John Hancock Funds III Seeks Shareholder Vote for 5 Trustee Elections

TL;DR

**Vote FOR the trustee elections; it's a routine governance move that solidifies board oversight without shaking up fund strategy.**

AI Summary

John Hancock Funds III, along with 11 other John Hancock Trusts, is holding a Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders on November 12, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time, at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts. The primary purpose of this meeting is to elect five trustees to the Board of Trustees. The Board currently comprises 12 trustees, including 10 independent and 2 non-independent members. The proposal seeks to elect two new independent trustees, Christine L. Hurtsellers and Kenneth J. Phelan, and three current trustees who were previously appointed: Kristie M. Feinberg (Non-Independent), William K. Bacic (Independent), and Thomas R. Wright (Independent). If approved, the Board will expand to 14 trustees, consisting of 12 independent and 2 non-independent members, all of whom will have been elected by shareholders. This election is a routine item and is not expected to materially alter the funds' investment objectives, policies, or management contracts. The Board unanimously recommends shareholders vote FOR the proposal.

Why It Matters

This trustee election is a routine governance matter for John Hancock Funds III and its associated trusts, ensuring proper oversight of the investment portfolios. For investors, the election of new and existing trustees, particularly the two new independent trustees, could bring fresh perspectives to board discussions, potentially influencing long-term strategic decisions, though no material changes to fund management are expected. The move to have all trustees elected by shareholders enhances accountability and transparency, which can build investor confidence. In the competitive asset management landscape, strong governance is a differentiator, and this action reinforces John Hancock's commitment to shareholder representation.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — The filing explicitly states that the proposal for the election of trustees is a 'routine item' and is 'not expected to have any material effect on the manner in which any fund is managed or on its current investment objective.' This indicates a low risk of adverse impact on shareholders or fund performance.

Analyst Insight

Investors should vote FOR the election of the five trustees as recommended by the Board. This is a standard governance procedure that ensures continuity and proper oversight without indicating any significant strategic shifts or risks to current investments.

Key Numbers

• November 12, 2025 — Date of Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders (Meeting will be held at 2:00 P.M. Eastern time)
• 5 — Number of Trustees to be elected (Includes 2 new nominees and 3 current appointed trustees)
• 12 — Current number of Trustees on the Board (Comprises 10 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees)
• 14 — Total number of Trustees if proposal is approved (Will comprise 12 Independent and 2 Non-Independent Trustees, all elected by shareholders)
• August 27, 2025 — Record Date for shareholder voting eligibility (Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote)
• 95 — Total number of investment portfolios (Funds) (Divided across 12 Trusts as of the Record Date)
• 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 — Meeting location and corporate offices (Location for the Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders)
• 800-225-5291 — Phone number for shareholder inquiries (To obtain annual and semi-annual reports)

Key Players & Entities

• John Hancock Funds III (company) — Registrant and one of the Trusts involved in the shareholder meeting
• Kristie M. Feinberg (person) — President and CEO of Manulife John Hancock Investments, Head of Retail for Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, and a Non-Independent Trustee nominated for election
• William K. Bacic (person) — Independent Trustee appointed effective August 1, 2024, and nominated for election
• Thomas R. Wright (person) — Independent Trustee appointed effective August 1, 2024, and nominated for election
• Christine L. Hurtsellers (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
• Kenneth J. Phelan (person) — New Independent Trustee nominee
• Christopher Sechler (person) — Secretary of the Trusts
• John Hancock Investment Management LLC (company) — Investment Advisor and Administrator for each Trust and Fund
• Manulife Financial Corporation (company) — Ultimate parent entity of JHIM and the Distributor
• SEC (regulator) — Regulates proxy statements under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

FAQ

Industry Context

The mutual fund industry is highly regulated, with a strong emphasis on corporate governance and shareholder rights. Key trends include increasing demand for passive investment strategies, fee compression, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Funds like those managed by John Hancock operate within this competitive environment, where trust and transparency in governance are paramount for investor confidence.

Regulatory Implications

The election of trustees is a standard governance procedure governed by SEC regulations. Ensuring proper shareholder notification and voting processes is critical for compliance. Any changes to the Board's composition are subject to oversight to ensure they align with fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements.

What Investors Should Do

1. Vote your shares promptly for the election of trustees to ensure proper governance of the funds and to avoid potential additional mailing costs.
2. Review the proxy statement to understand the qualifications of the proposed trustees and the impact of the Board expansion on the fund's governance structure.
3. Consider attending the Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders on November 12, 2025, to participate directly in the decision-making process.

Key Dates

• 2025-11-12: Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders — Shareholders will vote on the election of five trustees to the Board of Trustees.
• 2025-08-27: Record Date for shareholder voting eligibility — Shareholders of record on this date are entitled to vote at the meeting.
• 2025-09-15: Mailing of Proxy Materials — Shareholders receive notice and proxy statement regarding the special meeting.

Glossary

DEF 14A

A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that provides detailed information about a company's annual meeting, including executive compensation, corporate governance, and other important matters. (This document is the proxy statement for the John Hancock Funds III special meeting, outlining the proposals shareholders will vote on.)

Trusts

In this context, refers to the legal entities that hold the various investment portfolios (Funds) managed by John Hancock. (The special meeting involves 12 different John Hancock Trusts, including John Hancock Funds III.)

Board of Trustees

The governing body responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the investment funds. (The primary purpose of the meeting is to elect new members to the Board of Trustees.)

Proxy Statement

A document provided to shareholders that contains information about matters to be voted on at a shareholder meeting, including recommendations from the board. (This document is the core of the shareholder communication for the special meeting, detailing the proposal for trustee elections.)

Independent Trustee

A trustee who has no material relationship with the fund or its investment adviser, other than their role as a trustee. (The proposal includes electing two new independent trustees, which is a key aspect of corporate governance.)

Non-Independent Trustee

A trustee who has a material relationship with the fund or its investment adviser. (The proposal also involves electing a non-independent trustee, contributing to the overall composition of the Board.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

This filing is a proxy statement for a special meeting focused solely on the election of trustees. Unlike an annual report (10-K) or a regular proxy statement (DEF 14A for annual meetings), it does not contain comprehensive financial performance data, executive compensation details, or a broad range of risk factors. Therefore, a direct comparison of key financial metrics or risks to a previous filing is not applicable based on the provided information.

Filing Documents

• d63684ddef14a.htm (DEF 14A) — 4455KB
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• 0001193125-25-203260.txt ( ) — 5102KB
• S000001412
• C000003785 (GOIGX)
• C000003787 (GONCX)
• C000003788 (GOGIX)
• C000003791 (GOIOX)
• C000153988 (JHIGX)
• C000153989 (JIGIX)
• C000153990 (JIGTX)
• C000156262 (JIGHX)
• S000015906
• C000043686 (JGYIX)
• C000043687
• C000043689 (JGYAX)
• C000043691 (JGYCX)
• C000106446 (JGRSX)
• C000113315 (JGSRX)
• S000023715
• C000069762 (JVLAX)
• C000069764 (JVLCX)
• C000069766 (JVLIX)
• C000076626 (JDVFX)
• C000076627 (JDVVX)
• C000078799 (JDVNX)
• C000104499 (JDVWX)
• C000111293 (JDVPX)
• S000028882
• C000088535 (JVMAX)
• C000088536 (JVMIX)
• C000088538
• C000105879 (JVMCX)
• C000106449 (JVMRX)
• C000113318 (JVMSX)
• C000128515 (JVMTX)
• S000035055
• C000107855 (JSGAX)
• C000107856 (JSGIX)
• C000107857 (JSGBX)
• C000145658 (JSGCX)
• C000153994 (JSGRX)
• C000153995 (JHSGX)
• C000153996 (JSGTX)

Legal Proceedings

Legal Proceedings 31 Required Vote 31 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 32 Shareholders and Voting Information 39 Other Matters 42 Appendix A - John Hancock Funds Procedures for the Selection of Independent Trustees A-1 Appendix B - Outstanding Shares and Share Ownership B-1 Exhibit A - Procedures for the Selection of New Independent Trustees C-1 1 Table of Contents JOHN HANCOCK BOND TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CALIFORNIA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND JOHN HANCOCK CAPITAL SERIES JOHN HANCOCK COLLATERAL TRUST JOHN HANCOCK CURRENT INTEREST JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS II JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS III JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST JOHN HANCOCK INVESTMENT TRUST II JOHN HANCOCK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES TRUST JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND JOHN HANCOCK STRATEGIC SERIES (each, a "Trust" and collectively, the "Trusts") 200 Berkeley Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 PROXY STATEMENT SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Introduction This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") of each Trust of proxies to be used at a Special Joint Meeting of shareholders of the Trusts (the "Meeting") to be held on November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM Easter n Tim e, at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of each Trust (the "Declaration of Trust"), the Board has designated August 27, 2025 as the record date for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the Meeting (the "Record Date"). All shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share of beneficial interest of Funds held. This Proxy Statement is first being sent to shareholders on or about September 22, 2025. Each Trust is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The shares of each of the

View Full Filing

View this DEF 14A filing on SEC EDGAR