UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811- 4630
John Hancock Investment Trust III
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02210
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Salvatore Schiavone
Treasurer
601 Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 617-663-4497
| Date of fiscal year end: | October 31 |
| Date of reporting period: | October 31, 2016 |
ITEM 1. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
A message to shareholders
Dear shareholder,
Investors in most international equities generally experienced gains over the past 12 months, as fears over slowing global growth dissipated and commodity prices rebounded. Emerging markets delivered the most robust returns, while China's economy and equity markets stabilized after a period of heightened volatility. Although Brexit initially triggered a sharp decline in global equities, investor sentiment improved as the summer progressed, thanks to the U.K. government's intraparty leadership transition and the Bank of England's cut of its benchmark interest rate. In Japan, however, weak consumption and low inflation continued to challenge the nation's slow economic recovery.
With continuing fallout over Brexit and the task U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump will face in uniting a fractured electorate and reigniting growth in a lethargic economy, it's prudent to expect that volatility will pick up in the coming months. Should markets encounter tougher going as we finish out 2016, one of your best resources is your financial advisor, who can help ensure your portfolio is sufficiently diversified to meet your long-term objectives and to withstand the inevitable bumps along the way.
On behalf of everyone at John Hancock Investments, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for the continued trust you've placed in us.
Sincerely,
Andrew G. Arnott
President and Chief Executive Officer
John Hancock Investments
This commentary reflects the CEO's views, which are subject to change at any time. All investments entail risks, including the possible loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or eliminate the risk of a loss. For more up-to-date information, you can visit our website at jhinvestments.com.
John Hancock
Greater China Opportunities Fund
Table of contents
| 2 | Your fund at a glance | ||
| 4 | Discussion of fund performance | ||
| 8 | A look at performance | ||
| 10 | Your expenses | ||
| 12 | Fund's investments | ||
| 14 | Financial statements | ||
| 17 | Financial highlights | ||
| 22 | Notes to financial statements | ||
| 29 | Auditor's report | ||
| 30 | Tax information | ||
| 31 | Continuation of investment advisory and subadvisory agreements | ||
| 36 | Trustees and Officers | ||
| 40 | More information | ||
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 10/31/16 (%)
The MSCI Golden Dragon Index (gross of foreign withholding taxes on dividends) is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the China region. The MSCI Golden Dragon Index captures the equity market performance of large and mid-cap China securities and non-domestic China securities listed in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Index figures do not reflect expenses or sales charges, which would result in lower returns.
Figures from Morningstar, Inc. include reinvested distributions and do not take into account sales charges. Actual load-adjusted performance is lower.
The past performance shown here reflects reinvested distributions and the beneficial effect of any expense reductions, and does not guarantee future results. Performance of the other share classes will vary based on the difference in the fees and expenses of those classes. Shares will fluctuate in value and, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current month-end performance may be lower or higher than the performance cited, and can be found at jhinvestments.com or by calling 800-225-5291. For further information on the fund's objectives, risks, and strategy, see the fund's prospectus.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS
China region stocks advanced
Despite bouts of volatility, stocks in the Greater China region posted positive overall returns as efforts by the Chinese government to stimulate economic activity began to bear fruit.
The fund outpaced its peer group, but trailed its benchmark index
The fund outperformed its peer group average but trailed the performance of its benchmark, the MSCI Golden Dragon Index.
Financials detracted, technology contributed
Holdings in the financials sector detracted the most from fund performance, while stock selection in the information technology sector aided results.
SECTOR COMPOSITION AS OF 10/31/16 (%)
A note about risks
Foreign investing has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Investments in the Greater China region are subject to special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, restrictions on monetary repatriation and possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of assets. The fund may invest in IPOs, which are frequently volatile. The stock prices of midsize and small companies can change more frequently and dramatically than those of large companies. The fund is non-diversified and may invest its assets in a small number of issuers. Performance could suffer significantly from adverse events affecting these issuers. Hedging, derivatives, and other strategic transactions may increase a fund's volatility and could produce disproportionate losses, potentially more than the fund's principal investment. Sector investing is subject to greater risks than the market as a whole. Because the fund may focus on particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors, and investments focused in one sector may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across sectors. Please see the fund's prospectus for additional risks.
An interview with Portfolio Manager Kai-Kong Chay, CFA, John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (North America) Limited
Kai-Kong Chay, CFA
Portfolio Manager
John Hancock Asset Management
Can you describe the equity market environment in the Greater China region over the 12 months ended October 31, 2016?
Greater China region stocks experienced significant volatility, but advanced overall for the reporting period. Early in the period, equity markets in the China region declined amid evidence of a further slowdown in the Chinese economy. In 2015, the Chinese economy grew by 6.9%, the slowest calendar year growth rate since 1990, and eased to a 6.7% annual growth rate in the first quarter of 2016.
The People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, took steps in early 2016 to reduce currency speculation and imposed a reserve requirement for commercial banks' offshore currency holdings. At the same time, the Chinese government approved a series of policies designed to boost the housing market and increase spending on infrastructure projects. These developments helped stabilize the Chinese economy and fueled a robust recovery in China region stocks.
For the 12-month period, the MSCI Golden Dragon Index—the fund's benchmark and a broad measure of equity market performance in the China region—returned 7.31%. Among the markets represented in the index, Taiwan posted the highest return, thanks to strong results from information technology stocks. Hong Kong's best sectors were real estate and information technology, while China stocks generally posted modest gains.
In this environment, how did the fund perform compared with its benchmark?
The fund posted a positive return for the reporting period, but trailed the performance of the benchmark. The fund is managed using a bottom-up stock selection process that emphasizes favorable growth prospects, recognized catalysts for change, and attractive valuations. As such, the fund's geographic and sector weightings are by-products of this bottom-up stock-picking process.
Geographically, security selection added value in Taiwan, but detracted from relative results in Hong Kong; notably, limited exposure to Hong Kong property stocks detracted considerably from performance compared with the benchmark.
From a sector perspective, stock selection in the information technology sector contributed meaningfully to performance, while stock picks in the industrials and financials sectors detracted from relative results.
Which holdings detracted the most from performance compared with the benchmark index?
The most significant detractor in the industrials sector was CAR, Inc., a China-based auto rental and chauffeur services company. The stock declined during the period as CAR faced increased competition from car-sharing programs and electronic ride-hailing services such as Uber. Given our concerns about further losses in market share, we eliminated the stock from the portfolio during the period.
In the financials sector, insurance firm China Taiping Insurance Holdings Company, Ltd. was the biggest detractor. Concerns about the negative impact of falling interest rates and stock market volatility on the company's policy investment portfolio put downward pressure on the stock. We chose to eliminate this stock from the portfolio.
Another notable detractor was Wisdom Sports Group, a China-based sports marketing and management company. Wisdom has two primary units—one that organizes, promotes, and manages sporting events across China and another that produces and distributes television programming. The company failed to meet earnings expectations in the first half of 2016 amid declining television advertising revenues resulting from a shift toward online advertising. Wisdom recently restructured its business with a greater focus on sporting events management, and we believe that this restructuring will return the company to a positive growth track. As a result, the stock remains a portfolio holding.
What portfolio holdings aided performance versus the benchmark?
Security selection was especially strong in the information technology sector. One of the leading
COUNTRY COMPOSITION AS OF 10/31/16 (%)
| China | 47.3 |
| Hong Kong | 27.8 |
| Taiwan | 23.8 |
| Other assets and liabilities, net | 1.1 |
| TOTAL | 100.0 |
| As a percentage of net assets. |
Another top contributor was Tencent Holdings, Ltd., a Chinese software developer that focuses primarily on applications for mobile devices. The company offers a variety of products and services, including a popular text messaging app called WeChat and a mobile gaming platform. As with Weibo, strong growth in online and mobile advertising helped lift Tencent's earnings and stock price during the period.
Elsewhere in the information technology sector, Taiwan-based electronic components manufacturer Walsin Technology Corp. was a meaningful contributor to performance. Walsin, which makes components for mobile devices, enjoyed strong growth in orders from many of the leading handset makers in the Greater China region. The resulting surge in earnings growth led the stock price to more than double for the period.
How was the portfolio positioned at the end of the reporting period?
We remain focused on several themes that we believe provide attractive investment opportunities for the portfolio. One of these themes is e-commerce and social media, which are poised to benefit from changing consumer behavior. Increased usage of e-commerce and social media sites,
TOP 10 HOLDINGS AS OF 10/31/16 (%)
| Tencent Holdings, Ltd. | 10.0 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | 6.5 |
| Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR | 6.0 |
| AIA Group, Ltd. | 4.9 |
| China Mobile, Ltd. | 3.8 |
| China Construction Bank Corp., H Shares | 3.1 |
| Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Ltd., H Shares | 2.5 |
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd., H Shares | 2.4 |
| Weibo Corp., ADR | 2.3 |
| Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd. | 2.2 |
| TOTAL | 43.7 |
| As a percentage of net assets. | |
| Cash and cash equivalents are not included. | |
particularly by younger consumers, has led to a wholesale shift from television and print advertising to online and mobile ads, and portfolio holdings in this area should benefit from this shift.
Another portfolio theme is environmental protection, particularly in regard to water treatment as China seeks to improve water quality throughout the country. Holdings such as Beijing Enterprises Water Group, Ltd. should benefit from growing government investment in water treatment infrastructure.
We are also seeing some attractive opportunities in cyclical stocks. We are encouraged by recent economic data in China, where stabilizing commodity prices helped the producer price index turn positive in September for the first time in 55 months. This should bode well for nonfinancial earnings growth. In particular, we are finding value among energy providers, coal producers, and cement companies.
We continue to favor certain technology companies and auto component producers in Taiwan. Growing demand for mobile devices worldwide and increasing technological developments in the auto industry should help provide a tailwind for these stocks.
MANAGED BY
| |
Kai-Kong Chay, CFA On the fund since 2011 Investing since 1997 |
 |
Ronald Chan, CFA On the fund since 2011 Investing since 1995 |
TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2016
| Average annual total returns (%) with maximum sales charge |
Cumulative total returns (%) with maximum sales charge |
||||||||
| 1-year | 5-year | 10-year | Since inception1 |
5-year | 10-year | Since inception1 |
|||
| Class A | 1.06 | 5.89 | 4.74 | — | 33.14 | 58.84 | — | ||
| Class B | 0.72 | 5.81 | 4.47 | — | 32.61 | 54.87 | — | ||
| Class C | 4.68 | 6.14 | 4.47 | — | 34.71 | 54.90 | — | ||
| Class I2 | 6.74 | 7.42 | 5.52 | — | 43.05 | 71.19 | — | ||
| Class NAV2 | 6.81 | 7.50 | — | 4.17 | 43.56 | — | 49.46 | ||
| Index† | 7.31 | 6.72 | 6.45 | — | 38.45 | 86.85 | — | ||
Performance figures assume all distributions have been reinvested. Figures reflect maximum sales charges on Class A shares of 5%, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on Class B and Class C shares. The Class B shares' CDSC declines annually between years 1 to 6 according to the following schedule: 5%, 4%, 3%, 3%, 2%, 1%. No sales charge will be assessed after the sixth year. Class C shares held for less than one year are subject to a 1% CDSC. Sales charges are not applicable to Class I and Class NAV shares.
The expense ratios of the fund, both net (including any fee waivers and/or expense limitations) and gross (excluding any fee waivers and/or expense limitations), are set forth according to the most recent publicly available prospectuses for the fund and may differ from those disclosed in the Financial highlights tables in this report. Had the fee waivers and expense limitations not been in place, gross expenses would apply. The expense ratios are as follows:
| Class A | Class B | Class C | Class I | Class NAV | |
| Gross (%) | 1.76 | 2.46 | 2.46 | 1.45 | 1.34 |
| Net (%) | 1.72 | 2.42 | 2.42 | 1.34 | 1.30 |
Please refer to the most recent prospectus and annual or semiannual report for more information on expenses and any expense limitation arrangements for each class.
The returns reflect past results and should not be considered indicative of future performance. The return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Due to market volatility and other factors, the fund's current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. For current to the most recent month-end performance data, please call 800-225-5291 or visit the fund's website at jhinvestments.com.
The performance table above and the chart on the next page do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. The fund's performance results reflect any applicable fee waivers or expense reductions, without which the expenses would increase and results would have been less favorable.
| † | Index is the MSCI Golden Dragon Index. |
See the following page for footnotes.
This chart and table show what happened to a hypothetical $10,000 investment in John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund for the share classes and periods indicated, assuming all distributions were reinvested. For comparison, we've shown the same investment in the MSCI Golden Dragon Index.
| Start date | With maximum sales charge ($) |
Without sales charge ($) |
Index ($) | |
| Class B3 | 10-31-06 | 15,487 | 15,487 | 18,685 |
| Class C3 | 10-31-06 | 15,490 | 15,490 | 18,685 |
| Class I2 | 10-31-06 | 17,119 | 17,119 | 18,685 |
| Class NAV2 | 12-28-06 | 14,946 | 14,946 | 16,231 |
The MSCI Golden Dragon Index (gross of foreign withholding taxes on dividends) is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the China region. The MSCI Golden Dragon Index captures the equity market performance of large and mid-cap China securities and non-domestic China securities listed in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Index figures do not reflect expenses or sales charges, which would result in lower returns.
Footnotes related to performance pages
| 1 | From 12-28-06. |
| 2 | For certain types of investors, as described in the fund's prospectuses. |
| 3 | The contingent deferred sales charge is not applicable. |
These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing operating expenses of investing in the fund so you can compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
Understanding fund expenses
As a shareholder of the fund, you incur two types of costs:
| • | Transaction costs, which include sales charges (loads) on purchases or redemptions (varies by share class), minimum account fee charge, etc. |
| • | Ongoing operating expenses, including management fees, distribution and service fees (if applicable), and other fund expenses. |
We are presenting only your ongoing operating expenses here.
Actual expenses/actual returns
This example is intended to provide information about the fund's actual ongoing operating expenses, and is based on the fund's actual return. It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on May 1, 2016, with the same investment held until October 31, 2016.
| Account value on 5-1-2016 |
Ending value on 10-31-2016 |
Expenses paid during period ended 10-31-20161 |
Annualized expense ratio |
|
| Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,134.80 | $9.23 | 1.72% |
| Class B | 1,000.00 | 1,130.90 | 12.91 | 2.41% |
| Class C | 1,000.00 | 1,130.80 | 12.96 | 2.42% |
| Class I | 1,000.00 | 1,136.40 | 7.20 | 1.34% |
| Class NAV | 1,000.00 | 1,136.90 | 6.93 | 1.29% |
Together with the value of your account, you may use this information to estimate the operating expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value at October 31, 2016, by $1,000.00, then multiply it by the "expenses paid" for your share class from the table above. For example, for an account value of $8,600.00, the operating expenses should be calculated as follows:
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
This table allows you to compare the fund's ongoing operating expenses with those of any other fund. It provides an example of the fund's hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each class's actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% annualized return before expenses (which is not the fund's actual return). It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on May 1, 2016, with the same investment held until October 31, 2016. Look in any other fund shareholder report to find its hypothetical example and you will be able to compare these expenses. Please remember that these hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
| Account value on 5-1-2016 |
Ending value on 10-31-2016 |
Expenses paid during period ended 10-31-20161 |
Annualized expense ratio |
|
| Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,016.50 | $8.72 | 1.72% |
| Class B | 1,000.00 | 1,013.00 | 12.19 | 2.41% |
| Class C | 1,000.00 | 1,013.00 | 12.25 | 2.42% |
| Class I | 1,000.00 | 1,018.40 | 6.80 | 1.34% |
| Class NAV | 1,000.00 | 1,018.70 | 6.55 | 1.29% |
Remember, these examples do not include any transaction costs, therefore, these examples will not help you to determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If transaction costs were included, your expenses would have been higher. See the prospectuses for details regarding transaction costs.
| 1 | Expenses are equal to the fund's annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/366 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
Fund's investments
| As of 10-31-16 | |||||||||||
| Shares | Value | ||||||||||
| Common stocks 98.9% | $52,270,301 | ||||||||||
| (Cost $41,055,663) | |||||||||||
| China 47.3% | 25,008,773 | ||||||||||
| 58.com, Inc., ADR (I) | 11,577 | 484,497 | |||||||||
| AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc. | 54,500 | 519,274 | |||||||||
| Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR (I) | 31,260 | 3,178,828 | |||||||||
| BeiGene, Ltd., ADR (I) | 5,295 | 176,006 | |||||||||
| Bloomage BioTechnology Corp., Ltd. | 242,500 | 405,439 | |||||||||
| BYD Company, Ltd., H Shares (I) | 88,500 | 582,627 | |||||||||
| China Animal Healthcare, Ltd. (I) | 1,590,000 | 53,304 | |||||||||
| China Coal Energy Company, Ltd., H Shares (I) | 816,000 | 461,961 | |||||||||
| China Communications Construction Company, Ltd., H Shares | 537,000 | 589,655 | |||||||||
| China Communications Services Corp., Ltd., H Shares | 456,000 | 270,567 | |||||||||
| China Construction Bank Corp., H Shares | 2,229,000 | 1,627,720 | |||||||||
| China Medical System Holdings, Ltd. | 216,000 | 337,305 | |||||||||
| China Merchants Bank Company, Ltd., H Shares | 338,000 | 821,931 | |||||||||
| China Oilfield Services, Ltd., H Shares | 684,000 | 656,488 | |||||||||
| China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., H Shares | 810,000 | 585,793 | |||||||||
| China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd. (I)(S) | 507,000 | 589,660 | |||||||||
| CNOOC, Ltd. | 464,000 | 583,839 | |||||||||
| Ctrip.com International, Ltd., ADR (I) | 18,086 | 798,497 | |||||||||
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd., H Shares | 2,133,500 | 1,280,611 | |||||||||
| JNBY Design, Ltd. (I) | 393,000 | 348,132 | |||||||||
| Minth Group, Ltd. | 184,000 | 651,421 | |||||||||
| PICC Property & Casualty Company, Ltd., H Shares | 276,000 | 445,492 | |||||||||
| Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Ltd., H Shares | 251,000 | 1,321,143 | |||||||||
| Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd. | 101,000 | 668,983 | |||||||||
| Sinosoft Technology Group, Ltd. | 1,480,800 | 645,651 | |||||||||
| Tencent Holdings, Ltd. | 200,100 | 5,303,118 | |||||||||
| Weibo Corp., ADR (I) | 26,579 | 1,222,900 | |||||||||
| Wisdom Sports Group (I) | 1,233,000 | 397,931 | |||||||||
| Hong Kong 27.8% | 14,684,432 | ||||||||||
| AIA Group, Ltd. | 412,400 | 2,594,411 | |||||||||
| Beijing Enterprises Water Group, Ltd. (I) | 1,512,000 | 1,093,703 | |||||||||
| BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd. | 128,500 | 458,007 | |||||||||
| Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd. | 103,000 | 842,933 | |||||||||
| Cheung Kong Property Holdings, Ltd. | 147,580 | 1,091,009 | |||||||||
| China Mobile, Ltd. | 173,000 | 1,981,956 | |||||||||
| China Resources Cement Holdings, Ltd. | 1,116,000 | 450,640 | |||||||||
| Shares | Value | ||||||||||
| Hong Kong (continued) | |||||||||||
| China Resources Gas Group, Ltd. | 148,000 | $464,065 | |||||||||
| China Resources Land, Ltd. | 180,666 | 448,690 | |||||||||
| CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd. | 76,580 | 945,612 | |||||||||
| Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd. | 241,000 | 986,805 | |||||||||
| Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd. | 43,800 | 1,157,919 | |||||||||
| Link REIT | 68,500 | 487,305 | |||||||||
| Modern Dental Group, Ltd. | 800,000 | 299,657 | |||||||||
| Swire Properties, Ltd. | 213,200 | 612,243 | |||||||||
| Vinda International Holdings, Ltd. | 389,000 | 769,477 | |||||||||
| Taiwan 23.8% | 12,577,096 | ||||||||||
| Advantech Company, Ltd. | 45,000 | 365,718 | |||||||||
| Chilisin Electronics Corp. | 242,000 | 528,474 | |||||||||
| China Life Insurance Company, Ltd. | 474,832 | 437,683 | |||||||||
| Chunghwa Telecom Company, Ltd. | 120,000 | 410,900 | |||||||||
| Delta Electronics, Inc. | 114,000 | 600,162 | |||||||||
| Elite Semiconductor Memory Technology, Inc. | 307,000 | 327,031 | |||||||||
| Gigabyte Technology Company, Ltd. | 261,000 | 342,978 | |||||||||
| Gourmet Master Company, Ltd. | 56,000 | 502,543 | |||||||||
| Hota Industrial Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | 137,000 | 572,537 | |||||||||
| Largan Precision Company, Ltd. | 5,000 | 589,876 | |||||||||
| Taiwan Cement Corp. | 586,000 | 701,893 | |||||||||
| Taiwan Paiho, Ltd. | 211,000 | 717,235 | |||||||||
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | 570,089 | 3,421,307 | |||||||||
| TCI Company, Ltd. | 156,383 | 847,966 | |||||||||
| TTY Biopharm Company, Ltd. | 212,000 | 797,129 | |||||||||
| Tung Thih Electronic Company, Ltd. | 32,000 | 466,889 | |||||||||
| Vivotek, Inc. | 160,424 | 395,958 | |||||||||
| Walsin Technology Corp. | 454,175 | 550,817 | |||||||||
| Total investments (Cost $41,055,663)† 98.9% | $52,270,301 | ||||||||||
| Other assets and liabilities, net 1.1% | $556,139 | ||||||||||
| Total net assets 100.0% | $52,826,440 | ||||||||||
| The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the fund. | |||||||||||
| Key to Security Abbreviations and Legend | |||||||||||
| ADR | American Depositary Receipts | ||||||||||
| (I) | Non-income producing security. | ||||||||||
| (S) | These securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified institutional buyers, in transactions exempt from registration. | ||||||||||
| † | At 10-31-16, the aggregate cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $41,387,319. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated to $10,882,982, of which $13,416,357 related to appreciated investment securities and $2,533,375 related to depreciated investment securities. | ||||||||||
Financial statements
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 10-31-16
| Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments, at value (Cost $41,055,663) | $52,270,301 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency, at value (Cost $686,193) | 688,054 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for fund shares sold | 9,187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and interest receivable | 3,617 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other receivables and prepaid expenses | 37,400 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 53,008,559 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Due to custodian | 37,085 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable for fund shares repurchased | 40,024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payable to affiliates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting and legal services fees | 2,856 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfer agent fees | 4,380 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and service fees | 14,058 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trustees' fees | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management fees | 6,427 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 77,206 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 182,119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets | $52,826,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets consist of | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | $43,130,737 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Undistributed net investment income | 278,367 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | (1,799,108 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | 11,216,444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets | $52,826,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Based on net asset values and shares outstanding - The fund has an unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A ($30,316,569 ÷ 1,586,431 shares)1 | $19.11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class B ($949,194 ÷ 51,804 shares)1 | $18.32 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class C ($6,012,187 ÷ 328,050 shares)1 | $18.33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class I ($3,136,846 ÷ 164,387 shares) | $19.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class NAV ($12,411,644 ÷ 641,400 shares) | $19.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum offering price per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A (net assets value per share ÷ 95%)2 | $20.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more and on group sales the offering price is reduced. | |||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the year ended 10-31-16
| Investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | $1,144,972 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less foreign taxes withheld | (109,084 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investment income | 1,035,888 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management fees | 507,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution and service fees | 162,381 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting and legal services fees | 10,567 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transfer agent fees | 48,951 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trustees' fees | 956 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| State registration fees | 63,302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Printing and postage | 33,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Professional fees | 47,203 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Custodian fees | 58,736 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 8,386 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 941,799 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less expense reductions | (76,117 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net expenses | 865,682 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 170,206 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gain (loss) on | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments and foreign currency transactions | (1,602,061 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1,602,061 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | 4,069,990 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4,069,990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain | 2,467,929 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in net assets from operations | $2,638,135 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| Year ended 10-31-16 | Year ended 10-31-15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in net assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | $170,206 | $315,684 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized gain (loss) | (1,602,061 | ) | 4,086,397 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 4,069,990 | (6,778,306 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 2,638,135 | (2,376,225 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | (158,526 | ) | (549,375 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class B | — | (13,558 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class C | — | (27,471 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class I | (18,307 | ) | (55,637 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class NAV | (105,179 | ) | (190,974 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A | (2,347,386 | ) | (3,934,001 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class B | (120,411 | ) | (339,402 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class C | (507,485 | ) | (777,489 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class I | (147,172 | ) | (306,074 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class NAV | (808,551 | ) | (1,012,052 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (4,213,017 | ) | (7,206,033 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From fund share transactions | (2,477,647 | ) | (10,458,337 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total decrease | (4,052,529 | ) | (20,040,595 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of year | 56,878,969 | 76,919,564 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of year | $52,826,440 | $56,878,969 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Undistributed net investment income | $278,367 | $258,946 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial highlights
| Class A Shares Period ended | 10-31-16 | 10-31-15 | 10-31-14 | 10-31-13 | 10-31-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $19.46 | $22.73 | $21.70 | $17.99 | $16.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income1 | 0.06 | 0.09 | 0.24 | 0.12 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.05 | (1.18 | ) | 1.13 | 3.65 | 1.18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.11 | (1.09 | ) | 1.37 | 3.77 | 1.24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | (0.09 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | (1.37 | ) | (1.91 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (1.46 | ) | (2.18 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.15 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.11 | $19.46 | $22.73 | $21.70 | $17.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)2,3 | 6.38 | (4.82 | ) | 6.39 | 21.01 | 7.51 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $30 | $34 | $47 | $46 | $44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 1.86 | 1.75 | 1.71 | 1.74 | 1.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses including reductions | 1.72 | 1.71 | 1.71 | 1.74 | 1.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 0.32 | 0.44 | 1.10 | 0.60 | 0.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 55 | 82 | 123 | 93 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class B Shares Period ended | 10-31-16 | 10-31-15 | 10-31-14 | 10-31-13 | 10-31-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $18.75 | $21.93 | $20.97 | $17.49 | $16.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)1 | (0.10 | ) | (0.12 | ) | 0.01 | (0.08 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.04 | (1.07 | ) | 1.13 | 3.56 | 1.18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 0.94 | (1.19 | ) | 1.14 | 3.48 | 1.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | — | (0.08 | ) | — | — | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | (1.37 | ) | (1.91 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (1.37 | ) | (1.99 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $18.32 | $18.75 | $21.93 | $20.97 | $17.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)2,3 | 5.61 | (5.51 | ) | 5.44 | 19.90 | 6.70 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $1 | $2 | $5 | $8 | $9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 2.56 | 2.62 | 2.67 | 2.67 | 2.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses including reductions | 2.42 | 2.47 | 2.59 | 2.67 | 2.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.56 | ) | (0.58 | ) | 0.06 | (0.39 | ) | (0.45 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 55 | 82 | 123 | 93 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class C Shares Period ended | 10-31-16 | 10-31-15 | 10-31-14 | 10-31-13 | 10-31-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $18.75 | $21.92 | $20.96 | $17.48 | $16.41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss)1 | (0.08 | ) | (0.06 | ) | 0.05 | (0.05 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.03 | (1.13 | ) | 1.09 | 3.53 | 1.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 0.95 | (1.19 | ) | 1.14 | 3.48 | 1.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | — | (0.07 | ) | — | — | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | (1.37 | ) | (1.91 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (1.37 | ) | (1.98 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $18.33 | $18.75 | $21.92 | $20.96 | $17.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)2,3 | 5.66 | (5.51 | ) | 5.45 | 19.91 | 6.71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $6 | $7 | $9 | $11 | $10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 2.56 | 2.51 | 2.58 | 2.62 | 2.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses including reductions | 2.42 | 2.47 | 2.57 | 2.62 | 2.61 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.44 | ) | (0.30 | ) | 0.24 | (0.27 | ) | (0.43 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 55 | 82 | 123 | 93 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class I Shares Period ended | 10-31-16 | 10-31-15 | 10-31-14 | 10-31-13 | 10-31-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $19.44 | $22.72 | $21.71 | $17.96 | $16.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income1 | 0.13 | 0.23 | 0.45 | 0.17 | 0.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.05 | (1.25 | ) | 1.01 | 3.69 | 1.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.18 | (1.02 | ) | 1.46 | 3.86 | 1.32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | (0.17 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.18 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | (1.37 | ) | (1.91 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (1.54 | ) | (2.26 | ) | (0.45 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.18 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.08 | $19.44 | $22.72 | $21.71 | $17.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)2 | 6.74 | (4.43 | ) | 6.79 | 21.57 | 8.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $3 | $2 | $4 | $1 | $1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 1.55 | 1.57 | 2.14 | 2.79 | 2.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses including reductions | 1.34 | 1.34 | 1.34 | 1.31 | 1.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 0.70 | 1.06 | 2.02 | 0.85 | 0.73 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 55 | 82 | 123 | 93 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class NAV Shares Period ended | 10-31-16 | 10-31-15 | 10-31-14 | 10-31-13 | 10-31-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Per share operating performance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $19.70 | $22.98 | $21.95 | $18.18 | $17.07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income1 | 0.15 | 0.20 | 0.62 | 0.23 | 0.15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.05 | (1.21 | ) | 0.87 | 3.67 | 1.21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations | 1.20 | (1.01 | ) | 1.49 | 3.90 | 1.36 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less distributions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net investment income | (0.18 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.25 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| From net realized gain | (1.37 | ) | (1.91 | ) | (0.18 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total distributions | (1.55 | ) | (2.27 | ) | (0.46 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.25 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.35 | $19.70 | $22.98 | $21.95 | $18.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total return (%)2 | 6.81 | (4.36 | ) | 6.88 | 21.53 | 8.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $12 | $12 | $12 | $1 | $1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 1.44 | 1.32 | 1.25 | 1.28 | 1.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses including reductions | 1.29 | 1.27 | 1.24 | 1.27 | 1.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 0.81 | 0.95 | 2.80 | 1.12 | 0.87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 55 | 82 | 123 | 93 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 1 — Organization
John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund (the fund) is a series of John Hancock Investment Trust III (the Trust), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The investment objective of the fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.
The fund may offer multiple classes of shares. The shares currently offered are detailed in the Statement of assets and liabilities. Class A and Class C shares are offered to all investors. Class B shares are closed to new investors. Class I shares are offered to institutions and certain investors. Class NAV shares are offered to John Hancock affiliated funds of funds and certain 529 plans. Shareholders of each class have exclusive voting rights to matters that affect that class. The distribution and service fees, if any, and transfer agent fees for each class may differ. Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase.
Note 2 — Significant accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP), which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant. The fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of US GAAP.
Events or transactions occurring after the end of the fiscal period through the date that the financial statements were issued have been evaluated in the preparation of the financial statements. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the fund:
Security valuation. Investments are stated at value as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. In case of emergency or other disruption resulting in the NYSE not opening for trading or the NYSE closing at a time other than the regularly scheduled close, the net asset value (NAV) may be determined as of the regularly scheduled close of the NYSE pursuant to the fund's Valuation Policies and Procedures. The time at which shares and transactions are priced and until which orders are accepted may vary to the extent permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and applicable regulations.
In order to value the securities, the fund uses the following valuation techniques: Equity securities held by the fund are typically valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the exchange or principal market where the security trades. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the securities are valued using the last available bid price. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rates supplied by an independent pricing vendor.
In certain instances, the Pricing Committee may determine to value equity securities using prices obtained from another exchange or market if trading on the exchange or market on which prices are typically obtained did not open for trading as scheduled, or if trading closed earlier than scheduled, and trading occurred as normal on another exchange or market.
Other portfolio securities and assets, for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the fund's Pricing Committee following procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The frequency with which these fair valuation procedures are used cannot be predicted and fair value of securities may differ significantly from the value that would have been used had a ready market for such securities existed. Trading in foreign securities may be completed before the scheduled daily close of trading on the NYSE. Significant events at the issuer or market level may affect the values of securities between the time when the valuation of the securities is generally determined and the close of the NYSE. If a significant event occurs, these securities may be fair valued, as determined in good faith by the fund's Pricing Committee, following procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The fund uses fair value adjustment factors provided by an independent pricing vendor to value certain foreign securities in order to adjust for events that may occur between the close of foreign exchanges or markets and the close of the NYSE.
The fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the pricing assumptions, referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. Level 1 includes securities valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes securities valued using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk. Prices for securities valued using these inputs are received from independent pricing vendors and brokers and are based on an evaluation of the inputs described. Level 3 includes securities valued using significant unobservable inputs when market prices are not readily available or reliable, including the fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Factors used in determining value may include market or issuer specific events or trends, changes in interest rates and credit quality. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. Changes in valuation techniques and related inputs may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the values by input classification of the fund's investments as of October 31, 2016, by major security category or type:
| Total value at 10-31-16 |
Level 1 quoted price |
Level 2 significant observable inputs |
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs |
||
| Common stocks | |||||
| China | $25,008,773 | $5,860,728 | $19,094,741 | $53,304 | |
| Hong Kong | 14,684,432 | — | 14,684,432 | — | |
| Taiwan | 12,577,096 | — | 12,577,096 | — | |
| Total investments in securities | $52,270,301 | $5,860,728 | $46,356,269 | $53,304 | |
Security transactions and related investment income. Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily NAV calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, except for dividends of foreign securities where the dividend may not be known until after the ex-date. In those cases, dividend income, net of withholding taxes, is recorded when the fund becomes aware of the dividends. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.
Foreign currency translation. Assets, including investments and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the value of securities is reflected as a component of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments.
Funds that invest internationally generally carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. securities. These risks are heightened for investments in emerging markets. Funds investing in a single country or in a limited geographic region tend to be riskier than funds that invest more broadly. Risks can result from differences in economic and political conditions, regulations, market practices (including higher transaction costs), accounting standards and other factors. Foreign investments are also subject to a decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency.
Foreign taxes. The fund may be subject to withholding tax on income and/or capital gains or repatriation taxes imposed by certain countries in which the fund invests. Taxes are accrued based upon investment income, realized gains or unrealized appreciation.
Line of credit. The fund may borrow from banks for temporary or emergency purposes, including meeting redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely sale of securities. Pursuant to the fund's custodian agreement, the custodian may loan money to the fund to make properly authorized payments. The fund is obligated to repay the custodian for any overdraft, including any related costs or expenses. The custodian may have a lien, security interest or security
entitlement in any fund property that is not otherwise segregated or pledged, to the extent of any overdraft, and to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Effective June 30, 2016, the fund and other affiliated funds have entered into a syndicated line of credit agreement with Citibank, N.A. as the administrative agent that enables them to participate in a $1 billion unsecured committed line of credit. Excluding commitments designated for certain funds, the fund can borrow up to an aggregate commitment amount of $750 million, subject to asset coverage and other limitations as specified in the agreement. A commitment fee, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, based on the average daily unused portion of the line of credit, is charged to each participating fund based on a combination of fixed and asset based allocations and is reflected in Other expenses on the Statement of operations. Prior to June 30, 2016, the fund had a similar agreement that enabled it to participate in a $750 million unsecured committed line of credit. For the year ended October 31, 2016, the fund had no borrowings under either line of credit. Commitment fees for the year ended October 31, 2016, were $1,863.
Expenses. Within the John Hancock group of funds complex, expenses that are directly attributable to an individual fund are allocated to such fund. Expenses that are not readily attributable to a specific fund are allocated among all funds in an equitable manner, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the fund's relative net assets. Expense estimates are accrued in the period to which they relate and adjustments are made when actual amounts are known.
Class allocations. Income, common expenses and realized and unrealized gains (losses) are determined at the fund level and allocated daily to each class of shares based on the net assets of the class. Class-specific expenses, such as distribution and service fees, if any, and transfer agent fees, are calculated daily for each class, based on the NAV of the class and the applicable specific expense rates.
Federal income taxes. The fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that is distributed to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
For federal income tax purposes, as of October 31, 2016, the fund has a short-term capital loss carryfoward of $1,799,108 to offset future net realized capital gains. This carryforward does not expire.
As of October 31, 2016, the fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, derecognition or disclosure. The fund's federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years.
Distribution of income and gains. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-date. The fund generally declares and pays dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, annually. The tax character of distributions for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:
| October 31, 2016 | October 31, 2015 | |
| Ordinary Income | $282,302 | $837,015 |
| Long-Term Capital Gain | $3,930,715 | $6,369,018 |
| Total | $4,213,017 | $7,206,033 |
Distributions paid by the fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner, at the same time and in the same amount, except for the effect of class level expenses that may be applied differently to each class. As of October 31, 2016, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis consisted of $610,023 of undistributed ordinary income.
Such distributions and distributable earnings, on a tax basis, are determined in conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from US GAAP. Distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits, if any, are reported in the fund's financial statements as a return of capital.
Capital accounts within the financial statements are adjusted for permanent book-tax differences. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary book-tax differences, if any, will reverse in a subsequent period. Book-tax differences are primarily attributable to investments in passive foreign investment companies.
Note 3 — Guarantees and indemnifications
Under the Trust's organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the fund that have not yet occurred. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.
Note 4 — Fees and transactions with affiliates
John Hancock Advisers, LLC (the Advisor) serves as investment advisor for the fund. John Hancock Funds, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Advisor, serves as principal underwriter of the fund. The Advisor and the Distributor are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC).
Management fee. The fund has an investment management agreement with the Advisor under which the fund pays a daily management fee to the Advisor equivalent, on an annual basis, to the sum of: (a) 1.00% of the first $1 billion of the fund's average daily net assets; (b) 0.95% of the next $1 billion of the fund's average daily net assets and (c) 0.90% of the fund's average daily net assets in excess of $2 billion. The Advisor has a subadvisory agreement with John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (North America) Limited, an indirectly owned subsidiary of MFC and an affiliate of the Advisor. The fund is not responsible for payment of the subadvisory fees
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses for certain funds of the John Hancock funds complex, including the fund (the participating portfolios). This waiver is based upon aggregate net assets of all the participating portfolios. The amount of the reimbursement is calculated daily and allocated among all the participating portfolios in proportion to the daily net assets of each fund. During the year ended October 31, 2016, this waiver amounted to 0.01% of the fund's average net assets. This arrangement may be amended or terminated at any time by the Advisor upon notice to the funds and with approval of the Board of Trustees.
The Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its management fee or, if necessary, make payment to Class I shares to limit expenses for the class, to the extent that expense exceed 1.34% of average annual assets of the class. Expenses exclude taxes, brokerage commissions, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses paid indirectly, litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund's business, and short dividend expense. The current limitation expires on February 28, 2017, unless renewed by mutual agreement of the fund and the Advisor based upon a determination that this is appropriate under the circumstances at that time.
The Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its management fee for the fund, or if necessary, make payment to the fund, in an amount equal to the amount by which the fund's expenses exceed 0.30% of average annual net assets, on an annualized basis. Expenses means all the expenses of the fund, excluding taxes, brokerage commissions, interest expense, litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the fund's business, advisory fees, class-specific expenses, borrowing costs, prime brokerage fees, acquired fund fees and expenses paid indirectly, and short dividend expense. The current limitation will continue in effect until February 28, 2017, unless renewed by mutual agreement of the fund and Advisor based upon a determination of that this is appropriate under the circumstances at the time.
For the year ended October 31, 2016, these expense reductions described above amounted to the following:
| Class | Expense reduction | Class | Expense reduction | |
| Class A | $44,409 | Class I | $4,235 | |
| Class B | 1,819 | Class NAV | 16,843 | |
| Class C | 8,811 | Total | $76,117 |
Expenses waived or reimbursed in the current fiscal period are not subject to recapture in future periods.
The investment management fees, including the impact of the waivers and reimbursements as described above, incurred for the year ended October 31, 2016 were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.85% of the fund's average daily net assets.
Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to the Accounting and Legal Services Agreement the fund reimburses the Advisor for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, accounting and recordkeeping services to the fund, including the preparation of all tax returns, periodic reports to shareholders and regulatory reports, among other services. These expenses are allocated to each share class based on its relative net assets at the time the expense was incurred. These accounting and legal services fees incurred for the year ended October 31, 2016, amounted to an annual rate of 0.02% of the fund's average daily net assets.
Distribution and service plans. The fund has a distribution agreement with the Distributor. The fund has adopted distribution and service plans with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to pay the Distributor for services provided as the distributor of shares of the fund. The fund may pay up to the following contractual rates of distribution and service fees under these arrangements, expressed as an annual percentage of average daily net assets for each class of the fund's shares:
| Class | Rule 12b-1 Fee |
| Class A | 0.30% |
| Class B | 1.00% |
| Class C | 1.00% |
Sales charges. Class A shares are assessed up-front sales charges, which resulted in payments to the Distributor amounting to $18,986 for the year ended October 31, 2016. Of this amount, $2,800 was retained and used for printing prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes, $14,021 was paid as sales commissions to broker-dealers and $2,165 was paid as sales commissions to sales personnel of Signator Investors, Inc., a broker-dealer affiliate of the Advisor.
Class A, Class B and Class C shares may be subject to contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs). Certain Class A shares that are acquired through purchases of $1 million or more and are redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% sales charge. Class B shares that are redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to CDSCs, at declining rates, beginning at 5.00%. Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC. CDSCs are applied to the lesser of the current market value at the time of redemption or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. Proceeds from CDSCs are used to compensate the Distributor for providing distribution-related services in connection with the sale of these shares. During the year ended October 31, 2016, CDSCs received by the Distributor amounted to $1,060 and $567 for Class B and Class C shares, respectively. During the year ended there were no CDSCs received by the Distributor for Class A shares.
Transfer agent fees. The fund has a transfer agent agreement with John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. (Signature Services), an affiliate of the Advisor. The transfer agent fees paid to Signature Services are determined based on the cost to Signature Services (Signature Services Cost) of providing recordkeeping services. It also includes out-of-pocket expenses, including payments made to third-parties for recordkeeping services provided to their clients who invest in one or more John Hancock funds. In addition, Signature Services Cost may be reduced by certain fees that Signature Services receives in connection with retirement and small accounts. Signature Services Cost is calculated monthly and allocated, as applicable, to five categories of share classes: Retail Share and Institutional Share Classes of Non-Municipal Bond Funds, Class R6 Shares, Retirement Share Classes and Municipal Bond Share Classes. Within each of these categories, the applicable costs are allocated to the affected John Hancock affiliated funds and/or classes, based on the relative average daily net assets.
Class level expenses. Class level expenses for the year ended October 31, 2016 were:
| Class | Distribution and service fees | Transfer agent fees |
| Class A | $89,940 | $37,469 |
| Class B | 12,393 | 1,546 |
| Class C | 60,048 | 7,503 |
| Class I | — | 2,433 |
| Total | $162,381 | $48,951 |
Trustee expenses. The fund compensates each Trustee who is not an employee of the Advisor or its affiliates. The costs of paying Trustee compensation and expenses are allocated to each fund based on its net assets relative to other funds within the John Hancock group of funds complex.
Note 5 — Fund share transactions
Transactions in fund shares for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
| Year ended 10-31-16 | Year ended 10-31-15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sold | 121,296 | $2,189,169 | 418,233 | $9,451,209 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions reinvested | 135,553 | 2,381,673 | 218,197 | 4,259,199 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchased | (420,205 | ) | (7,356,783 | ) | (966,928 | ) | (21,197,536 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net decrease | (163,356 | ) | ($2,785,941 | ) | (330,498 | ) | ($7,487,128 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Class B shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sold | 510 | $8,605 | 2,686 | $58,994 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions reinvested | 6,881 | 116,626 | 17,493 | 330,973 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchased | (52,914 | ) | (894,107 | ) | (136,695 | ) | (2,856,199 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net decrease | (45,523 | ) | ($768,876 | ) | (116,516 | ) | ($2,466,232 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Class C shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sold | 24,216 | $425,537 | 61,059 | $1,311,463 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions reinvested | 23,947 | 406,141 | 35,331 | 668,812 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchased | (96,900 | ) | (1,594,021 | ) | (137,494 | ) | (2,883,469 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net decrease | (48,737 | ) | ($762,343 | ) | (41,104 | ) | ($903,194 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Class I shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sold | 969,571 | $18,202,550 | 169,432 | $3,616,601 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions reinvested | 8,026 | 140,370 | 11,786 | 229,129 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchased | (932,026 | ) | (17,417,137 | ) | (222,734 | ) | (4,650,539 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) | 45,571 | $925,783 | (41,516 | ) | ($804,809 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Class NAV shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions reinvested | 51,536 | $913,730 | 61,129 | $1,203,026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net increase | 51,536 | $913,730 | 61,129 | $1,203,026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net decrease | (160,509 | ) | ($2,477,647 | ) | (468,505 | ) | ($10,458,337 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Affiliates of the fund owned 100% of shares of beneficial interest of Class NAV on October 31, 2016. Such concentration of shareholders' capital could have a material effect on the fund if such shareholders redeem from the fund.
Note 6 — Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $28,009,359 and $34,915,309, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2016.
Note 7 — Industry or sector risk
The fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in one or more particular industries or sectors of the economy. If a large percentage of the fund's assets are economically tied to a single or small number of industries or sectors of the economy, the fund will be less diversified than a more broadly diversified fund, and it may cause the fund to underperform if that industry or sector underperforms. In addition, focusing on a particular industry or sector may make the fund's NAV more volatile. Further, a fund that invests in particular industries or sectors is particularly susceptible to the impact of market, economic, regulatory and other factors affecting those industries or sectors.
Note 8 — Greater China risk
Investments in the Greater China region are subject to special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, restrictions on monetary repatriation and possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of assets. Although they are larger and/or more established than many emerging markets, the markets of Greater China function in many ways as emerging markets, and carry the high levels of risks associated with emerging markets. In addition, there are risks particular to the region. For example, investments in Taiwan could be adversely affected by its political relationship with China. A small number of companies and industries represent a relatively large portion of the Greater China market as a whole. All of these factors mean that the fund is more likely to experience higher volatility and lower liquidity than a portfolio that invests mainly in U.S. stocks.
Note 9 — Investment by affiliated funds
Certain investors in the fund are affiliated funds that are managed by the Advisor and its affiliates. The affiliated funds do not invest in the fund for the purpose of exercising management or control; however, this investment may represent a significant portion of the fund's net assets. At October 31, 2016, within the John Hancock group of funds complex, John Hancock Funds II Lifestyle Aggressive Portfolio had an affiliated ownership of 5% or more at 23.5% of the fund's net assets.
Note 10 — New rule issuance
In October 2016, the SEC issued Final Rule Release No. 33-10231, Investment Company Reporting Modernization (the Release). The Release calls for the adoption of new rules and forms as well as amendments to its rules and forms to modernize the reporting and disclosure of information by registered investment companies. The Commission is adopting amendments to Regulation S-X, which will require standardized, enhanced disclosure about derivatives in investment company financial statements, as well as other amendments. Management is in the process of reviewing the impact to the financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Investment Trust III and Shareholders of John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the fund's investments, and the related statements of operations, of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund (the "Fund") at October 31, 2016, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2016 by correspondence with the custodian provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 16, 2016
Unaudited
For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions of the fund, if any, paid during its taxable year ended October 31, 2016.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividend income as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
Income derived from foreign sources was $1,145,633. The fund intends to pass through foreign tax credits of $109,084.
The fund paid $3,930,715 in capital gain dividends.
Eligible shareholders will be mailed a 2016 Form 1099-DIV in early 2017. This will reflect the tax character of all distributions paid in calendar year 2016.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of your investment in the fund.
Continuation of Investment Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements
Evaluation of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements by the Board of Trustees
This section describes the evaluation by the Board of Trustees (the Board) of John Hancock Investment Trust III (the Trust) of the Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with John Hancock Advisers, LLC (the Advisor) and the Subadvisory Agreement (the Subadvisory Agreement) with John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (North America) Limited (the Subadvisor) for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund (the fund). The Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the Agreements. Prior to the June 20-23, 2016 meeting at which the Agreements were approved, the Board also discussed and considered information regarding the proposed continuation of the Agreements at an in-person meeting held on May 24-25, 2016.
Approval of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements
At in-person meetings held on June 20-23, 2016, the Board, including the Trustees who are not considered to be interested persons of the Trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (the Independent Trustees), reapproved for an annual period the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor and the Subadvisory Agreement between the Advisor and the Subadvisor with respect to the fund.
In considering the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement, the Board received in advance of the meetings a variety of materials relating to the fund, the Advisor and the Subadvisor, including comparative performance, fee and expense information for a peer group of similar funds prepared by an independent third-party provider of mutual fund data, performance information for an applicable benchmark index; and, with respect to the Subadvisor, comparative performance information for comparably managed accounts, as applicable, and other information provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor under their respective Agreements, as well as information regarding the Advisor's revenues and costs of providing services to the fund and any compensation paid to affiliates of the Advisor. At the meetings at which the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are considered, particular focus is given to information concerning fund performance, comparability of fees and total expenses, and profitability. However, the Board notes that the evaluation process with respect to the Advisor and the Subadvisor is an ongoing one. In this regard, the Board also took into account discussions with management and information provided to the Board at prior meetings with respect to the services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor to the fund, including quarterly performance reports prepared by management containing reviews of investment results and prior presentations from the Subadvisor with respect to the fund. The Board noted the affiliation of the Subadvisor with the Advisor, noting any potential conflicts of interest. The Board also considered the nature, quality, and extent of non-advisory services, if any, to be provided to the fund by the Advisor's affiliates, including distribution services.
Throughout the process, the Board asked questions of and requested additional information from management. The Board is assisted by counsel for the Trust and the Independent Trustees are also separately assisted by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Independent Trustees also received a memorandum from their independent legal counsel discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the proposed continuation of the Agreements and discussed the proposed continuation of the Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.
Approval of Advisory Agreement
In approving the Advisory Agreement with respect to the fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered a variety of factors, including those discussed below. The Board also considered other factors (including conditions and trends prevailing generally in the economy, the securities markets, and the industry) and does not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may attribute different weights to different factors. The Board's conclusions may be based in part on its consideration of the advisory and subadvisory arrangements in prior years and on the Board's ongoing regular review of fund performance and operations throughout the year.
Nature, extent, and quality of services. Among the information received by the Board from the Advisor relating to the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the fund, the Board reviewed information provided by the Advisor relating to its operations and personnel, descriptions of its organizational and management structure, and information regarding the Advisor's compliance and regulatory history, including its Form ADV. The Board also noted that on a regular basis it receives and reviews information from the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) regarding the fund's compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the Advisor's risk management processes. The Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the fund, including, but not limited to, general supervision of and coordination of the services provided by the Subadvisor, and is also responsible for monitoring and reviewing the activities of the Subadvisor and third-party service providers.
In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor, the Trustees also took into account their knowledge of the Advisor's management and the quality of the performance of the Advisor's duties, through Board meetings, discussions and reports during the preceding year and through each Trustee's experience as a Trustee of the Trust and of the other trusts in the John Hancock group of funds complex (the John Hancock Fund Complex).
In the course of their deliberations regarding the Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other things:
| (a) | the skills and competency with which the Advisor has in the past managed the Trust's affairs and its subadvisory relationship, the Advisor's oversight and monitoring of the Subadvisor's investment performance and compliance programs, such as the Subadvisor's compliance with fund policies and objectives, review of brokerage matters, including with respect to trade allocation and best execution and the Advisor's timeliness in responding to performance issues; | |
| (b) | the background, qualifications and skills of the Advisor's personnel; | |
| (c) | the Advisor's compliance policies and procedures and its responsiveness to regulatory changes and mutual fund industry developments; | |
| (d) | the Advisor's administrative capabilities, including its ability to supervise the other service providers for the fund; | |
| (e) | the financial condition of the Advisor and whether it has the financial wherewithal to provide a high level and quality of services to the fund; and | |
| (f) | the Advisor's reputation and experience in serving as an investment advisor to the Trust and the benefit to shareholders of investing in funds that are part of a family of funds offering a variety of investments. |
The Board concluded that the Advisor may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the fund.
Investment performance. In considering the fund's performance, the Board noted that it reviews at its regularly scheduled meetings information about the fund's performance results. In connection with the consideration of the Advisory Agreement, the Board:
| (a) | reviewed information prepared by management regarding the fund's performance; | |
| (b) | considered the comparative performance of an applicable benchmark index; | |
| (c) | considered the performance of comparable funds, if any, as included in the report prepared by an independent third-party provider of fund data; and | |
| (d) | took into account the Advisor's analysis of the fund's performance and its plans and recommendations regarding the Trust's subadvisory arrangements generally. |
The Board noted that the fund outperformed its benchmark index for the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2015 and underperformed its benchmark index for the five-year period ended December 31, 2015. The Board also noted that the fund outperformed its peer group average for the three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2015 and underperformed its peer group average for the one-year period ended December 31, 2015. The Board took into account management's discussion of the
fund's performance, including the favorable performance relative to the benchmark index for the one- and three-year periods and to the peer group for the three- and five-year periods. The Board concluded that the fund's performance has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds.
Fees and expenses. The Board reviewed comparative information prepared by an independent third-party provider of mutual fund data, including, among other data, the fund's contractual and net management fees (and subadvisory fees, to the extent available) and total expenses as compared to similarly situated investment companies deemed to be comparable to the fund. The Board considered the fund's ranking within a smaller group of peer funds chosen by the independent third-party provider, as well as the fund's ranking within a broader group of funds. In comparing the fund's contractual and net management fees to those of comparable funds, the Board noted that such fees include both advisory and administrative costs. The Board noted that net management fees for the fund are higher than the peer group median and net total expenses for the fund are lower than the peer group median.
The Board took into account management's discussion of the fund's expenses. The Board also took into account management's discussion with respect to the advisory/subadvisory fee structure, including the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Advisor after payment of the subadvisory fee. The Board also noted that the Advisor pays the subadvisory fee. In addition, the Board took into account that management had agreed to implement an overall fee waiver across the complex, including the fund, which is discussed further below. The Board also noted actions taken over the past several years to reduce the fund's operating expenses. The Board also noted that, in addition, the Advisor is currently waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses with respect to the fund and that the fund has breakpoints in its contractual management fee schedule that reduces management fees as assets increase. The Board reviewed information provided by the Advisor concerning the investment advisory fee charged by the Advisor or one of its advisory affiliates to other clients (including other funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex) having similar investment mandates, if any. The Board considered any differences between the Advisor's and Subadvisor's services to the fund and the services they provide to other comparable clients or funds. The Board concluded that the advisory fee paid with respect to the fund is reasonable.
Profitability/indirect benefits. In considering the costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Advisor and its affiliates (including the Subadvisor) from the Advisor's relationship with the Trust, the Board:
| (a) | reviewed financial information of the Advisor; | |||||||
| (b) | reviewed and considered information presented by the Advisor regarding the net profitability to the Advisor and its affiliates with respect to the fund; | |||||||
| (c) | received and reviewed profitability information with respect to the John Hancock Fund Complex as a whole; | |||||||
| (d) | received information with respect to the Advisor's allocation methodologies used in preparing the profitability data; | |||||||
| (e) | considered that the John Hancock insurance companies that are affiliates of the Advisor, as shareholders of the Trust directly or through their separate accounts, receive certain tax credits or deductions relating to foreign taxes paid and dividends received by certain funds of the Trust and noted that these tax benefits, which are not available to participants in qualified retirement plans under applicable income tax law, are reflected in the profitability information reviewed by the Board; | |||||||
| (f) | considered that the Advisor also provides administrative services to the fund on a cost basis pursuant to an administrative services agreement; | |||||||
| (g) | noted that affiliates of the Advisor provide transfer agency services and distribution services to the fund, and that the fund's distributor also receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support distribution of the fund; | |||||||
| (h) | noted that the fund's Subadvisor is an affiliate of the Advisor; | |||||||
| (i) | noted that the Advisor also derives reputational and other indirect benefits from providing advisory services to the fund; | |||||||
| (j) | noted that the subadvisory fee for the fund is paid by the Advisor; and |
| (k) | considered that the Advisor should be entitled to earn a reasonable level of profits in exchange for the level of services it provides to the fund and the entrepreneurial risk that it assumes as Advisor. |
Based upon its review, the Board concluded that the level of profitability, if any, of the Advisor and its affiliates (including the Subadvisor) from their relationship with the fund was reasonable and not excessive.
Economies of scale. In considering the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the fund grows and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of fund shareholders, the Board:
| (a) | considered that the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee for certain funds of the John Hancock Fund Complex, including the fund (the participating portfolios) or otherwise reimburse the expenses of the participating portfolios (the reimbursement). This waiver is based upon aggregate net assets of all the participating portfolios. The amount of the reimbursement is calculated daily and allocated among all the participating portfolios in proportion to the daily net assets of each fund; | |
| (b) | reviewed the fund's advisory fee structure and concluded that: (i) the fund's fee structure contains breakpoints at the advisory fee level; and (ii) although economies of scale cannot be measured with precision, these arrangements permit shareholders of the fund to benefit from economies of scale if the fund grows. The Board also took into account management's discussion of the fund's advisory fee structure; and | |
| (c) | the Board also considered the effect of the fund's growth in size on its performance and fees. The Board also noted that if the fund's assets increase over time, the fund may realize other economies of scale. |
Approval of Subadvisory Agreement
In making its determination with respect to approval of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Board reviewed:
| (1) | information relating to the Subadvisor's business, including current subadvisory services to the Trust (and other funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex); | |
| (2) | the historical and current performance of the fund and comparative performance information relating to an applicable benchmark index and comparable funds; and | |
| (3) | the subadvisory fee for the fund and to the extent available, comparable fee information prepared by an independent third party provider of fund data. |
Nature, extent, and quality of services. With respect to the services provided by the Subadvisor, the Board received information provided to the Board by the Subadvisor, including the Subadvisor's Form ADV, as well as took into account information presented throughout the past year. The Board considered the Subadvisor's current level of staffing and its overall resources, as well as received information relating to the Subadvisor's compensation program. The Board reviewed the Subadvisor's history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background, and responsibilities of the Subadvisor's investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the fund. The Board also considered, among other things, the Subadvisor's compliance program and any disciplinary history. The Board also considered the Subadvisor's risk assessment and monitoring process. The Board reviewed the Subadvisor's regulatory history, including whether it was involved in any regulatory actions or investigations as well as material litigation, and any settlements and amelioratory actions undertaken, as appropriate. The Board noted that the Advisor conducts regular, periodic reviews of the Subadvisor and its operations, including regarding investment processes and organizational and staffing matters. The Board also noted that the Trust's CCO and his staff conduct regular, periodic compliance reviews with the Subadvisor and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding the same, which includes evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Subadvisor and procedures reasonably designed to assure compliance with the federal securities laws. The Board also took into account the financial condition of the Subadvisor.
The Board considered the Subadvisor's investment process and philosophy. The Board took into account that the Subadvisor's responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the fund that is consistent with the fund's
investment objective, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. The Board also received information with respect to the Subadvisor's brokerage policies and practices, including with respect to best execution and soft dollars.
Subadvisor compensation. In considering the cost of services to be provided by the Subadvisor and the profitability to the Subadvisor of its relationship with the fund, the Board noted that the fees under the Subadvisory Agreement are paid by the Advisor and not the fund. The Board also received information and took into account any other potential conflicts of interest the Advisor might have in connection with the Subadvisory Agreement.
In addition, the Board considered other potential indirect benefits that the Subadvisor and its affiliates may receive from the Subadvisor's relationship with the fund, such as the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex and reputational benefits.
Subadvisory fees. The Board considered that the fund pays an advisory fee to the Advisor and that, in turn, the Advisor pays a subadvisory fee to the Subadvisor. As noted above, the Board also considered the fund's subadvisory fees as compared to similarly situated investment companies deemed to be comparable to the fund as included in the report prepared by the independent third party provider of fund data, to the extent available. The Board noted that the limited size of the Lipper peer group was not sufficient for comparative purposes. The Board also took into account the subadvisory fees paid by the Advisor to the Subadvisor with respect to the fund and compared them to fees charged by the Subadvisor to manage other subadvised portfolios and portfolios not subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, as applicable.
Subadvisor performance. As noted above, the Board considered the fund's performance as compared to the fund's peer group and the benchmark index and noted that the Board reviews information about the fund's performance results at its regularly scheduled meetings. The Board noted the Advisor's expertise and resources in monitoring the performance, investment style and risk-adjusted performance of the Subadvisor. The Board was mindful of the Advisor's focus on the Subadvisor's performance. The Board also noted the Subadvisor's long-term performance record for similar accounts, as applicable.
The Board's decision to approve the Subadvisory Agreement was based on a number of determinations, including the following:
| (1) | the Subadvisor has extensive experience and demonstrated skills as a manager; | |
| (2) | the performance of the fund has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds and the fund's benchmark index; | |
| (3) | the subadvisory fee is reasonable in relation to the level and quality of services being provided; and | |
| (4) | noted that the subadvisory fees are paid by the Advisor not the fund. | |
| * * * | ||
Based on the Board's evaluation of all factors that the Board deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that renewal of the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement for an additional one-year period.
This chart provides information about the Trustees and Officers who oversee your John Hancock fund. Officers elected by the Trustees manage the day-to-day operations of the fund and execute policies formulated by the Trustees.
Independent Trustees
| Name, year of birth Position(s) held with fund Principal occupation(s) and other directorships during past 5 years |
Trustee of the Trust since1 |
Number of John Hancock funds overseen by Trustee |
| James M. Oates, Born: 1946 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee and Chairperson of the Board Managing Director, Wydown Group (financial consulting firm) (since 1994); Chairman and Director, Emerson Investment Management, Inc. (2000-2015); Independent Chairman, Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services company) (1997-2011); Director, Stifel Financial (since 1996); Director, Investor Financial Services Corporation (1995-2007); Director, Connecticut River Bancorp (1998-2014); Director, Virtus Funds (formerly Phoenix Mutual Funds) (since 1988). Trustee and Chairperson of the Board, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee and Chairperson of the Board, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee (2005-2006 and since 2012) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2012), John Hancock Funds III; Trustee (since 2004) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2005), John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust; Trustee and Chairperson of the Board, John Hancock Funds II (since 2005). |
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| Charles L. Bardelis,2 Born: 1941 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee Director, Island Commuter Corp. (marine transport). Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Funds III (2005-2006 and since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust (since 1988); Trustee, John Hancock Funds II (since 2005). |
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| Peter S. Burgess,2 Born: 1942 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee Consultant (financial, accounting, and auditing matters) (since 1999); Certified Public Accountant; Partner, Arthur Andersen (independent public accounting firm) (prior to 1999); Director, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (since 2004); Director, Symetra Financial Corporation (2010-2016); Director, PMA Capital Corporation (2004-2010). Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Funds III (2005-2006 and since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2005). |
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| William H. Cunningham, Born: 1944 | 2005 | 227 |
| Trustee Professor, University of Texas, Austin, Texas (since 1971); former Chancellor, University of Texas System and former President of the University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Chairman (since 2009) and Director (since 2006), Lincoln National Corporation (insurance); Director, Southwest Airlines (since 2000); former Director, LIN Television (2009-2014). Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 1986); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Funds II (2005-2006 and since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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| Grace K. Fey, Born: 1946 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee 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, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2008). |
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Independent Trustees (continued)
| Name, year of birth Position(s) held with fund Principal occupation(s) and other directorships during past 5 years |
Trustee of the Trust since1 |
Number of John Hancock funds overseen by Trustee |
| Theron S. Hoffman,2 Born: 1947 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee Chief Executive Officer, T. Hoffman Associates, LLC (consulting firm) (since 2003); Director, The Todd Organization (consulting firm) (2003-2010); President, Westport Resources Management (investment management consulting firm) (2006-2008); Senior Managing Director, Partner, and Operating Head, Putnam Investments (2000-2003); Executive Vice President, The Thomson Corp. (financial and legal information publishing) (1997-2000). Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2008). |
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| Deborah C. Jackson, Born: 1952 | 2008 | 227 |
| Trustee President, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (since 2011); Board of Directors, National Association of Corporate Directors/New England (since 2015); Board of Directors, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts, (since 2014); 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 American Student Assistance Corporation (1996-2009); Board of Directors of Boston Stock Exchange (2002-2008); Board of Directors of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (health benefits company) (2007-2011). Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2008); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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| Hassell H. McClellan, Born: 1945 | 2012 | 227 |
| Trustee Trustee, Virtus Variable Insurance Trust (formerly Phoenix Edge Series Funds) (since 2008); Director, The Barnes Group (since 2010); Associate Professor, The Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College (retired 2013). Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Funds III (2005-2006 and since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2005). |
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| Steven R. Pruchansky, Born: 1944 | 2005 | 227 |
| Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (since 2000); 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 (since 2014); Director, First Signature Bank & Trust Company (until 1991); Director, Mast Realty Trust (until 1994); President, Maxwell Building Corp. (until 1991). Trustee (since 1992) and Chairperson of the Board (2011-2012), John Hancock retail funds3; Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Board, John Hancock retail funds3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, and John Hancock Funds II (since 2012); Trustee, and Vice Chairperson of the Board, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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Independent Trustees (continued)
| Name, year of birth Position(s) held with fund Principal occupation(s) and other directorships during past 5 years |
Trustee of the Trust since1 |
Number of John Hancock funds overseen by Trustee |
| Gregory A. Russo, Born: 1949 | 2009 | 227 |
| Trustee Director and Audit Committee Chairman (since 2012), and Member, Audit Committee and Finance Committee (since 2011), NCH Healthcare System, Inc. (holding company for multi-entity healthcare system); Director and Member (since 2012) and Finance Committee Chairman (since 2014), The Moorings, Inc. (nonprofit continuing care community); Vice Chairman, Risk & Regulatory Matters, KPMG LLP (KPMG) (2002-2006); Vice Chairman, Industrial Markets, KPMG (1998-2002); Chairman and Treasurer, Westchester County, New York, Chamber of Commerce (1986-1992); Director, Treasurer, and Chairman of Audit and Finance Committees, Putnam Hospital Center (1989-1995); Director and Chairman of Fundraising Campaign, United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York (1990-1995). Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2008); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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Non-Independent Trustees4
| Name, year of birth Position(s) held with fund Principal occupation(s) and other directorships during past 5 years |
Trustee of the Trust since1 |
Number of John Hancock funds overseen by Trustee |
| James R. Boyle, Born: 1959 | 2015 | 227 |
| Non-Independent Trustee Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Zillion Group, Inc. (formerly HealthFleet, Inc.) (healthcare) (since 2014); Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Life Insurance Division of Genworth Financial, Inc. (insurance) (January 2014-July 2014); Senior Executive Vice President, Manulife Financial Corporation, President and Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock (1999-2012); Chairman and Director, John Hancock Advisers, LLC, John Hancock Funds, LLC, and John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC (2005-2010). Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock retail funds3 (2005-2010; 2012-2014 and since 2015); Trustee, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (2005-2014 and since 2015). |
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| Craig Bromley, Born: 1966 | 2012 | 227 |
| Non-Independent Trustee President, John Hancock Financial Service (since 2012); Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Division, Manulife Financial Corporation (since 2012); President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Insurance Company (Manulife Japan) (2005-2012, including prior positions). Trustee, John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, and John Hancock Funds II (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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| Warren A. Thomson, Born: 1955 | 2012 | 227 |
| Non-Independent Trustee Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Manulife Financial Corporation and The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (since 2009); Chairman, Manulife Asset Management (since 2001, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, Manulife Asset Management Limited (since 2006); Director and Chairman, Hancock Natural Resources Group, Inc. (since 2013). Trustee, John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, and John Hancock Funds II (since 2012); Trustee, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2015). |
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Principal officers who are not Trustees
| Name, year of birth Position(s) held with fund Principal occupation(s) during past 5 years |
Officer of the Trust since |
| Andrew G. Arnott, Born: 1971 | 2007 |
| President Senior Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2009); Director and Executive Vice President, John Hancock Advisers, LLC (since 2005, including prior positions); Director and Executive Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC (since 2006, including prior positions); President, John Hancock Funds, LLC (since 2004, including prior positions); President, John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, and John Hancock Funds II (since 2007, including prior positions); President, John Hancock Collateral Trust (since 2015); President, John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2014). |
|
| John J. Danello, Born: 1955 | 2014 |
| Senior Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer Vice President and Chief Counsel, John Hancock Wealth Management (since 2005); Senior Vice President (since 2007) and Chief Legal Counsel (2007-2010), John Hancock Funds, LLC and The Berkeley Financial Group, LLC; Senior Vice President (since 2006, including prior positions) and Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (since 2014), John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Funds II and John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust; Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer, John Hancock Collateral Trust (since 2015) and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2014); Vice President, John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company (since 2009); Vice President, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (USA) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York (since 2010); and Senior Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel (2007-2014, including prior positions) of John Hancock Advisers, LLC and John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC. |
|
| Francis V. Knox, Jr., Born: 1947 | 2005 |
| Chief Compliance Officer Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust, John Hancock Funds II, John Hancock Advisers, LLC, and John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2014). |
|
| Charles A. Rizzo, Born: 1957 | 2007 |
| Chief Financial Officer Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2008); Senior Vice President, John Hancock Advisers, LLC and John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC (since 2008); Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock retail funds,3 John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (since 2007); Chief Financial Officer, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2014). |
|
| Salvatore Schiavone, Born: 1965 | 2010 |
| Treasurer Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2007); Vice President, John Hancock Advisers, LLC and John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC (since 2007); Treasurer, John Hancock retail funds3 (since 2007, including prior positions); Treasurer, John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust and John Hancock Funds II (2007-2009 and since 2010, including prior positions); Treasurer, John Hancock Collateral Trust and John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust (since 2014). |
|
The business address for all Trustees and Officers is 601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210-2805.
The Statement of Additional Information of the fund includes additional information about members of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 800-225-5291.
| 1 | Each Trustee holds office until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until the Trustee's death, retirement, resignation, or removal. Mr. Boyle has served as Trustee at various times prior to the date listed in the table. |
| 2 | Member of the Audit Committee. |
| 3 | "John Hancock retail funds" comprises John Hancock Funds III and 38 other John Hancock funds consisting of 28 series of other John Hancock trusts and 10 closed-end funds. |
| 4 | The Trustee is a Non-Independent Trustee due to current or former positions with the Advisor and certain affiliates. |
|
Trustees James M. Oates, Chairperson Officers Andrew G. Arnott John J. Danello Francis V. Knox, Jr. Charles A. Rizzo Salvatore Schiavone |
Investment advisor John Hancock Advisers, LLC Subadvisor John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management
(North America) Limited
Principal distributor John Hancock Funds, LLC Custodian Citibank, N.A. Transfer agent John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. Legal counsel K&L Gates LLP Independent registered public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
*Member of the Audit Committee
†Non-Independent Trustee
The fund's proxy voting policies and procedures, as well as the fund proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, are available free of charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website at sec.gov or on our website.
The fund's complete list of portfolio holdings, for the first and third fiscal quarters, is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The fund's Form N-Q is available on our website and the SEC's website, sec.gov, and can be reviewed and copied (for a fee) at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Call 800-SEC-0330 to receive information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room.
We make this information on your fund, as well as monthly portfolio holdings, and other fund details available on our website at jhinvestments.com or by calling 800-225-5291.
| You can also contact us: | |||
| 800-225-5291 jhinvestments.com |
Regular mail: John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. |
Express mail: John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. |
|
John Hancock family of funds
|
DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS Balanced Blue Chip Growth Classic Value Disciplined Value Disciplined Value Mid Cap Equity Income Fundamental All Cap Core Fundamental Large Cap Core Fundamental Large Cap Value New Opportunities Small Cap Value Small Company Strategic Growth U.S. Global Leaders Growth U.S. Growth Value Equity GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS Disciplined Value International Emerging Markets Emerging Markets Equity Global Equity Global Shareholder Yield Greater China Opportunities International Growth International Small Company International Value Equity |
INCOME FUNDS Bond California Tax-Free Income Emerging Markets Debt Floating Rate Income Global Income Government Income High Yield High Yield Municipal Bond Income Investment Grade Bond Money Market Short Duration Credit Opportunities Spectrum Income Strategic Income Opportunities Tax-Free Bond ALTERNATIVE AND SPECIALTY FUNDS Absolute Return Currency Alternative Asset Allocation Enduring Assets Financial Industries Global Absolute Return Strategies Global Conservative Absolute Return Global Focused Strategies Global Real Estate Natural Resources Redwood Regional Bank Seaport Technical Opportunities |
A fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses should be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the fund. To obtain a prospectus, contact your financial professional, call John Hancock Investments at 800-225-5291, or visit our website at jhinvestments.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
|
ASSET ALLOCATION Income Allocation Fund Lifestyle Aggressive Portfolio Lifestyle Balanced Portfolio Lifestyle Conservative Portfolio Lifestyle Growth Portfolio Lifestyle Moderate Portfolio Retirement Choices Portfolios Retirement Living Portfolios Retirement Living II Portfolios EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS John Hancock Multifactor Consumer Discretionary ETF John Hancock Multifactor Consumer Staples ETF John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF John Hancock Multifactor Energy ETF John Hancock Multifactor Financials ETF John Hancock Multifactor Healthcare ETF John Hancock Multifactor Industrials ETF John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF John Hancock Multifactor Materials ETF John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF John Hancock Multifactor Technology ETF John Hancock Multifactor Utilities ETF |
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE FUNDS ESG All Cap Core ESG Core Bond ESG International Equity ESG Large Cap Core CLOSED-END FUNDS Financial Opportunities Hedged Equity & Income Income Securities Trust Investors Trust Preferred Income Preferred Income II Preferred Income III Premium Dividend Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield |
John Hancock Multifactor ETF shares are bought and sold at market
price (not NAV), and are not individually redeemed
from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.
John Hancock ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, and
are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
Foreside is not affiliated with John Hancock Funds, LLC or
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP receives compensation from John Hancock
in connection with licensing rights to the
John Hancock Dimensional indexes. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP does
not sponsor, endorse, or sell, and makes no
representation as to the advisability of investing in, John Hancock
Multifactor ETFs.
John Hancock Investments
A trusted brand
John Hancock Investments is a premier asset manager representing one of
America's most trusted brands, with a heritage of financial stewardship dating
back to 1862. Helping our shareholders pursue their financial goals is at the
core of everything we do. It's why we support the role of
professional financial
advice and operate with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
A better way to invest
We build funds based on investor needs, then search the world to find proven
portfolio teams with specialized expertise in those strategies. As a manager of
managers, we apply vigorous oversight to ensure that they continue to meet
our uncompromising standards and serve the best interests of our shareholders.
Results for investors
Our unique approach to asset management enables us to provide a diverse set
of investments backed by some of the world's best managers, along with strong
risk-adjusted returns across asset classes.
 |
John Hancock Funds, LLC n Member FINRA, SIPC 601 Congress Street n Boston, MA 02210-2805 800-225-5291 n jhinvestments.com |
|
| This report is for the information of the shareholders of John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. | ||
| MF327096 | 08A 10/16 12/16 |
|
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
As of the end of the period, October 31, 2016, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (respectively, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer, the “Senior Financial Officers”). A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Peter S. Burgess is the audit committee financial expert and is “independent”, pursuant to general instructions on Form N-CSR Item 3.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant(s) for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant(s) in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements amounted to $34,813 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund and $37,581 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the registrant’s audit committee.
(b) Audit-Related Services
Audit-related service fees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 amounted to $427 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund and $594 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 billed to the registrant or to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant ("control affiliates"). The nature of the services provided was affiliated service provider internal controls reviews. In addition, amounts billed to control affiliates for service provider internal controls reviews were $103,474 and $103,940 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(c) Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant(s) for the tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“tax fees”) amounted to 4,197 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund and $4,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund. The nature of the services comprising the tax fees was the review of the registrant’s tax returns and tax distribution requirements. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the registrant’s audit committee.
(d) All Other Fees
Other fees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 amounted to $109 for John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund and $215 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 billed to the registrant or to the control affiliates.
(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:
The trust’s Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm (the “Auditor”) relating to the operations or financial reporting of the funds. Prior to the commencement of any audit or non-audit services to a fund, the Audit Committee reviews the services to determine whether they are appropriate and permissible under applicable law.
The trust’s Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures to, among other purposes, provide a framework for the Committee’s consideration of audit-related and non-audit services by the Auditor. The policies and procedures require that any audit-related and non-audit service provided by the Auditor and any non-audit service provided by the Auditor to a fund service provider that relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of a fund are subject to approval by the Audit Committee before such service is provided. Audit-related services provided by the Auditor that are expected to exceed $25,000 per instance/per fund are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Tax services provided by the Auditor that are expected to exceed $30,000 per instance/per fund are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.
All audit services, as well as the audit-related and non-audit services that are expected to exceed the amounts stated above, must be approved in advance of provision of the service by formal resolution of the Audit Committee. At the regularly scheduled Audit Committee meetings, the Committee reviews a report summarizing the services, including fees, provided by the Auditor.
(e)(2) Services approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:
Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees:
There were no amounts that were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) According to the registrant’s principal accountant, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the percentage of hours spent on the audit of the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons who were not full-time, permanent employees of principal accountant was less than 50%.
(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant(s) for services rendered to the registrant and rendered to the registrant's control affiliates for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were $4,590,783 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 and $7,125,867 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015.
(h) The audit committee of the registrant has considered the non-audit services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant(s) to the control affiliates and has determined that the services that were not pre-approved are compatible with maintaining the principal accountant(s)' independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee comprised of independent trustees. The members of the audit committee are as follows:
Peter S. Burgess - Chairman
Charles L. Bardelis
Theron S. Hoffman
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There were no material changes to previously disclosed John Hancock Funds – Governance Committee Charter.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Based upon their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR, the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is attached.
(a)(2) Separate certifications for the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached.
(b) Separate certifications for the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached. The certifications furnished pursuant to this paragraph are not deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certifications are not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
(c)(1) Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders is attached. See attached “John Hancock Funds – Governance Committee Charter”.
(c)(2) Contact person at the registrant.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
John Hancock Investment Trust III
By:
/s/ Andrew Arnott
_______________________________
Andrew Arnott
President
Date: December 19, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By:
/s/ Andrew Arnott
_______________________________
Andrew Arnott
President
Date: December 19, 2016
By:
/s/ Charles A. Rizzo
_______________________________
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer
Date: December 19, 2016
