FILE NO. 33-86102
FILE NO. 811-8852
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
---------
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (X)
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ( )
Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 (X)
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 (X)
Amendment No. 11 (X)
---------
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, (617) 375-1700
---------
SUSAN S. NEWTON
Vice President and Secretary
John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
---------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
( ) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
(X) on July 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
( ) 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
( ) on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485
If appropiate, check the following box:
( ) This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN HANCOCK
Growth
Funds
[LOGO] Prospectus
July 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these funds or determined whether the information in
this prospectus is adequate and accurate. Anyone who indicates otherwise is
committing a federal crime.
Core Growth Fund formerly Independence Growth Fund
Core Value Fund formerly Independence Value Fund
Financial Industries Fund
Large Cap Growth Fund formerly Growth Fund
Mid Cap Growth Fund formerly Special Opportunities Fund
Regional Bank Fund
Small Cap Growth Fund formerly Emerging Growth Fund
Small Cap Value Fund formerly Special Value Fund
Special Equities Fund
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
<PAGE>
Contents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fund-by-fund summary of Core Growth Fund 4
goals, strategies, risks,
performance and expenses. Core Value Fund 6
Financial Industries Fund 8
Large Cap Growth Fund 10
Mid Cap Growth Fund 12
Regional Bank Fund 14
Small Cap Growth Fund 16
Small Cap Value Fund 18
Special Equities Fund 20
Policies and instructions for Your account
opening, maintaining and
closing an account in any Choosing a share class 22
growth fund. How sales charges are calculated 22
Sales charge reductions and waivers 23
Opening an account 24
Buying shares 25
Selling shares 26
Transaction policies 28
Dividends and account policies 28
Additional investor services 29
Further information on the Fund details
growth funds.
Business structure 30
Financial highlights 31
For more information back cover
<PAGE>
Overview
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN HANCOCK GROWTH FUNDS
These funds seek long-term growth by investing primarily in common stocks. Each
fund has its own strategy and its own risk profile.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST
These funds may be appropriate for investors who:
o have longer time horizons
o are willing to accept higher short-term risk along with higher potential
long-term returns
o want to diversify their portfolios
o are seeking funds for the growth portion of an asset allocation portfolio
o are investing for retirement or other goals that are many years in the future
Growth funds may NOT be appropriate if you:
o are investing with a shorter time horizon in mind
o are uncomfortable with an investment that may go up and down in value
RISKS OF MUTUAL FUNDS
Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Because
you could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosure carefully before investing.
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock growth funds are managed by John Hancock Advisers, Inc. Founded
in 1968, John Hancock Advisers is a wholly owned subsidiary of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company and manages more than $30 billion in assets.
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[Clip Art] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and the
strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[Clip Art] Main risks The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[Clip Art] Past performance The fund's total return, measured year-by-year and
over time.
[Clip Art] Your expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including sales charges and annual expenses.
3
<PAGE>
Core Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return. To pursue this goal, the
fund invests in a diversified portfolio of primarily large-capitalization stocks
and emphasizes stocks of companies with relatively high potential long-term
earnings growth. The portfolio's risk profile is substantially similar to that
of the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
The managers select from a menu of stocks of approximately 550 companies that
evolves over time. Approximately 40% to 50% of these companies also are included
in the Russell 1000 Growth Index. The subadviser's investment research team is
organized by industry and tracks these companies to develop earnings estimates
and five-year projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models
use this in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the Russell 1000
Growth Index, results in a portfolio of approximately 100 to 130 of the stocks
from the top 60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall into the
bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Team responsible for day-to-day investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The year-by-year and average annual figures are for Class I
shares, which are offered in a separate prospectus. Annual returns should be
substantially similar since all classes invest in the same portfolio. However,
Class I shares' average annual figures do not reflect sales charges or 12b-1
fees which will be imposed beginning July 1, 1999 for Class A, B and C shares.
Year-by-year, average annual and index figures do not reflect these charges and
would be lower if they did. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past
performance does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class I year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
20.52% 36.22% 37.94%
1999 total return as of March 31: 2.70%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 27.44% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -12.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of
1 year Class I
Class I - began 10/2/95 37.94% 30.52%
Class A - began 7/1/99 -- --
Class B - began 7/1/99 -- --
Class C - began 7/1/99 -- --
Index 38.71% 29.73%
Index: Russell 1000 Growth Index, an unmanaged index of growth company stocks in
the Russell 1000 Index of the 1,000 largest-capitalization U.S. stocks.
4
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor
with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks. Also, large-capitalization growth stocks as a
group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform
funds that focus on large-capitalization value stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Class A expense figures below show the expenses for the past year
adjusted to reflect any changes. Because Class A, Class B and Class C shares are
new, their expenses are based on Class I shares' expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
(as a % of purchase or sales price, whichever is less) none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.80% 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 1.18% 1.18% 1.18%
Total fund operating expenses 2.28% 2.98% 2.98%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 1.03% 1.03% 1.03%
Net annual operating expenses 1.25% 1.95% 1.95%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be after the
expense reimbursement (first year only) if you invested $10,000 over the time
frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all distributions and that the average
annual return was 5%. The example is for comparison only, and does not represent
the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $621 $1,152 $1,708 $3,218
Class B - with redemption $698 $1,196 $1,817 $3,368
- without redemption $198 $ 896 $1,617 $3,368
Class C - with redemption $298 $ 896 $1,617 $3,529
- without redemption $198 $ 896 $1,617 $3,529
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 79
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 179
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 579
5
<PAGE>
Core Value Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return. To pursue this goal, the
fund invests in a diversified portfolio of primarily large-capitalization stocks
and emphasizes relatively undervalued stocks and high dividend yields. The
portfolio's risk profile is substantially similar to that of the Russell 1000
Value Index.
The managers select from a menu of stocks of approximately 550 companies that
evolves over time. Approximately 50% to 60% of these companies also are included
in the Russell 1000 Value Index. The subadviser's investment research team is
organized by industry and tracks these companies to develop earnings estimates
and five-year projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models
use this in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the Russell 1000
Value Index, results in a portfolio of approximately 100 to 130 of the stocks
from the top 60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall into the
bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
- -----------------------------------------------------------
Team responsible for day-to-day investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. Class A average annual figures do not reflect sales charges,
which will be imposed beginning July 1, 1999. In addition, 12b-1 fees will be
imposed beginning July 1, 2000 for Class A. Year-by-year, average annual and
index figures do not reflect these charges and would be lower if they did. All
figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future
results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
20.66% 30.63% 18.79%
1999 total return as of March 31: 0.48%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 18.79% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -13.99%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of
1 year Class A
Class A - began 10/2/95 18.79% 24.14%
Class B - began 7/1/99 -- --
Class C - began 7/1/99 -- --
Index 15.63% 24.29%
Index: Russell 1000 Value Index, an unmanaged index of value stocks in the
Russell 1000 Index of the 1,000 largest-capitalization U.S. stocks.
6
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor
with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks. Also, large-capitalization value stocks as a group
could fall out of favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds
that focus on large-capitalization growth stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Class A expense figures below show the expenses for the past year,
adjusted to reflect any changes. Because Class B and Class C shares are new,
their expenses are based on Class A shares' expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
(as a % of purchase or sales price, whichever is less) none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.80% 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 1.08% 1.08% 1.08%
Total fund operating expenses 2.18% 2.88% 2.88%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fee reduction (until 7/1/00) 0.30% -- --
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.93% 0.93% 0.93%
Net annual operating expenses 0.95% 1.95% 1.95%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be after the fee
reduction and expense reimbursement (first year only) if you invested $10,000
over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all distributions and
that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $592 $1,105 $1,643 $3,109
Class B - with redemption $698 $1,176 $1,777 $3,281
- without redemption $198 $ 876 $1,577 $3,281
Class C - with redemption $298 $ 876 $1,577 $3,443
- without redemption $198 $ 876 $1,577 $3,443
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 88
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 188
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-8852
JH fund number 588
7
<PAGE>
Financial Industries Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue this goal, the fund
normally invests at least 65% of assets in U.S. and foreign financial services
companies, including banks, thrifts, finance companies, brokerage and advisory
firms, real estate-related firms and insurance companies.
In managing the portfolio, the managers concentrate primarily on stock selection
rather than industry allocation. The portfolio may include financial services
companies of all sizes and types.
In choosing individual stocks, the managers use fundamental financial analysis
to identify securities that appear comparatively undervalued. Given the
industrywide trend toward consolidation, the managers also seek out companies
that appear to be positioned for a merger. The managers generally gather
firsthand information about companies from interviews and company visits.
The fund may invest in U.S. and foreign bonds, including up to 5% of net assets
in junk bonds (those rated below BBB/Baa and their unrated equivalents). It may
also invest up to 15% of assets in investment-grade short-term securities.
The fund may make limited use of certain derivatives (investments whose value is
based on indices, securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest up to 80% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
James K. Schmidt, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Executive vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1985
Began career in 1979
Thomas M. Finucane
- -----------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1990
Began career in 1990
Thomas C. Goggins
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1995
Began career in 1981
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the
year-by-year and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All
figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future
results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1998
37.74% 4.86%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 17.07% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -20.12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of Life of
1 year Class A Class B
Class A - began 3/14/96 -0.40% 26.31% --
Class B - began 1/14/97 -0.87% -- 16.95%
Class C - began 3/1/99 -- -- --
Index 28.60% 28.17% 30.95%
Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
8
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Another major factor in this
fund's performance is the economic condition of the financial services sector.
The value of your investment may fluctuate more widely than it would in a fund
that is diversified across sectors.
When interest rates fall or economic conditions deteriorate, the stocks of
financial services companies often suffer greater losses than other stocks.
Rising interest rates can cut into profits by reducing the difference between
these companies' borrowing and lending rates.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. Stocks
of financial services companies as a group could fall out of favor with the
market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on other types of
stocks. Similarly, if the managers' stock selection strategy does not perform as
expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Any bonds held by the fund could be downgraded in credit rating or go into
default. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise. Junk bond
prices can fall on bad news about the economy, an industry or a company.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares are new, their expenses are based on Class B
expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.76% 0.76% 0.76%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.31% 0.31% 0.31%
Total fund operating expenses 1.37% 2.07% 2.07%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $633 $912 $1,212 $2,064
Class B - with redemption $710 $949 $1,314 $2,221
- without redemption $210 $649 $1,114 $2,221
Class C - with redemption $310 $649 $1,114 $2,400
- without redemption $210 $649 $1,114 $2,400
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker FIDAX
CUSIP 409905502
Newspaper FinIndA
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 70
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker FIDBX
CUSIP 409905601
Newspaper FinIndB
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 170
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 409905874
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 570
9
<PAGE>
Large Cap Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. To pursue this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 65% of assets in stocks of
large-capitalization companies (companies in the capitalization range of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index).
The fund generally invests in 30 to 60 U.S. companies that are diversified
across sectors. The fund has tended to emphasize, or overweight, certain sectors
such as health care, technology or consumer goods. These weightings may change
in the future.
In choosing individual stocks, the managers use fundamental financial analysis
to identify companies with:
o strong cash flows
o secure market franchises
o sales growth that outpaces their industries
The management team uses various means to assess the depth and stability of
companies' senior management, including interviews and company visits. The fund
favors companies for which the managers project at least 15% annual growth for
the next two years.
The fund may invest in certain other types of equity securities such as
preferred stocks. It may also invest up to 15% of assets in foreign securities.
In addition, it may make limited use of certain derivatives (investments whose
value is based on indices, securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
David L. Eisenberg, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1999
Joined adviser in 1997
Began career in 1981
Geoffrey R. Plume, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Second vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1987
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the
year-by-year and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All
figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future
results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
30.96% -8.34% 41.68% 6.06% 13.03% -7.50% 27.17% 20.40% 16.70% 26.42%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 22.38% Worst quarter: Q3 '90, -18.75%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 year 5 year 10 year
Class A 20.12% 14.67% 14.96%
Class B - began 1/3/94 20.54% 15.23% --
Class C - began 6/1/98 -- -- --
Index 28.60% 24.05% 18.95%
Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
10
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. If the fund concentrates its
investments in certain sectors or companies, its performance could be tied more
closely to those sectors or companies than to the market as a whole.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly.
Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market,
causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks. Similarly, if the managers' stock selection
strategy does not perform as expected, the fund could underperform its peers or
lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares have a short history, their expenses are
based on Class B expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.33% 0.33% 0.33%
Total fund operating expenses 1.38% 2.08% 2.08%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $633 $915 $1,217 $2,075
Class B - with redemption $711 $952 $1,319 $2,231
- without redemption $211 $652 $1,119 $2,231
Class C - with redemption $311 $652 $1,119 $2,410
- without redemption $211 $652 $1,119 $2,410
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHNGX
CUSIP 409906302
Newspaper LpCpGrA
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 20
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHGBX
CUSIP 409906401
Newspaper LpCpGrB
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 120
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 409906849
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 520
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
11
<PAGE>
Mid Cap Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long- term capital appreciation. To pursue this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 65% of assets in stocks of
medium-capitalization companies (companies in the capitalization range of the
Russell Midcap Growth Index).
In managing the portfolio, the manager seeks to identify promising sectors for
investment. The manager considers broad economic trends, demographic factors,
technological changes, consolidation trends and legislative initiatives.
The fund normally invests at least 75% of assets in stocks of companies in up to
five economic sectors that appear to offer the highest earnings growth
potential. Although the fund concentrates on a few sectors, it diversifies
broadly within those sectors. At times, the fund may focus on a single sector.
The fund generally invests in more than 100 companies.
In choosing individual securities, the manager conducts fundamental financial
analysis to identify companies that appear able to sustain 15% annual earnings
growth for the next three to five years. The manager looks for companies with
growth stemming from a combination of gains in market share and increasing
operating efficiency. Before investing, the manager identifies a specific
catalyst for growth, such as a new product, business reorganization or merger.
The management team generally maintains personal contact with the senior
management of the companies the fund invests in.
The fund may invest in foreign stocks. It may also make limited use of certain
derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices, securities or
currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 25% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Barbara C. Friedman, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1973
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with broad-based market
indices for reference). This information may help provide an indication of the
fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the year-by-year
and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All figures assume
dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
-8.76% 34.24% 29.05% 2.37% 6.53%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 22.66% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -21.36%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of Life of
1 year 5 year Class A Class B
Class A - began 11/1/93 1.24% 10.38% 9.89% --
Class B - began 11/1/93 0.85% 10.45% -- 10.08%
Class C - began 6/1/98 -- -- -- --
Index 1 28.60% 24.05% 23.25% 23.25%
Index 2 17.86% 17.34% 17.09% 17.09%
Index 1: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
Index 2: Russell Midcap Growth Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell Midcap Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
12
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Stocks of medium-capitalization
companies tend to be more volatile than those of larger companies. Similarly,
medium- capitalization stocks are generally traded in lower volumes than
large-capitalization stocks.
Because the fund concentrates on a few sectors of the market, its performance
may be more volatile than that of a fund that invests across many sectors.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly.
Medium-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market,
causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks.
Similarly, if the industries or companies the fund invests in do not perform as
expected, or if the manager's stock selection strategy does not perform as
expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares have a short history, their expenses are
based on Class B expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.80% 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.49% 0.49% 0.49%
Total fund operating expenses 1.59% 2.29% 2.29%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $654 $ 977 $1,322 $2,295
Class B - with redemption $732 $1,015 $1,425 $2,450
- without redemption $232 $ 715 $1,225 $2,450
Class C - with redemption $332 $ 715 $1,225 $2,626
- without redemption $232 $ 715 $1,225 $2,626
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker SPOAX
CUSIP 409906807
Newspaper MdCpGrA
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 39
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker SPOBX
CUSIP 409906880
Newspaper MdCpGrB
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 139
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 409906823
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-4630
JH fund number 539
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
13
<PAGE>
Regional Bank Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation with moderate income
as a secondary objective. To pursue this goal, the fund normally invests at
least 65% of assets in a portfolio of stocks of regional banks and lending
institutions, including commercial and industrial banks, savings and loan
associations and bank holding companies. These financial institutions provide
full-service banking, have primarily domestic assets and are typically based
outside of money centers, such as New York City and Chicago.
In managing the portfolio, the managers concentrate primarily on stock
selection.
In choosing individual stocks, the managers use fundamental financial analysis
to identify securities that appear comparatively undervalued. The managers look
for low price/earnings (P/E) ratios, high-quality assets and sound loan review
processes. Given the industrywide trend toward consolidation, the managers also
seek out companies that appear to be positioned for a merger. The fund's
portfolio may be concentrated in geographic regions where consolidation activity
is high. The managers generally gather firsthand information about companies
from interviews and company visits.
The fund may also invest in other U.S. and foreign financial services companies,
such as lending companies and money center banks. The fund may invest up to 5%
of net assets in stocks of companies outside the financial services sector and
up to 5% of net assets in junk bonds (those rated below BBB/Baa and their
unrated equivalents).
The fund may make limited use of certain derivatives (investments whose value is
based on indices, securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest up to 80% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
James K. Schmidt, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Executive vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1985
Joined adviser in 1985
Began career in 1979
Thomas M. Finucane
- -----------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1990
Joined adviser in 1990 Began
career in 1990
Thomas C. Goggins
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1995
Began career in 1981
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the
year-by-year and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All
figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future
results.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
17.34% -20.57% 63.78% 47.37% 20.51% -0.20% 47.56% 28.43% 52.84% 0.73%
</TABLE>
Best quarter: Q1 '91, 19.45% Worst quarter: Q3 '90, -20.91%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of
1 year 5 year 10 year Class A
Class A - began 1/3/92 -3.66% 23.43% -- 26.31%
Class B -4.13% 23.66% 22.95% --
Class C - began 3/1/99 -- -- -- --
Index 28.60% 24.05% 18.95% 19.50%
Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
14
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Another major factor in this
fund's performance is the economic condition of the regional banking industry.
When interest rates fall or economic conditions deteriorate, regional bank
stocks often suffer greater losses than other stocks. Rising interest rates can
cut into profits by reducing the difference between these companies' borrowing
and lending rates.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
fund concentrates its investments in regions that experience economic downturns,
performance could suffer. Regional bank stocks as a group could fall out of
favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on
other types of stocks. Similarly, if the managers' stock selection strategy does
not perform as expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Any bonds held by the fund could be downgraded in credit rating or go into
default. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise. Junk bond
prices can fall on bad news about the economy, an industry or a company.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares have a short history, their expenses are
based on Class B expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.19% 0.19% 0.19%
Total fund operating expenses 1.24% 1.94% 1.94%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $620 $874 $1,147 $1,925
Class B - with redemption $697 $909 $1,247 $2,083
- without redemption $197 $609 $1,047 $2,083
Class C - with redemption $297 $609 $1,047 $2,264
- without redemption $197 $609 $1,047 $2,264
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker FRBAX
CUSIP 409905106
Newspaper RgBkA
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 1
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker FRBFX
CUSIP 409905205
Newspaper RgBkB
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 101
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 409905866
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 501
15
<PAGE>
Small Cap Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. To pursue this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in stocks of U.S. emerging
growth companies with market capitalizations of no more than $1 billion. The
managers look for companies that show rapid growth but are not yet widely
recognized. The fund also may invest in established companies that, because of
new management, products or opportunities, offer the possibility of accelerating
earnings.
In managing the portfolio, the managers emphasize diversification by sector and
company. The fund's investments by sector, or sector weightings, generally
reflect those of the Russell 2000 Growth Index. The fund normally invests in 150
to 220 companies.
In choosing individual securities, the managers use fundamental financial
analysis to identify rapidly growing companies. The managers favor companies
that dominate their market niches or are poised to become market leaders. They
look for strong senior management teams and coherent business strategies. They
generally maintain personal contact with the senior management of the companies
the fund invests in.
The fund may invest up to 20% of assets in other types of companies and certain
other types of equity securities such as preferred stock. The fund may make
limited use of certain derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices,
securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Bernice S. Behar, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1991
Began career in 1986
Laura J. Allen, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1981
Anurag Pandit, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1984
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with broad-based market
indices for reference). This information may help provide an indication of the
fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the year-by-year
and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All figures assume
dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
28.85% -1.15% 58.82% 12.13% 11.82% -1.49% 42.13% 12.95% 14.45% 11.65%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 32.73% Worst quarter: Q3 '90, -23.09%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of
1 year 5 year 10 year Class A
Class A - began 8/22/91 6.75% 14.76% -- 15.46%
Class B 10.29% 15.02% 17.75% --
Class C - began 6/1/98 -- -- -- --
Index 1 -2.55% 11.87% 12.92% 14.09%
Index 2 1.23% 10.22% 11.54% 11.25%
Index 1: Russell 2000 Index, an unmanaged index of 2,000 U.S.
small-capitalization stocks.
Index 2: Russell 2000 Growth Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell 2000 Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
16
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates on
emerging growth companies, its performance may be more volatile than that of a
fund that invests primarily in larger companies.
Stocks of smaller emerging growth companies are more risky than stocks of larger
companies. Many of these companies are young and have a limited track record.
Because their businesses frequently rely on narrow product lines and niche
markets, they can suffer severely from isolated business setbacks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly.
Emerging growth stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market,
causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks.
Similarly, if the managers' stock selection strategy does not perform as
expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, small-capitalization stocks, derivatives and other
higher-risk securities could become harder to value or to sell at a fair
price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares have a short history, their expenses are
based on Class B expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred s ales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.25% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.36% 0.36% 0.36%
Total fund operating expenses 1.36% 2.11% 2.11%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $632 $909 $1,207 $2,053
Class B - with redemption $714 $961 $1,334 $2,250
- without redemption $214 $661 $1,134 $2,250
Class C - with redemption $314 $661 $1,134 $2,441
- without redemption $214 $661 $1,134 $2,441
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker TAEMX
CUSIP 478032105
Newspaper SmCpGrA
SEC number 811-3392
JH fund number 60
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker TSEGX
CUSIP 478032204
Newspaper SmCpGrB
SEC number 811-3392
JH fund number 160
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 478032501
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-3392
JH fund number 560
17
<PAGE>
Small Cap Value Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks capital appreciation. To pursue this goal, the fund
invests at least 65% of assets in stocks of companies with market
capitalizations under $1 billion.
In managing the portfolio, the managers emphasize a value-oriented approach to
individual stock selection. With the aid of proprietary financial models, the
management team looks for U.S. and foreign companies that are selling at what
appear to be substantial discounts to their long-term value. These companies
often have identifiable catalysts for growth, such as new products, business
reorganizations or mergers.
The managers use fundamental financial analysis of individual companies to
identify those with substantial cash flows, reliable revenue streams and strong
competitive positions. The strength of companies' management teams is also a key
selection factor. The fund diversifies across industry sectors.
The fund invests primarily in stocks of U.S. companies, but may invest up to 50%
of assets in foreign securities and up to 15% of net assets in bonds that may be
rated as low as CC/Ca and their unrated equivalents. (Bonds rated below BBB/Baa
are considered junk bonds.) The fund may also invest in certain other types of
equity and debt securities, and may make limited use of certain derivatives
(investments whose value is based on indices, securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest extensively in
investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Timothy E. Keefe, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1987
Timothy E. Quinlisk, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Second vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1985
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the
year-by-year and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All
figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future
results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
7.81% 20.26% 12.91% 25.25% -2.10%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 21.34% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -21.43%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 year 5 year
Class A - began 1/3/94 -7.02% 11.28%
Class B - began 1/3/94 -7.57% 11.36%
Class C - began 5/1/98 -- --
Index -2.55% 11.87%
Index: Russell 2000 Index, an unmanaged index of 2,000 U.S. small-capitalization
stocks.
18
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates on
small-capitalization companies, its performance may be more volatile than that
of a fund that invests primarily in larger companies.
Stocks of smaller companies are more risky than stocks of larger companies. Many
of these companies are young and have a limited track record. Because their
businesses frequently rely on narrow product lines and niche markets, they can
suffer severely from isolated business setbacks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly.
Small-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market,
causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks.
Similarly, if the industries or companies the fund invests in do not perform as
expected, or if the managers' stock selection strategy does not perform as
expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, small-capitalization stocks, derivatives and other
higher-risk securities could become harder to value or to sell at a fair
price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
o Any bonds held by the fund could be downgraded in credit rating or go into
default. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise. Junk bond
prices can fall on bad news about the economy, an industry or a company.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares have a short history, their expenses are
based on Class B expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.70% 0.70% 0.70%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.62% 0.62% 0.62%
Total fund operating expenses 1.62% 2.32% 2.32%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $657 $ 986 $1,337 $2,326
Class B - with redemption $735 $1,024 $1,440 $2,481
- without redemption $235 $ 724 $1,240 $2,481
Class C - with redemption $335 $ 724 $1,240 $2,656
- without redemption $235 $ 724 $1,240 $2,656
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker SPVAX
CUSIP 409905700
Newspaper SmCpVlA
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 37
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker SPVBX
CUSIP 409905809
Newspaper SmCpVlB
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 137
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 409905882
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-3999
JH fund number 537
19
<PAGE>
Special Equities Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. To pursue this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 65% of assets in stocks of emerging growth
companies and companies in situations offering unusual or one-time
opportunities. Emerging growth companies tend to have small market
capitalizations, typically less than $1 billion.
In managing the portfolio, the managers focus on stock selection and then
consider sector and geographic diversification. The portfolio typically includes
80 to 100 companies. The types of high-growth companies targeted by the fund
tend to cluster in certain sectors, such as technology.
In choosing individual securities, the management team uses fundamental
financial analysis to identify companies with strong and accelerating earnings
growth. The managers favor companies that dominate their market niches or are
poised to become market leaders. The managers look for strong senior management
teams and coherent business strategies. They generally maintain personal contact
with the senior management of the companies the fund invests in.
The fund may invest in certain other types of equity securities such as
preferred stock. It may also invest in foreign securities. In addition, the fund
may make limited use of derivatives (investments whose value is based on
indices, securities or currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs (thus lowering performance) and increase your taxable dividends.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Laura J. Allen, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1981
Bernice S. Behar, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1991
Began career in 1986
Anurag Pandit, CFA
- -----------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1984
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with broad-based market
indices for reference). This information may help provide an indication of the
fund's risks. The average annual figures reflect sales charges; the year-by-year
and index figures do not, and would be lower if they did. All figures assume
dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
27.87% -8.70% 84.49% 30.41% 19.74% 2.02% 50.44% 3.74% 4.90% -5.32%
Best quarter: Q1 '91, 32.31% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -26.82%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of
1 year 5 year 10 year Class B
Class A -10.04% 8.48% 17.58% --
Class B - began 3/1/93 -10.63% 8.54% -- 12.09%
Class C - began 3/1/99 -- -- -- --
Index 1 -2.55% 11.87% 12.92% 12.20%
Index 2 1.23% 10.22% 11.54% 10.76%
Index 1: Russell 2000 Index, an unmanaged index of 2,000 U.S.
small-capitalization stocks.
Index 2: Russell 2000 Growth Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell 2000 Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
20
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] As with most growth funds, the value of your investment will go up
and down in response to stock market movements. Because the fund concentrates on
small-capitalization companies, its performance may be more volatile than that
of a fund that invests primarily in larger companies.
Stocks of small-capitalization companies are more risky than stocks of larger
companies. Many of these companies are young and have a limited track record.
Because their businesses frequently rely on narrow product lines and niche
markets, they can suffer severely from isolated business setbacks.
Special-situation companies often have histories of uneven performance, and
circumstances that appear to offer opportunities for growth do not necessarily
lead to growth.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly.
Small-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor with the market,
causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks.
Similarly, if the managers' stock selection strategy does not perform as
expected, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, small-capitalization stocks, derivatives and other
higher-risk securities could become harder to value or to sell at a fair
price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Transaction expenses are charged directly to your account. Operating
expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are paid by shareholders
indirectly. Because Class C shares are new, their expenses are based on Class B
expenses.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) on purchases
as a % of purchase price 5.00% none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)
as a % of purchase or sale price, whichever is less none(1) 5.00% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses Class A Class B Class C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fee 0.81% 0.81% 0.81%
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.30% 1.00% 1.00%
Other expenses 0.35% 0.35% 0.35%
Total fund operating expenses 1.46% 2.16% 2.16%
</TABLE>
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions and that the average annual return was 5%. The example is for
comparison only, and does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns,
either past or future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A $641 $939 $1,258 $2,159
Class B - with redemption $719 $976 $1,359 $2,315
- without redemption $219 $676 $1,159 $2,315
Class C - with redemption $319 $676 $1,159 $2,493
- without redemption $219 $676 $1,159 $2,493
(1) Except for investments of $1 million or more; see "How sales charges are
calculated."
FUND CODES
Class A
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHNSX
CUSIP 410225106
Newspaper SpclEA
SEC number 811-4079
JH fund number 18
Class B
- ---------------------------
Ticker SPQBX
CUSIP 410225205
Newspaper SpclEB
SEC number 811-4079
JH fund number 118
Class C
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 410225403
Newspaper --
SEC number 811-4079
JH fund number 518
21
<PAGE>
Your account
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CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS
Each share class has its own cost structure, including a Rule 12b-1 plan that
allows it to pay fees for the sale and distribution of its shares. Your
financial representative can help you decide which share class is best for you.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Front-end sales charges, as described at right.
o Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 0.30% (0.25% for Small Cap Growth).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.
o Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.
o A deferred sales charge, as described on following page.
o Automatic conversion to Class A shares after eight years, thus reducing
future annual expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o No front-end sales charge; all your money goes to work for you right away.
o Distribution and service (12b-1) fees of 1.00%.
o A 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge on shares sold within one year of
purchase.
o No automatic conversion to Class A shares, so annual expenses continue at the
Class C level throughout the life of your investment.
For actual past expenses of each share class, see the fund-by-fund information
earlier in this prospectus.
Because 12b-1 fees are paid on an ongoing basis, Class B and Class C
shareholders could end up paying more expenses over the long term than if they
had paid a sales charge.
Special Equities Fund offers Class Y shares and Core Growth Fund and Core Value
Fund offer Class I shares, which have their own expense structure and are
available to financial institutions only. Call Signature Services for more
information (see back cover of this prospectus).
Investors purchasing $1 million or more of Class B or Class C shares may want to
consider the lower operating expenses of Class A shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW SALES CHARGES ARE CALCULATED
Class A Sales charges are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A sales charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a % of As a % of your
Your investment offering price investment
Up to $49,999 5.00% 5.26%
$50,000 - $99,999 4.50% 4.71%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.50% 3.63%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.50% 2.56%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 2.04%
$1,000,000 and over See below
Investments of $1 million or more Class A shares are available with no front-end
sales charge. However, there is a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on any
shares sold within one year of purchase, as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDSC on $1 million+ investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDSC on shares
Your investment being sold
First $1M - $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $1 - $5M above that 0.50%
Next $1 or more above that 0.25%
For purposes of this CDSC, all purchases made during a calendar month are
counted as having been made on the last day of that month.
The CDSC is based on the lesser of the original purchase cost or the current
market value of the shares being sold, and is not charged on shares you acquired
by reinvesting your dividends. To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time
you place a request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in your account
that are not subject to a CDSC.
22 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Class B and Class C Shares are offered at their net asset value per share,
without any initial sales charge. However, you may be charged a contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC) on shares you sell within a certain time after you
bought them, as described in the tables below. There is no CDSC on shares
acquired through reinvestment of dividends. The CDSC is based on the original
purchase cost or the current market value of the shares being sold, whichever is
less. The CDSCs are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B deferred charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CDSC on shares
Years after purchase being sold
1st year 5.00%
2nd year 4.00%
3rd or 4th year 3.00%
5th year 2.00%
6th year 1.00%
After 6th year none
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C deferred charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years after purchase CDSC
1st year 1.00%
After 1st year none
For purposes of these CDSCs, all purchases made during a calendar month are
counted as having been made on the first day of that month.
CDSC calculations are based on the number of shares involved, not on the value
of your account. To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a
request to sell shares we will first sell any shares in your account that carry
no CDSC. If there are not enough of these to meet your request, we will sell
those shares that have the lowest CDSC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
Reducing your Class A sales charges There are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares of John Hancock funds to take advantage of
the breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. The first three ways can be
combined in any manner.
o Accumulation Privilege -- lets you add the value of any Class A shares you
already own to the amount of your next Class A investment for purposes of
calculating the sales charge. Retirement plans investing $1 million in Class
B shares may add that value to Class A purchases to calculate charges.
o Letter of Intention -- lets you purchase Class A shares of a fund over a
13-month period and receive the same sales charge as if all shares had been
purchased at once.
o Combination Privilege -- lets you combine Class A shares of multiple funds
for purposes of calculating the sales charge.
To utilize: complete the appropriate section of your application, or contact
your financial representative or Signature Services, or consult the SAI (see the
back cover of this prospectus).
Group Investment Program A group may be treated as a single purchaser under the
accumulation and combination privileges. Each investor has an individual
account, but the group's investments are lumped together for sales charge
purposes, making the investors potentially eligible for reduced sales charges.
There is no charge, no obligation to invest (although initial investments must
total at least $250), and individual investors may close their accounts at any
time.
To utilize: contact your financial representative or Signature Services to find
out how to qualify, or consult the SAI (see the back cover of this prospectus).
CDSC waivers As long as Signature Services is notified at the time you sell, the
CDSC for each share class will generally be waived in the following cases:
o to make payments through certain systematic withdrawal plans
o to make certain distributions from a retirement plan
o because of shareholder death or disability
To utilize: if you think you may be eligible for a CDSC waiver, contact your
financial representative or Signature Services, or consult the SAI (see the back
cover of this prospectus).
YOUR ACCOUNT 23
<PAGE>
Reinstatement privilege If you sell shares of a John Hancock fund, you may
reinvest some or all of the proceeds in the same share class of any John Hancock
fund within 120 days without a sales charge, as long as Signature Services is
notified before you reinvest. If you paid a CDSC when you sold your shares, you
will be credited with the amount of the CDSC. All accounts involved must have
the same registration.
To utilize: contact your financial representative or Signature Services.
Waivers for certain investors Class A shares may be offered without front-end
sales charges or CDSCs to various individuals and institutions, including:
o selling brokers and their employees and sales representatives
o financial representatives utilizing fund shares in fee-based investment
products under signed agreement with John Hancock Funds
o fund trustees and other individuals who are affiliated with these or other
John Hancock funds
o individuals transferring assets from an employee benefit plan into a John
Hancock fund
o certain insurance company contract holders (one-year CDSC usually applies)
o participants in certain retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees
(one-year CDSC applies)
To utilize: if you think you may be eligible for a sales charge waiver, contact
Signature Services or consult the SAI (see the back cover of this prospectus).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
1 Read this prospectus carefully.
2 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investments for
the John Hancock funds are as follows:
o non-retirement account: $1,000
o retirement account: $250
o group investments: $250
o Monthly Automatic Accumulation Plan (MAAP): $25 to open; you must invest
at least $25 a month
o fee-based clients of selling brokers who placed at least $2 billion in
John Hancock funds: $250
3 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application, carefully
following the instructions. You must submit additional documentation when
opening trust, corporate or power of attorney accounts. For more information,
please contact your financial representative or call Signature Services at
1-800-225-5291.
4 Complete the appropriate parts of the account privileges application. By
applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay and inconvenience of
having to file an additional application if you want to add privileges later.
5 Make your initial investment using the table on the next page. You and your
financial representative can initiate any purchase, exchange or sale of
shares.
24 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buying shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening an account Adding to an account
By check
[Clip Art] o Make out a check for o Make out a check for
the investment amount, the investment amount
payable to "John payable to "John
Hancock Signature Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Services, Inc."
o Deliver the check and o Fill out the detachable
your completed investment slip from an
application to your account statement. If
financial no slip is available,
representative, or mail include a note
them to Signature specifying the fund
Services (address name, your share class,
below). your account number and
the name(s) in which
the account is
registered.
o Deliver the check and
your investment slip or
note to your financial
representative, or mail
them to Signature
Services (address
below).
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Call your financial o Call your financial
representative or representative or
Signature Services to Signature Services to
request an exchange. request an exchange.
By wire
[Clip Art] o Deliver your completed o Instruct your bank to
application to your wire the amount of your
financial investment to:
representative, or mail First Signature Bank & Trust
it to Signature Account # 900000260
Services. Routing # 211475000
o Obtain your account Specify the fund name,
number by calling your your share class, your
financial account number and the
representative or name(s) in which the
Signature Services. account is registered.
Your bank may charge a fee
o Instruct your bank to to wire funds.
wire the amount of your
investment to:
First Signature Bank & Trust
Account # 900000260
Routing # 211475000
Specify the fund name,
your choice of share
class, the new account
number and the name(s) in
which the account is
registered. Your bank may
charge a fee to wire
funds.
By phone
[Clip Art] See "By wire" and "By o Verify that your bank
exchange." or credit union is a
member of the Automated
Clearing House (ACH)
system.
o Complete the "Invest By
Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections
on your account
application.
o Call Signature Services
to verify that these
features are in place
on your account.
o Tell the Signature
Services representative
the fund name, your
share class, your
account number, the
name(s) in which the
account is registered
and the amount of your
investment.
- -------------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Phone Number: 1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial representative
for instructions and assistance.
- -------------------------------------------
To open or add to an account using the Monthly Automatic
Accumulation Program, see "Additional investor services."
YOUR ACCOUNT 25
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designed for To sell some or all of your shares
By letter
[Clip Art] o Accounts of any type. o Write a letter of
instruction or complete
o Sales of any amount. a stock power
indicating the fund
name, your share class,
your account number,
the name(s) in which
the account is
registered and the
dollar value or number
of shares you wish to
sell.
o Include all signatures
and any additional
documents that may be
required (see next
page).
o Mail the materials to
Signature Services.
o A check will be mailed
to the name(s) and
address in which the
account is registered,
or otherwise according
to your letter of
instruction.
By phone
[Clip Art] o Most accounts. o For automated service
24 hours a day using
o Sales of up to your touch-tone phone,
$100,000. call the EASI-Line at
1-800-338-8080.
o To place your order,
call your financial
representative or
Signature Services
between 8 A.M. and 4
P.M. Eastern Time on
most business days.
By wire or electronic funds transfer (EFT)
[Clip Art] o Requests by letter to o To verify that the
sell any amount telephone redemption
(accounts of any type). privilege is in place
on an account, or to
o Requests by phone to request the form to add
sell up to $100,000 it to an existing
(accounts with account, call Signature
telephone redemption Services.
privileges).
o Amounts of $1,000 or
more will be wired on
the next business day.
A $4 fee will be
deducted from your
account.
o Amounts of less than
$1,000 may be sent by
EFT or by check. Funds
from EFT transactions
are generally available
by the second business
day. Your bank may
charge a fee for this
service.
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Accounts of any type. o Obtain a current
prospectus for the fund
o Sales of any amount. into which you are
exchanging by calling
your financial
representative or
Signature Services.
o Call your financial
representative or
Signature Services to
request an exchange.
26 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Selling shares in writing In certain circumstances, you will need to make your
request to sell shares in writing. You may need to include additional items with
your request, as shown in the table below, unless they were previously provided
to Signature Services. You may also need to include a signature guarantee, which
protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a signature guarantee if:
o your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares
o you are requesting payment other than by a check mailed to the address of
record and payable to the registered owner(s)
You will need to obtain your signature guarantee from a member of the Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program. Most brokers and securities dealers are members of
this program. A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seller Requirements for written requests
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Clip Art]
Owners of individual, joint, sole o Letter of instruction.
proprietorship, UGMA/UTMA
(custodial accounts for minors) or o On the letter, the
general partner accounts. signatures and titles of
all persons authorized to
sign for the account,
exactly as the account is
registered.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Owners of corporate or association o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o Corporate resolution,
certified within the past
12 months, or a
business/organization
certification form.
o On the letter and the
resolution, the signature
of the person(s)
authorized to sign for the
account.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Owners or trustees of trust o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o On the letter, the
signature(s) of the
trustee(s).
o Copy of the trust document
certified within the past
12 months or a trust
certification form.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Joint tenancy shareholders with o Letter of instruction
rights of survivorship whose signed by surviving
co-tenants are deceased. tenant.
o Copy of death certificate.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Executors of shareholder estates. o Letter of instruction
signed by executor.
o Copy of order appointing
executor, certified within
the past 12 months.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Administrators, conservators, o Call 1-800-225-5291 for
guardians and other sellers or instructions.
account types not listed above.
- -------------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
Phone Number: 1-800-225-5291
Or contact your financial representative
for instructions and assistance.
- -------------------------------------------
To sell shares through a systematic withdrawal plan, see
"Additional investor services."
YOUR ACCOUNT 27
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION POLICIES
Valuation of shares The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund and class
is determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (typically 4 P.M. Eastern Time). The funds use market prices in
valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates if reliable
market prices are unavailable. The funds may trade foreign stock or other
portfolio securities on U.S. holidays and weekends, even though the funds'
shares will not be priced on those days. This may change a fund's NAV on days
when you cannot buy or sell shares.
Buy and sell prices When you buy shares, you pay the NAV plus any applicable
sales charges, as described earlier. When you sell shares, you receive the NAV
minus any applicable deferred sales charges.
Execution of requests Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are
executed at the next NAV to be calculated after Signature Services receives your
request in good order.
At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider using EASI-Line or sending your request in writing.
In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of proceeds for up to three business days
or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
Telephone transactions For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded
in order to verify their accuracy. Also for your protection, telephone
transactions are not permitted on accounts whose names or addresses have changed
within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed
to the address of record.
Exchanges You may exchange shares of one John Hancock fund for shares of the
same class of any other, generally without paying any additional sales charges.
The registration for both accounts involved must be identical. Class B and Class
C shares will continue to age from the original date and will retain the same
CDSC rate as they had before the exchange, except that the rate will change to
the new fund's rate if that rate is higher. A CDSC rate that has increased will
drop again with a future exchange into a fund with a lower rate.
To protect the interests of other investors in the fund, a fund may cancel the
exchange privileges of any parties that, in the opinion of the fund, are using
market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. A fund may also refuse any exchange order.
A fund may change or cancel its exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days'
notice to its shareholders.
Certificated shares Most shares are electronically recorded. If you wish to have
certificates for your shares, please write to Signature Services. Certificated
shares can only be sold by returning the certificates to Signature Services,
along with a letter of instruction or a stock power and a signature guarantee.
Sales in advance of purchase payments When you place a request to sell shares
for which the purchase money has not yet been collected, the request will be
executed in a timely fashion, but the fund will not release the proceeds to you
until your purchase payment clears. This may take up to ten business days after
the purchase.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
Account statements In general, you will receive account statements as follows:
o after every transaction (except a dividend reinvestment) that affects your
account balance
o after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)
o in all other circumstances, every quarter
Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement, mailed by January 31.
Dividends The funds generally distribute most or all of their net earnings in
the form of dividends. Any capital gains are distributed annually. Regional Bank
Fund typically pays income dividends quarterly. Core Growth, Core Value and
Financial Industries funds typically pay income dividends annually. The other
funds do not usually pay income dividends. Most of these dividends are from
capital gains.
Dividend reinvestments Most investors have their dividends reinvested in
additional shares of the same fund and class. If you choose this option, or if
you do not indicate any choice, your dividends will be reinvested on the
dividend record date. Alternatively, you can choose to have a check for your
dividends
28 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
mailed to you. However, if the check is not deliverable, your dividends will be
reinvested.
Taxability of dividends Dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or
taken as cash, are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's
short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Dividends from a fund's
long-term capital gains are taxable at a lower rate. Whether gains are
short-term or long-term depends on the fund's holding period. Some dividends
paid in January may be taxable as if they had been paid the previous December.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase price and the sale
price of the shares you sell or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the
transaction. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your
transactions.
Small accounts (non-retirement only) If you draw down a non-retirement account
so that its total value is less than $1,000, you may be asked to purchase more
shares within 30 days. If you do not take action, your fund may close out your
account and mail you the proceeds. Alternatively, Signature Services may charge
you $10 a year to maintain your account. You will not be charged a CDSC if your
account is closed for this reason, and your account will not be closed if its
drop in value is due to fund performance or the effects of sales charges.
Year 2000 compliance The adviser and the funds' service providers are taking
steps to address any year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some
risk that these problems could disrupt the issuers in which the funds invest,
the funds' operations or financial markets generally.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INVESTOR SERVICES
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program (MAAP) MAAP lets you set up regular
investments from your paycheck or bank account to the John Hancock fund(s) of
your choice. You determine the frequency and amount of your investments, and you
can terminate your program at any time. To establish:
o Complete the appropriate parts of your account application.
o If you are using MAAP to open an account, make out a check ($25 minimum) for
your first investment amount payable to "John Hancock Signature Services,
Inc." Deliver your check and application to your financial representative or
Signature Services.
Systematic withdrawal plan This plan may be used for routine bill payments or
periodic withdrawals from your account. To establish:
o Make sure you have at least $5,000 worth of shares in your account.
o Make sure you are not planning to invest more money in this account (buying
shares during a period when you are also selling shares of the same fund is
not advantageous to you, because of sales charges).
o Specify the payee(s). The payee may be yourself or any other party, and there
is no limit to the number of payees you may have, as long as they are all on
the same payment schedule.
o Determine the schedule: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or in
certain selected months.
o Fill out the relevant part of the account application. To add a systematic
withdrawal plan to an existing account, contact your financial representative
or Signature Services.
Retirement plans John Hancock Funds offers a range of retirement plans,
including traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SIMPLE plans, SEPs, 401(k) plans
and other pension and profit-sharing plans. Using these plans, you can invest in
any John Hancock fund (except tax-free income funds) with a low minimum
investment of $250 or, for some group plans, no minimum investment at all. To
find out more, call Signature Services at 1-800-225-5291.
YOUR ACCOUNT 29
<PAGE>
Fund details
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
The diagram below shows the basic business structure used by the John Hancock
growth funds. Each fund's board of trustees oversees the fund's business
activities and retains the services of the various firms that carry out the
fund's operations.
The trustees of the Core Growth, Core Value, Financial Industries, Small Cap
Growth and Mid Cap Growth funds have the power to change these funds' respective
investment goals without shareholder approval.
Management fees The management fees paid to the investment adviser by the John
Hancock growth funds last fiscal year are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund % of net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Core Growth 0.00%
Core Value 0.00%
Financial Industries 0.76%
Large Cap Growth 0.75%
Mid Cap Growth 0.80%
Regional Bank 0.75%
Small Cap Growth 0.75%
Small Cap Value 0.09%
Special Equities 0.81%
[The following information was represented as a flow chart in the printed
material.]
-----------------
Shareholders
-----------------
Distribution and
shareholder services
-------------------------------------------------
Financial services firms and
their representatives
Advise current and prospective share-
holders on their fund investments, often
in the context of an overall financial plan.
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
Principal distributor
John Hancock Funds, Inc.
Markets the funds and distributes shares
through selling brokers, financial planners
and other financial representatives.
-------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Transfer agent
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
Handles shareholder services, including record-
keeping and statements, distribution of dividends,
and processing of buy and sell requests.
------------------------------------------------------
Asset
management
------------------------
Subadviser
Independent Investment
Associates, Inc.
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
------------------------
------------------------------------
Investment adviser
John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02199-7603
Manages the funds' business and
investment activities.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Custodian
Investors Bank & Trust Co.
Holds the funds' assets, settles all
portfolio trades and collects most of
the valuation data required for
calculating each fund's NAV.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
Trustees
Oversee the funds' activities.
------------------------------------
30 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
These tables detail the performance of each fund's share classes, including
total return information showing how much an investment in the fund has
increased or decreased each year.
Core Growth Fund
The financial information presented is for periods prior to the creation of
Class A, B and C shares on July 1, 1999. The financial highlights for Class A, B
and C shares will differ due to the distribution fees.
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class I - period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.29 $11.01 $14.88
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.81 2.16 4.34 3.40
Total from investment operations 0.84 2.21 4.38 3.41
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.03) (0.04) (0.03) (0.02)
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- -- (0.00)(3)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.02) (0.45) (0.48) (0.62)
Total distributions (0.05) (0.49) (0.51) (0.64)
Net asset value, end of period $9.29 $11.01 $14.88 $17.65
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 9.94(5) 24.19 40.52 22.92
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) (5.63)(5) 17.40 37.95 21.89
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 549 883 4,605 7,855
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.95(7) 0.95 0.95 0.95
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8,9) (%) 38.57(7) 7.74 3.52 1.98
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.91(7) 0.49 0.34 0.06
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8,9) (%) (36.71)(7) (6.30) (2.23) (0.97)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 21 142 91 54
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 1.36 0.68 0.33 0.17
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on October 2, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Less than $0.01 per share.
(4) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FUND DETAILS 31
<PAGE>
Core Value Fund
The financial information presented is for periods prior to reclassification as
Class A shares on July 1, 1999.
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.47 $10.88 $13.93
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.10 0.23 0.21 0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.96 1.77 3.33 1.23
Total from investment operations 1.06 2.00 3.54 1.38
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.09) (0.19) (0.13) (0.18)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.40) (0.36) (2.77)
Total distributions (0.09) (0.59) (0.49) (2.95)
Net asset value, end of period $9.47 $10.88 $13.93 $12.36
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 12.52(4) 21.36 32.97 9.87
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) (1.18)(4) 15.92 32.02 8.94
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 682 1,323 7,747 6,685
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.95(6) 0.95 0.95 0.95
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 34.06(6) 6.39 1.90 1.88
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.81(6) 2.26 1.60 1.03
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (30.30)(6) (3.18) 0.65 0.10
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 12 66 119 61
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 1.22 0.55 0.12 0.13
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on October 2, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
32 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
Financial Industries Fund
Figures audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 10/96(1) 10/97 10/98
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $11.03 $14.26
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.02 0.14 0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.51 3.77 0.52(3)
Total from investment operations 2.53 3.91 0.67
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income -- (0.03) (0.11)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.65) (0.02)
Total distributions -- (0.68) (0.13)
Net asset value, end of period $11.03 $14.26 $14.80
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 29.76(5) 37.19 4.66
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 26.04(5) 36.92 --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 895 416,698 861,582
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.20(7) 1.20 1.37
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 7.07(7) 1.47 --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.37(7) 1.10 0.92
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (5.50)(7) 0.83 --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 31 6 30
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.38 0.03 --
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 10/97(1) 10/98
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $11.43 $14.18
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.04 0.03
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.71 0.54(3)
Total from investment operations 2.75 0.57
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income -- (0.03)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.02)
Total distributions -- (0.05)
Net asset value, end of period $14.18 $14.70
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 24.06(5) 3.95
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 23.85(5) --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 1,308,946 2,603,021
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.90(7) 2.07
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 2.17(7) --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.40(7) 0.22
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) 0.13(7) --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 6 30
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.03 --
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares began operations on March 14, 1996 and January
14, 1997, respectively.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Amount shown for a share outstanding does not correspond with aggregate net
gain (loss) on investments for the period ended October 31, 1998, due to the
timing of sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating
market values of the investments of the fund.
(4) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into consideration
fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
FUND DETAILS 33
<PAGE>
Large Cap Growth Fund
Figures audited by Ernst & Young LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/93 12/94 12/95 10/96(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.32 $17.40 $15.89 $19.51
Net investment income (loss) (0.11) (0.10) (0.09)(2) (0.13)(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 2.33 (1.21) 4.40 3.90
Total from investment operations 2.22 (1.31) 4.31 3.77
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (2.14) (0.20) (0.69) --
Net asset value, end of period $17.40 $15.89 $19.51 $23.28
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 13.03 (7.50) 27.17 19.32(4)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 162,937 146,466 241,700 279,425
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.56 1.65 1.48 1.48(5)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.67) (0.64) (0.46) (0.73)(5)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 68 52 68(6) 59
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $23.28 $24.37
Net investment income (loss) (0.12)(2) (0.11)(2)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 3.49 2.17
Total from investment operations 3.37 2.06
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (2.28) (4.16)
Net asset value, end of period $24.37 $22.27
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 16.05 9.80
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 303,067 381,591
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.44 1.40
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.51) (0.50)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 133 153(6)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 12/94(7) 12/95 10/96(1) 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $17.16 $15.83 $19.25 $22.83 $23.70
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.20) (0.26) (0.26) (0.27) (0.25)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.93) 4.37 3.84 3.42 2.09
Total from investment operations (1.13) 4.11 3.58 3.15 1.84
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.20) (0.69) -- (2.28) (4.16)
Net asset value, end of period $15.83 $19.25 $22.83 $23.70 $21.38
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (6.56)(4) 26.01 18.60(4) 15.33 9.04
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,807 15,913 25,474 36,430 217,448
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.38(5) 2.31 2.18(5) 2.13 2.08
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.25)(5) (1.39) (1.42)(5) (1.20) (1.16)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 52 68(6) 59 133 153(6)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C - period ended: 10/98(7)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $21.43
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.10)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.04
Total from investment operations (0.06)
Net asset value, end of period $21.37
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (0.28)(4)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 152
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.10(5)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.14)(5)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 153(6)
</TABLE>
(1) Effective October 31, 1996, the fiscal year end changed from December 31 to
October 31.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Excludes merger activity.
(7) Class B and Class C shares began operations on January 3, 1994 and June 1,
1998, respectively.
34 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
Mid Cap Growth Fund
Figures audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 10/94(1) 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $7.93 $9.32 $10.92 $11.40
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.03) (0.07) (0.11) (0.06) (0.09)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.54) 1.46 3.34 1.00 (0.89)
Total from investment operations (0.57) 1.39 3.23 0.94 (0.98)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (1.63) (0.46) (1.31)
Net asset value, end of period $7.93 $9.32 $10.92 $11.40 $9.11
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (6.71) 17.53 36.15 8.79 (9.40)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,4) (%) (6.83) -- -- -- --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 92,325 101,562 156,578 141,997 101,138
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.50 1.59 1.59 1.59 1.59
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(5) (%) 1.62 -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.41) (0.87) (1.00) (0.57) (0.86)
Ratio of adjusted net investment (loss) to average net assets(5) (%) (0.53) -- -- -- --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 57 155 240 317 168
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.01(2) -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 10/94(1) 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $7.87 $9.19 $10.67 $11.03
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.09) (0.13) (0.18) (0.13) (0.15)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (0.54) 1.45 3.29 0.95 (0.85)
Total from investment operations (0.63) 1.32 3.11 0.82 (1.00)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (1.63) (0.46) (1.31)
Net asset value, end of period $7.87 $9.19 $10.67 $11.03 $8.72
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (7.41) 16.77 35.34 7.84 (9.97)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,4) (%) (7.53) -- -- -- --
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 131,983 137,363 238,901 204,812 134,188
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.22 2.30 2.29 2.28 2.27
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(5) (%) 2.34 -- -- -- --
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.13) (1.55) (1.70) (1.25) (1.54)
Ratio of adjusted net investment (loss) to average net assets(5) (%) (1.25) -- -- -- --
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 57 155 240 317 168
Fee reduction per share ($) 0.01(2) -- -- -- --
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C - period ended: 10/98(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $9.99
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.06)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (1.21)
Total from investment operations (1.27)
Net asset value, end of period $8.72
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) (12.71)(6)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 100
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.29(7)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.66)(7)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 168
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares began operations on November 1, 1993. Class C
shares began operations on June 1, 1998.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(4) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into consideration
fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(5) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(6) Not annualized.
(7) Annualized.
FUND DETAILS 35
<PAGE>
Regional Bank Fund
Figures audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 10/94 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $21.62 $21.52 $27.14 $33.99 $48.73
Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.39 0.52 0.63 0.64 0.66
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.91 5.92 7.04 15.02 1.99
Total from investment operations 1.30 6.44 7.67 15.66 2.65
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.34) (0.48) (0.60) (0.61) (0.65)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (1.06) (0.34) (0.22) (0.31) (0.39)
Total distributions (1.40) (0.82) (0.82) (0.92) (1.04)
Net asset value, end of period $21.52 $27.14 $33.99 $48.73 $50.34
Total investment return at net asset value(2) (%) 6.44 31.00 28.78 46.79 5.33
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 216,978 486,631 860,843 1,596,836 1,500,200
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.34 1.39 1.36 1.30 1.24
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 1.78 2.23 2.13 1.55 1.23
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 13 14 8 5 5
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 10/94 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $21.56 $21.43 $27.02 $33.83 $48.48
Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.23 0.36 0.42 0.35 0.30
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.91 5.89 7.01 14.95 1.97
Total from investment operations 1.14 6.25 7.43 15.30 2.27
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.21) (0.32) (0.40) (0.34) (0.28)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (1.06) (0.34) (0.22) (0.31) (0.39)
Total distributions (1.27) (0.66) (0.62) (0.65) (0.67)
Net asset value, end of period $21.43 $27.02 $33.83 $48.48 $50.08
Total investment return at net asset value(2) (%) 5.69 30.11 27.89 45.78 4.62
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 522,207 1,236,447 2,408,514 4,847,755 4,506,983
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.06 2.09 2.07 2.00 1.92
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.07 1.53 1.42 0.84 0.56
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 13 14 8 5 5
</TABLE>
(1) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(2) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
36 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
Small Cap Growth Fund
Figures audited by Ernst & Young LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A(1) - period ended: 10/94 10/95(2) 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $6.47 $6.71 $9.02 $10.22 $12.35
Net investment income (loss)(3) (0.04) (0.07) (0.09) (0.07) (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.28 2.38 1.29 2.41 (1.34)
Total from investment operations 0.24 2.31 1.20 2.34 (1.42)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- -- (0.21) (2.52)
Net asset value, end of period $6.71 $9.02 $10.22 $12.35 $8.41
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 3.59 34.56 13.27 23.35 (14.14)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 131,053 179,481 218,497 209,384 179,700
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.44 1.38 1.32 1.29(5) 1.36(5)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.71) (0.83) (0.86) (0.57) (1.02)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 25 23 44 96 103
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B(1) - period ended: 10/94 10/95(2) 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $6.33 $6.51 $8.70 $9.78 $11.72
Net investment income (loss)(3) (0.09) (0.11) (0.15) (0.14) (0.15)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.27 2.30 1.23 2.29 (1.24)
Total from investment operations 0.18 2.19 1.08 2.15 (1.39)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- -- (0.21) (2.52)
Net asset value, end of period $6.51 $8.70 $9.78 $11.72 $7.81
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 2.80 33.60 12.48 22.44 (14.80)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 283,435 393,478 451,268 472,594 361,992
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.19 2.11 2.05 2.02(5) 2.07(5)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.46) (1.55) (1.59) (1.30) (1.73)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 25 23 44 96 103
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C - period ended: 10/98(6)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.96
Net investment income (loss)(3) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (1.12)
Total from investment operations (1.15)
Net asset value, end of period $7.81
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) (12.83)(7)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 468
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.11(5,8)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.86)(8)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 103
</TABLE>
(1) All per share amounts and net asset values have been restated to reflect the
four-for-one stock split effective May 1, 1998.
(2) On December 22, 1994, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. became the investment
adviser of the fund.
(3) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(4) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(5) Expense ratios do not include interest expense due to bank loans, which
amounted to less than $0.01 per share.
(6) Class C shares began operations on June 1, 1998.
(7) Not annualized.
(8) Annualized.
FUND DETAILS 37
<PAGE>
Small Cap Value Fund
Figures audited by Ernst & Young LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 12/94(1) 12/95 12/96 12/97 10/98(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $8.99 $10.39 $10.32 $12.27
Net investment income (loss)(3) 0.18 0.21 0.14 0.06 0.02
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.48 1.60 1.17 2.52 (1.47)
Total from investment operations 0.66 1.81 1.31 2.58 (1.45)
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.17) (0.20) (0.14) (0.03) --
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.21) (1.24) (0.60) --
Total distributions (0.17) (0.41) (1.38) (0.63) --
Net asset value, end of period $8.99 $10.39 $10.32 $12.27 $10.82
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 7.81(5) 20.26 12.91 25.25 (11.82)(5)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 7.30(5) 19.39 12.20 24.65 (12.33)(5)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 4,420 12,845 15,853 20,961 22,528
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.99(7) 0.98 0.99 0.99 1.01(7)
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 4.98(7) 1.85 1.70 1.59 1.62(7)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.10(7) 2.04 1.31 0.47 0.25(7)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (1.89)(7) 1.17 0.60 (0.13) (0.36)(7)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 0.3 9 72 140 69
Fee reduction per share(3) ($) 0.34 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 12/94(1) 12/95 12/96 12/97 10/98(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.00 $10.38 $10.31 $12.21
Net investment income (loss)(3) 0.13 0.12 0.07 (0.03) (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.48 1.59 1.17 2.53 (1.46)
Total from investment operations 0.61 1.71 1.24 2.50 (1.50)
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.11) (0.12) (0.07) -- --
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.21) (1.24) (0.60) --
Total distributions (0.11) (0.33) (1.31) (0.60) --
Net asset value, end of period $9.00 $10.38 $10.31 $12.21 $10.71
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 7.15(5) 19.11 12.14 24.41 (12.29)(5)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 6.64(5) 18.24 11.43 23.81 (12.80)(5)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,296 16,994 22,097 35,033 30,637
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.72(7) 1.73 1.69 1.69 1.71(7)
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 5.71(7) 2.60 2.40 2.29 2.32(7)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.53(7) 1.21 0.62 (0.24) (0.45)(7)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (2.46)(7) 0.34 (0.09) (0.84) (1.06)(7)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 0.3 9 72 140 69
Fee reduction per share(3) ($) 0.34 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06
</TABLE>
38 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C - period ended: 10/98(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $13.39
Net investment income (loss)(3) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (2.65)
Total from investment operations (2.68)
Net asset value, end of period $10.71
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) (20.01)(5)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) (20.32)(5)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) $422
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.71(7)
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8) (%) 2.32(7)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.54)(7)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8) (%) (1.15)(7)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 69
Fee reduction per share(3) ($) 0.04
</TABLE>
(1) Class A and Class B shares began operations on January 3, 1994. Class C
shares began operations on May 1, 1998.
(2) Effective October 31, 1998, the fiscal year end changed from December 31 to
October 31.
(3) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(4) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation that does not take into consideration
fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
FUND DETAILS 39
<PAGE>
Special Equities Fund
Figures audited by Ernst & Young LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A - period ended: 10/94 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.13 $16.11 $22.15 $24.53 $26.32
Net investment income (loss)(1) (0.21) (0.18) (0.22) (0.29) (0.27)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.19 6.22 3.06 2.08 (5.84)
Total from investment operations (0.02) 6.04 2.84 1.79 (6.11)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (0.46) -- --
Net asset value, end of period $16.11 $22.15 $24.53 $26.32 $20.21
Total investment return at net asset value(2) (%) (0.12) 37.49 12.96 7.30 (23.21)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 310,625 555,655 972,312 807,371 453,919
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.62 1.48 1.42 1.43 1.41
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (1.40) (0.97) (0.89) (1.18) (1.09)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 66 82 59 41 107
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B - period ended: 10/94 10/95 10/96 10/97 10/98
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.08 $15.97 $21.81 $23.96 $25.52
Net investment income (loss)(1) (0.30) (0.31) (0.40) (0.46) (0.45)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.19 6.15 3.01 2.02 (5.62)
Total from investment operations (0.11) 5.84 2.61 1.56 (6.07)
Less distributions:
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (0.46) -- --
Net asset value, end of period $15.97 $21.81 $23.96 $25.52 $19.45
Total investment return at net asset value(2) (%) (0.68) 36.57 12.09 6.51 (23.79)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 191,979 454,934 956,374 951,449 460,971
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 2.25 2.20 2.16 2.19 2.16
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (2.02) (1.69) (1.65) (1.95) (1.84)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 66 82 59 41 107
</TABLE>
(1) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(2) Assumes dividend reinvestment and does not reflect the effect of sales
charges.
40 FUND DETAILS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two documents are available that offer further information on John Hancock
growth funds:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes financial statements, a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance, as well as the
auditors' report (in annual report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds. The
current annual report is included in the SAI.
A current SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.
To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI,
please contact John Hancock:
By mail:
John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston, MA 02217-1000
By phone: 1-800-225-5291
By EASI-Line: 1-800-338-8080
By TDD: 1-800-544-6713
On the Internet: www.jhancock.com/funds
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:
In person: at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
By phone: 1-800-SEC-0330
By mail: Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)
On the Internet: www.sec.gov
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
02199-7603
(C) 1999 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
GROPN 7/99
John Hancock(R)
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hancock
INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
[LOGO] Prospectus
July 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these funds or determined whether the information in
this prospectus is adequate and accurate. Anyone who indicates otherwise is
committing a federal crime.
Active Bond Fund
Dividend Performers Fund
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund
formerly Multi-Sector Growth Fund
Small Capitalization Value Fund
Small Capitalization Growth Fund
International Equity Fund
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
<PAGE>
Contents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fund-by-fund summary Active Bond Fund 4
of goals, strategies, risks,
performance and expenses. Dividend Performers Fund 6
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund 8
Small Capitalization Value Fund 10
Small Capitalization Growth Fund 12
International Equity Fund 14
Policies and instructions for Your account
opening, maintaining and
closing an account in any Who can buy shares 16
institutional fund. Opening an account 16
Buying shares 17
Selling shares 18
Transaction policies 20
Dividends and account policies 20
Business structure 21
Further information on the Financial highlights 22
institutional funds.
For more information back cover
<PAGE>
Overview
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[Clip Art] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and the
strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[Clip Art] Main risks The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[Clip Art] Past performance The fund's total return, measured year-by-year and
over time.
[Clip Art] Your expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including annual expenses.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
These funds offer clearly defined investment strategies, each focusing on a
particular market segment and following a disciplined investment process.
Blended together or selected individually, these funds are designed to meet the
needs of institutional investors, including 401(k) plan participants, seeking
risk-managed investment strategies from seasoned professional portfolio
managers.
RISKS OF MUTUAL FUNDS
Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or endorsed by any bank,
government agency or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Because you
could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosure carefully before investing.
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock institutional funds are managed by John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
Founded in 1968, John Hancock Advisers is a wholly owned subsidiary of John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and manages more than $30 billion in
assets.
3
<PAGE>
Active Bond Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks a high rate of total return consistent with prudent
investment risk. In pursuing this goal, the fund normally invests 80% of assets
in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade debt securities. These include
corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency securities, mortgage- and
asset-backed securities. In normal market conditions the fund may invest up to
20% of assets in below investment-grade securities, commonly known as junk
bonds. These bonds can be rated as low as CC/Ca and their unrated equivalents.
The investment team concentrates on sector allocation, industry
allocation and securities selection. They decide which types of bonds and
industries to emphasize at a given time, and then which individual bonds to buy.
When making the sector and industry allocations, the team uses top-down analysis
to anticipate shifts in the business cycle, and determines which sectors and
industries may benefit over the next 12 months.
The investment team uses bottom-up fundamental research to find securities that
appear comparatively undervalued. The team looks at bonds of various quality
levels and maturities from many different issuers. These may include bonds of
foreign governments and companies which are usually U.S. dollar-denominated.
There is no limit on the fund's average maturity.
The fund uses a disciplined, risk- controlled approach to fixed income
management. The fund may make limited use of certain derivatives (investments
whose value is based on indices or securities), especially in managing its
exposure to interest rate risk. The fund intends to keep its exposure to
interest rate movements generally in line with that of the markets in which it
invests.
The fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions cash and
cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. In abnormal market conditions,
the fund may temporarily invest in investment-grade short-term securities. In
these and other cases, the fund might not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
James K. Ho, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Executive vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1995
Joined adviser in 1985
Began career in 1977
Anthony A. Goodchild
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1994
Began career in 1968
Benjamin Matthews
- ---------------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1995
Joined adviser in 1995
Began career in 1970
Triet Nguyen
- ---------------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1980
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
4.78% 10.39% 8.97%
1999 total return as of March 31: -0.22%
Best quarter: Q3 '98, 4.09% Worst quarter: Q1 '96, -0.93%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 8.97% 9.47%
Life of fund - began 3/30/95 8.78% 9.43%
Index: Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index, an unmanaged index of
U.S. government, U.S. corporate and Yankee bonds.
4
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The major factors that influence this fund's performance are interest
rates and credit risk. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. An
increase in the fund's average maturity will normally increase its sensitivity
to changes in interest rates.
The fund could lose money if the credit ratings of any bonds it owns are
downgraded or the issuers default. In general, lower-rated bonds have higher
credit risks. If certain sectors or investments do not perform as the fund
expects, it could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Junk bonds and foreign securities may make the fund more sensitive to market
or economic shifts in the U.S. and abroad.
o If interest rate movements cause the fund's mortgage-related and callable
securities to be paid off substantially earlier or later than expected, the
fund's share price or yield could be hurt.
o In a rising interest rate environment, higher-risk securities and derivatives
could become harder to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign securities may make the fund more sensitive to market or economic
shifts in the U.S. and abroad.
Any U.S. government guarantees on individual securities in the portfolio do not
apply to these securities' market value or current yield, or to fund shares.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.50%
Other expenses 1.83%
Total fund operating expenses 2.33%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 1.73%
Net annual operating expenses 0.60%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$61 $561 $1,088 $2,532
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHABX
CUSIP 410132203
Newspaper ActiveBd
JH fund number 421
5
<PAGE>
Dividend Performers Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital with income as a secondary
objective. In pursuing this goal, the fund normally invests at least 80% of
assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. stocks with market capitalizations
within the range of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index. On June 1, 1999, this
index's range was $334.7 million to $410.8 billion.
The investment team normally invests at least 65% of assets in "dividend
performers." These are companies that have typically increased their dividend
payments steadily for ten years. The team conducts fundamental analysis to
identify individual companies with strong balance sheets, stable and predictable
earnings growth and consistently high free cash flow. They look for stocks that
are reasonably priced relative to their earnings and industry. Historically,
companies that meet these criteria have tended to be large, well-established
leaders within their respective industries. The team generally maintains
personal contact with the senior management of the companies in which the fund
invests, to evaluate the strength and consistency of their management strategy.
Each security, at time of purchase, may not comprise more than 5% of the fund's
assets. The fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions
cash and cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. The fund may make
limited use of certain derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices
or securities) to maintain market exposure. The fund can also invest in American
Depository Receipts.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest in U.S.
government and agency securities (with maturities of up to three years) and more
than 10% of assets in cash equivalents. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
John F. Snyder, III
- ---------------------------------------
Executive vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1995
Joined adviser in 1991
Began career in 1971
Peter M. Schofield, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1984
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
18.56% 34.33% 17.96%
1999 total return as of March 31: 0.21%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 20.75% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -11.45%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 17.96% 28.58%
Life of fund - began 3/30/95 23.70% 29.27%
Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
6
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to
movements in the stock market.
The fund's investment strategy will influence performance significantly.
Large-capitalization stocks could fall out of favor, causing the fund to
underperform funds that focus on small- or medium-capitalization stocks.
Similarly, if individual securities do not perform as the investment team
expects, the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including inadequate or
inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.60%
Other expenses 0.35%
Total fund operating expenses 0.95%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.25%
Net annual operating expenses 0.70%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$72 $278 $501 $1,144
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHDPX
CUSIP 410132104
Newspaper DivPerf
JH fund number 442
7
<PAGE>
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. In pursuing this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in a diversified portfolio of
stocks with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap Growth
Index. On June 1, 1999, this index's range was $190 million to $42.9 billion.
When selecting sectors on which to focus, the investment team utilizes a
top-down approach. The team considers factors such as economic trends,
demographics and technological changes to identify sectors whose growth exceeds
that of the overall economy. Although the team concentrates on these sectors,
investments are diversified across multiple industries.
Quantitative screens identify companies with at least 15% annual earnings
growth, expanding profit margins and projected price/earnings ratios below their
earnings growth rate.
The investment team conducts fundamental analysis to identify companies with a
dominant market position and a strong management team. Before investing, the
team looks for a specific catalyst for growth, such as a new product or business
reorganization. The team generally maintains personal contact with the senior
management of the companies in which the fund invests.
Each security, at time of purchase, may not comprise more than 5% of assets. The
fund may invest up to 10% of assets in securities of foreign companies.
The fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions cash and
cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. The fund may make limited use of
certain derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices, securities or
currencies) to maintain market exposure.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest in U.S.
government and agency securities (with maturities of up to three years) and more
than 10% of assets in cash equivalents. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Barbara C. Friedman, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1973
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
31.55% 3.61% 7.35%
1999 total return as of March 31: 1.03%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 22.46% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -20.97%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 7.35% 17.86%
Life of fund - began 4/11/95 16.53% 21.11%*
Index: Russell Midcap Growth Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell Midcap Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
* Index figures as of 3/31/95.
8
<PAGE>
Main Risks
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to
movements in the stock market.
Stocks of medium-capitalization companies may be more volatile than those of
larger companies. Similarly, medium-capitalization stocks are generally traded
in lower volumes than large-capitalization stocks.
The fund's investment strategy will influence performance significantly.
Medium-capitalization stocks could fall out of favor, causing the fund to
underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks. Similarly, if industries
or individual securities do not perform as the team expects, the fund could
underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, higher-risk securities and derivatives could become harder
to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.80%
Other expenses 0.31%
Total fund operating expenses 1.11%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.21%
Net annual operating expenses 0.90%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$92 $332 $591 $1,333
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------------------
Ticker HMSGX
CUSIP 410132401
Newspaper MdCapGr
JH fund number 439
9
<PAGE>
Small Capitalization Value Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks capital appreciation. In pursuing this goal, the fund
normally invests at least 80% of assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S.
stocks with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell 2000 Index.
On June 1, 1999, this index's range was $8.7 million to $10.3 billion.
The investment team emphasizes a relative value approach to individual stock
selection. Using a valuation model and earnings screens, the team looks for
companies that are selling at a discount to their long-term value. These
companies typically have an identifiable catalyst for growth, such as a new
product or business reorganization.
The investment team conducts fundamental analysis to identify companies with
substantial cash flows, reliable revenue streams and strong competitive
positions. The strength of the companies' management is also a key selection
factor. The team generally maintains personal contact with the senior management
of the companies in which the fund invests.
The fund diversifies across multiple industries. Each security, at time of
purchase, may not comprise more than 5% of the fund's assets.
The fund invests primarily in U.S. stocks, but may invest up to 15% of assets in
a basket of foreign securities and/or bonds that may be rated as low as CC/Ca
and their unrated equivalents.
The fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions cash and
cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. The fund may make limited use of
certain derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices, securities or
currencies) to maintain market exposure.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest in U.S.
government and agency securities (with maturities of up to three years) and more
than 10% of assets in cash equivalents. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Timothy E. Keefe, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1987
Timothy E. Quinlisk, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Second vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1985
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with broad-based market
indices for reference). This information may help provide an indication of the
fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does
not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
15.60% 29.12% 0.30%
1999 total return as of March 31: 3.71%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 24.05% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -22.62%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index 1 Index 2
1 year 0.30% -2.55% -6.45%
Life of fund - began 4/19/95 13.31% 15.23% 16.97%
Index 1: Russell 2000 Index, an unmanaged index of 2,000 U.S.
small-capitalization stocks.
Index 2: Russell 2000 Value Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell 2000 Index with a value orientation.
10
<PAGE>
Main Risks
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to
movements in the stock market. Because the fund concentrates on
small-capitalization companies, its performance may be more volatile than that
of a fund that invests primarily in larger companies.
Stocks of smaller companies are more risky than those of larger companies. Many
of these companies are young and have a limited track record. Because their
businesses frequently rely on narrow product lines and niche markets, they can
suffer severely from isolated business setbacks.
The fund's investment strategy will influence performance significantly.
Small-capitalization stocks could fall out of favor, causing the fund to
underperform funds that focus on other types of stocks. Similarly, if industries
or individual securities do not perform as the investment team expects, the fund
could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, small-capitalization stocks, derivatives and other higher-
risk securities could become harder to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
o The credit rating of any bonds held by the fund could be downgraded, or the
issuer could default. Bond prices generally fall when interest rates rise.
Junk bond prices can fall on bad news about the economy, an industry or a
company.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.70%
Other expenses 0.76%
Total fund operating expenses 1.46%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.66%
Net annual operating expenses 0.80%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$82 $397 $735 $1,690
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHFVX
CUSIP 410132500
Newspaper SmCpVal
JH fund number 437
11
<PAGE>
Small Capitalization Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. In pursuing this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in a diversified portfolio of
stocks with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell 2000 Growth
Index. On June 1, 1999, this index's range was $8.7 million to $10.3 billion.
The investment team emphasizes diversification to control volatility.
Investments are diversified across multiple industries.
In choosing individual securities, the investment team uses fundamental
analysis. The team seeks companies with at least 20% annual revenue and earnings
growth that is sustainable for the next three years. They favor companies that
dominate their market niches or are poised to become market leaders. They also
look for strong senior management and coherent business strategies. The team
generally maintains personal contact with the senior management of the companies
in which the fund invests.
Each security, at time of purchase, may not comprise more than 5% of assets. The
fund may invest up to 10% of assets in securities of foreign companies.
The fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions cash and
cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. The fund may make limited use of
certain derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices, securities or
currencies) to maintain market exposure.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest in U.S.
government and agency securities (with maturities of up to three years) and more
than 10% of assets in cash equivalents. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Bernice S. Behar, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1991
Began career in 1986
Laura J. Allen, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1998
Joined adviser in 1998
Began career in 1981
Anurag Pandit, CFA
- ---------------------------------------
Vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1984
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1998
14.86% 16.54%
1999 total return as of March 31: 3.76%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 36.40% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -21.25%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 16.54% 1.23%
Life of fund - began 5/2/96 16.98% 4.01%
Index: Russell 2000 Growth Index, an unmanaged index containing those stocks
from the Russell 2000 Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
12
<PAGE>
Main Risks
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to
movements in the stock market. Because the fund concentrates on smaller
companies, its performance may be more volatile than that of a fund that invests
primarily in larger companies.
Stocks of smaller companies are more risky than those of larger companies. Many
of these companies are young and have a limited track record. Because their
businesses frequently rely on narrow product lines and niche markets, they can
suffer severely from isolated business setbacks.
The fund's investment strategy will influence performance significantly.
Small-company stocks could fall out of favor, causing the fund to underperform
funds that focus on other types of stocks. Similarly, if the individual
securities do not perform as the team expects, the fund could underperform its
peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o In a down market, small-capitalization stocks, derivatives and other
higher-risk securities could become harder to value or to sell at a fair
price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially unfavorable
currency exchange rates, inadequate or inaccurate financial information and
social or political upheavals.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.80%
Other expenses 3.32%
Total fund operating expenses 4.12%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 3.22%
Net annual operating expenses 0.90%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$92 $957 $1,838 $4,108
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker --
CUSIP 410132856
Newspaper --
JH fund number 418
13
<PAGE>
International Equity Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks long-term growth of capital. In pursuing this goal,
the fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in a diversified portfolio of
foreign stocks. Foreign equity securities are issued by companies located in
developed and emerging countries outside the U.S.
The fund may invest up to 30% of assets in companies domiciled in emerging
markets. The fund does not maintain a fixed allocation of assets, either with
respect to the type of equity securities or geography.
The investment team concentrates on country allocation and securities selection,
while also seeking to diversify the fund across sectors. The team may base the
fund's country allocation on a quantitative model as well as analysis of
political trends and economic factors.
The investment team regularly screens companies, such as those listed in the
MSCI All Country World-Ex U.S. Free Index (an unmanaged global index that
excludes U.S. companies). The team then conducts fundamental analysis to
identify companies with stable growth, reasonable valuations and management
strength. They typically establish target buy and sell prices based on their
valuation estimates. They generally maintain personal contact with the senior
management of the companies in which the fund invests.
Each security, at time of purchase, may not comprise more than 5% of assets. The
fund seeks to be fully invested, and under normal market conditions cash and
cash equivalents are limited to 10% of assets. The fund may use certain
derivatives (investments whose value is based on indices, securities or
currencies).
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest in U.S.
government and agency securities (with maturities of up to three years) and more
than 10% of assets in cash equivalents. In these and other cases, the fund might
not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Miren Etcheverry
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1977
Gerardo J. Espinoza
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1996
Joined adviser in 1996
Began career in 1979
John L.F. Wills
- ---------------------------------------
Senior vice president of adviser
Joined team in 1995
Joined adviser in 1987
Began career in 1969
SUBADVISER
John Hancock Advisers
International Limited
- ---------------------------------------
London-based affiliate of adviser
Founded in 1986
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
8.49% -7.34% 18.77%
1999 total return as of March 31: -0.38%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 21.93% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -17.16%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 18.77% 14.46%
Life of fund - began 3/30/95 6.63% 9.01%
Index: MSCI All Country World-Ex U.S. Free Index, an unmanaged index of freely
traded stocks of foreign companies.
14
<PAGE>
Main Risks
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to
movements in the stock market.
Foreign investments are more risky than domestic investments. Investments in
foreign securities may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates,
incomplete or inaccurate financial information on companies, social upheavals
and political actions ranging from tax code changes to governmental collapse.
These risks are more significant in emerging markets.
The fund's investment strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
fund invests in countries or regions that experience economic downturns,
performance could suffer. Similarly, if the individual securities or industries
do not perform as the team expects, the fund could underperform its peers or
lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Emerging market securities, derivatives and other higher-risk securities can
be hard to value or to sell at a fair price.
o Certain derivatives could produce disproportionate gains or losses.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.90%
Other expenses 1.83%
Total fund operating expenses 2.73%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 1.73%
Net annual operating expenses 1.00%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frames. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$102 $683 $1,290 $2,934
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHIEX
CUSIP 410132609
Newspaper IntlEq
JH fund number 448
15
<PAGE>
Your account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO CAN BUY SHARES
John Hancock institutional funds are offered without any sales charge to certain
types of investors, as noted below:
o Retirement and other benefit plans not affiliated with the adviser.
o Certain trusts, endowment funds and foundations.
o Banks and insurance companies buying shares for their own account.
o Investment companies not affiliated with the adviser.
o Any entity that is considered a corporation for tax purposes.
o Any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority
or agency.
o Retirement plans of the adviser and its affiliates, including the
adviser's affiliated brokers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
1 Read this prospectus carefully.
2 Determine if you are eligible, referring to "Who can buy shares" on the left.
3 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment is
$250,000, unless you invest an aggregate of at least $1 million in any of the
institutional funds. There is no minimum investment for plans with at least
350 eligible employees.
4 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application, carefully
following the instructions. You must submit additional documentation when
opening trust, corporate or power of attorney accounts. If you have questions
or need more information, please contact Signature Services at
1-800-755-4371.
5 Complete the appropriate parts of the account privileges application. By
applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay and inconvenience of
having to file an additional application if you want to add privileges later.
6 Make your initial investment using the table on the next page.
16 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUYING SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening an account Adding to an account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By check
[Clip Art] o Make out a check for o Make out a check for
the investment amount, the investment amount
payable to "John payable to "John
Hancock Signature Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Services, Inc."
o Mail your check and o Fill out the detachable
completed application investment slip from an
to Signature Services account statement. If
(address below). no slip is available,
include a note
specifying the fund
name(s), your account
number and the name(s)
in which the account is
registered.
o Mail your check and
investment slip or note
to Signature Services
(address below).
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Call Signature Services o Call Signature Services
to request an exchange. to request an exchange.
You may only exchange You may only exchange
for shares of other for shares of other
institutional funds. institutional funds.
By wire
[Clip Art] o Mail your completed o Instruct your bank to
application to wire the amount of your
Signature Services. investment to:
First Signature
o Obtain your account Bank & Trust
number by calling Account # 900022260
Signature Services. Routing # 211475000
o Instruct your bank to Specify the fund name(s),
wire the amount of your your account number and
investment to: the name(s) in which the
First Signature account is registered.
Bank & Trust Your bank may charge a fee
Account # 900022260 to wire funds.
Routing # 211475000
Specify the fund name(s),
the new account number and
the name(s) in which the
account is registered.
Your bank may charge a fee
to wire funds.
By phone
[Clip Art] See "By wire" and "By o Verify that your bank
exchange." or credit union is a
member of the Automated
Clearing House (ACH)
system.
o Complete the "Invest By
Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections
on your account
application.
o Call Signature Services
to verify that these
features are in place
on your account.
o Tell the Signature
Services representative
the fund name(s), your
account number, the
name(s) in which the
account is registered
and the amount of your
investment.
- ---------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
- ---------------------------------------
YOUR ACCOUNT 17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designed for To sell some or all of your shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By letter
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount; o Write a letter of
however, sales of $5 instruction indicating
million or more must be the fund name, your
made by letter. account number, the
name(s) in which the
account is registered
and the dollar value or
number of shares you
wish to sell.
o Include all signatures
and any additional
documents that may be
required (see next
page).
o Mail the materials to
Signature Services.
o A check will be mailed
to the name(s) and
address in which the
account is registered,
or otherwise according
to your letter of
instruction.
By phone
[Clip Art] o Sales of up to $5 o For automated service
million. 24 hours a day using
your touch-tone phone,
call the EASI-Line at
1-800-597-1897.
o To place your request
with a representative
at John Hancock Funds,
call Signature Services
between 8 A.M. and 4
P.M. Eastern Time on
most business days.
o Redemption proceeds of
up to $100,000 may be
sent by wire or by
check. A check will be
mailed to the exact
name(s) and address on
the account. Redemption
proceeds exceeding
$100,000 must be wired
to your designated bank
account.
By wire or electronic funds transfer (EFT)
[Clip Art] o Requests by letter to o To verify that the
sell any amount. telephone redemption
privilege is in place
o Requests by phone to on an account, or to
sell up to $5 million request the forms to
(accounts with add it to an existing
telephone redemption account, call Signature
privileges). Services.
o Amounts of $5 million
or more will be wired
on the next business
day.
o Amounts up to $100,000
may be sent by EFT or
by check. Funds from
EFT transactions are
generally available by
the second business
day. Your bank may
charge a fee for this
service.
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount. o Obtain a current
prospectus for the fund
into which you are
exchanging by calling
Signature Services.
o Call Signature Services
to request an exchange.
You may only exchange
for shares of other
institutional funds.
---------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
---------------------------------------
18 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Selling shares in writing In certain circumstances, you will need to make your
request to sell shares in writing. You may need to include additional items with
your request, as shown in the table below, unless they were previously provided
to Signature Services. You may also need to include a signature guarantee, which
protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a signature guarantee if:
o your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares and are requesting payment
by check
o you are selling more than $5 million worth of shares
You will need to obtain your signature guarantee from a member of the Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program. Most brokers and securities dealers are members of
this program. A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seller Requirements for written requests
[Clip Art]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Owners of corporate or association accounts. o Letter of instruction.
o Corporate resolution,
certified within the
past 12 months, or a
business/organization
certification form.
o On the letter and the
resolution, the
signature of the
person(s) authorized to
sign for the account.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Retirement plan or pension trust accounts. o Letter of instruction.
o On the letter, the
signature(s) of the
trustee(s).
o Copy of the trust document
certified within the
past 12 months or a trust
certification form.
o Signature guarantee if
applicable (see above).
Account types not listed above. o Call 1-800-755-4371 for
instructions.
YOUR ACCOUNT 19
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION POLICIES
Valuation of shares The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund is
determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (typically 4 P.M. Eastern Time). The funds use market prices in
valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates if reliable
market prices are unavailable. The fund may also value securities at fair value
if the value of these securities has been materially affected by events
occurring after the close of a foreign market. The funds may trade foreign stock
or other portfolio securities on U.S. holidays and weekends, even though the
funds' shares will not be priced on those days. This may change a fund's NAV on
days when you cannot buy or sell shares.
Buy and sell prices When you buy shares, you pay the NAV. When you sell shares,
you receive the NAV.
Execution of requests Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are
executed at the next NAV to be calculated after Signature Services receives your
request in good order.
At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider using EASI-Line or sending your request in writing.
In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of proceeds for up to three business days
or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
Telephone transactions For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded
in order to verify their accuracy. Also for your protection, telephone
transactions are not permitted on accounts whose names or addresses have changed
within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed
to the address of record.
Exchanges You may exchange shares of one institutional fund for shares of any
other institutional fund. The registration for both accounts involved must be
identical.
To protect the interests of other investors in the fund, a fund may cancel the
exchange privileges of any parties that, in the opinion of the fund, are using
market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. The funds reserve the right to require that
previously exchanged shares and reinvested dividends be in a fund for 90 days
before a shareholder is permitted a new exchange. A fund may also refuse any
exchange order. A fund may change or cancel its exchange policies at any time,
upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
Certificated shares Most shares are electronically recorded. If you wish to have
certificates for your shares, please write to Signature Services. Certificated
shares can only be sold by returning the certificates to Signature Services,
along with a letter of instruction or a stock power and a signature guarantee.
Sales in advance of purchase payments When you place a request to sell shares
for which the purchase money has not yet been collected, the request will be
executed in a timely fashion, but the fund will not release the proceeds to you
until your purchase payment clears. This may take up to ten business days after
the purchase.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
Account statements In general, you will receive account statements as follows:
o after every transaction (except a dividend reinvestment) that affects your
account balance
o after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)
o in all other circumstances, every month
Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement, mailed by January 31.
Dividends Active Bond Fund declares income dividends daily and pays them
monthly. Your income dividends begin accruing the day after payment is received
by the fund and continue through the day your shares are actually sold. Dividend
Performers Fund declares and pays any income dividends quarterly. All other
funds declare and pay any income dividends annually. Capital gains, if any, are
typically distributed annually.
Dividend reinvestments Dividends will be reinvested automatically in additional
shares of the same fund on the dividend record date. Alternatively, you can
choose to have a check for your dividends mailed to you. However, if the check
is not deliverable, your dividends will be reinvested.
20 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Taxability of dividends For investors who are not exempt from federal income
taxes, dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or taken as cash,
are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's short-term capital
gains are taxable as ordinary income. Dividends from a fund's long-term capital
gains are taxable at a lower rate. Whether gains are short-term or long-term
depends on the fund's holding period. Some dividends paid in January may be
taxable as if they had been paid the previous December.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you if you are not exempt from federal income
taxes. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the shares you sell
or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are
responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transactions.
Year 2000 compliance The adviser and the funds' service providers are taking
steps to address any year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some
risk that these problems could disrupt the issuers in which the funds invest,
the funds' operations or financial markets generally.
Special investment privilege If you sell your shares as a result of withdrawing
from your retirement plan, you will not be able to withdraw the proceeds and
reinvest them in fund shares. However, you can reinvest in Class A shares of any
John Hancock fund without paying a front-end sales charge. This privilege is
available whether you reinvest into a taxable account or roll the proceeds into
an IRA. If you reinvest in a taxable account, you may be subject to 20% tax
withholding on the amount of your distribution.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
The funds' board of trustees oversees each fund's business activities and
retains the services of the various firms that carry out the fund's operations.
The trustees have the power to change the funds' respective investment goals
without shareholder approval.
The investment adviser John Hancock Advisers, Inc., 101 Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA 02199-7603.
The subadviser for the International Equity Fund John Hancock Advisers
International Limited, 32-36 Duke Street, St. James SWIY6DF, London, U.K.
Management fees The management fees paid to the investment adviser by the John
Hancock institutional funds last fiscal year are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund % of net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Bond 0.00%
Dividend Performers 0.35%
Medium Capitalization Growth 0.59%
Small Capitalization Value 0.04%
Small Capitalization Growth 0.00%
International Equity 0.00%
YOUR ACCOUNT 21
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These tables detail the performance of each fund's share, including total return
information showing how much an investment in the fund has increased or
decreased each year.
Active Bond Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $8.64 $8.54 $8.83
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.51 0.60 0.59 0.56
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.16 (0.09) 0.34 (0.02)
Total from investment operations 0.67 0.51 0.93 0.54
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.51) (0.60) (0.59) (0.56)
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- (0.00)(3) (0.00)(3)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.02) (0.01) (0.05) (0.22)
Total distributions (0.53) (0.61) (0.64) (0.78)
Net asset value, end of period $8.64 $8.54 $8.83 $8.59
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 7.76(5) 6.17 11.25 6.24
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) (0.46)(5) 2.72 9.21 4.51
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 1,171 2,191 5,158 5,686
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.65(7) 0.60 0.60 0.60
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8,9) (%) 9.60(7) 4.05 2.64 2.33
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 6.53(7) 7.10 6.78 6.36
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8,9) (%) (2.42)(7) 3.65 4.74 4.63
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 71 136 230 356
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.75 0.30 0.18 0.15
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on March 30, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Less than $0.01 per share.
(4) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
22 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
Dividend Performers Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $10.15 $11.91 $14.92
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.23 0.21 0.18 0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.68 1.92 3.92 1.04
Total from investment operations 1.91 2.13 4.10 1.19
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.19) (0.18) (0.17) (0.15)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.07) (0.19) (0.92) (1.50)
Total distributions (0.26) (0.37) (1.09) (1.65)
Net asset value, end of period $10.15 $11.91 $14.92 $14.46
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 22.79(4) 21.26 35.55 7.97
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 19.79(4) 20.07 35.23 7.72
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,319 8,668 20,884 17,743
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.75(6) 0.70 0.70 0.70
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 4.02(6) 1.89 1.02 0.95
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.51(6) 1.94 1.31 0.95
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (0.76)(6) 0.75 0.99 0.70
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 70 37 77 64
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.30 0.13 0.04 0.04
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on March 30, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 23
<PAGE>
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $10.69 $12.67 $13.51
Net investment income (loss)(2) (0.01) 0.01 0.00(3) (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
transactions 2.22 2.02 2.06 (0.68)
Total from investment operations 2.21 2.03 2.06 (0.70)
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.02) -- (0.00)(3) --
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.05) (1.22) (1.72)
Distributions in excess of net realized gain on investments sold -- -- -- (0.10)
Total distributions (0.02) (0.05) (1.22) (1.82)
Net asset value, end of period $10.69 $12.67 $13.51 $10.99
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 25.98(5) 19.00 17.39 (5.34)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) 23.70(5) 18.48 17.19 (5.55)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 8,399 29,085 40,302 16,687
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.93(7) 0.90 0.90 0.90
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8,9) (%) 3.51(7) 1.42 1.10 1.11
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) (0.10)(7) 0.06 0.03 (0.13)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8,9) (%) (2.68)(7) (0.46) (0.17) (0.34)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 189 281 341 116
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.23 0.06 0.03 0.03
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on April 11, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Less than $0.01 per share.
(4) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
24 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
Small Capitalization Value Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.09 $9.38 $11.74
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.17 0.14 0.07 0.05
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.56 1.08 3.65 (1.23)
Total from investment operations 0.73 1.22 3.72 (1.18)
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.14) (0.12) (0.10) (0.04)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.81) (1.26) (1.20)
Distributions in excess of net realized gain on investments sold -- -- -- (0.16)
Total distributions (0.14) (0.93) (1.36) (1.40)
Net asset value, end of period $9.09 $9.38 $11.74 $9.16
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 8.61(4) 13.78 41.81 (9.46)
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 5.40(4) 12.75 41.19 (10.12)
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 5,293 6,011 9,549 7,418
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.83(6) 0.80 0.80 0.80
Ratio adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 4.55(6) 1.83 1.42 1.46
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.04(6) 1.46 0.62 0.45
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (1.68)(6) 0.43 -- (0.21)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) -- 96 216 126
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.30 0.10 0.07 0.07
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on April 19, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 25
<PAGE>
Small Capitalization Growth Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/97(1) 2/98 2/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.24 $11.74
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.03 (0.03) (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions 0.73 2.53 0.61
Total from investment operations 0.76 2.50 0.54
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.02) (0.00)(3) --
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- -- (0.63)
Total distributions (0.02) (0.00)(3) (0.63)
Net asset value, end of period $9.24 $11.74 $11.65
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 8.89(5) 27.07 4.67
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) (3.84)(5) 23.92 1.45
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 999 3,102 2,453
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.90(7) 0.90 0.90
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8,9) (%) 16.24(7) 4.05 4.12
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.35(7) (0.25) (0.60)
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8,9) (%) (14.99)(7) (3.40) (3.82)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 92 117 125
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 1.22 0.34 0.35
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on May 2, 1996.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Less than $0.01 per share.
(4) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
26 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
International Equity Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.24 $9.35 $9.63
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.15 0.12 0.06 0.07
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
transactions 0.68 0.14 0.23 0.59
Total from investment operations 0.83 0.26 0.29 0.66
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.08) (0.10) (0.01) (0.07)
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- -- (0.04)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.01) (0.05) -- --
Total distributions (0.09) (0.15) (0.01) (0.11)
Net asset value, end of period $9.24 $9.35 $9.63 $10.18
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 9.81(4) 2.79 3.07 6.88
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 3.26(4) 0.47 2.05 5.15
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 2,897 4,204 7,983 7,805
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.05(6) 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 8.19(6) 3.32 2.02 2.73
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.75(6) 1.26 0.60 0.69
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (5.39)(6) (1.06) (0.42) (1.04)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 59 68 125 83
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.60 0.22 0.10 0.17
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on March 30, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 27
<PAGE>
For more information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two documents are available that offer further information on John Hancock
institutional funds:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes financial statements, a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance, as well as the
auditor's report (in annual report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds. The
current annual report is included in the SAI.
A current SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.
To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI,
please contact John Hancock:
By mail:
John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA02199
By phone: 1-800-755-4371
By EASI-Line: 1-800-597-1897
By TDD: 1-800-462-0825
On the Internet: www.jhancock.com/funds
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:
In person: at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
By phone: 1-800-SEC-0330
By mail: Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)
On the Internet: www.sec.gov
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
02199-7603
John Hancock(R) (C) 1999 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
KB0PN 7/99
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hancock
INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
[LOGO] Prospectus
July 1, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these funds or determined whether the information in
this prospectus is adequate and accurate. Anyone who indicates otherwise is
committing a federal crime.
Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II
Independence Medium
Capitalization Fund
Independence Balanced Fund
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
<PAGE>
Contents
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A fund-by-fund summary Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II 4
of goals, strategies, risks,
performance and expenses. Independence Medium Capitalization Fund 6
Independence Balanced Fund 8
Policies and instructions for Your account
opening, maintaining and
closing an account in any Who can buy shares 10
institutional fund. Opening an account 10
Buying shares 11
Selling shares 12
Transaction policies 14
Dividends and account policies 14
Business structure 15
Further information on these Financial highlights 16
funds.
For more information back cover
<PAGE>
Overview
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
The institutional funds offer clearly defined investment strategies, each
focusing on a particular market segment and following a disciplined investment
process. Blended together or selected individually, these funds are designed to
meet the needs of institutional investors, including 401(k) plan participants,
seeking risk-managed investment strategies from seasoned professional portfolio
managers.
RISKS OF MUTUAL FUNDS
Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or endorsed by any bank,
government agency or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Because you
could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosure carefully before investing.
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock institutional funds are managed by John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
Founded in 1968, John Hancock Advisers is a wholly owned subsidiary of John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and manages more than $30 billion in
assets.
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[Clip Art] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and the
strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[Clip Art] Main risks The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[Clip Art] Past performance The fund's total return, measured year-by-year and
over time.
[Clip Art] Your expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including annual expenses.
3
<PAGE>
Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return, consisting of capital
appreciation and income. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of primarily large-capitalization stocks. The portfolio's risk profile
is substantially similar to that of the S&P 500 Index.
The managers select from a menu of stocks of approximately 550 companies that
evolves over time. Approximately 70% to 80% of these companies also are included
in the S&P 500 Index. The subadviser's investment research team is organized by
industry and tracks these companies to develop earnings estimates and five-year
projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models use this
in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the S&P 500 Index,
results in a portfolio of approximately 100 to 130 of the stocks from the top
60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall into the bottom 20% of
the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
- -------------------------------
Team responsible for day-to-day
investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
20.08% 29.49% 30.16%
1999 total return as of March 31: 2.25%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 25.14% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -13.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 30.16% 28.58%
Life of fund - began 3/10/95 27.78% 30.20%
Index: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
4
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor
with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.50%
Other expenses 0.13%
Total fund operating expenses (1) 0.63%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frame. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$64 $202 $351 $786
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker COREX
CUSIP 410132708
Newspaper IndpCorll
JH fund number 425
(1) The adviser has agreed to limit the fund's expenses to 0.70% of the fund's
average daily net assets (at least until 7/1/00). However, the fund's
expenses for the last fiscal year end amounted to 0.63%.
5
<PAGE>
Independence Medium Capitalization Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return. To pursue this goal, the
fund normally invests at least 65% of assets in a diversified portfolio of
medium-capitalization stocks. The managers select stocks of
medium-capitalization companies from a broader menu of stocks of approximately
550 companies that evolves over time. The portfolio's risk profile is
substantially similar to that of the S&P MidCap 400 Index.
For the fund, a medium-capitalization company is one whose capitalization is
within the S&P MidCap 400 Index's capitalization range. On June 1, 1999, this
index's range was $205 million to $14.151 billion. Companies whose
capitalizations are outside this index's range after purchase also are
considered medium-capitalization companies.
The subadviser's investment research team is organized by industry and tracks
the companies in the menu to develop earnings estimates and five-year
projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models use this
in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the S&P MidCap 400
Index, results in a portfolio of approximately 140 to 160 medium-capitalization
stocks from the top 60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall
into the bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
- -------------------------------
Team responsible for day-to-day
investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
17.10% 33.09% 12.25%
1999 total return as of March 31: 0.65%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 18.00% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -17.08%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index
1 year 12.25% 19.11%
Life of fund - began 10/2/95 20.51% 21.92%
Index: S&P MidCap 400 Index, an unmanaged index of 400 stocks of
medium-capitalization companies.
6
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Medium-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of
favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on
large- or small-capitalization stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.80%
Other expenses 0.80%
Total fund operating expenses 1.60%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.60%
Net annual operating expenses 1.00%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frame. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$102 $446 $814 $1,849
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHMCX
CUSIP 410132872
Newspaper IndpMdCp
JH fund number 410
7
<PAGE>
Independence Balanced Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return through capital
appreciation and income. To pursue this goal, the fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of investment-grade bonds and primarily large-capitalization stocks.
The bond portfolio's risk profile is substantially similar to that of the Lehman
Brothers Aggregate Bond Index and the stock portfolio's risk profile is
substantially similar to that of the S&P 500 Index. The fund invests at least
25% of assets in bonds and, in normal market conditions, at least 25% of assets
in stocks. The managers adjust the fund's asset mix to changing market and
economic conditions.
In actively managing the bond portfolio, the managers combine market and
individual bond data with management experience to assess the relative value of
particular bond market sectors and bonds. These include U.S. government,
corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed bonds and U.S. dollar denominated
foreign bonds. Using this approach, the managers select bonds of any maturity
from among these sectors to develop an investment-grade-quality, diversified
portfolio with a risk profile substantially similar to that of the Lehman
Brothers Aggregate Bond Index.
The fund's bonds will be investment grade, as determined by independent ratings
or the managers. The fund may retain bonds downgraded below investment grade.
In actively managing the stock portfolio, the managers select from a large,
evolving menu of stocks which they track to develop earnings estimates and
growth projections. Using computer models, they rank the stocks by their
combination of value and momentum. Adding a risk/return analysis against the S&P
500 Index results in a portfolio of stocks from the top 60% of the menu. The
fund must sell any stocks that fall into the bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks and
bonds.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 75% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
- -------------------------------
Team responsible for day-to-day
investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with broad-based market
indices for reference). This information may help provide an indication of the
fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does
not indicate future results.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
10.39% 17.42% 21.45%
1999 total return as of March 31: 1.38%
Best quarter: Q4 '98, 15.90% Worst quarter: Q3 '98, -6.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Index 1 Index 2
1 year 21.45% 28.58% 8.69%
Life of fund - began 7/6/95 16.82% 28.45% 7.82%
Index 1: Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, an unmanaged index of 500 stocks.
Index 2: Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, an unmanaged index of U.S.
government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed bonds.
8
<PAGE>
MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
and bond market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out
of favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform balanced funds that
focus on small- or medium-capitalization stocks for their stock portfolios.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Bonds could be downgraded in credit rating or go into default. Bond prices
generally fall when interest rates rise and longer maturity will increase
volatility.
o If interest-rate movements cause the fund's mortgage-backed or asset-backed
bonds or other callable securities to be paid off substantially earlier or
later than expected, the fund's share price or yield could be hurt.
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
The fund may trade securities actively, which may increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual operating expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management fee 0.70%
Other expenses 0.25%
Total fund operating expenses 0.95%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.05%
Net annual operating expenses 0.90%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frame. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$92 $298 $521 $1,162
FUND CODES
- ---------------------------
Ticker JHIBX
CUSIP 410132864
Newspaper IndpBal
JH fund number 436
9
<PAGE>
Your account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO CAN BUY SHARES
John Hancock institutional funds are offered without any sales charge to certain
types of investors, as noted below:
o Retirement and other benefit plans not affiliated with the adviser.
o Certain trusts, endowment funds and foundations.
o Banks and insurance companies buying shares for their own account.
o Investment companies not affiliated with the adviser.
o Any entity that is considered a corporation for tax purposes.
o Any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority
or agency.
o Retirement plans of the adviser and its affiliates, including the
adviser's affiliated brokers.
Your broker or agent may charge you a fee to effect transactions in fund shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
1 Read this prospectus carefully.
2 Determine if you are eligible, referring to "Who can buy shares" on the left.
3 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment is
$250,000, unless you invest an aggregate of at least $1 million in any of the
institutional funds. There is no minimum investment for plans with at least
350 eligible employees.
4 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application, carefully
following the instructions. You must submit additional documentation when
opening trust, corporate or power of attorney accounts. If you have questions
or need more information, please contact Signature Services at
1-800-755-4371.
5 Complete the appropriate parts of the account privileges application. By
applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay and inconvenience of
having to file an additional application if you want to add privileges later.
6 Make your initial investment using the table on the next page.
10 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buying shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening an account Adding to an account
By check
[Clip Art] o Make out a check for the o Make out a check for the
investment amount, payable investment amount payable
to "John Hancock Signature to "John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Services, Inc."
o Mail your check and o Fill out the detachable
completed application to investment slip from an
Signature Services (address account statement. If no
below). slip is available, include
a note specifying the fund
name(s), your account
number and the name(s) in
which the account is
registered.
o Mail your check and
investment slip or note to
Signature Services (address
below).
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Call Signature Services to o Call Signature Services to
request an exchange. You request an exchange. You
may only exchange for may only exchange for
shares of other shares of other
institutional funds. institutional funds.
By wire
[Clip Art] o Mail your completed o Instruct your bank to wire
application to Signature the amount of your
Services. investment to:
First Signature Bank & Trust
o Obtain your account number Account # 900022260
by calling Signature Routing # 211475000
Services.
Specify the fund name(s), your
o Instruct your bank to wire account number and the name(s)
the amount of your in which the account is
investment to: registered. Your bank may
First Signature Bank & Trust charge a fee to wire funds.
Account # 900022260
Routing # 211475000
Specify the fund name(s), the
new account number and the
name(s) in which the account
is registered. Your bank may
charge a fee to wire funds.
By phone
[Clip Art] See "By wire" and "By o Verify that your bank or
exchange." credit union is a member of
the Automated Clearing
House (ACH) system.
o Complete the "Invest By
Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections on
your account application.
o Call Signature Services to
verify that these features
are in place on your
account.
o Tell the Signature Services
representative the fund
name(s), your account
number, the name(s) in
which the account is
registered and the amount
of your investment.
- -------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
- -------------------------------------
YOUR ACCOUNT 11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Designed for To sell some or all of your shares
By letter
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount; o Write a letter of
however, sales of $5 instruction indicating the
million or more must be fund name, your account
made by letter. number, the name(s) in
which the account is
registered and the dollar
value or number of shares
you wish to sell.
o Include all signatures and
any additional documents
that may be required (see
next page).
o Mail the materials to
Signature Services.
o A check will be mailed to
the name(s) and address in
which the account is
registered, or otherwise
according to your letter of
instruction.
By phone
[Clip Art] o Sales of up to $5 million. o For automated service 24
hours a day using your
touch-tone phone, call the
EASI-Line at
1-800-597-1897.
o To place your request with
a representative at John
Hancock Funds, call
Signature Services between
8 A.M. and 4 P.M. Eastern
Time on most business days.
o Redemption proceeds of up
to $100,000 may be sent by
wire or by check. A check
will be mailed to the exact
name(s) and address on the
account. Redemption
proceeds exceeding $100,000
must be wired to your
designated bank account.
By wire or electronic funds transfer (EFT)
[Clip Art] o Requests by letter to sell o To verify that the
any amount. telephone redemption
privilege is in place on an
o Requests by phone to sell account, or to request the
up to $5 million (accounts forms to add it to an
with telephone redemption existing account, call
privileges). Signature Services.
o Amounts of $5 million or
more will be wired on the
next business day.
o Amounts up to $100,000 may
be sent by EFT or by check.
Funds from EFT transactions
are generally available by
the second business day.
Your bank may charge a fee
for this service.
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount. o Obtain a current prospectus
for the fund into which you
are exchanging by calling
Signature Services.
o Call Signature Services to
request an exchange. You
may only exchange for
shares of other
institutional funds.
-------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
-------------------------------------
12 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Selling shares in writing In certain circumstances, you will need to make your
request to sell shares in writing. You may need to include additional items with
your request, as shown in the table below, unless they were previously provided
to Signature Services. You may also need to include a signature guarantee, which
protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a signature guarantee if:
o your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares and are requesting payment
by check
o you are selling more than $5 million worth of shares
You will need to obtain your signature guarantee from a member of the Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program. Most brokers and securities dealers are members of
this program. A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seller Requirements for written requests
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Clip Art]
Owners of corporate or association o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o Corporate resolution, certified
within the past 12 months, or a
business/organization certification
form.
o On the letter and the resolution,
the signature of the person(s)
authorized to sign for the
account.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Retirement plan or pension trust o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o On the letter, the signature(s)
of the trustee(s).
o Copy of the trust document certified
within the past 12 months or a
trust certification form.
o Signature guarantee if applicable
(see above).
Account types not listed above. o Call 1-800-755-4371 for
instructions.
YOUR ACCOUNT 13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSACTION POLICIES
Valuation of shares The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund and class
is determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (typically 4 P.M. Eastern Time). The funds use market prices in
valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates if reliable
market prices are unavailable. The funds may trade foreign stock or other
portfolio securities on U.S. holidays and weekends, even though the funds'
shares will not be priced on those days. This may change a fund's NAV on days
when you cannot buy or sell shares.
Buy and sell prices When you buy shares, you pay the NAV. When you sell shares,
you receive the NAV.
Execution of requests Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are
executed at the next NAV to be calculated after Signature Services receives your
request in good order.
At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider using EASI-Line or sending your request in writing.
In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of proceeds for up to three business days
or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
Telephone transactions For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded
in order to verify their accuracy. Also for your protection, telephone
transactions are not permitted on accounts whose names or addresses have changed
within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed
to the address of record.
Exchanges You may exchange shares of one institutional fund for shares of any
other institutional fund. The registration for both accounts involved must be
identical.
To protect the interests of other investors in the fund, a fund may cancel the
exchange privileges of any parties that, in the opinion of the fund, are using
market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. The funds reserve the right to require that
previously exchanged shares and reinvested dividends be in a fund for 90 days
before a shareholder is permitted a new exchange. A fund may also refuse any
exchange order. A fund may change or cancel its exchange policies at any time,
upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
Certificated shares Most shares are electronically recorded. If you wish to have
certificates for your shares, please write to Signature Services. Certificated
shares can only be sold by returning the certificates to Signature Services,
along with a letter of instruction or a stock power and a signature guarantee.
Sales in advance of purchase payments When you place a request to sell shares
for which the purchase money has not yet been collected, the request will be
executed in a timely fashion, but the fund will not release the proceeds to you
until your purchase payment clears. This may take up to ten business days after
the purchase.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
Account statements In general, you will receive account statements as follows:
o after every transaction (except a dividend reinvestment) that affects your
account balance
o after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)
o in all other circumstances, every month
Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement, mailed by January 31.
Dividends Diversified Core Equity Fund II and Balanced Fund declare and pay any
income dividends quarterly. Medium Capitalization Fund declares and pays any
income dividends annually. Capital gains, if any, are distributed annually.
Dividend reinvestments Dividends will be reinvested automatically in additional
shares of the same fund on the dividend record date. Alternatively, you can
choose to have a check for your dividends mailed to you. However, if the check
is not deliverable, your dividends will be reinvested.
14 YOUR ACCOUNT
<PAGE>
Taxability of dividends For investors who are not exempt from federal income
taxes, dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or taken as cash,
are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's short-term capital
gains are taxable as ordinary income. Dividends from a fund's long-term capital
gains are taxable at a lower rate. Whether gains are short-term or long-term
depends on the fund's holding period. Some dividends paid in January may be
taxable as if they had been paid the previous December.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you if you are not exempt from federal income
taxes. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the shares you sell
or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are
responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transactions.
Year 2000 compliance The adviser and the funds' service providers are taking
steps to address any year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some
risk that these problems could disrupt the issuers in which the funds invest,
the funds' operations or financial markets generally.
Special investment privilege If you sell your shares as a result of withdrawing
from your retirement plan, you will not be able to withdraw the proceeds and
reinvest them in fund shares. However, you can reinvest in Class A shares of any
John Hancock fund without paying a front-end sales charge. This privilege is
available whether you reinvest into a taxable account or roll the proceeds into
an IRA. If you reinvest in a taxable account, you may be subject to 20% tax
withholding on the amount of your distribution.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS STRUCTURE
The funds' board of trustees oversees each fund's business activities and
retains the services of the various firms that carry out the fund's operations.
The trustees have the power to change the funds' respective investment goals
without shareholder approval.
The investment adviser John Hancock Advisers, Inc., 101 Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA 02199-7603.
The subadviser Independence Investment Associates, Inc., 53 State Street,
Boston, MA 02109.
Management fees The management fees paid to the investment adviser by the John
Hancock institutional funds last fiscal year are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund % of net assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diversified Core Equity II 0.50%
Medium Capitalization 0.80%
Balanced 0.70%
<PAGE>
YOUR ACCOUNT 15
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These tables detail the performance of each fund's share, including total return
information showing how much an investment in the fund has increased or
decreased each year.
Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $10.96 $12.76 $15.34
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.20 0.20 0.17 0.12
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign
currency transactions 2.38 2.23 3.91 2.76
Total from investment operations 2.58 2.43 4.08 2.88
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.11) (0.19) (0.17) (0.14)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold and foreign
currency transactions (0.01) (0.44) (1.33) (2.39)
Total distributions (0.12) (0.63) (1.50) (2.53)
Net asset value, end of period $10.96 $12.76 $15.34 $15.69
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 30.48(4) 22.63 33.61 18.98
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 30.42(4) N/A N/A N/A
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 188,679 320,029 572,093 552,296
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.70(6) 0.67 0.65 0.63
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 0.76(6) N/A N/A N/A
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.00(6) 1.65 1.12 0.76
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) 1.94(6) N/A N/A N/A
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 39 81 76 55
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.01 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on March 10, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
16 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
Independence Medium Capitalization Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.29 $10.45 $13.30
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.08 0.12 0.09 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.74 1.45 3.69 0.06
Total from investment operations 0.82 1.57 3.78 0.14
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.03) (0.12) (0.09) (0.09)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.29) (0.84) (1.31)
Total distributions (0.03) (0.41) (0.93) (1.40)
Net asset value, end of period $9.29 $10.45 $13.30 $12.04
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 9.71(4) 17.19 37.30 0.96
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 7.00(4) 15.49 36.94 0.36
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 3,923 5,240 9,722 10,407
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 1.00(6) 1.00 1.00 1.00
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 7.55(6) 2.70 1.36 1.60
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 1.94(6) 1.26 0.75 0.59
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (4.61)(6) (0.44) 0.39 (0.01)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 3 78 65 67
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.26 0.17 0.04 0.08
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on October 2, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 17
<PAGE>
Independence Balanced Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $8.50 $9.25 $9.94 $11.42
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.25 0.38 0.38 0.26
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.63 0.73 1.60 1.37
Total from investment operations 0.88 1.11 1.98 1.63
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.13) (0.34) (0.35) (0.29)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.08) (0.15) (0.77)
Total distributions (0.13) (0.42) (0.50) (1.06)
Net asset value, end of period $9.25 $9.94 $11.42 $11.99
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 10.42(4) 12.36 20.44 14.50
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) 7.36(4) 11.62 20.28 14.45
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 5,155 13,093 77,116 82,969
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.90(6) 0.90 0.90 0.90
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 5.58(6) 1.64 1.06 0.95
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 3.96(6) 3.96 3.52 2.26
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (0.72)(6) 3.22 3.36 2.21
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 31 149 224 158
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 0.29 0.07 0.02 0.01
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on July 6, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
18 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<PAGE>
For more information
Two documents are available that offer further information on the John Hancock
institutional funds:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes financial statements, a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance, as well as the
auditor's report (in annual report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds. The
current annual report is included in the SAI.
A current SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.
To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI,
please contact John Hancock:
By mail:
John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
By phone: 1-800-755-4371
By EASI-Line: 1-800-597-1897
By TDD: 1-800-462-0825
On the Internet: www.jhancock.com/funds
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:
In person: at the SEC's Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC
By phone: 1-800-SEC-0330
By mail: Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)
On the Internet: www.sec.gov
SEC file number: 811-8852
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
02199-7603
(C) 1999 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
KI0PN 7/99
John Hancock(R)
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hancock
INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
CLASS I
[LOGO] Prospectus
July 1, 1999
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As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved these funds or determined whether the information in
this prospectus is adequate and accurate. Anyone who indicates otherwise is
committing a federal crime.
Core Growth Fund formerly Independence Growth Fund
Core Value Fund formerly Independence Value Fund
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603
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Contents
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A fund-by-fund summary of Core Growth Fund 4
goals, strategies, risks,
performance and expenses. Core Value Fund 6
Policies and instructions for Your account
opening, maintaining and
closing an account in any Who can buy shares 8
institutional fund. Opening an account 8
Buying shares 9
Selling shares 10
Transaction policies 12
Dividends and account policies 12
Business structure 13
Further information on these Financial Highlights 14
funds.
For more information back cover
<PAGE>
Overview
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JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
The institutional funds offer clearly defined investment strategies, each
focusing on a particular market segment and following a disciplined investment
process. Blended together or selected individually, these funds are designed to
meet the needs of institutional investors, including 401(k) plan participants,
seeking risk-managed investment strategies from seasoned professional portfolio
managers.
RISKS OF MUTUAL FUNDS
Mutual funds are not bank deposits and are not insured or endorsed by any bank,
government agency or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Because you
could lose money by investing in these funds, be sure to read all risk
disclosure carefully before investing.
THE MANAGEMENT FIRM
All John Hancock institutional funds are managed by John Hancock Advisers, Inc.
Founded in 1968, John Hancock Advisers is a wholly owned subsidiary of John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and manages more than $30 billion in
assets.
FUND INFORMATION KEY
Concise fund-by-fund descriptions begin on the next page. Each description
provides the following information:
[Clip Art] Goal and strategy The fund's particular investment goals and the
strategies it intends to use in pursuing those goals.
[Clip Art] Main risks The major risk factors associated with the fund.
[Clip Art] Past performance The fund's total return, measured year-by-year and
over time.
[Clip Art] Your expenses The overall costs borne by an investor in the fund,
including annual expenses.
3
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Core Growth Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return. To pursue this goal, the
fund invests in a diversified portfolio of primarily large-capitalization stocks
and emphasizes stocks of companies with relatively high potential long-term
earnings growth. The portfolio's risk profile is substantially similar to that
of the Russell 1000 Growth Index.
The managers select from a menu of stocks of approximately 550 companies that
evolves over time. Approximately 40% to 50% of these companies also are included
in the Russell 1000 Growth Index. The subadviser's investment research team is
organized by industry and tracks these companies to develop earnings estimates
and five-year projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models
use this in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the Russell 1000
Growth Index, results in a portfolio of approximately 100 to 130 of the stocks
from the top 60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall into the
bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
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Team responsible for day-to-day investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance
does not indicate future results.
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Class I year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
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1996 1997 1998
20.52% 36.22% 37.94%
1999 total return as of March 31: 2.70% Best quarter: Q4 '98, 27.44% Worst
quarter: Q3 '98, -12.00%
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Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
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Class I Index
1 year 37.94% 38.71%
Life of Class I - began 10/2/95 30.52% 29.73%
Index: Russell 1000 Growth Index, an unmanaged index of growth company stocks in
the Russell 1000 Index of the 1,000 largest-capitalization U.S. stocks.
4
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MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor
with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks. Also, large-capitalization growth stocks as a
group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform
funds that focus on large-capitalization value stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
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YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
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Annual operating expenses
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Management fee 0.80%
Other expenses 1.18%
Total fund operating expenses 1.98%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 1.03%
Net annual operating expenses 0.95%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frame. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
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Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
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$97 $522 $972 $2,223
FUND CODES
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Ticker JHIGX
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
JHfund number 420
5
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Core Value Fund
GOAL AND STRATEGY
[Clip Art] The fund seeks above-average total return. To pursue this goal, the
fund invests in a diversified portfolio of primarily large-capitalization stocks
and emphasizes relatively undervalued stocks and high dividend yields. The
portfolio's risk profile is substantially similar to that of the Russell 1000
Value Index.
The managers select from a menu of stocks of approximately 550 companies that
evolves over time. Approximately 50% to 60% of these companies also are included
in the Russell 1000 Value Index. The subadviser's investment research team is
organized by industry and tracks these companies to develop earnings estimates
and five-year projections for growth. A series of proprietary computer models
use this in-house research to rank the stocks according to their combination of:
o value, meaning they appear to be underpriced
o momentum, meaning they show potential for strong growth
This process, together with a risk/return analysis against the Russell 1000
Value Index, results in a portfolio of approximately 100 to 130 of the stocks
from the top 60% of the menu. The fund must sell any stocks that fall into the
bottom 20% of the menu.
In normal market conditions, the fund is almost entirely invested in stocks.
In abnormal market conditions, the fund may temporarily invest more than 35% of
assets in investment-grade short-term securities. In these and other cases, the
fund might not achieve its goal.
The fund may trade securities actively, which could increase its transaction
costs, thus lowering performance.
================================================================================
SUBADVISER
Independence Investment
Associates, Inc.
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Team responsible for day-to-day investment management
A subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1982
Supervised by the adviser
PAST PERFORMANCE
[Clip Art] The graph shows how the fund's total return has varied from year to
year, while the table shows performance over time (along with a broad-based
market index for reference). This information may help provide an indication of
the fund's risks. The year-by-year and average annual figures are for Class A
shares, which are offered in a separate prospectus. Class I has the same expense
structure that Class A had prior to July 1, 1999. Annual returns should be
substantially similar since both classes invest in the same portfolio. However,
annual returns will differ to the extent the classes have different expenses.
All figures assume dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not indicate
future results.
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Class A year-by-year total returns -- calendar years
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1996 1997 1998
20.66% 30.63% 18.79%
1999 total return as of March 31: 0.48% Best quarter: Q4 '98, 18.79% Worst
quarter: Q3 '98, -13.99%
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Average annual total returns -- for periods ending 12/31/98
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Class A Index
1 year 18.79% 15.63%
Life of Class A - began 10/2/95 24.14% 24.29%
Index: Russell 1000 Value Index, an unmanaged index of value stocks in the
Russell 1000 Index of the 1,000 largest-capitalization U.S. stocks.
6
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MAIN RISKS
[Clip Art] The value of your investment will go up and down in response to stock
market movements. Large-capitalization stocks as a group could fall out of favor
with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds that focus on small- or
medium-capitalization stocks. Also, large-capitalization value stocks as a group
could fall out of favor with the market, causing the fund to underperform funds
that focus on large-capitalization growth stocks.
The fund's management strategy will influence performance significantly. If the
investment research team's earnings estimates or projections turn out to be
inaccurate, or if the proprietary computer models do not perform as expected,
the fund could underperform its peers or lose money.
To the extent that the fund makes investments with additional risks, those risks
could increase volatility or reduce performance:
o Foreign investments carry additional risks, including potentially inadequate
or inaccurate financial information and social or political upheavals.
================================================================================
YOUR EXPENSES
[Clip Art] Operating expenses are paid from the fund's assets, and therefore are
paid by shareholders indirectly.
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Annual operating expenses
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Management fee 0.80%
Other expenses 1.08%
Total fund operating expenses 1.88%
Expense reimbursement (at least until 7/1/00) 0.93%
Net annual operating expenses 0.95%
The hypothetical example below shows what your expenses would be if you invested
$10,000 over the time frames indicated, assuming you reinvested all
distributions, that the average annual return was 5% and that your shares were
redeemed at the end of the time frame. The example is for comparison only, and
does not represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or
future.
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Expenses Year 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10
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$97 $500 $930 $2,125
FUND CODES
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Ticker --
CUSIP --
Newspaper --
JH fund number 488
7
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Your account
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WHO CAN BUY SHARES
John Hancock institutional funds are offered without any sales charge to certain
types of investors, as noted below:
o Retirement and other benefit plans not affiliated with the adviser.
o Certain trusts, endowment funds and foundations.
o Banks and insurance companies buying shares for their own account.
o Investment companies not affiliated with the adviser.
o Any entity that is considered a corporation for tax purposes.
o Any state, county or city, or its instrumentality, department, authority
or agency.
o Retirement plans of the adviser and its affiliates, including the
adviser's affiliated brokers.
The funds offer Class A, Class B and Class C shares, which have their own
expense structure and are available in separate prospectuses. Call Signature
Services for more information (see back cover of this prospectus).
Your broker or agent may charge you a fee to effect transactions in fund shares.
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OPENING AN ACCOUNT
1 Read this prospectus carefully.
2 Determine if you are eligible, referring to "Who can buy shares" on the left.
3 Determine how much you want to invest. The minimum initial investment is
$250,000, unless you invest an aggregate of at least $1 million in any of the
institutional funds. There is no minimum investment for plans with at least
350 eligible employees.
4 Complete the appropriate parts of the account application, carefully
following the instructions. You must submit additional documentation when
opening trust, corporate or power of attorney accounts. If you have questions
or need more information, please contact Signature Services at
1-800-755-4371.
5 Complete the appropriate parts of the account privileges application. By
applying for privileges now, you can avoid the delay and inconvenience of
having to file an additional application if you want to add privileges later.
6 Make your initial investment using the table on the next page.
8 YOUR ACCOUNT
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Buying shares
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Opening an account Adding to an account
By check
[Clip Art] o Make out a check for the o Make out a check for the
investment amount, payable to investment amount payable to
"John Hancock Signature "John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc." Services, Inc."
o Mail your check and completed o Fill out the detachable
application to Signature investment slip from an
Services (address below). account statement. If no slip
is available, include a note
specifying the fund name(s),
your account number and the
name(s) in which the account
is registered.
o Mail your check and investment
slip or note to Signature
Services (address below).
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Call Signature Services to o Call Signature Services to
request an exchange. You may request an exchange. You may
only exchange for shares of only exchange for shares of
other institutional funds. other institutional funds.
By wire
[Clip Art] o Mail your completed o Instruct your bank to wire
application to Signature the amount of your
Services. investment to:
First Signature Bank & Trust
o Obtain your account number Account # 900022260
by calling Signature Routing # 211475000
Services.
Specify the fund name(s), your
o Instruct your bank to wire account number and the name(s)
the amount of your in which the account is
investment to: registered. Your bank may
First Signature Bank & Trust charge a fee to wire funds.
Account # 900022260
Routing # 211475000
Specify the fund name(s), the
new account number and the
name(s) in which the account is
registered. Your bank may
charge a fee to wire funds.
By phone
[Clip Art] See "By wire" and "By exchange." o Verify that your bank or
credit union is a member of
the Automated Clearing House
(ACH) system.
o Complete the "Invest By
Phone" and "Bank
Information" sections on
your account application.
o Call Signature Services to
verify that these features
are in place on your
account.
o Tell the Signature Services
representative the fund
name(s), your account
number, the name(s) in which
the account is registered
and the amount of your
investment.
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Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
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YOUR ACCOUNT 9
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Selling shares
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Designed for To sell some or all of your shares
By letter
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount; o Write a letter of
however, sales of $5 million instruction indicating the
or more must be made by fund name, your account
letter. number, the name(s) in which
the account is registered
and the dollar value or
number of shares you wish to
sell.
o Include all signatures and
any additional documents
that may be required (see
next page).
o Mail the materials to
Signature Services.
o A check will be mailed to
the name(s) and address in
which the account is
registered, or otherwise
according to your letter of
instruction.
By phone
[Clip Art] o Sales of up to $5 million. o For automated service 24
hours a day using your
touch-tone phone, call the
EASI-Line at 1-800-597-1897.
o To place your request with a
representative at John
Hancock Funds, call
Signature Services between 8
A.M. and 4 P.M. Eastern Time
on most business days.
o Redemption proceeds of up to
$100,000 may be sent by wire
or by check. A check will be
mailed to the exact name(s)
and address on the account.
Redemption proceeds
exceeding $100,000 must be
wired to your designated
bank account.
By wire or electronic funds transfer (EFT)
[Clip Art] o Requests by letter to sell o To verify that the telephone
any amount. redemption privilege is in
place on an account, or to
o Requests by phone to sell up request the forms to add it
to $5 million (accounts with to an existing account, call
telephone redemption Signature Services.
privileges).
o Amounts of $5 million or
more will be wired on the
next business day.
o Amounts up to $100,000 may
be sent by EFT or by check.
Funds from EFT transactions
are generally available by
the second business day.
Your bank may charge a fee
for this service.
By exchange
[Clip Art] o Sales of any amount. o Obtain a current prospectus
for the fund into which you
are exchanging by calling
Signature Services.
o Call Signature Services to
request an exchange. You may
only exchange for shares of
other institutional funds.
------------------------------------------
Address:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
Phone Number: 1-800-755-4371
------------------------------------------
10 YOUR ACCOUNT
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Selling shares in writing In certain circumstances, you will need to make your
request to sell shares in writing. You may need to include additional items with
your request, as shown in the table below, unless they were previously provided
to Signature Services. You may also need to include a signature guarantee, which
protects you against fraudulent orders. You will need a signature guarantee if:
o your address of record has changed within the past 30 days
o you are selling more than $100,000 worth of shares and are requesting payment
by check
o you are selling more than $5 million worth of shares
You will need to obtain your signature guarantee from a member of the Signature
Guarantee Medallion Program. Most brokers and securities dealers are members of
this program. A notary public CANNOT provide a signature guarantee.
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Seller Requirements for written requests
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[Clip Art]
Owners of corporate or association o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o Corporate resolution, certified within
the past 12 months, or a business/
organization certification form.
o On the letter and the resolution, the
signature of the person(s) authorized to
sign for the account.
o Signature guarantee if applicable (see
above).
Retirement plan or pension trust o Letter of instruction.
accounts.
o On the letter, the signature(s) of the
trustee(s).
o Copy of the trust document
certified within the past 12
months or a trust certification
form.
o Signature guarantee if applicable (see
above).
Account types not listed above. o Call 1-800-755-4371 for instructions.
YOUR ACCOUNT 11
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TRANSACTION POLICIES
Valuation of shares The net asset value per share (NAV) for each fund is
determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (typically 4 P.M. Eastern Time). The funds use market prices in
valuing portfolio securities, but may use fair-value estimates if reliable
market prices are unavailable. The funds may trade foreign stock or other
portfolio securities on U.S. holidays and weekends, even though the funds'
shares will not be priced on those days. This may change a fund's NAV on days
when you cannot buy or sell shares.
Buy and sell prices When you buy shares, you pay the NAV. When you sell shares,
you receive the NAV.
Execution of requests Each fund is open on those days when the New York Stock
Exchange is open, typically Monday through Friday. Buy and sell requests are
executed at the next NAV to be calculated after Signature Services receives your
request in good order.
At times of peak activity, it may be difficult to place requests by phone.
During these times, consider using EASI-Line or sending your request in writing.
In unusual circumstances, any fund may temporarily suspend the processing of
sell requests, or may postpone payment of proceeds for up to three business days
or longer, as allowed by federal securities laws.
Telephone transactions For your protection, telephone requests may be recorded
in order to verify their accuracy. Also for your protection, telephone
transactions are not permitted on accounts whose names or addresses have changed
within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed
to the address of record.
Exchanges You may exchange shares of one institutional fund for shares of any
other institutional fund. The registration for both accounts involved must be
identical.
To protect the interests of other investors in the fund, a fund may cancel the
exchange privileges of any parties that, in the opinion of the fund, are using
market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. The funds reserve the right to require that
previously exchanged shares and reinvested dividends be in a fund for 90 days
before a shareholder is permitted a new exchange. A fund may also refuse any
exchange order. A fund may change or cancel its exchange policies at any time,
upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
Certificated shares Most shares are electronically recorded. If you wish to have
certificates for your shares, please write to Signature Services. Certificated
shares can only be sold by returning the certificates to Signature Services,
along with a letter of instruction or a stock power and a signature guarantee.
Sales in advance of purchase payments When you place a request to sell shares
for which the purchase money has not yet been collected, the request will be
executed in a timely fashion, but the fund will not release the proceeds to you
until your purchase payment clears. This may take up to ten business days after
the purchase.
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DIVIDENDS AND ACCOUNT POLICIES
Account statements In general, you will receive account statements as follows:
o after every transaction (except a dividend reinvestment) that affects your
account balance
o after any changes of name or address of the registered owner(s)
o in all other circumstances, every month
Every year you should also receive, if applicable, a Form 1099 tax information
statement, mailed by January 31.
Dividends The funds declare and pay any income dividends annually. Capital
gains, if any, are distributed annually.
Dividend Reinvestments Dividends will be reinvested automatically in additional
shares of the same fund on the dividend record date. Alternatively, you can
choose to have a check for your dividends mailed to you. However, if the check
is not deliverable, your dividends will be reinvested.
12 YOUR ACCOUNT
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Taxability of dividends For investors who are not exempt from federal income
taxes, dividends you receive from a fund, whether reinvested or taken as cash,
are generally considered taxable. Dividends from a fund's short-term capital
gains are taxable as ordinary income. Dividends from a fund's long-term capital
gains are taxable at a lower rate. Whether gains are short-term or long-term
depends on the fund's holding period. Some dividends paid in January may be
taxable as if they had been paid the previous December.
The Form 1099 that is mailed to you every January details your dividends and
their federal tax category, although you should verify your tax liability with
your tax professional.
Taxability of transactions Any time you sell or exchange shares, it is
considered a taxable event for you if you are not exempt from federal income
taxes. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the shares you sell
or exchange, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are
responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transactions.
Year 2000 compliance The adviser and the funds' service providers are taking
steps to address any year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some
risk that these problems could disrupt the issuers in which the funds invest,
the funds' operations or financial markets generally.
Special investment privilege If you sell your shares as a result of withdrawing
from your retirement plan, you will not be able to withdraw the proceeds and
reinvest them in fund shares. However, you can reinvest in Class A shares of any
John Hancock fund without paying a front-end sales charge. This privilege is
available whether you reinvest into a taxable account or roll the proceeds into
an IRA. If you reinvest in a taxable account, you may be subject to 20% tax
withholding on the amount of your distribution.
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BUSINESS STRUCTURE
The funds' board of trustees oversees each fund's business activities and
retains the services of the various firms that carry out the fund's operations.
The trustees have the power to change the funds' respective investment goals
without shareholder approval.
The investment adviser John Hancock Advisers, Inc., 101 Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA 02199-7603.
The subadviser Independence Investment Associates, Inc., 53 State Street,
Boston, MA 02109.
Management fees The management fees paid to the investment adviser by the John
Hancock institutional funds last fiscal year are as follows:
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Fund % of net assets
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Core Growth 0.00%
Core Value 0.00%
YOUR ACCOUNT 13
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Financial Highlights
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These tables detail the performance of each fund's share, including total return
information showing how much an investment in the fund has increased or
decreased each year.
Core Growth Fund
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Class I - period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.50 $ 9.29 $ 11.01 $ 14.88
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.81 2.16 4.34 3.40
Total from investment operations 0.84 2.21 4.38 3.41
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.03) (0.04) (0.03) (0.02)
Distributions in excess of net investment income -- -- -- (0.00)(3)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold (0.02) (0.45) (0.48) (0.62)
Total distributions (0.05) (0.49) (0.51) (0.64)
Net asset value, end of period $ 9.29 $ 11.01 $ 14.88 $ 17.65
Total investment return at net asset value(4) (%) 9.94(5) 24.19 40.52 22.92
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(4,6) (%) (5.63)(5) 17.40 37.95 21.89
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 549 883 4,605 7,855
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.95(7) 0.95 0.95 0.95
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(8,9) (%) 38.57(7) 7.74 3.52 1.98
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 0.91(7) 0.49 0.34 0.06
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(8,9) (%) (36.71)(7) (6.30) (2.23) (0.97)
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 21 142 91 54
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 1.36 0.68 0.33 0.17
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on October 2, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Less than $0.01 per share.
(4) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(7) Annualized.
(8) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(9) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
14 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<PAGE>
Core Value Fund
The financial information presented is for periods prior to the creation of
Class I shares on July 1, 1999.
Figures audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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Class A - period ended: 2/96(1) 2/97 2/98 2/99
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per share operating performance
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.50 $ 9.47 $ 10.88 $ 13.93
Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.10 0.23 0.21 0.15
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.96 1.77 3.33 1.23
Total from investment operations 1.06 2.00 3.54 1.38
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income (0.09) (0.19) (0.13) (0.18)
Distributions from net realized gain on investments sold -- (0.40) (0.36) (2.77)
Total distributions (0.09) (0.59) (0.49) (2.95)
Net asset value, end of period $ 9.47 $ 10.88 $ 13.93 $ 12.36
Total investment return at net asset value(3) (%) 12.52(4) 21.36 32.97 9.87
Total adjusted investment return at net asset value(3,5) (%) (1.18)(4) 15.92 32.02 8.94
Ratios and supplemental data
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted) ($) 682 1,323 7,747 6,685
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.95(6) 0.95 0.95 0.95
Ratio of adjusted expenses to average net assets(7,8) (%) 34.06(6) 6.39 1.90 1.88
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%) 2.81(6) 2.26 1.60 1.03
Ratio of adjusted net investment income (loss) to average net assets(7,8) (%) (30.30)(6) (3.18) 0.65 0.10
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 12 66 119 61
Fee reduction per share(2) ($) 1.22 0.55 0.12 0.13
</TABLE>
(1) Began operations on October 2, 1995.
(2) Based on the average of the shares outstanding at the end of each month.
(3) Total investment return assumes dividend reinvestment.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) An estimated total return calculation, which does not take into
consideration fee reductions by the adviser during the periods shown.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Unreimbursed, without fee reduction.
(8) Adjusted expenses as a percentage of average net assets are expected to
decrease and adjusted net income as a percentage of average net assets is
expected to increase as the net assets of the fund grow.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two documents are available that offer further information on the John Hancock
institutional funds:
ANNUAL/SEMIANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Includes financial statements, a discussion of the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected performance, as well as the
auditor's report (in annual report only).
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information on all aspects of the funds. The
current annual report is included in the SAI.
A current SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference into (is legally a part of) this prospectus.
To request a free copy of the current annual/semiannual report or the SAI,
please contact John Hancock:
By mail:
John Hancock Signature
Services, Inc.
101 Huntington Avenue
Attn: Participant Service Center
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02199
By phone: 1-800-755-4371
By EASI-Line: 1-800-597-1897
By TDD: 1-800-462-0825
On the Internet: www.jhancock.com/funds
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the SEC:
In person: at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC
By phone: 1-800-SEC-0330
By mail: Public Reference Section
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, DC 20549-6009
(duplicating fee required)
On the Internet: www.sec.gov
SEC file number: 811-8852
[LOGO] JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS
A Global Investment Management Firm
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
02199-7603
John Hancock(R) (C) 1999 John Hancock Funds, Inc.
K20PN 7/99
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
John Hancock Active Bond Fund
John Hancock Dividend Performers Fund
John Hancock Medium Capitalization Growth Fund
(formerly Multi-Sector Growth Fund)
John Hancock Small Capitalization Value Fund
John Hancock Small Capitalization Growth Fund
John Hancock International Equity Fund
John Hancock Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II
John Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization Fund
John Hancock Independence Balanced Fund
(each, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds")
Statement of Additional Information
July 1, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about the Funds in
addition to the information that is contained in the John Hancock Series Funds'
Prospectus and in the Independence Funds' Prospectus dated July 1, 1999
(together, the "Prospectuses").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Funds' Prospectuses, copies of which can be obtained
free of charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 9296
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9296
1-800-755-4371
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Organization of the Funds 2
Investment Objectives and Policies 2
- -The John Hancock Series Funds 3
- -The Independence Funds 3
Investment Restrictions 16
Those Responsible for Management 18
Investment Advisory and Other Services 35
Distribution Contract 38
Net Asset Value 38
Special Redemptions 39
Description of the Funds' Shares 39
Tax Status 41
Calculation of Performance 46
Brokerage Allocation 47
Transfer Agent Services 49
Custody of Portfolio 49
Independent Auditors 50
Appendix A--Description of Securities Ratings A-1
Financial Statements F-1
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUNDS
Each Fund is a series of John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust")
an open-end investment management company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on October 31, 1994 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Small Capitalization Growth Fund, Dividend Performers Fund, Active Bond Fund,
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Small Capitalization Value Fund and
International Equity Fund are sometimes referred to herein collectively as the
"John Hancock Series Funds." Diversified Core Equity Fund II, Medium
Capitalization Fund and Balanced Fund are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "Independence Funds."
The investment adviser of each Fund is John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the
"Adviser"), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (the "Life Company"). The subadviser of International Equity
Fund is John Hancock Advisers International Limited ("JHAI"). The investment
subadviser of each Independence Fund is Independence Investment Associates, Inc.
("IIA"). Together, JHAI, and IIA are sometimes referred to herein collectively
as the "Subadvisers" or, individually, as the "Subadviser." Each Subadviser is
an affiliate of the Life Company.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of each Fund's investment
objective and policies as discussed in the Prospectuses. There is no assurance
that any Fund will achieve its investment objective.
2
<PAGE>
Each Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions that are detailed under
"Investment Restrictions" in this Statement of Additional Information where they
are classified as fundamental or nonfundamental. Those restrictions designated
as fundamental may not be changed without shareholder approval. Each Fund's
investment objective, investment policies and nonfundamental restrictions,
however, may be changed by a vote of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
If there is a change in a Fund's investment objective, shareholders should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their
then current financial position and needs.
A. The John Hancock Series Funds.
For a further description of the John Hancock Series Funds' investment
objectives, policies and restrictions see "Goal and Strategy" and "Main Risks"
in the John Hancock Series Funds' Prospectus and "Investment Restrictions" in
this Statement of Additional Information. See Appendix A to this Statement of
Additional Information for a description of the quality categories of corporate
bonds in which certain of the John Hancock Series Funds may invest.
B. The Independence Funds.
For a further description of the Independence Funds' investment objectives,
policies and restrictions see "Goal and Strategy" and "Main Risks" in the
Independence Funds' Prospectus and "Investment Restrictions" in this Statement
of Additional Information.
Common stocks. Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund,
Small Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund and each
Independence Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a
corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other
shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of such entity's
preferred stock and other senior equity. Ownership of common stock usually
carries with it the right to vote and, frequently, an exclusive right to do so.
Common stocks have the potential to outperform fixed-income securities over the
long term. Common stocks provide the most potential for growth, yet are the more
volatile of the two asset classes.
Debt securities. Active Bond Fund, Small Capitalization Value Fund and
Independence Balanced Fund may regularly invest in debt obligations. Debt
securities of corporate and governmental issuers in which the Funds may invest
are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest
payments on the obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to price
volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception
of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market
risk).
Preferred stocks. Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund,
Small Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund and each
Independence Fund may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stock generally has
a preference to dividends and, upon liquidation, over an issuer's common stock
but ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer's capital structure. Preferred
stock generally pays dividends in cash (or additional shares of preferred stock)
at a defined rate but, unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred
stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors.
Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the
issuer fails to make one or more dividend payments on the preferred stock, no
dividends may be paid on the issuer's common stock until all unpaid preferred
stock dividends have been paid. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional
or mandatory redemption provisions.
Convertible securities. Each John Hancock Series Fund and Independence Balanced
Fund may invest in convertible securities which may include corporate notes or
preferred stock. Investments in convertible securities are not subject to the
rating criteria with respect to non-convertible debt obligations. As with all
debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline.
The market value of convertible securities can also be heavily dependent upon
the changing value of the equity
3
<PAGE>
securities into which such securities are convertible, depending on whether the
market price of the underlying security exceeds the conversion price.
Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's
capital structure and consequently entail less risk than the issuer's common
stock. However, the extent to which such risk is reduced depends upon the degree
to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income
security.
Investments in Foreign Securities and Emerging Countries. Each Independence Fund
and Dividend Performers Fund may invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities of
foreign issuers and in American Depository Receipts. Independence Balanced Fund
may invest in Yankee Bonds. Medium Capitalization Growth Fund and Small
Capitalization Growth Fund may invest up to 10% of total assets and Small
Capitalization Value Fund may invest up to 15% of total assets in U.S. dollar
and foreign currency denominated securities of foreign issuers. Active Bond Fund
may invest up to 25% of total assets in Yankee Bonds, U.S. dollar (excluding
U.S. dollar denominated Canadian securities) and foreign currency denominated
securities of foreign issuers. International Equity Fund will invest primarily
in U.S. dollar and foreign currency denominated securities of foreign issuers.
International Equity Fund may also invest in debt and equity securities of
corporate and governmental issuers of countries with emerging economies or
securities markets.
Risks of Foreign Securities. Investments in foreign securities may involve a
greater degree of risk than those in domestic securities. There is generally
less publicly available information about foreign companies in the form of
reports and ratings similar to those that are published about issuers in the
United States. Also, foreign issuers are generally not subject to uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting requirements comparable to those
applicable to United States issuers.
Because foreign securities may be denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the Fund's net
asset value, the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses
realized on the sale of securities, and any net investment income and gains that
the Fund distributes to shareholders. Securities transactions undertaken in some
foreign markets may not be settled promptly so that the Fund's investments on
foreign exchanges may be less liquid and subject to the risk of fluctuating
currency exchange rates pending settlement.
Foreign securities will be purchased in the best available market, whether
through over-the-counter markets or exchanges located in the countries where
principal offices of the issuers are located. Foreign securities markets are
generally not as developed or efficient as those in the United States. While
growing in volume, they usually have substantially less volume than the New York
Stock Exchange, and securities of some foreign issuers are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable United States issuers. Fixed commissions
on foreign exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on United
States exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable
net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed issuers
than in the United States.
With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation,
nationalization or confiscatory taxation limitations on the removal of funds or
other assets of the Fund, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could affect United States investments in those countries.
Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from
the United States' economy in terms of growth of gross national product, rate of
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
payments position.
4
<PAGE>
The dividends, in some cases capital gains and interest payable on certain of
the Fund's foreign portfolio securities, may be subject to foreign withholding
or other foreign taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income or gains
available for distribution to the Fund's shareholders.
These risks may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets or
countries with limited or developing capital markets. These countries are
located in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe, Latin and South America and
Africa. Security prices in these markets can be significantly more volatile than
in more developed countries, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing
in less established markets and economies. Political, legal and economic
structures in many of these emerging market countries may be undergoing
significant evolution and rapid development, and they may lack the social,
political, legal and economic stability characteristic of more developed
countries. Emerging market countries may have failed in the past to recognize
private property rights. They may have relatively unstable governments, present
the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or
prohibitions on repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property
rights than more developed countries. Their economies may be predominantly based
on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global
trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or
inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities
and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume,
potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or
impossible at times. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or
other arrangements before making certain investments in those countries.
Securities of issuers located in these countries may have limited marketability
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.
The U.S. Government has from time to time in the past imposed restrictions,
through taxation and otherwise, on foreign investments by U.S. investors such as
the Fund. If such restrictions should be reinstituted, it might become necessary
for the Fund to invest all or substantially all of its assets in U.S.
securities. In such event, the Fund would review its investment objective and
investment policies to determine whether changes are appropriate.
The Fund's ability and decisions to purchase or sell portfolio securities may be
affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility and repatriation
of assets. Because the shares of the Fund are redeemable on a daily basis in
U.S. dollars, the Fund intends to manage its portfolio so as to give reasonable
assurance that it will be able to obtain U.S. dollars. Under present conditions,
it is not believed that these considerations will have any significant effect on
its portfolio strategy.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. Each John Hancock Series Fund, other than
Dividend Performers Fund, may engage in forward foreign currency transactions.
Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash)
basis at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the
foreign exchange market. The Funds may also deal in forward foreign currency
exchange contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which they
may invest as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rate
between these currencies. Forward contracts are agreements to purchase or sell a
specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the
contract. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign
currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of a Fund
accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities
denominated in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward
foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or
quoted in such foreign currencies. The Funds' dealings in forward foreign
currency exchange contracts will be limited to hedging either specified
transactions or portfolio positions. A Fund will not attempt to hedge all of its
foreign portfolio positions and will enter into such transactions only to the
extent, if any, deemed appropriate by the Adviser or Subadviser. The Funds will
not engage in speculative forward foreign currency exchange transactions.
If a Fund purchases a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, the Fund
will segregate cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, in a separate
account in an amount necessary to complete the forward contract. These assets
will be marked to market daily and if the value of the assets in the separate
account declines, additional cash or liquid assets will be added so that the
value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitment in purchased
forward contracts.
5
<PAGE>
Hedging against a decline in the value of currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. These transactions also preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency rises. Moreover, it may
not be possible for the Funds to hedge against a devaluation that is so
generally anticipated that the Funds are not able to contract to sell the
currency at a price above the devaluation level they anticipate.
The cost to the Funds of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with
such factors as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the
market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency are
usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved.
Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a
repurchase agreement the Fund buys a security for a relatively short period
(usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation to sell it back to the
issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued interest. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and
with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities. The Adviser will
continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the parties with whom the Fund
enters into repurchase agreements.
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in
liquidating the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks
to enforce its rights thereto, possible subnormal levels of income, decline in
value of the underlying securities or lack of access to income during this
period as well as the expense of enforcing its rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that a Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by a Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements involve
the risk that the market value of securities purchased by each Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by a Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. Each Fund will
also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the
securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities
upon effecting its repurchase. To minimize various risks associated with reverse
repurchase agreements, a Fund will establish a separate account consisting of
liquid securities, of any type or maturity, in an amount at least equal to the
repurchase prices of the securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under
such agreements. In addition, a Fund will not enter into reverse repurchase
agreements or borrow money, except from banks temporarily for extraordinary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging) in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of a
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. Each
Fund will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. Each Fund will not
purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of that Fund's total
assets. Each Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with
federally insured banks which are approved in advance as being creditworthy by
the Trustees. Under the procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser will
monitor the creditworthiness of the banks involved.
Restricted Securities. Each Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"),
including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act
and securities
6
<PAGE>
offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule 144A under the
1933 Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments. If the Trustees determine, based upon a continuing review of the
trading markets for specific Section 4(2) paper or Rule 144A securities, that
they are liquid, they will not be subject to the 15% limit on illiquid
investments. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the Adviser the
daily function of determining the monitoring and liquidity of restricted
securities. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be
ultimately responsible for the determinations. The Trustees will carefully
monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such important
factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of information.
This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of
illiquidity in the Fund if qualified institutional buyers become for a time
uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Currency. International Equity
Fund and Active Bond Fund may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on
any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index based on
securities in which it may invest. Dividend Performers Fund, Small
Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund and Medium
Capitalization Growth Fund may purchase and write (sell) call and put options on
any securities index based on securities in which it may invest. These options
may be listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities
exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. International Equity Fund
and Active Bond Fund may write covered put and call options and purchase put and
call options as a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities or, with
respect to International Equity Fund, currency to protect against declines in
the value of portfolio securities and against increases in the cost of
securities to be acquired.
Writing Covered Options. A call option on a security or currency written by a
Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities or currency to the holder
of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before
the expiration date. A put option on securities or currency written by a Fund
obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities or currency from the option
holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date. Options on securities indices are similar to options on
securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash
settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of
securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price
fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather
than price fluctuations in a single security. Writing covered call options may
deprive a Fund of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price
of the securities or foreign currency assets in its portfolio. Writing covered
put options may deprive a Fund of the opportunity to profit from a decrease in
the market price of the securities or foreign currency assets to be acquired for
its portfolio.
All call and put options written by the Fund are covered. A written call option
or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities,
either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated
account with a value at least equal to the Fund's obligation under the option,
(ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an
offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or
otherwise, reduces the Fund's net exposure on its written option position. A
written call option on securities is typically covered by maintaining the
securities that are subject to the option in a segregated account. Each Fund may
cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price
changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index.
Each Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations
under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are
referred to as "closing purchase transactions."
7
<PAGE>
Purchasing Options. A Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation
of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease ("protective
puts"), in the market value of securities or currencies of the type in which it
may invest. A Fund may also sell call and put options to close out its purchased
options.
The purchase of a call option would entitle a Fund, in return for the premium
paid, to purchase specified securities or currency at a specified price during
the option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a
call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities or
currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on
the purchase of the call option.
The purchase of a put option would entitle a Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to sell specified securities or currency at a specified price during the
option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge
against a decline in the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities or the
currencies in which they are denominated. Put options may also be purchased by a
Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of
securities or currencies which it does not own. A Fund would ordinarily realize
a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities or
currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium
and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss
on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put
options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities.
Each Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by
each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such
options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in
each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading
facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be
affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of
the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the
liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may
impose certain other sanctions.
Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any
particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options
it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
currencies or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options
expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing
sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction
costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the
secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
8
<PAGE>
A Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with
exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The
Adviser will determine the liquidity of each over-the-counter option in
accordance with guidelines adopted by the Trustees.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options
depends in part on the Adviser's ability to predict future price fluctuations
and, for hedging transactions, the degree of correlation between the options and
securities or currency markets.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. To hedge against changes in
interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates, International
Equity Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts based on various securities
(such as U.S. Government securities) and securities indices, foreign currencies
and any other financial instruments and indices and purchase and write call and
put options on these futures contracts. To hedge against changes in interest
rates or securities prices, Active Bond Fund may purchase and sell futures
contracts based on various securities (such as U.S. Government securities) and
securities indices, and any other financial instruments and indices and purchase
and write call and put options on these futures contracts. Dividend Performers
Fund. Small Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund and
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund may for hedging purposes purchase and sell
futures contracts based on securities indices and purchase and write call and
put options on these futures contracts. Each Fund may also enter into closing
purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of these contracts and
options. All futures contracts entered into by a Fund are traded on U.S. or
foreign exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed, regulated or approved by
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement
between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments or
currencies for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the
final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or
otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the
contract).
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are
instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit
or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be
liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the
underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous
to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures
contracts are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will
be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging and Other Strategies. Hedging is an attempt to establish with more
certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return
on portfolio securities or securities that a Fund proposes to acquire or the
exchange rate of currencies in which the portfolio securities are quoted or
denominated. When securities prices are falling, a Fund can seek to offset a
decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of
futures contracts. When securities prices are rising, a Fund, through the
purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than
might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. A
Fund may seek to offset anticipated changes in the value of a currency in which
its portfolio securities, or securities that it intends to purchase, are quoted
or denominated by purchasing and selling futures contracts on such currencies.
A Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by
selling futures contracts in an attempt to hedge against an anticipated decline
in market prices or foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the value
of the Fund's portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts
for the future delivery of securities held by a Fund or securities with
characteristics similar to those of the Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly,
a Fund may sell futures contracts on any currencies in which its portfolio
securities are quoted or denominated or in one currency to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if
there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two
currencies.
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If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation
between price trends for the Fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts
based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the
Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy.
Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the Fund's portfolio
may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Adviser
will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on
historical patterns and compensate for any differential by having the Fund enter
into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve
only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund's portfolio
securities.
When a short hedging position is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a
decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, a Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency rates then available in the applicable market to
be less favorable than prices that are currently available. A Fund may also
purchase futures contracts as a substitute for transactions in securities or
foreign currency, to alter the investment characteristics of or currency
exposure associated with portfolio securities or to gain or increase its
exposure to a particular securities market or currency.
Options on Futures Contracts. The purchase of put and call options on futures
contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified
price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at
any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures
contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in
a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable
price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may
partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By writing a call
option, a Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium (upon exercise of
the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may
have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put
option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an
increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However,
a Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures
contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the
exercise price. The loss incurred by each Fund in writing options on futures is
potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option of the same series. There
is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. A Fund's ability
to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Other Considerations. Each John Hancock Series Fund will engage in futures and
related options transactions either for bona fide hedging purposes as permitted
by the CFTC. To the extent that a Fund is using futures and related options for
hedging purposes, futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in
the price of securities (or the currency in which they are quoted or
denominated) that the Fund owns or futures contracts will be purchased to
protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities or the currency
in which they are quoted or denominated) it intends to purchase.
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Each Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts
and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to
price fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments
which it expects to purchase. As evidence of its hedging intent, each Fund
expects that on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or
option position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will
have purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of
related securities in the cash market at the time when the futures or option
position is closed out. However, in particular cases, when it is economically
advantageous for the Fund to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or
an option may expire without the corresponding purchase of securities or other
assets.
Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an
amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. For
example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency
exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for a Fund than if it
had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions.
Perfect correlation between a Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions
will be impossible to achieve. In the event of an imperfect correlation between
a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected,
the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk
of loss. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or protect against
currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in foreign
currencies because the value of such securities is likely to fluctuate as a
result of independent factors not related to currency fluctuations.
Some futures contracts or options on futures may become illiquid under adverse
market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity
exchange may suspend or limit trading in a futures contract or related option,
which may make the instrument temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price
of a futures contract or related option can vary from the previous day's
settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that
day at a price beyond the limit. This may prevent the Fund from closing out
positions and limiting its losses.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. Each Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. A Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to
be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. For
when-issued transactions, no payment is made until delivery is due, often a
month or more after the purchase. In a forward commitment transaction, a Fund
contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond
customary settlement time. When a Fund engages in forward commitment and
when-issued transactions, it relies on the seller to consummate the transaction.
The failure of the issuer or seller to consummate the transaction may result in
the Funds losing the opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered to be
advantageous. The purchase of securities on a when-issued and forward commitment
basis also involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased
declines prior to the settlement date.
On the date a Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, equal in value to
the Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and
additional cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the
extent that the total value of the assets in the account declines below the
amount of the when-issued commitments. Alternatively, a Fund may enter into
offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
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Warrants. Each John Hancock Series Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants entitle
the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of
time. Warrants tend to be more volatile than their underlying securities. Also,
the value of the warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the
underlying securities and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised
prior to the expiration date.
Government Securities. Each Fund may invest in government securities. However,
Dividend Performers Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund, Medium
Capitalization Growth Fund and International Equity Fund may invest more than
10% of total assets in government securities, for defensive purposes only. If
not, for defensive purposes, these funds may only invest up to 10% of total
assets in government securities. Certain U.S. Government securities, including
U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and Government National Mortgage
Association certificates ("GNMA"), are supported by the full faith and credit of
the United States. Certain other U.S. Government securities, issued or
guaranteed by Federal agencies or government sponsored enterprises, are not
supported by the full faith and credit of the United States, but may be
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. These
securities include obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC"), and obligations supported by the credit of the instrumentality, such
as Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds ("FNMA"). No assurance can be
given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to such Federal
agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and government sponsored enterprises in
the future.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. Active Bond Fund and each Independence Fund may
invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through
securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC")
pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and
stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"), and other types of
"Mortgage-Backed Securities" that may be available in the future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through
securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage
loans and are issued by U.S. Governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but
not limited to the GNMA, the FNMA and the FHLMC. GNMA certificates are
guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for timely
payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FNMA certificates are
guaranteed by FNMA, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for
full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FHLMC
certificates are guaranteed by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S.
Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all
principal of the related mortgage loans.
Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.
CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by,
among others, U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private
lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the
principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the
several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of
CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates but also
may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private
mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments
of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment
income thereon.
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A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and "residual"
interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although the Funds do not
intend to invest in residual interests.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are derivative multiple-class
mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that
receive different proportions of interest and principal distributions on a pool
of mortgage assets. A typical SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal, while the other class will receive most of
the interest and the remaining principal. In the most extreme case, one class
will receive all of the interest (the "interest only" class) while the other
class will receive all of the principal (the "principal only" class). The yields
and market risk of interest only and principal only SMBS, respectively, may be
more volatile than those of other fixed income securities. The staff of the SEC
considers privately issued SMBS to be illiquid.
Structured or Hybrid Notes. Funds that may invest in mortgage-backed securities
may invest in "structured" or "hybrid" notes. The distinguishing feature of a
structured or hybrid note is that the amount of interest and/or principal
payable on the note is based on the performance of a benchmark asset or market
other than fixed-income securities or interest rates. Examples of these
benchmarks include stock prices, currency exchange rates and physical commodity
prices. Investing in a structured note allows a Fund to gain exposure to the
benchmark market while fixing the maximum loss that the Fund may experience in
the event that market does not perform as expected. Depending on the terms of
the note, a Fund may forego all or part of the interest and principal that would
be payable on a comparable conventional note; a Fund's loss cannot exceed this
foregone interest and/or principal. An investment in structured or hybrid notes
involves risks similar to those associated with a direct investment in the
benchmark asset.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. Investing in
Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a
counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the
effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the
lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those
associated with investing in equity securities. Further, the yield
characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities differ from those of traditional
fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent
interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest
rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made
substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest
rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its
investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect
governmental, agency or other guarantee. When a Fund reinvests amounts
representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a
rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less
effective than other types of U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking
in" interest rates.
Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate
will extend the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities. This
possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life
of a Mortgage-Backed Security increases the risk of depreciation due to future
increases in market interest rates.
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Risk Associated With Specific Types of Derivative Debt Securities. Different
types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of
prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage
pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these
risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be
less than for more leveraged Mortgage-Backed Securities.
The risk of early prepayments is the primary risk associated with interest only
debt securities ("IOs"), super floaters, other leveraged floating rate
instruments and Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a premium to their par
value. In some instances, early prepayments may result in a complete loss of
investment in certain of these securities. The primary risks associated with
certain other derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average
life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.
These securities include floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds
Index ("COFI floaters"), other "lagging rate" floating rate securities, floating
rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate ("capped floaters"),
Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a discount, leveraged inverse floating
rate securities ("inverse floaters"), principal only debt securities ("POs"),
certain residual or support tranches of CMOs and index amortizing notes. Index
amortizing notes are not Mortgage-Backed Securities, but are subject to
extension risk resulting from the issuer's failure to exercise its option to
call or redeem the notes before their stated maturity date. Leveraged inverse
IOs combine several elements of the Mortgage-Backed Securities described above
and thus present an especially intense combination of prepayment, extension and
interest rate risks.
Planned amortization class ("PAC") and target amortization class ("TAC") CMO
bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than
other Mortgage-Backed Securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within
expected prepayment ranges or "collars." To the extent that prepayment rates
remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC
and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment, extension and interest rate risk
associated with the underlying mortgage assets.
Other types of floating rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced to below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to depreciation in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates. X-reset
floaters have a coupon that remains fixed for more than one accrual period.
Thus, the type of risk involved in these securities depends on the terms of each
individual X-reset floater.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's and S&P
represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities
which they rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are relative and
subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used
by the Funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities.
Among the factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the
issuer to pay principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix A
contains further information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their
significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities.
Lower Rated High Yield Debt Obligations. Active Bond Fund and Small
Capitalization Value may invest in high yielding, fixed income securities rated
below investment grade (e.g., rated Baa or lower by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P")).
Active Bond Fund will not invest in securities rated below Ca by Moody's or CC
by S&P. Small Capitalization Value may invest up to 15% of its net assets in
securities rated as low as Ca by Moody's or CC by S & P and their equivalents.
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Ratings are based largely on the historical financial condition of the issuer.
Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily
a reflection of the issuer's current financial condition, which may be better or
worse than the rating would indicate. See Appendix A to this Statement of
Additional Information which describes the characteristics of corporate bonds in
the various ratings categories. The Funds may invest in comparable quality
unrated securities which, in the opinion of the Adviser or Subadviser, offer
comparable yields and risks to those securities which are rated.
Debt obligations rated in the lower ratings categories, or which are unrated,
involve greater volatility of price and risk of loss of principal and income. In
addition, lower ratings reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in
financial condition affecting the ability of the issuer to make payments of
interest and principal. The high yield fixed income market is relatively new and
its growth occurred during a period of economic expansion. The market has not
yet been fully tested by an economic recession.
The market price and liquidity of lower rated fixed income securities generally
respond to short term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than
do the price and liquidity of higher rated securities because such developments
are perceived to have a more direct relationship to the ability of an issuer of
such lower rated securities to meet its ongoing debt obligations.
Reduced volume and liquidity in the high yield bond market or the reduced
availability of market quotations will make it more difficult to dispose of the
bonds and to value accurately the Funds' assets. The reduced availability of
reliable, objective data may increase the Funds' reliance on management's
judgment in valuing high yield bonds. In addition, the Funds' investments in
high yield securities may be susceptible to adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not justified by fundamental factors. A Fund's
investments, and consequently its net asset value, will be subject to the market
fluctuations and risks inherent in all securities.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities involved in the transaction. As a
result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy,
the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from liquidating the collateral. The
Fund can lend portfolio securities having a total value of 33 1/3% of its total
assets.
Short-Term Trading. Each John Hancock Series Fund may engage in short-term
trading. These Funds intend to use short-term trading of securities as a means
of managing their portfolio to achieve their respective investment objective. In
reaching a decision to sell one security and purchase another security at
approximately the same time, the Funds will take into account a number of
factors, for fixed income funds. These include the quality ratings, interest
rates, yields, maturity dates, call prices, and refunding and sinking fund
provisions of the securities under consideration, as well as historical yield
spreads and current economic information. Equity funds may engage in short-term
trading for special situations. These special situations may include arbitrage
opportunities, extraordinary positive or negative earnings surprises, takeover
situations, spin-offs, asset plays, management changes or a reorganization. The
success of short-term trading will depend upon the ability of the Funds to
evaluate particular securities, to anticipate relevant market factors, including
trends of interest rates and earnings and variations from such trends, to obtain
relevant information, to evaluate it promptly, and to take advantage of its
evaluations by completing transactions on a favorable basis. It is expected that
the expenses involved in short-term trading, which would not be incurred by an
investment company which does not use this portfolio technique, will be less
than the profits and other benefits which will accrue to shareholders.
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. Each Fund has adopted the following
investment restrictions which may not be changed without the approval of a
majority of the applicable Fund's outstanding voting securities which, as used
in the Prospectuses and this Statement of Additional Information means the
approval by the lesser of (1) the holders of 67% or more of a Fund's shares
represented at a meeting if more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares are
present in person or by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
A Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs 3, 6 and 7
below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the deferral of
trustees' fees, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts,
forward commitments and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies or within the meaning of
paragraph 6 below, are not deemed to be senior securities.
2. Purchase securities on margin or make short sales, or unless, by virtue
of its ownership of other securities, the Fund has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if
the right is conditional, the sale is made upon the same conditions,
except (i) in connection with arbitrage transactions, (ii) for hedging
the Fund's exposure to an actual or anticipated market decline in the
value of its securities, (iii) to profit from an anticipated decline in
the value of a security, and (iv) obtaining such short-term credits as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities.
3. Borrow money, except for the following extraordinary or emergency
purposes: (i) from banks for temporary or short-term purposes or for
the clearance of transactions in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken
at market value; (ii) in connection with the redemption of Fund shares
or to finance failed settlements of portfolio trades without
immediately liquidating portfolio securities or other assets; (iii) in
order to fulfill commitments or plans to purchase additional securities
pending the anticipated sale of other portfolio securities or assets;
and (iv) in the case of Small Capitalization Growth Fund, in connection
with entering into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls, but
only if after each such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least
300% as defined in the 1940 Act. A Fund, other than Small
Capitalization Growth Fund, may not borrow money for the purpose of
leveraging the Funds' assets. For purposes of this investment
restriction, the deferral of Trustees' fees and transactions in short
sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, securities or
indices and forward commitment transactions shall not constitute
borrowing. Small Capitalization Growth Fund has no current intention of
entering into reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls.
4. Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter for purpose of the 1933 Act.
5. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may (i) acquire or
lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest
in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein,
(iv) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and
sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities.
6. Invest in commodities, except the Fund may purchase and sell options on
securities, securities indices and currency, futures contracts on
securities, securities indices and currency and options on such
futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments, securities index put or call warrants and repurchase
agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment
policies.
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7. Make loans, except that the Fund (1) may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets taken at market value, (2) enter into repurchase
agreements, and (3) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt
securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether
or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the
securities.
8. Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal activity
in the same industry if, immediately after such purchase, the value of
its investments in such industry would exceed 25% of its total assets
taken at market value at the time of such investment. This limitation
does not apply to investments in obligations of the U.S.
Government or any of its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities.
9. For each Fund with respect to 75% of total assets, purchase securities
of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies,
instrumentalities or authorities), if:
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities
of such issuer; or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by
the Fund.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder approval.
A Fund may not:
1. Participate on a joint or joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of
marketable portfolio securities with other accounts under the
management of the Adviser or any Subadviser to save commissions or to
average prices among them is not deemed to result in a joint securities
trading account.
2. Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of other investment
companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, or (iii)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to (a) the investment of cash collateral, received by the Fund in
connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities, in the
securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the purchase of
shares of any investment company in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the
assets of another investment company. Subject to the above percentage
limitations the Fund may, in connection with the John Hancock Group of
Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees/Directors,
purchase securities of other investment companies within the John
Hancock Group of Funds.
3. Invest more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value, in illiquid securities.
4. Purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets.
5. Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of any
company.
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6. For Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Small
Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth Fund and
International Equity Fund each security at time of purchase may not
comprise more than 5% of the Fund's assets.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the values of a Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Funds is managed by the Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Funds and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Funds
are also officers or directors of the Funds' Adviser and/or one or more or the
Subadvisers, or officers and/or directors of the Funds' principal distributor,
John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock Funds").
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, John
Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock
Funds"); Chairman, First Signature
Bank and Trust Company; Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), John
Hancock Advisers International
(Ireland) Limited ("International
Ireland"), John Hancock Capital
Corporation and New England/Canada
Business Council; Member,
Investment Company Institute Board
of Governors; Director, Asia
Strategic Growth Fund, Inc.;
Trustee, Museum of Science;
Director, John Hancock Freedom
Securities Corporation (until
September 1996); Director, John
Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
19
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Stephen L. Brown* Trustee Chairman and Chief Executive
John Hancock Place Officer, John Hancock Mutual Life
P.O. Box 111 Insurance Company; Director, the
Boston, MA 02117 Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
July 1937 Insurance Agency, John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., The Berkeley
Group, Federal Reserve Bank of
Boston, Signature Services (until
January 1997;) Trustee, John
Hancock Asset Management (until
March 1997).
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual (insurance), Health
Plan Services, Inc., Massachusetts
Health and Education Tax Exempt
Trust, Flagship Healthcare, Inc.,
Carlin Insurance Agency, Inc., West
Insurance Agency, Inc. (until May
1995), Uno Restaurant Corp.;
Chairman, Massachusetts Board of
Higher Education (since 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
20
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company)
(1985-1998); Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Chase Bank (formerly Texas Commerce
Bank - Austin).
Ronald R. Dion Trustee President and Chief Executive
250 Boylston Street Officer, R.M. Bradley & Co., Inc.;
Boston, MA 02116 Director, The New England Council
March 1946 and Massachusetts Roundtable;
Trustee, North Shore Medical Center
and a corporator of the Eastern
Bank; Trustee, Emmanuel College.
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
21
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer,
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Investment Officer and
Boston, MA 02199 Director, the Adviser, The Berkeley
August 1953 Group; Executive Vice President and
Director, John Hancock Funds;
Director, Advisers International,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and
International Ireland; President and
Director, SAMCorp. and NM Capital;
Executive Vice President, the
Adviser (until December 1994);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Senior Vice President and Chief
UGI Corporation Financial Officer, UGI Corporation
P.O. Box 858 (Public Utility Holding Company)
Valley Forge, PA 19482 (retired 1998); Vice President and
February 1938 Director for AmeriGas, Inc. (retired
1998); Vice President of AmeriGas
Partners, L.P. (until 1997);
Director, EnergyNorth, Inc. (until
1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
22
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, Duke Energy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm); Director, Greater
Houston Partnership.
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 34104 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
23
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
John Hancock Place Life Insurance Company; Director,
P.O. Box 111 the Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
Boston, MA 02117 Signator Investors, Inc., Insurance
August 1937 Agency, Inc., John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp. and NM
Capital; The Berkeley Group; JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Signature Services (until January
1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
24
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Osbert M. Hood Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President , Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer Financial Officer and Treasurer, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, the Berkeley Group and John
August 1952 Hancock Funds, Inc.; Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company Retail Sector (until 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
25
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services, John Hancock
July 1950 Funds, NM Capital and SAMCorp.;
Clerk, Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Counsel, John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (until February
1996).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group.
March 1950
James J. Stokowski Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue Accounting Officer
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Funds and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Messrs. Boudreau and Scipione and Ms
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Funds,
who are interested persons of the Adviser and/or affiliates, are compensated by
the Adviser, and/or affiliates and receive no compensation from the Funds for
their services.
Aggregate
Compensation Total Compensation from
From the Funds' the Funds and the John
fiscal year ended Hancock Fund Complex
Independent Trustees February 28, 1999 to Trustees/Directors (1)
- -------------------- ----------------- -------------------------
James F. Carlin $ 4,357 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham (2) 4,357 74,000
Ronald R. Dion 4,460 18,500
Charles F. Fretz 792 57,121
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. (2) 4,086 70,000
Charles L. Ladner 4,558 77,100
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 4,357 74,000
Patricia P. McCarter (2) 539 43,696
Steven R. Pruchansky (2) 4,558 77,100
Norman H. Smith (2) 4,703 79,350
John P. Toolan (2) 4,558 77,100
------------ --------------
Total $ 41,325 $ 721,967
(1) The total compensation paid by the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 1998.
As of that date, there were sixty-seven funds in the John Hancock Fund
Complex, with each of these Independent Trustees serving on
thirty-three funds. Effective October 1, 1998, Mr. Fretz and Ms.
McCarter resigned as Trustees of the Complex.
(2) As of December 31, 1998, the value of the aggregate deferred
compensation from all funds in the John Hancock Funds Complex for Mr.
Cunningham was $320,943, for Mr. Hiser was $115,084, for Ms. McCarter
was $183,645, for Mr. Pruchansky was $75,016, for Mr. Smith was
$109,807 and for Mr. Toolan was $403,714 under the John Hancock
Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees.
As of June 10, 1999 the officers and trustees of the Trust as a group owned 0%
of the outstanding shares of Active Bond Fund; 0% of the outstanding shares of
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund; 1.81% of the outstanding shares of Small
Capitalization Value Fund; 0% of the outstanding shares of International Equity
Fund; 2.34% of the outstanding shares of Small Capitalization Growth Fund; 0% of
the outstanding shares of Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II, 1.59% of
the outstanding shares of Dividend Performers Fund, 0% of the outstanding shares
of Independence Balanced Fund, and 0% of the outstanding shares of Independence
Medium Capitalization Fund and as of that date, the following shareholders
beneficially owned 5% of or more of the outstanding shares of the Funds listed
below:
27
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
Northwestern Trust Company Active Bond 9.50%
FBO ARGO System Ret Plan
1201 Third Ave Suite 2010
Seattle WA 98101-3026
The Investment Incentive Plan Active Bond 28.44%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
Hartford Provision Co Active Bond 10.70%
Retirement & Savings Plan
205 Enterprise Drive
Bristol CT 0610-8410
Sipex Corporation Active Bond 10.02%
Sipex Tax Deferred Savings Plan
22 Linnell Circle
Billerica MA 01821-3901
Manistique Papers, Inc. Active Bond 8.46%
401(K) Plan
453 S Mackinac Ave
Mainstique MI 49854-1354
The Arden Group, Inc. Active Bond 5.60%
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
2020 South Central Avenue
Compton CA 90220-5302
28
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
Gilbane International Equity 22.92%
Gilbane Profit Sharing Plan
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence RI 02902-3623
The Investment Incentive Plan International Equity 18.22%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
Mendes & Mount LLP International Equity 12.28%
Plan II
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
Mendes & Mount LLP International Equity 10.01%
Plan I
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
King Provision Corp & Southern International Equity 9.41%
Industrial Corp 401K Plan
9009 Regency Square Boulevard
Jacksonville FL 32211-8118
29
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
P. B. & S. Chemical Company International Equity 6.64%
Retirement Plan
1405 Highway 136 West
PO Box 20
Henderson KY 42420-0020
Texon USA, Inc. International Equity 5.03%
Savings Plan for Employees of
Texon USA
1190 Huntington Road
Russell MA 01071
Invesco Retirement Plan Services Independence Diversified Core 17.96%
400 Colony Square Ste 2100 Equity Fund II
1201 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta GA 30361-3500
Weil Gotshal & Manges Section Independence Diversified Core 7.94%
401K Savings & Investment Trust Equity Fund II
767 Fifth Avenue
New York NY 10153-0023
Charles Schwabb Trust Company FBO Independence Diversified Core 5.24%
Gaylord Entertainment Co. Equity Fund II
401K Savings Plan
1 Montgomery Street 7th Floor
San Francisco CA
30
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
Boeing Information Services, Inc. Independence Diversified Core 5.94%
7990 Boeing Court, M/S CV-42 Equity Fund II
Vienna VA 22182-3925
Independence Investment Associates Independence Medium Capitalization 8.55%
53 State Street
Boston MA 02109-2809
Hancock Investment Subsidiaries Independence Medium Capitalization 9.61%
401K Plan & Trust
Independence Investment Assoc Ttee
53 State Street
Boston MA 02109-2809
Independence Investment Associates Independence Medium 5.75%
Employee Deferred Compensation Capitalization
53 State Street
Boston MA 02109-2809
Gilbane Independence Medium 57.11%
Gilbane Profit Sharing Plan Capitalization
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence RI 02902-3623
Dan River, Inc. Independence Medium 7.73%
401K Plan Capitalization
917 West Main Street
Pepperell MA 01463-1563
31
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
The Investment Incentive Plan Dividend Performers 23.96%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
Stinnes Corp. Dividend Performers 23.72%
Profit Sharing Plan
120 White Plains Road
Tarrytown NY 10591-5522
Mendes & Mount LLP Dividend Performers 13.98%
Retirement Plan I
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
Mendes & Mount LLP Dividend Performers 10.44%
Retirement Plan II
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
Delta Distributors, Inc. Dividend Performers 7.13%
401K & Profit Sharing Plan
610 Fisher Road
Longview TX 75604-5201
Boeing Information Services, Inc. Independence Balanced 15.51%
7990 Boeing Court, M/S CV-42
Vienna VA 22182-3925
Gilbane Independence Balanced 8.14%
Gilbane Profit Sharing Plan
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence RI 02902-3623
32
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
Dan River, Inc. Independence Balanced 7.21%
401K Plan
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence RI 02902-3623
P. B. & S. Chemical Co. Independence Balanced 7.18%
Retirement Plan
1405 Highway 136 West
PO Box 20
Henderson KY 42420-0020
Boeing Defense and Space Irving Independence Balanced 6.57%
Boeing - Irving Vol Savings Plan
3131 Story Road West
Irving TX 75038-3514
The Investment Incentive Plan Medium Capitalization Growth 17.98%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
P. B. & S. Chemical Co. Medium Capitalization Growth 16.62%
Retirement Plan
1405 Highway 136 West
PO Box 20
Henderson KY 42420-0020
Mendes & Mount LLP Medium Capitalization Growth 11.85%
Retirement Plan I
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
Mendes & Mount LLP Medium Capitalization Growth 10.87%
Retirement Plan II
750 South Avenue
New York NY 10019-6834
33
<PAGE>
Percentage of
Total Outstanding
Name and Address of Shareholder Fund Shares
- ------------------------------- ---- ------
Stinnes Corp Medium Capitalization Growth 9.47%
Profit Sharing Plan
120 White Plains Road
Tarrytown NY 10591-552
Globe Manufacturing Co Medium Capitalization Growth 6.75%
401K Plan
456 Bedford Street
Fall River MA 02720-4802
Gilbane Small Capitalization Value 65.12%
Gilbane Profit Sharing Plan
7 Jackson Walkway
Providence RI 02902-3623
The Investment Incentive Plan Small Capitalization Value 32.81%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
The Investment Incentive Plan Small Capitalization Growth 54.58%
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02199-7603
Cape Ann Local Lodge #2654 Small Capitalization Growth 8.31%
401K Plan
c/o Gloucester Engineering
PO Box 900
Gloucester MA 01931-0900
Merrimac Paper Company, Inc. Small Capitalization Growth 5.61%
Merrimac Paper Union 401K Plan
9 South Canal Street
Lawrence MA 01843-1412
Shareholders of a Fund having beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the
shares of a Fund may be deemed for purposes of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, to control that Fund.
34
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Funds and the other mutual funds
and publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock
group of funds, having a combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The
Adviser is an affiliate of the Life Company, one of the most recognized and
respected financial institutions in the nation. With total assets under
management of more than $100 billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest
life insurance companies in the United States, and carries a high rating from
Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been
serving clients for over 130 years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser which was approved by the Funds' shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held, sold or exchanged, and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including but not
limited to expenses of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders'
reports, notices, prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory
agencies; expenses relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of
shares; government fees; interest charges; expenses of furnishing to
shareholders their account statements; taxes; expenses or redeeming shares;
brokerage and other expenses connected with the execution of portfolio
securities transactions; expenses pursuant to the Fund's plan of distribution;
fees and expenses of custodians including those for keeping books and accounts,
maintaining a committed line of credit and calculating the net asset value of
shares; fees and expenses of transfer agents and dividend disbursing agents;
legal, accounting, financial, management, tax and auditing fees and expenses of
the Fund (including an allocable portion of the cost of the Adviser's employees
rendering such services to the Fund; the compensation and expenses of Trustees
who are not otherwise affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or any of their
affiliates; expenses of Trustees' and shareholders, meetings; trade association
membership; insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses.
With respect to International Equity Fund, the Adviser has entered into a
Sub-Advisory Agreement with JHAI. With respect to each Independence Fund, the
Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with IIA. Under each
respective Sub-Advisory Agreement, the corresponding Subadviser, subject to the
review of the Trustees and the over-all supervision of the Adviser, is
responsible for managing the investment operations of the corresponding Fund and
the composition of the Fund's portfolio and furnishing the Fund with advice and
recommendations with respect to investments, investment policies and the
purchase and sale of securities. JHAI, located at 6th Floor, Dukes's Court,
32-36 Duke Street, St. James's, London SWIY 6DF, England is a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Adviser, formed in 1987 to provide investment research and
advisory services to U.S. institutional clients. IIA, located at 53 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and organized in 1982, is a wholly owned
indirect subsidiary of John Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays
the Adviser monthly a fee based on a stated percentage of the average daily net
assets of each Fund.
35
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Funds Rate
----- ----
<S> <C>
Active Bond Fund .50% of average daily net assets up to $1.5 billion
.45% of such assets in excess of $1.5 billion
Small Capitalization Value Fund .70% of average daily net assets up to $500 million
.65% of such assets in excess of $500 million
Dividend Performers Fund .60% of average daily net assets up to $500 million
.55% of such assets in excess of $500 million
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund .80% of average daily net assets up to $500 million
.75% of such assets in excess of $500 million
Small Capitalization Growth Fund .80% of average daily net assets
International Equity Fund .90% of average daily net assets up to $500 million
.65% of such assets in excess of $500 million
Balanced Fund .70% of the average daily net assets up to $500 million
.65% of such assets in excess of $500 million
Diversified Core Equity Fund II .50% of the average daily net assets
Medium Capitalization Fund .80% of the average daily net assets up to $500 million
.75% of such assets in excess of $500 million
</TABLE>
The advisory fees paid by Small Capitalization Growth Fund and International
Equity Fund are greater than those paid by most funds. Due to the added
complexity of managing funds with investment strategies similar to these Funds,
advisory fees of similar funds tend to be higher than those paid by most funds.
Also, the advisory fees paid by Medium Capitalization Fund are greater, but they
are comparable to those paid by many investment companies with similar
investment objectives and policies.
The Adviser (not the Fund) pays a portion of its fee from International Equity
Fund to the Subadviser at the following rate: 70% of the advisory fee payable on
the Fund's average daily net assets up to $500 million and 90% of the advisory
fee payable on the Fund's assets exceeding $500 million, Diversified Core Equity
Fund II, 80% of the advisory fee payable on the Fund's average daily net assets;
Medium Capitalization Fund, 55% of the advisory fee payable on the Fund's
average daily net assets and Balanced Fund, 60% of the advisory fee payable on
the Fund's average daily net assets.
For the period ended February 28, 1999, the Adviser waived the entire investment
management fee for all Funds except Small Capitalization Value Fund, Dividend
Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Balanced Fund, Diversified
Core Equity Fund II and Medium Capitalization Fund. For the period ended
February 28, 1999, the Adviser received $3,095, $69,056, $189,005, $511,989,
$2,716,529 and $20,569 after expense limitation from Small Capitalization Value
Fund, Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Balanced
Fund, Diversified Core Equity Fund II and Medium Capitalization Fund,
respectively. The Adviser paid the Subadviser of Dividend Core Equity II Fund
$2,174,244, the Subadviser of International Equity Fund $7,339 and the
Subadviser of Balanced Fund (effective January 1, 1998) $329,387.
The Subadvisers waived all other subadvisory fees for the period.
36
<PAGE>
For the period ended February 28, 1998, the Adviser waived the entire investment
management fee for all Funds except Small Capitalization Value Fund, Dividend
Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Balanced Fund, Diversified
Core Equity Fund II and Medium Capitalization Fund. For the period ended
February 28, 1998, the Adviser received $5,528, $43,601, $225,934, $245,098,
$2,212,037 and $31,293 after expense limitation from Small Capitalization Value
Fund, Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Balanced
Fund, Diversified Core Equity Fund II and Medium Capitalization Fund,
respectively. The Adviser paid the Subadviser of Dividend Core Equity Fund II
$1,775,718, the Subadviser of International Equity Fund $43,303 and the
Subadviser of Balanced Fund (effective January 1, 1998) $49,958.
The Subadvisers waived all other subadvisory fees for the period.
For the period ended February 28, 1997, the Adviser waived the entire investment
management fees for all Funds except Medium Capitalization Growth Fund and
Diversified Core Equity Fund II. For the period ended February 28, 1997, the
Adviser received $53,016 after expense limitation from Medium Capitalization
Growth Fund. The Adviser received $1,280,296 from Diversified Core Equity Fund
II and the Adviser paid the Subadviser $ 1,020,770.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of average daily net assets.
The Adviser retains the right to reimpose a fee and recover any other payments
to the extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's annual expenses
fall below this limit.
Securities held by the Funds may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser, the Subadvisers or their respective
affiliates provide investment advice. Because of different investment objectives
or other factors, a particular security may be bought for one or more funds or
clients when one or more are selling the same security. If opportunities for
purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser or Subadviser for a Fund or for
other funds or clients for which the Adviser or Subadvisers render investment
advice arise for consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such
securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds or
clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them. To the extent that
transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser, Subadvisers or
their respective affiliates may increase the demand for securities being
purchased or the supply of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect
on price.
Pursuant to each Advisory Agreement, where applicable, Sub-Advisory Agreement,
the Adviser and Subadviser are not liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the matters to
which their respective Agreements relate, except a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser or
Subadviser in the performance of their duties or from their reckless disregard
of the obligations and duties under the applicable Agreement.
Under each Advisory Agreement, each Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for as long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If a Fund's
Advisory Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it
lawfully can) will cease to use such name or any other name indicating that it
is advised by or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser
or the Life Company may grant the non-exclusive right to use the name "John
Hancock" or any similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but
not limited to any investment company of which the Life Company or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof or any successor to the business of any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof shall be the investment adviser.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement of each Independence Fund, each Independence
Fund may use the name "Independence" or any name derived from or similar to it
only for as long as the Sub-Advisory Agreement is effect. When the Sub-Advisory
Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can)
will cease to use any name indicating that it is advised by or otherwise
connected with IIA. In addition, IIA or the Life Company may grant the
non-exclusive right to use the name "Independence" or any similar name to any
other corporation or entity, including but not limited to any investment company
of which IIA or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof or any successor to the
business of any subsidiary or affiliate thereof shall be the investment adviser.
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The continuation of each Advisory Agreement, Sub-Advisory Agreement and
Distribution Agreement was approved by all Trustees. The Advisory Agreement,
Sub-Advisory Agreement and Distribution Agreement, will continue in effect from
year to year, provided that its continuation is approved annually both (i) by
the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or
by the Trustees, and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to
the Agreement or "interested persons" of such parties. Each of these Agreements
may be terminated on 60 days written notice by any party or by vote of a
majority to the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund and will
terminate automatically if assigned. Each Sub-Advisory Agreement terminates
automatically upon the termination of the corresponding Advisory Agreement.
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting
and legal services. For the fiscal years ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
the Fund paid the Adviser the following for services under this Agreement:
Balanced Fund $12,152, $8,091 and $1,477, Medium Capitalization Fund $1,587,
$1,287 and $820, Diversified Core Equity Fund II $84,538, $79,447 and $48,011,
Active Bond Fund $858, $658 and $308, Dividend Performers Fund $3,109, $2,742
and $929, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund $5,047, $6,771 and $3,506, Small
Capitalization Value Fund $1,235, $1,308 and $1,084, Small Capitalization Growth
Fund $352, $420 and $99 and International Equity Fund $1,324, $1,232 and $616.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Funds, the Adviser,
the Subadviser and the Funds have adopted extensive restrictions on personal
securities trading by personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. In the case
of the Adviser, some of these restrictions are: Pre-clearance for all personal
trades and a ban on the purchase of initial public offerings as well as
contributions to specified charities of profits on securities held for less than
91 days. The Subadviser's restrictions may differ where appropriate, as long as
they maintain the same intent. These restrictions are a continuation of the
basic principle that the interests of the Funds and their shareholders come
first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT
The Fund has a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds. Under the
Agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to sell
shares of each Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by selected broker-dealers
(the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling agency agreements with
John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for the purchase of the
shares of the Funds which are continually offered at net asset value next
determined. John Hancock Funds may make payment out of its own resources to a
Selling Broker who sells shares of a fund. This payment may not exceed 0.15% of
the amount invested.
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value ("NAV") of a Fund's shares, the
following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
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Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last
available bid price.
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary
market in which they are traded. Any assets or liabilities expressed in terms of
foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by the custodian bank based
on London currency exchange quotations as of 5:00 p.m., London time (12:00 noon,
New York time) on the date of any determination of the Fund's NAV. If quotations
are not readily available, or the value has been materially affected by events
occurring after the closing of a foreign market, assets are valued by a method
that the Trustees believe accurately reflects fair value.
The NAV for each Fund is determined each business day at the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4 p.m. Eastern Time) by
dividing the net assets by the number of its shares outstanding. On any day an
international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is open, any
foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the current
day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on Saturdays
and U.S. business holidays on which the Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although the Funds would not normally do so, each Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholder will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. Each Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule, each Fund must redeem its shares for cash except to the extent
that the redemption payments to any shareholder during any 90-day period would
exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the
beginning of that period.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS' SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Funds. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Funds,
without par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the
authority to create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate
series, without further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement
of Additional Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of eleven series
of which nine series are described herein. Additional series may be added in the
future. The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the Trustees to classify and
reclassify the shares of the Funds, or any other series of the Trust, into one
or more classes. Also, the Trustees have not authorized the issuance of
additional classes of shares.
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Each share of a Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets
belonging to that Fund. When issued, shares are fully paid and nonassessable. In
the event of liquidation of a Fund, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata
in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to such shareholders.
Shares of the Trust are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription
or conversion rights.
In accordance with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have
initially determined that shares entitle their holders to one vote per share on
any matter on which such shares are entitled to vote. The Trustees may determine
in the future, without the vote or consent of shareholders, that each dollar of
net asset value (number of shares owned times net asset value per share) will be
entitled to one vote on any matter on which such shares are entitled to vote.
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Funds have no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Each Fund's shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall
promptly call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by
the record holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with requesting a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the trust. However, the Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or affairs of the
Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the
Trust's assets for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally
liable by reason of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of Trust
also provides that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the liabilities of
any other series. Liability is therefore limited to circumstances in which a
Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations, and the possibility of this
occurrence is remote.
A Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with a
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept starter, credit card or third party checks. All
checks returned by the post office as undeliverable will be reinvested in the
fund or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend paid. Information
provided on the account application may be used by a Fund to verify the accuracy
of the information or for background or financial history purposes. A joint
account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship,
unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different intent. A
shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. For telephone transactions, the transfer agent will take measures
to verify the identity of the caller, such as asking for name, account number,
Social Security or other taxpayer ID number and other relevant information. If
appropriate measures are taken, the transfer agent is not responsible for any
losses that may occur to any account due to an unauthorized telephone call. Also
for your protection telephone transactions are not permitted on accounts whose
names or addresses have changed within the past 30 days.
Proceeds from telephone transactions can only be mailed to the address of
record.
Selling activities for the Fund may not take place outside the U.S. except with
U.S. military bases, APO addresses and U.S. diplomats. Brokers of record on
Non-U.S. investors' accounts with foreign mailing addresses are required to
certify that all sales activities have occurred, and in the future will occur,
only in the U.S. A Foreign corporation may purchase shares of the Fund only if
it has a U.S. mailing address.
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TAX STATUS
Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for accounting and tax purposes, has
qualified as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and intends to continue to qualify
for each taxable year. As such and by complying with the applicable provisions
of the Code regarding the sources of its income, the timing of its
distributions, and the diversification of its assets, a Fund will not be subject
to Federal income tax on its taxable income (including net realized capital
gains) which is distributed to shareholders in accordance with the timing
requirements of the Code.
Each Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible Federal excise tax on certain
amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. Each Fund
intends, under normal circumstances, to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distributions from each Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits
("E&P") will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If
these distributions are paid from a Fund's "investment company taxable income,"
they will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the Fund's
"net capital gain," they will be taxable as long-term capital gain. (Net capital
gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and
capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net
capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) Some distributions may be
paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as if they had been received
on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment described above will
apply without regard to whether distributions are received in cash or reinvested
in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by a Fund in connection with certain
transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain
foreign currency options and futures, foreign currency forward contracts,
foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency
are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and
losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount,
timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Transactions in foreign
currencies that are not directly related to a Fund's investment in stock or
securities, including speculative currency positions, could under future
Treasury regulations produce income not among the types of "qualifying income"
from which the Fund must derive at least 90% of its annual gross income for each
taxable year. If the net foreign exchange loss for a year treated as ordinary
loss under Section 988 were to exceed a Fund's investment company taxable income
computed without regard to such loss, the resulting overall ordinary loss for
such year would not be deductible by a Fund or its shareholders in future years.
If a Fund invests (either directly or through depository receipts such as ADRs,
GDRs or EDRs) in stock (including an option to acquire stock such as is inherent
in a convertible bond) of certain foreign corporations that receive at least 75%
of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends,
certain rents and royalties, or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of their
assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign investment
companies"), the Fund could be subject to
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Federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions"
received from these passive foreign investment companies or gain from the sale
of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the
Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Funds would not be able to
pass through to their respective shareholders any credit or deduction for such a
tax. An election may be available to ameliorate these adverse tax consequences,
but could require the Funds to recognize taxable income or gain without the
concurrent receipt of cash. These investments could also result in the treatment
of associated capital gains as ordinary income. Each Fund may limit and/or
manage its investments in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its
tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.
The amount of a Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year
will vary depending upon the current investment strategy of the Adviser and
Subadvisers and whether the Adviser and the Subadvisers believes it to be in the
best interest of the Funds to dispose of portfolio securities and/or engage in
options, futures or forward transactions that will generate capital gains. At
the time of an investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion of the purchase
price is often attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in a Fund's
portfolio or undistributed taxable income of a Fund. Consequently, subsequent
distributions on those shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to
such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a
result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares,
and the distributions in reality represent a return of a portion of the purchase
price.
Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of a Fund (including by
exercise of the exchange privilege), in a transaction that is treated as a sale
for tax purposes, a shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss depending
upon the amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his shares. Such
gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital
assets in the shareholder's hands. Any loss realized on a redemption or exchange
may be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other
shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and
ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to the
automatic dividend reinvestments. In such a case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Also, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period
of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect
to such shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding
their particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of Fund shares
is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing
discussion.
The Funds reserve the right to retain and reinvest all or any portion of the
excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss in any year. Although each Fund's present
intention is to distribute all net capital gains, if any, the Fund will not in
any event distribute net capital gains realized in any year to the extent that a
capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such gain. To the
extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the carryforward of prior
years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal income tax in the hands of
the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by the Fund, each shareholder
would be treated for Federal income tax purposes as if such Fund had distributed
to him on the last day of its taxable year his pro rata share of such excess,
and he had paid his pro rata share of the taxes paid by such Fund and reinvested
the remainder in the Fund. Accordingly, each shareholder would (a) include his
pro rata share of such excess as long-term capital gain in his return for his
taxable year in which the last day of the Fund's taxable year falls, (b) be
entitled either to a tax credit on his return for, or a refund of, his pro rata
share of the taxes paid by the Fund, and (c) be entitled to increase the
adjusted tax basis for his Fund shares by the difference between his pro rata
share of such excess and his pro rata share of such taxes.
For Federal income tax purposes, each Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
realized capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains of that Fund, if
any, during the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent
subsequent net capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in
Federal income tax liability to a Fund and, as noted above, would not be
distributed as such to shareholders. As of February 28, 1999, Medium
Capitalization Growth Fund and Small Capitalization Value Fund had a capital
loss carryforwards of $141,762 and $29,564, respectively, which will expire in
2007. The remaining Funds do not have any capital loss carryforwards.
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For purposes of dividends received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by a Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in respect
of any share of stock held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal income tax purposes,
for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during a
prescribed period extending before and after such dividend and distributed and
properly designated by the Fund may be treated as qualifying dividends.
Corporate shareholders must meet the holding period requirements stated above
with respect to their shares of the applicable Fund for each dividend in order
to qualify for the deduction and, if they have any debt that is deemed under the
Code directly attributable to such shares, may be denied a portion of the
dividends-received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend, including the
otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining alternative minimum
tax liability, if any. Additionally, any corporate shareholder should consult
its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may
be reduced, for Federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary
dividends" received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis
would be reduced below zero, that current recognition of income would be
required.
Each Fund that invests in securities of foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries with respect to its
investments in foreign securities. Some tax conventions between certain
countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. With respect
to each Fund, other than International Equity Fund, because more than 50% of the
Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year will not consist of stock
or securities of foreign corporations, the Funds will not be able to pass such
taxes through to their shareholders, who in consequence will not include any
portion of such taxes in their incomes and will not be entitled to tax credits
or deductions with respect to such taxes. However, such Funds will be entitled
to deduct such taxes in determining the amounts they must distribute in order to
avoid Federal income tax. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of
International Equity Fund at the close of any taxable year consists of stock or
securities of foreign corporations, the International Equity Fund may file an
election with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the
Fund will be required to (i) include in ordinary gross income (in addition to
taxable dividends and distributions actually received) their pro rata shares of
qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund even though not actually received, and
(ii) treat such respective pro rata portions as foreign taxes paid by them.
If the election is made, shareholders of the International Equity Fund may then
deduct such pro rata portions of qualified foreign taxes in computing their
taxable incomes, or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to
holding period requirements and other limitations, against their U.S. federal
income taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for Federal income tax
purposes will not, however, be able to deduct their pro rata portion of
qualified foreign taxes paid by International Equity Fund, although such
shareholders will be required to include their shares of such taxes in gross
income. Shareholders who claim a foreign tax credit for such foreign taxes may
be required to treat a portion of dividends received from International Equity
Fund as a separate category of income for purposes of computing the limitations
on the foreign tax credit. Tax-exempt shareholders will ordinarily not benefit
from this election. Each year (if any) that International Equity Fund files the
election described above, its shareholders will be notified of the amount of (i)
each shareholder's pro rata share of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund
and (ii) the portion of Fund dividends which represents income from each foreign
country. If the Fund cannot or does not make this election, the Fund will deduct
the foreign taxes it pays in determining the amount it has available for
distribution to shareholders, and shareholders will not include these foreign
taxes in their income, nor will they be entitled to any tax deductions or
credits with respect to such taxes.
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Each Fund that invests in zero coupon securities or certain PIK or increasing
rate securities and any other securities with original issue discount (or with
market discount if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) accrues income on such securities prior to the receipt of the
corresponding cash payments. The mark to market or constructive sale rules
applicable to certain options, futures, forwards, short sales or other
transactions, may also require the Fund to recognize income or gain without a
concurrent receipt of cash. Additionally, some countries restrict repatriation
which may make it difficult or impossible for the Fund to obtain cash
corresponding to its earnings or assets in those countries. Each Fund must
distribute, at least annually, all or substantially all of its net income and
net capital gains, including such accrued income or gain, to shareholders to
qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code and avoid Federal
income and excise taxes. Therefore, a Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio
securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to
borrow cash, to satisfy these distribution requirements.
Active Bond Fund and Small Capitalization Value Fund may invest in debt
obligations that are in the lower rating categories or are unrated, including
debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest as well as issuers who
are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in
default present special tax issues for the Funds. Tax rules are not entirely
clear about issues such as when the Funds may cease to accrue interest, original
issue discount, or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be
taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on
obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income, and
whether exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These
and other issues will be addressed by Active Bond Fund and Small Capitalization
Value Fund in the event they invest in such securities, in order to seek to
ensure that they distribute sufficient income to preserve their status as
regulated investment companies and to avoid becoming subject to Federal income
or excise tax.
The Federal income tax rules applicable to certain structured or hybrid
securities, currency swaps, interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars, and
possibly other investments or transactions are or may be unclear in certain
respects, and each Fund will account for these investments or transactions in a
manner intended to preserve its qualification as a regulated investment company
and avoid material tax liability.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and certain
prohibited transactions is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
With respect to each Fund that may enter into foreign currency positions,
forwards, futures and options transactions, limitations imposed by the Code on
regulated investment companies may restrict the Funds' ability to enter into
options, futures, foreign currency positions, and forward foreign currency
contracts.
Certain options, futures and forward foreign currency contracts undertaken by a
Fund may cause the Fund to recognize gains or losses from marking to market even
though its positions have not been sold or terminated and affect their character
as long-term or short-term (or in the case of certain foreign currency
contracts, as ordinary income or loss) and timing of some capital gains and
losses realized by the Fund. Additionally, the Fund may be required to recognize
gain, but not loss, if an option, futures contract, short sale or other
transaction is treated as a constructive sale of an appreciated financial
position in the Fund's portfolio. Also, certain of a Fund's losses on its
transactions involving options, futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting
or successor portfolio positions may be deferred rather than being taken into
account currently in calculating the Fund's taxable income or gains. Certain of
such transactions may also cause the Fund to dispose of investments sooner than
would otherwise have occurred. These transactions may therefore affect the
amount, timing and character of the Funds' distributions to shareholders. A Fund
will also take into account the special tax rules (including consideration of
available elections) applicable to options, futures and forward contracts in
order to minimize any potential adverse tax consequence.
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A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) a Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the
value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations
and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Funds will not seek to satisfy
any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although a Fund may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders.
Each Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
all distributions to shareholders, as well as gross proceeds from the redemption
or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt recipients,
i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to which are exempt
from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under the backup
withholding provisions of Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury regulations,
all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be subject to backup
withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt
shareholders who fail to furnish a Fund with their correct taxpayer
identification number and certain certifications required by the IRS or if the
IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder
is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a
result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The Funds may refuse to
accept an application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification
number or certification that the number provided is correct. If the backup
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds,
whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts
required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors should consult their
tax advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of
investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies, and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions, and ownership of or gains
realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of Fund shares may also be
subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own tax
advisers as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of
shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Funds in their particular
circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their
investment in the Funds is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal
income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These
investors may be subject to a non-resident alien withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as
ordinary dividends from a Fund and unless an effective IRS Form W-8, Form
W-8BEN, or other authorized withholding certificate on file, to 31% back up
withholding on certain other payments from the Fund. Non U.S. investors should
consult their tax advisers regarding such treatment and the application of
foreign taxes to an investment in the Funds.
The Funds are not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Funds anticipate that, provided that the Funds qualify as regulated
investment companies under the Code, they will also not be required to pay any
Massachusetts income tax.
45
<PAGE>
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
Yield
For the 30-day period ended February 28, 1999, the yield of Active Bond Fund was
6.00%.
A Fund's yield is computed by dividing its net investment income per share
determined for a 30-day period by the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period, according to the following standard formula:
6
Yield = 2 ( [ ( a - b ) + 1 ] - 1 )
-----
cd
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued during the period.
c = the average daily number of fund shares outstanding during
the period that would be entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period (NAV).
Total Return
- ------------
The average annual total return for the 1 year and life of that Fund for the
period ended February 28, 1999 is as follows:
One Year Ended Commencement of Operations
February 28, 1999 to February 28, 1999
----------------- --------------------
Active Bond Fund 6.24% 8.08% (c)
Small Capitalization Value Fund (9.45)% 12.69% (d)
Dividend Performers Fund 7.97% 21.99% (c)
Medium Capitalization Growth Fund (5.34)% 14.04% (e)
Small Capitalization Growth Fund 4.67% 13.99% (b)
International Equity Fund 6.88% 5.72% (c)
Balanced Fund 14.50% 15.86% (f)
Diversified Core Equity Fund II 18.98% 26.47% (a)
Medium Capitalization Fund 0.96% 18.47% (g)
(a) Commencement of operations, March 10, 1995.
(b) From commencement of operations, May 2, 1996.
(c) Commencement of operations, March 30, 1995.
(d) Commencement of operations April 19, 1995.
(e) Commencement of operations, April 11, 1995.
(f) Commencement of operations, July 6, 1995.
(g) From commencement of operations, October 2, 1995.
46
<PAGE>
A Fund's total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded rate
of return over the indicated period that would equate the initial amount
invested to the ending redeemable value according to the following formula:
n ________
T = \ / ERV / P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made
at the beginning of the one year and life of fund periods.
This calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period.
In addition to average annual total returns, the Funds may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments, and/or a series of redemptions, over any time period.
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, a Fund's total return
will be ranked or compared to indices of mutual funds and bank deposit vehicles.
Such indices may include Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.'s Lipper-Mutual
Performance Analysis," a monthly publication which tracks net assets and total
return on equity mutual funds in the United States, as well as those published
by Frank Russell, Callan Associates, Wilshire Associates and SEI.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as Money magazine, Forbes, Business Week, The Wall Street
Journal, Micropal, Inc., Morningstar, Stanger's, and Barron's. Pensions &
Investments and Institutional Investor may also be utilized. The Fund's
promotional and sales literature may make reference to the Fund's "beta". Beta
is a reflection of the market related risk of the Fund by showing how responsive
the Fund is to the
market.
The performance of the Funds is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of any Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of a Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares of beneficial interest; and changes
in operating expenses are all examples of items that can increase or decrease a
Fund's performance.
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities of the Funds
are made by officers of the Adviser pursuant to recommendations made by an
investment policy committee of the Adviser, which consists of officers and
directors of the Adviser, corresponding Subadviser (if applicable), officers and
Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust. Orders for purchases and sales
of securities are placed in a manner, which, in the opinion of the officers of
the Trust, will offer the best price and market for the execution of each such
transaction. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities may include a
commission or commissions paid by the issuer and transactions with dealers
serving as market makers reflect a "spread." Debt securities are generally
traded on a net basis through dealers acting for their own account as principals
and not as brokers; no brokerage commissions are payable on such transactions.
47
<PAGE>
Each Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and such other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute a Fund's portfolio transactions.
To the extent consistent with the foregoing, each Fund will be governed in the
selection of brokers and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and to a
lesser extent statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser and corresponding
Subadviser (if applicable) of the Funds. It is not possible to place a dollar
value on information and services to be received from brokers and dealers, since
it is only supplementary to the research efforts of the Adviser and
corresponding Subadviser (if applicable). The receipt of research information is
not expected to reduce significantly the expenses of the Adviser and Subadviser.
The research information and statistical assistance furnished by brokers and
dealers may benefit the Life Company or other advisory clients of the Adviser,
and, conversely, brokerage commissions and spreads paid by other advisory
clients of the Adviser may result in research information and statistical
assistance beneficial to the Funds. Similarly, research information and
assistance provided to a Subadviser by brokers and dealers may benefit other
advisory clients or affiliates of such Subadviser. The Funds will not make any
commitment to allocate portfolio transactions upon any prescribed basis. While
the Adviser, in connection with the corresponding Subadviser (if applicable),
will be primarily responsible for the allocation of the Funds' brokerage
business, the policies and practices of the Adviser in this regard must be
consistent with the foregoing and will, at all times, be subject to review by
the Trustees. For the fiscal years ended on February 28, 1997, 1998 and 1999,
the Funds paid negotiated brokerage commissions in the amount as follows:
Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II, $357,443, $617,705, and $559,111,
Independence Medium Capitalization Fund, $3,963, $6,324 and $8,985, Independence
Balanced Fund $4,063, $30,186 and $49,743, Dividend Performers Fund, $10,194,
$39,778 and $32,953, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, $164,166, $338,119 and
$96,224, Small Capitalization Value Fund $26,007, $45,691 and $39,784,
International Equity $17,069, $57,083 and $38,053, Small Capitalization Growth
Fund $1,275, $5,896 and $5,313. Active Bond Fund had no negotiated brokerage
commissions.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Fund
may pay to a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund
an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another
broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is
subject to a good faith determination by the Trustees that such price is
reasonable in light of the services provided and to such policies as the
Trustees may adopt from time to time. During the fiscal year ended February 28,
1999, Dividend Performers Fund, Medium Capitalization Growth Fund, Small
Capitalization Value Fund, Small Capitalization Growth and International Equity
directed commissions in the amount of $7,658, $59,452, $5,551, $678 and $3,065,
respectively to compensate brokers for research services such as industry,
economics and company reviews and evaluations of securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder Signator Investors, Inc., a broker-dealer (until January 1, 1999,
John Hancock Distributors, Inc.) ("Signator" or "Affiliated Broker"). Pursuant
to procedures determined by the Trustees and consistent with the above policy of
obtaining best results, each Fund may execute portfolio transactions with or
through the Affiliated Broker. During the year ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and
1997, the Funds did not execute any portfolio transactions with the Affiliated
Broker.
48
<PAGE>
Signator may act as broker for the Funds on securities or commodities exchange
transactions, subject, however, to the general policy of the Funds set forth
above and the procedures adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the Investment
Company Act. Commissions paid to an Affiliated Broker must be at least as
favorable as those which the Trustees believe to be contemporaneously charged by
other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar
securities being purchased or sold. A transaction would not be placed with an
Affiliated Broker if a Fund would have to pay a commission rate less favorable
than the Affiliated Broker's contemporaneous charges for comparable transactions
for its other most favored, but unaffiliated, customers except for accounts for
which the Affiliated Broker acts as clearing broker for another brokerage firm,
and any customers of the Affiliated Broker not comparable to the Fund as
determined by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as
defined in the Investment Company Act) of the Funds, the Adviser, the
corresponding Subadviser (if applicable) or the Affiliated Broker. Because the
Adviser, which is affiliated with the Affiliated Broker, and the corresponding
Subadviser (if applicable), have, as investment advisers to the Funds, the
obligation to provide investment management services, which includes elements of
research and related investment skills, such research and related skills will
not be used by the Affiliated Broker as a basis for negotiating commissions at a
rate higher than that determined in accordance with the above criteria.
Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities as the Funds. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transactions as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Funds. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by a Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate the securities
to be sold or purchased for the Funds with those to be sold or purchased for
other clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. P.O. Box 9296, Boston, MA 02205-9296, a
wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company is the transfer and
dividend paying agent for each Fund. Each Fund pays Signature Services a fee of
0.05% of its average daily net assets.
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of International Equity Fund are held pursuant to a Master
Custodian Agreement, as amended, between the Adviser and State Street Bank and
Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Portfolio
securities of the other Funds are held pursuant to a Master Custodian Agreement,
as amended, between the Adviser and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200
Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the Master Custodian
Agreements, Investors Bank & Trust Company and State Street Bank and Trust
Company perform custody, portfolio and fund accounting services for their
respective Funds.
49
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Funds are Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Deloitte & Touche LLP audits and renders
opinions on the Funds' annual financial statements and reviews the Funds' annual
Federal income tax returns.
50
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
----------
Description of Securities Ratings1
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest
payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over
any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics
and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
___________________________________
The ratings described here are believed to be the most recent ratings
available at the date of this Statement of Additional Information for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of
issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise these ratings,
they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not
necessarily represent those which would be given to these securities on the date
of a Fund's fiscal year-end.
A-1
<PAGE>
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Absence of Rating: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or
companies that are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or
issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
Commercial Paper
Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months.
Issuers rated Prime-1 or P-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-I or P-1
repayment ability will often be evidenced by the following characteristics:
_ Leading market positions in well established industries.
A-2
<PAGE>
_ High rates of return on funds employed.
_ Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance
on debt and ample asset protection.
_ Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges
and high internal cash generation.
_ Well established access to a range of financial markets and
assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 (P-2) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term obligations. This will normally be evidenced
by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 (P-3) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group
Investment Grade
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
A-3
<PAGE>
Speculative Grade
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB- rating.
B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently
has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely
to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but
debt service payments are continued.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus of minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
Provisional Ratings: The letter "P" indicates that the rating is provisional. A
provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project being
financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service
requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely
completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality
subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of,
or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should
exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
A-4
<PAGE>
L: The letter "L" indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount of
those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is insured by
the Federal Saving & Loan Insurance Corp. or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
and interest is adequately collateralized. In the case of certificates of
deposit the letter "L" indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits,
being held in the same right and capacity will be honored for principal and
accrued pre-default interest up to the federal insurance limits within 30 days
after closing of the insured institution or, in the event that the deposit is
assumed by a successor insured institution, upon maturity.
NR: NR indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Commercial Paper
Standard & Poor's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as
follows:
A-1. This designation indicated that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
A-2. Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3. Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
********
Notes: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with respect to
capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of
lower-rated speculative bonds. A Portfolio is dependent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond by
a rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the
issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments.
A-5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1999 Annual
Report to Shareholders for the year ended February 28, 1999; (filed
electronically on April 28, 1999, accession number 0001010521-99-000200) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (file nos. 33-86102 and
811-8852).
John Hancock Institutional Series Trust
John Hancock Active Bond Fund
John Hancock Dividend Performers Fund
John Hancock Medium Capitalization Growth Fund
(Formerly: Multi-Sector Growth)
John Hancock Small Capitalization Value Fund
John Hancock Small Capitalization Growth Fund
John Hancock International Equity Fund
John Hancock Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II
John Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization Fund
John Hancock Independence Balanced Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of February 28, 1999 (audited).
Statement of Operations for the year ended February 28, 1999 (audited).
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for period ended February 28, 1999
(audited).
Notes to Financial Statements.
Financial Highlights for each of the period ended February 28, 1999
(audited).
Schedule of Investments as of February 28, 1999 (audited).
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I Shares
Statement of Additional Information
July 1, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Core Growth Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is contained
in the Fund's Prospectus, dated July 1, 1999 (the "Prospectus"). The Fund is a
diversified series of John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free of
charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston MA 02217-1000
1-800-225-5291
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Organization of the Fund.............................................. 2
Investment Objective and Policies..................................... 2
Investment Restrictions............................................... 9
Those Responsible for Management...................................... 11
Investment Advisory and Other Services................................ 21
Distribution Contracts................................................ 24
Sales Compensation.................................................... 26
Net Asset Value....................................................... 27
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares................................ 28
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B and Class C Shares................... 31
Special Redemptions................................................... 35
Additional Services and Programs...................................... 35
Description of the Fund's Shares...................................... 37
Tax Status............................................................ 39
Calculation of Performance............................................ 43
Brokerage Allocation.................................................. 45
Transfer Agent Services............................................... 47
Custody of Portfolio.................................................. 47
Independent Auditors.................................................. 47
Appendix A- Description of Investment Risk............................ A-1
Appendix B-Description of Bond Ratings................................ B-1
Financial Statements.................................................. F-1
1
<PAGE>
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end investment management company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Prior to July 1, 1999, the Fund was called John Hancock
Independence Growth Fund.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), a Massachusetts life insurance company
chartered in 1862, with national headquarters at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts. The Subadviser of the Fund is Independence Investment Associates,
Inc. ("IIA") referred to herein as the "Subadviser" and is an affiliate of the
Life Company.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies as discussed in the Prospectus. Appendix A contains
further information describing investment risks. The investment objective of the
Fund is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund seeks above-average total return. The Fund emphasizes investments in
companies whose securities show potential for relatively high long-term earnings
growth rather than current dividend yield. The Fund's performance and risk
profile benchmark is the Russell 1000 Growth Index which is comprised of stocks
of companies with a greater-than-average growth orientation. and represents a
universe of stocks from which growth managers typically select. It is
capitalization weighted and includes only common stocks belonging to
large-capitalization domestic corporations.
The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions that are detailed under
"Investment Restrictions" in this Statement of Additional Information where they
are classified as fundamental or nonfundamental. Those restrictions designated
as fundamental may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund's
investment objective, investment policies and nonfundamental restrictions,
however, may be changed by a vote of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
If there is a change in the Fund's investment objective, shareholders should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their
then current financial position and needs.
For a further description of the Fund's investment objectives, policies and
restrictions see "Goal and Strategy" and "Main Risks" in the Fund's Prospectus
and "Investment Restrictions" in this Statement of Additional Information.
Common stocks. The Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of
a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other
shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of such entity's
preferred stock and other senior equity. Ownership of common stock usually
carries with it the right to vote and, frequently, an exclusive right to do so.
The Fund will diversify its investments in common stocks of companies in a
number of industry groups without concentrating in any particular industry.
Common stocks have the potential to outperform fixed-income securities over the
long term. Common stocks provide the most potential for growth, yet are the more
volatile of the two asset classes.
2
<PAGE>
Debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest are subject to the
risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the
obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to price volatility due to
such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk).
Particular debt securities will be selected based upon credit risk analysis of
potential issuers, the characteristics of the security and the interest rate
sensitivity of the various debt issues available with respect to a particular
issuer, and analysis of the anticipated volatility and liquidity of the
particular debt instruments.
Preferred stocks. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stock
generally has a preference to dividends and, upon liquidation, over an issuer's
common stock but ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer's capital
structure. Preferred stock generally pays dividends in cash (or additional
shares of preferred stock) at a defined rate but, unlike interest payments on
debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the
issuer's board of directors. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative,
meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more dividend
payments on the preferred stock, no dividends may be paid on the issuer's common
stock until all unpaid preferred stock dividends have been paid. Preferred stock
also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
Investment in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers in the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers
traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs (sponsored and unsponsored) are receipts,
typically issued by U.S. banks, which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs are publicly traded on a U.S.
stock exchange or in the over-the-counter market. An investment in foreign
securities including ADRs may be affected by changes in currency rates and in
exchange control regulations. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not contractually
obligated to disclose material information including financial information, in
the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of the unsponsored ADR. Foreign companies may
not be subject to accounting standards or government supervision comparable to
U.S. companies, and there is often less publicly available information about
their operations. Foreign companies may also be affected by political or
financial inability abroad. These risk considerations may be intensified in the
case of investments in ADRs of foreign companies that are located in emerging
market countries. ADRs of companies located in these countries may have limited
marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement the Fund buys a security for a
relatively short period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation
to sell it back to the issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued interest.
The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities.
The Adviser will continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the parties with
whom the Fund enters into repurchase agreements.
3
<PAGE>
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in
liquidating the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks
to enforce its rights thereto, possible subnormal levels of income, decline in
value of the underlying securities or lack of access to income during this
period as well as the expense of enforcing its rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that the Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. The Fund will
also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the
securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities
upon effecting its repurchase. To minimize various risks associated with reverse
repurchase agreements, the Fund will establish a separate account consisting of
liquid securities, of any type or maturity, in an amount at least equal to the
repurchase prices of the securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under
such agreements. In addition, the Fund will not enter into reverse repurchase
agreements or borrow money, except from banks temporarily for extraordinary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging) in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The
Fund will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. The Fund will not
purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with
federally insured banks which are approved in advance as being creditworthy by
the Trustees. Under the procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser will
monitor the creditworthiness of the banks involved.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"),
including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act
and securities offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the 1933 Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determine, based upon a
continuing review of the trading markets for specific Section 4(2) paper or Rule
144A securities, that they are liquid, they will not be subject to the 15% limit
on illiquid investments. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the
Adviser the daily function of determining the monitoring and liquidity of
restricted securities. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. The Trustees will
carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such
important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of
information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the
level of illiquidity in the Fund if qualified institutional buyers become for a
time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
4
<PAGE>
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to
be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. For
when-issued transactions, no payment is made until delivery is due, often a
month or more after the purchase. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund
contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond
customary settlement time. When the Fund engages in forward commitment and
when-issued transactions, it relies on the seller to consummate the transaction.
The failure of the issuer or seller to consummate the transaction may result in
the Fund losing the opportunity to obtain a price and yield considered to be
advantageous. The purchase of securities on a when-issued and forward commitment
basis also involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased
declines prior to the settlement date.
On the date the Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, equal in value to
the Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and
additional cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the
extent that the total value of the assets in the account declines below the
amount of the when-issued commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into
offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
Government Securities. The Fund may invest in government securities. Certain
U.S. Government securities, including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and
Government National Mortgage Association certificates ("GNMA"), are supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States. Certain other U.S. Government
securities, issued or guaranteed by Federal agencies or government sponsored
enterprises, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States, but may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury. These securities include obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC"), and obligations supported by the credit of the
instrumentality, such as Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds ("FNMA").
No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial
support to such Federal agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and government
sponsored enterprises in the future.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage pass-through
certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate
mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC") pass-through certificates, collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"),
and other types of "Mortgage-Backed Securities" that may be available in the
future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through
securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage
loans and are issued by U.S. Governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but
not limited to the GNMA, the FNMA and the FHLMC. GNMA certificates are
guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for timely
payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FNMA certificates are
guaranteed by FNMA, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for
full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FHLMC
certificates are guaranteed by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S.
Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all
principal of the related mortgage loans.
5
<PAGE>
Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.
CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by,
among others, U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private
lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the
principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the
several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of
CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates but also
may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private
mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments
of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment
income thereon.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and "residual"
interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although the Fund does
not intend to invest in residual interests.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are derivative multiple-class
mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that
receive different proportions of interest and principal distributions on a pool
of mortgage assets. A typical SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal, while the other class will receive most of
the interest and the remaining principal. In the most extreme case, one class
will receive all of the interest (the "interest only" class) while the other
class will receive all of the principal (the "principal only" class). The yields
and market risk of interest only and principal only SMBS, respectively, may be
more volatile than those of other fixed income securities. The staff of the SEC
considers privately issued SMBS to be illiquid.
Structured or Hybrid Notes. Funds that may invest in mortgage-backed securities
may invest in "structured" or "hybrid" notes. The distinguishing feature of a
structured or hybrid note is that the amount of interest and/or principal
payable on the note is based on the performance of a benchmark asset or market
other than fixed-income securities or interest rates. Examples of these
benchmarks include stock prices, currency exchange rates and physical commodity
prices. Investing in a structured note allows the Fund to gain exposure to the
benchmark market while fixing the maximum loss that the Fund may experience in
the event that market does not perform as expected. Depending on the terms of
the note, the Fund may forego all or part of the interest and principal that
would be payable on a comparable conventional note; the Fund's loss cannot
exceed this foregone interest and/or principal. An investment in structured or
hybrid notes involves risks similar to those associated with a direct investment
in the benchmark asset.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. Investing in
Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a
counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the
effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the
lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those
associated with investing in equity securities. Further, the yield
characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities differ from those of traditional
fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent
interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest
rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made
substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
6
<PAGE>
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest
rate and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its
investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect
governmental, agency or other guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts
representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a
rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less
effective than other types of U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking
in" interest rates.
Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate
will extend the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities. This
possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life
of a Mortgage-Backed Security increases the risk of depreciation due to future
increases in market interest rates.
Risk Associated With Specific Types of Derivative Debt Securities. Different
types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of
prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage
pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these
risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be
less than for more leveraged Mortgage-Backed Securities.
The risk of early prepayments is the primary risk associated with interest only
debt securities ("IOs"), super floaters, other leveraged floating rate
instruments and Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a premium to their par
value. In some instances, early prepayments may result in a complete loss of
investment in certain of these securities. The primary risks associated with
certain other derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average
life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.
These securities include floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds
Index ("COFI floaters"), other "lagging rate" floating rate securities, floating
rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate ("capped floaters"),
Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a discount, leveraged inverse floating
rate securities ("inverse floaters"), principal only debt securities ("POs"),
certain residual or support tranches of CMOs and index amortizing notes. Index
amortizing notes are not Mortgage-Backed Securities, but are subject to
extension risk resulting from the issuer's failure to exercise its option to
call or redeem the notes before their stated maturity date. Leveraged inverse
IOs combine several elements of the Mortgage-Backed Securities described above
and thus present an especially intense combination of prepayment, extension and
interest rate risks.
7
<PAGE>
Planned amortization class ("PAC") and target amortization class ("TAC") CMO
bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than
other Mortgage-Backed Securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within
expected prepayment ranges or "collars." To the extent that prepayment rates
remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC
and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment, extension and interest rate risk
associated with the underlying mortgage assets.
Other types of floating rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced to below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to depreciation in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates. X-reset
floaters have a coupon that remains fixed for more than one accrual period.
Thus, the type of risk involved in these securities depends on the terms of each
individual X-reset floater.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's and S&P
represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities
which they rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are relative and
subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used
by the Funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities.
Among the factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the
issuer to pay principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix B
contains further information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their
significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities involved in the transaction. As a
result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy,
the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from liquidating the collateral. The
Fund can lend portfolio securities having a total value of 33 1/3% of its total
assets.
Short-Term Trading. Short-term trading means the purchase and subsequent sale of
a security after it has been held for a relatively brief period of time. The
Fund may engage in short-term trading in response to stock market conditions,
changes in interest rates or other economic trends and developments, or to take
advantage of yield disparities between various fixed income securities in order
to realize capital gains or improve income. Short term turnover (100% or grater)
involves correspondingly greater brokerage expenses. The Fund's portfolio
turnover rate is set forth in the table under the caption "Financial Highlights"
in the prospectus.
8
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted the following
investment restrictions which may not be changed without the approval of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities which, as used in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information means the approval by
the lesser of (1) the holders of 67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at
a meeting if more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are present in
person or by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs 3, 6 and 7
below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the deferral of
trustees' fees, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts,
forward commitments and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies or within the meaning of
paragraph 6 below, are not deemed to be senior securities.
2. Purchase securities on margin or make short sales, or unless, by virtue
of its ownership of other securities, the Fund has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if
the right is conditional, the sale is made upon the same conditions,
except (i) in connection with arbitrage transactions, (ii) for hedging
the Fund's exposure to an actual or anticipated market decline in the
value of its securities, (iii) to profit from an anticipated decline in
the value of a security, and (iv) obtaining such short-term credits as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities.
3. Borrow money, except for the following extraordinary or emergency
purposes: (i) from banks for temporary or short-term purposes or for
the clearance of transactions in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken
at market value; (ii) in connection with the redemption of Fund shares
or to finance failed settlements of portfolio trades without
immediately liquidating portfolio securities or other assets; (iii) in
order to fulfill commitments or plans to purchase additional securities
pending the anticipated sale of other portfolio securities or assets;
and (iv) The Fund may not borrow money for the purpose of leveraging
the Fund's assets. For purposes of this investment restriction, the
deferral of Trustees' fees and transactions in short sales, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, securities or indices and
forward commitment transactions shall not constitute borrowing. .
4. Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter for purpose of the 1933 Act.
5. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may (i) acquire or
lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest
in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein,
(iv) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and
sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities.
9
<PAGE>
6. Invest in commodities, except the Fund may purchase and sell options on
securities, securities indices and currency, futures contracts on
securities, securities indices and currency and options on such
futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments, securities index put or call warrants and repurchase
agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment
policies.
7. Make loans, except that the Fund (1) may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets taken at market value, (2) enter into repurchase
agreements, and (3) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt
securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether
or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the
securities.
8. Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal activity
in the same industry if, immediately after such purchase, the value of
its investments in such industry would exceed 25% of its total assets
taken at market value at the time of such investment. This limitation
does not apply to investments in obligations of the U.S. Government or
any of its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities.
9. The Fund, with respect to 75% of total assets, purchase securities of
an issuer (other than the U. S. Government, its agencies,
instrumentalities or authorities), if:
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities
of such issuer; or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by
the Fund.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder approval.
The Fund may not:
1. Participate on a joint or joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of
marketable portfolio securities with other accounts under the
management of the Adviser or any Subadviser to save commissions or to
average prices among them is not deemed to result in a joint securities
trading account.
2. Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of other investment
companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, or (iii)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to (a) the investment of cash collateral, received by the Fund in
connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities, in the
securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the purchase of
shares of any investment company in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the
assets of another investment company. Subject to the above percentage
limitations the Fund may, in connection with the John Hancock Group of
Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees/Directors,
purchase securities of other investment companies within the John
Hancock Group of Funds.
10
<PAGE>
3. Invest more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value, in illiquid securities.
4. Purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets.
5. Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of any
company.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the values of a Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by the Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Fund are
also officers or directors of the Fund's Adviser and/or Subadviser, or officers
and/or directors of the Fund's principal distributor, John Hancock Funds, Inc.
("John Hancock Funds").
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, John
Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock
Funds"); Chairman, First Signature
Bank and Trust Company; Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), John
Hancock Advisers International
(Ireland) Limited ("International
Ireland"), John Hancock Capital
Corporation and New England/Canada
Business Council; Member,
Investment Company Institute Board
of Governors; Director, Asia
Strategic Growth Fund, Inc.;
Trustee, Museum of Science;
Director, John Hancock Freedom
Securities Corporation (until
September 1996); Director, John
Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
12
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Stephen L. Brown* Trustee Chairman and Chief Executive
John Hancock Place Officer, John Hancock Mutual Life
P.O. Box 111 Insurance Company; Director, the
Boston, MA 02117 Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
July 1937 Insurance Agency, John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., The Berkeley
Group, Federal Reserve Bank of
Boston, Signature Services (until
January 1997;) Trustee, John
Hancock Asset Management (until
March 1997).
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual (insurance), Health
Plan Services, Inc., Massachusetts
Health and Education Tax Exempt
Trust, Flagship Healthcare, Inc.,
Carlin Insurance Agency, Inc., West
Insurance Agency, Inc. (until May
1995), Uno Restaurant Corp.;
Chairman, Massachusetts Board of
Higher Education (since 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
13
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company)
(1985-1998); Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Chase Bank (formerly Texas Commerce
Bank - Austin).
Ronald R. Dion Trustee President and Chief Executive
250 Boylston Street Officer, R.M. Bradley & Co., Inc.;
Boston, MA 02116 Director, The New England Council
March 1946 and Massachusetts Roundtable;
Trustee, North Shore Medical Center
and a corporator of the Eastern
Bank; Trustee, Emmanuel College.
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
14
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer,
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Investment Officer and
Boston, MA 02199 Director, the Adviser, The Berkeley
August 1953 Group; Executive Vice President and
Director, John Hancock Funds;
Director, Advisers International,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and
International Ireland; President and
Director, SAMCorp. and NM Capital;
Executive Vice President, the
Adviser (until December 1994);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Senior Vice President and Chief
UGI Corporation Financial Officer, UGI Corporation
P.O. Box 858 (Public Utility Holding Company)
Valley Forge, PA 19482 (retired 1998); Vice President and
February 1938 Director for AmeriGas, Inc. (retired
1998); Vice President of AmeriGas
Partners, L.P. (until 1997);
Director, EnergyNorth, Inc. (until
1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
15
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, Duke Energy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm); Director, Greater
Houston Partnership.
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 34104 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
16
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
John Hancock Place Life Insurance Company; Director,
P.O. Box 111 the Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
Boston, MA 02117 Signator Investors, Inc., Insurance
August 1937 Agency, Inc., John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp. and NM
Capital; The Berkeley Group; JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Signature Services (until January
1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
17
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Osbert M. Hood Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President , Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer Financial Officer and Treasurer, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, the Berkeley Group and John
August 1952 Hancock Funds, Inc.; Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company Retail Sector (until 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
18
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services, John Hancock
July 1950 Funds, NM Capital and SAMCorp.;
Clerk, Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Counsel, John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (until February
1996).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group.
March 1950
James J. Stokowski Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue Accounting Officer
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Fund and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Messrs. Boudreau and Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Fund
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund for their services.
Aggregate Total Compensation From the
Compensation Fund and John Hancock Fund
Independent Trustees From the Fund(1) Complex to Trustees(2)
- -------------------- ---------------- ----------------------
James F. Carlin $ 41 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham 41 74,000
Ronald R. Dion 44 18,500
Charles F. Fretz 6 57,121
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. 39 70,000
Charles L. Ladner 42 77,100
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 41 74,000
Patricia P. McCarter 3 43,696
Steven R. Pruchansky 42 77,100
Norman H. Smith 44 79,350
John P. Toolan 42 77,100
-------- ---------
Total $ 385 $721,967
(1) Compensation is for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999.
(2) Total compensation paid by the John Hancock Funds Complex to the Independent
Trustees is as of December 31, 1998. As of this date, there were sixty-seven
funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex, with each of these Independent Trustees
serving on thirty-two funds. Effective October 1, 1998, Mr. Fretz and Ms.
McCarter resigned as Trustees of the Complex.
*As of December 31, 1998, the value of the aggregate accrued deferred
compensation amount from all funds in the John Hancock Funds Complex for Mr.
Cunningham was $320,943, Mr. Hiser was $115,084, Ms. McCarter was $183,645 and
for Mr. Pruchansky was $75,016, for Mr. Smith was $109,807, for Mr. Toolan was
$403,714 under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for
Independent Trustees.
All of the officers listed are officers or employees of the Adviser or
affiliated companies. Some of the Trustees and officers may also be officers
and/or directors and/or Trustees of one or more of the other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of June 10, 1999, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of
that date, the following shareholders of record beneficially owned 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Name and Address of Shareholder Percentage of Total Outstanding Shares
- ------------------------------- --------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Independence Investment Associates 16.73%
53 State Street
Boston MA 02109-2809
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Glaval Corporation Savings Plan 29.19%
55470 County Road
Elkhart IN 46514
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Elixir Industries 401(k) Plan 14.11%
17925 S Broadway, PO Box 470
Gardena CA 90247
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
The Arden Group Inc. 8.56%
401(k) Plan
2020 South Central Avenue
Compton CA 90220
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
City of Highland Park 5.12%
401 (k) Plan
12050 Woodward Avenue
Highland Park MI 48201
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Fund and the other mutual funds and
publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds having a
combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The Adviser is an affiliate of
the Life Company, one of the most recognized and respected financial
institutions in the nation. With total assets under management of more than $100
billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest life insurance companies in
the United States, and carries a high rating with Standard & Poor's and A. M.
Best. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been serving clients for over 130
years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser which was approved by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held, sold or exchanged, and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including but not
limited to expenses of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders'
reports, notices prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory
agencies; expenses relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of
shares; government fees; interest
21
<PAGE>
charges; expenses of furnishing to shareholders their account statements; taxes;
expenses of redeeming shares; brokerage and other expenses connected with the
execution of portfolio securities transactions; expenses pursuant to the Fund's
plan of distribution; fees and expenses of custodians including those for
keeping books and accounts, maintaining a committed line of credit, and
calculating the net asset value of shares; fees and expenses of transfer agents
and dividend disbursing agents; legal, accounting, financial, management, tax
and auditing fees and expenses of the Fund (including an allocable portion of
the cost of the Adviser's employees rendering such services to the Fund the
compensation and expenses of Trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the
Trust, the Adviser or any of their affiliates; expenses of Trustees' and
shareholders' meetings; trade association memberships; insurance premiums; and
any extraordinary expenses.
The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with IIA. Under the
Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Subadviser, subject to the review of the Trustees
and the overall supervision of the Adviser, is responsible for managing the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's investment
portfolio and furnishing the Fund with advice and recommendations with respect
to investments, investment policies and the purchase and sale of securities.
IIA, located at 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and organized in
1982, is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of John Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Adviser monthly a fee based on a stated percentage of the average of the daily
net assets of the Fund as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $500,000,000 0.80%
Amount over $500,000,000 0.75%
The advisory fees paid by the Fund are greater than those paid by most funds,
but they are comparable to those paid by many investment companies with similar
investment objectives and policies. The Adviser (not the Fund) pays a portion of
its fee to the Subadviser at the rate of 55% of the advisory fee payable on the
Fund's average daily net assets.
For the years ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and for the period ended February
28, 1997, the Adviser waived the entire investment management fee for the Fund.
The Subadviser waived all subadvisory fees for these periods.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of its average daily net
assets. The Adviser has agreed to limit Fund expenses (excluding 12b-1 and
transfer agent fees) to 0.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets at least
until July 1, 2000. The Adviser retains the right to reimpose a fee and recover
any other payments to the extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's
annual expenses fall below this limit.
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser, the Subadviser or its affiliates provide
investment advice. Because of different investment objectives or other factors,
a particular security may be bought for one or more funds or clients when one or
more other funds or clients are selling the same security. If opportunities for
purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser or Subadviser for the Fund or for
other funds or clients for which the Adviser or Subadviser renders investment
advice arise for consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such
securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds or
clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them. To the extent that
transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser, Subadviser or its
affiliates may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply
of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
22
<PAGE>
Pursuant to its Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser and
Subadviser are not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any
loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which the respective
Agreements relate, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser or Subadviser in the performance
of its duties or from reckless disregard of the obligations and duties under the
applicable Agreement.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for as long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If the Advisory
Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can)
will cease to use such a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by
or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser or the Life
Company may grant the nonexclusive right to use the name "John Hancock" or any
similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but not limited to
any investment company of which the Life Company or any subsidiary or affiliate
thereof or any successor to the business of any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
shall be the investment adviser.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement of the Fund, the Fund may use the name
"Independence" or any name derived from or similar to it only for as long as the
Sub-Advisory Agreement is in effect. When the Sub-Advisory Agreement is no
longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can) will cease to
use any name indicating that it is advised by or otherwise connected with IIA.
In addition, IIA or the Life Company may grant the non-exclusive right to use
the name "Independence" or any similar name to any other corporation or entity,
including but not limited to any investment company of which IIA or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof or any successor to the business of any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof shall be the investment adviser.
The continuation of the Advisory Agreement, Sub-Advisory Agreement and the
Distribution Agreement (discussed below) was approved by all Trustees. The
Advisory Agreement, Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Distribution Agreement, will
continue in effect from year to year, provided that its continuance is approved
annually both (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Trust or by the Trustees, and (ii) by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested persons" of any
such parties. Both Agreements may be terminated on 60 days written notice by any
party or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
and will terminate automatically if assigned.
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting
and legal services. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
the Fund paid the Adviser $929, $371 and $129, respectively, for services under
this agreement.
23
<PAGE>
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser, the
Subadviser and the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal
securities trading by personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. In the case
of the Adviser, some of these restrictions are: pre-clearance for all personal
trades and a ban on the purchase of initial public offerings, as well as
contributions to specified charities of profits on securities held for less than
91 days. IIA has adopted similar restrictions which may differ where
appropriate, as long as they have the same intent. These restrictions are a
continuation of the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its
shareholders come first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
The Fund has a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds. Under the
agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to sell
shares of each class of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by selected
broker-dealers (the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling agency
agreements with John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for the
purchase of the shares of the Fund which are continually offered at net asset
value next determined, plus an applicable sales charge, if any. In connection
with the sale of Fund shares, John Hancock Funds and Selling Brokers receive
compensation from a sales charge imposed, in the case of Class A shares, at the
time of sale. In the case of Class B or Class C shares, the broker receives
compensation immediately but John Hancock Funds is compensated on a deferred
basis.
The Fund's Trustees adopted Distribution Plans with respect to Class A, Class B
and Class C of shares (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Under the Plans, the Fund will pay distribution and service
fees at an aggregate annual rate of up to 0.30% for Class A shares and 1.00% for
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable
to shares of that class. However, the service fees will not exceed 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to each class of shares.
Furthermore, the Distributor will not impose the Class A 12b-1 fee until July 1,
2000. The distribution fees will be used to reimburse John Hancock Funds for its
distribution expenses, including but not limited to: (i) initial and ongoing
sales compensation to Selling Brokers and others (including affiliates of the
John Hancock Funds) engaged in the sale of Fund shares; (ii) marketing,
promotional and overhead expenses incurred in connection with the distribution
of Fund shares; and (iii) with respect to Class B and Class C shares only,
interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses. The service fees will
be used to compensate Selling Brokers and others for providing personal and
account maintenance services to shareholders. In the event that John Hancock
Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments or expenses it incurs under the Class
A Plan, these expenses will not be carried beyond twelve months from the date
they were incurred. Unreimbursed expenses under the Class B and Class C Plans
will be carried forward together with interest on the balance of these
unreimbursed expenses. The Fund does not treat unreimbursed expenses under the
Class B and Class C Plans as a liability of the Fund because the Trustees may
terminate the Class B and /or Class C Plans at any time with no additional
liability for these expenses to the shareholders and the Fund. For the fiscal
year ended February 28, 1998 and 1999, there were no unreimbursed Class B or
Class C distribution expenses, since those classes did not commence operations
until July 1, 1999.
24
<PAGE>
The Class A Plan was approved by a majority of the voting securities of the
Fund. The Plans were approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans (the "Independent
Trustees"), by votes cast in person at meetings called for the purpose of voting
on these Plans.
Pursuant to the Plans, at least quarterly, John Hancock Funds provide the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which these expenditures were made. The Trustees review these reports on a
quarterly basis to determine their continued appropriateness.
The Plans provide that they will continue in effect only so long as its
continuance is approved at least annually by a majority of both the Trustees and
the Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated without
penalty, (a) by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, (b) by a vote
of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares of the applicable class upon 60
days' written notice to John Hancock Funds and (c) automatically in the event of
assignment. The Plans further provide that they may not be amended to increase
the maximum amount of the fees for the services described therein without the
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class of the Fund which
has voting rights with respect to that Plan. Each plan provides, that no
material amendment to the Plans will be effective unless it is approved by a
majority vote of the Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the Fund. The
holders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Plan applicable to their respective class of shares. In adopting
the Plans, the Trustees concluded that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the holders of the applicable class of
shares of the Fund.
Class I shares of the Fund are not subject to any distribution plan. Expenses
associated with the obligation of John Hancock Funds to sue its best efforts to
sell Class I shares will be paid by the Adviser or by John Hancock Funds and
will not be paid from the fees paid under Class A, Class B or Class C Plans.
Amounts paid to the John Hancock Funds by any class of shares of the Fund will
not be used to pay the expenses incurred with respect to any other class of
shares of the Fund; provided, however, that expenses attributable to the Fund as
a whole will be allocated, to the extent permitted by law, according to the
formula based upon gross sales dollars and/or average daily net assets of each
such class, as may be approved from time to time by vote of a majority of the
Trustees. From time to time, the Fund may participate in joint distribution
activities with other Funds and the costs of those activities will be borne by
each Fund in proportion to the relative net asset value of the participating
Fund.
25
<PAGE>
SALES COMPENSATION
As part of their business strategies, each of the John Hancock funds, along with
John Hancock Funds, pay compensation to financial services firms that sell the
funds' shares. These firms typically pass along a portion of this compensation
to your financial representative.
Compensation payments for Class A, Class B and Class C shares originate from two
sources: from sales charges and from 12b-1 fees that are paid out of the funds'
assets. The sales charges and 12b-1 fees paid by investors are detailed in the
prospectus and under the "Distribution Contracts" in this Statement of
Additional Information. The portions of these expenses that are reallowed to
financial services firms are shown on the next page. For Class I shares, John
Hancock Funds may make payment out of its own resources to a Selling Broker who
sells shares of the Fund. This payment may not exceed 0.15% of the amount
invested.
Whenever you make an investment in the Fund, the financial services firm
receives either a reallowance from the initial sales charge or a commission, as
described below. The firm also receives the first year's service fee at this
time. Beginning with the second year after an investment is made, the financial
services firm receives an annual service fee of 0.25% of its total eligible net
assets. This fee is paid quarterly in arrears. Advisers will pay this fee for
Class A shares until July 1, 2000.
Financial services firms selling large amounts of fund shares may receive extra
compensation. This compensation, which John Hancock Funds pays out of its own
resources, may include asset retention fees as well as reimbursement for
marketing expenses.
26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From August 1, 1999 until December 31, 1999 participating Selling Brokers will
receive the full applicable sales charge.
Maximum
Sales charge Reallowance First year Maximum
Paid by investors or commission service fee total compensation(1)
Class A investments (% of offering price) (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $49,999 5.00% 4.01% 0.25% 4.25%
$50,000 - $99,999 4.50% 3.51% 0.25% 3.75%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.50% 2.61% 0.25% 2.85%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.50% 1.86% 0.25% 2.10%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 1.36% 0.25% 1.60%
Regular investments of
$1 million or more
First $1M - $4,999,999 -- 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
Next $1 - $5M above that -- 0.25% 0.25% 0.50% (2)
Next $1 or more above that -- 0.00% 0.25% 0.25% (2)
Maximum
Reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee total compensation
Class B investments (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
All amounts 3.75% 0.25% 4.00%
Maximum
Reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee total compensation
Class C investments (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
All amounts 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
</TABLE>
(1) Reallowance/commission percentages and service fee percentages are
calculated from different amounts, and therefore may not equal total
compensation percentages if combined using simple addition.
(2) For Group Investment Program sales, the maximum total compensation for
investments of $1 million or more is 1.00% of the offering price (one year
CDSC of 1.00% applies for each sale).
CDSC revenues collected by John Hancock Funds may be used to pay commissions
when there is no initial sales charge.
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund's shares, the
following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
27
<PAGE>
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market- maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last
available bid price.
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
The NAV of each Fund and class is determined each business day at the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) by dividing a class's net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
On any day an international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is
open, any foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the
current day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on
Saturdays and U.S. business holidays on which the Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A SHARES
Shares of the Fund are offered at a price equal to their net asset value plus a
sales charge which, at the option of the purchaser, may be imposed either at the
time of purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or on a contingent
deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Share certificates
will not be issued unless requested by the shareholder in writing, and then they
will only be issued for full shares. The Trustees reserve the right to change or
waive the Fund's minimum investment requirements and to reject any order to
purchase shares (including purchase by exchange) when in the judgment of the
Adviser such rejection is in the Fund's best interest.
The sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund are
described in the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C Prospectus. Methods of
obtaining reduced sales charges referred to generally in the Prospectus are
described in detail below. In calculating the sales charge applicable to current
purchases of Class A shares of the Fund, the investor is entitled to accumulate
current purchases with the greater of the current value (at offering price) of
the Class A shares of the Fund, owned by the investor, or if John Hancock
Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") is notified by the investor's
dealer or the investor at the time of the purchase, the cost of the Class A
shares owned.
Without Sales Charges. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") to various individuals and
institutions as follows:
28
<PAGE>
o A Trustee or officer of the Trust; a Director or officer of the Adviser
and its affiliates or Selling Brokers; employees or sales
representatives of any of the foregoing; retired officers, employees or
Directors of any of the foregoing; a member of the immediate family
(spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, mother, father, sister,
brother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law,
niece, nephew and same sex domestic partner) of any of the foregoing;
or any fund, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the
individuals described above.
o A broker, dealer, financial planner, consultant or registered
investment advisor that has entered into a signed agreement with John
Hancock Funds providing specifically for the use of Fund shares in
fee-based investment products or services made available to their
clients.
o A former participant in an employee benefit plan with John Hancock
funds, when he or she withdraws from his or her plan and transfers any
or all of his or her plan distributions directly to the Fund.
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch servicing programs,
if the Plan has more than $3 million in assets or 500 eligible
employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch
Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
o Retirement plans investing through the PruArray Program sponsored by
Prudential Securities.
o Pension plans transferring assets from a John Hancock variable annuity
contract to the Fund pursuant to an exemptive application approved by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
o Existing shareholders/retirement plans as of June 30, 1999.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the
inception of the Fund account. Each of these investors may purchase
Class A shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
redeemed within 12 months after the end of the calendar year in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC will be imposed at the following rate:
Amount Invested CDSC Rate
--------------- ---------
$1 to $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $5 million to $9,999,999 0.50%
Amounts of $10 million and over 0.25%
29
<PAGE>
Class A shares may also be purchased without an initial sales charge in
connection with certain liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies or personal holding companies.
Combination Privilege. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases
of Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined to reduce
sales charges if made by (a) an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21, purchasing securities for his or their own account, (b) a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or fiduciary
account and (c) groups which qualify for the Group Investment Program (see
below). A company's (not an individual's) qualified and non-qualified retirement
plan investments can be combined to take advantage of this privilege. Further
information about combined purchases, including certain restrictions on combined
group purchases, is available from Signature Services or a Selling Broker's
representative.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of the reduced
sales charge by taking into account not only the amount being invested but also
the investor's purchase price or current value of the Class A shares of all John
Hancock funds which carry a sales charge already held by such person. Class A
shares of John Hancock money market funds will only be eligible for the
accumulation privilege if the investor has previously paid a sales charge on the
amount of those shares. Retirement plan investors may include the value of Class
B shares if Class B shares held are greater than $1 million. Retirement plans
must notify Signature Services to utilize. A company's (not an individual's)
qualified and non-qualified retirement plan investments can be combined to take
advantage of this privilege.
Group Investment Program. Under the Combination and Accumulation Privileges, all
members of a group may combine their individual purchases of Class A shares to
potentially qualify for breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. This feature
is provided to any group which (1) has been in existence for more than six
months, (2) has a legitimate purpose other than the purchase of mutual fund
shares at a discount for its members, (3) utilizes salary deduction or similar
group methods of payment, and (4) agrees to allow sales materials of the fund in
its mailings to members at a reduced or no cost to John Hancock Funds.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made pursuant to a Letter of Intention (the "LOI"), which should be read
carefully prior to its execution by an investor. The Fund offers two options
regarding the specified period for making investments under the LOI. All
investors have the option of making their investments over a specified period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments called for
by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These retirement plans include
traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including
TSAs), SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Money Purchase Pension, Profit Sharing and
Section 457 plans. An individual's non-qualified and qualified retirement plan
investments cannot be combined to satisfy LOI of 48 months. Such an investment
(including accumulations and combinations but not including reinvested
dividends) must aggregate $50,000 or more invested during the specified period
from the date of the LOI or from a date within ninety (90) days prior thereto,
upon written request to Signature Services. The sales charge applicable to all
amounts invested under the LOI is computed as if the aggregate amount intended
to be invested had been invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not
actually invested, the difference in the sales charge actually paid and the
sales charge payable had the LOI not been in effect is due from the investor.
However, for the purchases actually made within the specified period (either 13
or 48 months) the sales charge applicable will not be higher than that which
would have applied (including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI been
for the amount actually invested.
30
<PAGE>
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient Class A
shares (approximately 5% of the aggregate) to make up any difference in sales
charges on the amount intended to be invested and the amount actually invested,
until such investment is completed within the specified period, at which time
the escrowed Class A shares will be released. If the total investment specified
in the LOI is not completed, the Class A shares held in escrow may be redeemed
and the proceeds used as required to pay such sales charge as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed Class A shares and adjust the sales
charge, if necessary. A LOI does not constitute a binding commitment by an
investor to purchase, or by the Fund to sell, any additional Class A shares and
may be terminated at any time.
Because Class I shares are sold at net asset value without the imposition of any
sales charge, none of the privileges described under these captions are
available to Class I investors, with the following exception:
Combination Privilege. As explained in the Fund's Prospectus for Class I Shares,
a Class I investor may qualify for the minimum $1,000,000 investment (or such
other amount as may be determined by the Fund's officers) if the aggregate
amount of his current and prior investments in Class I shares of the Fund and
Class I shares of any other John Hancock Fund and/or in any of the series of the
John Hancock Institutional Series Trust exceeds $1,000,000.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investments in Class B and Class C shares are purchased at net asset value per
share without the imposition of an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the purchase payment.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed
within six years or one year of purchase, respectively will be subject to a CDSC
at the rates set forth in the Prospectus as a percentage of the dollar amount
subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the Class B
or Class C shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in
account value above the initial purchase prices, including all shares derived
from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service retirement plans administered
by Signature Services or the Life Company that had more than 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchases of both Class B and Class C
shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month.
31
<PAGE>
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the calculation will be
determined in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged.
It will be assumed that your redemption comes first from shares you have held
beyond the six-year CDSC redemption period for Class B or one year CDSC
redemption period for Class C, or those you acquired through dividend and
capital gain reinvestment, and next from the shares you have held the longest
during the six-year period for Class B shares. For this purpose, the amount of
any increase in a share's value above its initial purchase price is not regarded
as a share exempt from CDSC. Thus, when a share that has appreciated in value is
redeemed during the CDSC period, a CDSC is assessed only on its initial purchase
price.
When requesting a redemption for a specific dollar amount, please indicate if
you require the proceeds to equal the dollar amount requested. If not indicated,
only the specified dollar amount will be redeemed from your account and the
proceeds will be less any applicable CDSC.
Example:
You have purchased 100 shares at $10 per share. The second year after your
purchase, your investment's net asset value per share has increased by $2 to
$12, and you have gained 10 additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If
you redeem 50 shares at this time your CDSC will be calculated as follows:
oProceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per shares (50 x 12) $600.00
o*Minus Appreciation ($12 - $10) x 100 shares (200.00)
o Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to
CDSC (dividend reinvestment) (120.00)
-------
oAmount subject to CDSC $280.00
*The appreciation is based on all 100 shares in the lot not just the shares
being redeemed.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to John Hancock Funds and are used in whole or
in part by John Hancock Funds to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the
Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to select
Selling Brokers for selling Class B and Class C shares. The combination of the
CDSC and the distribution and service fees facilitates the ability of the Fund
to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at
the time of the purchase.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC will be waived on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and of Class A shares that are subject
to a CDSC, unless indicated otherwise, in the circumstances defined below:
32
<PAGE>
For all account types:
* Redemptions made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate your account
if you own shares worth less than $1,000.
* Redemptions made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability. (Does not apply to trust
accounts unless trust is being dissolved.)
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described in
"Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemption of Class B (but not Class C) shares made under a periodic
withdrawal plan or redemptions for fees charged by planners or advisors
for advisory services, as long as your annual redemptions do not exceed
12% of your account value, including reinvested dividends, at the time
you established your periodic withdrawal plan and 12% of the value of
subsequent investments (less redemptions) in that account at the time
you notify Signature Services. (Please note, this waiver does not apply
to periodic withdrawal plan redemptions of Class A or Class C shares
that are subject to a CDSC.)
* Redemptions by Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch
servicing programs, if the Plan has less than $3 million in assets or
500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
* Redemption of Class A or Class C shares by retirement plans that
invested through the PruArray Program sponsored by Prudential
Securities.
For Retirement Accounts (such as traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SIMPLE
IRAs, SIMPLE 401(k), Rollover IRA, TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k), Money Purchase
Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and other plans as described in the Internal
Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted.
* Redemptions made to effect mandatory or life expectancy distributions
under the Internal Revenue Code.
* Returns of excess contributions made to these plans.
* Redemptions made to effect distributions to participants or
beneficiaries from employer sponsored retirement plans under sections
401(a) (such as Money Purchase Pension Plans and Profit Sharing
Plan/401(k) Plans), 457 and 408 (SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
* Redemptions from certain IRA and retirement plans that purchased shares
prior to October 1, 1992 and certain IRA plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Please see matrix for some examples.
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Type of 401 (a) Plan 403 (b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-
Distribution (401 (k), Rollover retirement
MPP, PSP)
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Over 701/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of account
mandatory value annually
distributions in periodic
or 12% of payments
account value
annually in
periodic
payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of account
and 70 1/2 Expectancy or value annually
12% of account in periodic
value annually payments
in periodic
payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived for Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of account
(Class B only) annuity annuity annuity annuity value annually
payments (72t) payments (72t) payments (72t) payments (72t) in periodic
or 12% of or 12% of or 12% of or 12% of payments
account value account value account value account value
annually in annually in annually in annually in
periodic periodic periodic periodic
payments. payments. payments. payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Loans Waived Waived N/A N/A N/A
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Termination of Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived N/A
Plan
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Hardships Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Qualified Domestic Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
Relations Orders
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Termination of Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
Employment Before
Normal Retirement Age
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Return of Excess Waived Waived Waived Waived N/A
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
If you qualify for a CDSC waiver under one of these situations, you must notify
Signature Services at the time you make your redemption. The waiver will be
granted once Signature Services has confirmed that you are entitled to the
waiver.
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although it would not normally do so, the Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholders will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. The Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule, the Fund must redeem its shares for cash except to the extent
that the redemption payments to any shareholder during any 90-day period would
exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the
beginning of such period.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Exchange Privilege. The Fund permits exchanges of shares of any class of a fund
for shares of the same class in any other John Hancock fund offering that class.
Exchanges between funds with shares that are not subject to a CDSC are based on
their respective net asset values. No sales charge or transaction charge is
imposed. Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into
shares of any of the other John Hancock funds that are subject to a CDSC without
incurring the CDSC; however, the shares acquired in an exchange will be subject
to the CDSC schedule of the shares acquired if and when such shares are redeemed
(except that shares exchanged into John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund
and John Hancock Intermediate Government Fund will retain the exchanged fund's
CDSC schedule). For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon redemption of
shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of the original shares is
added to the holding period of the shares acquired in an exchange.
If a shareholder exchanges Class B shares purchased prior to January 1, 1994
(except John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund) for Class B shares of any
other John Hancock fund, the acquired shares will continue to be subject to the
CDSC schedule that was in effect when the exchanged shares were purchased.
The Fund reserves the right to require that previously exchanged shares (and
reinvested dividends) be in the Fund for 90 days before a shareholder is
permitted a new exchange.
The Fund may refuse any exchange order. The Fund may change or cancel its
exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal Income Tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss. See "TAX STATUS".
35
<PAGE>
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The Fund permits the establishment of a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. Payments under this plan represent proceeds arising from the
redemption of Fund shares which may result in realization of gain or loss for
purposes of Federal, state and local income taxes. The maintenance of a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
the Fund could be disadvantageous to a shareholder because of the initial sales
charge payable on such purchases of Class A shares and the CDSC imposed on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and because redemptions are taxable
events. Therefore, a shareholder should not purchase shares at the same time a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves the right to modify
or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of any shareholder on 30 days'
prior written notice to such shareholder, or to discontinue the availability of
such plan in the future. The shareholder may terminate the plan at any time by
giving proper notice to Signature Services.
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program ("MAAP"). The program is explained in the
Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic investment checks, is
subject to the following conditions:
The investments will be drawn on or about the day of the month indicated.
The privilege of making investments through the MAAP may be revoked by Signature
Services without prior notice if any investment is not honored by the
shareholder's bank. The bank shall be under no obligation to notify the
shareholder as to the non-payment of any checks.
The program may be discontinued by the shareholder either by calling Signature
Services or upon written notice to Signature Services which is received at least
five (5) business days prior to the order date of any investment.
Reinstatement or Reinvestment Privilege. If Signature Services is notified prior
to reinvestment, a shareholder who has redeemed Fund shares may, within 120 days
after the date of redemption, reinvest without payment of a sales charge any
part of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of the Fund or
another John Hancock fund, subject to the minimum investment limit in that fund.
The proceeds from the redemption of Class A shares may be reinvested at net
asset value without paying a sales charge in Class A shares of the Fund or in
Class A shares of any John Hancock fund. If a CDSC was paid upon a redemption, a
shareholder may reinvest the proceeds from this redemption at net asset value in
additional shares of the class from which the redemption was made. The
shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any CDSC charged upon
the prior redemption and the new shares will continue to be subject to the CDSC.
The holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will, for
purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption, include the
holding period of the redeemed shares.
To protect the interests of other investors in the Fund, the Fund may cancel the
reinvestment privilege of any parties that, in the opinion of the Fund, are
using market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. Also, the Fund may refuse any reinvestment
request.
The Fund may change or cancel its reinvestment policies at any time.
36
<PAGE>
A redemption or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for Federal
income tax purposes even if the reinvestment privilege is exercised, and any
gain or loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption or other disposition of
Fund shares will be treated for tax purposes as described under the caption "TAX
STATUS."
Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch's servicing programs:
Class A shares are available at net asset value for plans with $3 million in
plan assets or 500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. If the plan does not meet either
of these limits, Class A shares are not available.
For participating retirement plans investing in Class B shares, shares will
convert to Class A shares after eight years, or sooner if the plan attains
assets of $5 million (by means of a CDSC-free redemption/purchase at net asset
value).
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Fund without
par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the authority to
create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without
further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund and eleven series.
Additional series may be added in the future. The Declaration of Trust also
authorizes the Trustees to classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund, or
any new series of the Trust, into one or more classes. The Trustees have also
authorized the issuance of four classes of shares of the Fund, designated as
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I.
The shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal proportionate interest
in the aggregate net assets attributable to that class of the Fund. Holders of
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I shares have certain exclusive voting
rights on matters relating to their respective distribution plans. The different
classes of the Fund may bear different expenses relating to the cost of holding
shareholder meetings necessitated by the exclusive voting rights of any class of
shares.
Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be
in the same amount, except for differences resulting from the facts that (i) the
distribution and service fees relating to Class A, Class B and Class C will be
borne exclusively by that class, (ii) Class B and Class C shares will pay higher
distribution and service fees than Class A shares and (iii) each class of shares
will bear any class expenses properly allocable to that class of shares, subject
to the conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with respect to the
multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per share may vary
depending on which class of shares are purchased. No interest will be paid on
uncashed dividend or redemption checks.
In the event of liquidation, shareholders of each class are entitled to share
pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to these
shareholders. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share, are freely
transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. When
issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
37
<PAGE>
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Fund has no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Fund shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall promptly
call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by the record
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with requesting a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the Fund. However, the Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or affairs of the
Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the
Fund's assets for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally
liable for reason of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the
liabilities of any other series. Furthermore, no fund included in this Fund's
prospectus shall be liable for the liabilities of any other John Hancock Fund.
Liability is therefore limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would
be unable to meet its obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is
remote.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with the
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept starter, credit card or third party checks. All
checks returned by the post office as undeliverable will be reinvested at net
asset value in the fund or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend
paid. Information provided on the account application may be used by the Fund to
verify the accuracy of the information or for background or financial history
purposes. A joint account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of
survivorship, unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different
intent. A shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. For telephone transactions, the transfer agent will take measures
to verify the identity of the caller, such as asking for name, account number,
Social Security or other taxpayer ID number and other relevant information. If
appropriate measures are taken, the transfer agent is not responsible for any
losses that may occur to any account due to an unauthorized telephone call. Also
for your protection telephone transactions are not permitted on accounts whose
names or addresses have changed within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone
transactions can only be mailed to the address of record.
Selling activities for the Fund may not take place outside the U.S. except with
U.S. military bases, APO addresses and U.S. diplomats. Brokers of record on
Non-U.S. investors' accounts with foreign mailing addresses are required to
certify that all sales activities have occurred, and in the future will occur,
only in the U.S. A foreign corporation may purchase shares of the Fund only if
it has a U.S. mailing address.
38
<PAGE>
TAX STATUS
The Fund is treated as a separate entity for accounting and tax purposes, has
qualified and elected to be treated as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
intends to continue to qualify for each taxable year. As such and by complying
with the applicable provisions of the Code regarding the sources of its income,
the timing of its distributions and the diversification of its assets, the Fund
will not be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income (including net
realized capital gains) which is distributed to shareholders in accordance with
the timing requirements of the Code.
The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible Federal excise tax on certain
amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. The Fund
intends under normal circumstances to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distribution from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits ("E&P")
will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If these
distributions are paid from the Fund's "investment company taxable income," they
will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the Fund's "net
capital gain" they will be taxable as long-term capital gain. (Net capital gain
is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital
loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and capital
gains, other than net capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses).
Some distributions may be paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as
if they had been received on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment
described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Some tax
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. Because more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the close of any
taxable year will not consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund will be unable to pass such taxes through to shareholders, who
consequently will not include any portion of such taxes in their incomes and
will not be entitled to any associated tax credits or deductions with respect to
such taxes. The Fund will deduct the foreign taxes it pays in determining the
amount it has available for distribution to shareholders.
If the Fund invests in stock or ADRs representing stock (including an option to
acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign
corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive
sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties or capital
gain) or hold at least 50% of their asset in investments producing such passive
income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to
Federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions"
received from such companies or
39
<PAGE>
gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain
actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The
Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. An election may be available to ameliorate these
adverse tax consequences, but could require the Fund to recognize taxable income
or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash. These investments could also
result in the treatment of associated capital gains as ordinary income. The Fund
may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies or
make an available election to minimize its tax liability or maximize its return
from these investments.
The amount of the Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year
will vary depending upon the Adviser's current investment strategy and whether
the Adviser believes it to be in the best interest of the Fund to dispose of
portfolio securities that will generate capital gains. At the time of an
investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion of the purchase price is often
attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio or
undistributed taxable income of the Fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions
on those shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor
even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result of the
distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares, and the
distributions in reality represent a return of a portion of the purchase price.
Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund (including by
exercise of the exchange privilege)in a transaction that is treated as a sale
for tax purposes, a shareholder will ordinarily realize a taxable gain or loss
depending upon the amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his
shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares
are capital assets in the shareholder's hands. A sales charge paid in purchasing
shares of the Fund cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain
or loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their
purchase to the extent shares of the Fund or another John Hancock fund are
subsequently acquired without payment of a sales charge pursuant to the
reinvestment or exchange privilege. This disregarded charge will result in an
increase in the shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently acquired.
Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed to the
extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within
a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares
are disposed of, such as pursuant to automatic dividend reinvestments. In such a
case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
Also, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period
of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect
to such shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding
their particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of Fund shares
is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing
discussion.
Although its present intention is to distribute, at least annually, all net
capital gain, if any, the Fund reserves the right to retain and reinvest all or
any portion of the excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss in any year. The Fund
will not in any event distribute net capital gain realized in any year to the
extent that a capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such
gain. To the extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the
carryforward of prior years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal
income tax in the hands of the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by
the Fund, each shareholder would be treated
40
<PAGE>
for Federal income tax purposes as if the Fund had distributed to him on the
last day of its taxable year his pro rata share of such excess, and he had paid
his pro rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund and reinvested the remainder in
the Fund. Accordingly, each shareholder would (a) include his pro rata share of
such excess as long-term capital gain in his return for his taxable year in
which the last day of the Fund's taxable year falls, (b) be entitled either to a
tax credit on his return for, or to a refund of, his pro rata share of the taxes
paid by the Fund, and (c) be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis for his
shares in the Fund by the difference between his pro rata share of such excess
and his pro rata share of such taxes.
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
realized capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains, if any, during
the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent net
capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in Federal income
tax liability to the Fund and, as noted above, would not be distributed as such
to shareholders. As of February 28, 1999, the Fund did not have any capital loss
carryforwards.
For purposes of the dividends-received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in
respect of the stock of such corporations held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) during a prescribed period extending before and after each such
dividend and distributed and properly designated by the Fund may be treated as
qualifying dividends. Corporate shareholders must meet the holding period
requirements stated above with respect to their shares of the Fund for each
dividend in order to qualify for the deduction and, if they have any debt that
is deemed under the Code directly attributable to such shares, may be denied a
portion of the dividends received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend,
including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining a
corporate shareholder's alternative minimum tax liability, if any. Additionally,
any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the
possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for Federal income
tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to
the shares, and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, that
current recognition of income would be required.
The Fund is required to accrue income on any debt securities that have more than
a de minimis amount of original issue discount (or debt securities acquired at a
market discount, if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the
Fund must distribute to shareholders for each taxable year substantially all of
its net income and net capital gains, including such income or gain, to qualify
as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for any federal income or
excise tax. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities
under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may borrow cash, to
satisfy these distribution requirements.
A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the
value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations
and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy
any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although it may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders.
41
<PAGE>
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
all distributions to shareholders, as well as gross proceeds from the redemption
or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt recipients,
i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to which are exempt
from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under the backup
withholding provisions of Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury regulations,
all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be subject to backup
withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt
shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer
identification number and certain certifications required by the IRS or if the
IRS or a broker notifies the Fund that the number furnished by the shareholder
is incorrect or that the shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a
result of failure to report interest or dividend income. The Fund may refuse to
accept an application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification
number or certification that the number provided is correct. If the backup
withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds,
whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts
required to be withheld. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax liability. Investors should consult their
tax advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to Federal income tax law as applicable
to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of
investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions and ownership of or gains
realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of shares of the Fund may
also be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of
shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund in their particular
circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their
investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal
income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These
investors may be subject to non-resident alien withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as
ordinary dividends from the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8, Form
W-8BEN, or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to 31% backup
withholding on certain other payments from the Fund. Non-U.S. investors should
consult their tax advisers regarding such treatment and the application of
foreign taxes to an investment in the Fund.
The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Fund anticipates that, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company under the Code, it will also not be required to pay any
Massachusetts income tax.
42
<PAGE>
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return on Class A shares of the Fund for the 1 year
period ended February 28, 1999 and from commencement of operations on October 2,
1995 was 22.92% and 28.62%, respectively.
Class A average annual total returns do not reflect sales charges which will be
imposed beginning July 1, 1999 and would be lower if they did.
Class B shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there
is no average annual total return on Class B shares of the Fund for the 1 year
period ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Class C shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there
is no average total return on Class C shares of the Fund for the 1 year period
ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Class I shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore, there
is no average total return on Class I shares of the Fund for the 1 year period
ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return
over the 1 year, 5 year and 10 year periods that would equate the initial amount
invested to the ending redeemable value according to the following formula:
n ________
T = \ / ERV / P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year periods.
Because each class has its own sales charge and fee structure, the classes have
different performance results. In the case of Class A, Class B or Class C, this
calculation assumes the maximum sales charge when incurred is included in the
initial investment or the CDSC is applied at the end of the period,
respectively. This calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The
"distribution rate" is determined by annualizing the result of dividing the
declared dividends of the Fund during the period stated by the maximum offering
price or net asset value at the end of the period. Excluding the Fund's sales
charge from the distribution rate produces a higher rate. Class I shares did not
commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there are no performance
calculations for Class I shares but performance calculations for Class I would
not include any sales charge or distribution plan fees.
43
<PAGE>
In addition to average annual total returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments and/or a series of redemptions over any time period. Total returns
may be quoted with or without taking the Fund's sales charge on Class A shares
or the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares into account. Excluding the Fund's
sales charge on Class A shares and the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares from a
total return calculation produces a higher total return figure.
The Fund may advertise yield, where appropriate. The Fund's yield is computed by
dividing net investment income per share determined for a 30-day period by the
maximum offering price per share (which includes the full sales charge) on the
last day of the period, according to the following standard formula:
6
Yield = 2 ( [ ( a - b ) + 1 ] - 1 )
-----
cd
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued during the period.
c = the average daily number of fund shares outstanding during
the period that would be entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period (NAV where applicable).
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s "Lipper - Mutual Fund Performance Analysis," a monthly
publication which tracks net assets, total return and yield on mutual funds in
the United States. Ibottson and Associates, CDA Weisenberger and F.C. Towers are
also used for comparison purposes, as well as the Russell and Wilshire Indices.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as MONEY Magazine, FORBES, BUSINESS WEEK, THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL, MICROPAL, INC., MORNINGSTAR, STANGER'S and BARRON'S may also be
utilized. The Fund's promotional and sales literature may make reference to the
Fund's "beta". Beta is a reflection of the market related risk of the Fund by
showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
The performance of the Fund is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of the Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of the Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares of beneficial interest; and changes
in operating expenses are all examples of items that can increase or decrease
the Fund's performance.
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<PAGE>
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and the
allocation of brokerage commissions are made by the Adviser pursuant to
recommendations made by an investment committee of the Adviser, which consists
of officers and directors of the Adviser and affiliates and officers and
Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund. Orders for purchases and sales
of securities are placed in a manner which, in the opinion of the Adviser, will
offer the best price and market for the execution of each such transaction.
Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities may include a commission or
commissions paid by the issuer, and transactions with dealers serving as market
makers reflect a "spread". Debt securities are generally traded on a net basis
through dealers acting for their own account as principals and not as brokers;
no brokerage commissions are payable on these transactions.
In the U.S. Government securities market, securities are generally traded on a
"net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own account without a
stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit
to the dealer. On occasion, certain money market instruments and agency
securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no
commissions or premiums are paid. In other countries, both debt and equity
securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. Commissions on
foreign transactions are generally higher than the negotiated commission rates
available in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and broker-dealers than in the U.S.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and such other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
To the extent consistent with the foregoing, the Fund will be governed in the
selection of brokers and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and, to a
lesser extent, statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser of the Fund and
their value and expected contribution to the performance of the Fund. It is not
possible to place a dollar value on information and services to be received from
brokers and dealers, since it is only supplementary to the research efforts of
the Adviser. The receipt of research information is not expected to reduce
significantly the expenses of the Adviser. The research information and
statistical assistance furnished by brokers and dealers may benefit the Life
Company or other advisory
45
<PAGE>
clients of the Adviser, and, conversely, brokerage commissions and spreads paid
by other advisory clients of the Adviser may result in research information and
statistical assistance beneficial to the Fund. The Fund will not make
commitments to allocate portfolio transactions upon any prescribed basis. While
the Adviser's officers will be primarily responsible for the allocation of the
Fund's brokerage business, their policies and practices in this regard must be
consistent with the foregoing and will at all times be subject to review by the
Trustees. For the fiscal years ended on February 28, 1997, 1998 and 1999, the
Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions in the amount of $917, $3,577, and
$4,453, respectively.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund an
amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another broker
would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is subject to a
good faith determination by the Trustees that such commission is reasonable in
light of the services provided and to such policies as the Trustees may adopt
from time to time. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999, the Fund did not
pay commissions as compensation to any brokers for research services such as
industry, economic and company reviews and evaluations of securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder of Signator Investors, Inc., a broker-dealer (until January 1, 1999,
John Hancock Distributors, Inc.) ("Signator" or "Affiliated Broker"). Pursuant
to procedures determined by the Trustees and consistent with the above policy of
obtaining best net results, the Fund may execute portfolio transactions with or
through the Affiliated Broker. During the fiscal years ended February 28, 1997,
1998 and 1999, the Fund did not execute any portfolio transactions with the
Affiliated Broker.
Signator may act as broker for the Fund on exchange transactions, subject,
however, to the general policy of the Fund set forth above and the procedures
adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the Investment Company Act. Commissions paid
to an Affiliated Broker must be at least as favorable as those which the
Trustees believe to be contemporaneously charged by other brokers in connection
with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or
sold. A transaction would not be placed with an Affiliated Broker if the Fund
would have to pay a commission rate less favorable than the Affiliated Broker's
contemporaneous charges for comparable transactions for its other most favored,
but unaffiliated, customers, except for accounts for which the Affiliated Broker
acts as clearing broker for another brokerage firm, and any customers of the
Affiliated Broker not comparable to the Fund as determined by a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act) of the Fund, the Adviser or the Affiliated Broker. Because the Adviser,
which is affiliated with the Affiliated Broker, has, as an investment adviser to
the Fund, the obligation to provide investment management services, which
include elements of research and related investment skills, such research and
related skills will not be used by the Affiliated Broker as a basis for
negotiating commissions at a rate higher than that determined in accordance with
the above criteria.
Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities as the Fund. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transactions as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Fund. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate securities to be
sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other
clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
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<PAGE>
TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000, Boston,
MA 02217-1000, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company, is the
transfer and dividend paying agent for the Fund. Until July 1, 2000, the Fund
will pay Signature Services 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
After July 1, 2000, the Fund will pay Signature Services an annual fee of $19.00
for each Class A shareholder account and $21.50 for each Class B shareholder
account and $20.50 for each Class C shareholder account and 0.05% of the average
daily net assets attributable to the Class I shares. For Classes A, B and C, the
Fund also pays certain out-of-pocket expenses and these expenses are aggregated
and charged to the Fund allocated to each class on the basis of their relative
net asset value.
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a custodian agreement
between the Fund and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the custodian agreement, Investors Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Deloitte & Touche LLP audits and renders
opinions of the Fund's annual financial statements and reviews the Fund's annual
Federal income tax returns.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
MORE ABOUT RISK
A fund's risk profile is largely defined by the fund's primary securities and
investment practices. You may find the most concise description of the fund's
risk profile in the prospectus.
A fund is permitted to utilize -- within limits established by the trustees --
certain other securities and investment practices that have higher risks and
opportunities associated with them. To the extent that the Fund utilizes these
securities or practices, its overall performance may be affected, either
positively or negatively. On the following pages are brief definitions of
certain associated risks with them with examples of related securities and
investment practices included in brackets. See the "Investment Objective and
Policies" and "Investment Restrictions" sections of this Statement of Additional
Information for a description of this Fund's investment policies. The Fund
follows certain policies that may reduce these risks.
As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will earn income or
show a positive return over any period of time -- days, months or years.
TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK
Correlation risk The risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will
not match those of the asset being hedged (hedging is the use of one investment
to offset the effects of another investment). Incomplete correlation can result
in unanticipated risks. (e.g., short sales, financial futures and options;
securities and index options, currency contracts).
Credit risk The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a
contract, will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial
obligation. (e.g., borrowing; reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase
agreements, securities lending, non-investment-grade securities, financial
futures and options; securities and index options).
Currency risk The risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S.
dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment. Adverse
changes in exchange rates may erode or reverse any gains produced by foreign
currency denominated investments and may widen any losses. (e.g., foreign
equities, financial futures and options; securities and index options, currency
contracts).
Information risk The risk that key information about a security or market is
inaccurate or unavailable. (e.g., non-investment-grade securities, foreign
equities).
A-1
<PAGE>
Interest rate risk The risk of market losses attributable to changes in interest
rates. With fixed-rate securities, a rise in interest rates typically causes a
fall in values, while a fall in rates typically causes a rise in values. (e.g.,
non-investment-grade securities, financial futures and options; securities and
index options).
Leverage risk Associated with securities or practices (such as borrowing) that
multiply small index or market movements into large changes in value. (e.g.,
borrowing; reverse repurchase agreements, when-issued securities and forward
commitments).
o Hedged When a derivative (a security whose value is based on another
security or index) is used as a hedge against an opposite position that the
fund also holds, any loss generated by the derivative should be
substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa.
While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or
eliminate gains. (e.g., short sales, financial futures and options
securities and index options; currency contracts).
o Speculative To the extent that a derivative is not used as a hedge, the
fund is directly exposed to the risks of that derivative. Gains or losses
from speculative positions in a derivative may be substantially greater
than the derivative's original cost. (e.g., short sales, financial futures
and options securities and index options; currency contracts).
o Liquidity risk The risk that certain securities may be difficult or
impossible to sell at the time and the price that the seller would like.
The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or
forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect
on fund management or performance. (e.g., non-investment-grand securities,
short sales, restricted and illiquid securities, financial futures and
options securities and index options; currency contracts).
Management risk The risk that a strategy used by a fund's management may fail to
produce the intended result. Common to all mutual funds.
Market risk The risk that the market value of a security may move up and down,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may cause a security to
be worth less than the price originally paid for it, or less than it was worth
at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry, sector of
the economy or the market as a whole. Common to all stocks and bonds and the
mutual funds that invest in them. (e.g., short sales, short-term trading,
when-issued securities and forward commitments, non-investment-grade securities,
foreign equities, financial futures and options; securities and index options
restricted and illiquid securities).
A-2
<PAGE>
Natural event risk The risk of losses attributable to natural disasters, crop
failures and similar events. (e.g., foreign equities).
Opportunity risk The risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because
the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous
investments. (e.g., short sales, when-issued securities and forward commitments;
financial futures and options; securities and index options, currency
contracts).
Political risk The risk of losses attributable to government or political
actions, from changes in tax or trade statutes to governmental collapse and
war.(e.g., foreign equities).
Valuation risk The risk that a fund has valued certain of its securities at a
higher price than it can sell them for. (e.g., non-investment-grade securities,
restricted and illiquid securities).
A-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
Moody's describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes
bonds in this class.
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Bonds which are rated Ca represented obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
S&P describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, or CC is regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
Moody's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
Issuers rated P-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. P-1 repayment capacity will
normally be evidenced by the following characteristics: (1) leading market
positions in well-established industries; (2) high rates of return on funds
employed; (3) conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protections; (4) broad margins in earnings coverage of
fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and (5) well
established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
B-1
<PAGE>
Issuers rated P- (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced
by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated P-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for
repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
S&P describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
A-1. This designation indicated that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
A-2. Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3. Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B-2
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1999 Annual
Report to Shareholder's for the year ended February 28, 1999 (filed
electronically on April 28, 1999, accession number 0001010521-99-000200) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Core Growth Fund (file no.
33-86102 and 811-8852).
John Hancock Institutional Series Trust
John Hancock Core Growth Fund fka John Hancock Independence Growth Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of February 28, 1999.
Statement of Operations for the year ended of February 28, 1999.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for each of the two years in the
period ended February 28, 1999.
Financial Highlights for each of the five years in the period ended
February 28, 1999.
Schedule of Investments as of February 28, 1999.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
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JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I Shares
Statement of Additional Information
July 1, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information provides information about John Hancock
Core Value the Fund (the "Fund") in addition to the information that is
contained in the Fund's Prospectus, dated July 1, 1999 (the "Prospectus"). The
Fund is a diversified series of John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the
"Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free of
charge by writing or telephoning:
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000
Boston MA 02217-1000
1-800-225-5291
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Organization of the Fund................................................ 2
Investment Objective and Policies....................................... 2
Investment Restrictions................................................. 9
Those Responsible for Management........................................ 11
Investment Advisory and Other Services.................................. 21
Distribution Contracts.................................................. 24
Sales Compensation...................................................... 26
Net Asset Value......................................................... 27
Initial Sales Charge on Class A Shares.................................. 28
Deferred Sales Charge on Class B and Class C Shares..................... 31
Special Redemptions..................................................... 35
Additional Services and Programs........................................ 35
Description of the Fund's Shares........................................ 37
Tax Status.............................................................. 38
Calculation of Performance.............................................. 42
Brokerage Allocation.................................................... 45
Transfer Agent Services................................................. 47
Custody of Portfolio.................................................... 47
Independent Auditors.................................................... 47
Appendix A- Description of Investment Risk.............................. A-1
Appendix B-Description of Bond Ratings.................................. B-1
Financial Statements.................................................... F-1
1
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ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
The Fund is a series of the Trust, an open-end investment management company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Prior to July 1, 1999, the Fund was called John Hancock
Independence Value Fund.
John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
The Adviser is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (the "Life Company"), a Massachusetts life insurance company
chartered in 1862, with national headquarters at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts. The Subadviser of the Fund is Independence Investment Associates,
Inc. ("IIA") referred to herein as the "Subadviser" and is an affiliate of the
Life Company.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The following information supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment
objective and policies as discussed in the Prospectus. Appendix A contains
further information describing investment risks. The investment objective of the
Fund is non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund seeks above-average total return. The Fund emphasizes relatively
undervalued securities. The Fund's performance and risk profile benchmark
portfolio is the Russell 1000 Value Index which is comprised of stocks and
companies with a less-than-average growth orientation and represents the
universe of stocks from which value managers typically select. It is
capitalization weighted and includes only common stocks belonging to
large-capitalization, domestic corporations.
The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions that are detailed under
"Investment Restrictions" in this Statement of Additional Information where they
are classified as fundamental or nonfundamental. Those restrictions designated
as fundamental may not be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund's
investment objective, investment policies and nonfundamental restrictions,
however, may be changed by a vote of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
If there is a change in the Fund's investment objective, shareholders should
consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their
then current financial position and needs.
For a further description of the Fund's investment objectives, policies and
restrictions see "Goal and Strategy" and "Main Risks" in the Fund's Prospectus
and "Investment Restrictions" in this Statement of Additional Information.
Common stocks. The Fund may invest in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of
a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other
shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of such entity's
preferred stock and other senior equity. Ownership of common stock usually
carries with it the right to vote and, frequently, an exclusive right to do so.
2
<PAGE>
The Fund will diversify its investments in common stocks of companies in a
number of industry groups without concentrating in any particular industry.
Common stocks have the potential to outperform fixed-income securities over the
long term. Common stocks provide the most potential for growth, yet are the more
volatile of the two asset classes.
Debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest are subject to the
risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the
obligations (credit risk) and may also be subject to price volatility due to
such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk).
Particular debt securities will be selected based upon credit risk analysis of
potential issuers, the characteristics of the security and the interest rate
sensitivity of the various debt issues available with respect to a particular
issuer, and analysis of the anticipated volatility and liquidity of the
particular debt instruments.
Preferred stocks. The Fund may invest in preferred stocks. Preferred stock
generally has a preference to dividends and, upon liquidation, over an issuer's
common stock but ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer's capital
structure. Preferred stock generally pays dividends in cash (or additional
shares of preferred stock) at a defined rate but, unlike interest payments on
debt securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the
issuer's board of directors. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative,
meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more dividend
payments on the preferred stock, no dividends may be paid on the issuer's common
stock until all unpaid preferred stock dividends have been paid. Preferred stock
also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
Investment in Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in the securities of
foreign issuers in the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") and U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers
traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs (sponsored and unsponsored) are receipts,
typically issued by U.S. banks, which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs are publicly traded on a U.S.
stock exchange or in the over-the-counter market. An investment in foreign
securities including ADRs may be affected by changes in currency rates and in
exchange control regulations. Issuers of unsponsored ADRs are not contractually
obligated to disclose material information including financial information, in
the United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of the unsponsored ADR. Foreign companies may
not be subject to accounting standards or government supervision comparable to
U.S. companies, and there is often less publicly available information about
their operations. Foreign companies may also be affected by political or
financial inability abroad. These risk considerations may be intensified in the
case of investments in ADRs of foreign companies that are located in emerging
market countries. ADRs of companies located in these countries may have limited
marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.
Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement the Fund buys a security for a
relatively short period (usually not more than 7 days) subject to the obligation
to sell it back to the issuer at a fixed time and price plus accrued interest.
The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System and with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities.
The Adviser will continuously monitor the creditworthiness of the parties with
whom the Fund enters into repurchase agreements.
3
<PAGE>
The Fund has established a procedure providing that the securities serving as
collateral for each repurchase agreement must be delivered to the Fund's
custodian either physically or in book-entry form and that the collateral must
be marked to market daily to ensure that each repurchase agreement is fully
collateralized at all times. In the event of bankruptcy or other default by a
seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience delays in
liquidating the underlying securities during the period in which the Fund seeks
to enforce its rights thereto, possible subnormal levels of income, decline in
value of the underlying securities or lack of access to income during this
period as well as the expense of enforcing its rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements which involve the sale of U.S. Government securities held in its
portfolio to a bank with an agreement that the Fund will buy back the securities
at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest"
which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements
are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the Fund with
proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the
securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase. The Fund will
also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the
securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities
upon effecting its repurchase. To minimize various risks associated with reverse
repurchase agreements, the Fund will establish a separate account consisting of
liquid securities, of any type or maturity, in an amount at least equal to the
repurchase prices of the securities (plus any accrued interest thereon) under
such agreements. In addition, the Fund will not enter into reverse repurchase
agreements or borrow money, except from banks temporarily for extraordinary or
emergency purposes (not for leveraging) in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The
Fund will not use leverage to attempt to increase income. The Fund will not
purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with
federally insured banks which are approved in advance as being creditworthy by
the Trustees. Under the procedures established by the Trustees, the Adviser will
monitor the creditworthiness of the banks involved.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase securities that are not registered
("restricted securities") under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"),
including commercial paper issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act
and securities offered and sold to "qualified institutional buyers" under Rule
144A under the 1933 Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid investments. If the Trustees determine, based upon a
continuing review of the trading markets for specific Section 4(2) paper or Rule
144A securities, that they are liquid, they will not be subject to the 15% limit
on illiquid investments. The Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate to the
Adviser the daily function of determining the monitoring and liquidity of
restricted securities. The Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations. The Trustees will
carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities, focusing on such
important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of
information. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the
level of illiquidity in the Fund if qualified institutional buyers become for a
time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase securities
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. "When-issued" refers to securities
whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which have not been
issued. The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions with respect to
securities purchased for its
4
<PAGE>
portfolio in order to obtain what is considered to be an advantageous price and
yield at the time of the transaction. For when-issued transactions, no payment
is made until delivery is due, often a month or more after the purchase. In a
forward commitment transaction, the Fund contracts to purchase securities for a
fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. When the Fund
engages in forward commitment and when-issued transactions, it relies on the
seller to consummate the transaction. The failure of the issuer or seller to
consummate the transaction may result in the Fund losing the opportunity to
obtain a price and yield considered to be advantageous. The purchase of
securities on a when-issued and forward commitment basis also involves a risk of
loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the
settlement date.
On the date the Fund enters into an agreement to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund will segregate in a separate
account cash or liquid securities, of any type or maturity, equal in value to
the Fund's commitment. These assets will be valued daily at market, and
additional cash or securities will be segregated in a separate account to the
extent that the total value of the assets in the account declines below the
amount of the when-issued commitments. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into
offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns.
Government Securities. The Fund may invest in government securities. Certain
U.S. Government securities, including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and
Government National Mortgage Association certificates ("GNMA"), are supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States. Certain other U.S. Government
securities, issued or guaranteed by Federal agencies or government sponsored
enterprises, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the United
States, but may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury. These securities include obligations of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC"), and obligations supported by the credit of the
instrumentality, such as Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds ("FNMA").
No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial
support to such Federal agencies, authorities, instrumentalities and government
sponsored enterprises in the future.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage pass-through
certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate
mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC") pass-through certificates, collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS"),
and other types of "Mortgage-Backed Securities" that may be available in the
future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Guaranteed mortgage pass-through
securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage
loans and are issued by U.S. Governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but
not limited to the GNMA, the FNMA and the FHLMC. GNMA certificates are
guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government for timely
payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FNMA certificates are
guaranteed by FNMA, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for
full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. FHLMC
certificates are guaranteed by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S.
Government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all
principal of the related mortgage loans.
5
<PAGE>
Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.
CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by,
among others, U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private
lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the
principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the
several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of
CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC certificates but also
may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private
mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments
of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment
income thereon.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and "residual"
interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although the Fund does
not intend to invest in residual interests.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are derivative multiple-class
mortgage-backed securities. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that
receive different proportions of interest and principal distributions on a pool
of mortgage assets. A typical SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal, while the other class will receive most of
the interest and the remaining principal. In the most extreme case, one class
will receive all of the interest (the "interest only" class) while the other
class will receive all of the principal (the "principal only" class). The yields
and market risk of interest only and principal only SMBS, respectively, may be
more volatile than those of other fixed income securities. The staff of the SEC
considers privately issued SMBS to be illiquid.
Structured or Hybrid Notes. Funds that may invest in mortgage-backed securities
may invest in "structured" or "hybrid" notes. The distinguishing feature of a
structured or hybrid note is that the amount of interest and/or principal
payable on the note is based on the performance of a benchmark asset or market
other than fixed-income securities or interest rates. Examples of these
benchmarks include stock prices, currency exchange rates and physical commodity
prices. Investing in a structured note allows the Fund to gain exposure to the
benchmark market while fixing the maximum loss that the Fund may experience in
the event that market does not perform as expected. Depending on the terms of
the note, the Fund may forego all or part of the interest and principal that
would be payable on a comparable conventional note; the Fund's loss cannot
exceed this foregone interest and/or principal. An investment in structured or
hybrid notes involves risks similar to those associated with a direct investment
in the benchmark asset.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. Investing in
Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain risks, including the failure of a
counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the
effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. In addition, investing in the
lowest tranche of CMOs and REMIC certificates involves risks similar to those
associated with investing in equity securities. Further, the yield
characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities differ from those of traditional
fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent
interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest
rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made
substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
6
<PAGE>
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest
rate and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its
investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect
governmental, agency or other guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts
representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a
rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less
effective than other types of U.S. Government securities as a means of "locking
in" interest rates.
Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate
will extend the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities. This
possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life
of a Mortgage-Backed Security increases the risk of depreciation due to future
increases in market interest rates.
Risk Associated With Specific Types of Derivative Debt Securities. Different
types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of
prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage
pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these
risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be
less than for more leveraged Mortgage-Backed Securities.
The risk of early prepayments is the primary risk associated with interest only
debt securities ("IOs"), super floaters, other leveraged floating rate
instruments and Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a premium to their par
value. In some instances, early prepayments may result in a complete loss of
investment in certain of these securities. The primary risks associated with
certain other derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average
life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.
These securities include floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds
Index ("COFI floaters"), other "lagging rate" floating rate securities, floating
rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate ("capped floaters"),
Mortgage-Backed Securities purchased at a discount, leveraged inverse floating
rate securities ("inverse floaters"), principal only debt securities ("POs"),
certain residual or support tranches of CMOs and index amortizing notes. Index
amortizing notes are not Mortgage-Backed Securities, but are subject to
extension risk resulting from the issuer's failure to exercise its option to
call or redeem the notes before their stated maturity date. Leveraged inverse
IOs combine several elements of the Mortgage-Backed Securities described above
and thus present an especially intense combination of prepayment, extension and
interest rate risks.
7
<PAGE>
Planned amortization class ("PAC") and target amortization class ("TAC") CMO
bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than
other Mortgage-Backed Securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within
expected prepayment ranges or "collars." To the extent that prepayment rates
remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC
and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment, extension and interest rate risk
associated with the underlying mortgage assets.
Other types of floating rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced to below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to depreciation in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates. X-reset
floaters have a coupon that remains fixed for more than one accrual period.
Thus, the type of risk involved in these securities depends on the terms of each
individual X-reset floater.
Ratings as Investment Criteria. In general, the ratings of Moody's and S&P
represent the opinions of these agencies as to the quality of the securities
which they rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are relative and
subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. These ratings will be used
by the Funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio securities.
Among the factors which will be considered are the long-term ability of the
issuer to pay principal and interest and general economic trends. Appendix B
contains further information concerning the rating of Moody's and S&P and their
significance.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be
rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by
the Fund. Neither of these events will require the sale of the securities by the
Fund, but the Adviser will consider the event in its determination of whether
the Fund should continue to hold the securities.
Lending of Securities. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers,
dealers, and financial institutions if the loan is collateralized by cash or
U.S. Government securities according to applicable regulatory requirements. The
Fund may reinvest any cash collateral in short-term securities and money market
funds. When the Fund lends portfolio securities, there is a risk that the
borrower may fail to return the securities involved in the transaction. As a
result, the Fund may incur a loss or, in the event of the borrower's bankruptcy,
the Fund may be delayed in or prevented from liquidating the collateral. The
Fund can lend portfolio securities having a total value of 33 1/3% of its total
assets.
Short-Term Trading. Short-term trading means the purchase and subsequent sale of
a security after it has been held for a relatively brief period of time. The
Fund may engage in short-term trading in response to stock market conditions,
changes in interest rates or other economic trends and developments, or to take
advantage of yield disparities between various fixed income securities in order
to realize capital gains or improve income. Short term turnover (100% or grater)
involves correspondingly greater brokerage expenses. The Fund's portfolio
turnover rate is set forth in the table under the caption "Financial Highlights"
in the prospectus.
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted the following
investment restrictions which may not be changed without the approval of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities which, as used in the
Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information means the approval by
the lesser of (1) the holders of 67% or more of the Fund's shares represented at
a meeting if more than 50% of the Fund's outstanding shares are present in
person or by proxy or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs 3, 6 and 7
below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares of
beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the deferral of
trustees' fees, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts,
forward commitments and repurchase agreements entered into in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies or within the meaning of
paragraph 6 below, are not deemed to be senior securities.
2. Purchase securities on margin or make short sales, or unless, by virtue
of its ownership of other securities, the Fund has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if
the right is conditional, the sale is made upon the same conditions,
except (i) in connection with arbitrage transactions, (ii) for hedging
the Fund's exposure to an actual or anticipated market decline in the
value of its securities, (iii) to profit from an anticipated decline in
the value of a security, and (iv) obtaining such short-term credits as
may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities.
3. Borrow money, except for the following extraordinary or emergency
purposes: (i) from banks for temporary or short-term purposes or for
the clearance of transactions in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the
value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken
at market value; (ii) in connection with the redemption of Fund shares
or to finance failed settlements of portfolio trades without
immediately liquidating portfolio securities or other assets; (iii) in
order to fulfill commitments or plans to purchase additional securities
pending the anticipated sale of other portfolio securities or assets;
and (iv) The Fund may not borrow money for the purpose of leveraging
the Fund's assets. For purposes of this investment restriction, the
deferral of Trustees' fees and transactions in short sales, futures
contracts, options on futures contracts, securities or indices and
forward commitment transactions shall not constitute borrowing.
4. Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter for purpose of the 1933 Act.
5. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may (i) acquire or
lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest
in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein,
(iv) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities and (v) hold and
sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities.
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<PAGE>
6. Invest in commodities, except the Fund may purchase and sell options on
securities, securities indices and currency, futures contracts on
securities, securities indices and currency and options on such
futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward
commitments, securities index put or call warrants and repurchase
agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment
policies.
7. Make loans, except that the Fund (1) may lend portfolio securities in
accordance with the Fund's investment policies up to 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets taken at market value, (2) enter into repurchase
agreements, and (3) purchase all or a portion of an issue of debt
securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether
or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the
securities.
8. Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal activity
in the same industry if, immediately after such purchase, the value of
its investments in such industry would exceed 25% of its total assets
taken at market value at the time of such investment. This limitation
does not apply to investments in obligations of the U.S. Government or
any of its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities.
9. The Fund, with respect to 75% of total assets, purchase securities of
an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies,
instrumentalities or authorities), if:
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities
of such issuer; or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by
the Fund.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
are designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by the Trustees without
shareholder approval.
The Fund may not:
1. Participate on a joint or joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of
marketable portfolio securities with other accounts under the
management of the Adviser or any Subadviser to save commissions or to
average prices among them is not deemed to result in a joint securities
trading account.
2. Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in the securities of other investment
companies, (ii) the Fund would hold more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, or (iii)
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the
securities of any one investment company. These limitations do not
apply to (a) the investment of cash collateral, received by the Fund in
connection with lending the Fund's portfolio securities, in the
securities of open-end investment companies or (b) the purchase of
shares of any investment company in connection with a merger,
consolidation, reorganization or purchase of substantially all of the
assets of another investment company. Subject to the above percentage
limitations the Fund may, in connection with the John Hancock Group of
Funds Deferred Compensation Plan for Independent Trustees/Directors,
purchase securities of other investment companies within the John
Hancock Group of Funds.
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<PAGE>
3. Invest more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value, in illiquid securities.
4. Purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets.
5. Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or management of any
company.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as set forth
above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in
percentage resulting from changes in the values of the Fund's assets will not be
considered a violation of the restriction.
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
The business of the Fund is managed by the Trustees who elect officers who are
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fund and who execute policies
formulated by the Trustees. Several of the officers and Trustees of the Fund are
also officers or directors of the Fund's Adviser and/or Subadviser, or officers
and/or directors of the Fund's principal distributor, John Hancock Funds, Inc.
("John Hancock Funds").
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. * Trustee, Chairman and Chief Chairman, Director and Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Officer (1, 2) Executive Officer, the Adviser;
Boston, MA 02199 Chairman, Director and Chief
October 1944 Executive Officer, The Berkeley
Financial Group, Inc. ("The
Berkeley Group"); Chairman and
Director, NM Capital Management,
Inc. ("NM Capital"), John Hancock
Advisers International Limited
("Advisers International") and
Sovereign Asset Management
Corporation ("SAMCorp"); Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, John
Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John Hancock
Funds"); Chairman, First Signature
Bank and Trust Company; Director,
John Hancock Insurance Agency, Inc.
("Insurance Agency, Inc."), John
Hancock Advisers International
(Ireland) Limited ("International
Ireland"), John Hancock Capital
Corporation and New England/Canada
Business Council; Member,
Investment Company Institute Board
of Governors; Director, Asia
Strategic Growth Fund, Inc.;
Trustee, Museum of Science;
Director, John Hancock Freedom
Securities Corporation (until
September 1996); Director, John
Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
("Signature Services") (until
January 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
12
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Stephen L. Brown* Trustee Chairman and Chief Executive
John Hancock Place Officer, John Hancock Mutual Life
P.O. Box 111 Insurance Company; Director, the
Boston, MA 02117 Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
July 1937 Insurance Agency, John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., The Berkeley
Group, Federal Reserve Bank of
Boston, Signature Services (until
January 1997;) Trustee, John
Hancock Asset Management (until
March 1997).
James F. Carlin Trustee Chairman and CEO, Carlin
233 West Central Street Consolidated, Inc.
Natick, MA 01760 (management/investments); Director,
April 1940 Arbella Mutual (insurance), Health
Plan Services, Inc., Massachusetts
Health and Education Tax Exempt
Trust, Flagship Healthcare, Inc.,
Carlin Insurance Agency, Inc., West
Insurance Agency, Inc. (until May
1995), Uno Restaurant Corp.;
Chairman, Massachusetts Board of
Higher Education (since 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
13
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William H. Cunningham Trustee Chancellor, University of Texas
601 Colorado Street System and former President of the
O'Henry Hall University of Texas, Austin, Texas;
Austin, TX 78701 Lee Hage and Joseph D. Jamail
January 1944 Regents Chair of Free Enterprise;
Director, LaQuinta Motor Inns, Inc.
(hotel management company)
(1985-1998); Jefferson-Pilot
Corporation (diversified life
insurance company) and LBJ
Foundation Board (education
foundation); Advisory Director,
Chase Bank (formerly Texas Commerce
Bank - Austin).
Ronald R. Dion Trustee President and Chief Executive
250 Boylston Street Officer, R.M. Bradley & Co., Inc.;
Boston, MA 02116 Director, The New England Council
March 1946 and Massachusetts Roundtable;
Trustee, North Shore Medical Center
and a corporator of the Eastern
Bank; Trustee, Emmanuel College.
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. Trustee Executive Vice President,
123 Highland Avenue Schering-Plough Corporation
Short Hill, NJ 07078 (pharmaceuticals) (retired 1996);
October 1931 Director, ReCapital Corporation
(reinsurance) (until 1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
14
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Anne C. Hodsdon * Trustee and President (1,2) President, Chief Operating Officer,
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Investment Officer and
Boston, MA 02199 Director, the Adviser, The Berkeley
August 1953 Group; Executive Vice President and
Director, John Hancock Funds;
Director, Advisers International,
Insurance Agency, Inc. and
International Ireland; President and
Director, SAMCorp. and NM Capital;
Executive Vice President, the
Adviser (until December 1994);
Director, Signature Services (until
January 1997).
Charles L. Ladner Trustee Senior Vice President and Chief
UGI Corporation Financial Officer, UGI Corporation
P.O. Box 858 (Public Utility Holding Company)
Valley Forge, PA 19482 (retired 1998); Vice President and
February 1938 Director for AmeriGas, Inc. (retired
1998); Vice President of AmeriGas
Partners, L.P. (until 1997);
Director, EnergyNorth, Inc. (until
1995).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
15
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. Trustee Chairman, President, Chief Executive
3810 W. Alabama Officer and Director, Linbeck
Houston, TX 77027 Corporation (a holding company
August 1934 engaged in various phases of the
construction industry and
warehousing interests); Former
Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank of
Dallas (1992, 1993); Chairman of
the Board, Linbeck Construction
Corporation; Director, Duke Energy
Corporation (a diversified energy
company), Daniel Industries, Inc.
(manufacturer of gas measuring
products and energy related
equipment), GeoQuest International
Holdings, Inc. (a geophysical
consulting firm); Director, Greater
Houston Partnership.
Steven R. Pruchansky Trustee (1) Director and President, Mast
4327 Enterprise Avenue Holdings, Inc. (since 1991);
Naples, FL 34104 Director, First Signature Bank &
August 1944 Trust Company (until August 1991);
Director, Mast Realty Trust (until
1994); President, Maxwell Building
Corp. (until 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
16
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard S. Scipione * Trustee (1) General Counsel, John Hancock Mutual
John Hancock Place Life Insurance Company; Director,
P.O. Box 111 the Adviser, John Hancock Funds,
Boston, MA 02117 Signator Investors, Inc., Insurance
August 1937 Agency, Inc., John Hancock
Subsidiaries, Inc., SAMCorp. and NM
Capital; The Berkeley Group; JH
Networking Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Signature Services (until January
1997).
Norman H. Smith Trustee Lieutenant General, United States
243 Mt. Oriole Lane Marine Corps; Deputy Chief of Staff
Linden, VA 22642 for Manpower and Reserve Affairs,
March 1933 Headquarters Marine Corps;
Commanding General III Marine
Expeditionary Force/3rd Marine
Division (retired 1991).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
17
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John P. Toolan Trustee Director, The Smith Barney Muni Bond
13 Chadwell Place Funds, The Smith Barney Tax-Free
Morristown, NJ 07960 Money Funds, Inc., Vantage Money
September 1930 Market Funds (mutual funds), The
Inefficient-Market Fund, Inc.
(closed-end investment company) and
Smith Barney Trust Company of
Florida; Chairman, Smith Barney
Trust Company (retired December,
1991); Director, Smith Barney,
Inc., Mutual Management Company and
Smith Barney Advisers, Inc.
(investment advisers) (retired
1991); Senior Executive Vice
President, Director and member of
the Executive Committee, Smith
Barney, Harris Upham & Co.,
Incorporated (investment bankers)
(until 1991).
Osbert M. Hood Senior Vice President and Chief Senior Vice President , Chief
101 Huntington Avenue Financial Officer Financial Officer and Treasurer, the
Boston, MA 02199 Adviser, the Berkeley Group and John
August 1952 Hancock Funds, Inc.; Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, John
Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company Retail Sector (until 1997).
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
18
<PAGE>
Positions Held Principal Occupation(s)
Name and Address With the Company During the Past Five Years
- ---------------- ---------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President and Secretary, the
101 Huntington Avenue Adviser, The Berkeley Group,
Boston, MA 02199 Signature Services, John Hancock
July 1950 Funds, NM Capital and SAMCorp.;
Clerk, Insurance Agency, Inc.;
Counsel, John Hancock Mutual Life
Insurance Company (until February
1996).
Susan S. Newton Vice President and Secretary Vice President, the Adviser; John
101 Huntington Avenue Hancock Funds, Signature Services
Boston, MA 02199 and The Berkeley Group.
March 1950
James J. Stokowski Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Vice President, the Adviser.
101 Huntington Avenue Accounting Officer
Boston, MA 02199
November 1946
- -------------------
* Trustee may be deemed to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may generally
exercise most of the powers of the Board of Trustees.
(2) A member of the Investment Committee of the Adviser.
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by the
Fund and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the
Independent Trustees for their services. Messrs. Boudreau and Scipione and Ms.
Hodsdon, each a non-Independent Trustee, and each of the officers of the Fund
are interested persons of the Adviser, are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund for their services.
Aggregate Total Compensation From the
Compensation Fund and John Hancock Fund
Independent Trustees From the Fund(1) Complex to Trustees(2)
- -------------------- ---------------- ----------------------
James F. Carlin $ 42 $ 74,000
William H. Cunningham 42 74,000
Ronald R. Dion 43 18,500
Charles F. Fretz 8 57,121
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. 40 70,000
Charles L. Ladner 44 77,100
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr. 42 74,000
Patricia P. McCarter 5 43,696
Steven R. Pruchansky 44 77,100
Norman H. Smith 46 79,350
John P. Toolan 44 77,100
---------- --------------
Total $ 400 $ 721,967
(1) Compensation is for the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999.
(2) Total compensation paid by the John Hancock Funds Complex to the Independent
Trustees is as of December 31, 1998. As of this date, there were sixty-seven
funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex, with each of these Independent Trustees
serving on thirty-three funds. Effective October 1, 1998, Mr. Fretz and Ms.
McCarter resigned as Trustees of the Complex.
*As of December 31, 1998, the value of the aggregate accrued deferred
compensation amount from all funds in the John Hancock Funds Complex for Mr.
Cunningham was $320,943, Mr. Hiser was $15,084, Mr. Ms. McCarter was $183,645
and for Mr. Pruchansky was $75,016, for Mr. Smith was $109,807, for Mr. Toolan
was $403,714 under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan
for Independent Trustees.
All of the officers listed are officers or employees of the Adviser or
affiliated companies. Some of the Trustees and officers may also be officers
and/or directors and/or Trustees of one or more of the other funds for which the
Adviser serves as investment adviser.
As of June 10, 1999, the officers and Trustees of the Fund as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of
that date, the following shareholders of record beneficially owned 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
20
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Name and Address of Shareholder Percentage of Total Outstanding Shares
- ------------------------------- --------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Independence Investment Associates 14.31%
53 State Street
Boston MA 02109-2809
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Mendes & Mount LLP 27.92%
Retirement Plan I
750 Seventh Avenue
New York NY 10019
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Mendes & Mount LLP 26.36%
Retirement Plan II
750 Seventh Avenue
New York NY 10019
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Glaval Corporation Savings Plan 15.54%
55470 County Road
Elkhart IN 46514
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
CG Enterprises EE Sal Savings 9.04%
Retirement Plan
12001 Guilford Road
Annapolis Junction MD 20701
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
The Adviser, located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603,
was organized in 1968 and has more than $30 billion in assets under management
in its capacity as investment adviser to the Fund and the other mutual funds and
publicly traded investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds having a
combined total of over 1,400,000 shareholders. The Adviser is an affiliate of
the Life Company, one of the most recognized and respected financial
institutions in the nation. With total assets under management of more than $100
billion, the Life Company is one of the ten largest life insurance companies in
the United States, and carries a high rating with Standard & Poor's and A. M.
Best. Founded in 1862, the Life Company has been serving clients for over 130
years.
The Fund has entered into an investment management contract (the "Advisory
Agreement") with the Adviser which was approved by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will: (a) furnish continuously
an investment program for the Fund and determine, subject to the overall
supervision and review of the Trustees, which investments should be purchased,
held, sold or exchanged, and (b) provide supervision over all aspects of the
Fund's operations except those which are delegated to a custodian, transfer
agent or other agent.
The Fund bears all costs of its organization and operation, including but not
limited to expenses of preparing, printing and mailing all shareholders'
reports, notices prospectuses, proxy statements and reports to regulatory
agencies; expenses relating to the issuance, registration and qualification of
shares; government fees;
21
<PAGE>
interest charges; expenses of furnishing to shareholders their account
statements; taxes; expenses of redeeming shares; brokerage and other expenses
connected with the execution of portfolio securities transactions; expenses
pursuant to the Fund's plan of distribution; fees and expenses of custodians
including those for keeping books and accounts, maintaining a committed line of
credit, and calculating the net asset value of shares; fees and expenses of
transfer agents and dividend disbursing agents; legal, accounting, financial,
management, tax and auditing fees and expenses of the Fund (including an
allocable portion of the cost of the Adviser's employees rendering such services
to the Fund the compensation and expenses of Trustees who are not otherwise
affiliated with the Trust, the Adviser or any of their affiliates; expenses of
Trustees' and shareholders' meetings; trade association memberships; insurance
premiums; and any extraordinary expenses.
The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with IIA. Under the
Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Subadviser, subject to the review of the Trustees
and the overall supervision of the Adviser, is responsible for managing the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of the Fund's investment
portfolio and furnishing the Fund with advice and recommendations with request
to investments, investment policies and the purchase and sale of securities.
IIA, located at 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and organized in
1982, is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of John Hancock Subsidiaries, Inc.
As compensation for its services under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Adviser monthly a fee based on a stated percentage of the average of the daily
net assets of the Fund as follows:
Net Asset Value Annual Rate
- --------------- -----------
First $500,000,000 0.80%
Amount over $500,000,000 0.75%
The advisory fees paid by the Fund are greater than those paid by most funds,
but they are comparable to those paid by many investment companies with similar
investment objectives and policies. The Adviser (not the Fund) pays a portion of
its fee to the Subadviser at the rate of 55% of the advisory fee payable on the
Fund's average daily net assets.
For the periods ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Adviser waived the
entire investment management fee for the Fund. The Subadviser waived all
subadvisory fees for these periods.
From time to time, the Adviser may reduce its fee or make other arrangements to
limit the Fund's expenses to a specified percentage of its average daily net
assets. The Adviser has agreed to limit Fund expenses (excluding 12b-1 and
transfer agent fees) to 0.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets at least
until July 1, 2000. The Adviser retains the right to reimpose a fee and recover
any other payments to the extent that, at the end of any fiscal year, the Fund's
annual expenses fall below this limit.
22
<PAGE>
Securities held by the Fund may also be held by other funds or investment
advisory clients for which the Adviser, the Subadviser or its affiliates provide
investment advice. Because of different investment objectives or other factors,
a particular security may be bought for one or more funds or clients when one or
more other funds or clients are selling the same security. If opportunities for
purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser or Subadviser for the Fund or for
other funds or clients for which the Adviser or Subadviser renders investment
advice arise for consideration at or about the same time, transactions in such
securities will be made, insofar as feasible, for the respective funds or
clients in a manner deemed equitable to all of them. To the extent that
transactions on behalf of more than one client of the Adviser, Subadviser or its
affiliates may increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply
of securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price.
Pursuant to its Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser and
Subadviser are not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any
loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which the respective
Agreements relate, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser or Subadviser in the performance
of its duties or from reckless disregard of the obligations and duties under the
applicable Agreement.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund may use the name "John Hancock" or any
name derived from or similar to it only for as long as the Advisory Agreement or
any extension, renewal or amendment thereof remains in effect. If the Advisory
Agreement is no longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can)
will cease to use such a name or any other name indicating that it is advised by
or otherwise connected with the Adviser. In addition, the Adviser or the Life
Company may grant the nonexclusive right to use the name "John Hancock" or any
similar name to any other corporation or entity, including but not limited to
any investment company of which the Life Company or any subsidiary or affiliate
thereof or any successor to the business of any subsidiary or affiliate thereof
shall be the investment adviser.
Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement of the Fund, the Fund may use the name
"Independence" or any name derived from or similar to it only for as long as the
Sub-Advisory Agreement is in effect. When the Sub-Advisory Agreement is no
longer in effect, the Fund (to the extent that it lawfully can) will cease to
use any name indicating that it is advised by or otherwise connected with IIA.
In addition, IIA or the Life Company may grant the non-exclusive right to use
the name "Independence" or any similar name to any other corporation or entity,
including but not limited to any investment company of which IIA or any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof or any successor to the business of any
subsidiary or affiliate thereof shall be the investment adviser.
The continuation of the Advisory Agreement, Sub-Advisory Agreement and the
Distribution Agreement (discussed below) was approved by all Trustees. The
Advisory Agreement, Sub-Advisory Agreement and the Distribution Agreement, will
continue in effect from year to year, provided that its continuance is approved
annually both (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Trust or by the Trustees, and (ii) by a majority of the
Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested persons" of any
such parties. Both Agreements may be terminated on 60 days written notice by any
party or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund
and will terminate automatically if assigned.
23
<PAGE>
Accounting and Legal Services Agreement. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, is a
party to an Accounting and Legal Services Agreement with the Adviser. Pursuant
to this agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with certain tax, accounting
and legal services. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
the Fund paid the Adviser $1,055, $1,067 and $176, respectively, for services
under this agreement.
In order to avoid conflicts with portfolio trades for the Fund, the Adviser, the
Subadviser and the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal
securities trading by personnel of the Adviser and its affiliates. In the case
of the Adviser, some of these restrictions are: pre-clearance for all personal
trades and a ban on the purchase of initial public offerings, as well as
contributions to specified charities of profits on securities held for less than
91 days. IIA has adopted similar restrictions which may differ where
appropriate, as long as they have the same intent. These restrictions are a
continuation of the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its
shareholders come first.
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACTS
The Fund has a Distribution Agreement with John Hancock Funds. Under the
agreement, John Hancock Funds is obligated to use its best efforts to sell
shares of each class of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are also sold by selected
broker-dealers (the "Selling Brokers") which have entered into selling agency
agreements with John Hancock Funds. John Hancock Funds accepts orders for the
purchase of the shares of the Fund which are continually offered at net asset
value next determined, plus an applicable sales charge, if any. In connection
with the sale of Fund shares, John Hancock Funds and Selling Brokers receive
compensation from a sales charge imposed, in the case of Class A shares, at the
time of sale. In the case of Class B or Class C shares, the broker receives
compensation immediately but John Hancock Funds is compensated on a deferred
basis.
The Fund's Trustees adopted Distribution Plans with respect to Class A, Class B
and Class C shares (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Under the Plans, the Fund will pay distribution and service
fees at an aggregate annual rate of up to 0.30% for Class A shares and 1.00% for
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable
to shares of that class. However, the service fees will not exceed 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to each class of shares.
Furthermore, the Distributor will not impose the Class A 12b-1 fee until July 1,
2000. The distribution fees will be used to reimburse John Hancock Funds for its
distribution expenses, including but not limited to: (i) initial and ongoing
sales compensation to Selling Brokers and others (including affiliates of the
John Hancock Funds) engaged in the sale of Fund shares; (ii) marketing,
promotional and overhead expenses incurred in connection with the distribution
of Fund shares; and (iii) with respect to Class B and Class C shares only,
interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses. The service fees will
be used to compensate Selling Brokers and others for providing personal and
account maintenance services to shareholders. In the event that John Hancock
Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments or expenses it incurs under the Class
A Plan, these expenses will not be carried beyond twelve months from the date
they were incurred. Unreimbursed expenses under the Class B and Class C Plans
will be carried forward together with interest on the balance of these
unreimbursed expenses. The Fund does not treat unreimbursed expenses under the
Class B and Class C Plans as a liability of the Fund because the Trustees may
terminate the Class B and /or Class C Plans at any time with no additional
liability for these expenses to the shareholders and the Fund. For the fiscal
years ended February 28, 1998 and 1999, there were no unreimbursed Class B or
Class C distribution expenses, since those classes did not commence operations
until July 1, 1999.
24
<PAGE>
The Class A Plan was approved by a majority of the voting securities of the
Fund. The Plans amendments were approved by the Trustees, including a majority
of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans (the
"Independent Trustees"), by votes cast in person at meetings called for the
purpose of voting on these Plans.
Pursuant to the Plans, at least quarterly, John Hancock Funds provide the Fund
with a written report of the amounts expended under the Plans and the purpose
for which these expenditures were made. The Trustees review these reports on a
quarterly basis to determine their continued appropriateness.
The Plans provide that they will continue in effect only so long as its
continuance is approved at least annually by a majority of both the Trustees and
the Independent Trustees. The Plans provide that they may be terminated without
penalty, (a) by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, (b) by a vote
of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares of the applicable class upon 60
days' written notice to John Hancock Funds and (c) automatically in the event of
assignment. The Plans further provide that they may not be amended to increase
the maximum amount of the fees for the services described therein without the
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the class of the Fund which
has voting rights with respect to that Plan. Each plan provides, that no
material amendment to the Plans will be effective unless it is approved by a
majority vote of the Trustees and the Independent Trustees of the Fund. The
holders of Class A, Class B and Class C shares have exclusive voting rights with
respect to the Plan applicable to their respective class of shares. In adopting
the Plans, the Trustees concluded that, in their judgment, there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plans will benefit the holders of the applicable class of
shares of the Fund.
Class I shares of the Fund are not subject to any distribution plan. Expenses
associated with the obligation of John Hancock Funds to use its best efforts to
sell Class I shares will be paid by the Adviser or by John Hancock Funds and
will not be paid from the fees paid under Class A, Class B or Class C Plans.
Amounts paid to the John Hancock Funds by any class of shares of the Fund will
not be used to pay the expenses incurred with respect to any other class of
shares of the Fund; provided, however, that expenses attributable to the Fund as
a whole will be allocated, to the extent permitted by law, according to the
formula based upon gross sales dollars and/or average daily net assets of each
such class, as may be approved from time to time by vote of a majority of the
Trustees. From time to time, the Fund may participate in joint distribution
activities with other Funds and the costs of those activities will be borne by
each Fund in proportion to the relative net asset value of the participating
Fund.
25
<PAGE>
SALES COMPENSATION
As part of their business strategies, each of the John Hancock funds, along with
John Hancock Funds, pay compensation to financial services firms that sell the
funds' shares. These firms typically pass along a portion of this compensation
to your financial representative.
Compensation payments for Class A, Class B and Class C shares originate from two
sources: from sales charges and from 12b-1 fees that are paid out of the funds'
assets. The sales charges and 12b-1 fees paid by investors are detailed in the
prospectus and under the "Distribution Contracts" in this Statement of
Additional Information. The portions of these expenses that are reallowed to
financial services firms are shown on the next page. For Class I shares, John
Hancock Funds may make payment out of its own resources to a Selling Broker who
sells shares of the Fund. This payment may not exceed 0.15% of the amount
invested.
Whenever you make an investment in the Fund, the financial services firm
receives either a reallowance from the initial sales charge or a commission, as
described below. The firm also receives the first year's service fee at this
time. Beginning with the second year after an investment is made, the financial
services firm receives an annual service fee of 0.25% of its total eligible net
assets. This fee is paid quarterly in arrears. Advisers will pay this fee for
Class A shares until July 1, 2000.
Financial services firms selling large amounts of fund shares may receive extra
compensation. This compensation, which John Hancock Funds pays out of its own
resources, may include asset retention fees as well as reimbursement for
marketing expenses.
26
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
From August 1, 1999 until December 31, 1999 participating Selling Brokers will
receive the full applicable sales charge.
Maximum
Sales charge Reallowance First year Maximum
Paid by investors or commission service fee Total compensation(1)
Class A investments (% of offering price) (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Up to $49,999 5.00% 4.01% 0.25% 4.25%
$50,000 - $99,999 4.50% 3.51% 0.25% 3.75%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.50% 2.61% 0.25% 2.85%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.50% 1.86% 0.25% 2.10%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.00% 1.36% 0.25% 1.60%
Regular investments of
$1 million or more
First $1M - $4,999,999 -- 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
Next $1 - $5M above that -- 0.25% 0.25% 0.50% (2)
Next $1 or more above that -- 0.00% 0.25% 0.25% (2)
Maximum
Reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee Total compensation
Class B investments (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
All amounts 3.75% 0.25% 4.00%
Maximum
Reallowance First year Maximum
or commission service fee Total compensation
Class C investments (% of offering price) (% of net investment) (% of offering price)
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
All amounts 0.75% 0.25% 1.00%
</TABLE>
(1) Reallowance/commission percentages and service fee percentages are
calculated from different amounts, and therefore may not equal total
compensation percentages if combined using simple addition.
(2) For Group Investment Program sales, the maximum total compensation for
investments of $1 million or more is 1.00% of the offering price (one year
CDSC of 1.00% applies for each sale).
CDSC revenues collected by John Hancock Funds may be used to pay commissions
when there is no initial sales charge.
NET ASSET VALUE
For purposes of calculating the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund's shares, the
following procedures are utilized wherever applicable.
27
<PAGE>
Debt investment securities are valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a
principal market- maker or a pricing service, both of which generally utilize
electronic data processing techniques to determine valuations for normal
institutional size trading units of debt securities without exclusive reliance
upon quoted prices.
Equity securities traded on a principal exchange or NASDAQ National Market
Issues are generally valued at last sale price on the day of valuation.
Securities in the aforementioned category for which no sales are reported and
other securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last
available bid price.
Short-term debt investments which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are generally valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. If
market quotations are not readily available or if in the opinion of the Adviser
any quotation or price is not representative of true market value, the fair
value of the security may be determined in good faith in accordance with
procedures approved by the Trustees.
The NAV of each Fund and class is determined each business day at the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) by dividing a class's net assets by the number of its shares outstanding.
On any day an international market is closed and the New York Stock Exchange is
open, any foreign securities will be valued at the prior day's close with the
current day's exchange rate. Trading of foreign securities may take place on
Saturdays and U.S. business holidays on which the Fund's NAV is not calculated.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio securities may trade and the NAV of the
Fund's redeemable securities may be significantly affected on days when a
shareholder has no access to the Fund.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ON CLASS A SHARES
Shares of the Fund are offered at a price equal to their net asset value plus a
sales charge which, at the option of the purchaser, may be imposed either at the
time of purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or on a contingent
deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Share certificates
will not be issued unless requested by the shareholder in writing, and then they
will only be issued for full shares. The Trustees reserve the right to change or
waive the Fund's minimum investment requirements and to reject any order to
purchase shares (including purchase by exchange) when in the judgment of the
Adviser such rejection is in the Fund's best interest.
The sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the Fund are
described in the Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C Prospectus. Methods of
obtaining reduced sales charges referred to generally in the Prospectus are
described in detail below. In calculating the sales charge applicable to current
purchases of Class A shares of the Fund, the investor is entitled to accumulate
current purchases with the greater of the current value (at offering price) of
the Class A shares of the Fund, owned by the investor, or if John Hancock
Signature Services, Inc. ("Signature Services") is notified by the investor's
dealer or the investor at the time of the purchase, the cost of the Class A
shares owned.
Without Sales Charges. Class A shares may be offered without a front-end sales
charge or contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") to various individuals and
institutions as follows:
28
<PAGE>
o A Trustee or officer of the Trust; a Director or officer of the Adviser
and its affiliates or Selling Brokers; employees or sales
representatives of any of the foregoing; retired officers, employees or
Directors of any of the foregoing; a member of the immediate family
(spouse, children, grandparents, grandchildren, mother, father, sister,
brother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law,
niece, nephew and same sex domestic partner) of any of the foregoing;
or any fund, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the
individuals described above.
o A broker, dealer, financial planner, consultant or registered
investment advisor that has entered into a signed agreement with John
Hancock Funds providing specifically for the use of Fund shares in
fee-based investment products or services made available to their
clients.
o A former participant in an employee benefit plan with John Hancock
funds, when he or she withdraws from his or her plan and transfers any
or all of his or her plan distributions directly to the Fund.
o A member of a class action lawsuit against insurance companies who is
investing settlement proceeds.
o Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch servicing programs,
if the Plan has more than $3 million in assets or 500 eligible
employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch
Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
o Retirement plans investing through the PruArray Program sponsored by
Prudential Securities.
o Pension plans transferring assets from a John Hancock variable annuity
contract to the Fund pursuant to an exemptive application approved by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
o Existing shareholders/retirement plans as of June 30, 1999.
o Existing full service clients of the Life Company who were group
annuity contract holders as of September 1, 1994, and participant
directed retirement plans with at least 100 eligible employees at the
inception of the Fund account. Each of these investors may purchase
Class A shares with no initial sales charge. However, if the shares are
redeemed within 12 months after the end of the calendar year in which
the purchase was made, a CDSC will be imposed at the following rate:
Amount Invested CDSC Rate
--------------- ---------
$1 to $4,999,999 1.00%
Next $5 million to $9,999,999 0.50%
Amounts of $10 million and over 0.25%
29
<PAGE>
Class A shares may also be purchased without an initial sales charge in
connection with certain liquidation, merger or acquisition transactions
involving other investment companies or personal holding companies.
Combination Privilege. In calculating the sales charge applicable to purchases
of Class A shares made at one time, the purchases will be combined to reduce
sales charges if made by (a) an individual, his or her spouse and their children
under the age of 21, purchasing securities for his or their own account, (b) a
trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or fiduciary
account and (c) groups which qualify for the Group Investment Program (see
below). A company's (not an individual's) qualified and non-qualified retirement
plan investments can be combined to take advantage of this privilege. Further
information about combined purchases, including certain restrictions on combined
group purchases, is available from Signature Services or a Selling Broker's
representative.
Accumulation Privilege. Investors (including investors combining purchases) who
are already Class A shareholders may also obtain the benefit of the reduced
sales charge by taking into account not only the amount being invested but also
the investor's purchase price or current value of the Class A shares of all John
Hancock funds which carry a sales charge already held by such person. Class A
shares of John Hancock money market funds will only be eligible for the
accumulation privilege if the investor has previously paid a sales charge on the
amount of those shares. Retirement plan investors may include the value of Class
B shares if Class B shares held are greater than $1 million. Retirement plans
must notify Signature Services to utilize. A company's (not an individual's)
qualified and non-qualified retirement plan investments can be combined to take
advantage of this privilege.
Group Investment Program. Under the Combination and Accumulation Privileges, all
members of a group may combine their individual purchases of Class A shares to
potentially qualify for breakpoints in the sales charge schedule. This feature
is provided to any group which (1) has been in existence for more than six
months, (2) has a legitimate purpose other than the purchase of mutual fund
shares at a discount for its members, (3) utilizes salary deduction or similar
group methods of payment, and (4) agrees to allow sales materials of the fund in
its mailings to members at a reduced or no cost to John Hancock Funds.
Letter of Intention. Reduced sales charges are also applicable to investments
made pursuant to a Letter of Intention (the "LOI"), which should be read
carefully prior to its execution by an investor. The Fund offers two options
regarding the specified period for making investments under the LOI. All
investors have the option of making their investments over a specified period of
thirteen (13) months. Investors who are using the Fund as a funding medium for a
retirement plan, however, may opt to make the necessary investments called for
by the LOI over a forty-eight (48) month period. These retirement plans include
traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SEP, SARSEP, 401(k), 403(b) (including
TSAs), SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Money Purchase Pension, Profit Sharing and
Section 457 plans. An individual's non-qualified and qualified retirement plan
investments cannot be combined to satisfy LOI of 48 months. Such an investment
(including accumulations and combinations but not including reinvested
dividends) must aggregate $50,000 or more invested during the specified period
from the date of the LOI or from a date within ninety (90) days prior thereto,
upon written request to Signature Services. The sales charge applicable to all
amounts invested under the LOI is computed as if the aggregate amount intended
to be invested had been invested immediately. If such aggregate amount is not
actually invested, the difference in the sales charge actually paid and the
sales charge payable had the LOI not been in effect is due from the investor.
However, for the purchases actually made within the specified period (either 13
or 48 months) the sales charge applicable will not be higher than that which
would have applied (including accumulations and combinations) had the LOI been
for the amount actually invested.
30
<PAGE>
The LOI authorizes Signature Services to hold in escrow sufficient Class A
shares (approximately 5% of the aggregate) to make up any difference in sales
charges on the amount intended to be invested and the amount actually invested,
until such investment is completed within the specified period, at which time
the escrowed Class A shares will be released. If the total investment specified
in the LOI is not completed, the Class A shares held in escrow may be redeemed
and the proceeds used as required to pay such sales charge as may be due. By
signing the LOI, the investor authorizes Signature Services to act as his
attorney-in-fact to redeem any escrowed Class A shares and adjust the sales
charge, if necessary. A LOI does not constitute a binding commitment by an
investor to purchase, or by the Fund to sell, any additional Class A shares and
may be terminated at any time.
Because Class I shares are sold at net asset value without the imposition of any
sales charge, none of the privileges described under these captions are
available to Class I investors, with the following exception:
Combination Privilege. As explained in the Fund's Prospectus for Class I Shares,
a Class I investor may qualify for the minimum $1,000,000 investment (or such
other amount as may be determined by the Fund's officers) if the aggregate
amount of his current and prior investments in Class I shares of the Fund and
Class I shares of any other John Hancock Fund, and/or in any of the series of
the John Hancock Institutional Series Trust exceeds $1,000,000.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ON CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
Investments in Class B and Class C shares are purchased at net asset value per
share without the imposition of an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the purchase payment.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed
within six years or one year of purchase, respectively will be subject to a CDSC
at the rates set forth in the Prospectus as a percentage of the dollar amount
subject to the CDSC. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the Class B
or Class C shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in
account value above the initial purchase prices, including all shares derived
from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Class B shares are not available to full-service retirement plans administered
by Signature Services or the Life Company that had more than 100 eligible
employees at the inception of the Fund account.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining the number of
years from the time of any payment for the purchases of both Class B and Class C
shares, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been
made on the first day of the month.
31
<PAGE>
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, the calculation will be
determined in a manner that results in the lowest possible rate being charged.
It will be assumed that your redemption comes first from shares you have held
beyond the six-year CDSC redemption period for Class B or one year CDSC
redemption period for Class C, or those you acquired through dividend and
capital gain reinvestment, and next from the shares you have held the longest
during the six-year period for Class B shares. For this purpose, the amount of
any increase in a share's value above its initial purchase price is not regarded
as a share exempt from CDSC. Thus, when a share that has appreciated in value is
redeemed during the CDSC period, a CDSC is assessed only on its initial purchase
price.
When requesting a redemption for a specific dollar amount, please indicate if
you require the proceeds to equal the dollar amount requested. If not indicated,
only the specified dollar amount will be redeemed from your account and the
proceeds will be less any applicable CDSC.
Example:
You have purchased 100 shares at $10 per share. The second year after your
purchase, your investment's net asset value per share has increased by $2 to
$12, and you have gained 10 additional shares through dividend reinvestment. If
you redeem 50 shares at this time your CDSC will be calculated as follows:
oProceeds of 50 shares redeemed at $12 per shares (50 x 12) $600.00
o*Minus Appreciation ($12 - $10) x 100 shares (200.00)
o Minus proceeds of 10 shares not subject to
CDSC (dividend reinvestment) (120.00)
-------
oAmount subject to CDSC $280.00
*The appreciation is based on all 100 shares in the lot not just the shares
being redeemed.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to John Hancock Funds and are used in whole or
in part by John Hancock Funds to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the
Class B and Class C shares, such as the payment of compensation to select
Selling Brokers for selling Class B and Class C shares. The combination of the
CDSC and the distribution and service fees facilitates the ability of the Fund
to sell the Class B and Class C shares without a sales charge being deducted at
the time of the purchase.
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC will be waived on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and of Class A shares that are subject
to a CDSC, unless indicated otherwise, in the circumstances defined below:
For all account types:
* Redemptions made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate your account
if you own shares worth less than $1,000.
32
<PAGE>
* Redemptions made under certain liquidation, merger or acquisition
transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding
companies.
* Redemptions due to death or disability. (Does not apply to trust
accounts unless trust is being dissolved.)
* Redemptions made under the Reinstatement Privilege, as described
in "Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" of the Prospectus.
* Redemption of Class B (but not Class C) shares made under a periodic
withdrawal plan or redemptions for fees charged by planners or advisors
for advisory services, as long as your annual redemptions do not exceed
12% of your account value, including reinvested dividends, at the time
you established your periodic withdrawal plan and 12% of the value of
subsequent investments (less redemptions) in that account at the time
you notify Signature Services. (Please note, this waiver does not apply
to periodic withdrawal plan redemptions of Class A or Class C shares
that are subject to a CDSC.)
* Redemptions by Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch
servicing programs, if the Plan has less than $3 million in assets or
500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill
Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. See your Merrill Lynch financial
consultant for further information.
* Redemption of Class A or Class C shares by retirement plans that
invested through the PruArray Program sponsored by Prudential
Securities.
For Retirement Accounts (such as traditional, Roth and Education IRAs, SIMPLE
IRAs, SIMPLE 401(k), Rollover IRA, TSA, 457, 403(b), 401(k), Money Purchase
Pension Plan, Profit-Sharing Plan and other plans as described in the Internal
Revenue Code) unless otherwise noted.
* Redemptions made to effect mandatory or life expectancy distributions
under the Internal Revenue Code.
* Returns of excess contributions made to these plans.
* Redemptions made to effect distributions to participants or
beneficiaries from employer sponsored retirement plans under sections
401(a) (such as Money Purchase Pension Plans and Profit Sharing
Plan/401(k) Plans), 457 and 408 (SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
* Redemptions from certain IRA and retirement plans that purchased shares
prior to October 1, 1992 and certain IRA plans that purchased shares
prior to May 15, 1995.
Please see matrix for some examples.
33
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Type of 401 (a) Plan 403 (b) 457 IRA, IRA Non-
Distribution (401 (k), Rollover retirement
MPP, PSP)
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Death or Waived Waived Waived Waived Waived
Disability
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Over 70 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for 12% of account
mandatory value annually
distributions in periodic
or 12% of payments
account value
annually in
periodic
payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Between 59 1/2 Waived Waived Waived Waived for Life 12% of account
and 70 1/2 Expectancy or value annually
12% of account in periodic
value annually payments
in periodic
payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Under 59 1/2 Waived for Waived for Waived for Waived for 12% of account
(Class B only) annuity annuity annuity annuity value annually
payments (72t) payments (72t) payments (72t) payments (72t) in periodic
or 12% of or 12% of or 12% of or 12% of payments
account value account value account value account value
annually in annually in annually in annually in
periodic periodic periodic periodic
payments. payments. payments. payments.
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Loans Waived Waived N/A N/A N/A
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Termination of Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived Not Waived N/A
Plan
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Hardships Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Qualified Domestic Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
Relations Orders
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Termination of Waived Waived Waived N/A N/A
Employment Before
Normal Retirement Age
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Return of Waived Waived Waived Waived N/A
Excess
- ----------------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
If you qualify for a CDSC waiver under one of these situations, you must notify
Signature Services at the time you make your redemption. The waiver will be
granted once Signature Services has confirmed that you are entitled to the
waiver.
SPECIAL REDEMPTIONS
Although it would not normally do so, the Fund has the right to pay the
redemption price of shares of the Fund in whole or in part in portfolio
securities as prescribed by the Trustees. When the shareholder sells portfolio
securities received in this fashion, the shareholders will incur a brokerage
charge. Any such securities would be valued for the purposes of making such
payment at the same value as used in determining net asset value. The Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Under that rule, the Fund must redeem its shares for cash except to the extent
that the redemption payments to any shareholder during any 90-day period would
exceed the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value at the
beginning of such period.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
Exchange Privilege. The Fund permits exchanges of shares of any class of a fund
for shares of the same class in any other John Hancock fund offering that class.
Exchanges between funds with shares that are not subject to a CDSC are based on
their respective net asset values. No sales charge or transaction charge is
imposed. Shares of the Fund which are subject to a CDSC may be exchanged into
shares of any of the other John Hancock funds that are subject to a CDSC without
incurring the CDSC; however, the shares acquired in an exchange will be subject
to the CDSC schedule of the shares acquired if and when such shares are redeemed
(except that shares exchanged into John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund
and John Hancock Intermediate Government Fund will retain the exchanged fund's
CDSC schedule). For purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon redemption of
shares acquired in an exchange, the holding period of the original shares is
added to the holding period of the shares acquired in an exchange.
If a shareholder exchanges Class B shares purchased prior to January 1, 1994
(except John Hancock Short-Term Strategic Income Fund) for Class B shares of any
other John Hancock fund, the acquired shares will continue to be subject to the
CDSC schedule that was in effect when the exchanged shares were purchased.
The Fund reserves the right to require that previously exchanged shares (and
reinvested dividends) be in the Fund for 90 days before a shareholder is
permitted a new exchange.
The Fund may refuse any exchange order. The Fund may change or cancel its
exchange policies at any time, upon 60 days' notice to its shareholders.
An exchange of shares is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and the
purchase of shares of another for Federal Income Tax purposes. An exchange may
result in a taxable gain or loss. See "TAX STATUS".
35
<PAGE>
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. The Fund permits the establishment of a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan. Payments under this plan represent proceeds arising from the
redemption of Fund shares which may result in realization of gain or loss for
purposes of Federal, state and local income taxes. The maintenance of a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
the Fund could be disadvantageous to a shareholder because of the initial sales
charge payable on such purchases of Class A shares and the CDSC imposed on
redemptions of Class B and Class C shares and because redemptions are taxable
events. Therefore, a shareholder should not purchase shares at the same time a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan is in effect. The Fund reserves the right to modify
or discontinue the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of any shareholder on 30 days'
prior written notice to such shareholder, or to discontinue the availability of
such plan in the future. The shareholder may terminate the plan at any time by
giving proper notice to Signature Services.
Monthly Automatic Accumulation Program ("MAAP"). The program is explained in the
Prospectus. The program, as it relates to automatic investment checks, is
subject to the following conditions:
The investments will be drawn on or about the day of the month indicated.
The privilege of making investments through the MAAP may be revoked by Signature
Services without prior notice if any investment is not honored by the
shareholder's bank. The bank shall be under no obligation to notify the
shareholder as to the non-payment of any checks.
The program may be discontinued by the shareholder either by calling Signature
Services or upon written notice to Signature Services which is received at least
five (5) business days prior to the order date of any investment.
Reinstatement or Reinvestment Privilege. If Signature Services is notified prior
to reinvestment, a shareholder who has redeemed Fund shares may, within 120 days
after the date of redemption, reinvest without payment of a sales charge any
part of the redemption proceeds in shares of the same class of the Fund or
another John Hancock fund, subject to the minimum investment limit in that fund.
The proceeds from the redemption of Class A shares may be reinvested at net
asset value without paying a sales charge in Class A shares of the Fund or in
Class A shares of any John Hancock fund. If a CDSC was paid upon a redemption, a
shareholder may reinvest the proceeds from this redemption at net asset value in
additional shares of the class from which the redemption was made. The
shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any CDSC charged upon
the prior redemption and the new shares will continue to be subject to the CDSC.
The holding period of the shares acquired through reinvestment will, for
purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption, include the
holding period of the redeemed shares.
To protect the interests of other investors in the Fund, the Fund may cancel the
reinvestment privilege of any parties that, in the opinion of the Fund, are
using market timing strategies or making more than seven exchanges per owner or
controlling party per calendar year. Also, the Fund may refuse any reinvestment
request.
The Fund may change or cancel its reinvestment policies at any time.
36
<PAGE>
A redemption or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for Federal
income tax purposes even if the reinvestment privilege is exercised, and any
gain or loss realized by a shareholder on the redemption or other disposition of
Fund shares will be treated for tax purposes as described under the caption "TAX
STATUS."
Retirement plans participating in Merrill Lynch's servicing programs:
Class A shares are available at net asset value for plans with $3 million in
plan assets or 500 eligible employees at the date the Plan Sponsor signs the
Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement. If the plan does not meet either
of these limits, Class A shares are not available.
For participating retirement plans investing in Class B shares, shares will
convert to Class A shares after eight years, or sooner if the plan attains
assets of $5 million (by means of a CDSC-free redemption/purchase at net asset
value).
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND'S SHARES
The Trustees of the Trust are responsible for the management and supervision of
the Fund. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest of the Fund without
par value. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the authority to
create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without
further action by shareholders. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund and eleven series.
Additional series may be added in the future. The Declaration of Trust also
authorizes the Trustees to classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund, or
any new series of the Trust, into one or more classes. The Trustees have also
authorized the issuance of four classes of shares of the Fund, designated as
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I.
The shares of each class of the Fund represent an equal proportionate interest
in the aggregate net assets attributable to that class of the Fund. Holders of
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I shares have certain exclusive voting
rights on matters relating to their respective distribution plans. The different
classes of the Fund may bear different expenses relating to the cost of holding
shareholder meetings necessitated by the exclusive voting rights of any class of
shares.
Dividends paid by the Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be
calculated in the same manner, at the same time and on the same day and will be
in the same amount, except for differences resulting from the facts that (i) the
distribution and service fees relating to Class A, Class B and Class C will be
borne exclusively by that class, (ii) Class B and Class C shares will pay higher
distribution and service fees than Class A shares and (iii) each class of shares
will bear any class expenses properly allocable to that class of shares, subject
to the conditions the Internal Revenue Service imposes with respect to the
multiple-class structures. Similarly, the net asset value per share may vary
depending on which class of shares are purchased. No interest will be paid on
uncashed dividend or redemption checks.
In the event of liquidation, shareholders of each class are entitled to share
pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to these
shareholders. Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share, are freely
transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. When
issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
37
<PAGE>
Unless otherwise required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust, the Fund has no intention of holding annual meetings of shareholders.
Fund shareholders may remove a Trustee by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the Trust's outstanding shares and the Trustees shall promptly
call a meeting for such purpose when requested to do so in writing by the record
holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shareholders may, under certain circumstances, communicate with other
shareholders in connection with requesting a special meeting of shareholders.
However, at any time that less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
were elected by the shareholders, the Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for acts or obligations
of the Fund. However, the Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts, obligations or affairs of the
Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification out of the
Fund's assets for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally
liable for reason of being or having been a shareholder. The Declaration of
Trust also provides that no series of the Trust shall be liable for the
liabilities of any other series. Furthermore, no fund included in this Fund's
prospectus shall be liable for the liabilities of any other John Hancock Fund.
Liability is therefore limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would
be unable to meet its obligations, and the possibility of this occurrence is
remote.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any application which conflicts with the
Fund's internal policies or the policies of any regulatory authority. John
Hancock Funds does not accept starter, credit card or third party checks. All
checks returned by the post office as undeliverable will be reinvested at net
asset value in the fund or funds from which a redemption was made or dividend
paid. Information provided on the account application may be used by the Fund to
verify the accuracy of the information or for background or financial history
purposes. A joint account will be administered as a joint tenancy with right of
survivorship, unless the joint owners notify Signature Services of a different
intent. A shareholder's account is governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. For telephone transactions, the transfer agent will take measures
to verify the identity of the caller, such as asking for name, account number,
Social Security or other taxpayer ID number and other relevant information. If
appropriate measures are taken, the transfer agent is not responsible for any
losses that may occur to any account due to an unauthorized telephone call. Also
for your protection telephone transactions are not permitted on accounts whose
names or addresses have changed within the past 30 days. Proceeds from telephone
transactions can only be mailed to the address of record.
Selling activities for the Fund may not take place outside the U.S. except with
U.S. military bases, APO addresses and U.S. diplomats. Brokers of record on
Non-U.S. investors' accounts with foreign mailing addresses are required to
certify that all sales activities have occurred, and in the future will occur,
only in the U.S. A foreign corporation may purchase shares of the Fund only if
it has a U.S. mailing address.
TAX STATUS
The Fund is treated as a separate entity for accounting and tax purposes, has
qualified and elected to be treated as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
intends to continue to qualify for each taxable year. As such and by complying
with the applicable provisions of the Code regarding the sources of its income,
the timing of its distributions and the diversification of its assets, the Fund
will not be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income (including net
realized capital gains) which is distributed to shareholders in accordance with
the timing requirements of the Code.
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The Fund will be subject to a 4% nondeductible Federal excise tax on certain
amounts not distributed (and not treated as having been distributed) on a timely
basis in accordance with annual minimum distribution requirements. The Fund
intends under normal circumstances to seek to avoid or minimize liability for
such tax by satisfying such distribution requirements.
Distribution from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits ("E&P")
will be taxable under the Code for investors who are subject to tax. If these
distributions are paid from the Fund's "investment company taxable income," they
will be taxable as ordinary income; and if they are paid from the Fund's "net
capital gain" they will be taxable as long-term capital gain. (Net capital gain
is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital
loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and capital
gains, other than net capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses).
Some distributions may be paid in January but may be taxable to shareholders as
if they had been received on December 31 of the previous year. The tax treatment
described above will apply without regard to whether distributions are received
in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions, if any, in excess of E&P will constitute a return of capital
under the Code, which will first reduce an investor's federal tax basis in Fund
shares and then, to the extent such basis is exceeded, will generally give rise
to capital gains. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their
distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to
such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had
they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of
shares received in the reinvestment.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to its investments in foreign securities. Some tax
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. Because more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the close of any
taxable year will not consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations,
the Fund will be unable to pass such taxes through to shareholders, who
consequently will not include any portion of such taxes in their incomes and
will not be entitled to any associated tax credits or deductions with respect to
such taxes. The Fund will deduct the foreign taxes it pays in determining the
amount it has available for distribution to shareholders.
If the Fund invests in stock or ADRs representing stock (including an option to
acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign
corporations that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive
sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital
gain) or hold at least 50% of their asset in investments producing such passive
income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to
Federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions"
received from such companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies,
even if all income or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed
to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its
shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may be
available to ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but could require the
Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash.
These investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains
as ordinary income. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive
foreign investment companies or make an available election to minimize its tax
liability or maximize its return from these investments.
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The amount of the Fund's net realized capital gains, if any, in any given year
will vary depending upon the Adviser's current investment strategy and whether
the Adviser believes it to be in the best interest of the Fund to dispose of
portfolio securities that will generate capital gains. At the time of an
investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion of the purchase price is often
attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio or
undistributed taxable income of the Fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions
on those shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor
even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result of the
distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares, and the
distributions in reality represent a return of a portion of the purchase price.
Upon a redemption or other disposition of shares of the Fund (including by
exercise of the exchange privilege) in a transaction that is treated as a sale
for tax purposes, a shareholder will ordinarily realize a taxable gain or loss
depending upon the amount of the proceeds and the investor's basis in his
shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares
are capital assets in the shareholder's hands. A sales charge paid in purchasing
shares of the Fund cannot be taken into account for purposes of determining gain
or loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within 90 days after their
purchase to the extent shares of the Fund or another John Hancock fund are
subsequently acquired without payment of a sales charge pursuant to the
reinvestment or exchange privilege. This disregarded charge will result in an
increase in the shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently acquired.
Also, any loss realized on a redemption or exchange may be disallowed to the
extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within
a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares
are disposed of, such as pursuant to automatic dividend reinvestments. In such a
case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
Also, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period
of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect
to such shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding
their particular circumstances to determine whether a disposition of Fund shares
is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in the foregoing
discussion.
Although its present intention is to distribute, at least annually, all net
capital gain, if any, the Fund reserves the right to retain and reinvest all or
any portion of the excess, as computed for Federal income tax purposes, of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss in any year. The Fund
will not in any event distribute net capital gain realized in any year to the
extent that a capital loss is carried forward from prior years against such
gain. To the extent such excess was retained and not exhausted by the
carryforward of prior years' capital losses, it would be subject to Federal
income tax in the hands of the Fund. Upon proper designation of this amount by
the Fund, each shareholder would be treated for Federal income tax purposes as
if the Fund had distributed to him on the last day of its taxable year his pro
rata share of such excess, and he had paid his pro rata share of the taxes paid
by the Fund and reinvested the remainder in the Fund. Accordingly, each
shareholder would (a) include his pro rata share of such excess as long-term
capital gain in his return for his taxable year in which the last day of the
Fund's taxable year falls, (b) be entitled either to a tax credit on his return
for, or to a refund of, his pro rata share of the taxes paid by the Fund, and
(c) be entitled to increase the adjusted tax basis for his shares in the Fund by
the difference between his pro rata share of such excess and his pro rata share
of such taxes.
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For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
realized capital loss in any year to offset net capital gains, if any, during
the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent net
capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in Federal income
tax liability to the Fund and, as noted above, would not be distributed as such
to shareholders. As of February 28, 1999, the Fund did not have any capital loss
carryforwards.
For purposes of the dividends-received deduction available to corporations,
dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic corporations in
respect of the stock of such corporations held by the Fund, for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, for at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain
preferred stock) during a prescribed period extending before and after each such
dividend and distributed and properly designated by the Fund may be treated as
qualifying dividends. Corporate shareholders must meet the holding period
requirements stated above with respect to their shares of the Fund for each
dividend in order to qualify for the deduction and, if they have any debt that
is deemed under the Code directly attributable to such shares, may be denied a
portion of the dividends received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend,
including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining
alternative minimum tax liability, if any. Additionally, any corporate
shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its
tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for Federal income tax purposes, by
reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares, and, to
the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, that current recognition of
income would be required.
The Fund is required to accrue income on any debt securities that have more than
a de minimis amount of original issue discount (or debt securities acquired at a
market discount, if the Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently) prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the
Fund must distribute to shareholders for each taxable year substantially all of
its net income and net capital gains, including such income or gain, to qualify
as a regulated investment company and avoid liability for any federal income or
excise tax. Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities
under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may borrow cash, to
satisfy these distribution requirements.
A state income (and possibly local income and/or intangible property) tax
exemption is generally available to the extent (if any) the Fund's distributions
are derived from interest on (or, in the case of intangible property taxes, the
value of its assets is attributable to) certain U.S. Government obligations,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such obligations
and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. The Fund will not seek to satisfy
any threshold or reporting requirements that may apply in particular taxing
jurisdictions, although it may in its sole discretion provide relevant
information to shareholders.
The Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS")
all distributions to shareholders, as well as gross proceeds from the redemption
or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt recipients,
i.e., corporations and certain other investors distributions to which are exempt
from the information reporting provisions of the Code. Under the backup
withholding provisions of Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury regulations,
all such reportable distributions and proceeds may be subject to backup
withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt
shareholders who fail to
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furnish the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number and certain
certifications required by the IRS or if the IRS or a broker notifies the Fund
that the number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the
shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report
interest or dividend income. The Fund may refuse to accept an application that
does not contain any required taxpayer identification number or certification
that the number provided is correct. If the backup withholding provisions are
applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder's U.S. federal income
tax liability. Investors should consult their tax advisers about the
applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and
deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain
prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to Federal income tax law as applicable
to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates) subject to tax under such law.
The discussion does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of
investors, such as tax-exempt entities, insurance companies and financial
institutions. Dividends, capital gain distributions and ownership of or gains
realized on the redemption (including an exchange) of shares of the Fund may
also be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of ownership of
shares of, and receipt of distributions from, the Fund in their particular
circumstances.
Non-U.S. investors not engaged in a U.S. trade or business with which their
investment in the Fund is effectively connected will be subject to U.S. Federal
income tax treatment that is different from that described above. These
investors may be subject to non-resident alien withholding tax at the rate of
30% (or a lower rate under an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as
ordinary dividends from the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8, Form
W-8BEN, or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to 31% backup
withholding on certain other payments from the Fund. Non-U.S. investors should
consult their tax advisers regarding such treatment and the application of
foreign taxes to an investment in the Fund.
The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The Fund anticipates that, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company under the Code, it will also not be required to pay any
Massachusetts income tax.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE
The average annual total return on Class A shares of the Fund for the 1 year
period ended and since commencement of operations on October 2, 1995 through
February 28, 1999 was 9.87%, and 22.46%, respectively.
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Class A average annual total returns do not reflect sales charges which will be
imposed beginning July 1, 1999 and would be lower if they did.
Class B shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there
is no average annual total return on Class B shares of the Fund for the 1 year
period ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Class C shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there
is no average total return on Class C shares of the Fund for the 1 year period
ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Class I shares did not commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore, there
is no average total return on Class I shares of the Fund for the 1 year period
ended February 28, 1999 and since inception.
Total return is computed by finding the average annual compounded rate of return
over the 1 year, 5 year and 10 year periods that would equate the initial amount
invested to the ending redeemable value according to the following formula:
n ________
T = \ / ERV / P - 1
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000.
T = average annual total return.
n = number of years.
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at
the beginning of the 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year periods.
Because each class has its own sales charge and fee structure, the classes have
different performance results. In the case of Class A, Class B or Class C, this
calculation assumes the maximum sales charge when incurred is included in the
initial investment or the CDSC is applied at the end of the period,
respectively. This calculation assumes that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The
"distribution rate" is determined by annualizing the result of dividing the
declared dividends of the Fund during the period stated by the maximum offering
price or net asset value at the end of the period. Excluding the Fund's sales
charge from the distribution rate produces a higher rate. Class I shares did not
commence operations until July 1, 1999; therefore there are no performance
calculations for Class I shares but performance calculations for Class I would
not include any sales charge or distribution plan fees.
In addition to average annual total returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Cumulative total returns may be quoted as a percentage or
as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment, a series of
investments and/or a series of redemptions over any time period. Total returns
may be quoted with or without taking the Fund's sales charge on Class A shares
or the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares into account. Excluding the Fund's
sales charge on Class A shares and the CDSC on Class B or Class C shares from a
total return calculation produces a higher total return figure.
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The Fund may advertise yield, where appropriate. The Fund's yield is computed by
dividing net investment income per share determined for a 30-day period by the
maximum offering price per share (which includes the full sales charge) on the
last day of the period, according to the following standard formula:
6
Yield = 2 ( [ ( a - b ) + 1 ] - 1 )
-----
cd
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued during the period.
c = the average daily number of fund shares outstanding during
the period that would be entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period (NAV where applicable).
From time to time, in reports and promotional literature, the Fund's total
return will be compared to indices of mutual funds such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s "Lipper - Mutual Fund Performance Analysis," a monthly
publication which tracks net assets, total return and yield on mutual funds in
the United States. Ibottson and Associates, CDA Weisenberger and F.C. Towers are
also used for comparison purposes, as well as the Russell and Wilshire Indices.
Performance rankings and ratings reported periodically in national financial
publications such as MONEY Magazine, FORBES, BUSINESS WEEK, THE WALL STREET
JOURNAL, MICROPAL, INC., MORNINGSTAR, STANGER'S and BARRON'S may also be
utilized. The Fund's promotional and sales literature may make reference to the
Fund's "beta". Beta is a reflection of the market related risk of the Fund by
showing how responsive the Fund is to the market.
The performance of the Fund is not fixed or guaranteed. Performance quotations
should not be considered to be representations of performance of the Fund for
any period in the future. The performance of the Fund is a function of many
factors including its earnings, expenses and number of outstanding shares.
Fluctuating market conditions; purchases, sales and maturities of portfolio
securities; sales and redemptions of shares of beneficial interest; and changes
in operating expenses are all examples of items that can increase or decrease
the Fund's performance.
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BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
Decisions concerning the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and the
allocation of brokerage commissions are made by the Adviser pursuant to
recommendations made by an investment committee of the Adviser, which consists
of officers and directors of the Adviser and affiliates and officers and
Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund. Orders for purchases and sales
of securities are placed in a manner which, in the opinion of the Adviser, will
offer the best price and market for the execution of each such transaction.
Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities may include a commission or
commissions paid by the issuer, and transactions with dealers serving as market
makers reflect a "spread". Debt securities are generally traded on a net basis
through dealers acting for their own account as principals and not as brokers;
no brokerage commissions are payable on these transactions.
In the U.S. Government securities market, securities are generally traded on a
"net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own account without a
stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit
to the dealer. On occasion, certain money market instruments and agency
securities may be purchased directly from the issuer, in which case no
commissions or premiums are paid. In other countries, both debt and equity
securities are traded on exchanges at fixed commission rates. Commissions on
foreign transactions are generally higher than the negotiated commission rates
available in the U.S. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of foreign stock exchanges and broker-dealers than in the U.S.
The Fund's primary policy is to execute all purchases and sales of portfolio
instruments at the most favorable prices consistent with best execution,
considering all of the costs of the transaction including brokerage commissions.
This policy governs the selection of brokers and dealers and the market in which
a transaction is executed. Consistent with the foregoing primary policy, the
Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and such other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Adviser may consider
sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute the Fund's portfolio transactions.
To the extent consistent with the foregoing, the Fund will be governed in the
selection of brokers and dealers, and the negotiation of brokerage commission
rates and dealer spreads, by the reliability and quality of the services,
including primarily the availability and value of research information and, to a
lesser extent, statistical assistance furnished to the Adviser of the Fund and
their value and expected contribution to the performance of the Fund. It is not
possible to place a dollar value on information and services to be received from
brokers and dealers, since it is only supplementary to the research efforts of
the Adviser. The receipt of research information is not expected to reduce
significantly the expenses of the Adviser. The research information and
statistical assistance furnished by brokers and dealers may benefit the Life
Company or other advisory clients of the Adviser, and, conversely, brokerage
commissions and spreads paid by other advisory clients of the Adviser may result
in research information and statistical assistance beneficial to the Fund. The
Fund will not make commitments to allocate portfolio transactions upon any
prescribed basis. While the Adviser's officers will be primarily responsible for
the allocation of the Fund's brokerage business, their policies and practices in
this regard must be consistent with the foregoing and will at all times be
subject to review by the Trustees. For the fiscal years ended on February 28,
1997, 1998 and 1999, the Fund paid negotiated brokerage commissions in the
amount of $335, $9,897, and $5,371, respectively.
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As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Fund
may pay a broker which provides brokerage and research services to the Fund an
amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another broker
would have charged for effecting that transaction. This practice is subject to a
good faith determination by the Trustees that such commission is reasonable in
light of the services provided and to such policies as the Trustees may adopt
from time to time. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 1999, the Fund did not
pay commissions as compensation to any brokers for research services such as
industry, economic and company reviews and evaluations of securities.
The Adviser's indirect parent, the Life Company, is the indirect sole
shareholder of Signator Investors, Inc., a broker-dealer (until January 1, 1999,
John Hancock Distributors, Inc.) ("Signator" or "Affiliated Broker"). Pursuant
to procedures determined by the Trustees and consistent with the above policy of
obtaining best net results, the Fund may execute portfolio transactions with or
through the Affiliated Broker. During the fiscal years ended February 28, 1997,
1998 and 1999, the Fund did not execute any portfolio transactions with the
Affiliated Broker.
Signator may act as broker for the Fund on exchange transactions, subject,
however, to the general policy of the Fund set forth above and the procedures
adopted by the Trustees pursuant to the Investment Company Act. Commissions paid
to an Affiliated Broker must be at least as favorable as those which the
Trustees believe to be contemporaneously charged by other brokers in connection
with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or
sold. A transaction would not be placed with an Affiliated Broker if the Fund
would have to pay a commission rate less favorable than the Affiliated Broker's
contemporaneous charges for comparable transactions for its other most favored,
but unaffiliated, customers, except for accounts for which the Affiliated Broker
acts as clearing broker for another brokerage firm, and any customers of the
Affiliated Broker not comparable to the Fund as determined by a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act) of the Fund, the Adviser or the Affiliated Broker. Because the Adviser,
which is affiliated with the Affiliated Broker, has, as an investment adviser to
the Fund, the obligation to provide investment management services, which
include elements of research and related investment skills, such research and
related skills will not be used by the Affiliated Broker as a basis for
negotiating commissions at a rate higher than that determined in accordance with
the above criteria.
Other investment advisory clients advised by the Adviser may also invest in the
same securities as the Fund. When these clients buy or sell the same securities
at substantially the same time, the Adviser may average the transactions as to
price and allocate the amount of available investments in a manner which the
Adviser believes to be equitable to each client, including the Fund. In some
instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or
received by the Fund or the size of the position obtainable for it. On the other
hand, to the extent permitted by law, the Adviser may aggregate securities to be
sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other
clients managed by it in order to obtain best execution.
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TRANSFER AGENT SERVICES
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc., 1 John Hancock Way, Suite 1000, Boston,
MA 02217-1000, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the Life Company, is the
transfer and dividend paying agent for the Fund. Until July 1, 2000, the Fund
will pay Signature Services 0.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
After July 1, 2000, the Fund will pay Signature Services an annual fee of $19.00
for each Class A shareholder account and $21.50 for each Class B shareholder
account and $20.50 for each Class C shareholder account and 0.05% of the average
daily net assets attributable to the Class I shares. For Classes A, B and C, the
Fund also pays certain out-of-pocket expenses which are aggregated and charged
to the Fund allocated to each class on the basis of their relative net asset
value.
CUSTODY OF PORTFOLIO
Portfolio securities of the Fund are held pursuant to a custodian agreement
between the Fund and Investors Bank & Trust Company, 200 Clarendon Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Under the custodian agreement, Investors Bank &
Trust Company performs custody, portfolio and fund accounting services.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The independent auditors of the Fund are Deloitte & Touche LLP, 125 Summer
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Deloitte & Touche LLP audits and renders
opinions of the Fund's annual financial statements and reviews the Fund's annual
Federal income tax returns.
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APPENDIX A
MORE ABOUT RISK
A fund's risk profile is largely defined by the fund's primary securities and
investment practices. You may find the most concise description of the fund's
risk profile in the prospectus.
A fund is permitted to utilize -- within limits established by the trustees --
certain other securities and investment practices that have higher risks and
opportunities associated with them. To the extent that the Fund utilizes these
securities or practices, its overall performance may be affected, either
positively or negatively. On the following pages are brief definitions of
certain associated risks with them with examples of related securities and
investment practices included in brackets. See the "Investment Objective and
Policies" and "Investment Restrictions" sections of this Statement of Additional
Information for a description of this Fund's investment policies. The Fund
follows certain policies that may reduce these risks.
As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will earn income or
show a positive return over any period of time -- days, months or years.
TYPES OF INVESTMENT RISK
Correlation risk The risk that changes in the value of a hedging instrument will
not match those of the asset being hedged (hedging is the use of one investment
to offset the effects of another investment). Incomplete correlation can result
in unanticipated risks. (e.g., short sales, financial futures and options;
securities and index options, currency contracts).
Credit risk The risk that the issuer of a security, or the counterparty to a
contract, will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial
obligation. (e.g., borrowing; reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase
agreements, securities lending, non-investment-grade securities, financial
futures and options; securities and index options).
Currency risk The risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S.
dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect an investment. Adverse
changes in exchange rates may erode or reverse any gains produced by foreign
currency denominated investments and may widen any losses. (e.g., foreign
equities, financial futures and options; securities and index options, currency
contracts).
Information risk The risk that key information about a security or market is
inaccurate or unavailable. (e.g., non-investment-grade securities, foreign
equities).
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Interest rate risk The risk of market losses attributable to changes in interest
rates. With fixed-rate securities, a rise in interest rates typically causes a
fall in values, while a fall in rates typically causes a rise in values. (e.g.,
non-investment-grade securities, financial futures and options; securities and
index options).
Leverage risk Associated with securities or practices (such as borrowing) that
multiply small index or market movements into large changes in value. (e.g.,
borrowing; reverse repurchase agreements, when-issued securities and forward
commitments).
o Hedged When a derivative (a security whose value is based on another
security or index) is used as a hedge against an opposite position that the
fund also holds, any loss generated by the derivative should be
substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa.
While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or
eliminate gains. (e.g., short sales, financial futures and options
securities and index options; currency contracts).
o Speculative To the extent that a derivative is not used as a hedge, the
fund is directly exposed to the risks of that derivative. Gains or losses
from speculative positions in a derivative may be substantially greater
than the derivative's original cost. (e.g., short sales, financial futures
and options securities and index options; currency contracts).
o Liquidity risk The risk that certain securities may be difficult or
impossible to sell at the time and the price that the seller would like.
The seller may have to lower the price, sell other securities instead or
forego an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect
on fund management or performance. (e.g., non-investment-grand securities,
short sales, restricted and illiquid securities, financial futures and
options securities and index options; currency contracts).
Management risk The risk that a strategy used by a fund's management may fail to
produce the intended result. Common to all mutual funds.
Market risk The risk that the market value of a security may move up and down,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may cause a security to
be worth less than the price originally paid for it, or less than it was worth
at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry, sector of
the economy or the market as a whole. Common to all stocks and bonds and the
mutual funds that invest in them. (e.g., short sales, short-term trading,
when-issued securities and forward commitments, non-investment-grade securities,
foreign equities, financial futures and options; securities and index options
restricted and illiquid securities).
A-2
<PAGE>
Natural event risk The risk of losses attributable to natural disasters, crop
failures and similar events. (e.g., foreign equities).
Opportunity risk The risk of missing out on an investment opportunity because
the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous
investments. (e.g., short sales, when-issued securities and forward commitments;
financial futures and options; securities and index options, currency
contracts).
Political risk The risk of losses attributable to government or political
actions, from changes in tax or trade statutes to governmental collapse and
war.(e.g., foreign equities).
Valuation risk The risk that a fund has valued certain of its securities at a
higher price than it can sell them for. (e.g., non-investment-grade securities,
restricted and illiquid securities).
A-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
Moody's describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be
lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time.
Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have
speculative characteristics as well.
Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future
cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes
bonds in this class.
Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or
there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Bonds which are rated Ca represented obligations which are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
S&P describes its lower ratings for corporate bonds as follows:
Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, or CC is regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
Moody's describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
Issuers rated P-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior capacity
for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. P-1 repayment capacity will
normally be evidenced by the following characteristics: (1) leading market
positions in well-established industries; (2) high rates of return on funds
employed; (3) conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protections; (4) broad margins in earnings coverage of
fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and (5) well
established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
B-1
<PAGE>
Issuers rated P- (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced
by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings
trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation.
Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by
external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated P-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for
repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
S&P describes its three highest ratings for commercial paper as follows:
A-1. This designation indicated that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is very strong.
A-2. Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
designated A-1.
A-3. Issues carrying this designation have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B-2
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements listed below are included in the Fund's 1999 Annual
Report to Shareholder's for the year ended February 28, 1999 (filed
electronically on April 28, 1999, accession number 0001010521-99-000200) and are
included in and incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration
Statement for John Hancock Core Value Fund (file nos. 33-86102 and 811-8852).
John Hancock Institutional Series Trust
John Hancock Core Value Fund fka John Hancock Independence Value Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of February 28, 1999.
Statement of Operations for the year ended of February 28, 1999.
Statement of Changes in Net Asset for each of the two years in the
period ended February 28, 1999.
Financial Highlights for each of the five years in the period ended
February 28, 1999.
Schedule of Investments as of February 28, 1999.
Notes to Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Auditors.
F-1
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
PART C.
OTHER INFORMATION
Item. 23. Exhibits:
The exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index
hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with
Registrant.
Item. 25. Indemnification.
Indemnification provisions relating to the Registrant's Trustees, officers,
employees and agents is set forth in Article VII of the Registrant's By Laws
included as Exhibit 2 herein.
Under Section 12 of the Distribution Agreement, John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("John
Hancock Funds") has agreed to indemnify the Registrant and its Trustees,
officers and controlling persons against claims arising out of certain acts and
statements of John Hancock Funds.
Section 9(a) of the By-Laws of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("the
Insurance Company") provides, in effect, that the Insurance Company will,
subject to limitations of law, indemnify each present and former director,
officer and employee of the Insurance Company who serves as a Trustee or officer
of the Registrant at the direction or request of the Insurance Company against
litigation expenses and liabilities incurred while acting as such, except that
such indemnification does not cover any expense or liability incurred or imposed
in connection with any matter as to which such person shall be finally
adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
action was in the best interests of the Insurance Company. In addition, no such
person will be indemnified by the Insurance Company in respect of any final
adjudication unless such settlement shall have been approved as in the best
interests of the Insurance Company either by vote of the Board of Directors at a
meeting composed of directors who have no interest in the outcome of such vote,
or by vote of the policyholders. The Insurance Company may pay expenses incurred
in defending an action or claim in advance of its final disposition, but only
upon receipt of an undertaking by the person indemnified to repay such payment
if he should be determined not to be entitled to indemnification.
C-1
<PAGE>
Article IX of the respective By-Laws of JH Funds, Inc. and the Adviser
provides as follows:
Section 9.01. Indemnity: Any person made or threatened to be made a
party to any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or
was at any time since the inception of the Corporation a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was at any
time since the inception of the Corporation serving at the request of
the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise,
shall be indemnified by the Corporation against expenses (including
attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such
action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and the liability
was not incurred by reason of gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of his office, and expenses in
connection therewith may be advanced by the Corporation, all to the
full extent authorized by law.
Section 9.02. Not Exclusive; Survival of Rights: The indemnification
provided by Section 9.01 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other
right to which those indemnified may be entitled, and shall continue
as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or
agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
C-2
<PAGE>
Under the Investment Management Contracts of Registrant on behalf of
each Fund. Each of the Registrant's Investment Management Contracts
(the "Contracts") provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for
any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by
the Fund in connection with matters to which the Contract relates,
except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties
or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under
the contract. Any person, even though also employed by the Adviser,
who may be or become an employee of and paid a Fund shall be deemed,
when acting within the scope of his employment by the Fund, to be
acting in such employment solely for the Fund and not as the Adviser's
employee or agent.
Under the Sub-Investment Management Contracts. Each of the
Sub-Investment Management Contracts (the "Sub-Investment Contracts")
provides that the Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust, the
Fund or the Adviser in connection with matters to which the
Sub-Investment Contract relates, except a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the Sub-Adviser's part
in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of
its obligations and duties under the contract. Any person, even though
also employed by the Sub-Adviser, who may be or become an employee of
and paid by the Trust or the Fund shall be deemed, when acting within
the scope of his employment by the Trust or the Fund, to be acting in
such employment solely for the Trust or the Fund and not as the
Sub-Adviser's employee or agent.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be permitted to Trustees,
officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion of
its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
For all of the information required by this item reference is made to
the Forms ADV, as amended, filed under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 of the Registrant's Adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (File
No. 801-8124), and the Registrant's Sub-Advisers; Independence
Investment Associates, Inc. (File No. 801- 18048), John Hancock
Advisers International, Ltd. (File No. 801-294981) and Sovereign Asset
C-3
<PAGE>
Management Corporation (File No. 801- 420231) incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) The Registrant's sole principal underwriter is John Hancock Funds,
Inc., which also acts as principal underwriter for the following
investment companies: John Hancock Capital Series, John Hancock
Sovereign Bond Fund, John Hancock Special Equities Fund, John Hancock
Strategic Series, John Hancock Tax-Exempt Series Fund, John Hancock
World Fund, John Hancock Investment Trust II, John Hancock Investment
Trust III, John Hancock Bond Trust, John Hancock California Tax-Free
Income Fund, John Hancock Cash Reserve, Inc., John Hancock Current
Interest, John Hancock Investment Trust, John Hancock Series Trust and
John Hancock Tax-Free Bond Trust.
(b) The following table lists, for each director and officer of JH
Funds, Inc., the information indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Positions and Positions and
Name and Principal Offices with Offices with
Business Address Underwriter Registrant
- ------------------ ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Director, Chairman, Chairman and
101 Huntington Avenue and Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive
Boston, Massachusetts Officer
Foster L. Aborn Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
David F. D'Alessandro Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
William C. Fletcher Director None
53 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts
Robert H. Watts Director, Executive None
101 Huntington Avenue Vice President and
Boston, Massachusetts Chief Compliance Officer
Anne C. Hodsdon Director and President, Chief Investment
101 Huntington Avenue Executive Vice President Officer and Chief
Boston, Massachusetts Operating Officer
Maureen R. Ford Director None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
C-4
<PAGE>
Positions and Positions and
Name and Principal Offices with Offices with
Business Address Underwriter Registrant
- ------------------ ------------- --------------
James V. Bowhers President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Osbert Hood Senior Vice President, Senior Vice President
101 Huntington Avenue Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial
Boston, Massachusetts and Treasurer Officer
David A. King Director None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Peter Mawn Senior Vice President None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
John A. Morin Vice President Vice President
101 Huntington Avenue and Secretary
Boston, Massachusetts
Susan S. Newton Vice President Vice President and
101 Huntington Avenue Secretary
Boston, Massachusetts
C-5
<PAGE>
Positions and Positions and
Name and Principal Offices with Offices with
Business Address Underwriter Registrant
- ------------------ ------------- --------------
J. William Benintende Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Gary Cronin Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Kathleen M. Graveline Senior Vice President None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Renee M. Humphrey Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Stephen L. Brown Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Thomas E. Moloney Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Jeanne M. Livermore Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Richard S. Scipione Director Trustee
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
C-6
<PAGE>
Positions and Positions and
Name and Principal Offices with Offices with
Business Address Underwriter Registrant
- ------------------ ------------- --------------
Richard O. Hansen Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
John M. DeCiccio Director None
John Hancock Place
P.O. Box 111
Boston, Massachusetts
Keith Hartstein Senior Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Karen Walsh Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
Kristine Pancare Vice President None
101 Huntington Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
</TABLE>
(c) None.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Registrant maintains the records required to be maintained by it under
Rules 31a-1(a), 31a-1(b) and 31a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of
1940 at its principal executive offices at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston,
Massachusetts 02199- 7603. Certain records, including records relating to
Registrant's shareholders and the physical possession of its securities,
may be maintained pursuant to Rule 31a-3 at the main office of Registrant's
Transfer Agent or Custodian.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Registrant is not a party to any management-related service contract,
except as described in this Registration Statement.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
The Registrant undertakes:
(a) not applicable;
C-7
<PAGE>
(b) to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of
the Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders upon request and
without charge; and
(c) if requested to do so by holders of at least 10% of the outstanding
shares of the Registrant, to call and hold a meeting of shareholders of the
Registrant for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of a
trustee or trustees and to assist shareholders in the communication with
other shareholders.
C-8
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the Registrant certifies that it meets all the
requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement to Rule 485(b) to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City
of Boston, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 28th day of June, 1999.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
By: *
-------------------------------
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
Chairman
<TABLE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registration has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities
and on the dates indicated.
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* Chairman
- --------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr.
/s/ James J. Stokowski Vice President, Treasurer and June 28, 1999
- --------------------------- Chief Accounting Officer
James J. Stokowski
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Stephen L. Brown
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
James F. Carlin
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
William H. Cunningham
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Ronald R. Dion
- --------------------------- Trustee
Anne C. Hodsdon
C-9
<PAGE>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Harold R. Hiser, Jr.
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Charles L. Ladner
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Steven R. Pruchansky
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Richard S. Scipione
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
Norman H. Smith
*
- --------------------------- Trustee
John P. Toolan
*By:
/s/Susan S. Newton June 28, 1999
- ---------------------------
Susan S. Newton
Attorney-in-Fact under
Powers of Attorney dated
January 1, 1999 and March 17, 1999.
</TABLE>
C-10
<PAGE>
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES
---------------------------------
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
99.(a) Articles of Incorporation. Declaration of Trust dated
October 31, 1994.*
99.(a).1 Instrument Changing Names of Series of Shares of
Trust, Increasing the Number of Trustees and Appointing
Individuals to Fill the Vacancies, and Establishing
New Series.**
99.(a).2 Instrument Increasing the Number of Trustees and Appointing
Individual to Fill the Vacancy.****
99.(a).3 Instrument Changing Names of Series of Shares of the
Trust dated December 3, 1997.******
99.(a).4 Abolition of John Hancock Global Fund dated
February 26, 1999.*******
99.(a).5 Instrument changing Name of a Series of Shares of the Trust from
John Hancock Multi-Sector Growth Fund to John Hancock Medium
Capitalization Growth Fund dated April 27, 1999.+
99.(a).6 Amendment of Section 5.11 to establish the following Series:
John Hancock Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II, John
Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization Fund, John Hancock
Independence Balanced Fund, John Hancock Active Bond Fund, John
Hancock Dividend Performers Fund, John Hancock International
Equity Fund, John Hancock Medium Capitalization Growth Fund,
John Hancock Small Capitalization Growth Fund, and John Hancock
Small Capitalization Value Fund, each consisting of a single
class of shares: John Hancock Core Growth Fund and John Hancock
Core Value Fund, each consisting of Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class I Shares (The "Existing Series") dated
April 27, 1999.+
99.(a).7 Instrument designation of existing Class of Shares,
establishment and Designation of New Class B, Class C and Class
I Shares, Change of Names of two Series of Shares of Beneficial
Interest of John Hancock Independence Growth Fund and John
Hancock Independence Value Fund each a Series of John Hancock
Institutional Trust.+
99.(b) By laws. Amended and Restated By-Laws dated
November 19, 1996.*****
99.(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Securities Holders. See exhibits
99.(a) and 99.(b).
99.(d) Investment Advisory Contracts. Investment Management Contracts
between John Hancock Advisers, Inc. and the Registrant on behalf
of John Hancock Berkeley Bond Fund, John Hancock Berkeley Sector
Opportunity Fund, John Hancock Independence Diversified Core
Equity Fund II, John Hancock Berkeley Dividend Performers Fund,
John Hancock Berkeley Global Bond Fund, John Hancock Berkeley
Fundamental Value Fund, John Hancock Berkeley Overseas Growth
Fund.*
99.(d).1 Sub-Investment Management Contracts among the
Registrant on behalf of John Hancock Independence
Diversified Core Equity Fund II and John Hancock
Independence Balanced Fund, John Hancock Advisers,
Inc., and Independence Investment Associates, Inc.*
99.(d).2 Sub-Investment Management Contract among the Registrant
on behalf of John Hancock Berkeley Dividend Performers
Fund, John Hancock Advisers, Inc., and Sovereign Asset
Management Corporation.*
99.(d).3 Sub-Investment Management Contact among the Registrant
on behalf of John Hancock Berkeley Overseas Growth
Fund, John Hancock Advisers, Inc., and John Hancock
Advisers International, Ltd.*
99.(d).4 Sub-Investment Management Contract among the Registrant
on behalf of John Hancock Berkeley Fundamental Value
Fund, John Hancock Advisers, Inc., and NM Capital
Management, Inc.*
C-11
<PAGE>
99.(d).5 Investment Management Contracts between John Hancock
Advisers, Inc. and the Registrant on behalf of John
Hancock Independence Value Fund, John Hancock Independence
Growth Fund, John Hancock Independence Balanced Fund, John
Hancock Small Capitalization Equity Fund, and John Hancock
Independence Medium Capitalization Fund.***
99.(d).6 Sub-Investment Management Contract among the Registrant on
behalf of John Hancock Independence Value Fund, John Hancock
Independence Medium Capitalization Fund, and John Hancock
Independence Growth Fund, John Hancock Advisers, Inc., and
Independence Investment Associates, Inc.***
99.(e) Underwriting Contracts. Distribution Agreement between the
Registrant and John Hancock Funds, Inc. dated January 30, 1995.*
99.(e).1 Amendment to Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and
John Hancock Funds, Inc. dated December 11, 1995.***
99.(e).2 Distribution Plans between the Registrant and John Hancock Funds
for John Hancock Core Growth Fund Classes A, B and C dated
July 1, 1999.+
99.(e).3 Distribution Plans between the Registrant and John Hancock
Funds for John Hancock Core Value Fund Classes A, B and C dated
July 1, 1999.+
99.(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. Not Applicable.
99.(g) Custodian Agreements. Master Custodian Agreement between John
Hancock Mutual Funds and Investors Bank and Trust Company. *
99.(g).1 Master Custodian Agreement between John Hancock Mutual
Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company.*
99.(g).2 Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement between
Registrant on behalf of John Hancock Berkeley Global
Bond Fund and John Hancock Berkeley Overseas Growth
Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company.*
99.(g).3 Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement between
Registrant on behalf of John Hancock Berkeley Dividend
Performers Fund, John Hancock Berkeley Bond Fund, John
Hancock Berkeley Fundamental Value Fund, John Hancock
Berkeley Sector Opportunity Fund, John Hancock
Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II, John
Hancock Independence Value Fund, John Hancock
Independence Growth Fund, John Hancock Independence
Medium Capitalization Fund and John Hancock
Independence Balanced Fund and Investors Bank and Trust
Company.*
99.(g).4 Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement between Registrant
on behalf of John Hancock Small Capitalization Fund and
Investors Bank and Trust Company.***
99.(g).5 Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between John
Hancock Mutual Funds for John Hancock International Equity Fund
and State Street Bank and Trust Company dated
March 9, 1999.*******
99.(g).6 Amended and Restated Master Custodian Agreement between John
Hancock Mutual Funds for John Hancock Dividend Performers Fund,
John Hancock Active Bond Fund, John Hancock Small Capitalization
Growth Fund, John Hancock Independence Core Equity Fund II, John
Hancock Independence Value Fund, John Hancock Independence
Growth Fund, John Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization
Fund and John Hancock Balanced Fund and Investors Bank and Trust
Company dated March 9, 1999.*******
99.(h) Other Material Contracts. Transfer Agency and Service
Agreement between the Registrant and John Hancock Investor
Services Corporation dated January 30, 1995.*
99.(h).1 Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the
Registrant and John Hancock Investor Services Corporation dated
December 11, 1995.***
99.(h).2 Accounting and Legal Services Agreement between John Hancock
Advisers, Inc. and Registrant as of January 1, 1996.****
99.(i) Legal Opinion. Legal Opinion with respect to the
Registrant.*******
C-12
<PAGE>
99.(j) Other Opinions.+
99.(k) Omitted Financial Statements. Not Applicable.
99.(l) Initial Capital Agreement Subscription agreement between
Registrant and John Hancock Advisers, Inc. dated
January 12, 1995.*
99.(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans. None
99.(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan. John Hancock Funds Class A, Class B, Class C
and Class I Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 for John
Hancock Core Growth Fund and John Hancock Core Value Fund.+
* Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 1
(file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on September 8, 1995, accession
number 0000950135-95-001879.
** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 2
(file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on September 25, 1995, accession
number 0000950135-95-001978.
*** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 4
(file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on January 5, 1996, accession number
0000950135-96-000075.
**** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 5
(file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on June 24, 1996, accession number
0001010521-96-000102.
***** Previously Filed electronically with post-effective amendment number 7
file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on April 30, 1997, accession number
0001010521-97-000281.
****** Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number
8 file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102 on April 29, 1998, accession number
0001010521-98-000241.
******* Previously filed electronically with post-effective amendment number
9 (file nos. 811-8852 and 33-86102) on April 27, 1999, accession number
0001010521-99-000192.
+ Filed herewith.
C-13
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
John Hancock Multi-Sector Growth Fund
Change of Name of a Series of Shares
------------------------------------
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of John Hancock
Institutional Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), hereby
amend the Trust's Declaration of Trust dated October 31, 1994, as amended from
time to time, to the extent necessary to reflect the change of the name of John
Hancock Multi-Sector Growth Fund to John Hancock Medium Capitalization Growth
Fund.
The Declaration of Trust is hereby amended to the extent necessary to
reflect the change of name of a series of shares, effective July 1, 1999.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
set forth in the Declaration of Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument on
the 27th day of April 1999.
/s/Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. /s/Charles L. Ladner
- -------------------------- --------------------
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Charles L. Ladner
/s/Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
Stephen L. Brown Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
/s/James F. Carlin /s/Steven R. Pruchansky
- ------------------ -----------------------
James F. Carlin Steven R. Pruchansky
/s/Richard S. Scipione
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
William H. Cunningham Richard S. Scipione
/s/Ronald R. Dion
- ----------------- -----------------------
Ronald R. Dion Norman H. Smith
/s/Harold R. Hiser, Jr. /s/John P. Toolan
- ----------------------- -----------------
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. John P. Toolan
- ---------------------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
<PAGE>
The Declaration of Trust, a copy of which, together with all amendments
thereto, is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust or any Series thereof shall be subject to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person, other than to the Trust or its shareholders, in
connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only that
arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his/her duties with respect to such Person; and all such Persons
shall look solely to the Trust Property, or to the Trust Property of one or more
specific Series of the Trust if the claim arises from the conduct of such
Trustee, officer, employee or agent with respect to only such Series, for
satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of
the Trust.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS )
)ss
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
Then personally appeared the above-named Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., James
F. Carlin, Ronald R. Dion, Harold R. Hiser, Jr., Charles L. Ladner, Leo E.
Linbeck, Jr., Steven R. Pruchansky, Richard S. Scipione, and John P. Toolan, who
acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his or her free act and deed, before
me, this 27th day of April, 1999.
/s/Ann Marie White
------------------
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 10/20/00
s:\dectrust\amendmts\Institutional/MultiSectorGrowthNameChange.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
Amendment of Section 5.11
-------------------------
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of John Hancock
Institutional Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), acting
pursuant to Section 8.3 of the Declaration of Trust dated October 31, 1994, as
amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"), do hereby amend Section
5.11 as follows:
1. Section 5.11 (a) shall be deleted and replaced with the
following:
Without limiting the authority of the Trustees set forth in
Section 5.1 to establish and designate any further Series or
Classes, the Trustees hereby establish the following Series:
John Hancock Independence Diversified Core Equity Fund II,
John Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization Fund, John
Hancock Independence Balanced Fund, John Hancock Active Bond
Fund, John Hancock Dividend Performers Fund, John Hancock
International Equity Fund, John Hancock Medium Capitalization
Growth Fund, John Hancock Small Capitalization Growth Fund,
and John Hancock Small Capitalization Value Fund, each
consisting of a single class of shares; and John Hancock Core
Growth Fund and John Hancock Core Value Fund, each consisting
of Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class I Shares (the
"Existing Series").
The Declaration of Trust is hereby amended to the extent necessary to
reflect the amendment of Section 5.11, effective July 1, 1999.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
set forth in the Declaration of Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument on
the 27th day of April 1999.
<PAGE>
/s/Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. /s/Charles L. Ladner
- -------------------------- --------------------
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Charles L. Ladner
/s/Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
Stephen L. Brown Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
/s/James F. Carlin /s/Steven R. Pruchansky
- ------------------ -----------------------
James F. Carlin Steven R. Pruchansky
/s/Richard S. Scipione
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
William H. Cunningham Richard S. Scipione
/s/Ronald R. Dion
- ----------------- ----------------------
Ronald R. Dion Norman H. Smith
/s/Harold R. Hiser, Jr. /s/John P. Toolan
- ----------------------- -----------------
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. John P. Toolan
- ---------------------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
The Declaration of Trust, a copy of which, together with all amendments
thereto, is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust or any Series thereof shall be subject to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person, other than to the Trust or its shareholders, in
connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only that
arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his/her duties with respect to such Person; and all such Persons
shall look solely to the Trust Property, or to the Trust Property of one or more
specific Series of the Trust if the claim arises from the conduct of such
Trustee, officer, employee or agent with respect to only such Series, for
satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of
the Trust.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS )
)ss
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
Then personally appeared the above-named Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., James F.
Carlin, Ronald R. Dion, Harold R. Hiser, Jr., Charles L. Ladner, Leo E. Linbeck,
Jr., Steven R. Pruchansky, Richard S. Scipione, and John P. Toolan, who
acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his or her free act and deed, before
me, this 27th day of April, 1999.
/s/Ann Marie White
------------------
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 10/20/00
s:\dectrust\amendmts\Institutional\AmendmentofSection5.11.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
John Hancock Independence Growth Fund
John Hancock Independence Value Fund
Designation of Existing Class of Shares
Establishment and Designation of New Class B, Class C and Class I Shares
Change of Names of Two Series of Shares
of Beneficial Interest of
John Hancock Independence Growth Fund
and John Hancock Independence Value Fund
each a Series of John Hancock Institutional Series Trust
Designation of Existing Class of Shares as Class A Shares
Establishment and Designation of New Class B, Class C and Class I Shares
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of John Hancock
Institutional Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), acting
pursuant to Sections 5.1 and 5.11 of the Declaration of Trust dated October 31,
1994, as amended from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"), do hereby
designate the existing class of shares and establish and designate additional
classes of shares of John Hancock Independence Growth Fund and John Hancock
Independence Value Fund (each the "Fund") as follows:
1. The existing class of shares is hereby designated as Class A Shares.
2. The additional classes of Shares of the Fund established and designated
hereby are "Class B Shares", "Class C Shares" and "Class I Shares".
3. Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares shall be entitled to
all of the rights and preferences accorded to Shares under the
Declaration of Trust.
4. The purchase price of Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class I
Shares, the method of determining the net asset value of Class B
Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares, and the relative dividend
rights of holders of Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class I Shares
shall be established by the Trustees of the Trust in accordance with
the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and shall be as set forth in
the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the Fund
included in the Trust's Registration Statement, as amended from time to
time, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and/or the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
<PAGE>
Change of Names of Two Series of Shares
---------------------------------------
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of John Hancock
Institutional Series Trust, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), hereby
amend the Trust's Declaration of Trust dated October 31, 1994, as amended from
time to time, to the extent necessary to reflect the change of the names of John
Hancock Independence Growth Fund to John Hancock Core Growth Fund and John
Hancock Independence Value Fund to John Hancock Core Value Fund.
The Declaration of Trust is hereby amended to the extent necessary to
reflect the designation of the existing class of shares as Class A Shares, the
establishment and designation of new Class B, Class C, and Class I Shares, and
the change of names of two series of shares, effective July 1, 1999.
Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
set forth in the Declaration of Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument on
the 27th day of April 1999.
/s/Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. /s/Charles L. Ladner
- -------------------------- --------------------
Edward J. Boudreau, Jr. Charles L. Ladner
/s/Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
Stephen L. Brown Leo E. Linbeck, Jr.
/s/James F. Carlin /s/Steven R. Pruchansky
- ------------------ -----------------------
James F. Carlin Steven R. Pruchansky
/s/Richard S. Scipione
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
William H. Cunningham Richard S. Scipione
/s/Ronald R. Dion
- ----------------- ----------------------
Ronald R. Dion Norman H. Smith
/s/Harold R. Hiser, Jr. /s/John P. Toolan
- ----------------------- -----------------
Harold R. Hiser, Jr. John P. Toolan
- ---------------------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
<PAGE>
The Declaration of Trust, a copy of which, together with all amendments
thereto, is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust or any Series thereof shall be subject to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person, other than to the Trust or its shareholders, in
connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only that
arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his/her duties with respect to such Person; and all such Persons
shall look solely to the Trust Property, or to the Trust Property of one or more
specific Series of the Trust if the claim arises from the conduct of such
Trustee, officer, employee or agent with respect to only such Series, for
satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection with the affairs of
the Trust.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS )
)ss
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
Then personally appeared the above-named Edward J. Boudreau, Jr., James
F. Carlin, Ronald R. Dion, Harold R. Hiser, Jr., Charles L. Ladner, Leo E.
Linbeck, Jr., Steven R. Pruchansky, Richard S. Scipione, and John P. Toolan, who
acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his or her free act and deed, before
me, this 27th day of April, 1999.
/s/Ann Marie White
------------------
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 10/20/00
s:\dectrust\amendmts\Institutional\establish classes Ind Growth & Value
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
Distribution Plan
Class A Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on
behalf of its Class A shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class A
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995,
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class A shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class A shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class A shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class A shares of the Fund
and (d) distribution expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of a
corresponding class of any open-end, registered investment company which sells
all or substantially all of its assets to the Fund or which merges or otherwise
combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of, account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class A shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 0.30% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
service expenses shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine. In the event JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for
payments made or other expenses incurred by it under this Plan, such expenses
will not be carried beyond one year from the date such expenses were incurred.
Any fees paid to JH Funds under this Plan during any fiscal year of the Fund and
not expended or allocated by JH Funds for actual or budgeted Distribution
Expenses and Service Expenses during such fiscal year will be promptly returned
to the Fund.
Article IV. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Fund and its
investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall bear the
respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract, dated September 27, 1995, as from time to time continued and amended
(the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus as it is
from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Plan, the
Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in financing any activity which
is primarily intended to or should reasonably result in the sale of shares of
the Fund.
Article V. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
<PAGE>
Article VI. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article V.
Article VII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Service Expenses pursuant to this Plan
and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article VIII. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class A shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article IX. Agreements
Each agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding voting Class A shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminat automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article X. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class A shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article V.
Article XI. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Growth Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\coregrowth\12b1planA.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
Distribution Plan
Class B Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on
behalf of its Class B shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class B
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class B shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class B shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class B shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class B shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class B shares of the Fund,
(d) interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses related to Class B
shares, as described in Article IV and (e) distribution expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of a corresponding class of any open-end,
registered investment company which sells all or substantially all its assets to
the Fund or which merges or otherwise combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class B shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 1.00% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class B shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
Service Expenses, shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class B shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine.
Article IV. Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
In the event that JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments made or
expenses incurred by it as contemplated hereunder, in any fiscal year, JH Funds
shall be entitled to carry forward such expenses to subsequent fiscal years for
submission to the Class B shares of the Fund for payment, subject always to the
annual maximum expenditures set forth in Article III hereof; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit or limit the Trustees from terminating this
Plan and all payments hereunder at any time pursuant to Article IX hereof.
Article V. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Trust, the Fund
and its investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall
bear the respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract between them, dated September 27, 1995 as from time to time continued
and amended (the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus
as it is from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this
Plan, the Trust and the Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in
financing any activity which is primarily intended to or should reasonably
result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
Article VI. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
<PAGE>
Article VII. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article VI.
Article VIII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Services Expenses pursuant to this
Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article IX. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class B shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article X. Agreements
Each Agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding Class B shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article XI. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class B shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article VII.
Article XII. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Growth Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\coregrowth\12b1planB.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
Distribution Plan
Class C Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Growth Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on
behalf of its Class C shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class C
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class C shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class C shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class C shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class C shares of the Fund,
(d) interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses related to Class C
shares, as described in Article IV and (e) distribution expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of a corresponding class of any open-end,
registered investment company which sells all or substantially all its assets to
the Fund or which merges or otherwise combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class C shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 1.00% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class C shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
Service Expenses, shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class C shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine.
Article IV. Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
In the event that JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments made or
expenses incurred by it as contemplated hereunder, in any fiscal year, JH Funds
shall be entitled to carry forward such expenses to subsequent fiscal years for
submission to the Class C shares of the Fund for payment, subject always to the
annual maximum expenditures set forth in Article III hereof; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit or limit the Trustees from terminating this
Plan and all payments hereunder at any time pursuant to Article IX hereof.
Article V. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Trust, the Fund
and its investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall
bear the respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract between them, dated September 27, 1995 as from time to time continued
and amended (the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus
as it is from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this
Plan, the Trust and the Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in
financing any activity which is primarily intended to or should reasonably
result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
Article VI. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
<PAGE>
Article VII. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article VI.
Article VIII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Services Expenses pursuant to this
Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article IX. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class C shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article X. Agreements
Each Agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding Class C shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article XI. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class C shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article VII.
Article XII. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Growth Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE GROWTH FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
----------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-----------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\coregrowth\12b1planC.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
Distribution Plan
Class A Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on behalf
of its Class A shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class A
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995,
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class A shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class A shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class A shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class A shares of the Fund
and (d) distribution expenses incurred in connection with the distribution of a
corresponding class of any open-end, registered investment company which sells
all or substantially all of its assets to the Fund or which merges or otherwise
combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of, account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class A shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 0.30% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
service expenses shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine. In the event JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for
payments made or other expenses incurred by it under this Plan, such expenses
will not be carried beyond one year from the date such expenses were incurred.
Any fees paid to JH Funds under this Plan during any fiscal year of the Fund and
not expended or allocated by JH Funds for actual or budgeted Distribution
Expenses and Service Expenses during such fiscal year will be promptly returned
to the Fund.
Article IV. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Fund and its
investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall bear the
respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract, dated September 27, 1995, as from time to time continued and amended
(the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus as it is
from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this Plan, the
Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in financing any activity which
is primarily intended to or should reasonably result in the sale of shares of
the Fund.
Article V. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees"); and (c) a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting Class A securities, as such term may be from time
to time defined under the Act.
<PAGE>
Article VI. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article V (a) and (b).
Article VII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Service Expenses pursuant to this Plan
and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article VIII. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class A shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article IX. Agreements
Each agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding voting Class A shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article X. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class A shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article V.
Article XI. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Value Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\corevalue\12b1planA.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
Distribution Plan
Class B Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on behalf
of its Class B shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class B
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class B shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class B shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class B shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class B shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class B shares of the Fund,
(d) interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses related to Class B
shares, as described in Article IV and (e) distribution expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of a corresponding class of any open-end,
registered investment company which sells all or substantially all its assets to
the Fund or which merges or otherwise combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class B shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 1.00% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class B shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
Service Expenses, shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class B shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine.
Article IV. Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
In the event that JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments made or
expenses incurred by it as contemplated hereunder, in any fiscal year, JH Funds
shall be entitled to carry forward such expenses to subsequent fiscal years for
submission to the Class B shares of the Fund for payment, subject always to the
annual maximum expenditures set forth in Article III hereof; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit or limit the Trustees from terminating this
Plan and all payments hereunder at any time pursuant to Article IX hereof.
Article V. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Trust, the Fund
and its investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall
bear the respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract between them, dated September 27, 1995 as from time to time continued
and amended (the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus
as it is from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this
Plan, the Trust and the Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in
financing any activity which is primarily intended to or should reasonably
result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
Article VI. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
<PAGE>
Article VII. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article VI.
Article VIII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Services Expenses pursuant to this
Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article IX. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class B shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article X. Agreements
Each Agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding Class B shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article XI. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class B shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article VII.
Article XII. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Value Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\corevalue\12b1planB.doc
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST
- JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
Distribution Plan
Class C Shares
July 1, 1999
Article I. This Plan
This Distribution Plan (the "Plan") sets forth the terms and conditions
on which John Hancock Institutional Series Trust (the "Trust") on behalf of John
Hancock Core Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series portfolio of the Trust, on behalf
of its Class C shares, will, after the effective date hereof, pay certain
amounts to John Hancock Funds, Inc. ("JH Funds") in connection with the
provision by JH Funds of certain services to the Fund and its Class C
shareholders, as set forth herein. Certain of such payments by the Fund may,
under Rule 12b-1 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time
amended (the "Rule"), under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Act"), be deemed to constitute the financing of distribution by the Fund of its
shares. This Plan describes all material aspects of such financing as
contemplated by the Rule and shall be administered and interpreted, and
implemented and continued, in a manner consistent with the Rule. The Fund and JH
Funds heretofore entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated January 30, 1995
(the "Agreement"), the terms of which, as heretofore and from time to time
continued, are incorporated herein by reference.
Article II. Distribution and Service Expenses
The Fund shall pay to JH Funds a fee in the amount specified in Article
III hereof. Such fee may be spent by JH Funds on any activities or expenses
primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares of the Fund,
including, but not limited to the payment of Distribution Expenses (as defined
below) and Service Expenses (as defined below). Distribution Expenses include
but are not limited to, (a) initial and ongoing sales compensation out of such
fee as it is received by JH Funds or other broker-dealers ("Selling Brokers")
that have entered into an agreement with JH Funds for the sale of Class C shares
of the Fund, (b) direct out-of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
distribution of Class C shares of the Fund, including expenses related to
printing of prospectuses and reports to other than existing Class C shareholders
of the Fund, and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and
advertising materials, (c) an allocation of overhead and other branch office
expenses of JH Funds related to the distribution of Class C shares of the Fund,
(d) interest expenses on unreimbursed distribution expenses related to Class C
shares, as described in Article IV and (e) distribution expenses incurred in
connection with the distribution of a corresponding class of any open-end,
registered investment company which sells all or substantially all its assets to
the Fund or which merges or otherwise combines with the Fund.
<PAGE>
Service Expenses include payments made to, or on account of account
executives of selected broker-dealers (including affiliates of JH Funds) and
others who furnish personal and shareholder account maintenance services to
Class C shareholders of the Fund.
Article III. Maximum Expenditures
The expenditures to be made by the Fund pursuant to this Plan, and the
basis upon which such expenditures will be made, shall be determined by the
Fund, and in no event shall such expenditures exceed 1.00% of the average daily
net asset value of the Class C shares of the Fund (determined in accordance with
the Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information ("prospectus") as
from time to time in effect) on an annual basis to cover Distribution Expenses
and Service Expenses, provided that the portion of such fee used to cover
Service Expenses, shall not exceed an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
daily net asset value of the Class C shares of the Fund. Such expenditures shall
be calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other intervals as
the Trustees shall determine.
Article IV. Unreimbursed Distribution Expenses
In the event that JH Funds is not fully reimbursed for payments made or
expenses incurred by it as contemplated hereunder, in any fiscal year, JH Funds
shall be entitled to carry forward such expenses to subsequent fiscal years for
submission to the Class C shares of the Fund for payment, subject always to the
annual maximum expenditures set forth in Article III hereof; provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit or limit the Trustees from terminating this
Plan and all payments hereunder at any time pursuant to Article IX hereof.
Article V. Expenses Borne by the Fund
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Trust, the Fund
and its investment adviser, John Hancock Advisers, Inc. (the "Adviser"), shall
bear the respective expenses to be borne by them under the Investment Management
Contract between them, dated September 27, 1995 as from time to time continued
and amended (the "Management Contract"), and under the Fund's current prospectus
as it is from time to time in effect. Except as otherwise contemplated by this
Plan, the Trust and the Fund shall not, directly or indirectly, engage in
financing any activity which is primarily intended to or should reasonably
result in the sale of shares of the Fund.
Article VI. Approval by Trustees, etc.
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved, together
with any related agreements, by votes, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreements, of a majority (or
whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be required by Section 12(b)
of the Act or the rules and regulations thereunder) of (a) all of the Trustees
of the Fund and (b) those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons"
of the Fund, as such term may be from time to time defined under the Act, and
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements related to it (the "Independent Trustees").
<PAGE>
Article VII. Continuance
This Plan and any related agreements shall continue in effect for so
long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in advance
in the manner provided for the approval of this Plan in Article VI.
Article VIII. Information
JH Funds shall furnish the Fund and its Trustees quarterly, or at such
other intervals as the Fund shall specify, a written report of amounts expended
or incurred for Distribution Expenses and Services Expenses pursuant to this
Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made and such other
information as the Trustees may request.
Article IX. Termination
This Plan may be terminated (a) at any time by vote of a majority of
the Trustees, a majority of the Independent Trustees, or a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting Class C shares, or (b) by JH Funds on 60 days' notice
in writing to the Fund.
Article X. Agreements
Each Agreement with any person relating to implementation of this Plan
shall be in writing, and each agreement related to this Plan shall provide:
(a) That, with respect to the Fund, such agreement may be
terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's then outstanding Class C shares.
(b) That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Article XI. Amendments
This Plan may not be amended to increase the maximum amount of the fees
payable by the Fund hereunder without the approval of a majority of the
outstanding voting Class C shares of the Fund. No material amendment to the Plan
shall, in any event, be effective unless it is approved in the same manner as is
provided for approval of this Plan in Article VII.
Article XII. Limitation of Liability
The names "John Hancock Institutional Series Trust" and "John Hancock
Core Value Fund" are the designations of the Trustees under the Declaration of
Trust, dated October 31, 1994, as amended from time to time. The Declaration of
Trust has been filed with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The obligations of the Trust and the Fund are not personally
binding upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the
Trustees, shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, but only the
Fund's property shall be bound. No series of the Trust shall be responsible for
the obligations of any other series of the Trust.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Fund has executed this Distribution Plan
effective as of the 1st day of July, 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts.
JOHN HANCOCK INSTITUTIONAL SERIES TRUST --
JOHN HANCOCK CORE VALUE FUND
By: /s/Anne C. Hodsdon
----------------------
Anne C. Hodsdon
President
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS, INC.
By: /s/James V. Bowhers
-----------------------
James V. Bowhers
President
s:\funds\institnl\corevalue\12b1planC.doc
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference into the Prospectuses and
Statements of Additional Information in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to
the Registration Statement (1933 Act File No. 33-86102) of John Hancock
Institutional Series Trust of our reports each dated April 2, 1999 on the
financial statements and financial highlights included in the Annual Reports to
Shareholders of John Hancock Active Bond Fund, John Hancock Dividend Performers
Fund, John Hancock Medium Capitalization Growth Fund (formerly John Hancock
Multi-Sector Growth Fund), John Hancock Small Capitalization Growth Fund, John
Hancock Small Capitalization Value Fund, John Hancock International Equity Fund,
John Hancock Independence Balanced Fund, John Hancock Core Value Fund (formerly
John Hancock Independence Value Fund), John Hancock Diversified Core Equity Fund
II, John Hancock Core Growth Fund (formerly John Hancock Independence Growth
Fund), John Hancock Independence Medium Capitalization Fund.
We further consent to the references to our firm under the headings "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectuses and "Independent Auditors" in the Statements of
Additional Information.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
-------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
June 25, 1999
John Hancock Funds
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class I
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
Each class of shares of each of the John Hancock Funds listed in Appendix A
attached hereto (each the "Fund") will have the same relative rights and
privileges and be subject to the same sales charges, fees and expenses, except
as set forth below. The Board of Trustees/Directors, as the case may be, may
determine in the future that other allocations of expenses (whether ordinary or
extraordinary) or other services to be provided to a class of shares are
appropriate and amend this Plan accordingly without the approval of shareholders
of any class. Except as set forth in the Fund's prospectus and statement of
additional information ("prospectus"), shares may be exchanged only for shares
of the same class of another fund in the John Hancock group of funds.
Class A Shares
Class A Shares are sold at net asset value and subject to the initial sales
charge schedule or contingent deferred sales charge and the minimum purchase
requirements set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class A Shares are subject to
fees under the Fund's Class A Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan on the terms set
forth in the Fund's prospectus. The Class A Shareholders have exclusive voting
rights, if any, with respect to the Class A Distribution Plan. Class A Shares
shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the
Fund's prospectus with respect to Class A Shares.
Class A Shares will convert to Class I Shares at any time after the initial date
that Class A Shares commenced operations upon shareholder request if the
requesting shareholder meets the criteria for investment in Class I Shares as
set forth in the Fund's Class I prospectus. The conversion of Class A Shares to
Class I Shares may be suspended if it is determined that the conversion
constitutes or is likely to constitute a taxable event under federal income tax
law.
Class B Shares
Class B Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the imposition of
an initial sales charge. However, Class B shares redeemed within a specified
number of years of purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge as set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class B Shares are sold subject to
the minimum purchase requirements set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class B
Shares are subject to fees under the Class B Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan on the
terms set forth in the Fund's prospectus. The Class B Shareholders of the Fund
have exclusive voting rights, if any, with respect to the Fund's Class B
Distribution Plan. Class B Shares shall be entitled to the shareholder services
set forth from time to time in the Fund's prospectus with respect to Class B
Shares.
Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the Fund at the
end of a specified number of years after the initial purchase date of Class B
shares, except as provided in the Fund's prospectus. The initial purchase date
for Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends on Class B Shares
will be deemed to be the date on which the original Class B shares were
purchased. Such conversion will occur at the relative net asset value per share
of each class. Redemption requests placed by shareholders who own both Class A
and Class B Shares of the Fund will be satisfied first by redeeming the
shareholder's Class A Shares, unless the shareholder has made a specific
election to redeem Class B Shares.
<PAGE>
The conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares may be suspended if it is
determined that the conversion constitutes or is likely to constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law.
Class C Shares
Class C Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the imposition of
an initial sales charge. However, Class C shares redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge as set forth in
the Fund's prospectus. Class C Shares are sold subject to the minimum purchase
requirements set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class C Shares are subject to
fees under the Class C Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan on the terms set forth in
the Fund's prospectus. The Class C Shareholders of the Fund have exclusive
voting rights, if any, with respect to the Fund's Class C Distribution Plan.
Class C Shares shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time
to time in the Fund's prospectus with respect to Class C Shares.
Class I Shares
Class I Shares are sold at net asset value and are not subject to an initial
sales charge schedule or contingent deferred sales charge but are subject to the
minimum purchase requirements set forth in the Fund's prospectus. Class I Shares
are not subject to Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees. Class I Shares
shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the
Fund's prospectus with respect to Class I Shares.
s:\agrcont\plans\multicla\4clsplan.doc
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
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John Hancock Institutional Series Trust
- John Hancock Core Growth Fund
- John Hancock Core Value Fund
