moves have been cause for concern. In these uncertain times, it
becomes even harder to remember to "stay the course" and stick to your long-term
investment plan. But this remains the essential tenet of successful investing.
Now could also be a good time to review your asset allocation with your
investment professional, keeping in mind that the last six months' divergence in
performance of stocks and high-quality bonds is a perfect example of why all
your eggs shouldn't be in one basket.
Sincerely,
/s/ Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR., CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2
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BY DIANNE SALES, CFA, FRANK LUCIBELLA,CFA
AND BARRY EVANS, CFA, PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
John Hancock
Massachusetts Tax-Free
Income Fund
Municipal bonds advance on strength of bond market rally
A healthy bond market buoyed municipal bonds during the past 12 months.
Continued slowdown in Asian markets constrained U.S. economic growth, while
turmoil in emerging markets drew investors to the safety of U.S. Treasuries. As
a result, U.S. interest rates fell and inflation remained under control. Against
this positive backdrop, municipal bonds turned in solid returns for the year.
Municipal performance has been somewhat constrained compared to Trea-sury
bonds, however, as low interest rates have resulted in an increased supply of
municipal bonds. During the first six months of 1998, the supply of municipal
bonds increased more than 50% versus 1997. The reason is that many local
governments have been issuing large amounts of new tax-exempt bonds in order to
take advantage of lower interest rates. This strong influx of new bond issuance
has put pressure on municipal bond prices, causing them to lag Treasuries.
The silver lining, however, is that municipal bonds now offer their best
relative values versus U.S. Treasuries in almost five years. This has not gone
unnoticed, particularly among non-traditional buyers who have crossed over into
the tax-exempt market to take advantage of these attractive values. This strong
demand from
"...low interest rates have resulted in an increased supply of municipal bonds."
[A 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" photo at bottom right of page of fund management team
members. Caption below reads "Fund management team members (l - r): Barry Evans,
Mike Roye, Dianne Sales, Frank Lucibella and Holly Morris."]
3
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John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
"Among our best performers have been assisted living facilities..."
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[Pie Chart at the top of left hand column with the heading "Portfolio
Diversification". The chart is divided into ten sections (from top to left):
Other 6%, Water & Sewer 8%, Transportation 12%, Industrial Development 12%,
Housing 7%, Hospital 3%, Health 17%, Electrical Power 8% Education 14% and
General Obligation 13%. A note below the chart reads "As a percentage of net
assets on August 31, 1998."]
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non-traditional "crossover" buyers has helped to absorb the recent flood of new
issuance into the municipal bond market.
Even with the supply pressures, municipal bonds turned in a solid performance
during the period. For the 12 months ended August 31, 1998, John Hancock
Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund's Class A and Class B shares returned 9.66%
and 8.89%, respectively, at net asset value. Keep in mind that your net asset
value return will be different if you were not invested in the Fund for the
entire period and did not reinvest all distributions. The Fund's returns
outpaced the average Massachusetts municipal bond fund's return of 7.99%,
according to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.1 Please see pages six and seven
for longer-term performance information.
Narrowing credit spreads drive performance
Credit spreads in the municipal market narrowed substantially in the first six
months of the period. Credit spread refers to the difference in yields between
bonds with different credit ratings. As the gap between yields on higher and
lower quality bonds narrowed, the Fund benefited significantly, thanks to its
holdings in lower-quality bonds. With in-depth credit analysis, we've been able
to identify lower-quality bonds not only with attractive yields, but also with
improving credit profiles. Among our best performers have been assisted living
facilities, which have benefited from the early completion of construction and
strong consumer demand for the facilities.
Focus on duration and call protection
Throughout the year, we continued to carefully manage the portfolio's duration
and structure. Duration is a measure of how sensitive a bond's price, and
therefore the Fund's share price, is to interest-rate changes. The longer the
duration, the more the price rises when rates fall (and falls when rates rise).
For most of the year, we've kept the Fund's duration relatively long. That way
we could take advantage of falling interest rates and the bond market's strong
rally.
We also maintained our long-term focus on call protection. As we've discussed
in previous reports, call protection guards a bond from being redeemed by its
issuer for a certain period of time. Strong call protection is especially
important during periods of falling interest rates -- when issuers often try to
refinance their bonds at lower interest rates. If a bond gets "called away" or
redeemed early, investors are forced to reinvest their money in bonds with lower
yields. By focusing on issues with strong call protection, we've been able to
maintain the Fund's competitive yield levels.
[Table at bottom of left hand column entitled "Scorecard". The header for the
left column is "Investment" and the header for the right column is "Recent
Performance...and What's Behind the Numbers". The first listing is Assisted
living facilities followed by an up arrow with the phrase "Early completion of
facilities." The second listing is Housing bonds followed by a down arrow with
the phrase "Increased prepayments." The third listing is Zero coupon bonds
followed by an up arrow with the phrase "High sensitivity to rate changes." A
note below the table reads "See 'Schedule of Investments.' Investment holdings
are subject to change."]
4
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John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
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[Bar chart at top of left hand column with the heading "Fund Performance". Under
the heading is a note that reads "For the year ended August 31, 1998". The chart
is scaled in increments of 2% with 0% at the bottom and 10% at the top. The
first bar represents the 9.66% total return for John Hancock Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund Class A. The second bar represents the 8.89% total return
for John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund Class B and the third bar
represents the 7.99% total return for the Average Massachusetts municipal bond
fund. A note below the chart reads "Total returns for John Hancock Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund are at net asset value with all distributions reinvested.
The average Massachusetts municipal bond fund is tracked by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. (1). See the following two pages for historical performance
information.]
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Looking ahead
We are optimistic about the prospects for Massachusetts' municipal bond market
for the remainder of the year. The state's fiscal situation is good, the economy
continues to grow steadily, unemployment is low and the real estate market
remains strong. Together, these factors should keep Massachusetts' municipal
bond market healthy.
Of course, we are heading into an election year in Massachusetts and we will
be keeping a close eye on any pressure that the political process may put on the
state's budget outlook.
The Federal Reserve has been vigilant about keeping inflation under control
and there's no reason to believe that will change in the near future. The
biggest question is the direction of the U.S. economy. We expect that Asia's
financial woes will continue to slow the U.S. economy in the second half of the
year. In this environment, we could see interest rates continue to fall. As a
result, we will be biased toward maintaining our longer duration. In addition,
we expect credit spreads to continue to remain narrow and yield opportunities to
be limited. Given our economic outlook and the narrow spreads in the market, we
will be highly selective in adding yield to the portfolio, instead focusing on
higher-quality credits.
The macro-environment for municipal bonds also remains favorable. Current
municipal bond prices represent historic values relative to U.S. Treasuries. In
addition, we believe that supply pressures are likely to moderate in the second
half of the year. Once the pace of new issues slows, municipal bonds should have
a chance to improve their performance relative to U.S. Treasuries.
"The macro-environment for municipal bonds also remains favorable."
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This commentary reflects the views of the portfolio managers through the end of
the Fund's period discussed in this report. Of course, the managers' views are
subject to change as market and other conditions warrant.
(1) Figures from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. include reinvested dividends
and do not take into account sales charges. Actual load-adjusted performance is
lower.
5
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John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
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A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE
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The tables on the right show the cumulative total returns and the average annual
total returns for the John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund. Total
return measures the change in value of an investment from the beginning to the
end of a period, assuming all distributions were reinvested.
For Class A shares, total return figures include a maximum applicable sales
charge of 4.50%. Class B performance reflects a maximum contingent deferred
sales charge (maximum 5% and declining to 0% over six years).
All figures represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results.
Keep in mind that the total return and share price of the Fund's investments
will fluctuate. As a result, your Fund's shares may be worth more or less than
their original cost, depending on when you sell them. Please read your
prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
Please note that a portion of the Fund's income may be subject to taxes, and
some investors may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Also note
that capital gains are taxable.
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CLASS A
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For the period ended June 30, 1998
ONE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS
---- ----- -----
Cumulative Total Returns 4.86% 29.72% 105.30%
Average Annual Total Returns(1) 4.86% 5.34% 7.46%
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CLASS B
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For the period ended June 30, 1998
SINCE
ONE INCEPTION
YEAR (10/3/96)
---- ---------
Cumulative Total Returns 4.03% 10.70%
Average Annual Total Returns(1) 4.03% 6.02%
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YIELDS
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As of August 31, 1998
SEC 30-DAY
YIELD
----------
John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A 4.04%
John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B 3.53%
Notes to Performance
(1) The Adviser has voluntarily reduced a portion of the management fee and
offset the custodian fees with balance credits during the period. Without
the reduction of expenses, the average annual total returns for the
one-year, five-year and ten-year periods for Class A shares would have
been 4.46%, 4.88% and 6.72%, respectively. The average annual total return
for the one-year period and since inception for Class B shares would have
been 3.63% and 5.62%, respectively.
6
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John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
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WHAT HAPPENED TO A $10,000 INVESTMENT...
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The charts on the right show how much a $10,000 investment in the John Hancock
Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund would be worth, assuming all distributions
were reinvested for the period indicated. For comparison, we've shown the same
$10,000 investment in the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index -- an unmanaged
index that includes approximately 15,000 bonds and is commonly used as a measure
of bond performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
________________________________________________________________________________
Line chart with the heading Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A,
representing the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment over the life of
the fund. Within the chart are three lines:
The first line represents the value of the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
and is equal to $22,426 as of as of August 31, 1998. The second line represents
the value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund on September 3, 1987, before sales charge, and is equal to
$21,763 as of as of August 31, 1998. The third line represents the Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund after sales charge and is equal to $20,785 as of as of
August 31, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Line chart with the heading Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund: Class
B, representing the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment over the life of
the fund. Within the chart are three lines:
The first line represents the value of the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
and is equal to $11,706 as of as of August 31, 1998. The second line represents
the value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund on October 3, 1996, before sales charge, and is equal to
$11,657 as of as of August 31, 1998. The third line represents Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund after sales charge and is equal to $11,257 as of as of
August 31, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
7
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the Fund's balance sheet and shows
the value of what the Fund owns, is due and owes on August 31, 1998. You'll also
find the net asset value and the maximum offering price per share as of that
date.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
August 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Investments at value - Note C:
Tax-exempt long-term bonds (cost - $58,223,788) .......... $63,747,530
Cash ...................................................... 161
Receivable for investments sold ........................... 66,951
Receivable for shares sold ................................ 9,662
Interest receivable ....................................... 932,350
Receivable for futures variation margin - Note A .......... 13,125
Other assets .............................................. 39,443
-----------
Total Assets .................................. 64,809,222
--------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Payable for investments purchased ......................... 373,330
Payable for shares repurchased ............................ 13,797
Dividend payable .......................................... 23,671
Payable to John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
and affiliates - Note B .................................. 31,424
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..................... 33,373
-----------
Total Liabilities ............................. 475,595
--------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets:
Capital paid-in ........................................... 59,080,925
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
financial futures contracts .............................. (291,631)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and
financial futures contracts .............................. 5,541,495
Undistributed net investment income ....................... 2,838
-----------
Net Assets .................................... $64,333,627
==============================================================
Net Asset Value Per Share:
(Based on net asset values and shares of beneficial
interest outstanding - unlimited number of shares
authorized with no par value)
Class A - $58,136,988/4,613,097 ........................... $12.60
==========================================================================
Class B - $6,196,639/491,696 .............................. $12.60
==========================================================================
Maximum Offering Price Per Share*
Class A - ($12.60 x 104.71%) .............................. $13.19
==========================================================================
* On single retail sales of less than $100,000. On sales of $100,000 or more and
on group sales the offering price is reduced.
The Statement of Operations summarizes the Fund's investment income earned and
expenses incurred in operating the Fund. It also shows net gains (losses) for
the period stated.
Statement of Operations
Year ended August 31, 1998
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Investment Income:
Interest .................................................... $3,536,861
----------
Expenses:
Investment management fee - Note B ......................... 295,608
Distribution and service fee - Note B
Class A ................................................... 165,612
Class B ................................................... 39,177
Transfer agent fee - Note B ................................ 63,733
Custodian fee .............................................. 46,171
Auditing fee ............................................... 21,055
Registration and filing fees ............................... 13,707
Financial services fee - Note B ............................ 10,447
Printing ................................................... 8,454
Trustees' fees ............................................. 3,454
Miscellaneous .............................................. 1,747
Legal fees ................................................. 1,362
Less management fee reduction - Note B ..................... (224,045)
----------
Total Expenses .................................. 446,482
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Less Expense Reductions -
Note B .......................................... (5,207)
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Net Expenses .................................... 441,275
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Net Investment Income ........................... 3,095,586
---------------------------------------------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments and
Financial Futures Contracts:
Net realized gain on investments sold ....................... 50,918
Net realized gain on financial futures contracts ............ 285,043
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
of investments ............................................. 2,001,122
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
of financial futures contracts ............................. 16,094
----------
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain on Investments and
Financial Futures Contracts ..................... 2,353,177
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Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations ....................... $5,448,763
===============================================================
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
8
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
----------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
From Operations:
Net investment income ...................................................... $3,130,162 $3,095,586
Net realized gain (loss) on investments sold and financial futures contracts (9,552) 335,961
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments and
financial futures contracts ............................................... 2,137,301 2,017,216
------------ ------------
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ...................... 5,257,911 5,448,763
------------ ------------
Distributions to Shareholders:
Distributions from net investment income
Class A - ($0.6624 and $0.6589 per share, respectively) .................. (3,076,399) (2,934,706)
Class B - ($0.5409 and $0.5717 per share, respectively) .................. (40,163) (179,625)
------------ ------------
Total Distributions to Shareholders ....................................... (3,116,562) (3,114,331)
------------ ------------
From Fund Share Transactions - Net:* ......................................... (639,088) 5,328,172
------------ ------------
Net Assets:
Beginning of period ........................................................ 55,168,762 56,671,023
------------ ------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $18,671
and $2,838, respectively) ................................................. $56,671,023 $64,333,627
============ ============
* Analysis of Fund Share Transactions:
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1998
---------------------------- ----------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
Shares sold .................................................. 465,463 $5,553,824 697,518 $8,640,665
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions 170,206 2,035,827 155,305 1,923,826
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
635,669 7,589,651 852,823 10,564,491
Less shares repurchased ...................................... (890,320) (10,619,595) (716,685) (8,867,549)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) ...................................... (254,651) ($3,029,944) 136,138 $1,696,942
============ ============ ============ ============
CLASS B**
Shares sold .................................................. 199,045 $2,385,475 323,749 $4,023,426
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions 2,219 26,681 9,129 113,319
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
201,264 2,412,156 332,878 4,136,745
Less shares repurchased ...................................... (1,755) (21,300) (40,691) (505,515)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase ................................................. 199,509 $2,390,856 292,187 $3,631,230
============ ============ ============ ============
** Class B commenced operations on October 3, 1996.
</TABLE>
The Statement of Changes in Net Assets shows how the value of net assets of the
Fund has changed since the end of the previous period. The difference reflects
net investment income, any investment gains and losses, distributions paid to
shareholders and any increase or decrease in money shareholders invested in the
Fund. The footnote illustrates the number of Fund shares sold, reinvested and
repurchased during the last two periods, along with the corresponding dollar
value.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
9
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each
period indicated, investment returns, key ratios and supplemental data are
listed as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ......... $12.43 $11.56 $11.76 $11.66 $12.12
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income ........................ 0.63 0.65 0.65 0.66 0.66(7)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments and Financial Futures Contracts . (0.75) 0.20 (0.10) 0.46 0.48
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations .......... (0.12) 0.85 0.55 1.12 1.14
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ........ (0.63) (0.65) (0.65) (0.66) (0.66)
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on
Investments Sold ........................... (0.12) -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ....................... (0.75) (0.65) (0.65) (0.66) (0.66)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ............... $11.56 $11.76 $11.66 $12.12 $12.60
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2) (0.97%) 7.66% 4.78% 9.85% 9.66%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net
Asset Value (2,3) ........................... (1.50%) 7.21% 4.30% 9.45% 9.27%
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000s omitted) ..... $54,122 $54,416 $55,169 $54,253 $58,137
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ...... 0.70% 0.70% 0.75%(4) 0.71%(4) 0.71%(4)
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net
Assets (1) .................................. 1.23% 1.15% 1.18% 1.11% 1.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets .................................. 5.28% 5.67% 5.53% 5.59% 5.28%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets (1) ...................... 4.75% 5.22% 5.05% 5.19% 4.89%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ...................... 29% 24% 36% 12% 6%
Expense and Fee Reduction Per Share .......... $0.06 $0.05 $0.06 $0.05 $0.05(7)
</TABLE>
The Financial Highlights summarizes the impact of the following factors on a
single share for each period indicated: net investment income, gains (losses),
distributions and total investment return of the Fund. It shows how the Fund's
net asset value for a share has changed since the end of the previous period.
Additionally, important relationships between some items presented in the
financial statements are expressed in ratio form.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
10
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
Financial Highlights (continued)
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
OCTOBER 3, 1996
(COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) YEAR ENDED
TO AUGUST 31, 1997 AUGUST 31, 1998
---------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS B
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ............................ $11.84 $12.12
------ ------
Net Investment Income ........................................... 0.54 0.57(7)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments and
Financial Futures Contracts .................................... 0.28 0.48
------ ------
Total from Investment Operations ............................. 0.82 1.05
------ ------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ........................... (0.54) (0.57)
------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period .................................. $12.12 $12.60
====== ======
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2) .................. 7.08%(6) 8.89%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2,3) ....... 6.72%(6) 8.50%
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000s omitted) ........................ $2,418 $6,197
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ......................... 1.41%(4,5) 1.41%(4)
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net Assets (1) ............ 1.81%(5) 1.80%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets ............ 4.82%(5) 4.58%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (1) 4.42%(5) 4.19%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ......................................... 12% 6%
Expense and Fee Reduction Per Share ............................. $0.04 $0.05(7)
</TABLE>
(1) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction
(2) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(3) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the Adviser during the periods shown.
(4) The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets for the periods ending on or
after August 31, 1996 excludes the effect of balance credits described in
Note B. If these expense reductions were included, the Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets would have been 0.70% for Class A and 1.40% for
Class B.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Not annualized.
(7) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
11
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
Schedule of Investments
August 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Schedule of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by the
Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund on August 31, 1998. It has one main category:
tax-exempt long-term bonds. The tax-exempt bonds are broken down by state or
territory. Under each state or territory is a list of the securities owned by
the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- -------- -------- ------- --------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS
Massachusetts (89.47%)
Boston City Industrial Development Financing
Auth, Sewage Facil Rev 1991 Ser Harbor Elec
Energy Co Proj ............................. 7.375% 05-15-15 BBB $250 $271,155 6.80%
Boston Water and Sewer Commission,
Gen Rev 1991 Ser A Sr Ser .................. 7.000 11-01-18 AAA 500 557,110 6.28
Gen Rev 1992 Ser A Sr Ser .................. 5.750 11-01-13 A+ 500 553,005 5.20
Boston, City of,
GO 1990 Ser A .............................. 7.375 02-01-10 A+ 350 374,486 6.89
GO 1991 Ser A MBIA ......................... 6.750 07-01-11 AAA 350 384,352 6.15
GO 1992 Ser A AMBAC ........................ 6.500 07-01-12 AAA 500 555,790 5.85
Rev Boston City Hosp FHA-Ins Mtg Ser A ..... 7.625 02-15-21 AAA 500 544,820 7.00
Brockton, City of,
State Qualified Municipal Purpose Ln of 1993 6.125 06-15-18 A- 2,000 2,139,440 5.73
Holyoke, City of,
GO School Proj Ln Act of 1948 .............. 7.650 08-01-09 BAA2 1,000 1,122,330 6.82
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Auth,
Gen Trans Sys Rev Ref 1994 Ser A ........... 7.000 03-01-14 AA- 1,000 1,241,110 5.64
Gen Trans Sys Rev 1997 Ser D ............... 5.000 03-01-22 AA- 2,250 2,231,573 5.04
Massachusetts Educational Financing Auth,
Ed Ln Rev Iss D Ser 1991A .................. 7.250 01-01-09 AAA 420 449,429 6.78
Massachusetts Health and Educational
Facilities Auth,
Rev Anna Jaques Hosp Iss Ser B ............. 6.875 10-01-12 BAA1 1,250 1,353,075 6.35
Rev Bentley College Iss Ser H .............. 6.875 07-01-12 AAA 250 273,630 6.28
Rev Boston College Iss Ser J ............... 6.625 07-01-21 AAA 1,000 1,087,180 6.09
Rev Charlton Memorial Hosp Iss Ser B ....... 7.250 07-01-13 A 2,250 2,498,220 6.53
Rev Community Colleges Prog Iss Ser A ...... 6.600 10-01-22 AAA 250 280,220 5.89
Rev Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Ser G-1 ... 6.250 12-01-22 A 500 549,055 5.69
Rev Lowell Gen Hosp Iss Ser A .............. 8.400 06-01-11 A3 600 681,342 7.40
Rev Melrose-Wakefield Hosp Iss Ser B ....... 6.350 07-01-06 A- 500 549,260 5.78
Rev Milford-Whitinsville Regional Hosp Iss
Ser C ..................................... 5.250 07-15-18 BBB- 800 782,096 5.37
Rev New England Baptist Hosp Iss Ser B ..... 7.350 07-01-17 AAA 250 277,930 6.61
Rev New England Deaconess Hosp Iss Ser D ... 6.875 04-01-22 AAA 2,210 2,469,454 6.15
Rev Northeastern Univ Iss Ser E ............ 6.550 10-01-22 AAA 1,000 1,107,760 5.91
Rev Harvard Pilgrim Health Ser A ........... 5.000 07-01-18 AAA 1,000 994,950 5.03
Rev Ref Worcester Polytechnic Institute Iss
Ser E ..................................... 6.625 09-01-17 AAA 250 279,290 5.93
Rev Reg Inverse Floater Ser 1993............ 7.600# 08-15-23 AAA 500 560,000 6.88
Rev Smith College Iss Ser D................. 5.750 07-01-24 AA- 500 527,665 5.45
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
12
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- -------- -------- ------- --------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts (continued)
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency,
Rev Insured Rental Hsg 1994 Ser A ................ 6.600% 07-01-14 AAA $1,045 $1,129,352 6.11%
Rev Residential Devel FNMA Coll Ser C ............ 6.875 11-15-11 AAA 2,000 2,191,320 6.27
Rev Residential Devel FNMA Coll Ser D ............ 6.800 11-15-12 AAA 500 542,985 6.26
Single Family Hsg Rev Ser 13 ..................... 7.950 06-01-23 A+ 150 158,064 7.54
Single Family Hsg Rev Ser 18 ..................... 7.350 12-01-16 A+ 550 582,588 6.94
Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency,
Assisted Living Facil Rev
Newton Group Properties LLC Proj ............... 8.000 09-01-27 BB 1,000 1,072,300 7.46
Assisting Living Facil Rev TNG Marina Bay
LLC Proj ....................................... 7.500 12-01-27 BB 1,000 1,046,810 7.16
Resource Recovery Rev Ref Ogden Haverhill
Proj Ser 1998A ................................. 5.600 12-01-19 BBB 1,000 1,009,710 5.55
Resource Recovery Rev Ref Ser 1993 A
Mass Refusetech Inc Proj ....................... 6.300 07-01-05 BBB 1,825 1,983,337 5.80
Rev Assumption College Iss 1996 .................. 6.000 07-01-26 AAA 1,000 1,088,560 5.51
Rev Dana Hall School Iss ......................... 5.800 07-01-17 BBB- 1,090 1,143,748 5.53
Rev Ref Emerson College Iss Ser 1991A ............ 8.900 01-01-18 BBB- 250 273,430 8.14
Rev Ref Holy Cross College Iss 1996 .............. 5.500 03-01-20 AAA 500 523,730 5.25
Rev Ref Holy Cross College Iss II Ser 1992 ....... 6.375 11-01-15 AA- 500 556,470 5.73
Rev St Johns High School Inc. .................... 5.350 06-01-28 BBB+ 1,000 995,480 5.37
Rev Ser C Glenmeadow Retirement Community ........ 8.375 02-15-18 BBB+ 1,000 1,275,660 6.57
Rev Wtr Treatment American Hingham Proj .......... 6.900 12-01-29 BBB 1,310 1,451,179 6.23
Rev Wtr Treatment American Hingham Proj .......... 6.750 12-01-20 BBB 2,000 2,203,040 6.13
Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co,
Pwr Supply Sys Rev 1992 Ser B A Pub Corp of
the Commonwealth of Mass ....................... 6.750 07-01-05 thru BBB+ 2,400 2,614,349 6.18
07-01-17
Pwr Supply Sys Rev 1992 Ser C A Pub Corp of
the Commonwealth of Mass ....................... 6.625 07-01-10 AAA 1,000 1,103,520 6.00
Pwr Supply Sys Rev 1993 Reg Inverse Floater ...... 7.020# 07-01-18 AAA 1,300 1,387,750 6.62
Massachusetts Port Auth,
Rev Ref Ser 1992 A ............................... 6.000 07-01-23 AA- 1,370 1,467,380 5.60
Rev Special Facil Ser A USAir Proj ............... 5.750 09-01-16 AAA 1,000 1,070,650 5.37
Massachusetts State,
Cons Ln - Series C** ............................. Zero 08-01-18 AA- 1,000 374,690 5.02
Massachusetts Turnpike Auth,
Metro Highway Sys Rev Cap Apprec Ser C ........... Zero 01-01-20 AAA 1,000 349,420 5.55
Massachusetts Water Resource Auth,
Gen Rev Ref 1993 Ser B ........................... 5.500 03-01-17 A 400 408,980 5.38
Gen Rev Ref 1993 Ser B ........................... 5.000 03-01-22 A 360 353,171 5.10
Gen Rev Ref 1993 Ser C ........................... 4.750 12-01-23 A 1,000 947,820 5.01
Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of,
GO Consol Ln of 1991 Ser D ....................... 6.875 07-01-10 AA- 1,500 1,652,220 6.24
Nantucket, Town of,
GO Municipal Purpose Ln of 1991 .................. 6.800 12-01-11 AAA 450 498,253 6.14
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
13
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- -------- -------- ------- --------- ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts (continued)
Plymouth, County of,
Cert of Part Ser A Plymouth County
Correctional Facil Proj................... 7.000% 04-01-22 AA- $750 $839,767 6.25%
Springfield, City of,
GO School Proj Ln Act of 1992 Ser B........ 7.100 09-01-11 BAA3 500 567,220 6.26
-----------
57,558,680
-----------
Puerto Rico (9.62%)
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Auth,
Ref Pars & Inflos Ser 1995 Gtd by the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico............... 8.120# 07-01-11 AAA 2,000 2,590,000 6.35
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Auth,
Highway Rev Cap Rites Ser Y................ 6.250 07-01-14 A 1,000 1,164,320 5.37
Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of,
GO Pub Imp Inverse Rate Securities Ser 1996 8.073# 07-01-11 AAA 1,000 1,295,000 6.35
GO Ref Pub Imp Ser 1994.................... 6.400 07-01-11 AAA 1,000 1,139,530 5.62
-----------
6,188,850
-----------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS
(Cost $58,223,788) (99.09%) 63,747,530
-------- -----------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET (0.91%) 586,097
-------- -----------
TOTAL NET ASSETS (100.00%) $64,333,627
======== ===========
</TABLE>
* Credit ratings are unaudited and rated by Standard & Poor's where
available, or Moody's Investors Service, Fitch or John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. where Standard & Poor's ratings are not available.
** This security having an aggregate value of $374,690, or 0.58% of the
Fund's net assets, has been purchased as a forward commitment - that is,
the Fund has agreed on trade date, to take delivery of and make payment
for such security on a delayed basis subsequent to the date of this
schedule. The purchase price and interest rate of such security are fixed
at trade date, although the Fund does not earn any interest on such
security until settlement date. The Fund has instructed its Custodian Bank
to segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of
the forward commitment. Accordingly, the market value of $393,680 of
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 8.120%, 07-01-11, has been
segregated to cover the forward commitment.
+ The yield is not calculated in accordance with guidelines established by
the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and is unaudited. Zero coupon
yields are at yield to maturity.
# Represents rate in effect on August 31, 1998.
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that
category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
14
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
Portfolio Concentration
August 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund invests primarily in securities issued in
the state of Massachusetts and its various political subdivisions. The
performance of this Fund is closely tied to the economic conditions within the
state and the financial condition of the state and its agencies and
municipalities. The concentration of investments by states and credit ratings
for individual securities held by the Fund are shown in the schedule of
investments. In addition, concentration of investments can be aggregated by
various categories.
The table below shows the Fund's investments at August 31, 1998 assigned to
various sector categories.
MARKET VALUE
AS A PERCENTAGE
OF FUND'S
SECTOR DISTRIBUTIONS NET ASSETS
- -------------------- ---------------
General Obligation............................................ 12.60%
Revenue Bonds - Education..................................... 14.41
Revenue Bonds - Electric Power................................ 7.94
Revenue Bonds - Facility...................................... 1.31
Revenue Bonds - Health........................................ 16.55
Revenue Bonds - Highway....................................... 0.54
Revenue Bonds - Hospital...................................... 2.84
Revenue Bonds - Housing....................................... 7.16
Revenue Bonds - Industrial Development........................ 12.30
Revenue Bonds - Other......................................... 3.29
Revenue Bonds - Transportation................................ 11.74
Revenue Bonds - Water & Sewer................................. 8.41
-----
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS 99.09%
=====
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
15
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
NOTE A -
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series Fund (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940. The Trust consists of two series: John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free
Income Fund (the "Fund") and John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund. The
other series of the Trust is reported in separate financial statements. The
investment objective of the Fund is to provide as high a level of current income
exempt from both federal income taxes and Massachusetts personal income taxes as
is consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees have authorized the issuance of multiple classes of shares of the
Fund, designated as Class A and Class B shares. The shares of each class
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and have
equal rights to voting, redemptions, dividends and liquidation, except that
certain expenses, subject to the approval of the Trustees, may be applied
differently to each class of shares in accordance with current regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service.
Shareholders of a class which bears distribution and service expenses under
terms of a distribution plan have exclusive voting rights to that distribution
plan.
Significant accounting policies of the Fund are as follows:
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS Securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on the
basis of market quotations, valuations provided by independent pricing services
or at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures
approved by the Trustees. Short-term debt investments maturing within 60 days
are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other registered
investment companies having a management contract with John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Berkeley Financial Group,
Inc., may participate in a joint repurchase agreement. Aggregate cash balances
are invested in one or more repurchase agreements, whose underlying securities
are obligations of the U.S. government and/or its agencies. The Fund's custodian
bank receives delivery of the underlying securities for the joint account on the
Fund's behalf. The Adviser is responsible for ensuring that the agreement is
fully collateralized at all times.
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS Investment transactions are recorded as of the date of
purchase, sale or maturity. Net realized gains and losses on sales of
investments are determined on the identified cost basis.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and
to distribute all of its taxable income, including any net realized gain on
investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is
required. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund has $223,313 of capital loss
carryforwards available, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future
net realized capital gains. To the extent such carryforwards are used by the
Fund, no capital gains distribution will be made. The carryforwards expire as
follows: August 31, 2003 -- $79,391, August 31, 2004 -- $137,277 and August 31,
2005 -- $6,645.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND INTEREST Interest income on investment securities
is recorded on the accrual basis.
The Fund records all distributions to shareholders from net investment income
and realized gains on the ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in
conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to each class of
shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and will be in
the same amount, except for the effect of expenses that may be applied
differently to each class.
PREMIUM AND DISCOUNT For tax-exempt issues, the Fund amortizes the amount paid
in excess of par value on securities purchased from either the date of purchase
or date of issue to date of sale, maturity or to next call date, if applicable.
The Fund accretes original issue discount from par value on securities purchased
from either the date of issue or the date of purchase over the life of the
security, as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund records market
discount on bonds purchased after April 30, 1993 at the time of disposition.
CLASS ALLOCATIONS Income, common expenses and realized and
16
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
unrealized gains (losses) are calculated at the fund level and allocated daily
to each class of shares based on the relative net assets of the respective
classes. Distribution and service fees, if any, are calculated daily at the
class level based on the appropriate net assets of each class and the specific
expense rate(s) applicable to each class.
EXPENSES The majority of the expenses of the Trust are directly identifiable to
an individual fund. Expenses which are not readily identifiable to a specific
fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into
consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and relative
sizes of the funds.
USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles incorporates estimates made by
management in determining the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses of the Fund. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
BANK BORROWINGS The Fund is permitted to have bank borrowings for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise
might require the untimely disposition of securities. These agreements enable
the Fund to participate with other funds managed by the Adviser in unsecured
lines of credit with banks which permit borrowings up to $1 billion,
collectively. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a
rate equal to 0.50% over the Fed Funds Rate. In addition, a commitment fee, at
rates ranging from 0.070% to 0.075% per annum based on the average daily unused
portion of the line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds. The
Fund had no borrowing activity for the year ended August 31, 1998.
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS The Fund may buy and sell financial futures
contracts to hedge against the effects of fluctuations in interest rates and
other market conditions. Buying futures tends to increase the Fund's exposure to
the underlying instrument. Selling futures tends to decrease the Fund's exposure
to the underlying instrument or hedge other Fund instruments. At the time the
Fund enters into a financial futures contract, it will be required to deposit
with its custodian a specified amount of cash or U.S. government securities,
known as "initial margin," equal to a certain percentage of the value of the
financial futures contract being traded. Each day, the futures contract is
valued at the official settlement price on the board of trade or U.S.
commodities exchange on which it trades. Subsequent payments, known as
"variation margin," to and from the broker are made on a daily basis as the
market price of the financial futures contract fluctuates. Daily variation
margin adjustments, arising from this "mark to market," will be recorded by the
Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a gain or loss. Risks of
entering into futures contracts include the possibility that there may be an
illiquid market and/or that a change in the value of the contracts may not
correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. In addition,
the Fund could be prevented from opening or realizing the benefits of closing
out futures positions because of position limits or limits on daily price
fluctuation imposed by an exchange.
For federal income tax purposes, the amount, character and timing of the
Fund's gains and/or losses can be affected as a result of futures contracts.
At August 31, 1998, open positions in financial futures contracts were as
follows:
UNREALIZED
EXPIRATION OPEN CONTRACTS POSITION APPRECIATION
- ---------- -------------- -------- ------------
DEC 98 20 U.S. TREASURY BONDS LONG $17,344
=======
At August 31, 1998, the Fund had deposited $36,000 in a segregated account to
cover margin requirements on open financial futures contracts.
OPTIONS The Fund may purchase options contracts. Listed options will be valued
at the last quoted sales price on the exchange on which they are primarily
traded. Purchased put or call over-the-counter options will be valued at the
average of the "bid" prices obtained from two independent brokers. Written put
or call over-the-counter options will be valued at the average of the "asked"
prices obtained from two independent brokers. Upon the writing of a call or put
option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund will be included in
the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and corresponding liability.
The amount of the liability will be subsequently marked to market to reflect the
current market value of the written option.
17
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
The Fund may use options contracts to manage its exposure to the price
volatility of financial instruments. Writing puts and buying calls will tend to
increase the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument, and buying puts and
writing calls will tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying
instrument, or hedge other Fund investments.
The maximum exposure to loss for any purchased options will be limited to the
premium initially paid for the option. In all other cases, the face (or
"notional") amount of each contract at value will reflect the maximum exposure
of the Fund in these contracts, but the actual exposure will be limited to the
change in value of the contract over the period the contract remains open.
Risks may also arise if counterparties do not perform under the contract's
terms ("credit risk"), or if the Fund is unable to offset a contract with a
counterparty on a timely basis ("liquidity risk"). Exchange-traded options have
minimal credit risk as the exchanges act as counterparties to each transaction,
and only present liquidity risk in highly unusual market conditions. To minimize
credit and liquidity risks in over-the-counter options contracts, the Fund will
continuously monitor the creditworthiness of all its counterparties.
At any particular time, except for purchased options, market or credit risk
may involve amounts in excess of those reflected in the Fund's Statement of
Assets and Liabilities.
There were no written options transactions for the year ended August 31, 1998.
NOTE B -
MANAGEMENT FEE AND TRANSACTIONS WITH
AFFILIATES AND OTHERS
Under the present investment management contract, the Fund pays a monthly
management fee to the Adviser for a continuous investment program equivalent, on
an annual basis, to the sum of (a) 0.500% of the first $250,000,000 of the
Fund's average daily net asset value, (b) 0.450% of the next $250,000,000, (c)
0.425% of the next $500,000,000, (d) 0.400% of the next $250,000,000 and (e)
0.300% of the Fund's average daily net asset value in excess of $1,250,000,000.
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the Fund's expenses further to the
extent required to prevent expenses from exceeding 0.70% and 1.40% of the
average net assets attributable to Class A and Class B, respectively.
Accordingly, for the year ended August 31, 1998, the reduction in the Adviser's
fee, collectively with any additional amounts not borne by the Fund by virtue of
the expense limit, amounted to $224,045. This limitation may be discontinued at
any time.
The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which $5,207 of
custodian fees have been reduced by balance credits applied during the year
ended August 31, 1998. If the Fund had not entered into this agreement, the
assets not invested, on which these balance credits were earned, could have
produced taxable income.
The Fund has a distribution agreement with John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH
Funds"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. For the year ended August 31,
1998, net sales charges received with regard to sales of Class A shares amounted
to $138,281. Out of this amount, $16,835 was retained and used for printing
prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes, $76,042 was paid
as sales commissions to unrelated broker-dealers and $45,404 was paid as sales
commissions to sales personnel of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
("Distributors"), a related broker-dealer. The Adviser's indirect parent, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("JHMLICo"), is the indirect sole
shareholder of Distributors.
Class B shares which are redeemed within six years of purchase will be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at declining rates beginning at
5.00% of the lesser of the current market value at the time of redemption or the
original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. Proceeds from the CDSC are
paid to JH Funds and are used in whole or in part to defray its expenses for
providing distribution related services to the Fund in connection with the sale
of Class B shares. For the year ended August 31, 1998 the contingent deferred
sales charges received by JH Funds amounted to $4,877.
In addition, to reimburse JH Funds for the services it provides as distributor
of shares of the Fund, the Fund has adopted Distribution Plans with respect to
Class A and Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Accordingly, the Fund will
18
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
make payments to JH Funds for distribution and service expenses, at an annual
rate not to exceed 0.30% of Class A average daily net assets and 1.00% of Class
B average daily net assets, to reimburse JH Funds for its distribution and
service costs. Up to a maximum of 0.25% of such payments may be service fees as
defined by the amended Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of
Securities Dealers. Under the amended Rules of Fair Practice, curtailment of a
portion of the Fund's 12b-1 payments could occur under certain circumstances.
The Fund has a transfer agent agreement with John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services"), an indirect subsidiary of JHMLICo. The Fund pays
transfer agent fees based on the number of shareholder accounts and certain
out-of-pocket expenses.
The Fund has an agreement with the Adviser to perform necessary tax and
financial management services for the Funds. The compensation for the year was
at an annual rate of less than 0.02% of the average net assets of the Fund.
Mr. Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., Ms. Anne C. Hodsdon and Mr. Richard S. Scipione
are directors and/or officers of the Adviser and/or its affiliates, as well as
Trustees of the Fund. The compensation of unaffiliated Trustees is borne by the
Fund. The unaffiliated Trustees may elect to defer for tax purposes their
receipt of this compensation under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred
Compensation Plan. The Fund makes investments into other John Hancock funds, as
applicable, to cover its liability for the deferred compensation. Investments to
cover the Fund's deferred compensation liability are recorded on the Fund's
books as an other asset. The deferred compensation liability and the related
other asset are always equal and are marked to market on a periodic basis to
reflect any income earned by the investment as well as any unrealized gains or
losses. At August 31, 1998 the Fund's investments to cover the deferred
compensation liability had unrealized appreciation of $409.
NOTE C -
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, other than obligations of the
U.S. government and its agencies and short-term securities, during the year
ended August 31, 1998, aggregated $9,562,181 and $3,321,983, respectively. There
were no purchases or sales of obligations of the U.S. government and its
agencies during the year ended August 31, 1998.
The cost of investments owned at August 31, 1998 for federal income tax
purposes was $58,223,788. Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of
investments aggregated $5,523,742 and none, respectively, resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $5,523,742.
NOTE D -
RECLASSIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS
During the year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund has reclassified amounts to
reflect a decrease in accumulated net realized loss on investments of $142, an
increase in undistributed net investment income of $2,912 and a decrease in
capital paid-in of $3,054. This represents the amount necessary to report
balances on a tax basis, excluding certain temporary differences, as of August
31, 1998. Additional adjustments may be needed in subsequent reporting periods.
These reclassifications, which have no impact on the net asset value of the
Fund, are primarily attributable to certain differences in the computation of
distributable income and capital gains under federal tax rules versus generally
accepted accounting principles. The calculation of net investment income per
share in the financial highlights excludes these adjustments.
19
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments (except for credit ratings and yields at market),
and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the
financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund (the "Fund") at
August 31, 1998, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net
assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements and
financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the
responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
October 9, 1998
TAX INFORMATION NOTICE (UNAUDITED)
For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with
respect to the distributions of the Fund for its fiscal year ended August 31,
1998.
None of the 1998 income dividends qualify for the corporate dividends received
deduction. Shareholders, who are not subject to the alternative minimum tax,
received income dividends which are 99.95% tax-exempt. The percentage of income
dividends from the Fund subject to the alternative minimum tax is 14.55%.
None of the income dividends were derived from U.S. Treasury Bills.
For specific information on exception provisions in your state, consult your
local state tax office or your tax advisor.
Shareholders will receive a 1998 U.S. Treasury Department Form 1099-DIV in
January 1999. This will reflect the total of all distributions which are taxable
for calendar year 1998.
20
<PAGE>
======================================NOTES=====================================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
21
<PAGE>
======================================NOTES=====================================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
22
<PAGE>
======================================NOTES=====================================
John Hancock Funds - Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund
23
<PAGE>
-------------
Bulk Rate
U.S. Postage
PAID
Randolph, MA
Permit No. 75
-------------
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE, BOSTON, MA 02199-7603
1-800-225-5291 1-800-554-6713 (TDD)
INTERNET: www.jhancock.com/funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This report is for the information of shareholders of the John Hancock
Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund. It may be used as sales literature when
preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus, which details charges,
investment objectives and operating policies.
[RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on Recycled Paper 7700A 8/98
10/98
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
New York
Tax-Free
Income Fund
AUGUST 31, 1998
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
<PAGE>
-------------------------------------------
TRUSTEES
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR.
DENNIS S. ARONOWITZ
RICHARD P. CHAPMAN, JR.*
WILLIAM J. COSGROVE
DOUGLAS M. COSTLE
LELAND O. ERDAHL
RICHARD A. FARRELL
GAIL D. FOSLER
WILLIAM F. GLAVIN
ANNE C. HODSDON
DR. JOHN A. MOORE
PATTI MCGILL PETERSON
JOHN W. PRATT*
RICHARD S. SCIPIONE
EDWARD SPELLMAN*
*Members of the Audit Committee
OFFICERS
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ROBERT G. FREEDMAN
Vice Chairman and
Chief Investment Officer
ANNE C. HODSDON
President and Chief Operating Officer
JAMES B. LITTLE
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
SUSAN S. NEWTON
Vice President and Secretary
JAMES J. STOKOWSKI
Vice President and Treasurer
THOMAS H. CONNORS
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
CUSTODIAN
INVESTORS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
200 CLARENDON STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
TRANSFER AGENT
JOHN HANCOCK SIGNATURE SERVICES, INC.
1 JOHN HANCOCK WAY, SUITE 1000
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02217-1000
INVESTMENT ADVISER
JOHN HANCOCK ADVISERS, INC.
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02199-7603
PRINCIPAL DISTRIBUTOR
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02199-7603
LEGAL COUNSEL
HALE AND DORR LLP
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109-1803
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
160 FEDERAL STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
-------------------------------------------
===============================CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE===============================
DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
An often-used analogy for stock market performance over the short term is a
roller coaster. That is because, while long-term history suggests the market's
general direction is up, its swings over the short term can be dramatic and, at
times, violent. Recently, the market has given us a stark example of this
phenomenon. From the new highs set in mid-July, the major indices plunged by 19%
through the end of August. It was the worst such fall since 1990. For the first
time in a number of years, some bonds and bond mutual funds outperformed stocks
and stock mutual funds. Seeking safety in a world of global economic
uncertainties, investors everywhere converged on U.S. Treasury bonds and pushed
their yields to historic lows.
[A 1" x 1" photo of Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, flush right next to second paragraph.]
For the record-breaking number of investors who have entered the market
for the first time since 1990, it was their worst taste of stock market reality.
We are pleased to report that most individual investors did not panic, and we
hope that means they've taken our words to heart. Over the long term, markets do
not move up or down in a straight line. That's why after watching the market
charge ahead almost uninterrupted for so many years, we have been striking a
more cautionary stance in this space over the last several months.
Analysts are still pondering whether the global turmoil and the prospects
for slower U.S. economic and corporate earnings growth are signs that the long
bull market has finally run its course. While we don't make a practice of
opining on what the market will do next, we continue to believe it would be wise
for investors to set more realistic expectations. Over the long term, the
market's historical results have been more in the 10% per year range, which is
still a solid result, considering it has been produced despite wars, depressions
and other social upheavals along the way.
There is no doubt, however, that the market's heightened volatility and
recent dramatic moves have been cause for concern. In these uncertain times, it
becomes even harder to remember to "stay the course" and stick to your long-term
investment plan. But this remains the essential tenet of successful investing.
Now could also be a good time to review your asset allocation with your
investment professional, keeping in mind that the last six months' divergence in
performance of stocks and high-quality bonds is a perfect example of why all
your eggs shouldn't be in one basket.
Sincerely,
/s/ Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR., CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2
<PAGE>
================================================================================
BY FRANK LUCIBELLA, CFA, BARRY EVANS, CFA, AND DIANNE SALES, CFA,
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
John Hancock New York
Tax-Free Income Fund
Strong economic environment, lower interest
rates boost N.Y. municipals
The past year was a fairly decent one for New York's municipal bond market,
although it faced several challenges. On a positive note, there was widespread
improvement in credit quality, which measures municipal issuers' ability to pay
back their debt. Among those that earned higher credit ratings were New York
City, some state agencies and the state itself. In addition, the economic
environment remained favorable: inflation remained subdued and municipal bond
prices moved higher as interest rates declined.
A couple of factors, however, conspired to keep a lid on New York municipal
bond prices and caused them to lag their Treasury counterparts. First, the
supply of new municipals was extremely large. Muni issuers, like homeowners,
often take advantage of falling interest rates by refinancing their older, more
expensive debt at lower prevailing rates. The New York Power Authority, for
example, sold a combined $1.4 billion in taxable and tax-exempt debt in order to
restructure and lower its debt-service costs. That deal was dwarfed by the
biggest deal in the national municipal market's history, which took place when
Long Island Power Authority sold $3.5 billion in municipal bonds in May to
finance its takeover of the Long Island Light Company. Second, although the
supply of New York municipals expanded, demand for them did not keep pace.
Unlike the U.S. Treasury market, the municipal market did not
"...widespread improvement in credit quality..."
[A 3 1/2" x 2 1/2" photo at bottom right of page of fund management team
members. Caption below reads "Fund management team members (l - r): Barry Evans,
Mike Roye, Dianne Sales, Frank Lucibella and Holly Morris."]
3
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
"Some of our best performers during the period were our zero coupon bonds..."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Pie Chart at the top of left hand column with the heading "Portfolio
Diversification". The chart is divided into nine sections (from top to left):
Other 20%, Water & Sewer 8%, Transportation 7%, Industrial Development 6%,
Housing 14%, Health 12%, Electric Power 5%, Education 14% and General Obligation
14%. A note below the chart reads "As a percentage of net assets on August 31,
1998."]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
experience increased buying from international investors seeking a safe haven
from global turmoil.
Performance review
For the 12-month period ended August 31, 1998, John Hancock New York Tax-Free
Income Fund's Class A and Class B shares posted total returns of 8.64% and
7.88%, respectively, at net asset value. Keep in mind that your net asset value
return will be different from the Fund's if you were not invested in the Fund
for the entire period and did not reinvest all distributions. The Fund's returns
were in line with the 8.27% return for the average New York municipal bond fund
for the same period, according to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.(1)
Longer-term performance information can be found on pages six and seven.
Some of our best performers during the period were our zero coupon bonds,
which we bought during periods when their prices were cheap. Dubbed "zeroes,"
these bonds make no periodic interest payments. Instead, they are sold at a deep
discount from their face value. Investors receive the rate of return when the
security is redeemed at face value on a specified maturity date. The reason for
their relatively strong recent performance stems from the fact that they tend to
rally more than interest-bearing bonds when interest rates fall.
Other strong performers included bonds issued by the Long Island Power
Authority (LIPA). Their quick gains in the months after they were issued made us
wary that they did not have much further room to advance. In response, we sold
our LIPA holdings to lock in profits. That served us well, although in hindsight
it appears that we sold somewhat early, because LIPA securities continued to
post further gains throughout the end of the period.
Housing bonds, on the other hand, were disappointments during the period. In
response to lower interest rates, more and more homeowners refinanced their
mortgages at lower interest rates. While that was good news for homeowners, it
was bad news for the investors who owned mortgage-backed securities. Many were
forced to reinvest the money from prepaid mortgages in new housing bonds that
carried lower interest payments.
A word about yield
Throughout the past year, the Fund maintained a very competitive yield versus
its peers, according to Lipper. We were able to do this because of our continued
stake in many of the bonds that we bought several years ago whose yields are
much higher than current yields. We also have kept a
[Table at bottom of left hand column entitled "Scorecard". The header for the
left column is "Investment" and the header for the right column is "Recent
Performance...and What's Behind the Numbers". The first listing is Zero coupon
bonds followed by an up arrow with the phrase "Rallied more than coupon-paying
bonds as rates fell." The second listing is New York City bonds followed by an
up arrow with the phrase "Continued economic strength, credit upgrade." The
third listing is Housing bonds followed by a down arrow with the phrase "Falling
rates spark prepayments." A note below the table reads "See 'Schedule of
Investments.' Investment holdings are subject to change."]
4
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Bar chart at top of left hand column with the heading "Fund Performance". Under
the heading is a note that reads "For the year ended August 31, 1998". The chart
is scaled in increments of 2% with 0% at the bottom and 10% at the top. The
first bar represents the 8.64% total return for John Hancock New York Tax-Free
Income Fund Class A. The second bar represents the 7.88% total return for John
Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund Class B and the third bar represents the
8.27% total return for the Average New York municipal bond fund. A note below
the chart reads "Total returns for John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund
are at net asset value with all distributions reinvested. The average New York
municipal bond fund is tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. (1). See the
following two pages for historical performance."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
fair amount of older and relatively high-yielding state-appropriated bonds.
Finally, we sought out high-yielding bonds issued by Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands. As U.S. territories, these islands can issue debt that is tax-exempt in
all 50 states.
We specifically avoided pushing for additional yield by adding a lot of
low-quality bonds. Generally speaking, the lower a bond's credit quality, the
higher its yield. That's because investors demand more yield as compensation for
taking on more risk that the issuer will not be able to meet its debt
obligations in a timely fashion. That said, the difference in yield between
AAA-insured munis and ones with a rating deemed below investment-grade shrunk
throughout the period to levels that looked historically small. In fact, the
difference in yield between a AAA-rated revenue bond and a B-rated revenue bond
was only about 25 basis points (0.25%) at the end of August. In our view, the
small amount of incremental yield offered by lower-quality,
below-investment-grade bonds just wasn't enough to compensate us for taking on
more credit risk.
Outlook
Our outlook for interest rates, which is the prime determinant of municipal bond
performance, is cautiously optimistic. U.S. economic growth appears to be
slowing, due in large part to the problems in Asia, and inflation appears in
check. We believe that the current lack of inflationary pressures should
eliminate the need for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. Indeed, if
global economic turmoil continues, the Fed could look to lower rates to prevent
too much of a U.S. slowdown.
It's our view that we'll see only small gains resulting from further
improvements in credit quality among New York City, New York state and its
agencies. For that reason, we've begun to gravitate toward higher-quality
issuers in the state. As far as municipal supply goes, we think it will taper
off over the next several months. The real question mark is demand. Municipals
currently are priced very cheaply relative to taxable securities. If demand for
munis remains firm, or strengthens as people look to our market for value,
municipals should have a chance to play catch-up to Treasuries.
"Municipals currently are priced very cheaply relative to taxable securities."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This commentary reflects the views of the portfolio managers through the end of
the Fund's period discussed in this report. Of course, the managers' views are
subject to change as market and other conditions warrant.
(1) Figures from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. include reinvested dividends
and do not take into account sales charges. Actual load-adjusted performance is
lower.
5
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tables on the right show the cumulative total returns and the average annual
total returns for the John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund. Total return
measures the change in value of an investment from the beginning to the end of a
period, assuming all distributions were reinvested.
For Class A shares, total return figures include a maximum applicable sales
charge of 4.50%. Class B performance reflects a maximum contingent deferred
sales charge (maximum 5% and declining to 0% over six years).
All figures represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results.
Keep in mind that the total return and share price of the Fund's investments
will fluctuate. As a result, your Fund's shares may be worth more or less than
their original cost, depending on when you sell them. Please read your
prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
Please note that a portion of the Fund's income may be subject to taxes, and
some investors may be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Also note
that capital gains are taxable.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period ended June 30, 1998
ONE FIVE TEN
YEAR YEARS YEARS
------ ------- -------
Cumulative Total Returns 3.90% 27.70% 109.36%
Average Annual Total Returns(1) 3.90% 5.01% 7.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the period ended June 30, 1998
SINCE
ONE INCEPTION
YEAR (10/3/96)
------ ---------
Cumulative Total Returns 3.03% 9.17%
Average Annual Total Returns(1) 3.03% 5.17%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YIELDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of August 31, 1998
SEC 30-DAY
YIELD
----------
John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A 3.98%
John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B 3.47%
Notes to Performance
(1) The Adviser has voluntarily reduced a portion of the management fee and
offset the custodian fees with balance credits during the period. Without
the limitation of expenses, the average annual total returns for the
one-year, five-year and ten-year periods for Class A shares would have
been 3.49%, 4.55% and 6.94%, respectively. The average annual total
returns for the one-year period and since inception for Class B shares
would have been 2.62% and 4.77%, repectively.
6
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT HAPPENED TO A $10,000 INVESTMENT...
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The charts on the right show how much a $10,000 investment in the John Hancock
New York Tax-Free Income Fund would be worth, assuming all distributions were
reinvested for the period indicated. For comparison, we've shown the same
$10,000 investment in the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index -- an unmanaged
index that includes approximately 15,000 bonds and is commonly used as a measure
of bond performance. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
________________________________________________________________________________
Line chart with the heading New York Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A, representing
the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment over the life of the fund.
Within the chart are three lines:
The first line represents the value of the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
and is equal to $22,426 as of as of August 31, 1998. The second line represents
the value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the New York Tax-Free
Income Fund on September 13, 1987, before contingent deferred sales charge, and
is equal to $22,150 as of as of August 31, 1998. The third line represents the
New York Tax-Free Income Fund, after contingent deferred sales charge and is
equal to $21,160 as of as of August 31, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Line chart with the heading New York Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B,
representing the growth of a hypothetical $10,000 investment over the life of
the fund. Within the chart are three lines:
The first line represents the value of the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
and is equal to $11,706 as of as of August 31, 1998. The second line represents
the value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the New York Tax-Free
Income Fund on October 3, 1996, before contingent deferred sales charge, and is
equal to $11,520 as of as of August 31, 1998. The third line represents the New
York Tax-Free Income Fund after contingent deferred sales charge and is equal to
$11,120 as of as of August 31, 1998.
________________________________________________________________________________
7
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
The Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the Fund's balance sheet and shows
the value of what the Fund owns, is due and owes on August 31, 1998. You'll also
find the net asset value and the maximum offering price per share as of that
date.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
August 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets:
Investments at value - Note C:
Tax-exempt long-term bonds (cost - $53,723,645) ............. $58,736,526
Cash ......................................................... 1,606,117
Receivable for investments sold .............................. 450,964
Receivable for shares sold ................................... 70,452
Interest receivable .......................................... 798,883
Other assets ................................................. 3,490
-----------
Total Assets ............................... 61,666,432
------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Payable for investments purchased ............................ 3,397,212
Dividend payable ............................................. 17,905
Payable to John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
and affiliates - Note B ..................................... 22,553
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ........................ 32,003
-----------
Total Liabilities .......................... 3,469,673
------------------------------------------------------------
Net Assets:
Capital paid-in .............................................. 53,051,222
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and
financial futures contracts ................................. 116,757
Net unrealized appreciation of investments ................... 5,013,297
Undistributed net investment income .......................... 15,483
-----------
Net Assets ................................. $58,196,759
============================================================
Net Asset Value Per Share:
(Based on net asset values and shares of beneficial
interest outstanding - unlimited number of shares
authorized with no par value)
Class A - $52,372,815/4,148,992 .............................. $12.62
==============================================================================
Class B - $5,823,944/461,375 ................................. $12.62
==============================================================================
Maximum Offering Price Per Share*
Class A - ($12.62 x 104.71%) ................................. $13.21
==============================================================================
* On single retail sales of less than $100,000. On sales of $100,000 or more and
on group sales the offering price is reduced.
The Statement of Operations summarizes the Fund's investment income earned and
expenses incurred in operating the Fund. It also shows net gains (losses) for
the period stated.
Statement of Operations
Year ended August 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Income:
Interest .................................................... $3,412,663
-----------
Expenses:
Investment management fee - Note B ......................... 286,183
Distribution and service fee - Note B
Class A .................................................. 160,285
Class B .................................................. 38,081
Transfer agent fee - Note B ................................ 65,709
Custodian fee .............................................. 55,429
Auditing fee ............................................... 21,300
Financial services fee - Note B ............................ 9,800
Printing ................................................... 8,682
Registration and filing fees ............................... 4,250
Trustees' fees ............................................. 3,435
Miscellaneous .............................................. 1,477
Legal fees ................................................. 820
Less management fee reduction - Note B ..................... (227,964)
-----------
Total Expenses ............................ 427,487
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net Investment Income ..................... 2,985,176
-----------------------------------------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and
Financial Futures Contracts:
Net realized gain on investments sold ....................... 658,578
Net realized loss on financial futures contracts ............ (43,763)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
of investments ............................................. 1,108,414
-----------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
on Investments and Financial
Futures Contracts ......................... 1,723,229
-----------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations ................. $4,708,405
===========================================================
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
8
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
-------------------------
1997 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
From Operations:
Net investment income .................................................. $3,192,853 $2,985,176
Net realized gain on investments sold and financial futures contracts .. 82,733 614,815
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments ...... 1,898,532 1,108,414
----------- -----------
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ................. 5,174,118 4,708,405
----------- -----------
Distributions to Shareholders:
Distributions from net investment income
Class A - ($0.6740 and $0.6593 per share, respectively) .............. (3,142,726) (2,827,611)
Class B - ($0.5386 and $0.5715 per share, respectively) .............. (49,467) (173,645)
----------- -----------
Total Distributions to Shareholders .................................. (3,192,193) (3,001,256)
----------- -----------
From Fund Share Transactions - Net:* ...................................... (1,710,975) (10,091)
----------- -----------
Net Assets:
Beginning of period .................................................... 56,228,751 56,499,701
----------- -----------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of
$32,712 and $15,483, respectively) ................................... $56,499,701 $58,196,759
=========== ===========
* Analysis of Fund Share Transactions:
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
------------------------------------------------------
1997 1998
-------------------------- ------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
Shares sold ......................................................... 513,776 $6,184,441 459,988 $5,734,004
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions ...... 185,671 2,241,144 164,528 2,048,356
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
699,447 8,425,585 624,516 7,782,360
Less shares repurchased ............................................. (1,036,573) (12,505,667) (891,788) (11,085,177)
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
Net decrease ........................................................ (337,126) ($4,080,082) (267,272) ($3,302,817)
========== ============ ========= ===========
CLASS B**
Shares sold ......................................................... 204,126 $2,454,367 286,752 $3,574,224
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions ...... 2,793 33,906 8,420 104,922
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
206,919 2,488,273 295,172 3,679,146
Less shares repurchased ............................................. (9,799) (119,166) (30,917) (386,420)
---------- ------------ --------- -----------
Net increase ........................................................ 197,120 $2,369,107 264,255 $3,292,726
========== ============ ========= ===========
** Class B shares commenced operations on October 3, 1996.
</TABLE>
The Statement of Changes in Net Assets shows how the value of net assets of the
Fund has changed since the end of the previous period. The difference reflects
net investment income, any investment gains and losses, distributions paid to
shareholders and any increase or decrease in money shareholders invested in the
Fund. The footnote illustrates the number of Fund shares sold, reinvested and
repurchased during the last two periods, along with the corresponding dollar
value.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
9
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each
period indicated, investment returns, key ratios and supplemental data are
listed as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................ $12.63 $11.73 $11.88 $11.83 $12.25
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income ............................................... 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.67 0.66(7)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
and Financial Futures Contracts ................................... (0.77) 0.15 (0.05) 0.42 0.37
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations ................................ (0.13) 0.80 0.61 1.09 1.03
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income .............................. (0.64) (0.65) (0.66) (0.67) (0.66)
Distributions from Net Realized Gain on Investments Sold .......... (0.13) -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ............................................. (0.77) (0.65) (0.66) (0.67) (0.66)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ...................................... $11.73 $11.88 $11.83 $12.25 $12.62
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2) ...................... (1.05%) 7.19% 5.21% 9.48% 8.64%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2,3) ........... (1.58%) 6.74% 4.77% 9.08% 8.24%
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000s omitted) ............................ $55,690 $55,753 $56,229 $54,086 $52,373
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............................. 0.70% 0.70% 0.73%(4) 0.71%(4) 0.70%
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net Assets (1) ................ 1.23% 1.15% 1.14% 1.11% 1.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets ................ 5.28% 5.67% 5.51% 5.61% 5.26%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (1) ... 4.75% 5.22% 5.07% 5.21% 4.86%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................................. 23% 70% 76% 46% 46%
Expense and Fee Reduction Per Share ................................. $0.06 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05 $0.05(7)
</TABLE>
The Financial Highlights summarizes the impact of the following factors on a
single share for each period indicated: net investment income, gains (losses),
distributions and total investment return of the Fund. It shows how the Fund's
net asset value for a share has changed since the end of the previous period.
Additionally, important relationships between some items presented in the
financial statements are expressed in ratio form.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
10
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Financial Highlights (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
OCTOBER 3, 1996
(COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS) YEAR ENDED
TO AUGUST 31, 1997 AUGUST 31, 1998
---------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS B
Per Share Operating Performance
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................................ $11.99 $12.25
------ ------
Net Investment Income ............................................... 0.54 0.57(7)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ..................... 0.26 0.37
------ ------
Total from Investment Operations ................................ 0.80 0.94
------ ------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income .............................. (0.54) (0.57)
------ ------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ...................................... $12.25 $12.62
====== ======
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2) ...................... 6.82%(6) 7.88%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset Value (2,3) ........... 6.46%(6) 7.48%
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000s omitted) ............................ $2,414 $5,824
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............................. 1.41%(4,5) 1.40%
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net Assets (1) ................ 1.81%(5) 1.80%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets ................ 4.79%(5) 4.56%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (1) ... 4.39%(5) 4.16%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................................. 46% 46%
Expense and Fee Reduction Per Share ................................. $0.04 $0.05(7)
</TABLE>
(1) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(2) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(3) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(4) The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets for the periods ending on or
after August 31, 1996 excludes the effect of balance credits described in
Note B. If these expense reductions were included, the Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets would have been 0.70% for Class A and 1.40% for
Class B.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Not annualized.
(7) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
11
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Schedule of Investments
August 31, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Schedule of Investments is a complete list of all securities owned by the
New York Tax-Free Income Fund on August 31, 1998. The schedule consists of one
main category: tax-exempt long-term bonds. The tax-exempt bonds are broken down
by state or territory. Under each state or territory is a list of the securities
owned by the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- ---- ---- ------- -------- ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS
New York (90.86%)
Dutchess County Resource Recovery Agency,
Resource Recovery Rev Solid Waste Sys Ser A**............. 5.450% 01-01-14 AAA $1,000 $1,015,920 5.36%
Solid Waste Mgmt Sys Rev Ser 1990 A....................... 7.500 01-01-09 AAA 250 267,297 7.01
Glen Cove Housing Auth,
Rev Sr Living Facil The Mayfair Proj...................... 8.250 10-01-26 BB+ 1,000 1,122,440 7.35
Islip Community Development Agency,
Community Dev Rev Ref NY Institute of Technology Proj..... 7.500 03-01-26 BB- 1,500 1,671,390 6.73
Metropolitan Transportation Auth,
Commuter Facil Rev 1987 Serv Contract Ser 3............... 7.375 07-01-08 BBB+ 1,000 1,184,930 6.22
Commuter Facil Rev 1992 Serv Contract Ser N............... 7.125 07-01-09 BBB+ 1,000 1,115,020 6.39
Transit Facil Rev Ref Serv Contract Ser 8................. 5.375 07-01-21 BBB+ 500 510,465 5.26
Nassau County Industrial Development Agency,
Civic Facil Rev Cap Apprec Ref Hofstra Univ Proj.......... Zero 07-01-17 AAA 1,280 511,526 4.93
New York City Housing Development Corp,
Multi-Family Mtg Rev FHA Ins Mtg Ln 1993 Ser A............ 6.550 10-01-15 AAA 1,000 1,067,640 6.14
New York City Industrial Development Agency,
Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogen Partners......................... 6.200 10-01-22 BBB- 1,000 1,121,580 5.53
Civic Facil Rev College of New Rochelle Proj.............. 5.750 09-01-17 BAA2 1,000 1,049,050 5.48
Rev Ref LaGuardia Assoc LP Proj***........................ 6.000 11-01-28 BB+ 500 499,190 6.01
Solid Waste Disposal Rev 1995 Visy Paper NY Inc Proj...... 7.950 01-01-28 BB 1,000 1,168,480 6.80
Spec Facil Rev 1990 American Airlines Inc Proj............ 8.000 07-01-20 BBB- 400 413,240 7.74
New York City Municipal Water Finance Auth,
Wtr & Swr Sys Rev 1996 Ser B.............................. 6.250 06-15-20 AAA 1,000 1,150,780 5.43
Wtr & Swr Sys Rev Cap Apprec 1998 Ser D................... Zero 06-15-19 A- 1,750 616,770 5.08
New York Local Government Assistance Corp,
Rev Ref 1993 Ser C........................................ 5.500 04-01-17 A+ 1,000 1,081,530 5.09
Rev Ref Cap Apprec Ser 1993 C............................. Zero 04-01-14 AAA 1,100 520,487 4.86
Ser 1991 A Pub Benefit Corp............................... 7.250 04-01-18 AAA 1,000 1,104,060 6.57
Ser 1992 A Pub Benefit Corp............................... 6.875 04-01-19 A+ 2,000 2,238,360 6.14
New York State Dormitory Auth,
City Univ Rev Iss Ser U Preref............................ 6.375 07-01-08 BBB+ 290 320,311 5.77
City Univ Rev Iss Ser U Unref Bal......................... 6.375 07-01-08 BBB+ 210 228,646 5.86
City Univ Sys Consol Rev Ser 1990A........................ 7.625 07-01-20 BBB+ 485 528,112 7.00
Genessee Valley Presbyterian Nursing Center FHA-Ins Mtg
Rev Ser 1992B........................................... 6.850 08-01-16 AA 250 273,112 6.27
KMH Homes Inc FHA-Ins Mtg Rev Ser 1991.................... 6.950 08-01-31 AA 1,200 1,299,852 6.42
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
12
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- ---- ---- ------- -------- ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York (continued)
New York State Dormitory Auth (continued),
Manhattanville College Ins Rev Ser 1990................... 7.500% 07-01-22 AAA $305 $331,440 6.90%
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Ctr Rev................... Zero 07-01-18 AAA 2,500 949,725 4.94
Nyack Hosp Rev Ser 1996................................... 6.250 07-01-13 BAA 500 538,975 5.80
State Univ Ed Facil Rev Ser 1990A......................... 7.700 05-15-12 A- 300 325,662 7.09
State Univ Ed Facil Rev Ser 1993A......................... 5.500 05-15-19 A- 2,000 2,144,020 5.13
State Univ Ed Facil Rev Ser 1993A......................... 5.250 05-15-15 AAA 1,000 1,063,090 4.94
United Hlth Serv Inc FHA-Ins Mtg Rev Ser 1989............. 7.350 08-01-29 AAA 200 213,984 6.87
Univ of Rochester Rev Ser 1987 Unref Bal.................. 6.500 07-01-09 A+ 20 20,347 6.39
New York State Energy Research and Development Auth,
Elec Facil Rev Ser 1990 A Consol Edison Co of NY Inc Proj. 7.500 07-01-25 A+ 260 269,771 7.23
Elec Facil Rev Ser 1991 A Consol Edison Co of NY Inc Proj. 7.500 01-01-26 A+ 420 441,785 7.13
New York State Environmental Facilities Corp,
State Wtr Poll Control Rev Rites Ser PA-174............... 9.439# 06-15-11 AAA 500 722,500 6.53
State Wtr Poll Control Revolving Fund Rev Ser 1990A....... 7.500 06-15-12 AA- 630 681,811 6.93
State Wtr Poll Control Revolving Fund
Rev Ser 1991E Unref Bal................................. 6.875 06-15-11 AA+ 40 43,764 6.28
New York State Housing Finance Agency,
Ins Multi-Family Mtg Hsg 1992 Ser C....................... 6.450 08-15-14 AAA 500 532,640 6.05
Ins Multi-Family Mtg Hsg 1994 Ser B....................... 6.250 08-15-14 AAA 750 813,540 5.76
Ins Multi-Family Mtg Hsg 1994 Ser C....................... 6.450 08-15-14 AA2 1,000 1,083,740 5.95
New York State Medical Care Facilities Finance Agency,
Hosp & Nursing Home Ins Mtg Rev 1992 Ser B Preref......... 6.950 02-15-32 AA 170 189,700 6.23
Hosp & Nursing Home Ins Mtg Rev 1992 Ser B Unref Bal...... 6.950 02-15-32 AA 830 926,180 6.23
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1990 Ser B Preref.......... 7.875 08-15-20 AAA 175 192,064 7.18
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1990 Ser B Unref Bal....... 7.875 08-15-20 A- 65 71,010 7.21
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1991 Ser A Preref.......... 7.750 08-15-11 AAA 205 227,700 6.98
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1991 Ser A Unref Bal....... 7.750 08-15-11 A- 20 22,035 7.03
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1991 Ser B Preref.......... 7.625 08-15-17 A- 80 89,096 6.85
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1991 Ser B Unref Bal....... 7.625 08-15-17 A- 165 185,386 6.79
Mental Hlth Serv Facil Imp Rev 1991 Ser C Unref Bal....... 7.300 02-15-21 A- 35 38,646 6.61
Rev Mental Hlth Serv Ser E................................ 6.250 08-15-19 AAA 1,500 1,683,090 5.57
New York State Mortgage Agency,
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser 27.................................. 6.900 04-01-15 AA2 1,175 1,266,638 6.40
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser 28.................................. 7.050 10-01-23 AA2 500 534,785 6.59
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser 57.................................. 6.300 10-01-17 AA2 500 546,405 5.76
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser BB-2................................ 7.950 10-01-15 AA2 230 239,430 7.64
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser EE-4................................ 7.800 10-01-13 AA2 300 316,866 7.38
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser JJ.................................. 7.500 10-01-17 AA2 330 344,619 7.18
Homeowner Mtg Rev Ser VV.................................. 7.375 10-01-11 AA2 195 208,469 6.90
New York State Power Auth,
Gen Purpose Ser W......................................... 6.500 01-01-08 AAA 250 286,883 5.66
New York State Thruway Auth,
Local Highway & Bridge Serv Contract Rev Ser 1998A-2...... 5.000 04-01-18 AAA 1,000 998,720 5.01
New York State Urban Development Corp,
Rev Ser 1990 Onondaga County Convention Center Proj....... 7.875 01-01-20 BBB+ 250 277,460 7.10
Rev Ser 7 Correctional Cap Facil Proj..................... 5.700 01-01-16 BBB+ 500 526,700 5.41
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
13
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY CREDIT (000s MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING* OMITTED) VALUE MARKET +
- -------------------------- ---- ---- ------- -------- ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York (continued)
New York, City of,
GO Fiscal 1991 Ser B...................................... 8.250% 06-01-07 A- $200 $253,948 6.50%
GO Fiscal 1991 Ser D Preref............................... 8.000 08-01-04 A- 220 248,622 7.08
GO Fiscal 1991 Ser D Unref Bal............................ 8.000 08-01-04 A- 30 33,619 7.14
GO Fiscal 1991 Ser F Preref............................... 8.200 11-15-03 AAA 205 235,092 7.15
GO Fiscal 1991 Ser F Unref Bal............................ 8.200 11-15-03 A- 45 51,136 7.22
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser A Preref............................... 7.750 08-15-12 A- 240 269,914 6.89
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser A Unref Bal............................ 7.750 08-15-12 A- 10 11,151 6.95
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser B Preref............................... 7.000 10-01-13 A- 470 531,655 6.19
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser B Unref Bal............................ 7.000 10-01-13 A- 30 33,524 6.26
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser C Unref Bal............................ 7.500 08-01-21 A- 20 22,568 6.65
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser H Preref............................... 7.000 02-01-22 A- 595 662,479 6.29
GO Fiscal 1992 Ser H Unref Bal............................ 7.000 02-01-22 A- 25 27,480 6.37
GO Fiscal 1996 Ser C...................................... 5.875 02-01-16 A- 1,000 1,072,840 5.48
GO Fiscal 1996 Ser G...................................... 5.750 02-01-17 A- 1,000 1,060,830 5.42
New York, State of,
GO Environmental Quality Fiscal 1994...................... 6.500 12-01-14 A 1,000 1,150,180 5.65
Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency,
Civic Facil Rev 1993 Ser B Community Gen Hosp
of Greater Syracuse Proj................................ 6.625 01-01-18 BBB 895 961,597 6.17
Port Auth of New York and New Jersey,
Spec Proj KIAC Partners Proj Ser 4........................ 6.750 10-01-19 BBB 2,500 2,766,700 6.10
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Auth,
Gen Purpose Rev Ref Ser 1997A............................. 5.250 01-01-28 A+ 1,000 1,011,860 5.19
Gen Purpose Rev Ser 1993.................................. Zero 01-01-21 AAA 1,500 503,295 4.95
Spec Oblig Ref Ser 1991B.................................. 6.875 01-01-15 A- 500 541,330 6.35
-----------
52,878,684
-----------
Puerto Rico (8.29%)
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Auth,
Ref Pars & Inflos Ser 1995 Gtd by the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico............................. 8.120# 07-01-11 AAA 2,000 2,590,000 6.27
Puerto Rico Public Building Auth,
Rev Gtd Govt Facil Ser A.................................. 6.250 07-01-12 AAA 1,110 1,304,572 5.32
Puerto Rico, Commonwealth of,
GO Cap Apprec Ref Pub Imp Ser 1998........................ Zero 07-01-14 A 2,000 927,860 4.91
-----------
4,822,432
-----------
Virgin Islands (1.78%)
Virgin Islands Public Finance Auth,
Rev Sub Lien Fund Ln Notes Ser 1998E...................... 5.875 10-01-18 BB+ 1,000 1,035,410 5.67
-----------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS
(Cost $53,723,645) (100.93%) 58,736,526
-------- -----------
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET (0.93%) (539,767)
-------- -----------
TOTAL NET ASSETS (100.00%) $58,196,759
======== ===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
14
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
NOTES TO THE SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
* Credit ratings are unaudited and rated by Standard & Poor's where available,
or Moody's Investors Service, Fitch or John Hancock Advisers, Inc. where
Standard & Poor's ratings are not available.
** This security having an aggregate value of $1,015,920, or 1.75% of the
Fund's net assets, has been purchased on a when-issued basis. The purchase
price and the interest rate of such securities are fixed at trade date,
although the Fund does not earn any interest on such securities until
settlement date. The Fund has instructed its Custodian Bank to segregate
assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of its when-issued
commitment. Accordingly, the market value of $1,083,915 of Puerto Rico
Aqueduct and Sewer Auth, 8.120%, 07-01-11, has been segregated to cover the
when-issued commitment.
*** This security having an aggregate value of $499,190, or 0.86% of the Fund's
net assets, has been purchased as a forward commitment - that is, the Fund
has agreed on trade date to take delivery of and make payment for such
security on a delayed basis subsequent to the date of this schedule. The
purchase price and interest rate of such security is fixed at trade date,
although the Fund does not earn any interest on such security until
settlement date. The Fund has instructed its Custodian Bank to segregate
assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of the forward
commitment. Accordingly, the market value of $532,245 of Puerto Rico
Aqueduct and Sewer Auth, 8.120%, 07-01-11, has been segregated to cover the
forward commitment.
+ The yield is not calculated in accordance with guidelines established by the
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and is unaudited. Zero coupon yields
are at yield to maturity.
# Represents rate in effect on August 31, 1998.
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that
category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
15
<PAGE>
==============================FINANCIAL STATEMENTS==============================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Portfolio Concentration
August 31, 1998 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The New York Tax-Free Income Fund invests primarily in securities issued by the
state of New York and its various political subdivisions. The performance of the
Fund is closely tied to the economic conditions within the state and the
financial condition of the state and its agencies and municipalities. The
concentration of investments by states and credit ratings for individual
securities held by the Fund are shown in the schedule of investments. In
addition, the concentration of investments can be aggregated by various sector
categories.
The table below shows the Fund's investments at August 31, 1998 assigned to the
various sector categories.
MARKET VALUE
AS A PERCENTAGE
OF THE FUND'S
SECTOR DISTRIBUTION NET ASSETS
- ------------------- ----------
General Obligation........................................ 13.57%
Revenue Bonds - Combined.................................. 2.91
Revenue Bonds - Education................................. 14.08
Revenue Bonds - Electric Power............................ 5.25
Revenue Bonds - Environment............................... 1.24
Revenue Bonds - General Purpose........................... 1.74
Revenue Bonds - Health.................................... 11.88
Revenue Bonds - Hospital.................................. 1.63
Revenue Bonds - Housing................................... 13.88
Revenue Bonds - Industrial Development.................... 5.87
Revenue Bonds - Other..................................... 10.74
Revenue Bonds - Solid Waste Disposal...................... 2.20
Revenue Bonds - Transportation............................ 6.62
Revenue Bonds - Turnpike.................................. 1.72
Revenue Bonds - Water & Sewer............................. 7.60
------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS 100.93%
======
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
16
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
NOTE A -
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series Fund (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940. The Trust consists of two series: John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income
Fund (the "Fund") and John Hancock Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund. The other
series of the Trust is reported in separate financial statements. The investment
objective of the Fund is to provide as high a level of current income exempt
from both federal income taxes and New York personal income taxes as is
consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees have authorized the issuance of multiple classes of shares of
the Fund, designated as Class A and Class B shares. The shares of each class
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and have
equal rights to voting, redemptions, dividends and liquidation, except that
certain expenses, subject to the approval of the Trustees, may be applied
differently to each class of shares in accordance with current regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Service.
Shareholders of a class which bears distribution and service expenses under
terms of a distribution plan have exclusive voting rights to that distribution
plan.
Significant accounting policies of the Fund are as follows:
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS Securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on the
basis of market quotations, valuations provided by independent pricing services
or at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures
approved by the Trustees. Short-term debt investments maturing within 60 days
are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other registered
investment companies having a management contract with John Hancock Advisers,
Inc. (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Berkeley Financial Group,
Inc., may participate in a joint repurchase agreement. Aggregate cash balances
are invested in one or more repurchase agreements, whose underlying securities
are obligations of the U.S. government and/or its agencies. The Fund's custodian
bank receives delivery of the underlying securities for the joint account on the
Fund's behalf. The Adviser is responsible for ensuring that the agreement is
fully collateralized at all times.
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS Investment transactions are recorded as of the date of
purchase, sale or maturity. Net realized gains and losses on sales of
investments are determined on the identified cost basis.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and
to distribute all of its taxable income, including any net realized gain on
investments, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is
required.
DIVIDENDS, INTEREST AND DISTRIBUTIONS Interest income on investment securities
is recorded on the accrual basis.
The Fund records all distributions to shareholders from net investment income
and realized gains on the ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in
conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. Dividends paid by the Fund with respect to each class of
shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time and will be in
the same amount, except for the effect of expenses that may be applied
differently to each class.
PREMIUM AND DISCOUNT For tax-exempt issues, the Fund amortizes the amount paid
in excess of par value on securities purchased from either the date of purchase
or date of issue to date of sale, maturity or to next call date, if applicable.
The Fund accretes original issue discount from par value on securities purchased
from either the date of issue or the date of purchase over the life of the
security, as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund records market
discount on bonds purchased after April 30, 1993 at the time of disposition.
CLASS ALLOCATIONS Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains
(losses) are calculated at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of
shares based on the relative net assets of the respective classes. Distribution
and service fees, if any, are calculated daily at the class level based on the
appropriate net assets of each class and the specific expense rate(s) applicable
to each class.
17
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
EXPENSES The majority of the expenses of the Trust are directly identifiable to
an individual fund. Expenses which are not readily identifiable to a specific
fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into
consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and relative
sizes of the funds.
USE OF ESTIMATES The preparation of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles incorporates estimates made by
management in determining the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses of the Fund. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
BANK BORROWINGS The Fund is permitted to have bank borrowings for temporary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise
might require the untimely disposition of securities. These agreements enable
the Fund to participate with other funds managed by the Adviser in unsecured
lines of credit with banks which permit borrowings up to $1 billion,
collectively. Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a
rate equal to 0.50% over the Fed Funds Rate. In addition, a commitment fee, at
rates ranging from 0.070% to 0.075% per annum based on the average daily unused
portion of the line of credit, is allocated among the participating funds. The
Fund had no borrowing activity for the year ended August 31, 1998.
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS The Fund may buy and sell financial futures
contracts to hedge against the effects of fluctuations in interest rates and
other market conditions. Buying futures tends to increase the Fund's exposure to
the underlying instrument. Selling futures tends to decrease the Fund's exposure
to the underlying instrument or hedge other Fund instruments. At the time the
Fund enters into a financial futures contract, it will be required to deposit
with its custodian a specified amount of cash or U.S. government securities,
known as "initial margin," equal to a certain percentage of the value of the
financial futures contract being traded. Each day, the futures contract is
valued at the official settlement price on the board of trade or U.S.
commodities exchange on which it trades. Subsequent payments, known as
"variation margin," to and from the broker are made on a daily basis as the
market price of the financial futures contract fluctuates. Daily variation
margin adjustments, arising from this "mark to market," will be recorded by the
Fund as unrealized gains or losses.
When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a gain or loss. Risks of
entering into futures contracts include the possibility that there may be an
illiquid market and/or that a change in the value of the contracts may not
correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. In addition,
the Fund could be prevented from opening or realizing the benefits of closing
out futures positions because of position limits or limits on daily price
fluctuation imposed by an exchange.
For federal income tax purposes, the amount, character and timing of the
Fund's gains and/or losses can be affected as a result of futures contracts.
At August 31, 1998, there were no open positions in financial futures
contracts.
OPTIONS The Fund may purchase options contracts. Listed options will be valued
at the last quoted sales price on the exchange on which they are primarily
traded. Purchased put or call over-the-counter options will be valued at the
average of the "bid" prices obtained from two independent brokers. Written put
or call over-the-counter options will be valued at the average of the "asked"
prices obtained from two independent brokers. Upon the writing of a call or put
option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund will be included in
the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset and corresponding liability.
The amount of the liability will be subsequently marked to market to reflect the
current market value of the written option.
The Fund may use options contracts to manage its exposure to the price
volatility of financial instruments. Writing puts and buying calls will tend to
increase the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument and buying puts and
writing calls will tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying
instrument, or hedge other Fund investments.
The maximum exposure to loss for any purchased options will be limited to the
premium initially paid for the option. In all other cases, the face (or
"notional") amount of each contract at value will reflect the maximum exposure
of the Fund in these contracts, but the actual exposure will be limited to the
change in value of the contract over the period the contract remains open.
18
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==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Risks may also arise if counterparties do not perform under the contract's
terms ("credit risk"), or if the Fund is unable to offset a contract with a
counterparty on a timely basis ("liquidity risk"). Exchange-traded options have
minimal credit risk as the exchanges act as counterparties to each transaction,
and only present liquidity risk in highly unusual market conditions. To minimize
credit and liquidity risks in over-the-counter options contracts, the Fund will
continuously monitor the creditworthiness of all its counterparties.
At any particular time, except for purchased options, market or credit risk
may involve amounts in excess of those reflected in the Fund's Statement of
Assets and Liabilities.
There were no written options transactions for the year ended August 31,
1998.
NOTE B -
MANAGEMENT FEE AND TRANSACTIONS
WITH AFFILIATES AND OTHERS
Under the present investment management contract, the Fund pays a monthly
management fee to the Adviser for a continuous investment program equivalent, on
an annual basis, to the sum of (a) 0.500% of the first $250,000,000 of the
Fund's average daily net asset value, (b) 0.450% of the next $250,000,000, (c)
0.425% of the next $500,000,000, (d) 0.400% of the next $250,000,000 and (e)
0.300% of the Fund's average daily net asset value in excess of $1,250,000,000.
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the Fund's expenses further to
the extent required to prevent expenses from exceeding 0.70% and 1.40% of the
average net assets attributable to Class A and Class B, respectively.
Accordingly, for the year ended August 31, 1998, the reduction in the Adviser's
fee collectively with any additional amounts not borne by the Fund by virtue of
the expense limit amounted to $227,964. This limitation may be discontinued at
any time.
The Fund has a distribution agreement with John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH
Funds"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser. For the year ended August 31,
1998, net sales charges received with regard to sales of Class A shares amounted
to $18,852. Out of this amount, $4,561 was retained and used for printing
prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes, $4,589 was paid
as sales commissions to unrelated broker-dealers and $9,702 was paid as sales
commissions to sales personnel of John Hancock Distributors, Inc.
("Distributors"), a related broker-dealer. The Adviser's indirect parent, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("JHMLICo"), is the indirect sole
shareholder of Distributors.
Class B shares which are redeemed within six years of purchase will be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at declining rates
beginning at 5.0% of the lesser of the current market value at the time of
redemption or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. Proceeds
from the CDSC are paid to JH Funds and are used in whole or in part to defray
its expenses for providing distribution related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of Class B shares. For the year ended August 31, 1998
the contingent deferred sales charges received by JH Funds amounted to $7,148.
In addition, to reimburse JH Funds for the services it provides as
distributor of shares of the Fund, the Fund has adopted Distribution Plans with
respect to Class A and Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, the Fund will make payments to JH
Funds for distribution and service expenses, at an annual rate not to exceed
0.30% of Class A average daily net assets and 1.00% of Class B average daily net
assets, to reimburse JH Funds for its distribution and service costs. Up to a
maximum of 0.25% of such payments may be service fees as defined by the amended
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers. Under
the amended Rules of Fair Practice, curtailment of a portion of the Fund's 12b-1
payments could occur under certain circumstances.
The Fund has a transfer agent agreement with John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc. ("Signature Services"), an indirect subsidiary of JHMLICo. The Fund pays
transfer agent fees based on the number of shareholder accounts and certain
out-of-pocket expenses.
The Fund has an agreement with the Adviser to perform necessary tax and
financial management services for the Fund. The compensation for the year was at
an annual rate of less than 0.02% of the average net assets of the Fund.
19
<PAGE>
==========================NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS=========================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Mr. Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., Ms. Anne C. Hodsdon and Mr. Richard S. Scipione
are directors and/or officers of the Adviser and/or its affiliates, as well as
Trustees of the Fund. The compensation of unaffiliated Trustees is borne by the
Fund. The unaffiliated Trustees may elect to defer, for tax purposes, their
receipt of this compensation under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred
Compensation Plan. The Fund makes investments into other John Hancock funds, as
applicable, to cover its liability for the deferred compensation. Investments to
cover the Fund's deferred compensation liability are recorded on the Fund's
books as an other asset. The deferred compensation liability and the related
other asset are always equal and are marked to market on a periodic basis to
reflect any income earned by the investment as well as any unrealized gains or
losses. At August 31, 1998 the Fund's investments to cover the deferred
compensation liability had unrealized appreciation of $416.
NOTE C -
INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, other than obligations of the
U.S. government and its agencies and short-term securities, during the year
ended August 31, 1998, aggregated $24,899,451 and $23,819,501, respectively.
There were no purchases or sales of obligations of the U.S. government and its
agencies during the year ended August 31, 1998.
The cost of investments owned at August 31, 1998 for federal income tax
purposes was $53,723,645. Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of
investments aggregated $5,022,418 and $9,537 respectively, resulting in net
unrealized appreciation of $5,012,881.
NOTE D -
RECLASSIFICATION OF ACCOUNTS
During the year ended August 31, 1998, the Fund has reclassified amounts to
reflect an increase in accumulated net realized gain on investments of $8,617, a
decrease in undistributed net investment income of $1,149 and a decrease in
capital paid-in of $7,468. This represents the amount necessary to report
balances on a tax basis, excluding certain temporary differences, as of August
31, 1998. Additional adjustments may be needed in subsequent reporting periods.
These reclassifications, which have no impact on the net asset value of the
Fund, are primarily attributable to certain differences in the computation of
distributable income and capital gains under federal tax rules versus generally
accepted accounting principles. The calculation of net investment income per
share in the financial highlights excludes these adjustments.
20
<PAGE>
================================================================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments (except for credit ratings and yields at market),
and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the
financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of John Hancock New York Tax-Free Income Fund (the "Fund") at August
31, 1998, and the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and
the financial highlights for the periods indicated, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles. These financial statements and financial
highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the
responsibility of the Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at August 31, 1998 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the application of alternative
auditing procedures where confirmations from brokers were not received, provide
a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
October 9, 1998
TAX INFORMATION NOTICE (UNAUDITED)
For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with
respect to the distributions of the Fund for its fiscal year ended August 31,
1998.
None of the 1998 income dividends qualify for the corporate dividends
received deduction. Shareholders, who are not subject to the alternative minimum
tax, received income dividends which are 99.92% tax-exempt. The percentage of
income dividends from the Fund subject to the alternative minimum tax is 14.65%.
None of the income dividends were derived from U.S. Treasury Bills.
For specific information on exception provisions in your state, consult your
local state tax office or your tax advisor.
Shareholders will receive a 1998 U.S. Treasury Department Form 1099-DIV in
January 1999. This will reflect the total of all distributions which are taxable
for calendar year 1998.
21
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======================================NOTES=====================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
22
<PAGE>
======================================NOTES=====================================
John Hancock Funds - New York Tax-Free Income Fund
23
<PAGE>
================================================================================
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