<PAGE> 1
John Hancock Funds
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CALIFORNIA
TAX-FREE
INCOME FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 1995
<PAGE> 2
TRUSTEES
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR.
JAMES F. CARLIN*
WILLIAM H. CUNNINGHAM*
CHARLES L. LADNER*
LEO E. LINBECK, JR.*
PATRICIA P. MCCARTER*
STEVEN R. PRUCHANSKY*
LT. GEN. NORMAN H. SMITH, USMC (RET.)*
JOHN P. TOOLAN*
*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
THOMAS H. DROHAN
Senior Vice President and Secretary
JAMES B. LITTLE
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
SUSAN S. NEWTON
Vice President and Compliance Officer
JAMES J. STOKOWSKI
Vice President and Treasurer
CUSTODIAN
INVESTORS BANK & TRUST COMPANY
89 SOUTH STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02111
TRANSFER AGENT
JOHN HANCOCK INVESTOR SERVICES CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 9116
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02205-9116
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
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
200 CLARENDON STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116-5072
CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS:
A 1 1/4" x 1" photo of Edward J. Boudreau Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, flush right, next to second paragraph.
The stock market's record-breaking, whirlwind performance in 1995 will be a
tough act to follow in 1996. In fact, we've already seen greater market
volatility this year, particularly among last year's leaders -- technology
stocks. That's to be expected after a year that saw market indexes soar,
including the Standard & Poor's 500-Stock Index's 37% advance. While many of the
same economic conditions that fostered the stellar 1995 market are still in
place -- slow economic growth, muted inflation and decent corporate earnings --
it would be unrealistic to expect the market to stage a repeat in 1996. The old
saying "trees don't grow to the sky" comes to mind. Shareholders would do well
to temper expectations of investment returns and perhaps revisit their
investment allocations with their financial advisor to determine if rebalancing
their portfolio makes sense.
No matter how you scale back your market expectations, you should always be
able to count on consistent customer service performance. At John Hancock Funds,
we never stop working to find ways to sustain and improve the quality of
information and the level of assistance we provide you. Our commitment to this
task is no less than John Hancock's loyalty was to his fledgling country when he
is said to have uttered, "if it does the public good, burn Boston." We won't go
that far, of course, but we share our namesake's dedication to putting the
public before all else.
In our case, that public is you, our shareholders. We take very seriously the
role you have entrusted to us, that of helping you achieve your financial goals.
Part of that will always involve good customer service. So please do not
hesitate to call your Customer Service Representative at 1-800-225-5291 if you
have any questions or need information. We take pride in helping you with the
same spirit that John Hancock displayed at the dawning of America.
Sincerely,
/s/ Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
- ---------------------------
EDWARD J. BOUDREAU, JR., CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
2
<PAGE> 3
BY DIANNE SALES-SINGER, FOR THE PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM
JOHN HANCOCK
CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE
INCOME FUND
Municipal bond market enjoyed one of
best years in nearly a decade
Last autumn, shareholders in the California portfolio of John Hancock Tax-Exempt
Series Fund approved the merger of their portfolio with John Hancock California
Tax-Free Income Fund. The merger was effective September 15, 1995.
A 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" photo of Dianne Sales-Singer at bottom center. Caption reads:
"Dianne Sales-Singer."
In 1995, municipal bonds posted some of their best gains in nearly a decade and
enjoyed an impressive comeback from a difficult 1994. In hindsight, it's evident
that the municipal bond market reached a bottom in late 1994 after suffering
from rising interest rates and relatively weak demand. But in 1995, the opposite
held true. Falling interest rates and positive supply/demand fundamentals
ignited a healthy rebound for the municipal bond market.
While municipals outperformed Treasury securities in the first quarter of
1995, a flurry of media coverage about various flat-tax proposals in the second
quarter gave the market an excuse to consolidate. Both the national municipal
market and the California municipal market hit another hurdle in late June, when
Orange County voters failed to approve a sales tax increase to help deal with
the county's investment losses.
But by the second half of the year, municipals -- which were priced
attractively relative to taxable bonds at the time -- began to move up again as
supply waned and demand strengthened. Two interest rate cuts by the Federal
Reserve Board gave the municipal market an
[CAPTION]
"IN 1995, MUNICIPAL BONDS POSTED SOME
OF THEIR BEST GAINS IN NEARLY A DECADE..."
3
<PAGE> 4
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS - CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
added boost. All in all, municipal bond funds enjoyed their strongest
performance since 1986.
A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE
Against that backdrop, John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund did well on
both an absolute basis and compared to its peers. For the year ended December
31, 1995, the Fund's Class A and Class B shares posted total returns of 21.88%
and 20.87%, respectively, at net asset value. Those returns outpaced the average
tax-exempt California fund's return of 18.32% for the same period, according to
Lipper Analytical Services.(1)
One of the most important contributors to the Fund's better relative
performance was its long duration. Duration is a measure of how much a fund's
share price will vary in response to changing interest rates and takes into
account maturity, coupon structure and call risk. In general, the longer a
fund's duration, the more sensitive its share price. As interest rates fell
dramatically in 1995, the Fund's heightened interest-rate sensitivity -- or
longer duration -- allowed our holdings to appreciate more rapidly than funds
with shorter durations.
Table entitled "Scorecard" at bottom of left hand column. The header for the
left hand column is "Category"; the header for the right hand column is
"Trend...and what's driving it." The first listing is "Orange County revenue
bonds" followed by an up arrow and the phrase "Emerge from Orange County's
shadow." The second listing is "Foothills Transportation bonds" followed by an
up arrow and the phrase "Liquidity, high yields attract investors." The third
listing is "Long maturity bonds" followed by an up arrow and the phrase
"Declining interest rates provide price gains." Footnote below reads: "See
"Schedule of Investments." Investment holdings are subject to change."
However, we did trim back our duration slightly as interest rates briefly
drifted higher and the yield curve, which measures the difference in yields
between short- and long-maturity bonds, flattened. When the yield curve is flat,
investors aren't rewarded with much additional yield for buying bonds with
longer maturities. So when we shortened our duration, we sold longer-term bonds
and replaced them with somewhat shorter-maturity bonds, but didn't have to
sacrifice much yield to do so. Even with this shortening, the Fund's duration
remained relatively long.
Our Orange County holdings were some of the Fund's best performers during
1995. These bonds are issued by municipalities that were participants in the
Orange County investment pool. Despite the ups and downs of the Orange County
recovery plan, our holdings in Orange County continued to be strong performers
in the second half. As we have emphasized before, these holdings are revenue
bonds, which have a specific source of repayment that is separate and distinct
from the county's funds. As the year advanced, investors were able to re-focus
on the strong fundamentals underlying our holdings and these credits
appreciated.
FIRST-HALF STRATEGY CONTINUES IN SECOND HALF
By the end of the year, we had increased the fund's stake in non-callable bonds
to about one-third of the Fund's net assets. Non-callable bonds can't be
redeemed by their issuer before maturity. By emphasizing non-callable bonds,
we've helped to protect the Fund's income stream. If interest rates stay low or
decline further, many issuers may want to refinance their older, more expensive
debt at lower rates. The investors holding callable bonds would then be forced
to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest rate levels.
[CAPTION]
"OUR ORANGE COUNTY HOLDINGS WERE SOME OF THE
FUND'S BEST PERFORMERS DURING 1995."
4
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JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS - CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
Bar chart with heading "Fund Performance" at top of left hand column. Under the
heading is the footnote: "For the year ended December 31, 1995." The chart is
scaled in increments of 5% from bottom to top, with 25% at the top and 0% at the
bottom. Within the chart, there are three solid bars. The first represents the
21.88% total return for John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A.
The second represents the 20.87% total return for John Hancock California
Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B. The third represents the 18.32% total return for
the average California municipal bond fund. Footnote below reads: "Total returns
for John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund are at net asset value with all
distributions reinvested. The average California municipal bond fund is tracked
by Lipper Analytical Services. See following page for historical performance
information."
We also continued to improve the Fund's credit quality. That's because credit
spreads (or the difference in yields between low- and high-quality bonds) became
tighter, so investors weren't getting much additional yield for buying
lower-quality bonds. As a result, we sold some lower-rated, investment-grade
bonds and replaced them with higher-quality holdings. In doing so, we were able
to upgrade the Fund's credit quality without sacrificing much income.
At the same time, we continued to search for value in areas overlooked by the
market. We found several opportunities in BBB-rated bonds, which carry the
lowest of the investment-grade ratings. We focused on projects with sizable
liquidity and attractive yields. As interest rates declined in the first half of
the year, yield-hungry investors sought out the higher yielding bonds. Typical
of these were Foothills Transportation Corridor Agency bonds issued to fund the
construction of an Orange County toll road.
The Fund's Trustees recently voted to give the Fund the flexibility to invest
as much as one-fifth of its assets in high-yielding bonds that carry below
investment grade ratings. We plan to be selective in adding these bonds, buying
them only when we think that they offer enough reward to justify the greater
risk taken.
WHAT'S AHEAD
It may be difficult for municipals to achieve the same exceptional gains they
made in 1995. However, there are several reasons why we're optimistic about
1996. In our view, the secular downtrend in interest rates -- which has been
spurred by low inflation and slow economic growth -- should continue. Despite
continued discussions about the flat tax, much of the worry has already been
priced into the market, although the municipal market could experience some
additional volatility as the political haggling goes on. On a historical basis,
municipals are priced attractively compared to Treasury securities and represent
a good value for investors seeking after-tax income. As the worst of the flat
tax fears abate, as we expect them to eventually, municipals could outperform
Treasuries on that basis alone. Finally, we expect the supply of municipals to
decrease and the demand to remain steady. From a supply and demand standpoint,
that would be a positive.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Figures from Lipper Analytical Services include reinvested dividends and do
not take into account sales charges. Actual load-adjusted performance is
lower.
This commentary reflects the views of the portfolio management team
through the end of the Fund's period discussed in this report. Of course,
the team's views are subject to change as market and other conditions
warrant.
[CAPTION]
"...WE'RE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 1996."
5
<PAGE> 6
A LOOK AT PERFORMANCE
The tables on the right show the cumulative total returns and the average annual
total returns for the John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund. Total return
is a performance measure that equals the sum of all dividends and capital gains,
assuming reinvestment of these distributions and the change in the price of the
Fund's average net assets. Performance figures include the maximum applicable
sales charge of 4.5% for Class A shares. The effect of the maximum contingent
deferred sales charge for Class B shares (maximum 5% and declining to 0% over
six years) is included in Class B performance. Performance is affected by a
12b-1 plan. Remember that all figures represent past performance and are no
guarantee of how the Fund will perform in the future. Also, 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.
CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURNS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE FIVE LIFE OF
YEAR YEARS FUND
---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A 16.40% 46.92% 56.00%(1)
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B 15.89% 29.95%(2) N/A
</TABLE>
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995(3)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ONE FIVE LIFE OF
YEAR YEARS FUND
---- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A 16.40% 7.95% 7.69%(1)
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B 15.89% 6.77%(2) N/A
</TABLE>
YIELDS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEC 30-DAY
YIELD
-----
<S> <C>
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class A 5.00%
California Tax-Free Income Fund: Class B 4.49%
</TABLE>
NOTES TO PERFORMANCE
(1) Class A shares started on December 29, 1989.
(2) Class B shares started on December 31, 1991.
(3) The Adviser voluntarily waived a portion of the management fee and
reduced a portion of the custodian fees during the period. Without
the waiver of expenses, the average annualized total return for the
one-year and five-year periods and since inception for Class A shares
would have been 16.26%, 7.73% and 7.37%, respectively. The average
annualized total returns for the one-year period and since inception
for Class B shares would have been 15.75% and 6.59%, respectively.
A portion of the Fund's income may be taxable. Some investors may be
subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax. Capital gains are taxable.
6
<PAGE> 7
WHAT HAPPENED TO A $10,000 INVESTMENT ...
The charts on the right show how much a $10,000 investment in the John Hancock
California Tax-Free Income Fund would be worth on December 31, 1995, assuming
you have been invested since the day each class of shares started and reinvested
all distributions. 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.
CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
CLASS A SHARES
Line chart with the heading California 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 $16,374 as of December 31, 1995. The second line represents the
value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the California Tax-Free
Income Fund on December 29, 1989, before sales charge, and is equal to $16,333
as of December 31, 1995. The third line represents the California Tax-Free
Income Fund after sales charge and is equal to $15,600 as of December 31, 1995.
CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
CLASS B SHARES
Line chart with the heading California 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 $13,609 as of December 31, 1995. The second line represents the
value of the hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the California Tax-Free
Income Fund on December 31, 1991, before contingent deferred sales charge, and
is equal to $13,295 as of December 31, 1995. The third line represents the
California Tax-Free Income Fund after contingent deferred sales charge and is
equal to $12,995 as of December 31, 1995.
7
<PAGE> 8
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California 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 DECEMBER 31, 1995. YOU'LL
ALSO FIND THE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE AS OF THAT DATE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
December 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments at value - Note C:
Tax-exempt long-term bonds (cost - $372,158,562) .......... $392,867,753
Receivable for shares sold.................................. 287,679
Receivable for investments sold............................. 2,877,550
Interest receivable......................................... 7,628,959
Receivable from John Hancock Advisers Inc. - Note B ........ 42,714
Segregated assets for financial futures contracts .......... 298,500
Other assets................................................ 46,874
------------
Total Assets.................................. 404,050,029
---------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Dividend payable............................................ 57,090
Temporary overdraft of cash................................. 3,111,978
Payable for shares repurchased.............................. 50,517
Payable for investments purchased .......................... 6,407,636
Payable for variation margin................................ 60,000
Payable to John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
and affiliates - Note B.................................... 256,198
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ...................... 129,444
------------
Total Liabilities............................. 10,072,863
---------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Capital paid-in............................................. 380,188,359
Accumulated net realized loss on investments
and financial futures contracts............................ (6,439,031)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments
and financial futures contracts............................ 20,080,191
Undistributed net investment income ........................ 147,647
------------
Net Assets.................................... $393,977,166
===============================================================
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, respectively)
Class A - $309,304,523 / 28,947,194 ........................ $ 10.69
=============================================================================
Class B - $84,672,643 / 7,924,897 .......................... $ 10.68
=============================================================================
MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE*
Class A - ($10.69 x 104.71%)..... .......................... $ 11.19
=============================================================================
<FN>
* 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.
</FN>
</TABLE>
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.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year ended December 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest.................................................... $22,466,593
-----------
Expenses:
Investment management fee - Note B ........................ 1,907,146
Distribution/service fee - Note B
Class A................................................... 397,801
Class B................................................... 733,981
Transfer agent fee - Note B................................ 314,090
Custodian fee.............................................. 80,990
Auditing fee............................................... 73,605
Printing................................................... 65,365
Trustees' fees............................................. 42,188
Registration and filing fees............................... 35,181
Advisory board............................................. 33,174
Legal fees................................................. 28,065
Miscellaneous.............................................. 19,047
-----------
Total Expenses................................ 3,730,633
---------------------------------------------------------------
Less Expense Reductions -
Note B........................................ (517,634)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net Expenses.................................. 3,212,999
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net Investment Income ........................ 19,253,594
---------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS:
Net realized loss on investments sold ...................... (41,990)
Net realized loss on financial futures contracts ........... (2,203,551)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
of investments............................................. 51,754,949
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
of financial futures contracts............................. (629,000)
-----------
Net Realized and Unrealized
Gain on Investments and
Financial Futures Contracts .................. 48,880,408
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations .................... $68,134,002
================================================================
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
8
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------
1995 1994
----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ........................................................... $ 19,253,594 $ 19,825,410
Net realized loss on investments sold and financial futures contracts (2,245,541) (4,180,216)
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation of investments ............... 51,125,949 (51,218,323)
------------- -------------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations ................ 68,134,002 (35,573,129)
------------- -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
Dividends from net investment income
Class A - ($0.5743 and $0.5800 per share, respectively) ........................ (15,185,497) (15,737,105)
Class B - ($0.4988 and $0.5100 per share, respectively) ........................ (4,060,951) (3,992,716)
------------- -------------
Total Distributions to Shareholders ........................................... (19,246,448) (19,729,821)
------------- -------------
FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS -- NET* .............................................. 26,141,459 29,122,142
------------- -------------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ............................................................. 318,948,153 345,128,961
------------- -------------
End of period (including undistributed net
investment income of $147,647 and $127,227, respectively) ...................... $ 393,977,166 $ 318,948,153
============= =============
<FN>
* ANALYSIS OF FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994
---------------------------------------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
---------- ------------ --------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
Shares sold..................................... 2,339,818 $ 18,225,155 5,288,858 $ 54,343,070
Shares issued in reorganization - Note D........ 4,164,385 48,873,637 ---- ----
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment
of distributions .............................. 694,275 6,453,478 669,253 6,642,113
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
7,198,478 73,552,270 5,958,111 60,985,183
Less shares repurchased......................... (4,285,570) (43,261,363) (5,712,088) (56,313,131)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Net increase.................................... 2,912,908 $ 30,290,907 246,023 $ 4,672,052
========== ============ ========== ============
CLASS B**
Shares sold..................................... 861,939 $ 8,918,797 3,496,364 $ 36,145,744
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of
distributions ................................... 208,712 1,924,315 200,879 1,988,933
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
1,070,651 10,843,112 3,697,243 38,134,677
Less shares repurchased......................... (1,484,859) (14,992,560) (1,391,946) (13,684,587)
---------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Net increase (decrease)......................... (414,208) $ (4,149,448) 2,305,297 $ 24,450,090
========== ============ ========== ============
</TABLE>
THE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS SHOWS HOW THE VALUE OF THE FUND'S NET
ASSETS HAS CHANGED SINCE THE END OF THE PREVIOUS PERIOD. THE DIFFERENCE REFLECTS
EARNINGS LESS EXPENSES, 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
REDEEMED DURING THE LAST TWO PERIODS, ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING DOLLAR VALUE.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
9
<PAGE> 10
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the
period indicated, investment returns, key ratios, and supplemental data are as
follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994(e) 1993 1992 1991
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ................. $ 9.28 $ 10.85 $ 10.41 $ 10.32 $ 9.91
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Investment Income ................................ 0.57(d) 0.58 0.62 0.66 0.69
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on
Investments ......................................... 1.41 (1.57) 0.76 0.25 0.47
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment Operations .................... 1.98 (0.99) 1.38 0.91 1.16
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ................. (0.57) (0.58) (0.62) (0.67) (0.70)
Distributions from Net Realized Gains on
Investments Sold and Financial Futures Contracts .... -- -- (0.32) (0.15) (0.05)
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Distributions ................................. (0.57) (0.58) (0.94) (0.82) (0.75)
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ....................... $ 10.69 $ 9.28 $ 10.85 $ 10.41 $ 10.32
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (c) ....... 21.88% (9.31%) 13.60% 9.15% 12.26%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset
Value (a)(c) ....................................... 21.73% (9.45%) 13.42% 8.90% 11.86%
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted) ............ $309,305 $241,583 $279,692 $217,014 $163,693
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .............. 0.75% 0.75% 0.69% 0.58% 0.40%
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net Assets (a) 0.90% 0.89% 0.87% 0.83% 0.80%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets .. 5.76% 5.85% 5.69% 6.36% 6.75%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to Average
Net Assets (a) ...................................... 5.61% 5.71% 5.51% 6.11% 6.35%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................... 37%+ 62% 51% 34% 45%
</TABLE>
THE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARIZES THE IMPACT OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS ON A
SINGLE SHARE FOR THE PERIOD INDICATED: NET INVESTMENT INCOME, GAINS (LOSSES),
DIVIDENDS 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> 11
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------
1995 1994(e) 1993 1992
------- -------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period ........................ $ 9.28 $ 10.85 $ 10.41 $ 10.32(b)
------- -------- ------- -------
Net Investment Income ....................................... 0.50(d) 0.51 0.54 0.58(d)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ...... 1.40 (1.57) 0.76 0.25
------- -------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations ........................... 1.90 (1.06) 1.30 0.83
------- -------- ------- -------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from Net Investment Income ........................ (0.50) (0.51) (0.54) (0.59)
Distributions from Net Realized Gains on Investments Sold and
Financial Futures Contracts ................................ ---- ---- (0.32) (0.15)
------- -------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ........................................ (0.50) (0.51) (0.86) (0.74)
------- -------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period .............................. $ 10.68 $ 9.28 $ 10.85 $ 10.41
======= ======== ======= =======
Total Investment Return at Net Asset Value (c) .............. 20.87% (9.99%) 12.76% 8.35%
Total Adjusted Investment Return at Net Asset Value (a)(c) .. 20.72% (10.13%) 12.58% 8.10%
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets, End of Period (000's omitted)...................... $84,673 $77,365 $65,437 $26,595
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets........................ 1.50% 1.50% 1.44% 1.35%
Ratio of Adjusted Expenses to Average Net Assets (a)........... 1.65% 1.64% 1.62% 1.60%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets........... 4.97% 5.10% 4.82% 5.43%
Ratio of Adjusted Net Investment Income to Average Net
Assets (a)................................................... 4.82% 4.96% 4.64% 5.18%
Portfolio Turnover Rate........................................ 37%+ 62% 51% 34%
<FN>
+ Portfolio turnover excludes merger activity.
(a) On an unreimbursed basis.
(b) Initial price to commence operations.
(c) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales charges.
(d) On average month end shares outstanding.
(e) On December 22, 1994, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. became the investment adviser of the Fund.
</FN>
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
11
<PAGE> 12
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
December 31, 1995
THE SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IS A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL SECURITIES OWNED BY
CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND ON DECEMBER 31, 1995.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS
CALIFORNIA (96.66%)
ABAG Finance Auth For Nonprofit Corps,
Cert of Part Peninsula Family YMCA Ser A ................... 6.800% 10-01-11 Baa1** $ 1,000 $1,062,910 6.40%
Alameda, County of,
Cert of Part 1992 Cap Proj ................................. 6.750 06-01-16 A 500 539,615 6.20
Anaheim, City of,
Ref Cert of Part Reg Ritess Convention Center .............. 8.680 07-16-23 AAA 2,000 2,217,500 7.80
Apple Valley Water District,
Assmt District No. 2-B Ser A ............................... 7.875 09-02-11 BBB** 2,425 2,503,546 7.60
Arcadia Hospital,
Methodist Hosp Rev of Southern Calif ....................... 6.625 11-15-22 A 1,205 1,260,370 6.30
Avalon Community Improvement Agency,
Tax Alloc Community Imp Proj Ser B ......................... 6.400 08-01-22 A- 1,950 2,022,813 6.10
Bakersfield Central District Development Agency,
Tax Alloc Ref Downtown Bakersfield Redevel Proj ............ 6.625 04-01-15 BBB+ 4,000 4,152,200 6.30
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital,
Hosp Rev Ser A ............................................. 6.500 01-01-22 A- 2,000 2,076,980 6.20
Beaumont Unified School District,
Cert of Part Cap Imp Proj .................................. 7.700 01-01-21 BBB+** 1,000 1,065,100 7.20
Brentwood Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Brentwood Redevel Proj Ser A ..................... 7.700 11-01-08 BBB** 135 143,173 7.20
Burbank Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Golden State Redevel Proj Ser A .................. 6.000 12-01-23 A- 2,750 2,731,410 6.00
California Educational Facilities Auth,
Rev 1993 Ser B Pooled College & Univ Proj .................. 6.125 06-01-09 Baa** 1,000 1,036,500 5.90
California Health Facilities Financing Auth,
Hosp Rev 1991 Ser A San Diego Hosp Assoc ................... 6.950 10-01-21 A 250 268,485 6.40
Ins Hosp Rev Ser 1990 Children's Hosp San Diego ............ 6.500 07-01-20 AAA *500 530,220 6.10
Ins Rev Ref Ser A Catholic Hlthcare West Obligated Group ... 5.750 07-01-15 AAA *2,000 2,052,500 5.60
Ins Rev Ser A Mercy Sr Hsg ................................. 5.800 12-01-18 A 3,140 3,108,412 5.80
Ins Rev Ser A San Diego Christian .......................... 6.250 07-01-12 A+ 1,135 1,180,491 6.00
Ins Rev Ser B Hlth Facil Small Facil ....................... 7.500 04-01-22 A 2,000 2,287,480 6.50
Rev 1990 Ser A Kaiser Permanente ........................... 7.000 12-01-10 AA *600 664,500 6.30
Rev Ser 1994A Scripps Research Institute ................... 6.300 07-01-09 A** *500 535,720 5.80
Sec Rev 1991 Ser Hosp of the Good Samaritan ................ 7.000 09-01-21 A- *250 267,787 6.50
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
12
<PAGE> 13
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
California Housing Finance Agency,
Home Mtg Rev 1986 Ser A.......................................... 8.100% 08-01-16 AA- $ *75 $ 77,860 7.80%
Home Mtg Rev 1988 Ser B.......................................... 8.600 08-01-19 AA- *40 42,440 8.10
Home Mtg Rev 1988 Ser D.......................................... 8.000 08-01-19 AA- *90 96,286 7.40
Home Mtg Rev 1989 Ser A.......................................... 7.625 08-01-09 AA- *35 35,921 7.40
Home Mtg Rev 1989 Ser B.......................................... 8.000 08-01-29 AA- *100 106,182 7.50
Home Mtg Rev 1989 Ser D.......................................... 7.500 08-01-29 AA- *150 157,209 7.10
Home Mtg Rev 1990 Ser D.......................................... 7.875 08-01-31 AA- *15 15,770 7.40
Home Mtg Rev 1991 Ser A.......................................... 7.375 08-01-17 AA- 470 503,835 6.80
Home Mtg Rev 1991 Ser C.......................................... 7.450 08-01-11 AA- *65 68,291 7.00
Home Mtg Rev 1994 Ser C.......................................... 6.650 08-01-14 AA- *1000 1,047,140 6.30
Home Mtg Rev 1994 Ser G.......................................... 7.250 08-01-17 AA- 3,500 3,758,020 6.70
Hsg Rev 1991 Ser E............................................... 7.000 08-01-26 AAA *525 556,495 6.60
California Pollution Control Financing Auth,
Poll Control Rev 1991 Ser Southern Calif Edison Co .............. 6.900 12-01-17 A+ *500 536,940 6.40
Poll Control Rev 1992 Ser A Pacific Gas & Elec Co ............... 6.625 06-01-09 A *500 530,910 6.20
Solid Waste Disposal Rev Keller Canyon Landfill Co Proj ......... 6.875 11-01-27 A 2,000 2,132,600 6.40
California State Public Works Board,
Lease Rev 1992 Ser A The Trustees of The Calif State Univ
Various University Projs............ ........................... 6.700 10-01-17 A- 1,500 1,630,815 6.10
Lease Rev 1994 Ser A Depart of Corrections Calif State
Prison Monterey County (Soledad II). ........................... 6.875 11-01-14 A- *500 563,530 6.10
Lease Rev Ref Depart of Correction 1993 Ser A Calif State Prison 5.000 12-01-19 AAA 7,970 7,774,177 5.10
Lease Rev Ref Ser A Various Univ Proj............................ 5.500 06-01-21 A *1,250 1,223,150 5.60
Lease Rev Various Community College Proj Ser A .................. 5.625 12-01-18 A- *3,700 3,688,012 5.60
California Statewide Communities Development Auth,
Ins Cert of Part United Western Medical Centers ................. 6.750 12-01-21 A 7,500 8,072,775 6.20
Ins Rev Cert of Part Hlth Facil Aids Proj Los Angeles ........... 6.200 08-01-12 A 1,250 1,297,062 5.90
Ins Rev Cert of Part Hlth Facil Aids Proj Los Angeles .......... 6.250 08-01-22 A 2,590 2,658,998 6.00
Ins Rev Cert of Part Hlth Facil Eskaton Properties .............. 6.700 05-01-11 A 1,250 1,347,662 6.20
Ins Rev Ref Cert of Part Triad Hlthcare Hosp Proj ............... 6.500 08-01-22 A 13,000 13,501,020 6.20
Rev Cert of Part California Lutheran Homes....................... 5.600 11-15-17 A+ 2,435 2,459,399 5.50
Calleguas-Las Virgines Public Financing Auth,
Ref Callegues Municipal Wtr District Proj........................ 5.125 07-01-21 AAA 3,500 3,414,845 5.20
Campbell, City of,
1991 Cert of Part Civic Center Proj.............................. 6.750 10-01-17 Aaa** *155 177,363 5.90
1991 Cert of Part Civic Center Proj.............................. 6.750 10-01-17 A- *1,565 1,693,627 6.20
Capistrano Unified School District,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 87-1......................... 7.500 09-01-07 BBB** 3,500 3,666,740 7.10
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 87-1......................... 8.375 10-01-20 BBB** 3,000 3,246,390 7.70
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 92-1......................... 7.000 09-01-18 BBB** 1,500 1,516,575 6.90
Carson Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Ser 1992 Area No. 1 Redevel Proj....................... 6.375 10-01-12 BBB+ *500 518,425 6.10
Tax Alloc Ser 1993B Area No. 1 Redevel Proj...................... 6.000 10-01-16 BBB+ *500 498,770 6.00
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
13
<PAGE> 14
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
Castaic Lake Water Agency,
Cert of Part Ser 1990 Wtr Sys Imp Proj .......................... 7.350% 08-01-20 Aaa** $ *200 $ 228,620 6.40%
Central Coast Water Auth,
Rev State Wtr Proj Regional Facil Ser 1992 ...................... 6.600 10-01-22 AAA 3,700 4,057,198 6.00
Central Valley Financing Auth,
Cogeneration Proj Rev Carson Ice Gen Proj Ser 1993 .............. 6.100 07-01-13 BBB- *2,300 2,348,185 5.90
Cogeneration Proj Rev Carson Ice Gen Proj Ser 1993 ............. 6.200 07-01-20 BBB- *1,000 1,021,590 6.00
Chula Vista, City of,
Ref Cert of Part Town Center II Pkg Proj ........................ 6.000 09-01-12 A 925 933,686 5.90
Clearlake Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Highlands Park Community Devel Proj ................... 6.400 10-01-23 BBB 500 504,265 6.30
Concord Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Central Concord Redevel Proj Sub A .................... 5.750 07-01-10 BAA** 1,145 1,148,321 5.70
Contra Costa Water District,
Wtr Treatment Rev Ser E ......................................... 6.250 10-01-12 AAA *1,000 1,129,630 5.50
Costa Mesa Public Financing Auth,
1991 Local Agency Rev Ser A ..................................... 7.100 08-01-21 BBB** *220 226,202 6.90
Covina Hospital,
Rev Cert of Part Intercommunity Hlth Serv Inc ................... 7.000 03-01-17 BBB+ 925 954,924 6.70
Cucamonga School District,
Cert of Part .................................................... 7.600 12-01-15 BAA** 1,000 1,071,700 7.00
Davis, City of, Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Ref Davis Redevel Proj ................................ 7.000 09-01-24 AAA 5,115 5,918,669 6.00
Delano, City of,
Cert of Part .................................................... 7.000 04-01-10 BBB+ 2,000 2,103,860 6.60
Delta, County of
Home Mtg Finance Auth Prog Ser A ................................ 6.750 12-01-25 AAA *2,000 2,065,900 6.50
Desert Hospital District,
Hosp Rev Cert of Part Ser 1990 Desert Hosp Corp Proj ............ 8.000 07-01-10 AAA *300 352,413 6.80
Duarte, City of,
Cert of Part City of Hope National Medical Center Proj**** ...... 6.250 04-01-23 Baa1** 17,960 17,772,318 6.30
Elk Grove Unified School District,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No. 1 .......................... 7.125 12-01-24 AAA 1,000 1,194,730 5.90
Encinitas, City of,
Cert of Part Civic Center Proj Ser A ............................ 6.750 12-01-11 A- 1,300 1,395,186 6.20
Fairfield Public Financing Auth,
1995 Rev Ser A Pennsylvania Ave Storm Drainage Proj ............. 6.500 08-01-21 A- *1,085 1,107,948 6.30
Fontana Public Financing Auth,
Sub Lien Tax Alloc Rev 1991 Ser A North Fontana Redevel Proj .... 7.750 12-01-20 BBB *195 232,641 6.50
Tax Alloc Rev Ser 1990 Ser A North Fontana Redevel Proj ......... 7.250 09-01-20 A *325 352,898 6.60
Fontana, County of,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 90-3 Empire Center .......... 8.400 04-01-15 B** 1,000 957,500 8.70
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 90-3 Empire Center .......... 8.375 04-01-11 B** 9,050 8,665,375 8.70
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
14
<PAGE> 15
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency,
Toll Rd Rev Fixed Rate Current Int Ser 1995A .................... 6.500% 01-01-32 BBB- $ *1,665 $ 1,734,081 6.20%
Toll Rd Rev Fixed Rate Current Int Ser 1995A .................... 6.000 01-01-34 BBB- *17,775 17,695,723 6.00
Fresno, City of,
Hlth Facil Rev Ser 1991 Saint Agnes Medical Center .............. 6.625 06-01-21 AA- *250 269,830 6.10
Fresno, City of, Joint Powers Financing Auth,
Rev Ser A ....................................................... 6.550 09-02-12 BBB 2,000 2,093,600 6.20
Hawaiian Gardens Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Ref Proj No. 1 ........................................ 6.200 12-01-23 BBB *5,000 5,008,050 6.10
Industry Urban Development Agency,
Tax Alloc Ref Civic Recreational Proj 1-A ....................... 7.375 05-01-12 A+** *910 938,064 7.10
Tax Alloc Ref Trans District Proj 3 ............................. 6.900 11-01-16 A- 1,020 1,097,561 6.40
Tax Alloc Unref Balance Civic Recreational Proj 1-B ............. 7.375 05-01-15 A+** 235 245,425 7.00
Inglewood Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Century Redevel Proj Ser A ............................ 6.125 07-01-13 BBB 1,000 1,019,830 6.00
Inglewood, City of,
Cert of Part Civic Center Imp Proj .............................. 7.000 08-01-19 BBB 1,000 1,070,060 6.50
Lincoln Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Lincoln Redevel Proj .................................. 7.650 08-01-17 BBB+ 915 1,066,780 6.50
Long Beach, County of,
Rev ............................................................. 5.250 05-15-25 AAA *4,975 4,759,582 5.40
Los Alamitos Unified School District,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 90-1 ........................ 7.150 08-15-21 Baa1** 6,005 6,343,262 6.70
Los Angeles City Department of Water and Power,
Elec Plant Rev Ref Second Iss of 1993 ........................... 5.400 11-15-12 AA- *1,000 1,007,550 5.30
Los Angeles, City of,
Wastewater Sys Rev Ser 1992B .................................... 6.250 06-01-12 AAA *1,260 1,350,128 5.80
Los Angeles, County of,
Cert of Part Disney Pkg Proj .................................... 6.500 03-01-23 BBB 2,000 2,052,520 6.30
County Imp No 2656-M ............................................ 8.375 09-02-18 BBB** 3,865 3,991,772 8.10
Rev Trans Comm Proposition C Ser A .............................. 6.250 07-01-13 AAA *1,600 1,708,624 5.80
Los Angeles, County of, Health Facilities Auth,
Lease Rev Ref Olive View Medical Center Proj .................... 7.500 03-01-08 A** *450 490,284 6.80
Los Angeles Public Works Financing Auth,
Rev Regional Park & Open Space District A ....................... 6.000 10-01-15 AA 3,750 3,922,050 5.70
Merced Public Financing Auth,
Local Agency Tax Alloc Rev Ser A-1 .............................. 5.500 12-01-15 A- 3,630 3,539,794 5.60
Metropolitan Water District,
Waterworks Ref Rev Iss of 1986 .................................. 6.750 06-01-22 AA+ *155 159,724 6.50
Wtr Rev Iss of 1991 ............................................. 6.625 07-01-12 AA *7508 14,912 6.10
Wtr Rev Iss of 1992 ............................................. 5.000 07-01-20 AA 7,500 7,075,500 5.30
Moreno Valley, City of,
Cert of Part Ser 1995 City Hall Proj ............................ 6.500 05-01-16 Baa1** *1,500 1,553,835 6.20
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
15
<PAGE> 16
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
Mount Diablo Hospital District
Hosp Rev Ser A................................................... 6.000% 12-01-05 AAA $*1,640 $1,793,160 5.40%
Mountain View, City of, Capital Improvements Financing Auth,
1992 Rev City Hall/Community Theatre Complex & Shoreline
Regional Park Community Tax Alloc Refinancing .................. 6.500 08-01-16 AAA *600 646,992 6.00
Northern California Transmission Agency,
Rev 1990 Ser A Calif-Oregon Transm Proj.......................... 7.000 05-01-13 AAA *100 121,818 5.70
Rev 1992 Ser A Calif-Oregon Transm Proj.......................... 6.500 05-01-16 AAA *1,000 1,090,600 5.90
Oakland, Port of,
Port Rev Ser E................................................... 6.400 11-01-07 AAA *1,000 1,112,300 5.70
Spec Facil Rev 1992 Ser A Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd Proj .......... 6.800 01-01-19 A+ *500 522,955 6.50
Oceanside, City of,
Ref Cert of Part Ser A........................................... 6.375 04-01-12 A** 3,000 3,148,170 6.00
Orange Cove Irrigation District,
Cert of Part Rehab Proj.......................................... 7.250 02-01-12 BBB 2,000 2,133,160 6.80
Cert of Part Rehab Proj.......................................... 7.000 02-01-15 BBB 2,500 2,636,550 6.60
Orange Redevelopment Agency,
Rev Ref Tax Alloc Northwest Redevel Proj B....................... 5.700 10-01-17 A 3,000 2,912,400 5.80
Orange, County of,
Cert of Part Civic Center Exp Proj............................... 6.700 08-01-18 AAA 1,000 1,085,880 6.10
Ser A of 1990 Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No. 87-3
Mission Viejo ................................................. 7.800 08-15-15 A** *350 406,955 6.70
Ser A of 1992 Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No. 88-1
Aliso Viejo ................................................... 7.350 08-15-18 AAA *1,000 1,186,100 6.20
Orange, County of, Development Agency,
Tax Alloc Santa Ana Heights Proj................................. 6.125 09-01-23 BBB 3,000 2,958,390 6.20
Pasedena, City of,
1993 Ref Cert of Part Old Pasadena Parking Facil Proj ........... 6.250 01-01-18 A+ *1,000 1,105,930 5.60
Perris Union High School District,
Cert of Part 1993 Proj........................................... 5.900 09-01-23 Baa1** 2,000 1,946,660 6.00
Pittsburg Redevelopment Agency,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist 90-1 California Avenue ......... 7.400 08-15-20 BBB 3,040 3,296,181 6.80
Pomona Public Financing Auth,
Rev Ref Tax Alloc Southwest Pomona Redevel Ser L ................ 5.750 02-01-20 BBB+ 10,000 9,597,000 5.90
Rancho Mirage, City of, Joint Powers Financing Auth,
Cert of Part Eisenhower Memorial Hosp............................ 7.000 03-01-22 A** 4,500 4,854,195 6.40
Civic Center Rev Ref Ser 1991A................................... 7.500 04-01-17 BBB *195 226,974 6.40
Civic Center Rev Unref Ser 1991A................................. 7.500 04-01-17 BBB *555 9,5236.90
Richmond, City of, Joint Powers Financing Auth,
Rev Ser A........................................................ 7.700 10-01-10 BBB** 1,775 1,895,878 7.20
Riverside, County of, Asset Leasing Corp,
Leasehold Rev 1993 Ser A County of Riverside Hosp Proj .......... 6.500 06-01-12 A *1,000 1,107,170 5.80
Sacramento, City of, Financing Auth,
Lease Rev Ref Ser A.............................................. 5.375 11-01-14 AAA *500 513,120 5.20
Sacramento Power Auth,
Rev 1995 Ser Cogeneration Proj................................... 6.00 07-01-22 BBB- *5,000 4,988,800 6.00
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
16
<PAGE> 17
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- -------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
Sacramento Unified School District,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No. 1 Ser B..................... 7.300% 09-01-13 Baa** $ 760 $ 828,104 6.70%
Saddleback Valley Unified School District,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No. 89-3 Ser A ................. 7.750 09-01-16 BBB** 3,200 3,338,048 7.40
San Bernardino, County of,
Cert of Part Medical Center Fin Proj............................. 5.500 08-01-17 A- 11,250 10,770,075 5.70
Cert of Part Ser B Cap Facil Proj................................ 6.875 08-01-24 AAA *350 439,194 5.40
Medical Center Fin Proj Ser A.................................... 5.500 08-01-15 AAA *5,875 5,853,732 5.50
San Diego, City of,
Indl Dev Rev 1986 Ser A San Diego Gas & Elec Co ................. 7.625 07-01-21 A+ *300 310,668 7.30
San Diego, County of, Regional Transportation Commission
Sales Tax Rev 1991 Ser A......................................... 7.000 04-01-06 AA- *90 100,091 6.20
San Diego, County of, Water Auth,
Wtr Rev Cert of Part Reg Fixed................................... 5.681 04-22-09 AAA *800 838,824 5.40
San Diego, County of,
Cert of Part Inmate Reception Center & Cooling .................. 6.750 08-01-19 AAA 3,000 3,384,030 5.90
San Fransisco State Building Auth,
Lease Ref Rev 1993 Ser A Dept of Gen Serv........................ 5.000 10-01-13 A- *2,145 2,033,546 5.20
San Gabriel Valley School Financing Auth,
Lease Rev Ref Pomona Unified School District..................... 5.500 02-01-19 A** 1,500 1,454,175 5.60
San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency,
Toll Rd Rev Sr Lien Cap Apprec................................... Zero 01-01-14 BBB** *5,000 1,656,650 6.23
Toll Rd Rev Sr Lien Cap Apprec................................... Zero 01-01-22 BBB** *6,500 1,285,505 6.33
San Jose Financing Auth,
Reassessment Rev 1994 Ser C...................................... 6.750 09-02-11 BBB+** *960 981,322 6.60
San Jose, City of,
1986 Cert of Part Convention Center Proj......................... 7.875 09-01-10 A+** *300 314,175 7.50
San Mateo, County of, Joint Powers Financing Auth,
Lease Rev Ref Cap Projs.......................................... 5.125 07-01-18 AAA 2,500 2,485,125 5.10
Lease Rev Ref Cap Projs.......................................... 5.000 07-01-21 AAA 1,815 1,769,044 5.10
Santa Ana Financing Auth,
Lease Rev Police Admin & Holding Facil Ser A..................... 6.250 07-01-19 AAA 1,790 2,038,005 5.40
Lease Rev Police Admin & Holding Facil Ser A..................... 6.250 07-01-24 AAA 10,000 11,519,000 5.40
Santa Barbara, County of,
1990 Cert of Part................................................ 7.500 02-01-11 AAA *250 282,997 6.60
1991 Cert of Part................................................ 6.400 02-01-11 A+ *250 263,045 6.00
Santa Clarita Community Facilities,
Spec Tax of Community Facil Dist No 92-1 Ser A .................. 7.450 11-15-10 BBB** *3,600 3,845,088 6.90
Santa Cruz Public Financing Auth,
Rev Tax Alloc Ser B.............................................. 6.200 09-01-23 BBB+ 2,000 2,026,320 6.10
Santa Rosa, City of,
Wastewater Rev 1992 Ser A Subregional Wastewater Proj ........... 6.500 09-01-22 AAA *500 543,595 5.90
Saugus Unified School District,
Cert of Part..................................................... 7.500 08-01-09 BBB+ 700 762,006 6.80
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
17
<PAGE> 18
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- --------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CALIFORNIA (CONTINUED)
Sierra Unified School District,
Ref Cert of Part Cap Fin Proj .............................. 6.000% 03-01-12 Baa** $ 2,000 $ 2,025,620 5.90%
Simi Valley Unified School District,
Cert of Part Cap Facil Proj ................................ 6.100 08-01-22 A** 3,000 3,027,300 6.00
South Tahoe, City of, Joint Powers Financing Auth,
Rev Ref Redevel Proj Area No 1 Ser B........................ 6.250 10-01-20 BBB - *2,000 2,021,340 6.10
Southern California Home Financing Auth,
Single Family Mtg Rev GNMA & FNMA Mtg Backed Ser A ......... 6.750 09-01-22 AAA 850 883,388 6.40
Single Family Mtg Rev 1990 Iss B............................ 7.750 03-01-24 AAA *454 7,740 7.30
Southern California Public Power Auth,
Pwr Proj Rev 1987 Ref Ser A Palo Verde Proj................. 6.875 07-01-15 AA - *215 221,858 6.60
Tramsm Proj Rev Ref Southern Transm......................... Zero 07-01-13 AAA *4,400 1,730,652 5.40
Stanislaus Waste To Energy Financing Agency,
Solid Waste Rev Ref Ogden Martin Sys Inc Proj .............. 7.625 01-01-10 BBB+ 985 1,076,300 6.90
Stanislaus, County of,
Ref Cert of Part............................................ 7.550 04-01-18 A - 1,870 1,907,157 7.40
Suisun, City of, Redevelopment Agency,
Tax Alloc Suisan City Redevel Proj.......................... 7.250 10-01-20 AAA 420 471,538 6.40
Torrance, City of, Redevelopment Agency
Tax Alloc Ref Ser 1992 Downtown Redevel Proj................ 7.125 09-01-21 BBB *500 531,915 6.70
Tracy Community Development Proj,
Tax Alloc Community Devel Proj Ser A........................ 6.000 03-01-24 Baa** 5,000 4,959,200 6.00
Turlock Irrigation District,
Cert of Part................................................ 7.300 01-01-11 A - 4,165 4,359,964 6.90
University of California, The Regents of,
Ref Cert of Part UCLA Central Chiller/Congeneration Facil .. 5.400 11-01-11 Aa*** 1,000 993,610 5.40
Ref Cert of Part UCLA Central Chiller/Congeneration Facil .. 5.600 11-01-20 Aa** 6,180 6,122,217 5.60
Upland Housing Auth,
Rev Iss A................................................... 7.500 07-01-03 BBB** 190 201,043 7.00
Rev Iss A................................................... 7.850 07-01-20 BBB** 1,280 1,339,034 7.50
Vallejo Sanitation & Flood Control District,
Cert of Part................................................ 5.000 07-01-19 AAA 8,000 7,794,960 5.10
Vallejo, City of,
Cert of Part................................................ 8.000 02-01-06 BBB+** 2,000 2,083,820 7.60
Victor Valley Unified High School District,
Cert of Part................................................ 7.875 11-01-12 A** 1,255 1,473,671 6.70
------------
380,816,798
------------
GUAM (0.13%)
Guam Airport Auth
Gen Rev 1993 Ser B.......................................... 6.600 10-01-10 BBB *500 520,355 6.30
------------
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
18
<PAGE> 19
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAR VALUE YIELD
INTEREST MATURITY S&P (000'S MARKET AT
STATE, ISSUER, DESCRIPTION RATE DATE RATING*** OMITTED) VALUE MARKET+
- -------------------------- ---- ---- --------- --------- ----- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PUERTO RICO (2.93%)
Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Auth
Ref Pars & Inflos Ser 1995 Gtd by the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ...................... 6.000% 07-01-11 AAA $*5,000 $ 5,511,850 5.40%
Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Auth
Ref Pars & Inflos Ser 1995 Gtd by the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ...................... 8.220 07-01-11 AAA *5,000 6,018,750 6.80
------------
11,530,600
------------
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG TERM BONDS
(Cost $372,158,562) (99.72%) $392,867,753
======= ============
</TABLE>
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
* Securities, other than short term investments, newly added to the
portfolio, during the year ended December 31, 1995.
** Credit ratings are unaudited and are rated by Moody's Investors Services or
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. where Standard & Poor's ratings are not
available.
*** Credit ratings are unaudited.
**** This security, having an aggregate value of $4,017.573 or 1.02% of the
Fund's net asset value, 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 its
forward committment. Accordingly, the market value of $4,530,582 of Rancho
Mirage, City of, Joint Powers Financing Auth, Cert of Part Eisenhower
Memorial Hosp. 7.00%, 03-01-22 has been segregated to cover the forward
committment.
+ The yield is not calculated with guidelines established by the U.S.
Securities Exchange Commission and is unaudited. Zero coupon yields are at
yield to maturity.
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.
19
<PAGE> 20
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
PORTFOLIO CONCENTRATION
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
THE CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY IN SECURITIES ISSUED BY
THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND ITS VARIOUS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS. THE PERFORMANCE
OF THE FUND IS CLOSELY TIED TO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS WITHIN CALIFORNIA 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 PERCENTAGES OF THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS AT DECEMBER 31,
1995 ASSIGNED TO THE VARIOUS SECTOR CATEGORIES.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET VALUE AS A PERCENTAGE OF
SECTOR DISTRIBUTION THE FUND'S NET ASSETS:
- ------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C>
Revenue Bonds - Certificate of Participation .................. 13.69%
Revenue Bonds - Education ..................................... 8.94
Revenue Bonds - Electric Power ................................ 2.56
Revenue Bonds - Health ........................................ 22.00
Revenue Bonds - Housing ....................................... 2.79
Revenue Bonds - Industrial Development Bond ................... 0.21
Revenue Bonds - Other ......................................... 32.16
Revenue Bonds - Pollution Control Facilities .................. 1.09
Revenue Bonds - Transportation ................................ 7.76
Revenue Bonds - Water & Sewer ................................. 8.52
-----
TOTAL TAX-EXEMPT LONG-TERM BONDS 99.72%
=====
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
20
<PAGE> 21
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
NOTE A --
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified
open-end investment management company registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide as high a level
of current income exempt from both federal income taxes and California personal
income taxes as is consistent with preservation of capital.
The Trustees have authorized the issuance of two classes of the Fund,
designated as Class A and Class B. The shares of each class represent an
interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and have equal rights
to voting, redemption, 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/service expenses under the terms of a distribution
plan, have exclusive voting rights regarding such distribution plan. Class A
shares are subject to an initial sales charge of up to 4.50% and a 12b-1
distribution plan. Prior to May 15, 1995, the maximum sales charge was 4.75%.
Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and a separate
12b-1 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,
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 approximately $5,472,579
of capital loss carryforward available, to the extent provided by regulations,
to offset future net realized capital gains. If such carryforwards are used by
the Fund, no capital gain distribution will be made. The carryforwards expire as
follows: December 31, 2001 -- $34,998, December 31, 2002 -- $267,864 and
December 31, 2003 -- $5,169,717. The unused capital loss carryforward of $34,998
expiring in 2001 was transferred from the John Hancock Series Fund -- California
Portfolio as of September 15, 1995. Additionally, net capital losses of $230,463
attributable to security transactions occurring after October 31, 1995 are
treated as arising on the first day (January 1, 1996) of the Fund's next taxable
year.
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 as explained previously.
21
<PAGE> 22
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
CLASS ALLOCATIONS Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains
(losses) are determined at the Fund level and allocated daily to each class of
shares based on the appropriate net assets of the respective classes.
Distribution/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 of each class.
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS The Fund may buy and sell financial futures
contracts for speculative purposes and/or to hedge against the effects of
fluctuations in interest rates and other market conditions. At the time the Fund
enters into a financial futures contract, it is 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 of the board of trade or U.S. commodities exchange.
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", are 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 contract 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
fluctuations 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 transactions.
At December 31, 1995, open positions in financial futures contracts were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED
EXPIRATION OPEN CONTRACTS POSITION DEPRECIATION
- ---------- -------------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
MARCH 1996 70 US TREASURY BONDS SHORT ($312,813)
MARCH 1996 115 MUNICIPAL BONDS SHORT (316,187)
---------
($629,000)
=========
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1995, the Fund has deposited in a segregated account
$298,500 to cover margin requirements on open financial futures contracts.
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.
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 at an annual
rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net asset value.
In the event normal operating expenses of the Fund, exclusive of certain
expenses prescribed by state law, are in excess of the most restrictive state
limit where the Fund is registered to sell shares, the fee payable to the
Adviser will be reduced to the extent of such excess, and the Adviser will make
additional arrangements necessary to eliminate any remaining excess expenses.
The current limits are 2.5% of the first $30,000,000 of the Fund's average daily
net asset value, 2.0% of the next $70,000,000, and 1.5% of the remaining average
daily net asset value.
In addition, the Adviser has temporarily agreed to continue to limit the
Fund's operating expenses to 0.75% and 1.50% of the average net assets
attributable to Class A and Class B, respectively. Accordingly, for the year
ended December 31, 1995, the reduction in the Fund's expenses amounted to
$483,282.
The Fund has an agreement with its custodian bank under which $34,352 of
custodian fees have been reduced by balance credits
22
<PAGE> 23
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
applied during the year ended December 31, 1995. 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 period ended December
31, 1995, net sales charges received with regard to sales of Class A shares
amounted to $577,540. Out of this amount, $64,227 was retained and used for
printing prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes,
$307,083 was paid as sales commissions and service fees to unrelated
broker-dealers and $206,230 was paid as sales commissions and service fees to
sales personnel of John Hancock Distributors, Inc. ("Distributors"), Tucker
Anthony, Incorporated ("Tucker Anthony") and Sutro & Co., Inc. ("Sutro"), all of
which are broker-dealers. The Adviser's indirect parent, John Hancock Mutual
Life Insurance Company, is the indirect sole shareholder of Distributors and
John Hancock Freedom Securities Corporation and its subsidiaries, which include
Tucker Anthony and Sutro.
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 CDSC are paid to JH Funds and are used in whole or in part to defray its
expenses related to providing distribution related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of Class B shares. For the period ended December 31,
1995, contingent deferred sales charges received by JH Funds amounted to
$311,086.
In addition, to compensate JH Funds for the services it provides as
distributors 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
0.15% 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. JH Funds
has temporarily agreed to limit the distribution and service fees pursuant to
the Class B plan to 0.90% of the average daily net assets. Up to a maximum of
0.15% for Class A and 0.25% for Class B of these 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 Board of Trustees approved a shareholder servicing agreement between
the Fund and John Hancock Investor Services Corporation ("Investor Services"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of The Berkeley Financial Group, for the period between
December 22, 1994 and May 12, 1995, inclusive under which Investor Services
processed telephone transactions on behalf of the Fund. As of May 15, 1995, the
Fund entered into a full service transfer agent agreement with Investor
Services. Prior to this date The Shareholder Services Group was the transfer
agent. The Fund will pay Investor Services a fee based on the number of
shareholder accounts and certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Mr. Edward J. Boudreau is a director and officer of the Adviser and its
affiliates as well as a Trustee of the Fund. The compensation of unaffiliated
Trustees is borne by the Fund. Effective with the fees paid for 1995, 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 with regard to 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 is marked to market
on a periodic basis and income earned by the investment is recorded on the
Fund's books.
The Fund has an independent advisory board composed of certain members of
the former Transamerica Board of Trustees who provide advice to the current
Trustees in order to facilitate a smooth management transition. The Fund pays
the advisory board and its counsel a fee.
23
<PAGE> 24
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
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 period
ended December 31, 1995, aggregated $120,678,449 and $126,723,625, respectively.
There were no purchases or sales of long-term obligations of the U.S. government
and its agencies during the period ended December 31, 1995.
The cost of investments owned at December 31, 1995 for Federal income tax
purposes was $372,158,562. Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of
investments aggregated $21,981,367 and $1,272,176, respectively, resulting in
net unrealized appreciation of $20,709,191.
NOTE D --
RECLASSIFICATION OF CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Fund has reclassified amounts to
reflect an increase in undistributed net investment income of $13,274, an
increase in accumulated net realized loss on investments of $69,561 and an
increase in capital paid-in of $56,287. This represents the cumulative amounts
necessary to report these balances on a tax basis, excluding certain temporary
differences, as of December 31, 1995. 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.
NOTE E --
REORGANIZATION
On September 8, 1995, the shareholders of John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series Fund --
California Portfolio (JHCP) approved a plan of reorganization between JHCP and
the Fund providing for the transfer of substantially all of the assets and
liabilities of JHCP to the Fund in exchange solely for Class A shares of the
Fund. The acquisition was accounted for as a tax free exchange of 4,164,385
Class A shares of John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund for the net
assets of JHCP, which amounted to $48,873,637, including $2,253,412 of
unrealized appreciation, after the close of business at September 15, 1995.
24
<PAGE> 25
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
REPORTS OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP,
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Trustees and Shareholders of
John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of John
Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund (the "Fund"), including the schedule of
investments, as of December 31, 1995, and the related statement of operations
for the year then ended, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the
two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the
periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights
are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
December 31, 1995, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or other
appropriate audit procedures when replies from brokers were not received. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
John Hancock California Tax-Free Income Fund at December 31, 1995, the results
of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for
each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for
each of the indicated periods, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 9, 1996
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 December 31,
1995.
Income dividends are 99.5% tax-exempt. Approximately 2% of the 1995 income
dividends are subject to the alternative minimum tax. None of the income was
derived from U.S. Treasury obligations, or qualify for the corporate dividends
received deductions. Shareholders were mailed a 1995 U.S. Treasury Department
Form 1099-DIV in January 1996 representing their proportionate share.
For specific information on exemption provisions in your state, consult
your local state tax office or your tax adviser.
25
<PAGE> 26
NOTES
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
26
<PAGE> 27
NOTES
John Hancock Funds - California Tax-Free Income Fund
27
<PAGE> 28
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS Bulk Rate
A GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM U.S. Postage
101 HUNTINGTON AVENUE BOSTON, MA 02199-7603 PAID
Brockton, MA
Permit No. 582
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box sectioned in quadrants with a triangle in upper left, a circle in upper
right, a cube in lower left and a diamond in lower right. A tag line below reads
"A Global Investment Management Firm."]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This report is for the information of shareholders of the John Hancock
California 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.
[A recycled logo in lower left hand corner with caption "Printed on Recycled
Paper."]
JHD 5300A 12/95
2/96
