UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Amendment No. __________)
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Under §240.14a-12 |
JOHN HANCOCK HEDGED EQUITY & INCOME FUND
(Name of
Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s)
Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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We need your input on an important proposal that affects your investment.
A message to shareholders
You are invited to attend your fund’s annual shareholder meeting. The meeting
will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at
2:00 p.m., Eastern time, at the offices of John Hancock Investment Management, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02116.
Election of Trustees: your vote
matters
As part of that meeting, you are being asked to vote on a
proposal regarding the election of the Trustees who oversee the funds in which you are a shareholder. Your fund’s Trustees play an important oversight role, monitoring
both performance and fees on your behalf.
If you are not able to
attend the meeting in person, I encourage you to vote today by proxy. The enclosed proxy statement
describes the proposal to elect five Trustees. Each of the nominees currently serves as a John Hancock fund Trustee, and four of the five nominees are independent of John
Hancock’s management. Your proxy statement includes a brief description of each nominee’s background.
Three ways you can vote today
By submitting your vote promptly, you can help us avoid the need for additional
mailings at your fund’s expense. Voting today will save on the potential cost of future mailings to obtain shareholder votes. After you review the proxy
materials, you may vote in one of three ways:
Online: Log on using the information found on your voting
card(s) and follow the simple online instructions.
By phone: Dial the toll-free number found on your voting
card(s) and follow the simple instructions.
By
mail: Return the enclosed proxy voting card in the envelope provided.
If you have any questions, please call a John Hancock Investment Management Customer Service Representative at 800-852-0218, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Eastern time.
Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this very important matter.
Sincerely,
Kristie M. Feinberg
President
John Hancock Investments
John Hancock Financial Opportunities
Fund
John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund
John Hancock Preferred Income
Fund
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund
John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund
(each a “fund” or “Trust” and, together, the
“funds” or the “Trusts”)
Notice of annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for:
Time: 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time
Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Location: 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
This is the formal agenda for your fund’s shareholder meeting. It tells you what matters will be voted on and the time and place of attending the
meeting, should you wish to attend in person.
To the shareholders of the funds listed above:
Notice is hereby given that an annual meeting of shareholders for each fund will be held at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern time (the “Meeting”). The Meeting will be held for the
following purpose:
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Proposal 1: To elect two (2) Trustees (William K. Bacic and Thomas R. Wright) to serve
for a 2-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and to elect three (3) Trustees (Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Andrew G. Arnott) to serve for
a three-year term ending at the 2028 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (all funds).
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Any other business that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment of the
Meeting.
The Board of Trustees recommends that you vote in favor of the election of each of the five (5) Nominees.
Shareholders of record of each fund as of the close of business on November 25, 2024,
are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the fund’s annual meeting and at any adjournment thereof.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please vote your
shares either through the Internet, by telephone or by mail by returning the enclosed voting card.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for
the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on February 18, 2025.
The proxy statement is available at: https://www.proxy-direct.com/jhi-34145.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
Christopher Sechler
Secretary
Boston, Massachusetts
December 27, 2024
Your vote is important
– Please vote your shares promptly.
Shareholders
are invited to attend the Meeting in person. Valid photo identification may be required to attend the Meeting in person. Any shareholder who does not expect
to attend the Meeting is urged to vote by:
(i)
completing the enclosed proxy card(s), dating and signing it, and returning it in the envelope provided, which needs no postage if mailed in the United States;
(ii)
following the touch-tone telephone voting instructions found below; or
(iii)
following the Internet voting instructions found below.
In order to avoid unnecessary expense, we ask your cooperation in
responding promptly, no matter how large or small your holdings may be.
Instructions For Executing Proxy Cards
The following general rules for executing proxy cards may be of assistance to you and help avoid the time and expense involved in validating your
vote if you fail to execute your proxy card(s) properly.
Individual Accounts: Your name should be signed exactly as it appears on the proxy card(s).
Joint Accounts: Either party may sign, but the name of the party signing should conform exactly to a name shown on the proxy card(s).
All other accounts should show the capacity of the
individual signing. This can be shown either in the form of the account registration itself or by the individual executing the proxy
card(s).
Instructions For Voting By Touch-Tone
Telephone
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Read the enclosed Proxy Statement, and have your proxy card(s) handy.
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Call
the toll-free number indicated on your proxy card(s).
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Enter the control number found on the front of your proxy card(s).
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Follow the recorded instructions to cast your vote.
Instructions
For Voting By Internet
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Read
the enclosed Proxy Statement, and have your proxy card(s) handy.
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Go to the Web site on your proxy card(s).
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Enter the control number found on the front of your proxy card(s).
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Follow the instructions on the Web site.
John Hancock Financial Opportunities
Fund
John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund
John Hancock Preferred Income
Fund
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund
John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund
(each a “fund” or “Trust” and, together, the
“funds” or the “Trusts”)
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Proxy Statement annual meeting of shareholders to be held on February 18,
2025
This proxy statement contains the information that a shareholder should know before voting on the proposal described in the notice. Each fund will furnish, without charge, a
copy of its Annual Report and/or Semiannual Report to any shareholder upon request by writing to the fund at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02116 or by calling 800-852-0218.
This proxy
statement is being used in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) for use at the annual meeting of shareholders of
each of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (“Financial Opportunities Fund”), John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (“Hedged Equity &
Income Fund”), John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (“Preferred Income Fund”), John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (“Preferred Income Fund II”),
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (“Preferred Income Fund III”), John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (“Premium Dividend Fund”), and John Hancock
Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (“Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund”). The meeting will be held at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, on
February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern time (the “Meeting”). Shareholders of each fund are being asked to vote on the proposal to
elect five (5) Trustees.
The proxy statement and proxy card are
intended to be first mailed to shareholders on or about December 27, 2024.
Although the annual meetings of the funds are being held jointly and proxies are being solicited through the use of this joint proxy statement, shareholders of each fund will vote separately. In the event that any shareholder present at the meetings objects to the holding of a joint meeting and moves for an adjournment of the annual meeting with respect to his or her fund to a time immediately after the annual meetings so that his or her fund’s meeting may be held separately, the persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment.
The Funds’ Advisor, Administrator, Distributor and
Subadvisors
John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the
“Advisor”), located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as each fund’s investment advisor and administrator. An affiliate of the
Advisor, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as subadvisor to each fund, except for Hedged Equity
& Income Fund. Wellington Management Company LLP, 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as subadvisor to Hedged Equity & Income Fund.
An affiliate of the Advisor, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as a distributor to Financial Opportunities Fund and Premium Dividend Fund in connection with the fund’s shelf offering program.
Record
Ownership
The Trustees of each fund have fixed the close of business on
November 25, 2024, as the record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Meeting (the “Record Date”). All shareholders of record at the close of
business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share (and fractional votes for fractional shares) on all business of the Meeting or any adjournment of the
Meeting. On the Record Date, the following number of shares of beneficial interest of each fund were outstanding:
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Financial Opportunities Fund |
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Hedged Equity & Income Fund |
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Preferred Income Fund III |
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Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund |
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As of the Record Date, none of the Trustees beneficially owned individually, and the Trustees and executive officers of each fund as a group did not beneficially own, in excess of one percent of the outstanding shares of each fund.
To the best knowledge of the relevant fund, the shareholders listed below owned more than 5% of the fund’s shares as of November 25, 2024. Information related to these shareholders may be different as of the Record
Date.
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Name and Address of Owner |
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Financial Opportunities Fund |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
1585 Broadway
New York, NY 10036 |
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Hedged Equity & Income Fund |
First Trust Portfolios LP
120 East Liberty Drive
Suite 400
Wheaton, IL 60187 |
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First Trust Portfolios LP 120 East Liberty Drive Suite 400 Wheaton, IL 60187 |
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1
As of December 31, 2023
2
As of September 30, 2024
Proposal 1 - Election of
Trustees
Holders of the shares of each fund are entitled to elect five Trustees at this Meeting. Andrew G. Arnott, William K. Bacic, Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Thomas R. Wright and have been designated as subject to election by holders of the shares of each fund.
Each fund has a “staggered” Board divided into three classes: one class
composed of five Trustees, one class composed of four Trustees, and one class composed of three trustees. The term of one class expires each year on the date of the annual
meeting of shareholders or special meeting in lieu thereof. Should a Trustee in a class wish to serve an additional term, he or she must stand for re-election. Classifying
the Trustees in this manner may prevent replacement of a majority of the Trustees for a period of up to two years.
As of the date of this proxy, each nominee for election currently serves as a Trustee
of each fund, and if elected, will serve for a term expiring on the date of the 2028 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (or, for William K. Bacic and Thomas R. Wright, the 2027
Annual meeting of Shareholders) or the special meeting in lieu thereof.
Using the enclosed proxy card, a shareholder may authorize the proxies to vote his or her shares for the nominees, or the shareholder may withhold
from the proxies authority to vote his or her shares for one or more of the nominees. If no contrary instructions are given, the proxies will vote FOR the nominees. Each of the nominees has consented to his or her nomination and has agreed to serve if elected. If, for any reason, any nominee should not be available for election or not be able to serve as a Trustee, the proxies will exercise their voting power in favor of such substitute nominee, if any, as the funds’ Trustees may designate. The funds have no reason to believe that it will be necessary to designate any substitute nominees.
For each fund, Andrew G. Arnott, William K. Bacic, Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Thomas R. Wright are the current nominees for election by the shareholders.
The vote of a plurality of the votes cast by the shares of a fund is sufficient to elect each nominee to serve as a Trustee of that fund.
The Board recommends that shareholders of each fund vote
“FOR” each of the five (5) nominees in the Proposal.
Information About Nominees/Trustees
There are currently thirteen Trustees of each fund, eleven of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) of the funds (“Independent Trustees”). The following table sets forth certain information regarding the current Trustees and the nominees for election to the Board. The table also shows each current Trustee and each nominee’s principal occupation or employment and other directorships during the past five years and the number of John Hancock funds overseen by each of the current Trustees as of November 25, 2024. The business address of each current Trustee and each nominee is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
Information Concerning Nominees
The following tables set forth certain information regarding the nominees: Andrew G.
Arnott, William K. Bacic, Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Thomas R. Wright.
TWO NOMINEES STANDING FOR ELECTION; TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2027
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Director, Audit Committee Chairman, and Risk Committee Member, DWS USA Corp. (formerly, Deutsche Asset Management) (2018-2024); Senior Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1978- retired 2017, including prior positions), specializing in the investment management industry. Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2024). |
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Chief Operating Officer, JMP Securities (2020-2023); Director of Equities, JMP Securities (2013-2023); Executive Committee Member, JMP Group (2013-2023); Global Head of Trading, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. (2004-2012); and Head of European Equity Trading and Salestrading, Merrill, Lynch & Co. (1998-2004, including prior positions). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2024). |
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THREE NOMINEES STANDING FOR ELECTION; TERM TO EXPIRE IN
2028
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Vice President, Netflix, Inc. (2019–2024); President & Chief
Executive Officer, Information Technology Industry Council
(2009–2019); NYU School of Law Board of Trustees (since
2021); Member, U.S. Department of Transportation, Advisory
Committee on Automation (since 2021); President of the
United States Trade Advisory Council (2010–2018); Board
Member, College for Every Student (2017–2021); Board
Member, The Seed School of Washington, D.C. (2012–2017);
Advisory Board Member of the Block Center for Technology and
Society (since 2019).
Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex
(since 2022). |
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Deborah C. Jackson (1952) |
Trustee since: 2011 (B) 2008 (A, C-G) |
President, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (2011–2023); Board of Directors, Amwell Corporation (since 2020); Board of Directors, Massachusetts Women’s Forum (2018–2020); Board of Directors, National Association of Corporate Directors/New England (2015–2020); Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay (2002–2011); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Corporation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Boston Stock Exchange (2002–2008); Board of Directors of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (health benefits company) (2007–2011). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Global Head of Retail for Manulife (since 2022); Head of Wealth and Asset Management, United States and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (2018-2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management LLC (2005-2023, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2006-2023, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (2004-2023, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2017). |
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Information Concerning Other Trustees
The following tables set forth information concerning the Trustees of the Trust who are not standing for election at the Meeting.
TRUSTEES NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION; TERM TO EXPIRE IN 2026
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Board Member, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
(since 2022); Board Member, Mutual of Omaha Investor
Services, Inc. (since 2022); Foresters Financial, Chief
Executive Officer (2018–2022) and board member
(2017–2022); Manulife Financial and John Hancock, more
than 20 years, retiring in 2012 as Chief Executive Officer,
John Hancock and Senior Executive Vice President, Manulife
Financial.
Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund
Complex (2005–2014 and since 2015). |
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William H. Cunningham (1944) |
Trustee since:
2011 (B)
1994 (A,F)
2002 (C-D)
2003 (E)
2004 (G) |
Professor, University of Texas, Austin, Texas (since 1971);
former Chancellor, University of Texas System and former
President of the University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Director
(since 2006), Lincoln National Corporation (insurance);
Director, Southwest Airlines (since 2000).
Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund
Complex (since 1986). |
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Chief Executive Officer, Grace Fey Advisors (since 2007); Director and Executive Vice President, Frontier Capital Management Company (1988–2007); Director, Fiduciary Trust (since 2009). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Hassell H. McClellan (1945) |
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Trustee of Berklee College of Music (since 2022); Director/Trustee, Virtus Funds (2008–2020); Director, The Barnes Group (2010–2021); Associate Professor, The Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College (retired 2013). Trustee (since 2005) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2017) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Global Head, Manulife Wealth and Asset Management (since 2017); General Manager, Manulife, Individual Wealth Management and Insurance (2013–2017); President, Manulife Investments (2010–2016). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
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Mr. Boyle served as a Trustee at various times prior to 2015.
2
The Trustee is a Non-Independent Trustee due to current or former positions with the Advisor and certain of its affiliates.
TRUSTEES NOT STANDING FOR ELECTION; TERM TO EXPIRE IN
2027
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Tractor Supply Company (rural lifestyle retailer) (since 2021); General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Carestream Dental, L.L.C. (2017–2021); Associate General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (global industrial supplier) (2015–2017); Board Member, Goodwill of North Georgia, 2018 (FY2019)–2020 (FY2021); Board Member, Howard University School of Law Board of Visitors (since 2021); Board Member, University of Chicago Law School Board of Visitors (since 2016); Board member, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Board (2021–2023); Board Member, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (since 2024). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
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Current Position(s)
with the Trusts |
Principal Occupation(s) and Other
Directorships During the Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in John Hancock Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee |
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Steven R. Pruchansky (1944) |
Trustee since:
2011 (B)
1994 (A)
1992 (F)
2002 (C-D)
2003 (E)
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Managing Director, Pru Realty (since 2017); Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc.
(2014–2020); Director and President, Greenscapes of
Southwest Florida, Inc. (until 2000); Member, Board of
Advisors, First American Bank (until 2010); Managing
Director, Jon James, LLC (real estate) (since 2000); Partner,
Right Funding, LLC (2014–2017); Director, First Signature
Bank & Trust Company (until 1991); Director, Mast Realty
Trust (until 1994); President, Maxwell Building Corp. (until
1991).
Trustee (since 1992), Chairperson of the Board (2011–2012),
and Vice Chairperson of the Board (since 2012) of various
trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
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Director, Audit Committee Chair, Oatly Group AB (plant-based drink company) (since 2021); Director, Audit Committee Chair and Compensation Committee Member, Green Mountain Power Corporation (since 2016); Director, Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee Chair, Flynn Center for Performing Arts (since 2016); Director and Audit Committee Chair, Planet Fitness (since 2016); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (2003–retired 2015). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2020). |
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Mr. Pruchansky will retire as a Trustee of each fund effective December 31,
2024.
(A)
Financial Opportunities Fund
(B)
Hedged Equity & Income Fund
(C)
Preferred Income Fund
(D)
Preferred Income Fund II
(E)
Preferred Income Fund III
(F)
Premium Dividend Fund
(G)
Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund
Additional
Information about the Trustees
In addition to the description of
each Trustee’s Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships set forth above, the following provides further information about each Trustee’s specific
experience, qualifications, attributes or skills with respect to each Trust. The information in this section should not be understood to mean that any of the Trustees is an
“expert” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.
The Board believes that the different perspectives, viewpoints, professional experience, education, and individual qualities of each Trustee represent a diversity of experiences and a variety of complementary skills and expertise. Each Trustee has experience as a Trustee of the Trusts as well as experience as a Trustee of other John Hancock funds. It is the Trustees’ belief that this allows the Board, as a whole, to oversee the business of the fund and the other funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex in a manner consistent with the best interests of the funds' shareholders. When considering potential nominees to fill vacancies on the Board, and as part of its annual self-evaluation, the Board reviews the mix of skills and other relevant experiences of the Trustees.
William K. Bacic – As a retired Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Bacic served as New England Managing
Partner of a major independent registered public accounting firm, as well as a member of its U.S. Executive Committee, and has deep financial and accounting expertise. He
served as the lead partner on the firm’s largest financial services companies, primarily focused on the investment management industry and mutual funds. He also has expertise in corporate governance and regulatory matters as well as prior experience serving as a board member and audit committee chair of a large global asset management company.
James R. Boyle –
Mr. Boyle has high-level executive, financial, operational, governance,
regulatory and leadership experience in the financial services industry, including in the development and management of registered investment companies, variable annuities,
retirement and insurance products. Mr. Boyle is the former President and CEO of a large international fraternal life insurance company and is the former President and CEO of multi-line life insurance and financial services companies. Mr. Boyle began his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand.
William H. Cunningham –
Mr. Cunningham has management and operational oversight experience as a
former Chancellor and President of a major university. Mr. Cunningham regularly teaches a graduate course in corporate governance at the law school and at the Red McCombs
School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. He also has oversight and corporate governance experience as a current and former director of a number of operating companies, including an insurance company.
Noni L. Ellison – As a senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary with over 25 years of executive leadership experience, Ms. Ellison has extensive management and business expertise in legal, regulatory, compliance, operational, quality assurance, international, finance and governance matters.
Grace K. Fey – Ms. Fey has significant governance, financial services, and asset management industry expertise based on her extensive non-profit board experience, as well as her experience as a consultant to non-profit and corporate boards, and as a former director and executive of an investment management firm.
Dean C. Garfield – As a former president and chief executive officer of a leading industry organization and current vice-president of a leading international company, Mr. Garfield has significant global executive operational, governance, regulatory, and leadership experience. He also has experience as a leader overseeing and implementing global public policy matters including strategic initiatives.
Deborah C. Jackson – Ms. Jackson has leadership, governance, management, and operational oversight experience
as the lead director of a large bank, former president of a college, and as the former chief executive officer of a major charitable organization. She also has expertise in
financial services matters and oversight and corporate governance experience as a current and former director of various other corporate organizations, including an insurance company, a regional stock exchange, a telemedicine company, and non-profit entities.
Hassell H. McClellan – As a former professor of finance and policy in the graduate management department of a
major university, a director of a public company, and as a former director of several privately held companies, Mr. McClellan has experience in corporate and financial
matters. He also has experience as a director of other investment companies not affiliated with the Trusts.
Steven R. Pruchansky – Mr. Pruchansky has entrepreneurial, executive and financial experience as a senior
officer and chief executive of business in the retail, service and distribution companies and a current and former director of real estate and banking companies. (not standing for election)
Frances G. Rathke – Through her former positions in senior financial roles, as a former Certified Public Accountant, and as a consultant on strategic and financial matters, Ms. Rathke has experience as a leader overseeing, conceiving, implementing, and analyzing strategic and financial growth plans, and financial statements. Ms. Rathke also has experience in the auditing of financial statements and related materials. In addition, she has experience as a director of various organizations, including a publicly traded company and a non-profit entity.
Thomas R. Wright – As a retired Chief Operating Officer of a significant capital markets firm and a former
Director of Equities and Executive Committee Member, Mr. Wright has deep executive, investment banking, portfolio management, securities brokerage, and equity research
expertise. Mr. Wright has also served as the Global Head of Trading and Head of European Equity Trading and Salestrading at an investment bank and asset manager and has substantial securities industry and international trading and markets expertise.
Andrew G. Arnott – As current and former President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex,
and through his positions as Global Head of Retail for Manulife, and Trustee of the John Hancock Fund Complex, Mr. Arnott has experience in the management of investments,
registered investment companies, variable annuities and retirement products, enabling him to provide management input to the Board.
Paul Lorentz – Through his position as the Global Head of Manulife Wealth and Asset Management, Mr.
Lorentz has experience with retirement, retail and asset management solutions offered by Manulife worldwide, enabling him to provide management input to the
Board.
Duties of Trustees; Committee
Structure
Each Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business
trust. Under each Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are responsible for managing the affairs of the Trust, including the appointment of advisors and subadvisors. Each
Trustee has the experience, skills, attributes or qualifications described above (see “Principal Occupation(s) and Other Directorships” and “Additional
Information about the Trustees” above). The Board appoints officers who assist in managing the day-to-day affairs of the Trusts. With respect to Financial Opportunities
Fund and Hedged Equity & Income Fund, the Board met 5 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. With respect to Preferred Income Fund, Preferred Income Fund
II and Preferred Income Fund III, the Board met 5 times during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024. With respect to Premium Dividend Fund and Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund the Board met 5 times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024. No Trustees attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of Board Meetings; and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees on which he or she
served, except for Mr. Russo. The funds
hold joint meetings of the Trustees and all committees. One Trustees attended the joint 2024 annual meeting of shareholders of the funds that was held on February 20,
2024.
The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee as Chairperson. The
Chairperson presides at meetings of the Trustees and may call meetings of the Board and any Board committee whenever he deems it necessary. The Chairperson participates in
the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board and the identification of information to be presented to the Board with respect to matters to be acted upon by the
Board. The Chairperson also acts as a liaison with the funds' management, officers, attorneys, and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairperson may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. The Board also has designated a Vice Chairperson to serve in the absence of the Chairperson. Except for any duties specified herein or pursuant to each Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or as assigned by the Board, the designation of a Trustee as Chairperson or Vice Chairperson does not impose on that Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on any other Trustee, generally. The Board has designated a number of standing committees as further described below, each of which has a Chairperson. The Board also may designate working groups or ad hoc committees as it deems appropriate.
The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, and it allocates areas of responsibility among committees or working groups of Trustees and the full Board in a manner that enhances effective oversight. The Board considers leadership by an Independent Trustee as Chairperson to be integral to promoting effective independent oversight of the funds' operations and meaningful representation of the shareholders’ interests, given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the funds. The Board also believes that having a super-majority of Independent Trustees is appropriate and in the best interest of the funds' shareholders. Nevertheless, the Board also believes that having interested persons serve on the Board brings corporate and financial viewpoints that are, in the Board’s view, helpful elements in its decision-making process. In addition, the Board believes that Messrs. Arnott, Boyle, and Lorentz as current or former senior executives of the Advisor (or of it's parent company, Manulife Financial Corporation), and of other affiliates of the Advisor, provide the Board with the perspective of the Advisor in managing and sponsoring all of each Trust’s series. The leadership structure of the Board may be changed, at any time and in the discretion of the Board, including in response to changes in circumstances or the characteristics of each Trust.
The Board has established an Audit Committee; Compliance Committee; Contracts, Legal & Risk Committee; Nominating and Governance Committee; and Investment Committee. The current membership of each committee is set forth below.
Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the “Exchange Act”), which comprises Independent Trustees (Mr. Cunningham, Ms. Rathke, and Mr. McClellan). Ms. Rathke serves as Chairperson of this Committee. Each Audit Committee member is financially literate, with at least one having accounting or financial management expertise. The Board has adopted a written charter for the Committee. This Committee recommends to the full Board independent registered public accounting firms for each fund, oversees the work of the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with each fund’s audit, communicates with the independent registered public accounting firm on a regular basis and provides a forum for the independent registered public accounting firm to report and discuss any matters it deems appropriate at any time. The Audit Committee held 4 meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, 6 meetings during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, and 6 meetings during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, for funds with the relevant fiscal year ends. The written report of the Audit Committee is set forth below under “Audit Committee Report.” The written charter of the Audit Committee is included in this proxy statement.
Compliance Committee. The Board also has a standing Compliance Committee (Ms. Fey, Mr. Garfield and Ms. Jackson). Ms. Fey serves as
Chairperson of this Committee. This Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the full Board regarding certain compliance matters relating to the Trusts. This Committee met 4 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, 4 meetings during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, and 4 meetings during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, for funds with the relevant fiscal year ends.
Contracts, Legal & Risk Committee. The Board also has a standing Contracts, Legal & Risk Committee (Mr. Boyle, Ms.
Ellison, Mr. Pruchansky, and Mr. Wright). Mr. Boyle serves as Chairperson of this Committee. This Committee oversees the initiation, operation, and renewal of the various
contracts between the Trust and other entities. These contracts include advisory and subadvisory agreements, custodial and transfer agency agreements and arrangements with other service providers. The Committee also reviews the significant legal affairs of the funds, as well as any significant regulatory and legislative actions or proposals affecting or relating to the funds or their service providers. The Committee also assists the Board in its oversight role with respect to the processes pursuant to which the Advisor and the subadvisors identify, manage and report the various risks that affect or could affect the funds. This Committee met 4 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, 4 meetings during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, and 4 meetings during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, for funds with the relevant fiscal year ends.
Nominating and Governance Committee. This Committee comprises all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. McClellan serves as
Chairperson of this Committee. The purpose of this Committee is to make determinations and recommendations to the Board on issues related to the composition and operation of the Board and corporate governance matters applicable to the Independent Trustees. This Committee is solely responsible for the selection and recommendation to the Board of Independent Trustee candidates. This Committee met 5 times during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023, 5 times during the fiscal
year ended July 31, 2024, and 5 times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, for funds with the relevant fiscal year ends.
Each fund’s Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating and Governance Committee. A copy of the Charter is included in this proxy statement. This Committee will consider nominees recommended by fund shareholders. Any recommendations from shareholders shall be directed to the Secretary of the relevant fund at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Any shareholder nomination must be submitted in compliance with all of the pertinent provisions of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act in order to be considered by the Committee. In evaluating a nominee recommended by a shareholder, the Committee, in addition to the criteria discussed below, may consider the objectives of the shareholder in submitting that nomination and whether such objectives are consistent with the interests of all shareholders.
The Committee may take into account a wide variety of factors in considering Trustee candidates, including (but not limited to) the following criteria: (i) the nominee’s reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical standards, and such other personal characteristics as a capacity for leadership and the ability to work well with others; (ii) the nominee’s business, professional, academic, financial, accounting or other experience and qualifications, which demonstrate that he or she will make a valuable contribution as Trustee; (iii) a commitment to understand the funds and the responsibilities of a trustee of an investment company; (iv) a commitment to regularly attend and participate in meetings of the Board and its Committees; (v) the ability to understand potential conflicts of interest involving management of the funds and to act in the interests of all shareholders; (vi) the absence of a real or apparent conflict of interest that would impair the nominee’s ability to represent the interests of all the shareholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of an Independent Trustee; and (vii) experience on corporate or other institutional bodies having oversight responsibilities. The Committee may determine that a candidate who does not satisfy these criteria in one or more respects should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Committee finds that the criteria satisfied by the candidate and the candidate’s other qualifications demonstrate the appropriate level of fitness to serve. This Committee will strive to achieve a group that reflects a diversity of experiences in respect of industries, professions and other experiences, and that is diversified as to gender and race.
As long as a current Independent Trustee continues, in the opinion of this Committee,
to satisfy these criteria, each fund anticipates that the Committee would favor the re-nomination of a current Independent Trustee rather than a new candidate. Consequently,
while this Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders to serve as Independent Trustees, the Committee may act upon such recommendations only if there is a vacancy on the Board or the Committee determines that the selection of a new or additional Independent Trustee is in the best interests of a fund.
While the Committee is solely responsible for the selection and recommendation to the Board of Independent Trustee candidates, the Committee may consider nominees recommended by any source, including shareholders, management, legal counsel and Board members, as it deems appropriate. All recommendations shall include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Board members and as specified in the relevant fund’s By-Laws, and must be accompanied by a written consent of the proposed candidate to stand for election if nominated for the Board and to serve if elected by shareholders. The Committee’s process for identifying and evaluating nominees to serve as Independent Trustees of the funds is included in this proxy statement.
Investment Committee. The Board also has an Investment Committee composed of all of the Trustees. The Investment Committee has four
subcommittees with the Trustees divided among the four subcommittees (each an “Investment Sub-Committee”). Ms. Jackson and Messrs. Boyle, Cunningham, and Pruchansky serve as Chairpersons of the Investment Sub-Committees. Each Investment Sub-Committee reviews investment matters relating to a particular group of funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex and coordinates with the full Board regarding investment matters. The Investment Sub-Committee that oversees the funds met 5 times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, 5 meetings during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, and 5 meetings during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, for the funds with the relevant fiscal year ends.
Annually, the Board evaluates its performance and that of its Committees, including the effectiveness of the Board’s Committee
structure.
As registered investment companies, the funds are subject to a variety of risks,
including investment risks (such as, among others, market risk, credit risk and interest rate risk), financial risks (such as, among others, settlement risk, liquidity risk
and valuation risk), compliance risks, and operational risks. As a part of its overall activities, the Board oversees the funds' risk management activities that are
implemented by the Advisor, the funds' CCO and other service providers to the funds. The Advisor has primary responsibility for the funds' risk management on a day-to-day
basis as a part of its overall responsibilities. Each fund's subadvisor, subject to oversight of the Advisor, is primarily responsible for managing investment and financial risks as a part of its day-to-day investment responsibilities, as well as operational and compliance risks at its firm. The Advisor and the CCO also assist the Board in overseeing compliance with investment policies of the funds and regulatory requirements and monitor the implementation of the various compliance policies and procedures approved by the Board as a part of its oversight responsibilities.
The Advisor identifies to the Board the risks that it believes may affect the funds and
develops processes and controls regarding such risks. However, risk management is a complex and dynamic undertaking and it is not always possible to comprehensively identify
and/or mitigate all such risks at all times since risks are at times impacted by external events. In discharging its oversight responsibilities, the Board considers risk
management issues throughout the year with the assistance of its various Committees as described below. Each Committee meets at least quarterly and presents reports to the Board, which may prompt further discussion of issues concerning the oversight of the funds' risk
management. The Board as a whole also
reviews written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues as needed and may discuss particular risks that are not addressed in the Committee process.
The Board has established an Investment Committee, which consists of four Investment
Sub-Committees. Each Investment Sub-Committee assists the Board in overseeing the significant investment policies of the relevant funds and the performance of their
subadvisors. The Advisor monitors these policies and subadvisor activities and may recommend changes in connection with the funds to each relevant Investment Sub-Committee in
response to subadvisor requests or other circumstances. On at least a quarterly basis, each Investment Sub-Committee reviews reports from the Advisor regarding the relevant funds' investment performance, which include information about investment and financial risks and how they are managed, and from the CCO or his/her designee regarding subadvisor compliance matters. In addition, each Investment Sub-Committee meets periodically with the portfolio managers of the funds' subadvisors to receive reports regarding management of the funds, including with respect to risk management processes.
The Audit Committee assists the Board in reviewing with the independent auditors, at various times throughout the year, matters relating to the funds' financial reporting. In addition, this Committee oversees the process of each fund’s valuation of its portfolio securities, assisted by the Advisor's Pricing Committee (composed of officers of the Advisor), which calculates fair value determinations pursuant to procedures established by the Advisor and adopted by the Board.
With respect to valuation, the Advisor provides periodic reports to the Board and Investment Committee that enables the Board to oversee the Advisor, as each fund's valuation designee, in assessing, managing and reviewing material risks associated with fair valuation determinations, including material conflicts of interest. In addition, the Board reviews the Advisor's performance of an annual valuation risk assessment under which the Advisor seeks to identify and enumerate material valuation risks which are or may be impactful to the funds including, but not limited to (1) the types of investments held (or intended to be held) by the funds, giving consideration to those investments' characteristics; (2) potential market or sector shocks or dislocations which may affect the ongoing valuation operations; (3) the extent to which each fair value methodology uses unobservable inputs; (4) the proportion of each fund's investments that are fair valued as determined in good faith, as well as their contributions to a fund's returns; (5) the use of fair value methodologies that rely on inputs from third-party service providers; and (6) the appropriateness and application of the methods for determining and calculating fair value. The Advisor reports any material changes to the risk assessment, along with appropriate actions designed to manage such risks, to the Board.
The Compliance Committee assists the Board in overseeing the activities of the Trusts' CCO with respect to the compliance programs of the funds, the Advisor, the subadvisors, and certain of the funds' other service providers (the Distributor and transfer agent). This Committee and the Board receive and consider periodic reports from the CCO throughout the year, including the CCO’s annual written report, which, among other things, summarizes material compliance issues that arose during the previous year and any remedial action taken to address these issues, as well as any material changes to the compliance programs.
The Contracts, Legal & Risk Committee assists the Board in its oversight role with respect to the processes pursuant to which the Advisor and the subadvisors identify, assess, manage and report the various risks that affect or could affect the funds. This Committee reviews reports from the funds' Advisor on a periodic basis regarding the risks facing the funds, and makes recommendations to the Board concerning risks and risk oversight matters as the Committee deems appropriate. This Committee also coordinates with the other Board Committees regarding risks relevant to the other Committees, as appropriate.
As required by rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, funds that engage in derivatives transactions, other than limited derivatives users, generally must adopt and implement written derivatives risk management program (the “Derivatives Risk Management Program”), that is reasonably designed to manage the funds' derivatives risks, while taking into account the funds' derivatives and other investments. This program includes risk guidelines, stress testing, internal reporting and escalation and periodic review of the program. To the extent that the funds invest in derivatives, on a quarterly and annual, the Advisor will provide the Board with written reports that address the operation, adequacy and effectiveness of the funds' Derivatives Risk Management Program, which is generally designed to assess and manage derivatives risk.
In addressing issues regarding the funds' risk management between meetings, appropriate representatives of the Advisor communicate with the Chairperson of the Board, the relevant Committee Chair, or the Trusts' CCO, who is directly accountable to the Board. As appropriate, the Chairperson of the Board, the Committee Chairs and the Trustees confer among themselves, with the Trusts' CCO, the Advisor, other service providers, external fund counsel, and counsel to the Independent Trustees, to identify and review risk management issues that may be placed on the full Board’s agenda and/or that of an appropriate Committee for review and discussion.
In addition, in its annual review of the funds' advisory, subadvisory and distribution agreements, the Board reviews information provided by the Advisor, the subadvisors and the Distributor relating to their operational capabilities, financial condition, risk management processes and resources.
The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts its risk oversight role.
The Advisor also has its own, independent interest in risk management. In this regard,
the Advisor has appointed a Risk and Investment Operations Committee, consisting of senior personnel from each of the Advisor’s functional departments. This Committee
reports periodically to the Board and the Contracts, Legal & Risk Committee on risk management matters. The Advisor’s risk management program is part of the overall
risk
management program of John Hancock, the
Advisor’s parent company. John Hancock’s Chief Risk Officer supports the Advisor’s risk management program, and at the Board’s request will report on
risk management matters.
The following table presents information
regarding the current principal officers of the funds that are not Trustees. The business address of each officer is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
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Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5 Years |
Kristie M. Feinberg (1975) |
President since:
2022 (A-G) |
Head of Wealth & Asset Management, U.S. and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (since 2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management LLC (since 2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (since 2023); CFO and Global Head of Strategy, Manulife Investment Management (2021–2023, including prior positions); CFO Americas & Global Head of Treasury, Invesco, Ltd., Invesco US (2019–2020, including prior positions); Senior Vice President, Corporate Treasurer and Business Controller, OppenheimerFunds (2001–2019, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2023). |
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Chief Financial Officer
since:
2024 (A-G) |
Director, Fund Administration and Assistant Treasurer, John Hancock Funds (2016-2020); Assistant Treasurer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2020); Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York (since 2021); Chief Financial Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2024). |
Salvatore Schiavone (1965) |
Treasurer since:
2011 (B)
2009 (A, C-G) |
Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2007); Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2007); Treasurer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions). |
Christopher (Kit) Sechler (1973) |
Secretary and Chief
Legal Officer since:
2018 (A-G) |
Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel, John Hancock Investment Management (since 2015); Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel (2009–2015), John Hancock Investment Management; Assistant Secretary of John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2009); Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2009, including prior positions). |
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Chief Compliance Officer since: 2020 (A-G) |
Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2020); Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2019–2020); Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2016–2019); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors (2015–2016); Chief Compliance Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2016, including prior positions). |
1
Each officer holds office for an indefinite term until his or her successor is duly
elected and qualified or until he or she dies, retires, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.
(A)
Financial Opportunities Fund
(B)
Hedged Equity & Income Fund
(C)
Preferred Income Fund
(D)
Preferred Income Fund II
(E)
Preferred Income Fund III
(F)
Premium Dividend Fund
(G)
Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund
Communications with the Trustees
Shareholders may communicate with the Trustees as a group or individually. Any such communication should be sent to the Board or an individual Trustee c/o The Secretary of the funds at the following address: 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. The Secretary may determine not to forward any letter to Trustees that does not relate to the business of a fund.
Trustee Share
Ownership
The following table shows the number of shares beneficially
owned by each Trustee, as well as the dollar range of each Trustee’s ownership of the funds and all John Hancock funds overseen by the Trustee.
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Trustee share ownership is provided as of July 31, 2024. The amounts reflect the
aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the funds and in all John Hancock funds overseen by each Trustee. The information as to
beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished to the funds by the Trustees. Each of the Trustees has all voting and investment powers with respect to the shares
indicated.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
1
Trustee share ownership is provided as of July 31, 2024. The amounts reflect the
aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the funds and in all John Hancock funds overseen by each Trustee. The information as to
beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished to the funds by the Trustees. Each of the Trustees has all voting and investment powers with respect to the shares
indicated.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
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Preferred Income
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Trustee share ownership is provided as of July 31, 2024. The amounts reflect the
aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the funds and in all John Hancock funds overseen by each Trustee. The information as to
beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished to the funds by the Trustees. Each of the Trustees has all voting and investment powers with respect to the shares
indicated.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
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Tax-Advantaged
Dividend Income Fund |
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1
Trustee share ownership is provided as of July 31, 2024. The amounts reflect the
aggregate dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustees in the funds and in all John Hancock funds overseen by each Trustee. The information as to
beneficial ownership is based on statements furnished to the funds by the Trustees. Each of the Trustees has all voting and investment powers with respect to the shares
indicated.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires a fund’s executive officers,
Trustees and persons who own more than 10% of a fund’s shares (“10% Shareholders”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Executive officers, Trustees and 10% Shareholders are also required by SEC regulations to furnish each fund with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of these reports furnished to the funds and representations that no other reports were required to be
filed, each fund believes that, during the past fiscal year, its executive officers, Trustees and 10% Shareholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.
Trustee
Compensation
Each fund pays fees to its Independent Trustees. Trustees are
also reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses. Each Independent Trustee receives in the aggregate from each fund and the other closed-end funds in the John
Hancock Fund Complex an annual retainer of $40,000.
The following table provides information regarding the compensation paid by each fund and the other investment companies in the John Hancock Fund Complex to the Independent Trustees for their services for each fund’s most recently completed fiscal year.
Aggregate Compensation for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31,
2023
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Financial Opportunities Fund |
Hedged Equity & Income Fund |
Total Compensation All Funds in the John Hancock |
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Neither of these funds has a pension or retirement plan for any of its Trustees or
officers.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
3
Effective September 31, 2023, Ms. Lizarraga is no longer a Trustee.
4
Mr. Pruchansky will retire as a Trustee of each fund effective December 31, 2024.
5
Mr. Russo retired as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
Aggregate
Compensation for the Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2024
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Income Fund III |
Total Compensation All Funds in the John Hancock |
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Neither of these funds has a pension or retirement plan for any of its Trustees or
officers.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
3
Mr. Pruchansky will retire as a Trustee of each fund effective December 31,
2024.
4
Mr. Russo retired as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
Aggregate Compensation for
the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2024
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Dividend Income
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Total Compensation All Funds in the John Hancock |
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Neither of these funds has a pension or retirement plan for any of its Trustees or
officers.
2
Appointed to serve as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
3
Mr. Pruchansky will retire as a Trustee of each fund effective December 31,
2024.
4
Mr. Russo retired as Trustee effective August 1, 2024.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which any Nominee, Trustee or
affiliated person of such Nominee or Trustee is a party adverse to the funds or any of their affiliated persons or has a material interest adverse to the funds or any of
their affiliated persons. In addition, there have been no legal proceedings that are material to an evaluation of the ability or integrity of any Nominee, Trustee or
executive officer of the funds within the past ten years.
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with the funds’ management and
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) the audited financial statements of the funds contained in the Annual Reports on Form N-CSR for the most recent fiscal year. *
The Audit Committee also has discussed with PwC the matters required to be discussed pursuant to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standards, AU Section 380,
which includes, among other items, matters related to the conduct of the audit of the funds’ financial statements.
The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter
from PwC required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding PwC’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning
independence and has discussed with PwC its independence from the funds.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above the Audit Committee, pursuant to the authority delegated to the Audit Committee by the Board of Trustees, approved the inclusion of the audited financial statements in the fund’s Annual Report on Form N-CSR for filing with the SEC.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
Frances G. Rathke – Chairperson**
William K. Bacic
William H. Cunningham
*
For purposes of this report, the funds’ most recently completed fiscal years are
as follows: October 31, 2024 (Premium Dividend Fund and Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund), December 31, 2023 (Financial Opportunities Fund and Hedged Equity & Income
Fund), and July 31, 2024 (Preferred Income Fund, Preferred Income Fund II and Preferred Income Fund III).
**
The Audit Committee Report was issued by the then-current Committee Members on December
12, 2024, with respect to Premium Dividend Fund and Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund; February 14, 2024, with respect to Financial Opportunities Fund and Hedged Equity
& Income Fund, and September 26, 2024, with respect to Preferred Income Fund, Preferred Income Fund II and Preferred Income Fund III.
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
The Trustees of each fund, including a majority of
each fund’s Independent Trustees, have selected PwC, 101 Seaport Boulevard, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02210, to act as independent registered public accounting
firm.
Representatives of PwC are not expected to be present at the
meeting, but have been given the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire to do so, and will be available should any matter arise requiring their
participation.
The following tables set forth the aggregate fees
billed by PwC for the funds’ two most recently completed fiscal years for professional services rendered for (i) the audit of the funds’ annual financial
statements and the review of financial statements included in the funds’ reports to shareholders, (ii) assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of the funds’ financial statements, (iii) tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning and (iv) all other services provided by PwC
other than (i), (ii) and (iii). None of the services described below were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the “de minimis exception” from the
pre-approval requirement set forth in Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.
Fees Paid to PwC for the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2023 and
2022
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Financial Opportunities Fund |
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Hedged Equity & Income Fund |
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Fees Paid to PwC for the Fiscal Years Ended July 31, 2024 and 2023
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Preferred Income Fund III |
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Fees Paid to PwC for the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2024 and 2023
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Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund |
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Each fund’s Audit Committee has adopted procedures that require the pre-approval of audit and nonaudit services provided by the fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the fund, the Advisor and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Advisor that provide services to each fund (the “Advisor Affiliates”) and that relate directly to each fund’s operations and financial reporting. In addition, these procedures identify certain types of audit and non-audit services that are anticipated to be provided by PwC during a calendar year and, provided the services are within the scope and value standards set forth in the procedures, such services are deemed to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The scope and value criteria are reviewed annually. Unless a service is pre-approved under the procedures, it must be specifically pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
In recommending PwC as the funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee has considered the compensation paid to PwC for audit and non-audit services to the Advisor and the Advisor Affiliates, and has determined that such compensation is not incompatible with maintaining PwC’s independence.
The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to each fund for the two most recently completed fiscal years.
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Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2023 |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
Financial Opportunities Fund |
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Hedged Equity & Income Fund |
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Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2024 |
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2023 |
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Preferred Income Fund III |
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Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2024 |
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2023 |
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The following table sets forth the aggregate non-audit fees billed by PwC for services rendered to the Advisor and the Advisor Affiliates for the funds’ last two fiscal years.
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Amount Billed to the Advisor and Advisor Affiliates |
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Required Vote for Proposal 1
Approval of Proposal 1 will require a plurality of all votes cast, assuming a quorum exists. A “plurality” means that the five Nominees presented for election receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected as Trustees, regardless of the number of votes cast.
The Board of Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees,
recommends that shareholders vote “FOR” Proposal 1.
Directions to attend the Meeting where shareholders may vote can be found on our website at https://www.jhinvestments.com/proxy-information. Valid photo identification may be required to attend the Meeting in person. All valid proxies
will be voted in accordance with specifications thereon, or in the absence of specifications, for each Nominee in the proposal. The proposal described in this proxy statement is considered a routine matter on which brokers holding shares
in “street name” may vote on this proposal without instruction under the rules of the NYSE.
Revocation of Proxies. Proxies may be revoked at any time before the Meeting either (i) by a written revocation received by the Secretary of the funds, (ii) by a properly executed later-dated proxy received by the Secretary of the funds, or (iii) by an in-person vote at the Meeting. Attendance at the Meeting will not in and of itself revoke a proxy. Shareholders may revoke a proxy as often as they wish before the Meeting. Only the latest dated, properly executed proxy card received prior to or at the Meeting will be counted.
Quorum. Shareholders of record at the
close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment of the Meeting. The holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the
fund at the close of business on that date present in person or by proxy will constitute a quorum for the Meeting.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and fractional votes for
fractional shares held. No shares have cumulative voting rights.
In the event the necessary quorum to transact business or the vote required to approve a proposal is not obtained at the Meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Meeting with respect to any proposal in accordance with applicable law to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any adjournment of the Meeting will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the fund’s shares cast at the Meeting, and any adjournment with respect to any proposal will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the proposal cast at the Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote for or against any adjournment in their discretion.
Abstentions and Broker “Non-Votes.” Abstentions and broker non-votes (i.e., shares held by brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have
not been received from the beneficial owners or the persons entitled to vote and (ii) the broker or nominee indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary voting
power on a particular matter) are counted as shares entitled to vote at the Meeting in determining whether a quorum is present, but do not count as votes cast for a proposal.
Therefore, abstentions and broker non-votes have the same effect as a vote “against” a proposal.
Cost of Preparation and Distribution of Proxy
Materials. The costs of the preparation of these proxy materials, which are expected to be
approximately $1,190 and their distribution will be borne by the funds.
Solicitation of Proxies. In addition to
the mailing of these proxy materials, proxies may be solicited by telephone, by fax, by e-mail or in person by the Trustees, officers and employees of the funds and/or by
personnel of the Advisor, its affiliates, or by broker-dealer firms. Computershare Inc., which serves as transfer agent, will assist in the solicitation of proxies.
Computershare Inc. will be reimbursed by the funds for its reasonable expenses.
In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, by fax, by e-mail or in person, the funds may also arrange to have votes recorded by telephone by officers and employees of the funds or by the personnel of the Advisor, the transfer agent or solicitor. The telephone voting procedure is designed to verify a shareholder’s identity, to allow a shareholder to authorize the voting of shares in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions and to confirm that the voting instructions have been properly recorded.
A shareholder will be called on a recorded line at the telephone number in each fund’s account records and will be asked to provide certain identifying information.
The shareholder will then be given an opportunity to authorize proxies to vote his or her shares at the Meeting in accordance with the shareholder’s instructions.
Alternatively, a shareholder may call the funds’ Voice Response Unit to vote by taking the following steps:
●
Read the Proxy Statement and have your proxy card(s) at hand.
●
Call
the toll-free-number located on your proxy card(s).
●
Enter the “control number” found on the front of your proxy
card(s).
●
Follow recorded instructions to cast your vote.
With both methods of
telephone voting, to ensure that the shareholder’s instructions have been recorded correctly, the shareholder will also receive a confirmation of the voting
instructions. If the shareholder decides after voting by telephone to attend the Meeting, the shareholder can revoke the proxy at that time and vote the shares at the
Meeting.
Shareholders also will have the opportunity to submit their voting instructions via the
Internet by utilizing a program provided through a third-party vendor. Voting via the Internet will not affect a shareholder’s right to vote in person if the
shareholder decides to attend the Meeting. A shareholder should not mail the proxy card(s) if he or she is voting via the Internet. To vote via the Internet, a shareholder
will need the “control number” that appears on the proxy card(s). These Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate shareholder identities, to allow
shareholders to give their voting instructions and to confirm that shareholders’ instructions have been recorded properly. If a shareholder is voting via the Internet,
he or she should understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, the costs of which the shareholder must bear.
To vote via the Internet, a shareholder should:
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Read the Proxy Statement and have your proxy card(s) at hand.
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Go
to the Web site on the proxy card(s).
●
Enter the “control number” found on the front of your proxy
card(s).
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Follow the instructions on the Web site.
To ensure that the
shareholder’s instructions have been recorded correctly, the shareholder will receive a confirmation of his or her voting instructions immediately after submitting
them.
Shareholders Sharing the Same
Address
As permitted by law, only one copy of this Proxy Statement
may be delivered to shareholders residing at the same address, unless such shareholders have notified the applicable fund of their desire to receive multiple copies of the
shareholder reports and other materials that a fund sends. If a shareholder would like to receive an additional copy, he or she should contact the applicable fund by writing
to 200 Berkeley Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116, Attn: Michael
Heffernan, or by calling 1-800-225-5291. The fund will then promptly deliver, upon request, a separate copy of this Proxy Statement to any shareholder residing at an address
to which only one copy was mailed. Shareholders wishing to receive separate copies of the fund’s shareholder reports and other materials in the future, and shareholders
sharing an address that wish to receive a single copy if they are receiving multiple copies, also should send a request as indicated.
The Board does not know of any matters to be presented at the Meeting other than the
proposal described in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the shares represented by proxies will be voted in accordance with the best
judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.
Shareholder
Proposals
Shareholder proposals, including Nominees for Trustee, intended to be presented at a fund’s 2026 annual meeting, in accordance with Rule 14a-8
under the Exchange Act, must be received by that fund at its offices at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, no later than the close of business on August 29, 2025, for inclusion in that fund’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting (subject to certain exceptions). Written notice of a shareholder proposal submitted outside of the processes of Rule 14a-8 must be delivered to the Secretary of the relevant fund at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 by no later than the close of business on September 28, 2025, and no earlier than August 29, 2025. In order to be included in a fund’s proxy statement and form of proxy, a shareholder proposal must comply with all applicable legal requirements. Timely submission of a proposal does not guarantee that such proposal will be included.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dated: December 27, 2024
Boston, Massachusetts
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. THEREFORE,
SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD(S) IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE OR,
ALTERNATIVELY, TO VOTE BY TOUCH-TONE TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET.
John Hancock
Funds
Adopted December 12, 2012
As Amended September 26, 2014
March 12, 2015
June 25, 2015
December 8, 2015
December 6, 2016
December 12, 2017
December 13, 2018
December 10, 2019
December 8, 2020
December 7, 2021
December 13, 2022
December 12, 2024
A.
Overall Role and Responsibility
1.
Overall Role. The Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall assist the Board
of Trustees (collectively, the “Board”) of each registered investment company in the John Hancock Funds complex (collectively, the “Trust”) in its
oversight role with respect to:
a.
the integrity of the Trust’s financial statements;
b.
the financial reporting process;
c.
the system of internal controls over financial reporting;
d.
the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm’s
(the “Independent
Auditor”) qualifications and independence;
e.
the performance of the Trusts’ Independent Auditor;
f.
the Trusts’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable
to accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and related
g.
the Fund’s valuation designee and the valuation of securities.
2.
Responsibility of the Committee. The function of the Committee is oversight. Officers of the Trust are responsible for financial reporting and maintaining appropriate systems for accounting and internal control over financial reporting. The Trust’s Independent Auditor is responsible for planning and carrying out an audit in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) or other similar accounting and auditing standards organization and for providing other audit and non-audit services for which it may be engaged by the Trust.
In
fulfilling the Committee’s responsibilities hereunder, it is recognized that it is not the duty or responsibility of the Committee or its members to
conduct “field work” or other types of auditing or accounting reviews or procedures or to set auditor independence standards. Accordingly, the
Committee’s oversight role does not provide any expert or special assurance as to the financial statements and other financial information provided by
the Trust to its shareholders and others. The authority and responsibilities set forth in this Charter recognize that the Committee members are not acting as
accountants or auditors, and this Charter does not reflect or create any duty or obligation of the Committee to plan or conduct any audit, to determine or
certify that the Trust’s financial statements are complete, accurate, fairly presented, or in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
or applicable law, or to guarantee the Independent Auditor’s report.
Reliance on Other Persons and Information. Each Committee member shall
be entitled to rely on: (i) the integrity of those persons and organizations within and outside the Trust from which the Committee receives information; (ii)
the accuracy of the financial and other information provided to the Committee by such persons and organizations, absent actual knowledge to the contrary
(which shall be promptly reported to the Board); and (iii) statements made by the officers and employees of the Trust, the Trust’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), or other third parties as to any information technology, internal audit and other non-audit services provided by the Independent Auditor to the Trust. In addition, the evaluation of the Trust’s financial statements by the Committee is not of the same scope as, and does not involve the extent of detail as, audits performed by the Independent Auditor, nor does the Committee’s evaluation substitute for the responsibilities of the Trust’s officers for preparing, or the Independent Auditor for auditing, the financial statements.
1.
Number of Committee Members. The Committee shall consist of at least three Trustees of
the Trust, none of whom is an “interested person” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), of the Trust (an
“Independent Trustee”).
2.
Appointment of Committee Members. The full Board shall designate the members of the Committee and the Committee Chair. Committee members shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
3.
Qualifications of Committee Members.
a.
Except as otherwise permitted by the applicable rules of the NYSE Arca, each member of the Committee shall be “independent,” as defined by such rules and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
b.
No Committee member may receive, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory or
other compensatory fee from the Trust, other than fees paid in his or her capacity as a member or Chair of the Board, or of any committee of the Board.
c.
To the extent required by the NYSE, each Committee member must be financially literate,
as such qualification is interpreted by the Board in its business judgment, or must become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after his or her
appointment to the Committee.
d.
At least one Committee member must have accounting or related financial management
expertise, as the Board interprets such qualification in its business judgment. The Board may presume that a person who satisfies the definition of “audit committee
financial expert” (discussed below) has such expertise.
e.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Board, no member of the Committee may serve on the audit committee of more than two other public companies (other than another John Hancock fund).
4.
Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Board shall determine whether any member of the
Committee is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. The designation of a person as an “audit committee financial
expert,” within the meaning of the rules under Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on that person
than the responsibility and liability imposed on such person as a Committee member, nor shall it decrease the duties and obligations of other Committee members or the Board. The Board shall make a redetermination should the composition of the Committee change.
1.
Meetings and Actions by Written Consent. The Committee shall meet as often as it deems
appropriate. Meetings may be called and notice given by the Committee Chair or a majority of the Committee members. Committee members may attend meetings in person or by
telephone. The Committee may act by written consent to the extent permitted by law and the Trust’s governing documents. The Committee shall maintain minutes or other records of its meetings and activities and report to the Board on any action it takes not later than the next following Board meeting.
2.
Delegation to Subcommittees. The Committee may delegate any portion of its authority,
including the authority to grant preapprovals of audit and permitted non-audit services, to a subcommittee of one or more members.
3.
Appointment of Chair. As noted above, one member of the Committee shall be appointed
as Chair by the Board. The Chair shall be responsible for leadership of the Committee, including scheduling meetings or reviewing and approving the schedule for them,
preparing agendas or reviewing and approving them before the meetings, presiding over the meetings, and making reports to the Board, as appropriate.
4.
Executive Sessions. The Committee and counsel for the Independent Trustees may meet privately and may admit non-members by invitation. The Committee shall meet with Officers of the Trust and the Independent Auditor in separate executive sessions as the Committee deems appropriate, and may meet with internal legal counsel and compliance personnel of the Adviser and with representatives of the Trust’s service providers, to discuss matters that relate to the areas for which the Committee has responsibility.
5.
Required Vote and Quorum. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
Committee participating in any meeting of the Committee is necessary for the adoption of any resolution. No resolution may be adopted unless at least 50% of the Committee
members are present at the meeting in person or by telephone.
6.
Appropriate Resources and Authority. The Committee shall have the resources and
authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain special counsel and other advisers, experts or consultants, at the Trust’s
expense, as it determines necessary or appropriate to carry out its duties. The Committee shall have direct access to such officers of, and service providers to, the Trust,
including subadvisers to the Trusts, as it deems desirable.
7.
Review of Charter. The Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter at least annually and, when necessary, will recommend changes to the Board for its approval. The Board may amend this Charter at any time in response to recommendations from the Committee or on its own motion.
8.
Performance Evaluation. The Committee shall undertake and review with the Board an
annual performance evaluation of the Committee. The performance evaluation by the Committee shall be conducted in such manner as the Committee deems appropriate. The report
to the Board may take the form of an oral report by the Committee Chair or by any other member of the Committee or by counsel to the Independent Trustees if designated by the Committee to make this report.
D.
Duties and Powers of the Committee
To carry out
its purposes, the Committee shall:
1.
Selection of Independent Auditor
a.
Approve and recommend to the Board for its ratification and approval the selection,
retention or termination of the Independent Auditor (or any other public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of performing other audit, review or attest services for a
Trust).
b.
Periodically review and evaluate the lead partner and other senior members of the Independent Auditor’s team and confirm the regular rotation of the lead audit partner and reviewing partner as required by Section 203 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
c.
Review and evaluate matters potentially affecting the capabilities of the Independent
Auditor, and in that connection obtain an understanding of the Independent Auditor’s quality control and independence procedures and results of review by third
parties.
d.
Approve the engagement of the Independent Auditor to provide an annual audit of and report on the Trust’s financial statements.
e.
Preapprove the type of other audit services that may be provided by the Independent Auditor to the Trust and preapprove any such service where fee estimates exceed the pre-approved amounts set forth in the Schedule of General Pre-Approved Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Non-Audit Services, as such schedule is amended from time to time by the Committee.
f.
Preapprove the type of non-audit services that may be provided by the Independent
Auditor to the Trust, the Adviser or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser (an “Adviser Affiliate”) that provides ongoing
services to the Trust, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust.
g.
Develop, to the extent it deems appropriate, policies and procedures for preapproval of the Independent Auditor to provide non-audit services.
h.
Consider the controls applied by the Independent Auditor and any measures taken by
Officers of the Trust in an effort to assure that all items requiring preapproval by the Committee are timely identified and referred to the Committee.
i.
Review the performance of the Independent Auditor.
j.
Review and preapprove the fees proposed to be charged to the Trust by the Independent
Auditor for audit and non-audit services as set forth in the Schedule of General Pre-Approved Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Non-Audit Services.
k.
Obtain and review, at least annually, a report by the Independent Auditor describing: the firm’s independence, the firm’s internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised by the most recent peer review of the firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; and all relationships between the Independent Auditor and the Trust, including the disclosures required by the PCAOB, or any similar accounting or auditing standards organization. The Committee shall engage in an active dialogue with the Independent Auditor concerning any disclosed relationships or services that might impact the objectivity and independence of the auditor.
l.
Set clear hiring policies for the Trust and the Adviser for employees or former
employees of the Independent Auditor.
m.
Periodically consider whether there should be a rotation of the independent audit
firm.
2.
Evaluation of Independence
a.
Review and evaluate matters potentially affecting the independence of the Independent
Auditor, and in that connection:
i.
Receive from the Independent Auditor a formal written statement delineating the
relationships between the Independent Auditor and the Trust and its affiliates.
aa.
Consider whether the type and/or annual total monetary amount of non-audit services
provided by the Trust’s Independent Auditor to the Adviser or any Adviser Affiliate that provides ongoing services to the Trust, are inconsistent with maintaining the
independence of the Independent Auditor.
b.
Recommend that the full Board take such action as the Committee deems appropriate
regarding matters relating to the independence and performance of the Independent Auditor including, if appropriate, replacement of the Independent Auditor.
3.
Oversight of Audit Process
a.
Review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit, interim reviews and any
special audits.
b.
Review with Officers of the Trust and/or the Independent Auditor:
i.
Significant current financial reporting issues and practices.
ii.
Significant matters arising in the preparation of and the quality, accuracy or fairness of the annual and interim financial statements and reports and based upon discussions with Officers or the Independent Auditor whether the financial statements and reports reflect appropriate accounting policies.
iii.
Judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of accounting principles and
financial disclosure practices used or proposed to be adopted by the Trust and, particularly, about the preferability and objectivity of its accounting principles and
underlying estimates.
c.
Inquire of Officers of the Trust and the Independent Auditor regarding:
i.
Significant risks to or exposure of the Trust relating to deficiencies in internal
controls over financial reporting and the steps that Officers of the Trust have taken to minimize such risks or exposure.
ii.
Significant tax positions elected by the Trust and their effect on amounts distributed and reported to shareholders for federal personal income tax purposes.
iii.
Pricing and valuation matters generally, and specifically with respect to:
aa.
Procedures used to assess the securities valuations provided by external pricing sources, particularly where such valuations are not based on prices last quoted in organized markets.
bb.
Procedures established by the Fund’s valuation designee and approved by the Board
to value securities at “fair value” as determined in good faith, the Independent Auditor conclusions as to the reasonableness of the procedures, and the valuation
designee’s adherence to established “fair value” procedures.
iv.
Audit adjustments recorded in the annual financial statements and adjustments not
recorded because their effects were considered immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements taken as a whole, with a view to gaining an
understanding of Trust Officers’ and the Independent Auditor’s concept of materiality.
v.
Accounting for unusual transactions.
vi.
Any Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) staff comments on the Trust’s SEC reports, including, in particular, any accounting or disclosure compliance comments.
d.
Receive from the Independent Auditor one or more reports on the matters specified in
Rule 2-07 of Regulation S-X, “Communications with Audit Committees,” and in applicable PCAOB requirements including:
i.
All critical accounting policies and practices to be used.
ii.
All alternative treatments within generally accepted accounting principles for
policies and practices related to material items, including ramifications of the use of alternative disclosures and treatments and the reasonableness of quality of accounting
principles adopted.
iii.
Other material written communications between the Independent Auditor and Officers of the Trust, such as any representation letter, management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.
iv.
All non-audit services provided to the Adviser or an Adviser Affiliate that were not
preapproved by the Committee.
e.
Review and discuss with Officers of the Trust and the Independent Auditor the results
of annual audits and related comments, with particular focus on the following items:
The Independent Auditor’s audit
of the Trust’s annual financial statements, including footnotes, and any significant audit findings, including
any adjustments to the financial statements recommended by the Independent
Auditor.
ii.
The Independent Auditor’s judgement regarding the reasonableness and quality of significant estimates made by Officers of the Trust.
iii.
The Independent Auditor’s views as to the adequacy of disclosures in the Trust’s financial statements in relation to generally accepted accounting principles.
iv.
Any difficulties or disputes with Officers of the Trust encountered during the course
of the audit.
v.
Any significant changes to the audit plan.
vi.
The content of the report on financial statements that the Independent Auditor
proposes to render to the Board and shareholders including requirements of the PCAOB regarding the content and format of the report as such requirements may be amended from
time to time.
vii.
Other matters related to the conduct of the audit that are to be communicated to the Committee under generally accepted auditing standards as required by any audit oversight agency (e.g., the PCAOB).
4. Review of Matters Related to the Valuation of Portfolio
Securities
Review matters related to valuation of
portfolio securities, to assist the Board in carrying out its oversight responsibilities with respect to fair valuation determinations for the Fund pursuant
to Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, including overseeing the valuation designee's fair valuation determination process, including valuation policies, valuation
controls and operating practices (procedures) and oversee valuation process including fair value determinations, use of pricing vendors and pricing committee
procedures and membership. The Committee shall receive and review the reports and notifications required to be provided by the valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act and to request such information from the valuation designee as the Committee deems necessary to oversee the performance of fair value determinations by the valuation designee.
5.
Oversight of Internal Controls
a.
Consider and review with Officers of the Trust and the Independent Auditor:
i.
The adequacy of the internal controls, including computerized information system
controls and controls over the daily net asset valuation process (including valuation of securities), and the Independent Auditor’s letter as to the adequacy of such
controls as required by Form N-CEN.
ii. changes to the Trust’s disclosures, controls and procedures
as such changes relate to evaluating the Trust’s controls over financial reporting.
iii.
Recommendations of the Independent Auditor on internal controls maintained both by the
Trust and its service providers, together with responses of Officers of the Trust, including the status of previous audit recommendations.
iv.
Any reports prepared by Officers of the Trust dealing with internal controls.
b.
Review the Trust’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer
required certifications on Form N-CSR, any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting or material weaknesses therein
relating to the most recent fiscal half year and any reported evidence of fraud involving Officers of the Trust or other employees who have a significant role in the
Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.
c.
Inquire, to the extent the Committee deems appropriate, with respect to the integrity of the Trust’s financial statements, as to the adequacy of internal controls of third-party service providers such as custodians, transfer agents and accounting and other recordkeeping service agents.
d.
Meet periodically with representatives of internal audit personnel of the Adviser or the Adviser’s Affiliates and discuss the results of any audit or review of the services provided to the Trust by the Adviser and the Adviser Affiliates or audits or reviews specifically related to activities of the Trust.
6.
Review of Financial Statements
a.
Review with counsel legal and regulatory matters that may have a material impact on the Trust’s financial statements, related compliance policies and programs and reports received from regulators.
b.
Review at least annually the Trust’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures relating
to the Trust’s financial statements.
c.
The financial statements of each open-end fund overseen by the Committee shall be made
available to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for his or her review prior to issuance and for discussion with Officers of the Trust and the Independent Auditor, as the
Chairman considers appropriate, and the results of such review and discussion shall be reported by the Chairman to the Committee.
7.
Oversight of Closed-End John Hancock Funds
In addition to the matters noted above, with respect to any closed-end John Hancock Fund (a “Closed-End Fund”), the
Committee shall:
a.
Meet periodically, including separately, with the Independent Auditor and with
Management to, review, to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, the form and substance of a Closed-End Fund’s financial statements and reports, including
such fund’s disclosures under “Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance” and to discuss any matters of importance relating to the Closed-End
Funds’ financial statements, including any unusual adjustments impacting such statements, recorded by Officers of the Trust or any adjustments recommended by the Independent Auditors, or other results of an audit. Consider whether it will recommend to the Board that the financial statements be included in a Closed-End Fund’s annual or semi-annual report and if so recommended, release the financial statements for publication in the annual or semi-annual report pursuant to the Committee’s delegated authority from the Board.
b.
Discuss guidelines and policies to govern the process by which financial risk
assessment and financial risk management is undertaken including the Trust’s major risk exposure and other steps management has taken to monitor and control such
exposure. The Committee is not the primary body responsible for oversight of risk assessment and risk management, which is primarily the role of the Contract, Legal and
Risk Committee.
c.
Prepare an annual Committee report for inclusion when necessary in a Closed-End
Fund’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of security holders, or in any other filing required by the SEC’s rules.
d.
Discuss generally the types of information to be disclosed in press releases concerning dividends, as well as financial information provided to analysts and rating agencies (if any), and the type of presentations to be made.
e.
Each Committee member will have the qualifications set forth in B.3.
above.
f.
Discuss with Officers of the Trust any notice to an exchange of a violation of the exchanges’ corporate governance listing standards.
The Committee shall follow the procedures below for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, and auditing matters relating to the Trust (“Complaints”).
The Committee will request the Adviser to establish procedures that
are acceptable to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust (the “CCO”) for the anonymous submission of Complaints by employees of the Adviser
and its affiliates. Complaints by other parties may be submitted to the Committee Chair or to the CCO, who will then forward the Complaint to the Committee
Chair. The CCO will provide a report to the Committee each quarter regarding Complaints received during the prior quarter.
The Committee Chair may convene a special meeting of the Committee
(which may be telephonic) to review a Complaint or may defer review until the next regularly scheduled quarterly Committee meeting. The Committee will
evaluate the Complaint, determine the appropriate action to be taken in response to the Complaint, and review any action taken by the Adviser and its affiliates to address the Complaint. In evaluating the Complaint, the Committee may conduct an investigation or request another party, including outside legal counsel or other persons not affiliated with the Adviser, to conduct an investigation of the Complaint.
The Committee shall report to the full Board its responses to all
Complaints and any actions taken to address the Complaints.
Except as necessary to carry out its duties under this section, the Committee will seek to keep all Complaints and the identity of the party submitting the Complaint confidential to the extent reasonably possible.
F.
Review of Other Matters
a.
Review with the full Board any issues that arise with respect to the quality or
integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the performance and independence of the Independent Auditor.
b.
In coordination with the Trust’s Compliance Committee, review and report to the Board on the Trust’s compliance with legal and reporting requirements. The Compliance Committee has primary responsibility for these requirements except for those that relate directly to accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing matters and financial reporting. To the extent these responsibilities are delegated to another committee of the Board, the Committee will coordinate the review and reporting with this committee.
c.
In coordination with the Trust’s Contracts, Legal and Risk Committee, review and report to the Board on the Trust’s significant risks and exposure of the Trust to deficiencies in internal controls over financial reporting. The Contract, Legal and Risk Committee has primary responsibility for these requirements except for those that relate directly to accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing matters and financial reporting. To the extent these responsibilities are delegated to another committee of the Board, the Committee will coordinate the review and reporting with this committee.
d.
Review and report to the Board the Committee’s recommendation regarding approval
of matters related to the declaration of dividends and distributions for each Trust that is an open-end investment company.
e.
Review other reports that are relevant to the Committee.
f.
Perform other tasks assigned to it from time to time by the Board and report findings
and recommendations to the Board, as appropriate.
1
“John Hancock Funds” includes John Hancock Bond Trust, John Hancock
California Tax-Free Income Fund, John Hancock Capital Series, John Hancock Collateral Trust, John Hancock Current Interest, John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, John
Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund, John Hancock Funds II, John Hancock Funds III, John Hancock Investment Trust, John Hancock Investment Trust II, John Hancock Investment
Trust III, John Hancock Municipal Securities Trust, John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund, John Hancock Strategic Series, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, John Hancock
Emerging Markets Income Fund, John Hancock Floating Rate High Income Opportunities Fund, John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund, John Hancock Income Securities Trust,
John Hancock Investors Trust, John Hancock Preferred Income Fund, John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II, John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III, John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund, John Hancock Strategic Diversified Income Fund, and John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund and for those Trust that are series companies, each investment portfolio thereof.
John Hancock Funds1
Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
Overall Role and Responsibility
The Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Committee”) of each of the Trusts shall (1) make determinations and recommendations to the
Board of Trustees (the “Board”) regarding issues related to (a) the composition of the Board and (b) corporate governance matters applicable to the Trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), of any of the Trusts, or of any Fund’s investment adviser, subadviser or principal underwriter and who are “independent” as defined in the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (the “Independent Trustees”) and (2) discharge such additional duties, responsibilities and functions as are delegated to it from time to time.
The Nominating and Governance Committee (the “Committee”) shall be composed of all of the Independent Trustees of the Board. One member of the Committee shall be appointed by the Board as Chair of the Committee. The chair shall be responsible for leadership of the Committee, including scheduling meetings or reviewing and approving the schedule for them, preparing agendas or reviewing and approving them before meetings, presiding over meetings of the Committee and making reports to the full Board, as appropriate.
Structure, Operations and Governance
Meetings and Actions by Written Consent. The Committee shall meet as often as required or as the Committee deems appropriate,
with or without management present. Meetings may be called and notice given by the Committee chair or a majority of the members of the Committee. Members may attend meetings in person or by telephone. The Committee may act by written consent to the extent permitted by law and the Funds’ governing documents. The Committee shall report to the Board on any significant action it takes not later than the next following Board meeting.
Required Vote and Quorum. The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Committee participating in any
meeting of the Committee at which a quorum is present is necessary for the adoption of any resolution. At least a majority of the Committee members present at the meeting
in person or by telephone shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Delegation to Subcommittees. The Committee may delegate any portion of its authority to a subcommittee of one or more members.
Appropriate Resources and
Authority. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate
to discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain special counsel and other advisers, experts or consultants, at the Funds’ expense, as it determines
necessary or appropriate to carry out its duties and responsibilities. In addition, the Committee shall have direct access to such officers of and service providers to the Funds as it deems desirable.
Review of Charter. The Committee Charter shall be approved by at least a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter periodically and, where necessary or as it deems desirable, will recommend changes to the Board for its approval. The Board may amend this Charter at any time in response to recommendations from the Committee or on its own motion.
Executive Sessions. The Committee may meet privately and may invite non-members to attend such meetings. The
Committee may meet with representatives of the Investment Management Services department of the Funds’ advisers, internal legal counsel of the Funds’ advisers,
members of the John Hancock Funds Risk & Investment Operations Committee (the “RIO Committee”) and with representatives of the Funds’ service providers, including the subadvisers, to discuss matters that relate to the areas for which the Committee has responsibility.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The Committee shall have the following duties and powers, to be exercised at such times
and in such manner as the Committee shall determine:
1.
Except where a Trust is legally required to nominate individuals recommended by another, to identify individuals qualified to serve as Independent Trustees of the Trusts, and to consider and recommend to the full Board nominations of individuals to serve as Trustees.
2.
To consider, as it deems necessary or appropriate, the criteria for persons to fill existing or newly created Trustee vacancies. The Committee shall use the criteria and principles set forth in Annex A to guide its Trustee selection process.
3.
To consider and recommend changes to the Board regarding the size, structure, and
composition of the Board.
4.
To evaluate, from time to time, and determine changes to the retirement policies for
the Independent Trustees, as appropriate.
5.
To periodically review the Board’s committee structure and, in collaboration
with the Chairs of the various Committees, the charters of the Board’s committees, and recommend to the Board of Trustees changes to the committee structure and
charters as it deems appropriate.
6.
To retain and terminate any firm(s) to be used to identify or evaluate or assist in
identifying or evaluating potential Independent Board nominees, subject to the Board’s sole authority to approve the firm’s fees and other retention
terms.
7.
To consider and determine the amount of compensation to be paid by the Trusts to the Independent Trustees, including the compensation of the Chair of the Board or any Vice-Chair of the Board and of Committee Chairs, and to address compensation-related matters. The Chair of the Board has been granted the authority to approve special compensation to Independent Trustees in recognition of any significant amount
of additional time and
service to the Trusts provided by them, subject to ratification of any such special compensation by the Committee at the next regular meeting of the Committee.
8.
To coordinate and administer an annual self-evaluation of the Board, which will
include, at a minimum, a review of its effectiveness in overseeing the number of Funds in the Fund complex and the effectiveness of its committee structure.
9.
To review the Board Governance Procedures and recommend to the Board of Trustees changes to the Procedures as the Committee deems appropriate.
10.
To report its activities to the full Board and to make such recommendations with
respect to the matters described above and other matters as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.
Additional Responsibilities
The Committee will also perform other tasks assigned to it from time to time by the
Chair of the Board or by the Board, and will report findings and recommendations to the Board, as appropriate.
Adopted: December 12, 2024
ANNEX A
The Committee may take into account a wide variety of factors in considering Trustee
candidates, including (but not limited to) the criteria set forth below. The Committee may determine that a candidate who does not satisfy these criteria in one or more
respects should nevertheless be considered as a nominee if the Committee finds that the criteria satisfied by the candidate and the candidate’s other qualifications
demonstrate the appropriate level of fitness to serve.
1.
Nominees should have a reputation for integrity, honesty and adherence to high ethical
standards, and such other personal characteristics as a capacity for leadership and the ability to work well with others.
2.
Nominees should have business, professional, academic, financial, accounting or other experience and qualifications which demonstrate that they will make a valuable contribution as Trustees.
3.
Nominees should have a commitment to understand the Funds, and the responsibilities of
a trustee/director of an investment company and to regularly attend and participate in meetings of the Board and its committees.
4.
Nominees should have the ability to understand the sometimes conflicting interests of the various constituencies of the Funds, including shareholders and the investment adviser, and to act in the interests of all shareholders.
5.
Nominees should not have, nor appear to have, a conflict of interest that would impair
their ability to represent the interests of all the shareholders and to fulfill the responsibilities of a trustee.
6.
Nominees should have experience on corporate or other institutional bodies having oversight responsibilities.
It is the intent of the Committee that at least one Independent Trustee be an
“audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Application of Criteria to Current Trustees
The re-nomination of current Trustees should not be viewed as automatic, but should be
based on continuing qualification under the criteria set forth above based on, among other things, the current Trustee’s contribution to the Board and any committee on
which he or she serves.
1.
The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of each Trust and its shareholders to obtain highly-qualified candidates to serve as members of the Board.
2.
In nominating candidates who would be Independent Trustees, the Committee believes
that no particular qualities or skills nor any specific minimum qualifications or disqualifications are controlling or paramount. The Committee shall take into consideration
any such factors as it deems appropriate; however, the appropriate mix of skills, expertise and attributes needed to maintain an effective board are sought in the applicant pool as part of every search the Board undertakes for new trustees, including but not limited to the diversity of thought, as well as of gender, race, ethnic background and geographic origin. These factors may also include (but are not limited to) the person’s character, integrity, judgment, skill and experience with investment companies and other organizations of comparable purpose, complexity and size and subject to similar legal restrictions and oversight; the interplay of the candidate’s experience with the experience of other Board members; and the extent to which the candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board and any Committees thereof. Other factors that the Committee may take into consideration include a person’s availability and commitment to attend meetings and perform his or her responsibilities; whether or not the person has or had any relationships that might impair or appear to impair his or her independence, such as any business, financial or family relationships with Fund management, the investment adviser and/or any subadviser of the Funds, as applicable, Fund service providers, or their affiliates or with Fund shareholders. The Committee will strive to achieve a group that reflects a diversity of experiences in respect of industries, professions and other experiences, and that is diversified as to thought, gender, race, ethnic background and geographic origin.
3.
While the Committee is solely responsible for the selection and recommendation to the
Board of Independent Trustee candidates, the Committee may consider nominees recommended by any source, including shareholders, management, legal counsel and Board members,
as it deems appropriate. The Committee may retain a professional search firm or a consultant to assist the Committee in a search for a qualified candidate. Any recommendations from shareholders shall be directed to the Secretary of the relevant Trust at such address as is set forth in the Trust’s disclosure documents. Recommendations from management may be submitted to the Committee Chair. All recommendations shall include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Board members and as specified in the relevant Trust’s By-Laws, and must be accompanied by a written consent of the proposed candidate to stand for election if nominated for the Board and to serve if elected by shareholders.
4.
Any shareholder nomination must be submitted in compliance with all of the pertinent
provisions of Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to be considered by the Committee. In evaluating a nominee recommended by a shareholder, the
Committee, in addition to the criteria discussed above, may consider the objectives of the shareholder in submitting that nomination and whether such objectives are consistent with the interests of all shareholders. If the Board determines to include a shareholder’s candidate among the slate of its designated nominees, the candidate’s name will be placed on the Trust’s proxy card. If the Board determines not to include such candidate among its designated nominees, and the shareholder has satisfied the requirements of Rule 14a-8, the shareholder’s candidate will be treated as a nominee of the shareholder who originally nominated the candidate. In that case, the candidate will not be named on the proxy card distributed with the Trust’s proxy statement.
5.
As long as a current Independent Trustee continues, in the opinion of the Committee, to satisfy the criteria listed above, the Committee generally would favor the re-nomination of a current Trustee rather than a new candidate. Consequently, while the Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders to serve as trustees, the Committee may only act upon such recommendations if there is a vacancy on the Board, or the Committee determines that the selection of a new or additional Trustee is in the best interests of the relevant Trust. In the event that a vacancy arises or a change in Board membership is determined to be advisable, the Committee will, in addition to any shareholder recommendations, consider candidates identified by other means as discussed in this Annex A.
6.
With respect to candidates for Independent Trustee, a biography of each candidate
shall be acquired and shall be reviewed by counsel to the Independent Trustees and counsel to the Trust to determine the candidate’s eligibility to serve as an
Independent Trustee.
7.
The Committee may from time to time establish specific requirements and/or additional factors to be considered for Independent Trustee candidates as it deems necessary or appropriate.
8.
After its consideration of relevant factors, the Committee shall present its
recommendation(s) to the full Board for its consideration.
1
“John Hancock Funds” includes each trust and series as may be amended from
time to time (each individually, a “Trust,” and collectively, the “Trusts,” and each series thereof, a “Portfolio” or “Fund,”
and collectively, the “Portfolios” or “Funds”).
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, 800-852-0218, jhinvestments.com
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PO Box 43131
Providence, RI 02940-3131 |
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YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY
EASY VOTING OPTIONS:
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VOTE ON THE INTERNET
Log on to:
www.proxy-direct.com
or scan the QR code Follow the on-screen instructions available 24 hours
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VOTE BY PHONE
Call 1-800-337-3503
Follow the recorded instructions
available 24 hours |
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VOTE BY MAIL
Vote, sign and date this Proxy
Card and return in the postage-paid
envelope |
Please detach at perforation before mailing.
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| PROXY |
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[FUND NAME]
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
February 18, 2025 |
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THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies, hereby appoint(s) Andrew G. Arnott, Jay Aronowitz, Sarah M. Coutu, Thomas Dee, Phil Fontana, Khimmara Greer,
Kinga Kapuscinski, Nicholas Kolokithas, Mara C.S. Moldwin, Harsha Pulluru, Fernando Silva, Salvatore Schiavone, Betsy Anne Seel, Christopher Sechler, and Steven Sunnerberg, or any one or more of them, proxies and attorneys of the undersigned, each
with full power of substitution, to vote all common shares of [Fund Name], which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund to be held on February 18, 2025, at the offices of the Fund, 200 Berkeley
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournments thereof. All powers may be exercised by a majority of said proxy holders or substitutes voting or acting or, if only one votes and acts, then by that one.
Receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the accompanying Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.
When this proxy is
properly executed, the shares to which this proxy relates will be voted as specified. If no specification is made, this proxy will be voted for the nominees named in the proxy statement. The persons named as proxies have discretionary authority,
which they intend to exercise in favor of the proposal referred to and according to their best judgment as to any other matters which may properly come before the meeting.
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VOTE VIA THE INTERNET: www.proxy-direct.com
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VOTE VIA THE TELEPHONE:
1-800-337-3503 |
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JHI_34145_CJ_110624
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE VOTE TODAY.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on February 18, 2025.
The Proxy Statement and Proxy Card for this meeting are available free of charge at:
https://www.proxy-direct.com/jhi-34145
IF YOU VOTE ON THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE,
YOU NEED NOT RETURN THIS PROXY CARD
Please
detach at perforation before mailing.
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A |
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Proposal THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE NOMINEES. |
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To elect two (2) Trustees (William K. Bacic and Thomas R. Wright) to serve for a
2-year term ending at the 2027 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and to elect three (3) Trustees (Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Andrew G. Arnott) to serve for a three-year term ending at the 2028
Annual Meeting of Shareholders (all funds): |
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01. Andrew G. Arnott |
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02. William K. Bacic |
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03. Dean C. Garfield |
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FOR ALL
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WITHHOLD ALL
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FOR ALL EXCEPT
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04 Deborah C. Jackson |
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05. Thomas R. Wright |
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INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark the box
“FOR ALL EXCEPT” and write the nominee’s number on the line provided below. |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment
of the meeting. |
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Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.— Sign and Date Below |
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| Note: |
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this proxy card, and date it. When shares are held jointly, each
holder should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, guardian, administrator, trustee, officer of corporation or other entity or in another representative capacity, please give the full title under the signature. |
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| Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below |
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Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box |
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Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box |
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JHI 34145 |
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[FUND NAME]
PO Box 43131
Providence, RI 02940-3131
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IMPORTANT PROXY INFORMATION |
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Your Vote Counts! |
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PLEASE USE THE 14-DIGIT CONTROL NUMBER &
8-DIGIT SECURITY CODE LISTED IN THE BOXES BELOW WHEN REQUESTING MATERIAL VIA THE TELEPHONE & INTERNET.
When you are ready to vote, you can use the same Control Number & Security Code to record your vote.
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Shareholder Meeting Notice – THIS IS NOT A PROXY – Please read carefully for voting instructions.
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| Important Notice
Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the John Hancock |
| Annual Shareholders Meeting to Be Held on February 18, 2025.
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As a shareholder, it is important for you to vote!
On the back of this notice, you will find a summary of the proposals that require a shareholder vote at the Meeting.
This communication is NOT a form for voting and presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the
Internet or by mail. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting.
The President’s Letter, Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement are available at:
https://www.proxy-direct.com/jhi-34145
If you want to receive a paper copy of the documents or an email with a link to the documents, you must request them otherwise you will not receive a
paper copy or an email with a link to the documents. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Paper materials will be mailed to the address on file within 3-business days of receipt of the request.
Please make your request as soon as possible, but no later than February 5, 2025, to facilitate timely delivery. The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of [Fund Name] will be held on February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time at 200
Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. To obtain directions to be able to attend the meeting and vote in person, call
1-800-225-5291.
ONLINE MATERIAL ACCESS AND PAPER COPY REQUESTS CAN BE MADE UTILIZING ONE OF THE THREE METHODS BELOW.
YOU CAN ALSO USE ONE OF THESE THREE METHODS TO ELECT A PERMANENT DELIVERY PREFERENCE FOR FUTURE MEETINGS.
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AND VOTE OR REQUEST PAPER DELIVERY OF MATERIALS |
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EASY ONLINE ACCESS – REQUEST BY INTERNET
Log on to the Internet and go to:
https://www.proxy-direct.com/jhi-34145 On
this site you can view the The President’s Letter, Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement online, request paper copies, request an email with a link to the materials and/or set future delivery preferences.
Just follow the steps outlined on this secure website. |
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| TELEPHONE REQUESTS - CALL
1-877-816-5331 Obtain paper copies of the Proxy Statement and/or Form of Proxy with an option to set future delivery preference by touch tone phone. Call toll
free from the U.S. or Canada at NO CHARGE to you. Follow the instructions provided in the recorded messages. |
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E-MAIL REQUEST AT: proxymaterials@computershare.com: Email us to request
Proxy Materials for the shareholder meeting and/or to set future delivery preferences. - Provide only
your 14-Digit Control Number and 8-Digit Security Code as listed on this notice in your email request for materials.
- If you want to elect to receive all future proxy materials in paper form or via email, please note your request
and for email, provide the address. |
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| PAPER COPY
REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 5, 2025, TO FACILITATE TIMELY DELIVERY. |
JHI_34145_NA_110624_C-J
The following matters will be considered at the Meeting:
| 1. |
To elect two (2) Trustees (William K. Bacic and Thomas R. Wright) to serve for a 2-year term ending at the 2027 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders, and to elect three (3) Trustees (Dean C. Garfield, Deborah C. Jackson, and Andrew G. Arnott) to serve for a three-year term ending at the 2028 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (all funds); and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.
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The Board of Trustees recommends that shareholders vote FOR each nominee to the Board of Trustees identified in the Proxy
Statement.
If you wish to attend and vote at the Meeting, please bring this notice and proper identification with you to the Meeting.
Directions to attend the Annual Meeting where you may vote in person can be found on our website,
http://www.jhinvestments.com/proxy-information
Please refer to the Proxy Materials for further details on the proposals.
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| YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO
MATTER HOW MANY SHARES YOU OWN |
Common Questions about Notice and Access
Why am I receiving a Notice of Internet Availability instead of a Proxy card and Proxy statement?
Your funds have elected to utilize a distribution model authorized by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2007. This model, known as Notice and
Access, allows mutual funds and public companies to send you a Notice instead of a full set of printed proxy materials. As a shareholder, you can select the means by which you access those proxy materials. You can view the materials electronically
via the Internet, or request a full set of printed materials for this Shareholder Meeting and all future meetings, or you can make that choice on a case by case basis.
How do I access the materials, set my preference for future shareholder meeting materials and record my vote?
On the front side of this Notice are easy to follow instructions on how to access Proxy materials electronically or request a full set of printed
materials. Once you are on the website or ordering on the phone, you can also make your selection for future meetings.
When you are ready to
vote, electronic voting is available by Internet or Touch Tone Phone by using the Control Number and Security Code on the front of this Notice. The Touch Tone voting phone number is different from the ordering phone number and is displayed on the
website. If you want to vote via Mail, you will need to request a paper copy of the materials to receive a Proxy Card and Return Envelope.
If I request
printed proxy materials, how long will it take for me to receive them?
The SEC rule requires that the materials be sent via first class
mail within three business days of receipt of your request.
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