John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund Proxy Filing

John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund DEFA14A Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyJohn Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund
Form TypeDEFA14A
Filed DateSep 18, 2025
Risk Levellow
Pages10
Reading Time12 min
Sentimentneutral

Sentiment: neutral

Topics: proxy-statement, mutual-fund, sec-filing

Related Tickers: JHNBX, JHCBX, JHBIX, JHBSX, JHRBX

TL;DR

JHNBX proxy filing out. Vote wisely.

AI Summary

John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund filed a DEFA14A on September 18, 2025, detailing proxy statement information. The filing concerns the fund, previously known by several other "Hancock John" names, and lists its various share classes including Class A (JHNBX), Class C (JHCBX), and Class I (JHBIX). The fund is registered under the 1934 Act with SEC file number 811-02402.

Why It Matters

This filing provides shareholders with crucial information regarding the John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund, enabling them to make informed decisions about their investments and participate in corporate governance.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: low — This is a routine proxy filing for a mutual fund, not indicating any immediate financial distress or significant operational changes.

Key Players & Entities

  • JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND (company) — Registrant
  • 0000045288 (company) — Central Index Key
  • 811-02402 (company) — SEC File Number
  • 200 BERKELEY STREET (company) — Business Address
  • BOSTON (company) — City
  • MA (company) — State
  • 02116 (company) — ZIP Code
  • 617-663-3000 (company) — Business Phone
  • JHNBX (company) — Class A Ticker
  • JHCBX (company) — Class C Ticker

FAQ

What is the purpose of this DEFA14A filing?

The purpose of this DEFA14A filing is to provide information required in a proxy statement, as per Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, for the John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund.

When was this filing submitted to the SEC?

This filing was submitted to the SEC on September 18, 2025.

What is the SEC file number for the John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund?

The SEC file number for the John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund is 811-02402.

What are some of the share classes mentioned in the filing?

Some of the share classes mentioned include Class A (JHNBX), Class C (JHCBX), Class I (JHBIX), Class R6 (JHBSX), Class R2 (JHRBX), Class NAV (C000153977), and Class R4 (JBFRX).

What is the business address of the John Hancock Sovereign Bond Fund?

The business address is John Hancock Funds, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116.

Filing Stats: 3,056 words · 12 min read · ~10 pages · Grade level 9.5 · Accepted 2025-09-18 11:52:26

Filing Documents

From the Filing

HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND SCHEDULE 14A (RULE 14a-101) INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. ) Filed by the Registrant Filed by Party other than the Registrant Check the appropriate box: Preliminary Proxy Statement Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) Definitive Proxy Statement Definitive Additional Materials Soliciting Material Pursuant to 240.14a-12 JOHN HANCOCK SOVEREIGN BOND FUND (Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): No fee required. Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. (1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: (2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: (3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): (4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: (5) Total fee paid: Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. (1) Amount Previously Paid: (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: (3) Filing Party: (4) Date Filed: PO Box 211230, Eagan, MN 55121-9984 VOTE ONLINE1. Read the proxy statement.2. Go to: www.proxyvotenow.com/jhfunds20253. Follow the simple instructions. VOTE BY PHONE1. Read the proxy statement and have the card at hand.2. Call toll-free: 855-995-17053. Follow the simple instructions.VOTE BY MAIL 1. Read the proxy statement.2. Check the appropriate box(es) on the reverse side of the card.3. Sign, date, and return the card in the envelope provided. TRUST NAME PRINTS HEREFUND NAME PRINTS HEREINSURANCE COMPANY NAME PRINTS HERESPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 12, 2025 THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUSTThe undersigned, an owner or participant in an annuity or life insurance contract (the "Contract") of the above-referenced Fund (the "Fund"), a series of the above-referenced Trust (the "Trust"), hereby appoints and authorizes the above-referenced company (the "Company"), to vote and act with respect to all shares of the Fund, which are attributable to the undersigned's participation in the Contract, at the Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund (the "Meeting") to be held at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 on November 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment(s) of the Meeting. Receipt of the Notice of Special Joint Meeting and Proxy Statement dated September 15, 2025, is hereby acknowledged.THE COMPANY WILL VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHOICES MADE ON THIS CARD. IF THIS CARD IS PROPERLY EXECUTED BUT NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THIS CARD WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE PROPOSAL. IF YOU FAIL TO RETURN THIS CARD, THE COMPANY WILL VOTE THE SHARES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ACCOUNT VALUE IN THE SAME PROPORTION AS VOTES CAST BY CONTRACT OWNERS IN THE SAME SEPARATE ACCOUNT, WHEN APPLICABLE.CONTROL NUMBERAUTHORIZED SIGNATURE(S)This section must be completed for your vote to be counted.Signature(s) and Title(s), if applicable Sign in the box above Date Note: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this card. If signing for estates, trusts, or other fiduciaries, your title or capacity should be stated and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If shares are held jointly, one or more joint owners should sign personally. If a corporation, the signature should be that of an authorized officer who should state his or her title. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for this Special Joint Meeting of Shareholders to Be Held on November 12, 2025.The Proxy Statement for this Meeting is available at https://www.jhinvestments.com/resources/all-resources/fund-documents/proxy-documents/john-hancock-election-of-trustees-proxy-statement EVERY SHAREHOLDER'S VOTE IS IMPORTANT PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY!YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED.PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THIS CARD ON THE REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Please detach at perforation before mailing. SPECIFY YOUR DESIRED ACTION BY A CHECK MARK IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACE.TO VOTE, MARK A BOX BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: FOR ALLWITHHOLD ALLFOR ALL EXCEPT*1.Election of five Trustees as members of the Board of Trustees of the Trust: (01)Kristie M. Feinberg(02)William K. Bacic(03)Thomas R. Wright(04)Chri

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