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 811-21779
JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS II
---------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
200 Berkeley Street, BOSTON, MA 02116
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
SALVATORE SCHIAVONE, 200 Berkeley Street, BOSTON, MA 02116
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 543-9634
--------------
Date of fiscal year end: 7/31
------
Date of reporting period: 7/31/23
-------
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Registrant prepared the following annual reports to shareholders for the period ended July 31, 2023:
•Fundamental All Cap Core Fund
•Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund
Annual report
John Hancock
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund
U.S. equity
July 31, 2023
A message to shareholders
Dear shareholder,
After trading lower in the early part of the 12 months ended July 31, 2023, stocks rallied from mid-October onward to post impressive returns for the period. Although the U.S. Federal Reserve continued to raise interest rates, falling inflation gave investors confidence. Even more important, economic growth remained in positive territory even as interest rates rose. Together, these factors helped stocks overcome potential headwinds such as ongoing geopolitical instability and short-lived turmoil in the U.S. and European banking sectors in March.
A large portion of the gain for the major indexes came from a narrow group of U.S. mega-cap, technology-related companies, including those expected to benefit from the adoption of artificial intelligence. On the other hand, the value style, defensive sectors, and smaller companies posted gains but underperformed the broad-based indexes.
In these uncertain times, your financial professional can assist with positioning your portfolio so that it’s sufficiently diversified to help meet your long-term objectives and to withstand the inevitable bouts of market volatility along the way.
On behalf of everyone at John Hancock Investment Management, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome new shareholders and thank existing shareholders for the continued trust you’ve placed in us.
Sincerely,
Kristie M. Feinberg
Head of Wealth and Asset Management,
United States and Europe
Manulife Investment Management
President and CEO,
John Hancock Investment Management
This commentary reflects the CEO’s views as of this report’s period end and are subject to change at any time. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate risk of loss. All investments entail risks, including the possible loss of principal. For more up-to-date information, you can visit our website at jhinvestments.com.
John Hancock
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 1 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 7/31/2023 (%)
The Russell 3000 Index tracks the performance of 3,000 publicly traded large-, mid-, and small-cap companies in the United States.
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.
The fund’s Morningstar category average is a group of funds with similar investment objectives and strategies and is the equal-weighted return of all funds per category. Morningstar places funds in certain categories based on their historical portfolio holdings. 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.
| 2 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS
U.S. stocks advanced despite volatility
Easing inflation and the economy’s resilience helped lift stocks.
Positioning in information technology helped
Security selection, a timely addition to the information technology sector, and stock picks in consumer discretionary helped the fund outperform the Russell 3000 Index.
Security selection in communication services notably detracted
Stock picks in the communication services, energy, and real estate sectors hindered the fund’s relative result.
SECTOR COMPOSITION AS OF 7/31/2023 (% of net assets)
Notes about risk
The fund is subject to various risks as described in the fund’s prospectus. Political tensions and armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and any resulting economic sanctions on entities and/or individuals of a particular country could lead such a country into an economic recession. The COVID-19 disease has resulted in significant disruptions to global business activity. A widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange-trading suspensions, and closures, which may lead to less liquidity in certain instruments, industries, sectors, or the markets, generally, and may ultimately affect fund performance. For more information, please refer to the “Principal risks” section of the prospectus.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 3 |
Management’s discussion of fund performance
How did the U.S. stock market fare during the 12 months ended July 31, 2023?
Rising interest rates, elevated inflation, recession fears, and geopolitical tensions pressured U.S. stocks during the summer and fall of 2022. However, stocks began to rally in late 2022, as inflationary pressures eased, and the central bank began reducing the size of its interest rate hikes. In March, the market fell when two U.S. regional banks collapsed; however, regulators moved quickly to contain the crisis, and stocks soon recovered. A federal government debt deal, economic resilience, and better-than-expected corporate earnings further bolstered returns.
What helped the fund outperform its benchmark?
Security selection and a timely addition last fall to the information technology sector had the biggest impact. Stock picks in the consumer discretionary sector also stood out. Top individual contributors included homebuilder Lennar Corp., which rallied as strong execution by management drove much better-than-expected results in a tough financing environment. In information technology, shares of semiconductor company NVIDIA Corp. soared amid growing demand for microchips used in artificial intelligence. Cloud-based software stock Workday, Inc. gained from better-than-anticipated financial results, a favorable order backlog and positive financial guidance. Each of these positions was an overweight, and the Lennar Corp. and NVIDIA Corp. were among the fund’s largest holdings.
TOP 10 HOLDINGS
AS OF 7/31/2023 (% of net assets) |
| Amazon.com, Inc. | 7.4 |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class A | 5.8 |
| Apple, Inc. | 4.5 |
| Lennar Corp., A Shares | 4.1 |
| Salesforce, Inc. | 4.0 |
| NVIDIA Corp. | 3.8 |
| KKR & Company, Inc. | 3.8 |
| First Hawaiian, Inc. | 3.6 |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 3.5 |
| Analog Devices, Inc. | 3.5 |
| TOTAL | 44.0 |
| Cash and cash equivalents are not included. |
| 4 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
What factors hindered relative performance?
Security selection in the communication services, real estate, and energy sectors hampered the fund’s results. The biggest individual detractor was Facebook parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. Its stock slid for much of 2022 as the company invested heavily in its metaverse business while facing pressure in its core advertising business and competitive and regulatory challenges. We eliminated Meta Platforms, Inc. from the portfolio last October, missing out when more expense discipline and better-than-expected results in its advertising business later drove the stock sharply higher. Elsewhere, an overweight in First Hawaiian, Inc., parent of First Hawaiian Bank, was pressured by the regional banking crisis. An out-of-benchmark holding in The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. sank as investors grew impatient with the natural foods company’s slower-than-expected turnaround.
How was the fund positioned at period end?
The fund remained focused on financially sound companies with competitive advantages, the ability to generate substantial cash flow over sustained periods, and attractive stock prices relative to our estimate of intrinsic value. Late in the period, we began selectively harvesting gains from information technology and other growth stocks and adding to advantageously priced value-oriented investments.
Emory W. Sanders, Jr., CFA
The views expressed in this report are exclusively those of Emory W. Sanders, Jr., CFA, and Jonathan T. White, CFA, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, and are subject to change. They are not meant as investment advice. Please note that the holdings discussed in this report may not have been held by the fund for the entire period. Portfolio composition is subject to review in accordance with the fund’s investment strategy and may vary in the future. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 5 |
TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 2023
Average annual total returns (%)
with maximum sales charge | Cumulative total returns (%)
with maximum sales charge |
| | 1-year | 5-year | 10-year | 5-year | 10-year |
| Class A | 8.30 | 10.93 | 12.02 | 67.96 | 211.12 |
| Class C1 | 12.19 | 11.29 | 11.89 | 70.73 | 207.47 |
| Class I2 | 14.33 | 12.40 | 12.95 | 79.39 | 237.90 |
| Class R21,2 | 13.89 | 11.96 | 12.58 | 75.92 | 227.09 |
| Class R41,2 | 14.28 | 12.34 | 12.82 | 78.92 | 234.08 |
| Class R61,2 | 14.44 | 12.52 | 12.98 | 80.37 | 238.87 |
| Index† | 12.65 | 11.45 | 12.14 | 71.93 | 214.35 |
Performance figures assume all distributions have been reinvested. Figures reflect maximum sales charges on Class A shares of 5.00% and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on Class C shares. Class C shares sold within one year of purchase are subject to a 1% CDSC. Sales charges are not applicable to Class I, Class R2, Class R4, and Class R6 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 prospectus for the fund and may differ from those disclosed in the Financial highlights tables in this report. Net expenses reflect contractual fee waivers and expense limitations in effect until November 30, 2023 and are subject to change. Had the contractual fee waivers and expense limitations not been in place, gross expenses would apply. The expense ratios are as follows:
| | Class A | Class C | Class I | Class R2 | Class R4 | Class R6 |
| Gross (%) | 1.23 | 1.93 | 0.93 | 1.33 | 1.18 | 0.82 |
| Net (%) | 1.12 | 1.82 | 0.83 | 1.22 | 0.97 | 0.72 |
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 Russell 3000 Index.
See the following page for footnotes.
| 6 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
This chart and table show what happened to a hypothetical $10,000 investment in John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund for the share classes and periods indicated, assuming all distributions were reinvested. For comparison, we’ve shown the same investment in the Russell 3000 Index.
| | Start date | With maximum
sales charge ($) | Without
sales charge ($) | Index ($) |
| Class C1,3 | 7-31-13 | 30,747 | 30,747 | 31,435 |
| Class I2 | 7-31-13 | 33,790 | 33,790 | 31,435 |
| Class R21,2 | 7-31-13 | 32,709 | 32,709 | 31,435 |
| Class R41,2 | 7-31-13 | 33,408 | 33,408 | 31,435 |
| Class R61,2 | 7-31-13 | 33,887 | 33,887 | 31,435 |
The Russell 3000 Index tracks the performance of 3,000 publicly traded large-, mid-, and small-cap companies in the United States.
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 | Class C shares were first offered on 6-27-14; Class R2, Class R4, and Class R6 shares were first offered on 3-27-15. Returns prior to these dates are those of Class A shares that have not been adjusted for class-specific expenses; otherwise, returns would vary. |
| 2 | For certain types of investors, as described in the fund’s prospectus. |
| 3 | The contingent deferred sales charge is not applicable. |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 7 |
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
The first line of each share class in the table on the following page 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 February 1, 2023, with the same investment held until July 31, 2023.
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 July 31, 2023, by $1,000.00, then multiply it by the “expenses paid” for your share class from the table. For example, for an account value of $8,600.00, the operating expenses should be calculated as follows:
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
The second line of each share class in the table on the following page 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 class’s actual return). It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on February 1, 2023, with the same investment held until July 31, 2023. 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.
| 8 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 prospectus for details regarding transaction costs.
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSE EXAMPLE CHART
| | | Account
value on
2-1-2023 | Ending
value on
7-31-2023 | Expenses
paid during
period ended
7-31-20231 | Annualized
expense
ratio |
| Class A | Actual expenses/actual returns | $1,000.00 | $1,121.50 | $5.94 | 1.13% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,019.20 | 5.66 | 1.13% |
| Class C | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,117.50 | 9.61 | 1.83% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,015.70 | 9.15 | 1.83% |
| Class I | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,122.80 | 4.37 | 0.83% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,020.70 | 4.16 | 0.83% |
| Class R2 | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,120.60 | 6.36 | 1.21% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,018.80 | 6.06 | 1.21% |
| Class R4 | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,122.60 | 4.68 | 0.89% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,020.40 | 4.46 | 0.89% |
| Class R6 | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,123.60 | 3.79 | 0.72% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,021.20 | 3.61 | 0.72% |
| 1 | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 9 |
AS OF 7-31-23
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| Common stocks 98.5% | | | | | $314,134,179 |
| (Cost $250,271,179) | | | | | |
| Communication services 10.9% | | | 34,743,240 |
| Entertainment 4.1% | | | |
| Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc., Series C (A) | | | 3,560 | 144,963 |
| Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Series C (A) | | | 122,951 | 8,926,243 |
| Warner Brothers Discovery, Inc. (A) | | | 317,155 | 4,145,216 |
| Interactive media and services 6.8% | | | |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class A (A) | | | 138,457 | 18,376,013 |
| CarGurus, Inc. (A) | | | 139,047 | 3,150,805 |
| Consumer discretionary 21.2% | | | 67,492,751 |
| Broadline retail 7.4% | | | |
| Amazon.com, Inc. (A) | | | 176,051 | 23,534,498 |
| Household durables 5.2% | | | |
| Lennar Corp., A Shares | | | 103,970 | 13,186,515 |
| NVR, Inc. (A) | | | 540 | 3,405,478 |
| Leisure products 2.5% | | | |
| Polaris, Inc. | | | 58,338 | 7,924,634 |
| Specialty retail 4.1% | | | |
| Dufry AG (A) | | | 102,058 | 5,273,179 |
| Group 1 Automotive, Inc. | | | 30,097 | 7,780,977 |
| Textiles, apparel and luxury goods 2.0% | | | |
| Canada Goose Holdings, Inc. (A) | | | 246,069 | 4,488,299 |
| Salvatore Ferragamo SpA | | | 116,617 | 1,899,171 |
| Consumer staples 4.9% | | | 15,495,060 |
| Beverages 1.8% | | | |
| Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, ADR | | | 102,881 | 5,895,081 |
| Consumer staples distribution and retail 1.2% | | | |
| Walmart, Inc. | | | 24,061 | 3,846,391 |
| Food products 0.8% | | | |
| The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (A) | | | 188,501 | 2,388,308 |
| Personal care products 1.1% | | | |
| BellRing Brands, Inc. (A) | | | 93,610 | 3,365,280 |
| Energy 4.5% | | | 14,278,279 |
| Oil, gas and consumable fuels 4.5% | | | |
| Cheniere Energy, Inc. | | | 58,970 | 9,544,884 |
| Suncor Energy, Inc. | | | 151,275 | 4,733,395 |
| 10 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| Financials 16.1% | | | $51,353,767 |
| Banks 3.6% | | | |
| First Hawaiian, Inc. | | | 555,992 | 11,503,474 |
| Capital markets 12.5% | | | |
| KKR & Company, Inc. | | | 202,718 | 12,037,395 |
| Morgan Stanley | | | 116,291 | 10,647,604 |
| S&P Global, Inc. | | | 14,982 | 5,910,549 |
| The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | | | 31,626 | 11,254,745 |
| Health care 5.3% | | | 17,019,496 |
| Biotechnology 1.5% | | | |
| Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (A) | | | 9,081 | 1,774,427 |
| Moderna, Inc. (A) | | | 27,140 | 3,193,292 |
| Health care equipment and supplies 0.7% | | | |
| Hologic, Inc. (A) | | | 28,008 | 2,224,395 |
| Health care providers and services 1.8% | | | |
| Elevance Health, Inc. | | | 12,154 | 5,732,191 |
| Life sciences tools and services 0.8% | | | |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | 4,420 | 2,425,077 |
| Pharmaceuticals 0.5% | | | |
| Elanco Animal Health, Inc. (A) | | | 138,369 | 1,670,114 |
| Industrials 4.8% | | | 15,363,167 |
| Electrical equipment 1.3% | | | |
| Regal Rexnord Corp. | | | 17,391 | 2,716,126 |
| Sensata Technologies Holding PLC | | | 34,137 | 1,442,288 |
| Machinery 1.6% | | | |
| Parker-Hannifin Corp. | | | 12,292 | 5,039,843 |
| Trading companies and distributors 1.9% | | | |
| United Rentals, Inc. | | | 13,267 | 6,164,910 |
| Information technology 25.7% | | | 81,870,014 |
| Electronic equipment, instruments and components 0.8% | | | |
| CDW Corp. | | | 14,113 | 2,640,119 |
| Semiconductors and semiconductor equipment 7.3% | | | |
| Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 56,237 | 11,220,969 |
| NVIDIA Corp. | | | 26,004 | 12,151,409 |
| Software 13.1% | | | |
| Autodesk, Inc. (A) | | | 19,772 | 4,191,466 |
| Microsoft Corp. | | | 10,487 | 3,522,793 |
| Oracle Corp. | | | 49,784 | 5,836,178 |
| Roper Technologies, Inc. | | | 10,342 | 5,099,123 |
| Salesforce, Inc. (A) | | | 56,722 | 12,763,017 |
| Workday, Inc., Class A (A) | | | 42,822 | 10,154,381 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 11 |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| Information technology (continued) | | | |
| Technology hardware, storage and peripherals 4.5% | | | |
| Apple, Inc. | | | 72,744 | $14,290,559 |
| Materials 1.2% | | | 3,893,504 |
| Chemicals 1.2% | | | |
| Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd. (A) | | | 121,672 | 3,893,504 |
| Real estate 3.9% | | | 12,624,901 |
| Real estate management and development 0.2% | | | |
| Five Point Holdings LLC, Class A (A) | | | 255,587 | 881,775 |
| Specialized REITs 3.7% | | | |
| American Tower Corp. | | | 5,089 | 968,488 |
| Crown Castle, Inc. | | | 99,498 | 10,774,638 |
|
| | | Yield (%) | | Shares | Value |
| Short-term investments 1.5% | | | | | $4,811,553 |
| (Cost $4,811,410) | | | | | |
| Short-term funds 1.5% | | | | | 4,811,553 |
| John Hancock Collateral Trust (B) | 5.2927(C) | | 481,396 | 4,811,553 |
|
| Total investments (Cost $255,082,589) 100.0% | | | $318,945,732 |
| Other assets and liabilities, net (0.0%) | | | | (71,420) |
| Total net assets 100.0% | | | | | $318,874,312 |
| The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the fund. |
| Security Abbreviations and Legend |
| ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
| (A) | Non-income producing security. |
| (B) | Investment is an affiliate of the fund, the advisor and/or subadvisor. |
| (C) | The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of 7-31-23. |
At 7-31-23, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $257,661,058. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated to $61,284,674, of which $69,185,976 related to gross unrealized appreciation and $7,901,302 related to gross unrealized depreciation.
| 12 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 7-31-23
| Assets | |
| Unaffiliated investments, at value (Cost $250,271,179) | $314,134,179 |
| Affiliated investments, at value (Cost $4,811,410) | 4,811,553 |
| Total investments, at value (Cost $255,082,589) | 318,945,732 |
| Dividends receivable | 114,392 |
| Receivable for fund shares sold | 894,732 |
| Receivable from affiliates | 25,106 |
| Other assets | 65,274 |
| Total assets | 320,045,236 |
| Liabilities | |
| Payable for investments purchased | 629,383 |
| Payable for fund shares repurchased | 373,375 |
| Payable to affiliates | |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 21,402 |
| Transfer agent fees | 24,710 |
| Distribution and service fees | 32 |
| Trustees’ fees | 376 |
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 121,646 |
| Total liabilities | 1,170,924 |
| Net assets | $318,874,312 |
| Net assets consist of | |
| Paid-in capital | $271,310,021 |
| Total distributable earnings (loss) | 47,564,291 |
| Net assets | $318,874,312 |
| |
| Net asset value per share | |
| Based on net asset value and shares outstanding - the fund has an unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value | |
| Class A ($111,549,305 ÷ 3,925,315 shares)1 | $28.42 |
| Class C ($11,815,910 ÷ 445,274 shares)1 | $26.54 |
| Class I ($123,290,593 ÷ 4,213,629 shares) | $29.26 |
| Class R2 ($144,883 ÷ 5,080 shares) | $28.52 |
| Class R4 ($93,255 ÷ 3,204 shares) | $29.11 |
| Class R6 ($71,980,366 ÷ 2,444,144 shares) | $29.45 |
| Maximum offering price per share | |
| Class A (net asset value per share ÷ 95%)2 | $29.92 |
| 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. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 13 |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the year ended 7-31-23
| Investment income | |
| Dividends | $2,795,148 |
| Dividends from affiliated investments | 252,657 |
| Less foreign taxes withheld | (46,320) |
| Total investment income | 3,001,485 |
| Expenses | |
| Investment management fees | 1,798,819 |
| Distribution and service fees | 383,990 |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 56,774 |
| Transfer agent fees | 244,774 |
| Trustees’ fees | 6,362 |
| Custodian fees | 56,011 |
| State registration fees | 128,398 |
| Printing and postage | 31,251 |
| Professional fees | 101,857 |
| Other | 22,156 |
| Total expenses | 2,830,392 |
| Less expense reductions | (309,393) |
| Net expenses | 2,520,999 |
| Net investment income | 480,486 |
| Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
| Net realized gain (loss) on | |
| Unaffiliated investments and foreign currency transactions | (16,027,017) |
| Affiliated investments | 4,927 |
| | (16,022,090) |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | |
| Unaffiliated investments | 49,847,355 |
| Affiliated investments | 143 |
| | 49,847,498 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | 33,825,408 |
| Increase in net assets from operations | $34,305,894 |
| 14 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | Year ended
7-31-23 | Year ended
7-31-22 |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets | | |
| From operations | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | $480,486 | $(86,189) |
| Net realized gain (loss) | (16,022,090) | 15,174,847 |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 49,847,498 | (47,210,741) |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 34,305,894 | (32,122,083) |
| Distributions to shareholders | | |
| From earnings | | |
| Class A | (4,240,407) | (3,040,461) |
| Class C | (479,220) | (345,989) |
| Class I | (3,616,165) | (2,478,858) |
| Class R2 | (5,547) | (4,751) |
| Class R4 | (3,639) | (3,183) |
| Class R6 | (2,682,185) | (1,440,091) |
| Total distributions | (11,027,163) | (7,313,333) |
| From fund share transactions | 14,058,030 | 177,119,763 |
| Total increase | 37,336,761 | 137,684,347 |
| Net assets | | |
| Beginning of year | 281,537,551 | 143,853,204 |
| End of year | $318,874,312 | $281,537,551 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 15 |
| CLASS A SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $26.23 | $29.93 | $21.48 | $18.51 | $19.84 |
| Net investment loss1 | —2 | (0.06) | (0.10) | (0.02) | —2 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.36 | (2.58) | 9.29 | 2.99 | 0.12 |
| Total from investment operations | 3.36 | (2.64) | 9.19 | 2.97 | 0.12 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | — | — | — | —2 | — |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Total distributions | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | —2 | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $28.42 | $26.23 | $29.93 | $21.48 | $18.51 |
| Total return (%)3,4 | 14.00 | (9.29) | 43.58 | 16.05 | 2.60 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $112 | $91 | $74 | $53 | $49 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.24 | 1.23 | 1.31 | 1.40 | 1.36 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.13 | 1.12 | 1.24 | 1.27 | 1.28 |
| Net investment income (loss) | —5 | (0.21) | (0.39) | (0.11) | 0.01 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Less than $0.005 per share. |
| 3 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 4 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. |
| 5 | Less than 0.005%. |
| 16 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS C SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $24.75 | $28.48 | $20.62 | $17.89 | $19.36 |
| Net investment loss1 | (0.17) | (0.24) | (0.27) | (0.15) | (0.12) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.13 | (2.43) | 8.87 | 2.88 | 0.10 |
| Total from investment operations | 2.96 | (2.67) | 8.60 | 2.73 | (0.02) |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $26.54 | $24.75 | $28.48 | $20.62 | $17.89 |
| Total return (%)2,3 | 13.19 | (9.88) | 42.51 | 15.26 | 1.90 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $12 | $10 | $8 | $6 | $6 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.94 | 1.93 | 2.01 | 2.10 | 2.06 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.83 | 1.82 | 1.94 | 1.97 | 1.98 |
| Net investment loss | (0.71) | (0.91) | (1.09) | (0.81) | (0.69) |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 17 |
| CLASS I SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $26.89 | $30.56 | $21.86 | $18.82 | $20.08 |
| Net investment income (loss)1 | 0.08 | 0.03 | (0.03) | 0.04 | 0.06 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.46 | (2.64) | 9.47 | 3.03 | 0.13 |
| Total from investment operations | 3.54 | (2.61) | 9.44 | 3.07 | 0.19 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | — | — | — | (0.03) | — |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Total distributions | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | (0.03) | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $29.26 | $26.89 | $30.56 | $21.86 | $18.82 |
| Total return (%)2 | 14.33 | (9.00) | 43.97 | 16.34 | 2.94 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $123 | $120 | $38 | $18 | $20 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 0.94 | 0.93 | 1.01 | 1.10 | 1.08 |
| Expenses including reductions | 0.83 | 0.83 | 0.94 | 0.97 | 0.99 |
| Net investment income (loss) | 0.31 | 0.10 | (0.10) | 0.19 | 0.31 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 18 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS R2 SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $26.34 | $30.07 | $21.61 | $18.64 | $19.98 |
| Net investment loss1 | (0.02) | (0.09) | (0.13) | (0.04) | — |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.37 | (2.58) | 9.33 | 3.01 | 0.11 |
| Total from investment operations | 3.35 | (2.67) | 9.20 | 2.97 | 0.11 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $28.52 | $26.34 | $30.07 | $21.61 | $18.64 |
| Total return (%)2 | 13.89 | (9.35) | 43.35 | 15.93 | 2.53 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.33 | 1.32 | 1.40 | 1.49 | 1.46 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.21 | 1.21 | 1.34 | 1.36 | 1.38 |
| Net investment loss | (0.09) | (0.30) | (0.49) | (0.21) | — |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Less than $500,000. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 19 |
| CLASS R4 SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $26.77 | $30.45 | $21.79 | $18.75 | $20.03 |
| Net investment income (loss)1 | 0.06 | 0.01 | (0.03) | 0.01 | 0.03 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.45 | (2.63) | 9.43 | 3.05 | 0.14 |
| Total from investment operations | 3.51 | (2.62) | 9.40 | 3.06 | 0.17 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | — | — | — | (0.02) | — |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Total distributions | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | (0.02) | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $29.11 | $26.77 | $30.45 | $21.79 | $18.75 |
| Total return (%)2 | 14.28 | (9.06) | 43.92 | 16.32 | 2.84 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 | $—3 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.11 | 1.08 | 1.15 | 1.24 | 1.31 |
| Expenses including reductions | 0.89 | 0.87 | 0.99 | 1.00 | 1.13 |
| Net investment income (loss) | 0.23 | 0.04 | (0.13) | 0.06 | 0.15 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Less than $500,000. |
| 20 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS R6 SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $27.03 | $30.68 | $21.92 | $18.86 | $20.10 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.10 | 0.06 | —2 | 0.06 | 0.07 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 3.49 | (2.65) | 9.50 | 3.05 | 0.14 |
| Total from investment operations | 3.59 | (2.59) | 9.50 | 3.11 | 0.21 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | — | — | — | (0.05) | — |
| From net realized gain | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | — | (1.45) |
| Total distributions | (1.17) | (1.06) | (0.74) | (0.05) | (1.45) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $29.45 | $27.03 | $30.68 | $21.92 | $18.86 |
| Total return (%)3 | 14.44 | (8.90) | 44.12 | 16.49 | 3.04 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $72 | $61 | $24 | $16 | $14 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 0.83 | 0.82 | 0.90 | 0.99 | 0.96 |
| Expenses including reductions | 0.72 | 0.72 | 0.84 | 0.85 | 0.88 |
| Net investment income | 0.40 | 0.20 | 0.01 | 0.30 | 0.39 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 36 | 25 | 18 | 22 | 21 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Less than $0.005 per share. |
| 3 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 21 |
Notes to financial statements
Note 1—Organization
John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund (the fund) is a series of John Hancock Funds II (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 outstanding are detailed in the Statement of assets and liabilities. Class A and Class C shares are offered to all investors. Class I shares are offered to institutions and certain investors. Class R2 and Class R4 shares are available only to certain retirement and 529 plans. Class R6 shares are only available to certain retirement plans, institutions and other investors. Class C shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase (certain exclusions may apply). 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.
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 Advisor’s Valuation Policies and Procedures.
In order to value the securities, the fund uses the following valuation techniques: Equity securities, including exchange-traded or closed-end funds, 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. Investments by the fund in open-end mutual funds, including John Hancock Collateral Trust (JHCT), are valued at their respective NAVs each business day. 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 of the Advisor 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 Pricing Committee following procedures established by the Advisor and adopted 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 Pricing Committee,
| 22 | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
following procedures established by the Advisor and adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Advisor 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, including registered investment companies. 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 Advisor’s 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 July 31, 2023, by major security category or type:
| | Total
value at
7-31-23 | Level 1
quoted
price | Level 2
significant
observable
inputs | Level 3
significant
unobservable
inputs |
| Investments in securities: | | | | |
| Assets | | | | |
| Common stocks | | | | |
| Communication services | $34,743,240 | $34,743,240 | — | — |
| Consumer discretionary | 67,492,751 | 60,320,401 | $7,172,350 | — |
| Consumer staples | 15,495,060 | 15,495,060 | — | — |
| Energy | 14,278,279 | 14,278,279 | — | — |
| Financials | 51,353,767 | 51,353,767 | — | — |
| Health care | 17,019,496 | 17,019,496 | — | — |
| Industrials | 15,363,167 | 15,363,167 | — | — |
| Information technology | 81,870,014 | 81,870,014 | — | — |
| Materials | 3,893,504 | 3,893,504 | — | — |
| Real estate | 12,624,901 | 12,624,901 | — | — |
| Short-term investments | 4,811,553 | 4,811,553 | — | — |
| Total investments in securities | $318,945,732 | $311,773,382 | $7,172,350 | — |
Real estate investment trusts. The fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs). Distributions from REITs may be recorded as income and subsequently characterized by the REIT at the end of their fiscal year as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. As a result, the fund will estimate the components of distributions from these securities. Such estimates are revised when the actual components of the distributions are known.
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 ex-date, except for dividends of certain foreign securities where the dividend may not be known until after the ex-date. In those cases, dividend income,
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | 23 |
net of withholding taxes, is recorded when the fund becomes aware of the dividends. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.
Foreign investing. 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. Foreign investments are 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.
Funds that invest internationally generally carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. securities. Risks can result from differences in economic and political conditions, regulations, market practices (including higher transaction costs), accounting standards and other factors.
Foreign taxes. The fund may be subject to withholding tax on income, capital gains or repatriations imposed by certain countries, a portion of which may be recoverable. Foreign taxes are accrued based upon the fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which it invests. Taxes are accrued based on gains realized by the fund as a result of certain foreign security sales. In certain circumstances, estimated taxes are accrued based on unrealized appreciation of such securities. Investment income is recorded net of foreign withholding taxes.
Overdraft. The fund may have the ability to 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.
Line of credit. 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 a certain fund and subject to the needs of all other affiliated 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. For the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund had no borrowings under the line of credit. Commitment fees for the year ended July 31, 2023 were $4,813.
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, for all classes, are charged daily at the class level based on the net assets of each class and the specific expense rates applicable to each class.
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.
| 24 | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
For federal income tax purposes, as of July 31, 2023, the fund has a short-term capital loss carryforward of $5,896,627 and a long-term capital loss carryforward of $8,300,667 available to offset future net realized capital gains. These carryforwards do not expire.
As of July 31, 2023, 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 annually. Capital gain distributions, if any, are typically distributed annually.
The tax character of distributions for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
| | July 31, 2023 | July 31, 2022 |
| Ordinary income | — | $602,000 |
| Long-term capital gains | $11,027,163 | 6,711,333 |
| Total | $11,027,163 | $7,313,333 |
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 July 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis consisted of $476,911 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 wash sale loss deferrals.
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 Trust, including 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 Investment Management LLC (the Advisor) serves as investment advisor for the fund. John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Advisor, serves as principal underwriter of the fund. The Advisor and the Distributor are indirect, principally owned subsidiaries of John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), which in turn is a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.
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) 0.675% of the first $2.5 billion of the fund’s aggregate average daily net assets together with the net assets of Fundamental All Cap Core Trust, a series of John Hancock Variable Insurance Trust (combined aggregate average daily net assets); and
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | 25 |
b) 0.650% of the combined aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion. The Advisor has a subadvisory agreement with Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, an indirectly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation 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 group of 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 July 31, 2023, this waiver amounted to 0.01% of the fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement expires on July 31, 2025, 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 or, if necessary, make payment to the fund in an amount equal to the amount by which expenses of the fund exceed 0.71% of average daily net assets of the fund. For purposes of this agreement, “expenses of the fund” means all fund expenses, 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, class-specific expenses, borrowing costs, prime brokerage fees, acquired fund fees and expenses paid indirectly, and short dividend expense. This agreement expires on November 30, 2023, 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.
For the year ended July 31, 2023, the expense reductions described above amounted to the following:
| Class | Expense reduction |
| Class A | $109,905 |
| Class C | 11,750 |
| Class I | 116,617 |
| Class R2 | 145 |
| Class | Expense reduction |
| Class R4 | $95 |
| Class R6 | 70,800 |
| Total | $309,312 |
Expenses waived or reimbursed in the current fiscal period are not subject to recapture in future fiscal periods.
The investment management fees, including the impact of the waivers and reimbursements as described above, incurred for the year ended July 31, 2023, were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.56% of the fund’s average daily net assets.
Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to a service agreement, the fund reimburses the Advisor for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, compliance, 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 July 31, 2023, 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 for certain classes as detailed below pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to pay the Distributor for services provided as the distributor of shares of the fund. In addition, under a service plan for certain classes as detailed below, the fund pays for certain other services. 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:
| 26 | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| Class | Rule 12b-1 Fee | Service fee |
| Class A | 0.30% | — |
| Class C | 1.00% | — |
| Class R2 | 0.25% | 0.25% |
| Class R4 | 0.25% | 0.10% |
The fund’s Distributor has contractually agreed to waive 0.10% of Rule12b-1 fees for Class R4 shares. The current waiver agreement expires on November 30, 2023, unless renewed by mutual agreement of the fund and the Distributor based upon a determination that this is appropriate under the circumstances at the time. This contractual waiver amounted to $81 for Class R4 shares for the year ended July 31, 2023.
Sales charges. Class A shares are assessed up-front sales charges, which resulted in payments to the Distributor amounting to $151,933 for the year ended July 31, 2023. Of this amount, $25,083 was retained and used for printing prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes and $126,850 was paid as sales commissions to broker-dealers.
Class A and Class C shares may be subject to contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs). Certain Class A shares purchased, including those that are acquired through purchases of $1 million or more, and redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% sales charge. 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 July 31, 2023, CDSCs received by the Distributor amounted to $13,719 and $2,150 for Class A and Class C shares, respectively.
Transfer agent fees. The John Hancock group of funds has a complex-wide 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 July 31, 2023 were as follows:
| Class | Distribution and service fees | Transfer agent fees |
| Class A | $282,511 | $109,873 |
| Class C | 100,641 | 11,747 |
| Class I | — | 118,215 |
| Class R2 | 615 | 10 |
| Class R4 | 223 | 7 |
| Class R6 | — | 4,922 |
| Total | $383,990 | $244,774 |
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 the fund based on its net assets relative to other funds within the John Hancock group of funds complex.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | 27 |
Note 5—Fund share transactions
Transactions in fund shares for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| | Year Ended 7-31-23 | Year Ended 7-31-22 |
| | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
| Class A shares | | | | |
| Sold | 1,315,971 | $33,452,680 | 1,552,833 | $44,868,746 |
| Distributions reinvested | 189,351 | 4,239,568 | 100,486 | 3,039,709 |
| Repurchased | (1,056,848) | (26,356,825) | (655,904) | (18,404,415) |
| Net increase | 448,474 | $11,335,423 | 997,415 | $29,504,040 |
| Class C shares | | | | |
| Sold | 153,627 | $3,617,670 | 183,897 | $5,103,585 |
| Distributions reinvested | 22,820 | 479,220 | 12,072 | 345,989 |
| Repurchased | (124,677) | (2,922,791) | (65,824) | (1,705,310) |
| Net increase | 51,770 | $1,174,099 | 130,145 | $3,744,264 |
| Class I shares | | | | |
| Sold | 3,396,943 | $87,900,603 | 5,130,075 | $153,123,650 |
| Distributions reinvested | 157,054 | 3,615,390 | 80,059 | 2,477,841 |
| Repurchased | (3,788,873) | (94,974,774) | (2,011,270) | (55,829,314) |
| Net increase (decrease) | (234,876) | $(3,458,781) | 3,198,864 | $99,772,177 |
| Class R2 shares | | | | |
| Sold | 231 | $5,604 | 1,674 | $52,476 |
| Distributions reinvested | 191 | 4,303 | 120 | 3,660 |
| Repurchased | (48) | (1,200) | (1,546) | (49,479) |
| Net increase | 374 | $8,707 | 248 | $6,657 |
| Class R4 shares | | | | |
| Sold | 114 | $2,910 | 414 | $13,101 |
| Distributions reinvested | 29 | 659 | 16 | 478 |
| Repurchased | (21) | (572) | (3) | (78) |
| Net increase | 122 | $2,997 | 427 | $13,501 |
| Class R6 shares | | | | |
| Sold | 894,840 | $23,215,674 | 1,939,804 | $57,491,361 |
| Distributions reinvested | 115,861 | 2,682,185 | 46,320 | 1,440,091 |
| Repurchased | (814,879) | (20,902,274) | (511,719) | (14,852,328) |
| Net increase | 195,822 | $4,995,585 | 1,474,405 | $44,079,124 |
| Total net increase | 461,686 | $14,058,030 | 5,801,504 | $177,119,763 |
Affiliates of the fund owned 80% and 14% of shares of Class R4 and Class R6, respectively, on July 31, 2023. Such concentration of shareholders’ capital could have a material effect on the fund if such shareholders redeem from the fund.
| 28 | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Note 6—Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments, amounted to $98,828,849 and $95,530,788, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2023.
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—Investment in affiliated underlying funds
The fund may invest in affiliated underlying funds that are managed by the Advisor and its affiliates. Information regarding the fund’s fiscal year to date purchases and sales of the affiliated underlying funds as well as income and capital gains earned by the fund, if any, is as follows:
| | | | | | | | Dividends and distributions |
| Affiliate | Ending
share
amount | Beginning
value | Cost of
purchases | Proceeds
from shares
sold | Realized
gain
(loss) | Change in
unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) | Income
distributions
received | Capital gain
distributions
received | Ending
value |
| John Hancock Collateral Trust | 481,396 | — | $107,335,225 | $(102,528,742) | $4,927 | $143 | $252,657 | — | $4,811,553 |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | 29 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Funds II and Shareholders of John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the fund’s investments, of John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund (the "Fund") as of July 31, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year ended July 31, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended July 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended July 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of July 31, 2023, 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 ended July 31, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended July 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 7, 2023
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds since 1988.
| 30 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
(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 July 31, 2023.
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.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends.
The fund paid $11,027,163 in long term capital gain dividends.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its Section 199A dividends as defined in Proposed Treasury Regulation §1.199A-3(d).
Eligible shareholders will be mailed a 2023 Form 1099-DIV in early 2024. This will reflect the tax character of all distributions paid in calendar year 2023.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of your investment in the fund.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 31 |
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 Funds II (the Trust) of the Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the Advisor) and the Subadvisory Agreement (the Subadvisory Agreement) with Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (the Subadvisor) for John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund (the fund). The Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the Agreements. Prior to the June 26-29, 2023 meeting at which the Agreements were approved, the Board also discussed and considered information regarding the proposed continuation of the Agreements at the meeting held on May 30 – June 1, 2023. The Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (the Independent Trustees) also met separately to evaluate and discuss the information presented, including with counsel to the Independent Trustees and a third-party consulting firm.
Approval of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements
At meetings held on June 26-29, 2023, the Board, including the Trustees who are not parties to any Agreement or considered to be interested persons of the Trust under the 1940 Act, 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 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 noted 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 (including its various committees) 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 information received and considered by the Board in connection with the May and June meetings and throughout the year was both written and oral. 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. The Board considered the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement separately in the course of its review. In doing so, the Board noted the respective roles of the Advisor and Subadvisor in providing services to the fund.
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.
| 32 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 did not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may have attributed 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 observed that the scope of services provided by the Advisor, and of the undertakings required of the Advisor in connection with those services, including maintaining and monitoring its own and the fund’s compliance programs, risk management programs, liquidity management programs, derivatives risk management programs, and cybersecurity programs, had expanded over time as a result of regulatory, market and other developments. 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. The Board also considered the significant risks assumed by the Advisor in connection with the services provided to the fund including entrepreneurial risk in sponsoring new funds and ongoing risks including investment, operational, enterprise, litigation, regulatory and compliance risks with respect to all funds.
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 fund industry developments; |
| (d) | the Advisor’s administrative capabilities, including its ability to supervise the other service providers for the fund, as well as the Advisor’s oversight of any securities lending activity, its monitoring of class action litigation and collection of class action settlements on behalf of the fund, and bringing loss recovery actions on behalf of 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; |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 33 |
| (f) | the Advisor’s initiatives intended to improve various aspects of the Trust’s operations and investor experience with the fund; and |
| (g) | 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 while it found the data provided by the independent third-party generally useful it recognized its limitations, including in particular that the data may vary depending on the end date selected and the results of the performance comparisons may vary depending on the selection of the peer group. The Board noted that the fund outperformed its benchmark index for the three- and ten-year periods and underperformed for the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Board also noted that the fund outperformed its peer group median for the three- and ten-year periods and underperformed for the one- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the fund’s performance, including the favorable performance relative to the benchmark index and peer group median for the three- and ten-year periods. The Board concluded that the fund’s performance has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds and the fund’s benchmark index.
Fees and expenses. The Board reviewed comparative information prepared by an independent third-party provider of 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 in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory and subadvisory services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor. 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 and net total expenses for the fund are lower than the peer group median.
The Board also took into account management’s discussion with respect to the overall management fee and the fees of the Subadvisor, including the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Advisor after payment of the subadvisory fee, in each case in light of the services rendered for those amounts and the risks undertaken by the Advisor. 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
| 34 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Profitability/Fall out 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 and with respect to the fund; |
| (d) | received information with respect to the Advisor’s allocation methodologies used in preparing the profitability data and considered that the Advisor hired an independent third-party consultant to provide an analysis of the Advisor’s allocation methodologies; |
| (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; |
| (k) | considered the Advisor’s ongoing costs and expenditures necessary to improve services, meet new regulatory and compliance requirements, and adapt to other challenges impacting the fund industry; and |
| (l) | 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 risks that it assumes as Advisor, including entrepreneurial, operational, reputational, litigation and regulatory risk. |
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 |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 35 |
| | 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 subadvisory fee level and that such breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund; 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 fund (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, including any breakpoints, 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.
| 36 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 fund’s performance 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 under the Subadvisory agreement; and |
| (4) | noted that the subadvisory fees are paid by the Advisor not the fund and that the subadvisory fee breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund in order to permit shareholders to benefit from economies of scale if the fund grows. |
***
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.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 37 |
STATEMENT REGARDING LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT
Operation of the Liquidity Risk Management Program
This section describes the operation and effectiveness of the Liquidity Risk Management Program (LRMP) established in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Liquidity Rule). The Board of Trustees (the Board) of each Fund in the John Hancock Group of Funds (each a Fund and collectively, the Funds) that is subject to the requirements of the Liquidity Rule has appointed John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (together, the Advisor) to serve as Administrator of the LRMP with respect to each of the Funds, including John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. In order to provide a mechanism and process to perform the functions necessary to administer the LRMP, the Advisor established the Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the Committee). The Fund’s subadvisor, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (the Subadvisor) executes the day-to-day investment management and security-level activities of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the LRMP, subject to the supervision of the Advisor and the Board.
The Committee receives monthly reports and holds quarterly in person meetings to: (1) review the day-to-day operations of the LRMP; (2) monitor current market and liquidity conditions and assess liquidity risks; (3) review and approve month-end liquidity classifications; (4) monitor illiquid investment levels against the 15% limit on illiquid investments and established Highly Liquid Investment Minimums (HLIMs), if any; (5) review quarterly testing and determinations, as applicable; (6) review redemption-in-kind activities; and (7) review other LRMP related material. The Advisor also conducts daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual quantitative and qualitative assessments of each subadvisor to a Fund that is subject to the requirements of the Liquidity Rule and is a part of the LRMP to monitor investment performance issues, risks and trends. In addition, the Advisor may conduct ad-hoc reviews and meetings with subadvisors as issues and trends are identified, including potential liquidity issues. The Committee also monitors global events, such as the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and related U.S. imposed sanctions on the Russian government, companies and oligarchs, and other amendments to the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned company lists, that could impact the markets and liquidity of portfolio investments and their classifications. In addition, the Committee monitors macro events and assesses their potential impact on liquidity brought on by fear of contagion (e.g. regional banking crisis).
The Committee provided the Board at a meeting held on March 28-30, 2023 with a written report which addressed the Committee’s assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation and operation of the LRMP and any material changes to the LRMP. The report, which covered the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, included an assessment of important aspects of the LRMP including, but not limited to: (1) Security-level liquidity classifications; (2) Fund-level liquidity risk assessment; (3) Reasonably Anticipated Trade Size (RATS) determination; (4) HLIM determination and daily monitoring; (5) Daily compliance with the 15% limit on illiquid investments; (6) Operation of the Fund’s Redemption-In-Kind Procedures; and (7) Review of liquidity management facilities.
The report provided an update on Committee activities over the previous year. Additionally, the report included a discussion of notable changes and enhancements to the LRMP implemented during 2022 and key initiatives for 2023.
The report also covered material liquidity matters which occurred or were reported during this period applicable to the Fund, if any, and the Committee’s actions to address such matters.
The report stated, in relevant part, that during the period covered by the report:
| • | The Fund’s investment strategy remained appropriate for an open-end fund structure; |
| • | The Fund was able to meet requests for redemption without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund; |
| 38 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| • | The Fund did not experience any breaches of the 15% limit on illiquid investments, or any applicable HLIM, that would require reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
| • | The Fund continued to qualify as a Primarily Highly Liquid Fund under the Liquidity Rule and therefore is not required to establish a HLIM; and |
| • | The Chief Compliance Officer’s office, as a part of their annual Rule 38a-1 assessment of the Fund’s policies and procedures, reviewed the LRMP’s control environment and deemed it to be operating effectively and in compliance with the Board approved procedures. |
Adequacy and Effectiveness
Based on the annual review and assessment conducted by the Committee, the Committee has determined that the LRMP and its controls have been implemented and are operating in a manner that is adequately and effectively managing the liquidity risk of the Fund.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 39 |
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 Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Hassell H. McClellan, Born: 1945 | 2005 | 186 |
| Trustee and Chairperson of the Board | | |
| Director/Trustee, Virtus Funds (2008-2020); Director, The Barnes Group (2010-2021); Associate Professor, The Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College (retired 2013). Trustee (since 2005) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2017) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
| James R. Boyle, Born: 1959 | 2015 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Board Member, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company (since 2022). Board Member, Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. (since 2022). Foresters Financial, Chief Executive Officer (2018–2022) and board member (2017–2022). Manulife Financial and John Hancock, more than 20 years, retiring in 2012 as Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock and Senior Executive Vice President, Manulife Financial. Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (2005–2014 and since 2015). |
| William H. Cunningham,2 Born: 1944 | 2012 | 184 |
| 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; Director (since 2006), Lincoln National Corporation (insurance); Director, Southwest Airlines (since 2000). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 1986). |
| Noni L. Ellison,* Born: 1971 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Tractor Supply Company (rural lifestyle retailer) (since 2021); General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Carestream Dental, L.L.C.(2017–2021); Associate General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (global industrial supplier) (2015–2017); Board Member, Goodwill of North Georgia, 2018 (FY2019)–2020 (FY2021); Board Member, Howard University School of Law Board of Visitors (since 2021); Board Member, University of Chicago Law School Board of Visitors (since 2016); Board member, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Board (2021–present). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Grace K. Fey, Born: 1946 | 2008 | 186 |
| 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 of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| Dean C. Garfield,* Born: 1968 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Vice President, Netflix, Inc. (since 2019); President & Chief Executive Officer, Information Technology Industry Council (2009–2019); NYU School of Law Board of Trustees (since 2021); Member, U.S. Department of Transportation, Advisory Committee on Automation (since 2021); President of the United States Trade Advisory Council (2010–2018); Board Member, College for Every Student (2017–2021); Board Member, The Seed School of Washington, D.C. (2012–2017). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| 40 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| Independent Trustees (continued) | | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Deborah C. Jackson, Born: 1952 | 2012 | 185 |
| Trustee | | |
| President, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (since 2011); Board of Directors, Amwell Corporation (since 2020); Board of Directors, Massachusetts Women’s Forum (2018-2020); Board of Directors, National Association of Corporate Directors/New England (2015-2020); Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay (2002–2011); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Corporation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Boston Stock Exchange (2002–2008); Board of Directors of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (health benefits company) (2007–2011). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| Patricia Lizarraga,2,* Born: 1966 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Hypatia Capital Group (advisory and asset management company) (since 2007); Independent Director, Audit Committee Chair, and Risk Committee Member, Credicorp, Ltd. (since 2017); Independent Director, Audit Committee Chair, Banco De Credito Del Peru (since 2017); Trustee, Museum of Art of Lima (since 2009). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Steven R. Pruchansky, Born: 1944 | 2012 | 183 |
| Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Board | | |
| Managing Director, Pru Realty (since 2017); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (2014-2020); Director and President, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (until 2000); Member, Board of Advisors, First American Bank (until 2010); Managing Director, Jon James, LLC (real estate) (since 2000); Partner, Right Funding, LLC (2014-2017); Director, First Signature Bank & Trust Company (until 1991); Director, Mast Realty Trust (until 1994); President, Maxwell Building Corp. (until 1991). Trustee (since 1992), Chairperson of the Board (2011–2012), and Vice Chairperson of the Board (since 2012) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
| Frances G. Rathke,2 Born: 1960 | 2020 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Director, Audit Committee Chair, Oatly Group AB (plant-based drink company) (since 2021); Director, Audit Committee Chair and Compensation Committee Member, Green Mountain Power Corporation (since 2016); Director, Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee Chair, Flynn Center for Performing Arts (since 2016); Director and Audit Committee Chair, Planet Fitness (since 2016); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (2003-retired 2015). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2020). |
| Gregory A. Russo, Born: 1949 | 2012 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Director and Audit Committee Chairman (2012-2020), and Member, Audit Committee and Finance Committee (2011-2020), NCH Healthcare System, Inc. (holding company for multi-entity healthcare system); Director and Member (2012-2018), and Finance Committee Chairman (2014-2018), The Moorings, Inc. (nonprofit continuing care community); Global Vice Chairman, Risk & Regulatory Matters, KPMG LLP (KPMG) (2002–2006); Vice Chairman, Industrial Markets, KPMG (1998–2002). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 41 |
| Non-Independent Trustees3 | | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Andrew G. Arnott, Born: 1971 | 2017 | 184 |
| Non-Independent Trustee | | |
| Global Head of Retail for Manulife (since 2022); Head of Wealth and Asset Management, United States and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (2018-2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management LLC (since 2005, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2006, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (since 2004, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (2007-2023, including prior positions). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2017). |
| Paul Lorentz,† Born: 1968 | 2022 | 183 |
| Non-Independent Trustee | | |
| Global Head, Manulife Wealth and Asset Management (since 2017); General Manager, Manulife, Individual Wealth Management and Insurance (2013–2017); President, Manulife Investments (2010–2016). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Principal officers who are not Trustees | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years | Current
Position(s)
with the
Trust
since |
| Kristie M. Feinberg, Born: 1975 | 2023 |
| President | |
| Head of Wealth & Asset Management, U.S. and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (since 2023); CFO and Global Head of Strategy, Manulife Investment Management (2021-2023, including prior positions); CFO Americas & Global Head of Treasury, Invesco, Ltd., Invesco US (2019-2020, including prior positions); Senior Vice President, Corporate Treasurer and Business Controller, Oppenheimer Funds (2001-2019, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2023). |
| Charles A. Rizzo, Born: 1957 | 2007 |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2008); Senior Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2008); Chief Financial Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007). |
| Salvatore Schiavone, Born: 1965 | 2009 |
| Treasurer | |
| Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2007); Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2007); Treasurer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions). |
| 42 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| Principal officers who are not Trustees (continued) | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years | Current
Position(s)
with the
Trust
since |
| Christopher (Kit) Sechler, Born: 1973 | 2018 |
| Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | |
| Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel, John Hancock Investment Management (since 2015); Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel (2009–2015), John Hancock Investment Management; Assistant Secretary of John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2009); Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2009, including prior positions). |
| Trevor Swanberg, Born: 1979 | 2020 |
| Chief Compliance Officer | |
| Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2020); Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2019–2020); Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2016–2019); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors (2015–2016); Chief Compliance Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2016, including prior positions). |
The business address for all Trustees and Officers is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5023.
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 duly 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 | The Trustee is a Non-Independent Trustee due to current or former positions with the Advisor and certain affiliates. |
| * | Elected to serve as Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022. |
| † | Elected to serve as Non-Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022. |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | 43 |
Trustees
Hassell H. McClellan, Chairperson
Steven R. Pruchansky, Vice Chairperson
Andrew G. Arnott†
James R. Boyle
William H. Cunningham*
Grace K. Fey
Noni L. Ellison^
Dean C. Garfield^
Deborah C. Jackson
Patricia Lizarraga*,^
Paul Lorentz‡
Frances G. Rathke*
Gregory A. Russo
Officers
Kristie M. Feinberg#
President
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer
Salvatore Schiavone
Treasurer
Christopher (Kit) Sechler
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Trevor Swanberg
Chief Compliance Officer
Investment advisor
John Hancock Investment Management LLC
Subadvisor
Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC
Portfolio Managers
Emory W. (Sandy) Sanders, Jr., CFA
Jonathan T. White, CFA
Principal distributor
John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Transfer agent
John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
Legal counsel
K&L Gates LLP
Independent registered public accounting firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
† Non-Independent Trustee
* Member of the Audit Committee
^ Elected to serve as Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022.
‡ Elected to serve as Non-Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022.
# Effective June 29, 2023.
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.
All of the fund’s holdings as of the end of the third month of every fiscal quarter are filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of the fiscal quarter. The fund’s Form N-PORT filings are available on our website and the SEC’s website, sec.gov.
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 | Regular mail: | Express mail: |
| jhinvestments.com | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219909
Kansas City, MO 64121-9909 | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
430 W 7th Street
Suite 219909
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 |
| 44 | JOHN HANCOCK FUNDAMENTAL ALL CAP CORE FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
John Hancock family of funds
U.S. EQUITY FUNDS
Blue Chip Growth
Classic Value
Disciplined Value
Disciplined Value Mid Cap
Equity Income
Financial Industries
Fundamental All Cap Core
Fundamental Large Cap Core
Mid Cap Growth
New Opportunities
Regional Bank
Small Cap Core
Small Cap Growth
Small Cap Value
U.S. Global Leaders Growth
U.S. Growth
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Disciplined Value International
Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets Equity
Fundamental Global Franchise
Global Environmental Opportunities
Global Equity
Global Shareholder Yield
Global Thematic Opportunities
International Dynamic Growth
International Growth
International Small Company
FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
Bond
California Municipal Bond
Emerging Markets Debt
Floating Rate Income
Government Income
High Yield
High Yield Municipal Bond
Income
Investment Grade Bond
Money Market
Municipal Opportunities
Opportunistic Fixed Income
Short Duration Bond
Short Duration Municipal Opportunities
Strategic Income Opportunities
ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
Alternative Asset Allocation
Diversified Macro
Infrastructure
Multi-Asset Absolute Return
Real Estate Securities
Seaport Long/Short
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 Investment Management at 800-225-5291, or visit our website at jhinvestments.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF
John Hancock International High Dividend ETF
John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF
John Hancock Preferred Income ETF
John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF
ASSET ALLOCATION/TARGET DATE FUNDS
Balanced
Multi-Asset High Income
Lifestyle Blend Portfolios
Lifetime Blend Portfolios
Multimanager Lifestyle Portfolios
Multimanager Lifetime Portfolios
Preservation Blend Portfolios
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND
GOVERNANCE FUNDS
ESG Core Bond
ESG International Equity
ESG Large Cap Core
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Asset-Based Lending
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 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 Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Foreside is not affiliated with John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, Manulife Investment Management (US) 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.
A trusted brand
John Hancock Investment Management is a premier asset manager
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 serve investors globally through a unique multimanager approach:
We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized
expertise for every strategy we offer, then we apply robust investment
oversight to ensure 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.
“A trusted brand” is based on a survey of 6,651 respondents conducted by Medallia between 3/18/20 and 5/13/20.
John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, Member FINRA, SIPC
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116-5010, 800-225-5291, jhinvestments.com
Manulife Investment Management, the Stylized M Design, and Manulife Investment Management & Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by its affiliates under license.
NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT INSURED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
This report is for the information of the shareholders of John Hancock Fundamental All Cap Core Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
9/23
Annual report
John Hancock
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund
Alternative
July 31, 2023
A message to shareholders
Dear shareholder,
After trading lower in the early part of the 12 months ended July 31, 2023, stocks rallied from mid-October onward to post impressive returns for the period. Although central banks continued to raise interest rates, falling inflation gave investors confidence that the tightening cycle would likely slow its pace in 2023. Even more important, global economic growth remained in positive territory even as interest rates rose. Together, these factors helped stocks overcome potential headwinds such as ongoing geopolitical instability and short-lived turmoil in the U.S. and European banking sectors in March.
A large portion of the gain for the major indexes came from a narrow group of U.S. mega-cap, technology-related companies, including those expected to benefit from the adoption of artificial intelligence. European stocks also performed very well, as the anticipated slowdown in growth in the region failed to materialize. On the other hand, the value style, defensive sectors, smaller companies, and the emerging markets posted gains but underperformed the broad-based indexes.
In these uncertain times, your financial professional can assist with positioning your portfolio so that it’s sufficiently diversified to help meet your long-term objectives and to withstand the inevitable bouts of market volatility along the way.
On behalf of everyone at John Hancock Investment Management, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome new shareholders and thank existing shareholders for the continued trust you’ve placed in us.
Sincerely,
Kristie M. Feinberg
Head of Wealth and Asset Management,
United States and Europe
Manulife Investment Management
President and CEO,
John Hancock Investment Management
This commentary reflects the CEO’s views as of this report’s period end and are subject to change at any time. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate risk of loss. All investments entail risks, including the possible loss of principal. For more up-to-date information, you can visit our website at jhinvestments.com.
John Hancock
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 1 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The fund seeks long-term total return.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 7/31/2023 (%)
The Blended Index is 30% MSCI All Country World Index and 70% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond USD Hedged Index.
The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) tracks the performance of publicly traded large- and mid-cap stocks of companies in both developed and emerging markets.
The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond USD Hedged Index tracks the performance of global investment-grade debt in fixed-rate treasury, government-related, corporate, and securitized bond markets. Currency exposure is hedged to the U.S. dollar (USD).
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.
The fund’s Morningstar category average is a group of funds with similar investment objectives and strategies and is the equal-weighted return of all funds per category. Morningstar places funds in certain categories based on their historical portfolio holdings. 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.
| 2 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS
Global equity markets rallied
Despite aggressive interest-rate increases from the world’s central banks to curb heightened inflation, global stock markets posted strong gains as economic growth in many regions surpassed expectations.
Rising yields put downward pressure on global bond markets
The central bank rate hikes pushed global bond yields higher, which led to declining prices in most fixed-income markets around the world.
The fund posted a positive return
The fund’s risk-managed strategy produced a positive return while limiting overall volatility.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF 7/31/2023 (% of net assets)
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION AS OF 7/31/2023 (% of net assets)
| Common stocks | 87.8 |
| Health care | 18.4 |
| Information technology | 15.8 |
| Consumer staples | 13.8 |
| Financials | 11.5 |
| Communication services | 10.3 |
| Consumer discretionary | 8.6 |
| Industrials | 7.1 |
| Utilities | 1.9 |
| Real estate | 0.2 |
| Materials | 0.2 |
| U.S. Government | 4.0 |
| Corporate bonds | 3.3 |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 3 |
| Foreign government obligations | 0.1 |
| Other assets and liabilities, net | 4.8 |
| TOTAL | 100.0 |
Notes about risk
The fund is subject to various risks as described in the fund’s prospectus. Political tensions and armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and any resulting economic sanctions on entities and/or individuals of a particular country could lead such a country into an economic recession. The COVID-19 disease has resulted in significant disruptions to global business activity. A widespread health crisis such as a global pandemic could cause substantial market volatility, exchange-trading suspensions, and closures, which may lead to less liquidity in certain instruments, industries, sectors, or the markets, generally, and may ultimately affect fund performance. For more information, please refer to the “Principal risks” section of the prospectus.
| 4 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Management’s discussion of fund performance
How did global financial markets perform during the 12 months ended July 31, 2023?
The global equity and fixed-income markets posted divergent returns for the reporting period. Global inflation peaked in the summer of 2022 and gradually declined over the period, though it remained at elevated levels. Many of the world’s central banks continued to raise short-term interest rates to combat the inflationary pressures. By the end of the reporting period, however, some central banks (including the U.S. Federal Reserve) had slowed the pace of their rate hikes, signaling a potential shift toward stable policy. The central bank actions were expected to put a damper on global economic growth, but economic activity improved in many regions of the world, most notably during the latter half of the period.
Global stocks posted gains as they benefited from the improving economic environment. Information technology and other growth-oriented sectors led the advance in global equity markets. In contrast, global bond markets generally declined for the reporting period as bond yields rose broadly, reflecting many central banks’ interest rate increases.
How did the fund perform?
The fund posted a positive return for the reporting period, reflecting its mix of risk assets and defensive strategies, but underperformed its benchmark, the ICE BofA
COUNTRY COMPOSITION
AS OF 7/31/2023 (% of net assets) |
| United States | 71.1 |
| Denmark | 5.8 |
| United Kingdom | 3.2 |
| Germany | 2.9 |
| France | 2.8 |
| Switzerland | 2.1 |
| Ireland | 2.0 |
| China | 1.9 |
| Japan | 1.6 |
| Taiwan | 1.3 |
| Other countries | 5.3 |
| TOTAL | 100.0 |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 5 |
0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index. The fund’s fixed-income exposure was a chief detractor. The fund’s foreign currency exposure also weighed on performance.
On the plus side, the fund’s equity component contributed positively to performance as global equity markets advanced. Holdings in developed markets contributed the most as these markets fared best during the period, but the fund’s exposure to lower-risk equities was beneficial for performance. The fund’s credit-related holdings also aided performance early in the period.
What changes did you make to the portfolio over the past year?
In the fixed-income segment, we eliminated the fund’s tactical credit allocation in late 2022 as credit conditions grew more challenging and expected returns in equities improved. We also gradually increased the interest-rate sensitivity of the fund’s fixed-income component. The fund remains positioned with a balanced combination of risk assets and defensive strategies.
Asbjørn Trolle Hansen, Ph.D.
The views expressed in this report are exclusively those of the portfolio management team at Nordea Asset Management North America, Inc., and are subject to change. They are not meant as investment advice. Please note that the holdings discussed in this report may not have been held by the fund for the entire period. Portfolio composition is subject to review in accordance with the fund’s investment strategy and may vary in the future. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
| 6 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JULY 31, 2023
Average annual total returns (%)
with maximum sales charge | Cumulative total returns (%)
with maximum sales charge |
| | 1-year | 5-year | 10-year | 5-year | 10-year |
| Class A | -3.70 | 2.19 | 1.64 | 11.47 | 17.69 |
| Class C | -0.36 | 2.53 | 1.46 | 13.29 | 15.63 |
| Class I1 | 1.73 | 3.56 | 2.49 | 19.09 | 27.86 |
| Class R21 | 1.34 | 3.20 | 2.05 | 17.04 | 22.47 |
| Class R61 | 1.74 | 3.65 | 2.59 | 19.65 | 29.12 |
| Class NAV1 | 1.74 | 3.68 | 2.61 | 19.79 | 29.33 |
| Index 1† | 4.07 | 1.59 | 1.00 | 8.21 | 10.45 |
| Index 2† | 2.49 | 3.36 | 4.21 | 17.99 | 51.04 |
Performance figures assume all distributions have been reinvested. Figures reflect maximum sales charges on Class A shares of 5.00% and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on Class C shares. Class C shares sold within one year of purchase are subject to a 1% CDSC. Sales charges are not applicable to Class I, Class R2, Class R6, 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. Net expenses reflect contractual fee waivers and expense limitations in effect until July 31, 2025 and are subject to change. Had the contractual fee waivers and expense limitations not been in place, gross expenses would apply. The expense ratios are as follows:
| | Class A | Class C | Class I | Class R2 | Class R6 | Class NAV |
| Gross (%) | 1.57 | 2.27 | 1.27 | 1.66 | 1.16 | 1.15 |
| Net (%) | 1.56 | 2.26 | 1.26 | 1.65 | 1.15 | 1.14 |
Please refer to the most recent prospectuses 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 1 is the ICE Bank of America 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index; Index 2 is 30% MSCI All Country World Index and 70% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond USD Hedged Index.
See the following page for footnotes.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 7 |
This chart and table show what happened to a hypothetical $10,000 investment in John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund for the share classes and periods indicated, assuming all distributions were reinvested. For comparison, we’ve shown the same investment in an index and a blended index.
| | Start date | With maximum
sales charge ($) | Without
sales charge ($) | Index 1 ($) | Index 2 ($) |
| Class C2 | 7-31-13 | 11,563 | 11,563 | 11,045 | 15,104 |
| Class I1 | 7-31-13 | 12,786 | 12,786 | 11,045 | 15,104 |
| Class R21 | 7-31-13 | 12,247 | 12,247 | 11,045 | 15,104 |
| Class R61 | 7-31-13 | 12,912 | 12,912 | 11,045 | 15,104 |
| Class NAV1 | 7-31-13 | 12,933 | 12,933 | 11,045 | 15,104 |
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Bank of America (BofA) 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index tracks the performance of Treasury bills maturing in zero to three months.
The Blended Index is 30% MSCI All Country World Index and 70% Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond USD Hedged Index.
The MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) tracks the performance of publicly traded large- and mid-cap stocks of companies in both developed and emerging markets.
The Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond USD Hedged Index tracks the performance of global investment-grade debt in fixed-rate treasury, government-related, corporate, and securitized bond markets. Currency exposure is hedged to the U.S. dollar (USD).
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 | For certain types of investors, as described in the fund’s prospectuses. |
| 2 | The contingent deferred sales charge is not applicable. |
| 8 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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
The first line of each share class in the table on the following page 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 February 1, 2023, with the same investment held until July 31, 2023.
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 July 31, 2023, by $1,000.00, then multiply it by the “expenses paid” for your share class from the table. For example, for an account value of $8,600.00, the operating expenses should be calculated as follows:
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
The second line of each share class in the table on the following page 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 class’s actual return). It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on February 1, 2023, with the same investment held until July 31, 2023. 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.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 9 |
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.
SHAREHOLDER EXPENSE EXAMPLE CHART
| | | Account
value on
2-1-2023 | Ending
value on
7-31-2023 | Expenses
paid during
period ended
7-31-20231 | Annualized
expense
ratio |
| Class A | Actual expenses/actual returns | $1,000.00 | $1,016.70 | $7.95 | 1.59% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,016.90 | 7.95 | 1.59% |
| Class C | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,012.90 | 11.38 | 2.28% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,013.50 | 11.38 | 2.28% |
| Class I | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,018.50 | 6.46 | 1.29% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,018.40 | 6.46 | 1.29% |
| Class R2 | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,015.70 | 8.00 | 1.60% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,016.90 | 8.00 | 1.60% |
| Class R6 | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,018.40 | 5.91 | 1.18% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,018.90 | 5.91 | 1.18% |
| Class NAV | Actual expenses/actual returns | 1,000.00 | 1,018.40 | 5.86 | 1.17% |
| | Hypothetical example | 1,000.00 | 1,019.00 | 5.86 | 1.17% |
| 1 | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period). |
| 10 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
AS OF 7-31-23
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| Common stocks 87.8% | | | | | $423,277,126 |
| (Cost $324,791,213) | | | | | |
| Brazil 0.3% | | | | | 1,552,013 |
| Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo | | 9,500 | 116,722 |
| Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR | | 19,880 | 242,735 |
| CPFL Energia SA | | 36,700 | 277,690 |
| Hypera SA | | 59,200 | 541,579 |
| M Dias Branco SA | | 42,300 | 373,287 |
| Canada 0.8% | | | | | 3,709,302 |
| Royal Bank of Canada | | 14,200 | 1,407,778 |
| The Toronto-Dominion Bank | | 34,900 | 2,301,524 |
| China 1.9% | | | | | 9,355,487 |
| Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., ADR (A) | | 12,489 | 1,275,876 |
| Baidu, Inc., ADR (A) | | 3,445 | 537,386 |
| Chengdu Xingrong Environment Company, Ltd., Class A | | 481,094 | 380,522 |
| China Construction Bank Corp., H Shares | | 1,170,000 | 681,945 |
| China Longyuan Power Group Corp., Ltd., H Shares | | 948,000 | 917,813 |
| China Railway Group, Ltd., H Shares | | 97,000 | 63,774 |
| China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., Class A | | 26,679 | 187,187 |
| Chinasoft International, Ltd. (A) | | 822,000 | 514,895 |
| Henan Shuanghui Investment & Development Company, Ltd., Class A | | 75,798 | 267,980 |
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd., H Shares | | 1,391,000 | 679,264 |
| Meituan, Class B (A)(B) | | 850 | 16,227 |
| Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, Ltd., Class A | | 307,125 | 776,208 |
| NetEase, Inc., ADR | | 2,047 | 222,591 |
| PICC Property & Casualty Company, Ltd., H Shares | | 258,000 | 302,614 |
| Ping An Insurance Group Company of China, Ltd., H Shares | | 140,000 | 1,020,144 |
| Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Company, Ltd., H Shares | | 46,800 | 60,440 |
| Sinopharm Group Company, Ltd., H Shares | | 184,400 | 580,711 |
| Tencent Holdings, Ltd. | | 7,800 | 358,497 |
| Tianhe Chemicals Group, Ltd. (A)(B)(C) | | 4,848,409 | 0 |
| Titan Wind Energy Suzhou Company, Ltd., Class A (A) | | 101,497 | 202,643 |
| Zhejiang Chint Electrics Company, Ltd., Class A | | 77,798 | 308,770 |
| Denmark 3.2% | | | | | 15,433,613 |
| Novo Nordisk A/S, B Shares | | 95,711 | 15,433,613 |
| France 2.3% | | | | | 10,914,295 |
| Sanofi | | 48,322 | 5,155,236 |
| Vinci SA | | 49,035 | 5,759,059 |
| Germany 2.9% | | | | | 13,786,908 |
| Allianz SE | | 28,370 | 6,780,444 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 11 |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| Germany (continued) | | | | | |
| Deutsche Telekom AG | | 50,382 | $1,098,395 |
| DHL Group | | 48,054 | 2,471,103 |
| Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG | | 9,130 | 3,436,966 |
| Hong Kong 0.2% | | | | | 856,926 |
| China Everbright Environment Group, Ltd. | | 322,000 | 128,491 |
| China Metal Recycling Holdings, Ltd. (A)(C) | | 1,799,400 | 0 |
| China Overseas Land & Investment, Ltd. | | 102,500 | 243,147 |
| China Resources Land, Ltd. | | 104,000 | 485,288 |
| India 0.3% | | | | | 1,701,500 |
| Power Grid Corp. of India, Ltd. | | 260,504 | 843,445 |
| UPL, Ltd. | | 113,248 | 858,055 |
| Indonesia 0.2% | | | | | 1,071,859 |
| Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT | | 4,350,500 | 1,071,859 |
| Ireland 2.0% | | | | | 9,744,344 |
| Accenture PLC, Class A | | 26,032 | 8,235,223 |
| Medtronic PLC | | 17,196 | 1,509,121 |
| Israel 0.6% | | | | | 2,730,533 |
| Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd. (A) | | 20,653 | 2,730,533 |
| Japan 1.6% | | | | | 7,851,276 |
| Hoya Corp. | | 17,100 | 1,991,456 |
| KDDI Corp. | | 88,700 | 2,610,592 |
| Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. | | 2,833,500 | 3,249,228 |
| Mexico 0.3% | | | | | 1,282,564 |
| Arca Continental SAB de CV | | 39,100 | 392,308 |
| Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV | | 41,500 | 470,193 |
| Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV, Series O | | 44,300 | 420,063 |
| Netherlands 0.2% | | | | | 809,431 |
| Prosus NV (A) | | 10,232 | 809,431 |
| Philippines 0.0% | | | | | 50,231 |
| PLDT, Inc. | | 2,105 | 50,231 |
| South Africa 0.3% | | | | | 1,250,461 |
| Naspers, Ltd., N Shares | | 3,492 | 686,132 |
| Sanlam, Ltd. | | 72,198 | 266,220 |
| Standard Bank Group, Ltd. | | 27,937 | 298,109 |
| South Korea 1.2% | | | | | 5,625,137 |
| BNK Financial Group, Inc. | | 7,319 | 38,817 |
| Cheil Worldwide, Inc. | | 12,938 | 184,130 |
| Hyundai Glovis Company, Ltd. | | 3,476 | 475,302 |
| 12 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| South Korea (continued) | | | | | |
| Hyundai Mobis Company, Ltd. | | 2,424 | $442,904 |
| LG Corp. | | 2,074 | 135,773 |
| Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. | | 19,741 | 1,080,872 |
| Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Company, Ltd. | | 6,406 | 1,224,486 |
| SK Square Company, Ltd. (A) | | 17,459 | 607,850 |
| SK Telecom Company, Ltd. | | 36,766 | 1,329,495 |
| SK Telecom Company, Ltd., ADR | | 5,257 | 105,508 |
| Spain 0.5% | | | | | 2,658,691 |
| Iberdrola SA | | 213,009 | 2,658,691 |
| Sweden 0.1% | | | | | 466,462 |
| Svenska Handelsbanken AB, A Shares | | 53,128 | 466,462 |
| Switzerland 2.1% | | | | | 10,036,996 |
| Chubb, Ltd. | | 12,524 | 2,560,031 |
| Nestle SA | | 23,059 | 2,825,171 |
| Roche Holding AG | | 13,982 | 4,335,140 |
| Sonova Holding AG | | 1,136 | 316,654 |
| Taiwan 1.3% | | | | | 6,068,563 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | | 136,000 | 2,455,834 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd., ADR | | 36,437 | 3,612,729 |
| Thailand 0.1% | | | | | 736,986 |
| Advanced Info Service PCL | | 13,400 | 88,536 |
| Bangkok Bank PCL | | 18,800 | 94,251 |
| Thai Beverage PCL | | 378,400 | 172,143 |
| Thai Union Group PCL | | 968,400 | 382,056 |
| United Kingdom 3.1% | | | | | 15,163,047 |
| Diageo PLC | | 67,036 | 2,925,607 |
| Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC | | 74,794 | 5,602,984 |
| Rightmove PLC | | 95,337 | 698,534 |
| St. James’s Place PLC | | 155,615 | 1,878,451 |
| Unilever PLC | | 29,245 | 1,571,421 |
| Unilever PLC (Euronext Amsterdam Exchange) | | 46,185 | 2,486,050 |
| United States 62.3% | | | | | 300,420,501 |
| Adobe, Inc. (A) | | 24,125 | 13,176,351 |
| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (A) | | 10,235 | 1,170,884 |
| Akamai Technologies, Inc. (A) | | 49,989 | 4,723,961 |
| Alphabet, Inc., Class A (A) | | 163,246 | 21,666,005 |
| Amgen, Inc. | | 6,694 | 1,567,400 |
| Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | | 41,674 | 10,304,313 |
| AutoZone, Inc. (A) | | 1,542 | 3,826,812 |
| Baxter International, Inc. | | 35,788 | 1,618,691 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 13 |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| United States (continued) | | | | | |
| Booking Holdings, Inc. (A) | | 478 | $1,420,042 |
| Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | | 89,672 | 5,576,702 |
| Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (A) | | 20,400 | 4,773,804 |
| Centene Corp. (A) | | 37,858 | 2,577,751 |
| Cisco Systems, Inc. | | 166,753 | 8,677,826 |
| Colgate-Palmolive Company | | 33,802 | 2,577,741 |
| Comcast Corp., Class A | | 164,105 | 7,427,392 |
| Conagra Brands, Inc. | | 123,456 | 4,050,591 |
| CVS Health Corp. | | 81,620 | 6,096,198 |
| eBay, Inc. | | 126,570 | 5,633,631 |
| Edison International | | 3,830 | 275,607 |
| Elevance Health, Inc. | | 14,309 | 6,748,554 |
| Eversource Energy | | 15,127 | 1,094,136 |
| Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. | | 30,285 | 3,855,281 |
| Fiserv, Inc. (A) | | 49,335 | 6,226,570 |
| Fortrea Holdings, Inc. (A) | | 7,285 | 232,829 |
| Global Payments, Inc. | | 42,201 | 4,652,660 |
| Intuit, Inc. | | 996 | 509,653 |
| Johnson & Johnson | | 91,991 | 15,411,252 |
| Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings | | 7,368 | 1,576,236 |
| Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. | | 17,409 | 3,280,204 |
| Mastercard, Inc., Class A | | 17,637 | 6,953,916 |
| McDonald’s Corp. | | 14,694 | 4,308,281 |
| Merck & Company, Inc. | | 18,368 | 1,958,947 |
| Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (A) | | 20,215 | 6,440,499 |
| Microsoft Corp. | | 61,855 | 20,778,332 |
| Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | | 74,087 | 5,492,069 |
| Monster Beverage Corp. (A) | | 123,687 | 7,110,766 |
| NIKE, Inc., Class B | | 51,422 | 5,676,475 |
| Oracle Corp. | | 14,743 | 1,728,322 |
| Paychex, Inc. | | 10,500 | 1,317,435 |
| PepsiCo, Inc. | | 36,419 | 6,827,106 |
| Pfizer, Inc. | | 78,740 | 2,839,364 |
| Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | | 49,070 | 3,097,298 |
| Ross Stores, Inc. | | 25,245 | 2,894,087 |
| Starbucks Corp. | | 51,010 | 5,181,086 |
| Stryker Corp. | | 8,407 | 2,382,628 |
| Sysco Corp. | | 30,649 | 2,338,825 |
| Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | | 44,396 | 4,952,374 |
| The Cigna Group | | 26,041 | 7,684,699 |
| The Coca-Cola Company | | 203,240 | 12,586,653 |
| The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., Class A | | 10,221 | 1,839,780 |
| The Hershey Company | | 9,134 | 2,112,786 |
| The Procter & Gamble Company | | 27,298 | 4,266,677 |
| 14 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| | | | | Shares | Value |
| United States (continued) | | | | | |
| The TJX Companies, Inc. | | 45,565 | $3,942,739 |
| The Toro Company | | 37,855 | 3,847,961 |
| UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | 4,348 | 2,201,697 |
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | | 80,062 | 2,728,513 |
| Visa, Inc., Class A | | 43,094 | 10,244,737 |
| VMware, Inc., Class A (A) | | 11,081 | 1,746,698 |
| W.W. Grainger, Inc. | | 2,997 | 2,213,255 |
|
| Waste Management, Inc. | | 12,195 | 1,997,419 |
| Preferred securities 0.0% | | | | | $140,929 |
| (Cost $131,741) | | | | | |
| Brazil 0.0% | | | | | 140,929 |
| Banco Bradesco SA | | | 40,001 | 140,929 |
|
| | Rate (%) | Maturity date | | Par value^ | Value |
| U.S. Government and Agency obligations 4.0% | $19,380,674 |
| (Cost $19,509,270) | | | | | |
| U.S. Government 4.0% | | | | 19,380,674 |
| U.S. Treasury | | | | | |
| Note (D) | 0.625 | 05-15-30 | | 1,668,400 | 1,331,266 |
| Note (D) | 0.625 | 08-15-30 | | 1,432,000 | 1,135,419 |
| Note (D) | 0.875 | 11-15-30 | | 1,505,000 | 1,212,407 |
| Note | 1.250 | 08-15-31 | | 1,368,100 | 1,114,360 |
| Note (D) | 1.625 | 05-15-31 | | 1,641,100 | 1,385,383 |
| Note (D) | 1.750 | 11-15-29 | | 1,078,400 | 942,378 |
| Note (D) | 1.875 | 02-15-32 | | 2,674,400 | 2,271,255 |
| Note (D) | 2.375 | 05-15-29 | | 2,636,100 | 2,397,512 |
| Note | 2.625 | 02-15-29 | | 392,000 | 362,263 |
| Note (D) | 2.875 | 05-15-32 | | 2,613,000 | 2,400,285 |
| Note (D) | 3.125 | 11-15-28 | | 1,377,200 | 1,309,201 |
| Note | 3.375 | 05-15-33 | | 919,400 | 877,021 |
| Note | 3.500 | 02-15-33 | | 600,300 | 578,539 |
|
| Note (D) | 4.125 | 11-15-32 | | 2,039,800 | 2,063,385 |
| Foreign government obligations 0.1% | | | | $145,214 |
| (Cost $144,710) | | | | | |
| France 0.1% | | | | | 145,214 |
| Caisse Francaise de Financement Local | | | | | |
| Bond | 0.010 | 10-19-35 | EUR | 200,000 | 145,214 |
| Corporate bonds 3.3% | | | | | $16,028,282 |
| (Cost $17,297,848) | | | | | |
| Austria 0.0% | | | | | 179,395 |
| Erste Group Bank AG | 0.010 | 09-11-29 | EUR | 200,000 | 179,395 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 15 |
| | Rate (%) | Maturity date | | Par value^ | Value |
| Canada 0.1% | | | | | $283,928 |
| Federation des Caisses Desjardins | 0.050 | 11-26-27 | EUR | 300,000 | 283,928 |
| Denmark 2.6% | | | | | 12,522,080 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 1.000 | 07-01-25 | DKK | 3,900,000 | 548,542 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 2.500 | 10-01-47 | DKK | 2,382,344 | 311,201 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 2.500 | 10-01-53 | DKK | 1,549,691 | 193,214 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 4.000 | 10-01-53 | DKK | 14,166,689 | 1,982,216 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 5.000 | 10-01-53 | DKK | 2,482,097 | 360,372 |
| Nykredit Realkredit A/S | 5.000 | 10-01-53 | DKK | 12,969,446 | 1,892,773 |
| Realkredit Danmark A/S | 1.000 | 04-01-24 | DKK | 8,700,000 | 1,261,007 |
| Realkredit Danmark A/S | 1.000 | 04-01-26 | DKK | 7,300,000 | 1,009,623 |
| Realkredit Danmark A/S | 1.500 | 10-01-53 | DKK | 44,370,305 | 4,963,132 |
| France 0.4% | | | | | 1,944,525 |
| AXA Home Loan SFH SA | 0.010 | 10-16-29 | EUR | 900,000 | 807,358 |
| BPCE SFH SA | 0.010 | 01-21-27 | EUR | 800,000 | 779,642 |
| BPCE SFH SA | 0.625 | 05-29-31 | EUR | 400,000 | 357,525 |
| Japan 0.0% | | | | | 89,847 |
| Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. | 0.409 | 11-07-29 | EUR | 100,000 | 89,847 |
| New Zealand 0.0% | | | | | 170,485 |
| ASB Bank, Ltd. | 0.250 | 05-21-31 | EUR | 200,000 | 170,485 |
| Norway 0.1% | | | | | 419,434 |
| Sparebanken Vest Boligkreditt AS | 0.750 | 02-27-25 | EUR | 400,000 | 419,434 |
| United Kingdom 0.1% | | | | | 418,588 |
| Santander UK PLC | 0.500 | 01-10-25 | EUR | 400,000 | 418,588 |
|
| Total investments (Cost $361,874,782) 95.2% | | | $458,972,225 |
| Other assets and liabilities, net 4.8% | | | 23,303,224 |
| Total net assets 100.0% | | | | | $482,275,449 |
| The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the fund. |
| ^All par values are denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
| Currency Abbreviations |
| DKK | Danish Krone |
| EUR | Euro |
| Security Abbreviations and Legend |
| ADR | American Depositary Receipt |
| (A) | Non-income producing security. |
| (B) | 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. |
| (C) | Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 2 to the financial statements. |
| (D) | All or a portion of this security is segregated at the custodian as collateral for certain derivatives. |
| 16 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
DERIVATIVES
FUTURES
| Open contracts | Number of
contracts | Position | Expiration
date | Notional
basis^ | Notional
value^ | Unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) |
| 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note Futures | 426 | Long | Sep 2023 | $48,452,153 | $47,492,344 | $(959,809) |
| 2-Year U.S. Treasury Note Futures | 219 | Long | Oct 2023 | 45,170,371 | 44,475,820 | (694,551) |
| 5-Year U.S. Treasury Note Futures | 1,389 | Long | Oct 2023 | 151,739,040 | 148,471,077 | (3,267,963) |
| Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures | 53 | Long | Sep 2023 | 4,917,871 | 4,831,957 | (85,914) |
| ASX SPI 200 Index Futures | 49 | Short | Sep 2023 | (5,836,419) | (6,069,212) | (232,793) |
| Euro STOXX 50 Index Futures | 402 | Short | Sep 2023 | (19,273,989) | (19,863,529) | (589,540) |
| Euro-Bund Futures | 169 | Short | Sep 2023 | (25,119,924) | (24,711,721) | 408,203 |
| FTSE 100 Index Futures | 94 | Short | Sep 2023 | (9,154,597) | (9,270,800) | (116,203) |
| Long Gilt Futures | 40 | Short | Sep 2023 | (4,776,335) | (4,935,255) | (158,920) |
| Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures | 282 | Short | Sep 2023 | (14,227,869) | (14,862,810) | (634,941) |
| Nikkei 225 Mini Index Futures | 421 | Short | Sep 2023 | (9,558,309) | (9,843,999) | (285,690) |
| S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures | 479 | Short | Sep 2023 | (104,863,509) | (110,517,275) | (5,653,766) |
| | | | | | | $(12,271,887) |
^ Notional basis refers to the contractual amount agreed upon at inception of open contracts; notional value represents the current value of the open contract.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
| Contract to buy | Contract to sell | Counterparty (OTC) | Contractual
settlement
date | Unrealized
appreciation | Unrealized
depreciation |
| AUD | 1,116,000 | JPY | 104,390,749 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | $14,547 | — |
| AUD | 313,000 | NZD | 339,749 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | $(675) |
| AUD | 299,000 | SEK | 2,146,886 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (3,157) |
| AUD | 3,009,360 | USD | 2,046,911 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (24,499) |
| AUD | 128,321 | USD | 87,336 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (1,099) |
| AUD | 216,425 | USD | 146,362 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (915) |
| AUD | 658,302 | USD | 437,772 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 4,633 | — |
| CAD | 804,000 | CHF | 534,365 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (3,876) |
| CAD | 319,431 | EUR | 215,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 5,726 | — |
| CAD | 805,000 | JPY | 85,881,024 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 5,540 | — |
| CAD | 495,381 | NZD | 592,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 8,042 | — |
| CAD | 138,000 | SEK | 1,102,774 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (165) |
| CAD | 13,621,367 | USD | 10,222,971 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 108,726 | — |
| CAD | 493,954 | USD | 364,868 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 9,792 | — |
| CAD | 4,649,640 | USD | 3,492,261 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 34,453 | — |
| CHF | 849,256 | USD | 956,360 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 18,987 | — |
| CHF | 255,403 | USD | 285,314 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 8,009 | — |
| CHF | 779,927 | USD | 873,847 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 21,878 | — |
| CHF | 907,346 | USD | 1,020,748 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 21,314 | — |
| DKK | 14,992,909 | USD | 2,228,877 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (14,749) |
| DKK | 14,403,246 | USD | 2,098,405 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 28,643 | — |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 17 |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS (continued)
| Contract to buy | Contract to sell | Counterparty (OTC) | Contractual
settlement
date | Unrealized
appreciation | Unrealized
depreciation |
| DKK | 3,287,752 | USD | 476,300 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | $9,230 | — |
| EUR | 61,000 | AUD | 100,832 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | $(646) |
| EUR | 230,000 | GBP | 197,317 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (182) |
| EUR | 1,624,000 | JPY | 246,714,825 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 48,702 | — |
| EUR | 562,000 | JPY | 87,047,365 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 5,092 | — |
| EUR | 21,786,188 | USD | 23,852,642 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 118,190 | — |
| EUR | 495,016 | USD | 545,597 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (943) |
| EUR | 9,211,294 | USD | 10,023,044 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 111,927 | — |
| EUR | 1,183,097 | USD | 1,323,169 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (21,435) |
| GBP | 2,000 | CHF | 2,225 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 11 | — |
| GBP | 366,617 | EUR | 421,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 7,316 | — |
| GBP | 532,434 | USD | 669,837 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 13,512 | — |
| GBP | 287,435 | USD | 359,227 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 9,679 | — |
| GBP | 1,299,699 | USD | 1,644,326 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 23,765 | — |
| GBP | 23,654 | USD | 29,380 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 979 | — |
| HKD | 677,956 | USD | 86,657 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 282 | — |
| HKD | 2,838,287 | USD | 363,274 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 697 | — |
| HKD | 2,507,839 | USD | 320,520 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 1,076 | — |
| JPY | 58,542,634 | AUD | 614,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (190) |
| JPY | 36,054,202 | CAD | 347,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (9,189) |
| JPY | 267,041,387 | EUR | 1,754,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (48,534) |
| JPY | 34,719,566 | EUR | 221,000 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 1,444 | — |
| JPY | 59,782,541 | EUR | 382,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 872 | — |
| JPY | 92,420,419 | GBP | 530,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (29,108) |
| JPY | 53,255,191 | NOK | 3,819,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (1,812) |
| JPY | 28,244,181 | NZD | 324,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (2,256) |
| JPY | 10,985,224,804 | USD | 83,027,167 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (5,634,413) |
| JPY | 150,667,033 | USD | 1,076,639 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (15,165) |
| JPY | 512,641,612 | USD | 3,663,192 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (51,546) |
| JPY | 125,444,272 | USD | 895,224 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (11,448) |
| NOK | 1,966,152 | GBP | 144,000 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 9,278 | — |
| NOK | 2,128,986 | NZD | 336,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 1,474 | — |
| NOK | 5,418,047 | USD | 511,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 23,858 | — |
| NOK | 25,207,513 | USD | 2,479,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 9,432 | — |
| NOK | 77,775,357 | USD | 7,364,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 313,818 | — |
| NZD | 374,000 | JPY | 32,813,226 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 1,122 | — |
| NZD | 637,000 | JPY | 53,863,102 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 16,176 | — |
| NZD | 937,000 | USD | 579,071 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 2,914 | — |
| SEK | 17,296,842 | AUD | 2,463,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (10,882) |
| SEK | 20,151,455 | AUD | 2,888,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (25,120) |
| SEK | 1,364,864 | CAD | 173,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (1,466) |
| SEK | 1,191,340 | GBP | 92,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (4,820) |
| 18 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS (continued)
| Contract to buy | Contract to sell | Counterparty (OTC) | Contractual
settlement
date | Unrealized
appreciation | Unrealized
depreciation |
| SEK | 4,332,354 | GBP | 316,000 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | $6,294 | — |
| SEK | 5,460,094 | NOK | 5,443,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | $(18,248) |
| SEK | 3,845,633 | NZD | 595,000 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (3,972) |
| SEK | 2,920,320 | NZD | 454,000 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (4,361) |
| SEK | 3,455,800 | NZD | 517,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 7,415 | — |
| SEK | 2,916,499 | USD | 272,398 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 4,864 | — |
| SEK | 119,577 | USD | 11,186 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 182 | — |
| SEK | 15,560,135 | USD | 1,514,588 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (35,337) |
| SEK | 4,822,939 | USD | 445,000 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 13,501 | — |
| USD | 2,026,218 | AUD | 3,024,751 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (6,537) |
| USD | 140,921 | AUD | 208,926 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 514 | — |
| USD | 30,894,622 | AUD | 45,684,725 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 192,636 | — |
| USD | 77,991 | AUD | 116,479 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (288) |
| USD | 35,307,679 | CAD | 47,534,273 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (746,684) |
| USD | 692,853 | CAD | 912,947 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 391 | — |
| USD | 2,187,346 | CAD | 2,931,726 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (36,344) |
| USD | 152,792 | CHF | 135,846 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (3,223) |
| USD | 93,260 | CHF | 80,756 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 513 | — |
| USD | 7,009 | CHF | 6,254 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (174) |
| USD | 9,721,692 | CHF | 8,607,242 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (163,489) |
| USD | 32,547,407 | DKK | 220,975,483 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (85,891) |
| USD | 186,153,102 | EUR | 169,792,387 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (665,479) |
| USD | 1,606,460 | EUR | 1,449,366 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 11,760 | — |
| USD | 4,149,972 | EUR | 3,780,213 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (9,308) |
| USD | 840,349 | EUR | 777,036 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (14,605) |
| USD | 18,140,237 | GBP | 14,422,056 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (369,662) |
| USD | 1,123,793 | GBP | 892,926 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (22,228) |
| USD | 819,230 | GBP | 632,813 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 7,050 | — |
| USD | 568,443 | GBP | 441,260 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 2,110 | — |
| USD | 42,119 | HKD | 329,457 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (130) |
| USD | 65,863 | HKD | 515,100 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | — | (191) |
| USD | 662,498 | HKD | 5,179,525 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (1,705) |
| USD | 4,003,446 | JPY | 555,603,148 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 89,129 | — |
| USD | 1,042,373 | JPY | 146,855,478 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 7,751 | — |
| USD | 11,129,792 | JPY | 1,484,453,659 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 671,568 | — |
| USD | 79,966 | JPY | 10,980,827 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 2,604 | — |
| USD | 13,556,332 | NOK | 144,205,451 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (679,326) |
| USD | 181,000 | NOK | 1,909,628 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | — | (7,514) |
| USD | 15,927,468 | NZD | 25,122,513 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | 323,488 | — |
| USD | 1,644,184 | NZD | 2,638,000 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | 5,682 | — |
| USD | 36,764 | SEK | 390,255 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | (336) |
| USD | 9,834 | SEK | 104,358 | BARC | 8/15/2023 | — | (87) |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 19 |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS (continued)
| Contract to buy | Contract to sell | Counterparty (OTC) | Contractual
settlement
date | Unrealized
appreciation | Unrealized
depreciation |
| USD | 5,582,789 | SEK | 57,267,667 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | $138,539 | — |
| USD | 28,636 | ZAR | 551,870 | BOA | 8/15/2023 | — | $(2,182) |
| ZAR | 44,400 | USD | 2,285 | BNP | 8/15/2023 | 194 | — |
| ZAR | 507,470 | USD | 26,088 | GSI | 8/15/2023 | 2,250 | — |
| | | | | | | $2,509,571 | $(8,795,591) |
| Derivatives Currency Abbreviations |
| AUD | Australian Dollar |
| CAD | Canadian Dollar |
| CHF | Swiss Franc |
| DKK | Danish Krone |
| EUR | Euro |
| GBP | Pound Sterling |
| HKD | Hong Kong Dollar |
| JPY | Japanese Yen |
| NOK | Norwegian Krone |
| NZD | New Zealand Dollar |
| SEK | Swedish Krona |
| USD | U.S. Dollar |
| ZAR | South African Rand |
| Derivatives Abbreviations |
| BARC | Barclays Bank PLC |
| BNP | BNP Paribas |
| BOA | Bank of America, N.A. |
| GSI | Goldman Sachs International |
| OTC | Over-the-counter |
At 7-31-23, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $356,988,131. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated to $83,426,187, of which $111,898,132 related to gross unrealized appreciation and $28,471,945 related to gross unrealized depreciation.
See Notes to financial statements regarding investment transactions and other derivatives information.
| 20 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 7-31-23
| Assets | |
| Unaffiliated investments, at value (Cost $361,874,782) | $458,972,225 |
| Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | 2,509,571 |
| Cash | 11,949,741 |
| Foreign currency, at value (Cost $790,700) | 791,826 |
| Collateral held at broker for futures contracts | 13,559,093 |
| Dividends and interest receivable | 1,279,920 |
| Receivable for fund shares sold | 573,306 |
| Receivable for investments sold | 2,609,946 |
| Other assets | 48,749 |
| Total assets | 492,294,377 |
| Liabilities | |
| Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | 8,795,591 |
| Payable for futures variation margin | 61,544 |
| Payable for investments purchased | 545,863 |
| Payable for fund shares repurchased | 298,843 |
| Payable to affiliates | |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 35,142 |
| Transfer agent fees | 25,837 |
| Distribution and service fees | 135 |
| Trustees’ fees | 759 |
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 255,214 |
| Total liabilities | 10,018,928 |
| Net assets | $482,275,449 |
| Net assets consist of | |
| Paid-in capital | $991,193,204 |
| Total distributable earnings (loss) | (508,917,755) |
| Net assets | $482,275,449 |
| |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 21 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)
| Net asset value per share | |
| Based on net asset value and shares outstanding - the fund has an unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value | |
| Class A ($41,128,439 ÷ 4,219,827 shares)1 | $9.75 |
| Class C ($5,981,899 ÷ 637,862 shares)1 | $9.38 |
| Class I ($200,822,430 ÷ 20,239,059 shares) | $9.92 |
| Class R2 ($915,991 ÷ 94,504 shares) | $9.69 |
| Class R6 ($133,531,033 ÷ 13,382,274 shares) | $9.98 |
| Class NAV ($99,895,657 ÷ 10,015,140 shares) | $9.97 |
| Maximum offering price per share | |
| Class A (net asset value per share ÷ 95%)2 | $10.26 |
| 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. |
| 22 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the year ended 7-31-23
| Investment income | |
| Dividends | $9,036,451 |
| Interest | 1,873,746 |
| Less foreign taxes withheld | (458,345) |
| Total investment income | 10,451,852 |
| Expenses | |
| Investment management fees | 5,141,600 |
| Distribution and service fees | 218,613 |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 110,578 |
| Transfer agent fees | 306,706 |
| Trustees’ fees | 13,799 |
| Custodian fees | 151,695 |
| State registration fees | 108,498 |
| Printing and postage | 38,854 |
| Professional fees | 231,434 |
| Other | 104,557 |
| Total expenses | 6,426,334 |
| Less expense reductions | (37,766) |
| Net expenses | 6,388,568 |
| Net investment income | 4,063,284 |
| Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
| Net realized gain (loss) on | |
| Unaffiliated investments and foreign currency transactions | 12,398,021 |
| Futures contracts | (29,931,065) |
| Forward foreign currency contracts | (13,278,944) |
| Swap contracts | (1,528,686) |
| | (32,340,674) |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | |
| Unaffiliated investments and translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | 49,255,568 |
| Futures contracts | (4,121,171) |
| Forward foreign currency contracts | (10,394,875) |
| Swap contracts | 1,094,096 |
| | 35,833,618 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | 3,492,944 |
| Increase in net assets from operations | $7,556,228 |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 23 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | Year ended
7-31-23 | Year ended
7-31-22 |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets | | |
| From operations | | |
| Net investment income | $4,063,284 | $5,182,569 |
| Net realized gain (loss) | (32,340,674) | 43,662,827 |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 35,833,618 | (61,882,943) |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 7,556,228 | (13,037,547) |
| Distributions to shareholders | | |
| From earnings | | |
| Class A | (1,282,614) | — |
| Class C | (237,194) | — |
| Class I | (6,362,692) | — |
| Class R2 | (30,090) | — |
| Class R6 | (7,576,544) | — |
| Class NAV | (3,272,596) | — |
| Total distributions | (18,761,730) | — |
| From fund share transactions | (87,852,566) | 124,932,928 |
| Total increase (decrease) | (99,058,068) | 111,895,381 |
| Net assets | | |
| Beginning of year | 581,333,517 | 469,438,136 |
| End of year | $482,275,449 | $581,333,517 |
| 24 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS A SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $9.93 | $10.12 | $9.06 | $10.54 | $10.12 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 0.06 | 0.20 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.07 | (0.25) | 1.09 | 0.02 | 0.22 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.12 | (0.19) | 1.11 | 0.08 | 0.42 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.30) | — | (0.05) | (1.56) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.75 | $9.93 | $10.12 | $9.06 | $10.54 |
| Total return (%)2,3 | 1.34 | (1.88) | 12.27 | 0.89 | 4.15 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $41 | $44 | $45 | $41 | $51 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.55 | 1.57 | 1.59 | 1.53 | 1.69 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.54 | 1.56 | 1.58 | 1.52 | 1.69 |
| Net investment income | 0.49 | 0.65 | 0.24 | 0.65 | 2.02 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2174 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. |
| 4 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 25 |
| CLASS C SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $9.57 | $9.82 | $8.81 | $10.29 | $9.95 |
| Net investment income (loss)1 | (0.03) | (0.01) | (0.05) | (0.01) | 0.13 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.07 | (0.24) | 1.06 | 0.01 | 0.21 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.04 | (0.25) | 1.01 | — | 0.34 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.23) | — | — | (1.48) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.38 | $9.57 | $9.82 | $8.81 | $10.29 |
| Total return (%)2,3 | 0.63 | (2.54) | 11.45 | 0.23 | 3.42 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $6 | $12 | $20 | $34 | $52 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 2.25 | 2.27 | 2.29 | 2.23 | 2.39 |
| Expenses including reductions | 2.24 | 2.26 | 2.28 | 2.22 | 2.39 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.29) | (0.12) | (0.52) | (0.07) | 1.35 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2174 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any. |
| 4 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| 26 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS I SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $10.10 | $10.27 | $9.19 | $10.67 | $10.22 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.08 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.09 | 0.22 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.07 | (0.27) | 1.10 | 0.02 | 0.23 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.15 | (0.17) | 1.15 | 0.11 | 0.45 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.33) | — | (0.07) | (1.59) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.92 | $10.10 | $10.27 | $9.19 | $10.67 |
| Total return (%)2 | 1.73 | (1.66) | 12.64 | 1.22 | 4.40 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $201 | $215 | $215 | $274 | $535 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.25 | 1.27 | 1.29 | 1.23 | 1.41 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.24 | 1.26 | 1.28 | 1.22 | 1.40 |
| Net investment income | 0.79 | 0.94 | 0.52 | 0.95 | 2.21 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2173 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 27 |
| CLASS R2 SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $9.87 | $10.07 | $9.01 | $10.49 | $10.08 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.02 | 0.06 | 0.20 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.07 | (0.26) | 1.08 | 0.01 | 0.21 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.12 | (0.20) | 1.10 | 0.07 | 0.41 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.30) | — | (0.04) | (1.55) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.69 | $9.87 | $10.07 | $9.01 | $10.49 |
| Total return (%)2 | 1.34 | (1.99) | 12.31 | 0.82 | 4.07 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.55 | 1.60 | 1.62 | 1.58 | 1.78 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.54 | 1.59 | 1.62 | 1.57 | 1.77 |
| Net investment income | 0.47 | 0.58 | 0.21 | 0.62 | 1.99 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2173 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| 28 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
| CLASS R6 SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $10.15 | $10.31 | $9.23 | $10.71 | $10.24 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.08 | 0.12 | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.24 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.09 | (0.28) | 1.10 | 0.02 | 0.23 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.17 | (0.16) | 1.16 | 0.12 | 0.47 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.34) | — | (0.08) | (1.60) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.98 | $10.15 | $10.31 | $9.23 | $10.71 |
| Total return (%)2 | 1.74 | (1.55) | 12.70 | 1.34 | 4.59 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $134 | $227 | $130 | $106 | $150 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.14 | 1.16 | 1.19 | 1.12 | 1.29 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.13 | 1.15 | 1.18 | 1.11 | 1.29 |
| Net investment income | 0.81 | 1.15 | 0.64 | 1.05 | 2.33 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2173 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 29 |
| CLASS NAV SHARES Period ended | 7-31-23 | 7-31-22 | 7-31-21 | 7-31-20 | 7-31-19 |
| Per share operating performance | | | | | |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $10.15 | $10.31 | $9.23 | $10.71 | $10.23 |
| Net investment income1 | 0.09 | 0.11 | 0.06 | 0.10 | 0.21 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.07 | (0.27) | 1.11 | 0.02 | 0.27 |
| Total from investment operations | 0.16 | (0.16) | 1.17 | 0.12 | 0.48 |
| Less distributions | | | | | |
| From net investment income | (0.34) | — | (0.09) | (1.60) | — |
| Net asset value, end of period | $9.97 | $10.15 | $10.31 | $9.23 | $10.71 |
| Total return (%)2 | 1.74 | (1.46) | 12.73 | 1.34 | 4.59 |
| Ratios and supplemental data | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $100 | $82 | $59 | $53 | $32 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets): | | | | | |
| Expenses before reductions | 1.13 | 1.15 | 1.17 | 1.11 | 1.28 |
| Expenses including reductions | 1.12 | 1.14 | 1.17 | 1.10 | 1.27 |
| Net investment income | 0.93 | 1.13 | 0.65 | 1.10 | 2.07 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 59 | 59 | 57 | 2173 | 50 |
| 1 | Based on average daily shares outstanding. |
| 2 | Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods. |
| 3 | Increase in portfolio turnover rate resulted from repositioning of the portfolio during the period in accordance with investment policy changes approved by the Board of Trustees. |
| 30 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
Notes to financial statements
Note 1—Organization
John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund (the fund) is a series of John Hancock Funds II (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 total return.
The fund may offer multiple classes of shares. The shares currently outstanding are detailed in the Statement of assets and liabilities. Class A and Class C shares are offered to all investors. Class I shares are offered to institutions and certain investors. Class R2 shares are available only to certain retirement and 529 plans. Class R6 shares are only available to certain retirement plans, institutions and other investors. Class NAV shares are offered to John Hancock affiliated funds of funds, retirement plans for employees of John Hancock and/or Manulife Financial Corporation, and certain 529 plans. Class C shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase (certain exclusions may apply). 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.
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 Advisor’s Valuation Policies and Procedures.
In order to value the securities, the fund uses the following valuation techniques: Equity securities, including exchange-traded or closed-end funds, 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. Debt obligations are typically valued based on evaluated prices provided by an independent pricing vendor. Independent pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing, which takes into account factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other market data, as well as broker supplied prices. Futures contracts whose settlement prices are determined as of the close of the NYSE are typically valued based on the settlement price while other futures contracts are typically valued at the last traded price on the exchange on which they trade. Foreign equity index futures that trade in the electronic trading market subsequent to the close of regular trading may be valued at the last traded price in the electronic trading market as of 4:00 P.M. ET, or may be fair valued based on fair value adjustment factors provided by an independent pricing vendor in order to adjust for events that may occur between the close of foreign exchanges or markets and the close of the NYSE. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the prevailing forward rates which are based on foreign currency exchange spot rates and forward points supplied by an independent pricing vendor. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars based on foreign currency exchange rates supplied by an independent pricing vendor.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 31 |
In certain instances, the Pricing Committee of the Advisor 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 Pricing Committee following procedures established by the Advisor and adopted 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 Pricing Committee, following procedures established by the Advisor and adopted by the Board of Trustees. The Advisor 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, including registered investment companies. 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 Advisor’s 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 July 31, 2023, by major security category or type:
| | Total
value at
7-31-23 | Level 1
quoted
price | Level 2
significant
observable
inputs | Level 3
significant
unobservable
inputs |
| Investments in securities: | | | | |
| Assets | | | | |
| Common stocks | | | | |
| Brazil | $1,552,013 | $1,552,013 | — | — |
| Canada | 3,709,302 | 3,709,302 | — | — |
| China | 9,355,487 | 2,035,853 | $7,319,634 | — |
| Denmark | 15,433,613 | — | 15,433,613 | — |
| France | 10,914,295 | — | 10,914,295 | — |
| Germany | 13,786,908 | — | 13,786,908 | — |
| Hong Kong | 856,926 | — | 856,926 | — |
| India | 1,701,500 | — | 1,701,500 | — |
| Indonesia | 1,071,859 | — | 1,071,859 | — |
| Ireland | 9,744,344 | 9,744,344 | — | — |
| Israel | 2,730,533 | 2,730,533 | — | — |
| 32 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| | Total
value at
7-31-23 | Level 1
quoted
price | Level 2
significant
observable
inputs | Level 3
significant
unobservable
inputs |
| Japan | $7,851,276 | — | $7,851,276 | — |
| Mexico | 1,282,564 | $1,282,564 | — | — |
| Netherlands | 809,431 | — | 809,431 | — |
| Philippines | 50,231 | — | 50,231 | — |
| South Africa | 1,250,461 | — | 1,250,461 | — |
| South Korea | 5,625,137 | 105,508 | 5,519,629 | — |
| Spain | 2,658,691 | — | 2,658,691 | — |
| Sweden | 466,462 | — | 466,462 | — |
| Switzerland | 10,036,996 | 2,560,031 | 7,476,965 | — |
| Taiwan | 6,068,563 | 3,612,729 | 2,455,834 | — |
| Thailand | 736,986 | — | 736,986 | — |
| United Kingdom | 15,163,047 | — | 15,163,047 | — |
| United States | 300,420,501 | 300,420,501 | — | — |
| Preferred securities | 140,929 | 140,929 | — | — |
| U.S. Government and Agency obligations | 19,380,674 | — | 19,380,674 | — |
| Foreign government obligations | 145,214 | — | 145,214 | — |
| Corporate bonds | 16,028,282 | — | 16,028,282 | — |
| Total investments in securities | $458,972,225 | $327,894,307 | $131,077,918 | — |
| Derivatives: | | | | |
| Assets | | | | |
| Futures | $408,203 | $408,203 | — | — |
| Forward foreign currency contracts | 2,509,571 | — | $2,509,571 | — |
| Liabilities | | | | |
| Futures | (12,680,090) | (12,680,090) | — | — |
| Forward foreign currency contracts | (8,795,591) | — | (8,795,591) | — |
| Level 3 includes securities valued at $0. Refer to Fund’s investments. |
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. Interest income is accrued as earned. Interest income includes coupon interest and amortization/accretion of premiums/discounts on debt securities. Debt obligations may be placed in a non-accrual status and related interest income may be reduced by stopping current accruals and writing off interest receivable when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Dividend income is recorded on ex-date, except for dividends of certain 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. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.
Foreign investing. 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. Foreign investments are subject to a decline in the value of a foreign
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 33 |
currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency.
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. Risks can result from differences in economic and political conditions, regulations, market practices (including higher transaction costs), accounting standards and other factors.
Foreign taxes. The fund may be subject to withholding tax on income, capital gains or repatriations imposed by certain countries, a portion of which may be recoverable. Foreign taxes are accrued based upon the fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which it invests. Taxes are accrued based on gains realized by the fund as a result of certain foreign security sales. In certain circumstances, estimated taxes are accrued based on unrealized appreciation of such securities. Investment income is recorded net of foreign withholding taxes.
Overdraft. The fund may have the ability to 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.
Line of credit. 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 a certain fund and subject to the needs of all other affiliated 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. For the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund had no borrowings under the line of credit. Commitment fees for the year ended July 31, 2023 were $5,972.
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, for all classes, are charged daily at the class level based on the net assets of each class and the specific expense rates applicable to each class.
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 July 31, 2023, the fund has a short-term capital loss carryforward of $580,489,776 and a long-term capital loss carryforward of $11,742,102 available to offset future net realized capital gains. These carryforwards do not expire.
As of July 31, 2023, 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.
| 34 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 annually. Capital gain distributions, if any, are typically distributed annually.
The tax character of distributions for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows:
| | July 31, 2023 | July 31, 2022 |
| Ordinary income | $18,761,730 | — |
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 July 31, 2023, there were no distributable earnings on a tax basis.
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 foreign currency transactions, wash sale loss deferrals, derivative transactions, net operating losses and investments in passive foreign investment companies.
Note 3—Derivative instruments
The fund may invest in derivatives in order to meet its investment objective. Derivatives include a variety of different instruments that may be traded in the over-the-counter (OTC) market, on a regulated exchange or through a clearing facility. The risks in using derivatives vary depending upon the structure of the instruments, including the use of leverage, optionality, the liquidity or lack of liquidity of the contract, the creditworthiness of the counterparty or clearing organization and the volatility of the position. Some derivatives involve risks that are potentially greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the referenced securities or other referenced underlying instrument. Specifically, the fund is exposed to the risk that the counterparty to an OTC derivatives contract will be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments or otherwise honor its obligations. OTC derivatives transactions typically can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction.
Derivatives which are typically traded through the OTC market are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the CFTC). Derivative counterparty risk is managed through an ongoing evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties and, if applicable, designated clearing organizations. The fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty risk for derivatives traded in the OTC market, whenever possible, by entering into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement with each of its OTC counterparties. The ISDA gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under the agreement if there is certain deterioration in the credit quality or contractual default of the other party, as defined in the ISDA. Upon an event of default or a termination of the ISDA, the non-defaulting party has the right to close out all transactions and to net amounts owed.
As defined by the ISDA, the fund may have collateral agreements with certain counterparties to mitigate counterparty risk on OTC derivatives. Subject to established minimum levels, collateral for OTC transactions is generally determined based on the net aggregate unrealized gain or loss on contracts with a particular counterparty. Collateral pledged to the fund, if any, is held in a segregated account by a third-party agent or held by the custodian bank for the benefit of the fund and can be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies; collateral posted by the fund, if any, for OTC transactions is held in a
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 35 |
segregated account at the fund’s custodian and is noted in the accompanying Fund’s investments, or if cash is posted, on the Statement of assets and liabilities. The fund’s risk of loss due to counterparty risk is equal to the asset value of outstanding contracts offset by collateral received.
Certain derivatives are traded or cleared on an exchange or central clearinghouse. Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared transactions generally present less counterparty risk to a fund than OTC transactions. The exchange or clearinghouse stands between the fund and the broker to the contract and therefore, credit risk is generally limited to the failure of the exchange or clearinghouse and the clearing member.
Futures. A futures contract is a contractual agreement to buy or sell a particular currency or financial instrument at a pre-determined price in the future. Futures are traded on an exchange and cleared through a central clearinghouse. Risks related to the use of futures contracts include possible illiquidity of the futures markets and contract prices that can be highly volatile and imperfectly correlated to movements in the underlying financial instrument and potential losses in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the fund to the risk of loss up to the notional value of the futures contracts. Use of short futures contracts subjects the fund to unlimited risk of loss.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities. The amount of required margin is set by the broker and is generally based on a percentage of the contract value. The margin deposit must then be maintained at the established level over the life of the contract. Cash that has been pledged by the fund, if any, is detailed in the Statement of assets and liabilities as Collateral held at broker for futures contracts. Securities pledged by the fund, if any, are identified in the Fund’s investments. Subsequent payments, referred to as variation margin, are made or received by the fund periodically and are based on changes in the market value of open futures contracts. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily and unrealized gain or loss is recorded by the fund. Payable for futures variation margin is included on the Statement of assets and liabilities. When the contract is closed, the fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
During the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund used futures contracts to manage against changes in certain securities markets and interest rates, gain exposure to certain securities markets and manage duration of the fund. The fund held futures contracts with USD notional values ranging from $412.8 million to $519 million, as measured at each quarter end.
Forward foreign currency contracts. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell specific currencies at a price that is set on the date of the contract. The forward contract calls for delivery of the currencies on a future date that is specified in the contract. Forwards are typically traded OTC. Risks related to the use of forwards include the possible failure of counterparties to meet the terms of the forward agreement, the failure of the counterparties to timely post collateral if applicable, and the risk that currency movements will not favor the fund thereby reducing the fund’s total return, and the potential for losses in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.
The market value of a forward foreign currency contract fluctuates with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Forward foreign currency contracts are marked-to-market daily and the change in value is recorded by the fund as an unrealized gain or loss. Realized gains or losses, equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed, are recorded upon delivery or receipt of the currency or settlement with the counterparty.
During the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund used forward foreign currency contracts to manage against changes in foreign currency exchange rates and gain exposure to foreign currencies. The fund held forward foreign currency contracts with USD notional values ranging from $545.9 million to $838.1 million, as measured at each quarter end.
| 36 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Swaps. Swap agreements are agreements between the fund and a counterparty to exchange cash flows, assets, foreign currencies or market-linked returns at specified intervals. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the OTC market (OTC swaps) or may be executed on a registered commodities exchange (centrally cleared swaps). Swaps are marked-to-market daily and the change in value is recorded as a component of unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts. The value of the swap will typically impose collateral posting obligations on the party that is considered out-of-the-money on the swap.
Upfront payments made/received by the fund, if any, are amortized/accreted for financial reporting purposes, with the unamortized/unaccreted portion included in the Statement of assets and liabilities. A termination payment by the counterparty or the fund is recorded as realized gain or loss, as well as the net periodic payments received or paid by the fund.
Entering into swap agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk that may provide outcomes that produce losses in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for the swap, or that a counterparty may default on its obligation or delay payment under the swap terms. The counterparty may disagree or contest the terms of the swap. In addition to interest rate risk, market risks may also impact the swap. The fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate or assign outstanding swaps or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions.
Credit default swaps. Credit default swaps (CDS) involve the exchange of a fixed rate premium (paid by the Buyer), for protection against the loss in value of an underlying debt instrument, referenced entity or index, in the event of a defined credit event (such as payment default or bankruptcy). Under the terms of the swap, one party acts as a “guarantor” (the Seller), receiving the premium and agreeing to contingent payments that are specified within the credit default agreement. The fund may enter into CDS in which it may act as either Buyer or Seller. By acting as the Seller, the fund may incur economic leverage since it would be obligated to pay the Buyer the notional amount of the contract in the event of a default. The amount of loss in such case could be significant, but would typically be reduced by any recovery value on the underlying credit.
Credit default swaps — Buyer
During the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund used credit default swap contracts as the buyer to manage against potential credit events. The fund held credit default swaps with total USD notional amounts ranging up to $32.7 million, as measured at each quarter end. There were no open CDS contracts where the fund acted as buyer as of July 31, 2023.
Credit default swaps — Seller
Implied credit spreads are utilized in determining the market value of CDS agreements in which the fund is the Seller at period end. The implied credit spread generally represents the yield of the instrument above a credit-risk free rate, such as the U.S. Treasury Bond Yield, and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. It also serves as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represents the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s creditworthiness and an increased risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.
For CDS agreements where implied credit spreads are not reported or available, the average credit rating on the underlying index is shown. A deterioration of the referenced entity’s creditworthiness would indicate a greater likelihood of a credit event occurring and result in increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the fund as the Seller could be required to make under any CDS agreement equals the notional amount of the agreement.
During the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund used credit default swap contracts as the seller to gain credit
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 37 |
exposure to an issuer or index. The fund held credit default swaps with total USD notional amounts ranging up to $44.1 million, as measured at each quarter end. There were no open CDS contracts where the fund acted as seller as of July 31, 2023.
Fair value of derivative instruments by risk category
The table below summarizes the fair value of derivatives held by the fund at July 31, 2023 by risk category:
| Risk | Statement of assets
and liabilities
location | Financial
instruments
location | Assets
derivatives
fair value | Liabilities
derivatives
fair value |
| Interest rate | Receivable/payable for futures variation margin1 | Futures | $408,203 | $(5,167,157) |
| Equity | Receivable/payable for futures variation margin1 | Futures | — | (7,512,933) |
| Currency | Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts | Forward foreign currency contracts | 2,509,571 | (8,795,591) |
| | | | $2,917,774 | $(21,475,681) |
| 1 | Reflects cumulative appreciation/depreciation on open futures as disclosed in the Derivatives section of Fund’s investments. Only the year end variation margin receivable/payable is separately reported on the Statement of assets and liabilities. |
For financial reporting purposes, the fund does not offset OTC derivative assets or liabilities that are subject to master netting arrangements, as defined by the ISDAs, in the Statement of assets and liabilities. In the event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA allows an offset of amounts across the various transactions between the fund and the applicable counterparty.
Effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of operations
The table below summarizes the net realized gain (loss) included in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category, for the year ended July 31, 2023:
| | Statement of operations location - Net realized gain (loss) on: |
| Risk | Futures contracts | Forward foreign
currency contracts | Swap contracts | Total |
| Interest rate | $(19,269,137) | — | — | $(19,269,137) |
| Currency | — | $(13,278,944) | — | (13,278,944) |
| Credit | — | — | $(1,528,686) | (1,528,686) |
| Equity | (10,661,928) | — | — | (10,661,928) |
| Total | $(29,931,065) | $(13,278,944) | $(1,528,686) | $(44,738,695) |
The table below summarizes the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category, for the year ended July 31, 2023:
| | Statement of operations location - Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of: |
| Risk | Futures contracts | Forward foreign
currency contracts | Swap contracts | Total |
| Interest rate | $(4,775,258) | — | — | $(4,775,258) |
| Currency | — | $(10,394,875) | — | (10,394,875) |
| Credit | — | — | $1,094,096 | 1,094,096 |
| Equity | 654,087 | — | — | 654,087 |
| Total | $(4,121,171) | $(10,394,875) | $1,094,096 | $(13,421,950) |
| 38 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Note 4—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 Trust, including 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 5—Fees and transactions with affiliates
John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the Advisor) serves as investment advisor for the fund. John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Advisor, serves as principal underwriter of the fund. The Advisor and the Distributor are indirect, principally owned subsidiaries of John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), which in turn is a subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation.
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) 1.050% of the first $200 million of the fund’s average daily net assets; and (b) 1.000% of the next $300 million of the fund’s average daily net assets provided that net assets are less than or equal to $500 million. If net assets exceed $500 million, the following rates apply: (a) 0.950% of the first $2.0 billion of the fund’s average daily net assets; (b) 0.920% of the next $2.0 billion of the fund’s average daily net assets; and (c) 0.900% of the fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $4.0 billion. The Advisor has a subadvisory agreement with Nordea Investment Management North America, Inc. 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 group of 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 July 31, 2023, this waiver amounted to 0.01% of the fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement expires on July 31, 2025, 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.
For the year ended July 31, 2023, the expense reductions described above amounted to the following:
| Class | Expense reduction |
| Class A | $3,018 |
| Class C | 645 |
| Class I | 14,445 |
| Class R2 | 70 |
| Class | Expense reduction |
| Class R6 | $12,876 |
| Class NAV | 6,712 |
| Total | $37,766 |
Expenses waived or reimbursed in the current fiscal period are not subject to recapture in future fiscal periods.
The investment management fees, including the impact of the waivers and reimbursements as described above, incurred for the year ended July 31, 2023, were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.98% of the fund’s average daily net assets.
Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to a service agreement, the fund reimburses the Advisor for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, compliance, 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 July 31, 2023, amounted to an annual rate of 0.02% of the fund’s average daily net assets.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 39 |
Distribution and service plans. The fund has a distribution agreement with the Distributor. The fund has adopted distribution and service plans for certain classes as detailed below pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to pay the Distributor for services provided as the distributor of shares of the fund. In addition, under a service plan for certain classes as detailed below, the fund pays for certain other services. 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 | Service fee |
| Class A | 0.30% | — |
| Class C | 1.00% | — |
| Class R2 | 0.25% | 0.25% |
Sales charges. Class A shares are assessed up-front sales charges, which resulted in payments to the Distributor amounting to $3,897 for the year ended July 31, 2023. Of this amount, $649 was retained and used for printing prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes and $3,248 was paid as sales commissions to broker-dealers.
Class A and Class C shares may be subject to contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs). Certain Class A shares purchased, including those that are acquired through purchases of $1 million or more, and redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% sales charge. 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 July 31, 2023, CDSCs received by the Distributor amounted to $5,692 and $1,099 for Class A and Class C shares, respectively.
Transfer agent fees. The John Hancock group of funds has a complex-wide 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 July 31, 2023 were as follows:
| Class | Distribution and service fees | Transfer agent fees |
| Class A | $125,143 | $48,604 |
| Class C | 89,479 | 10,378 |
| Class I | — | 232,489 |
| Class R2 | 3,991 | 80 |
| Class R6 | — | 15,155 |
| Total | $218,613 | $306,706 |
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 the fund based on its net assets relative to other funds within the John Hancock group of funds complex.
| 40 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Interfund lending program. Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the SEC, the fund, along with certain other funds advised by the Advisor or its affiliates, may participate in an interfund lending program. This program provides an alternative credit facility allowing the fund to borrow from, or lend money to, other participating affiliated funds. At period end, no interfund loans were outstanding. Interest expense is included in Other expenses on the Statement of operations. The fund’s activity in this program during the period for which loans were outstanding was as follows:
Borrower
or Lender | Weighted Average
Loan Balance | Days
Outstanding | Weighted Average
Interest Rate | Interest Income
(Expense) |
| Borrower | $13,500,000 | 6 | 3.305% | ($7,436) |
Note 6—Fund share transactions
Transactions in fund shares for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
| | Year Ended 7-31-23 | Year Ended 7-31-22 |
| | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
| Class A shares | | | | |
| Sold | 772,654 | $7,493,368 | 1,163,249 | $11,625,746 |
| Distributions reinvested | 132,149 | 1,243,521 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (1,119,204) | (10,780,843) | (1,160,966) | (11,625,128) |
| Net increase (decrease) | (214,401) | $(2,043,954) | 2,283 | $618 |
| Class C shares | | | | |
| Sold | 70,374 | $650,520 | 107,580 | $1,028,212 |
| Distributions reinvested | 25,990 | 236,767 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (759,644) | (7,093,782) | (807,512) | (7,792,112) |
| Net decrease | (663,280) | $(6,206,495) | (699,932) | $(6,763,900) |
| Class I shares | | | | |
| Sold | 5,829,430 | $57,021,651 | 7,133,332 | $72,944,420 |
| Distributions reinvested | 646,711 | 6,182,558 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (7,551,040) | (74,086,872) | (6,776,442) | (67,888,122) |
| Net increase (decrease) | (1,074,899) | $(10,882,663) | 356,890 | $5,056,298 |
| Class R2 shares | | | | |
| Sold | 3,188 | $30,589 | 7,935 | $79,438 |
| Distributions reinvested | 2,861 | 26,780 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (23,249) | (220,992) | (28,173) | (279,289) |
| Net decrease | (17,200) | $(163,623) | (20,238) | $(199,851) |
| Class R6 shares | | | | |
| Sold | 3,160,079 | $31,166,141 | 13,504,285 | $140,755,616 |
| Distributions reinvested | 718,413 | 6,896,761 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (12,828,830) | (125,956,351) | (3,750,725) | (37,614,541) |
| Net increase (decrease) | (8,950,338) | $(87,893,449) | 9,753,560 | $103,141,075 |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 41 |
| | Year Ended 7-31-23 | Year Ended 7-31-22 |
| | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
| Class NAV shares | | | | |
| Sold | 2,881,850 | $28,434,493 | 2,661,925 | $26,944,677 |
| Distributions reinvested | 340,895 | 3,272,596 | — | — |
| Repurchased | (1,254,349) | (12,369,471) | (310,469) | (3,245,989) |
| Net increase | 1,968,396 | $19,337,618 | 2,351,456 | $23,698,688 |
| Total net increase (decrease) | (8,951,722) | $(87,852,566) | 11,744,019 | $124,932,928 |
Affiliates of the fund owned 100% of shares of Class NAV on July 31, 2023. Such concentration of shareholders’ capital could have a material effect on the fund if such shareholders redeem from the fund.
Note 7—Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments and U.S. Treasury obligations, amounted to $188,212,710 and $326,710,258, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2023. Purchases and sales of U.S. Treasury obligations aggregated $101,454,467 and $97,225,741, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2023.
Note 8—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 July 31, 2023, funds within the John Hancock group of funds complex held 20.7% of the fund’s net assets. The following fund(s) had an affiliate ownership of 5% or more of the fund’s net assets:
| Fund | Affiliated Concentration |
| John Hancock Funds II Alternative Asset Allocation Fund | 20.7% |
Note 9—Interfund trading
The fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to certain other affiliated funds, as set forth in Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act, under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The procedures have been designed to ensure that any purchase or sale of securities by the fund from or to another fund that is or could be considered an affiliate complies with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under the procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price. Pursuant to these procedures, for the year ended July 31, 2023, the fund engaged in securities sales amounting to $46,971.
| 42 | JOHN HANCOCK Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | ANNUAL REPORT | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Funds II and Shareholders of John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the fund’s investments, of John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund (the "Fund") as of July 31, 2023, the related statement of operations for the year ended July 31, 2023, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended July 31, 2023, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended July 31, 2023 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of July 31, 2023, 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 ended July 31, 2023 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended July 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2023 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
September 7, 2023
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds since 1988.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 43 |
(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 July 31, 2023.
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.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its Section 199A dividends as defined in Proposed Treasury Regulation §1.199A-3(d).
Eligible shareholders will be mailed a 2023 Form 1099-DIV in early 2024. This will reflect the tax character of all distributions paid in calendar year 2023.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of your investment in the fund.
| 44 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
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 Funds II (the Trust) of the Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the Advisor) and the Subadvisory Agreement (the Subadvisory Agreement) with Nordea Investment Management North America, Inc. (the Subadvisor) for John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund (the fund). The Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the Agreements. Prior to the June 26-29, 2023 meeting at which the Agreements were approved, the Board also discussed and considered information regarding the proposed continuation of the Agreements at the meeting held on May 30 – June 1, 2023. The Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (the Independent Trustees) also met separately to evaluate and discuss the information presented, including with counsel to the Independent Trustees and a third-party consulting firm.
Approval of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements
At meetings held on June 26-29, 2023, the Board, including 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 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 noted 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 (including its various committees) 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 information received and considered by the Board in connection with the May and June meetings and throughout the year was both written and oral. 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. The Board considered the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement separately in the course of its review. In doing so, the Board noted the respective roles of the Advisor and Subadvisor in providing services to the fund.
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.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 45 |
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 did not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may have attributed 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 observed that the scope of services provided by the Advisor, and of the undertakings required of the Advisor in connection with those services, including maintaining and monitoring its own and the fund’s compliance programs, risk management programs, liquidity management programs, derivatives risk management programs, and cybersecurity programs, had expanded over time as a result of regulatory, market and other developments. 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 other third-party service providers. The Board also considered the significant risks assumed by the Advisor in connection with the services provided to the fund including entrepreneurial risk in sponsoring new funds and ongoing risks including investment, operational, enterprise, litigation, regulatory and compliance risks with respect to all funds.
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 fund industry developments; |
| (d) | the Advisor’s administrative capabilities, including its ability to supervise the other service providers for the fund, as well as the Advisor’s oversight of any securities lending activity, its monitoring of class action litigation and collection of class action settlements on behalf of the fund, and bringing loss recovery actions on behalf of 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; |
| 46 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| (f) | the Advisor’s initiatives intended to improve various aspects of the Trust’s operations and investor experience with the fund; and |
| (g) | 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 while it found the data provided by the independent third-party generally useful it recognized its limitations, including in particular that the data may vary depending on the end date selected and the results of the performance comparisons may vary depending on the selection of the peer group. The Board noted that the fund outperformed its benchmark index for the three-, five- and ten-year periods and underperformed for the one-year period ended December 31, 2022. The Board also noted that the fund outperformed its peer group median for the one- and three-year periods and underperformed for the five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the fund’s performance, including the favorable performance relative to the benchmark index for the three-, five- and ten-year periods and relative to its peer group median for the one- and three-year periods. The Board concluded that the fund’s performance has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds and the fund’s benchmark index. The Board noted that the fund’s previous subadvisor was replaced in August 2019 and, as a result, the fund’s longer term performance in part reflects that of the previous subadvisor.
Fees and expenses. The Board reviewed comparative information prepared by an independent third-party provider of 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 in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory and subadvisory services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor. 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 and net total expenses for the fund are lower than the peer group median.
The Board took into account management’s discussion with respect to the overall management fee and the fees of the Subadvisor, including the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Advisor after payment of the subadvisory fee, in each case in light of the services rendered for those amounts and the risks undertaken by the Advisor. The Board also noted that the Advisor pays the subadvisory fee, and that such fees are negotiated at arm’s length with respect to the Subadvisor. 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
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 47 |
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 in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the fund under the Advisory Agreement.
Profitability/Fall out benefits. In considering the costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Advisor and its affiliates 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 and with respect to the fund; |
| (d) | received information with respect to the Advisor’s allocation methodologies used in preparing the profitability data and considered that the Advisor hired an independent third-party consultant to provide an analysis of the Advisor’s allocation methodologies; |
| (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 Advisor also derives reputational and other indirect benefits from providing advisory services to the fund; |
| (i) | noted that the subadvisory fee for the fund is paid by the Advisor and is negotiated at arm’s length; |
| (j) | considered the Advisor’s ongoing costs and expenditures necessary to improve services, meet new regulatory and compliance requirements, and adapt to other challenges impacting the fund industry; 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 risks that it assumes as Advisor, including entrepreneurial, operational, reputational, litigation and regulatory risk. |
Based upon its review, the Board concluded that the level of profitability, if any, of the Advisor and its affiliates 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:
| 48 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| (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 subadvisory fee level and that such breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund; 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 fund (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; |
| (3) | the subadvisory fee for the fund, including any breakpoints, and to the extent available, comparable fee information prepared by an independent third party provider of fund data; and |
| (4) | information relating to the nature and scope of any material relationships and their significance to the fund’s Advisor and Subadvisor. |
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.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 49 |
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 relied on the ability of the Advisor to negotiate the Subadvisory Agreement with the Subadvisor, which is not affiliated with the Advisor, and the fees thereunder at arm’s length. As a result, the costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Subadvisor from its relationship with the fund were not a material factor in the Board’s consideration of the Subadvisory Agreement.
The Board also received information regarding the nature and scope (including their significance to the Advisor and its affiliates and to the Subadvisor) of any material relationships with respect to the Subadvisor, which include arrangements in which the Subadvisor or its affiliates provide advisory, distribution, or management services in connection with financial products sponsored by the Advisor or its affiliates, and may include other registered investment companies, a 529 education savings plan, managed separate accounts and exempt group annuity contracts sold to qualified plans. 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 under the Subadvisory Agreement; and |
| 50 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| (4) | noted that the subadvisory fees are paid by the Advisor not the fund and that the subadvisory fee breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund in order to permit shareholders to benefit from economies of scale if the fund grows. |
***
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.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 51 |
STATEMENT REGARDING LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT
Operation of the Liquidity Risk Management Program
This section describes the operation and effectiveness of the Liquidity Risk Management Program (LRMP) established in accordance with Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Liquidity Rule). The Board of Trustees (the Board) of each Fund in the John Hancock Group of Funds (each a Fund and collectively, the Funds) that is subject to the requirements of the Liquidity Rule has appointed John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (together, the Advisor) to serve as Administrator of the LRMP with respect to each of the Funds, including John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. In order to provide a mechanism and process to perform the functions necessary to administer the LRMP, the Advisor established the Liquidity Risk Management Committee (the Committee). The Fund’s subadvisor, Nordea Investment Management North America, Inc. (the Subadvisor) executes the day-to-day investment management and security-level activities of the Fund in accordance with the requirements of the LRMP, subject to the supervision of the Advisor and the Board.
The Committee receives monthly reports and holds quarterly in person meetings to: (1) review the day-to-day operations of the LRMP; (2) monitor current market and liquidity conditions and assess liquidity risks; (3) review and approve month-end liquidity classifications; (4) monitor illiquid investment levels against the 15% limit on illiquid investments and established Highly Liquid Investment Minimums (HLIMs), if any; (5) review quarterly testing and determinations, as applicable; (6) review redemption-in-kind activities; and (7) review other LRMP related material. The Advisor also conducts daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual quantitative and qualitative assessments of each subadvisor to a Fund that is subject to the requirements of the Liquidity Rule and is a part of the LRMP to monitor investment performance issues, risks and trends. In addition, the Advisor may conduct ad-hoc reviews and meetings with subadvisors as issues and trends are identified, including potential liquidity issues. The Committee also monitors global events, such as the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and related U.S. imposed sanctions on the Russian government, companies and oligarchs, and other amendments to the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned company lists, that could impact the markets and liquidity of portfolio investments and their classifications. In addition, the Committee monitors macro events and assesses their potential impact on liquidity brought on by fear of contagion (e.g. regional banking crisis).
The Committee provided the Board at a meeting held on March 28-30, 2023 with a written report which addressed the Committee’s assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation and operation of the LRMP and any material changes to the LRMP. The report, which covered the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, included an assessment of important aspects of the LRMP including, but not limited to: (1) Security-level liquidity classifications; (2) Fund-level liquidity risk assessment; (3) Reasonably Anticipated Trade Size (RATS) determination; (4) HLIM determination and daily monitoring; (5) Daily compliance with the 15% limit on illiquid investments; (6) Operation of the Fund’s Redemption-In-Kind Procedures; and (7) Review of liquidity management facilities.
The report provided an update on Committee activities over the previous year. Additionally, the report included a discussion of notable changes and enhancements to the LRMP implemented during 2022 and key initiatives for 2023.
The report also covered material liquidity matters which occurred or were reported during this period applicable to the Fund, if any, and the Committee’s actions to address such matters.
The report stated, in relevant part, that during the period covered by the report:
| • | The Fund’s investment strategy remained appropriate for an open-end fund structure; |
| • | The Fund was able to meet requests for redemption without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund; |
| 52 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| • | The Fund did not experience any breaches of the 15% limit on illiquid investments, or any applicable HLIM, that would require reporting to the Securities and Exchange Commission; |
| • | The Fund continued to qualify as a Primarily Highly Liquid Fund under the Liquidity Rule and therefore is not required to establish a HLIM; and |
| • | The Chief Compliance Officer’s office, as a part of their annual Rule 38a-1 assessment of the Fund’s policies and procedures, reviewed the LRMP’s control environment and deemed it to be operating effectively and in compliance with the Board approved procedures. |
Adequacy and Effectiveness
Based on the annual review and assessment conducted by the Committee, the Committee has determined that the LRMP and its controls have been implemented and are operating in a manner that is adequately and effectively managing the liquidity risk of the Fund.
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 53 |
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 Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Hassell H. McClellan, Born: 1945 | 2005 | 186 |
| Trustee and Chairperson of the Board | | |
| Director/Trustee, Virtus Funds (2008-2020); Director, The Barnes Group (2010-2021); Associate Professor, The Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College (retired 2013). Trustee (since 2005) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2017) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
| James R. Boyle, Born: 1959 | 2015 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Board Member, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company (since 2022). Board Member, Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. (since 2022). Foresters Financial, Chief Executive Officer (2018–2022) and board member (2017–2022). Manulife Financial and John Hancock, more than 20 years, retiring in 2012 as Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock and Senior Executive Vice President, Manulife Financial. Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (2005–2014 and since 2015). |
| William H. Cunningham,2 Born: 1944 | 2012 | 184 |
| 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; Director (since 2006), Lincoln National Corporation (insurance); Director, Southwest Airlines (since 2000). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 1986). |
| Noni L. Ellison,* Born: 1971 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Tractor Supply Company (rural lifestyle retailer) (since 2021); General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary, Carestream Dental, L.L.C.(2017–2021); Associate General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary, W.W. Grainger, Inc. (global industrial supplier) (2015–2017); Board Member, Goodwill of North Georgia, 2018 (FY2019)–2020 (FY2021); Board Member, Howard University School of Law Board of Visitors (since 2021); Board Member, University of Chicago Law School Board of Visitors (since 2016); Board member, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Board (2021–present). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Grace K. Fey, Born: 1946 | 2008 | 186 |
| 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 of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| Dean C. Garfield,* Born: 1968 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Vice President, Netflix, Inc. (since 2019); President & Chief Executive Officer, Information Technology Industry Council (2009–2019); NYU School of Law Board of Trustees (since 2021); Member, U.S. Department of Transportation, Advisory Committee on Automation (since 2021); President of the United States Trade Advisory Council (2010–2018); Board Member, College for Every Student (2017–2021); Board Member, The Seed School of Washington, D.C. (2012–2017). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| 54 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| Independent Trustees (continued) | | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Deborah C. Jackson, Born: 1952 | 2012 | 185 |
| Trustee | | |
| President, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (since 2011); Board of Directors, Amwell Corporation (since 2020); Board of Directors, Massachusetts Women’s Forum (2018-2020); Board of Directors, National Association of Corporate Directors/New England (2015-2020); Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay (2002–2011); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Corporation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Boston Stock Exchange (2002–2008); Board of Directors of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (health benefits company) (2007–2011). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| Patricia Lizarraga,2,* Born: 1966 | 2022 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Hypatia Capital Group (advisory and asset management company) (since 2007); Independent Director, Audit Committee Chair, and Risk Committee Member, Credicorp, Ltd. (since 2017); Independent Director, Audit Committee Chair, Banco De Credito Del Peru (since 2017); Trustee, Museum of Art of Lima (since 2009). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Steven R. Pruchansky, Born: 1944 | 2012 | 183 |
| Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Board | | |
| Managing Director, Pru Realty (since 2017); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (2014-2020); Director and President, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (until 2000); Member, Board of Advisors, First American Bank (until 2010); Managing Director, Jon James, LLC (real estate) (since 2000); Partner, Right Funding, LLC (2014-2017); Director, First Signature Bank & Trust Company (until 1991); Director, Mast Realty Trust (until 1994); President, Maxwell Building Corp. (until 1991). Trustee (since 1992), Chairperson of the Board (2011–2012), and Vice Chairperson of the Board (since 2012) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex. |
| Frances G. Rathke,2 Born: 1960 | 2020 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Director, Audit Committee Chair, Oatly Group AB (plant-based drink company) (since 2021); Director, Audit Committee Chair and Compensation Committee Member, Green Mountain Power Corporation (since 2016); Director, Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee Chair, Flynn Center for Performing Arts (since 2016); Director and Audit Committee Chair, Planet Fitness (since 2016); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (2003-retired 2015). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2020). |
| Gregory A. Russo, Born: 1949 | 2012 | 183 |
| Trustee | | |
| Director and Audit Committee Chairman (2012-2020), and Member, Audit Committee and Finance Committee (2011-2020), NCH Healthcare System, Inc. (holding company for multi-entity healthcare system); Director and Member (2012-2018), and Finance Committee Chairman (2014-2018), The Moorings, Inc. (nonprofit continuing care community); Global Vice Chairman, Risk & Regulatory Matters, KPMG LLP (KPMG) (2002–2006); Vice Chairman, Industrial Markets, KPMG (1998–2002). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008). |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 55 |
| Non-Independent Trustees3 | | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years | Trustee
of the
Trust
since1 | Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee |
| Andrew G. Arnott, Born: 1971 | 2017 | 184 |
| Non-Independent Trustee | | |
| Global Head of Retail for Manulife (since 2022); Head of Wealth and Asset Management, United States and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (2018-2023); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management LLC (since 2005, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2006, including prior positions); Director and Chairman, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (since 2004, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (2007-2023, including prior positions). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2017). |
| Paul Lorentz,† Born: 1968 | 2022 | 183 |
| Non-Independent Trustee | | |
| Global Head, Manulife Wealth and Asset Management (since 2017); General Manager, Manulife, Individual Wealth Management and Insurance (2013–2017); President, Manulife Investments (2010–2016). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2022). |
| Principal officers who are not Trustees | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years | Current
Position(s)
with the
Trust
since |
| Kristie M. Feinberg, Born: 1975 | 2023 |
| President | |
| Head of Wealth & Asset Management, U.S. and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (since 2023); CFO and Global Head of Strategy, Manulife Investment Management (2021-2023, including prior positions); CFO Americas & Global Head of Treasury, Invesco, Ltd., Invesco US (2019-2020, including prior positions); Senior Vice President, Corporate Treasurer and Business Controller, Oppenheimer Funds (2001-2019, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2023). |
| Charles A. Rizzo, Born: 1957 | 2007 |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2008); Senior Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2008); Chief Financial Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007). |
| Salvatore Schiavone, Born: 1965 | 2009 |
| Treasurer | |
| Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2007); Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2007); Treasurer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions). |
| 56 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
| Principal officers who are not Trustees (continued) | |
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with Trust
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years | Current
Position(s)
with the
Trust
since |
| Christopher (Kit) Sechler, Born: 1973 | 2018 |
| Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | |
| Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel, John Hancock Investment Management (since 2015); Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel (2009–2015), John Hancock Investment Management; Assistant Secretary of John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2009); Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2009, including prior positions). |
| Trevor Swanberg, Born: 1979 | 2020 |
| Chief Compliance Officer | |
| Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2020); Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2019–2020); Assistant Chief Compliance Officer, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2016–2019); Vice President, State Street Global Advisors (2015–2016); Chief Compliance Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2016, including prior positions). |
The business address for all Trustees and Officers is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5023.
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 duly 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 | The Trustee is a Non-Independent Trustee due to current or former positions with the Advisor and certain affiliates. |
| * | Elected to serve as Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022. |
| † | Elected to serve as Non-Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022. |
| | ANNUAL REPORT | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | 57 |
Trustees
Hassell H. McClellan, Chairperson
Steven R. Pruchansky, Vice Chairperson
Andrew G. Arnott†
James R. Boyle
William H. Cunningham*
Grace K. Fey
Noni L. Ellison^
Dean C. Garfield^
Deborah C. Jackson
Patricia Lizarraga*,^
Paul Lorentz‡
Frances G. Rathke*
Gregory A. Russo
Officers
Kristie M. Feinberg#
President
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer
Salvatore Schiavone
Treasurer
Christopher (Kit) Sechler
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Trevor Swanberg
Chief Compliance Officer
Investment advisor
John Hancock Investment Management LLC
Subadvisor
Nordea Investment Management North America, Inc.
Portfolio Managers
Dr. Asbjørn Trolle Hansen
Kurt Kongsted
Dr. Claus Vorm
Principal distributor
John Hancock Investment Management Distributors 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
† Non-Independent Trustee
* Member of the Audit Committee
^ Elected to serve as Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022.
‡ Elected to serve as Non-Independent Trustee effective as of September 9, 2022.
# Effective June 29, 2023.
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.
All of the fund’s holdings as of the end of the third month of every fiscal quarter are filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of the fiscal quarter. The fund’s Form N-PORT filings are available on our website and the SEC’s website, sec.gov.
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 | Regular mail: | Express mail: |
| jhinvestments.com | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219909
Kansas City, MO 64121-9909 | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc.
430 W 7th Street
Suite 219909
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407 |
| 58 | JOHN HANCOCK MULTI-ASSET ABSOLUTE RETURN FUND | ANNUAL REPORT | |
John Hancock family of funds
U.S. EQUITY FUNDS
Blue Chip Growth
Classic Value
Disciplined Value
Disciplined Value Mid Cap
Equity Income
Financial Industries
Fundamental All Cap Core
Fundamental Large Cap Core
Mid Cap Growth
New Opportunities
Regional Bank
Small Cap Core
Small Cap Growth
Small Cap Value
U.S. Global Leaders Growth
U.S. Growth
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS
Disciplined Value International
Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets Equity
Fundamental Global Franchise
Global Environmental Opportunities
Global Equity
Global Shareholder Yield
Global Thematic Opportunities
International Dynamic Growth
International Growth
International Small Company
FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
Bond
California Municipal Bond
Emerging Markets Debt
Floating Rate Income
Government Income
High Yield
High Yield Municipal Bond
Income
Investment Grade Bond
Money Market
Municipal Opportunities
Opportunistic Fixed Income
Short Duration Bond
Short Duration Municipal Opportunities
Strategic Income Opportunities
ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
Alternative Asset Allocation
Diversified Macro
Infrastructure
Multi-Asset Absolute Return
Real Estate Securities
Seaport Long/Short
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 Investment Management at 800-225-5291, or visit our website at jhinvestments.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF
John Hancock International High Dividend ETF
John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF
John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF
John Hancock Preferred Income ETF
John Hancock U.S. High Dividend ETF
ASSET ALLOCATION/TARGET DATE FUNDS
Balanced
Multi-Asset High Income
Lifestyle Blend Portfolios
Lifetime Blend Portfolios
Multimanager Lifestyle Portfolios
Multimanager Lifetime Portfolios
Preservation Blend Portfolios
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND
GOVERNANCE FUNDS
ESG Core Bond
ESG International Equity
ESG Large Cap Core
CLOSED-END FUNDS
Asset-Based Lending
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 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 Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Foreside is not affiliated with John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, Manulife Investment Management (US) 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.
A trusted brand
John Hancock Investment Management is a premier asset manager
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 serve investors globally through a unique multimanager approach:
We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized
expertise for every strategy we offer, then we apply robust investment
oversight to ensure 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.
“A trusted brand” is based on a survey of 6,651 respondents conducted by Medallia between 3/18/20 and 5/13/20.
John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, Member FINRA, SIPC
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116-5010, 800-225-5291, jhinvestments.com
Manulife Investment Management, the Stylized M Design, and Manulife Investment Management & Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by its affiliates under license.
NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT INSURED BY ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
This report is for the information of the shareholders of John Hancock Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
9/23
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a)As of the end of the fiscal year July 31, 2023 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 "Covered Officers"). A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Frances G. Rathke 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 for the audits of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements amounted to the following for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the registrant's audit committee.
Fund | July 31, 2023 | | July 31, 2022 |
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | $48,764 | $ | 47,702 |
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 107,529 | | 110,490 |
Total | $156,293 | $ | 158,192 |
(b) Audit-related services
Audit-related fees for assurance and related services by the principal accountant are 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 ("control affiliates") that provides ongoing services to the registrant. The nature of the services provided was affiliated service provider internal controls reviews. Amounts billed to the registrant were as follows:
Fund | July 31, 2023 | | July 31, 2022 |
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | $612 | $ | 776 |
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 612 | | 776 |
Total | $1,224 | $ | 1,552 |
Amounts billed to control affiliates were $127,376 and $119,500 for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(c) Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning ("tax fees") amounted to the following for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022. 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.
Fund | July 31, 2023 | | July 31, 2022 |
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | $6,566 | $ | 4,110 |
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 10,047 | | 4,220 |
Total | $16,613 | $ | 8,330 |
(d) All Other Fees
The nature of the services comprising all other fees is advisory services provided to the investment manager. Other fees amounted to the following for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022:
Fund | July 31, 2023 | | July 31, 2022 |
Fundamental All Cap Core Fund | $ 0 | $ | | 362 |
Multi-Asset Absolute Return Fund | 0 | | | 362 |
Total | $0 | | $ | 724 |
(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 year/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 year/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 July 31, 2023, 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 principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant and rendered to the registrant's control affiliates were $1,272,994 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023 and $962,138 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2022.
(h)The audit committee of the registrant has considered the non-audit services provided by the registrant's principal accountant to the control affiliates and has determined that the services that were not pre-approved are compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.
(i)Not applicable
(j)Not applicable
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:
Frances G. Rathke – Chairperson
Peter S. Burgess – retired effective December 31, 2022
William H. Cunningham
Patricia Lizarranga, effective September 20, 2022
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.
The registrant has adopted procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant's Board of Trustees. A copy of the procedures is filed as an exhibit to this Form
N-CSR. See attached "John Hancock Funds – Nominating, Governance and Administration 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 period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics for Covered 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 – Nominating, Governance and Administration Committee Charter".
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 FUNDS II
/s/ Kristie M. Feinberg
Kristie M. Feinberg
President
Date: September 7, 2023
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.
/s/ Kristie M. Feinberg
Kristie M. Feinberg
President
Date: September 7, 2023
/s/ Charles A. Rizzo
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer
Date: September 7, 2023
