| 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- 21287 | ||
| John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III | ||
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) | ||
| 601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 | ||
| (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) | ||
| Salvatore Schiavone | ||
| Treasurer | ||
| 601 Congress Street | ||
| Boston, Massachusetts 02210 | ||
| (Name and address of agent for service) | ||
| Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 617-663-4497 | ||
| Date of fiscal year end: | July 31 | |
| Date of reporting period: | January 31, 2010 | |
ITEM 1. REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS.
Portfolio summary
| Top 10 Holdings1 | ||||
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| Nexen, Inc., 7.350% | 5.1% | FPC Capital I, 7.100%, Series A | 2.8% | |
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| Viacom, Inc., 6.850% | 3.9% | United States Cellular Corp., 7.500% | 2.4% | |
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| MetLife, Inc., 6.500%, Series B | 3.1% | SCANA Corp., 7.700% | 2.4% | |
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| PFGI Capital Corp., 7.750% | 3.1% | Georgia Power Company, 6.000%, | ||
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Series R | 2.4% | ||
| PPL Energy Supply, LLC, 7.000% | 2.9% |
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| Southwest Gas Capital II, 7.700% | 2.9% | |||
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| Sector Composition2,3 | ||||
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| Financials | 51% | Telecommunication Services | 5% | |
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| Utilities | 27% | Consumer Staples | 1% | |
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| Consumer Discretionary | 7% | Short-Term Investments | 2% | |
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| Energy | 7% | |||
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| Country Composition2 | ||||
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| United States | 85% | |||
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| Canada | 5% | |||
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| Netherlands | 5% | |||
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| United Kingdom | 4% | |||
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| Other | 1% | |||
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1 As a percentage of the Fund’s total investments on January 31, 2010. Excludes cash and cash equivalents.
2 As a percentage of the Fund’s total investments on January 31, 2010.
3 Investments focused in one sector may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across sectors. Because the Fund may focus on particular sectors, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors.
| 6 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
Fund’s investments
As of 1-31-10 (unaudited)
| Shares | Value | |
| Preferred Stocks 139.75% | $686,372,514 | |
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| (Cost $776,918,341) | ||
| Consumer Discretionary 11.26% | 55,292,505 | |
| Media 11.26% | ||
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| CBS Corp., 7.250% | 209,500 | 4,933,725 |
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| Comcast Corp., 7.000% (Z) | 114,900 | 2,883,990 |
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| Comcast Corp., 7.000%, Series B (Z) | 609,556 | 15,391,289 |
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| Comcast Corp., 6.625% (Z) | 130,000 | 3,136,900 |
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| Viacom, Inc., 6.850% (Z) | 1,196,635 | 28,946,601 |
| Consumer Staples 1.92% | 9,454,226 | |
| Food & Staples Retailing 1.92% | ||
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| Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.250%, | ||
| Series A (S)(Z) | 135,000 | 9,454,226 |
| Energy 7.68% | 37,716,674 | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 7.68% | ||
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| Nexen, Inc., 7.350% (Z) | 1,590,079 | 37,716,674 |
| Financials 76.77% | 377,048,883 | |
| Capital Markets 10.82% | ||
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| Credit Suisse Guernsey, 7.900% | 210,000 | 5,411,700 |
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| Lehman Brothers Holdings Capital Trust III, | ||
| 6.375%, Series K (I) | 808,400 | 242,520 |
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| Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., 5.670%, | ||
| Depositary Shares, Series D (I) | 142,601 | 28,520 |
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| Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust III, | ||
| 7.000% (Z) | 457,017 | 9,633,918 |
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| Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust IV, | ||
| 7.120% (Z) | 380,700 | 8,082,261 |
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| Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V, | ||
| 7.280% (Z) | 408,700 | 8,909,660 |
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| Morgan Stanley Capital Trust III, 6.250% | 166,000 | 3,554,060 |
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| Morgan Stanley Capital Trust IV, 6.250% (Z) | 734,500 | 15,564,055 |
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| Morgan Stanley Capital Trust V, 5.750% | 85,000 | 1,705,100 |
| Commercial Banks 16.71% | ||
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| Barclays Bank PLC, 7.100%, Series 3 (Z) | 343,700 | 7,733,250 |
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| Barclays Bank PLC, 8.125%, Series 5 | 460,900 | 11,338,140 |
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| CA Preferred Funding Trust, 7.000% | 9,000,000 | 8,145,000 |
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 7 |
| Shares | Value | |
| Commercial Banks (continued) | ||
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| Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 5.750%, | ||
| Series L (Z) | 955,000 | $13,656,500 |
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| Santander Finance Preferred SA Unipersonal, | ||
| 10.500% | 249,500 | 7,035,900 |
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| Sovereign Bancorp, Inc., 7.300%, Depositary | ||
| Shares, Series C (Z) | 479,910 | 11,997,750 |
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| USB Capital VIII, 6.350%, Series 1 (Z) | 487,000 | 11,244,830 |
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| USB Capital XI, 6.600% | 56,825 | 1,352,435 |
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| Wells Fargo & Company, 8.000% (Z) | 296,500 | 7,590,400 |
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| Wells Fargo Capital Trust IV, 7.000% (Z) | 77,800 | 1,966,784 |
| Consumer Finance 4.55% | ||
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| HSBC Finance Corp., 6.875% (Z) | 576,118 | 14,074,563 |
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| HSBC Finance Corp., 6.360%, Depositary | ||
| Shares, Series B (Z) | 270,000 | 5,821,200 |
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| SLM Corp., 6.970%, Series A (Z) | 44,899 | 1,705,264 |
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| SLM Corp., 6.000% (Z) | 41,840 | 733,455 |
| Diversified Financial Services 20.37% | ||
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| BAC Capital Trust II, 7.000% (Z) | 94,600 | 2,085,930 |
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| Citigroup Capital X, 6.100% | 741,300 | 13,150,662 |
|
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| Deutsche Bank Capital Funding | ||
| Trust X, 7.350% | 205,000 | 4,889,250 |
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| Deutsche Bank Contingent Capital Trust II, | ||
| 6.550% (Z) | 376,100 | 8,266,678 |
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| Deutsche Bank Contingent Capital | ||
| Trust III, 7.600% | 255,000 | 6,199,050 |
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| General Electric Capital Corp., 6.000% | 85,000 | 2,063,800 |
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| General Electric Capital Corp., 6.050% | 50,000 | 1,237,000 |
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| General Electric Capital Corp., 6.625% | 35,000 | 878,850 |
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| ING Groep NV, 7.050% (Z) | 598,970 | 11,584,080 |
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| ING Groep NV, 7.200% (Z) | 765,000 | 15,154,650 |
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| JPMorgan Chase & Company, 8.625% | 395,000 | 10,984,950 |
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| JPMorgan Chase & Company, 5.720%, Series F | 67,200 | 3,244,416 |
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| JPMorgan Chase & Company, 6.150%, Series E | 152,000 | 7,524,000 |
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| RBS Capital Funding Trust V, 5.900% (Z) | 752,000 | 8,836,000 |
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| RBS Capital Funding Trust VI, 6.250% (Z) | 340,000 | 3,978,000 |
| Insurance 12.49% | ||
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| Aegon NV, 6.375% (Z) | 245,000 | 4,508,000 |
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| Aegon NV, 6.500% (Z) | 215,000 | 4,014,050 |
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| Lincoln National Capital VI, 6.750%, Series F (Z) | 271,500 | 6,214,635 |
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| MetLife, Inc., 6.500%, Series B (Z) | 972,200 | 23,216,136 |
|
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| Phoenix Companies, Inc., 7.450% (Z) | 600,549 | 10,839,909 |
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| PLC Capital Trust IV, 7.250% (Z) | 217,100 | 4,863,040 |
|
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| PLC Capital Trust V, 6.125% (Z) | 145,000 | 2,778,200 |
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| Prudential PLC, 6.500% (Z) | 110,000 | 2,476,100 |
|
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| RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., 6.080%, | ||
| Series C (Z) | 122,300 | 2,420,317 |
See notes to financial statements
| 8 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
| Shares | Value | |
| Real Estate Investment Trusts 11.81% | ||
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| Duke Realty Corp., 6.600%, Depositary Shares, | ||
| Series L (Z) | 118,500 | $2,403,180 |
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| Duke Realty Corp., 6.500%, Depositary Shares, | ||
| Series K (Z) | 151,600 | 3,032,000 |
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| Duke Realty Corp., 6.625%, Depositary Shares, | ||
| Series J (Z) | 638,100 | 12,825,810 |
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| PFGI Capital Corp., 7.750% (Z) | 926,900 | 22,940,775 |
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| Wachovia Preferred Funding Corp., 7.250%, | ||
| Series A (Z) | 735,000 | 16,824,150 |
| Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 0.02% | ||
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| Federal National Mortgage Association, Series S | ||
| (8.250% to 12-13-10, then variable) (I) | 80,000 | 88,000 |
| Telecommunication Services 6.69% | 32,847,364 | |
| Wireless Telecommunication Services 6.69% | ||
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| Telephone & Data Systems, Inc., 7.600%, | ||
| Series A (Z) | 623,743 | 14,969,832 |
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| United States Cellular Corp., 7.500% (Z) | 729,100 | 17,877,532 |
| Utilities 35.43% | 174,012,862 | |
| Electric Utilities 17.83% | ||
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| Entergy Mississippi, Inc., 7.250% | 13,000 | 338,000 |
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| Entergy Texas, Inc., 7.875% | 45,000 | 1,248,300 |
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| FPC Capital I, 7.100%, Series A (Z) | 812,500 | 20,540,000 |
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| FPL Group Capital Trust I, 5.875% (Z) | 268,000 | 6,772,360 |
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| FPL Group Capital, Inc., 7.450%, Series E (Z) | 20,000 | 532,400 |
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| Georgia Power Company, 6.000%, Series R (Z) | 702,000 | 17,620,200 |
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| HECO Capital Trust III, 6.500% (Z) | 170,000 | 4,056,200 |
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| PPL Electric Utilities Corp., 6.250%, Depositary | ||
| Shares (Z) | 189,000 | 4,648,228 |
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| ||
| PPL Energy Supply, LLC, 7.000% (Z) | 846,450 | 21,728,372 |
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| Southern California Edison Company, 6.000%, | ||
| Series C (Z) | 50,000 | 4,435,940 |
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| Southern California Edison Company, | ||
| 6.125% (Z) | 20,000 | 1,795,000 |
|
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| Westar Energy, Inc., 6.100% (Z) | 154,500 | 3,847,050 |
| Gas Utilities 4.34% | ||
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| Southwest Gas Capital II, 7.700% (Z) | 846,500 | 21,340,265 |
| Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders 0.84% | ||
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| Constellation Energy Group, Inc., 8.625%, | ||
| Series A (Z) | 160,000 | 4,112,000 |
| Multi-Utilities 12.42% | ||
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| BGE Capital Trust II, 6.200% (Z) | 622,500 | 13,676,325 |
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| Consolidated Edison Companies of NY, Inc., | ||
| 5.000%, Series A (Z) | 19,000 | 1,657,940 |
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| Dominion Resources, Inc., 8.375%, Series A | 235,000 | 6,417,850 |
|
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| DTE Energy Trust I, 7.800% (Z) | 236,000 | 6,006,200 |
|
| ||
| DTE Energy Trust II, 7.500% (Z) | 59,400 | 1,517,076 |
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| Interstate Power & Light Company, 8.375%, | ||
| Series B | 211,700 | 6,001,695 |
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 9 |
| Shares | Value | |
| Multi-Utilities (continued) | ||
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| Interstate Power & Light Company, 7.100%, | ||
| Series C (Z) | 208,900 | $5,337,395 |
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| Public Service Electric & Gas Company, | ||
| 5.050%, Series D (Z) | 30,000 | 2,550,600 |
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| SCANA Corp., 7.700% | 672,200 | 17,833,466 |
| Shares | Value | |
| Common Stocks 0.60% | $2,942,000 | |
|
| ||
| (Cost $3,031,508) | ||
| Telecommunication Services 0.60% | 2,942,000 | |
| Diversified Telecommunication Services 0.60% | ||
|
| ||
| Verizon Communications, Inc. | 100,000 | 2,942,000 |
| Maturity | ||||
| Rate | date | Par value | Value | |
| Corporate Bonds 7.38% | $36,244,647 | |||
|
| ||||
| (Cost $37,934,151) | ||||
| Energy 2.34% | 11,481,000 | |||
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.34% | ||||
|
| ||||
| Southern Union Company, | ||||
| Jr Sub Note, Series A (7.200% to 11-01-11 | ||||
| then variable) (Z) | 7.200% | 11-01-66 | $12,900,000 | 11,481,000 |
| Utilities 5.04% | 24,763,647 | |||
| Electric Utilities 3.70% | ||||
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| Entergy Gulf States, Inc., | ||||
| 1st Mtg Bond (Z) | 6.200 | 07-01-33 | 15,000,000 | 14,883,285 |
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| Kentucky Power Company, | ||||
| Sr Note, Series D (Z) | 5.625 | 12-01-32 | 3,565,000 | 3,292,381 |
| Multi-Utilities 1.34% | ||||
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| Dominion Resources Capital Trust I, | ||||
| Gtd Jr Sub Bond (Z) | 7.830 | 12-01-27 | 6,364,000 | 6,587,981 |
| Maturity | ||||
| Yield* | date | Par value | Value | |
| Short-Term Investments 3.67% | $17,999,867 | |||
|
| ||||
| (Cost $17,999,867) | ||||
| U.S. Government 2.04% | 9,999,867 | |||
| U.S. Treasury Bills | 0.010% | 02-25-10 | $10,000,000 | 9,999,867 |
| U.S. Government Agency 1.63% | 8,000,000 | |||
| Federal Home Loan Bank, | ||||
| Discount Note | 0.030 | 02-01-10 | 8,000,000 | 8,000,000 |
| Total investments (Cost $835,883,867)† 151.40% | $743,559,028 | |||
|
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| Other assets and liabilities, net (51.40%) | ($252,444,249) | |||
|
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| Total net assets 100.00% | $491,114,779 | |||
|
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See notes to financial statements
| 10 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value that the category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund.
* Yield represents either the annualized yield at the date of purchase, the stated coupon rate or, for floating rate securities, the rate at period end.
(I) Non-income producing security.
(S) This security is 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.
(Z) All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral pursuant to the Committed Facility Agreement. Total collateral value at January 31, 2010 was $541,097,241.
† At January 31, 2010, the aggregate cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $836,026,469. Net unrealized depreciation aggregated $92,467,441, of which $18,684,554 related to appreciated investment securities and $111,151,995 related to depreciated investment securities.
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 11 |
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Financial statements
Statement of assets and liabilities 1-31-10 (unaudited)
This Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the Fund’s balance sheet. It shows the value of what the Fund owns, is due and owes. You’ll also find the net asset value for each common share.
| Assets | |
|
| |
| Investments, at value (Cost $835,883,867) | $743,559,028 |
| Cash | 88,837 |
| Receivable for investments sold | 4,199,947 |
| Dividends and interest receivable | 3,186,316 |
| Other receivables and prepaid assets | 72,119 |
| Total assets | 751,106,247 |
| Liabilities | |
|
| |
| Payable for investments purchased | 771,668 |
| Committed facility agreement payable (Note7) | 250,800,000 |
| Unrealized depreciation of swap contracts (Note3) | 8,274,735 |
| Interest payable (Note7) | 16,539 |
| Payable to affiliates | |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 6,714 |
| Trustees’ fees | 232 |
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 121,580 |
| Total liabilities | 259,991,468 |
| Net assets | |
|
| |
| Capital paid-in | $742,810,228 |
| Undistributed net investment income | 2,453,395 |
| Accumulated net realized loss on investments and swap agreements | (153,549,270) |
| Net unrealized depreciation on investments and swap agreements | (100,599,574) |
| Net assets | $491,114,779 |
| Net asset value per share | |
|
| |
| Based on 31,438,217 shares of beneficial interest outstanding — unlimited | |
| number of shares authorized with no par value | $15.62 |
See notes to financial statements
| 12 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Statement of operations
For the six-month period ended 1-31-10 (unaudited)
This Statement of Operations summarizes the Fund’s investment income earned and expenses incurred in operating the Fund. It also shows net gains (losses) for the period stated.
| Investment income | |
|
| |
| Dividends | $25,475,823 |
| Interest | 2,301,678 |
| Total investment income | 27,777,501 |
| Expenses | |
|
| |
| Investment management fees (Note 5) | 2,625,819 |
| Accounting and legal services fees (Note 5) | 34,303 |
| Trustees’ fees (Note5) | 33,289 |
| Interest expense (Note7) | 1,477,838 |
| Transfer agent fees | 20,900 |
| Printing and postage fees | 80,496 |
| Professional fees | 141,526 |
| Custodian fees | 45,928 |
| Stock exchange listing fees | 14,000 |
| Other | 16,085 |
| Total expenses | 4,490,184 |
| Less expense reductions (Note 5) | (350,109) |
| Net expenses | 4,140,075 |
| Net investment income | 23,637,426 |
| Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
|
| |
| Net realized loss on | |
| Investments | (8,567,715) |
| Swap contracts (Note 3) | (4,023,087) |
| (12,590,802) | |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | |
| Investments | 57,659,229 |
| Swap contracts (Note 3) | 2,012,589 |
| 59,671,818 | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | 47,081,016 |
| Increase in net assets from operations | $70,718,442 |
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 13 |
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Statements of changes in net assets (unaudited)
These Statements of Changes in Net Assets show how the value of the Fund’s net assets has changed during the last two periods. The difference reflects earnings less expenses, any investment gains and losses, distributions, if any, paid to shareholders and the net of Fund share transactions.
| For the | ||
| six month | Year | |
| period ended | ended | |
| 1-31-10 | 7-31-09 | |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets | ||
|
| ||
| From operations | ||
| Net investment income | $23,637,426 | $45,836,753 |
| Net realized loss | (12,590,802) | (111,244,853) |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 59,671,818 | 11,065,051 |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 70,718,442 | (54,343,049) |
| Distributions to shareholders | ||
| From net investment income | (21,164,109)1 | (44,830,380) |
| From tax return of capital | — | (1,691,686) |
| Total distributions | (21,164,109) | (46,522,066) |
| From Fund share transactions (Note6) | — | 1,617,012 |
| Total increase (decrease) | 49,554,333 | (99,248,103) |
| Net assets | ||
|
| ||
| Beginning of period | 441,560,446 | 540,808,549 |
| End of period | $491,114,779 | $441,560,446 |
| Undistributed (distribution in excess of) net investment income | $2,453,395 | ($19,922) |
| 1 A portion of the distribution may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end. | ||
See notes to financial statements
| 14 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Statement of cash flows (unaudited)
This statement of cash flows shows cash flow from operating and financing activities for the period stated.
| For the | |
| six month | |
| period ended | |
| 1-31-10 | |
|
| |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |
|
| |
| Net increase in net assets from operations | $70,718,442 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets | |
| from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | |
| Long-term investments purchased | (71,171,987) |
| Long-term investments sold | 43,712,507 |
| Increase in short-term investments | (1,699,948) |
| Net amortization of premium (discount) | 3,952 |
| Increase in dividends and interest receivable | (206,052) |
| Increase in receivable from affiliates | (37,953) |
| Decrease in payable for investments purchased | (2,092,787) |
| Increase in receivable for investments sold | (4,199,947) |
| Decrease in other receivables and prepaid expenses | 2,853 |
| Decrease in unrealized depreciation of swap contracts | (2,012,589) |
| Decrease in payable to affiliates | (12,993) |
| Increase in payable for interest | 386 |
| Increase in other liabilities and accrued expenses | 117 |
| Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments | (57,659,229) |
| Net realized loss on investments | 8,567,715 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ($16,087,513) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |
|
| |
| Borrowings from committed facility agreement payable | $37,300,000 |
| Distributions to common shareholders | (21,164,109) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | $16,135,891 |
| Net increase in cash | $48,378 |
| Cash at beginning of period | $40,459 |
| Cash at end of period | $88,837 |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information | |
|
| |
| Cash paid for interest | 1,477,452 |
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 15 |
Financial highlights
The Financial Highlights show how the Fund’s net asset value for a share has changed since the end of the previous period.
| COMMON SHARES Period ended | 1-31-101 | 7-31-09 | 7-31-082 | 5-31-08 | 5-31-07 | 5-31-06 | 5-31-053 |
| Per share operating performance | |||||||
|
| |||||||
| Net asset value, beginning | |||||||
| of period | $14.05 | $17.29 | $19.75 | $23.39 | $22.17 | $23.95 | $22.49 |
| Net investment income4 | 0.75 | 1.46 | 0.27 | 2.06 | 2.07 | 2.16 | 2.16 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | |||||||
| (loss) on investments | 1.49 | (3.21) | (2.47) | (3.39) | 1.36 | (1.70) | 1.58 |
| Distribution to Auction | |||||||
| Preferred Shares | — | — | — | (0.53) | (0.56) | (0.44) | (0.25) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.24 | (1.75) | (2.20) | (1.86) | 2.87 | 0.02 | 3.49 |
| Less distributions to common | |||||||
| shareholders | |||||||
| From net investment income | (0.67)17 | (1.44) | (0.26) | (1.58) | (1.58) | (1.70) | (2.03) |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | (0.20) | (0.07) | (0.10) | — |
| From tax return of capital | — | (0.05) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total distributions | (0.67) | (1.49) | (0.26) | (1.78) | (1.65) | (1.80) | (2.03) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $15.62 | $14.05 | $17.29 | $19.75 | $23.39 | $22.17 | $23.95 |
| Per share market value, end | |||||||
| of period | $14.63 | $13.18 | $16.10 | $18.82 | $22.64 | $19.70 | $22.22 |
| Total return at net asset | |||||||
| value (%)5,6 | 16.57 7 | (7.30) (11.04) 7 | (7.52) | 13.65 | 0.85 | 16.28 8 | |
| Total return at market | |||||||
| value (%)5,6 | 16.39 7 | (6.62) (13.07) 7 | (8.96) | 23.79 | (3.41) | 8.22 | |
| Ratios and supplemental data | |||||||
|
| |||||||
| Net assets applicable to common | |||||||
| shares, end of period (in millions) | $491 | $442 | $541 | $618 | $732 | $693 | $749 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | |||||||
| net assets): | |||||||
| Expenses before reductions | |||||||
| (excluding interest expense) | 1.29 9 | 1.36 | 1.36 9 | 1.41 | 1.34 | 1.34 | 1.34 |
| Interest expense (Note 7) | 0.64 9 | 1.24 | 1.73 9 | 0.04 | — | — | — |
| Expenses before reductions | |||||||
| (including interest expense) | 1.93 9 | 2.60 | 3.09 9 | 1.4510 | 1.3410 | 1.3410 | 1.3410 |
| Expenses net of all fee waivers | |||||||
| (excluding interest expense) | 1.14 9 | 1.14 | 1.11 9 | 1.10 | 1.05 | 1.04 | 1.05 |
| Expenses net of all fee waivers | |||||||
| (including interest expense) | 1.78 9 | 2.38 | 2.84 9 | 1.1011 | 1.0511 | 1.0411 | 1.0511 |
| Net investment income | 10.15 9 | 12.52 | 9.36 9 | 9.9812 | 8.9112 | 9.2212 | 9.1512 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 6 | 18 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 16 | 14 |
See notes to financial statements
| 16 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
| Period ended | 1-31-101 | 7-31-09 | 7-31-082 | 5-31-08 | 5-31-07 | 5-31-06 | 5-31-053 |
| Senior securities | |||||||
|
| |||||||
| Total value of APS outstanding | |||||||
| (in millions) | — | — | — | — 14 | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Involuntary liquidation | |||||||
| preference per unit | |||||||
| (in thousands) | — | — | — | — | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Average market value per unit | |||||||
| (in thousands) | — | — | — | — | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Asset coverage per unit13 | — | — | — | — | $76,917 | $74,123 | $78,169 |
| Total debt outstanding end of | |||||||
| period (in millions) (Note 7) | $251 | $214 | $253 | $296 | — | — | — |
| Asset coverage per $1,000 | |||||||
| of APS15 | — | — | — | — | $3,090 | $2,981 | $3,141 |
| Asset coverage per $1,000 | |||||||
| of debt16 | $2,958 | $3,068 | $3,138 | $3,087 | — | — | — |
1 Semiannual period from 8-1-09 to 1-31-10. Unaudited.
2 For the two month period ended July 31, 2008.
3 Audited by previous Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
4 Based on the average of the shares outstanding.
5 Total return based on net asset value reflects changes in the Fund’s net asset value during each period. Total return based on market value reflects changes in market value. Each figure assumes that dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund’s shares traded during the period.
6 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the periods shown.
7 Not annualized.
8 Unaudited.
9 Annualized.
10 Ratios calculated on the basis of expenses relative to the average net assets of common shares, that does not take into consideration expense reductions during the periods shown. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratios of expenses would have been 0.94%, 0.91%, 0.91% and 0.91% for the years ended 5-31-08, 5-31-07, 5-31-06 and 5-31-05, respectively.
11 Ratios calculated on the basis of expenses relative to the average net assets of common shares. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratios of expenses would have been 0.74%, 0.71%, 0.71% and 0.71% for the years ended 5-31-08, 5-31-07, 5-31-06 and 5-31-05, respectively.
12 Ratios calculated on the basis of net investment income relative to the average net assets of common shares. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratio of net investment income would have been 6.44%, 6.49%, 6.24% and 6.21% for the years ended 5-31-08, 5-31-07, 5-31-06 and 5-31-05, respectively.
13 Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities from the Fund’s total assets and dividing that amount by the number of APS outstanding, as of the applicable 1940 Act Evaluation Date, which may differ from the financial reporting date.
14 In May 2008, the Fund entered into a Committed Facility Agreement with a third-party commercial bank in order to redeem the APS. The redemption of all APS was completed on May 28, 2008.
15 Asset coverage equals the total net assets plus APS divided by the APS of the Fund outstanding at period end.
16 Asset coverage equals the total net assets plus borrowings divided by the borrowing of the Fund outstanding at period end (Note 7).
17 A portion of the distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end.
See notes to financial statements
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 17 |
Notes to financial statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 Organization
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund began operations on June 19, 2003. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to provide growth of capital to the extent consistent with its primary investment objective.
Note 2
Significant accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Events or transactions occurring after the period and through the date that the financial statements were issued have been evaluated in the preparation of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the Fund:
Security valuation
Investments are stated at value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Equity securities held by the Fund are valued at the last sale price or official closing price (closing bid price or last evaluated price if no sale has occurred) as of the close of business on the principal securities exchange (domestic or foreign) on which they trade. Debt obligations are valued based on the evaluated prices provided by an independent pricing service, which utilizes both dealer-supplied quotes and electronic data processing techniques, which take 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. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent pricing service. Securities traded only in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last bid price quoted by brokers making markets in the securities at the close of trading. Equity and debt obligations, for which there are no prices available from an independent pricing service, are valued based on bid quotations, or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from broker-dealers or fair valued as described below. Certain short-term debt instruments are valued at amortized cost.
Other portfolio assets and securities for which no such quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Pricing Committee in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund’s shares are generally determined as of such times. Occasionally, significant events that affect the values of such securities may occur between the times at which such values are generally determined and the close of the NYSE. Upon such an occurrence, these securities will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith under consistently applied procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees.
Fair value measurements
The Fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions, referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs and the valuation techniques used are summarized below:
Level 1 – Exchange traded prices in active markets for identical securities. This technique is used for exchange-traded domestic common
| 18 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
and preferred equities, certain foreign equities, warrants, rights, options and futures.
Level 2 – Prices determined using 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 techniques are received from independent pricing vendors and are based on an evaluation of the inputs described. These techniques are used for certain domestic preferred equities, certain foreign equities, unlisted rights and warrants, and fixed income securities.
Level 3 – Prices determined using significant unobservable inputs. In situations where quoted prices or observable inputs are unavailable, such as when there is little or no market activity for an investment, unobservable inputs may be used. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s Pricing Committee’s own assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in pricing an investment and would be based on the best information available. Securities using this technique are generally thinly traded or privately placed, and may be valued using broker quotes, which may also include the use of the brokers’ own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of January 31, 2010, by major security category or security type.
| LEVEL 2 | LEVEL 3 | |||
| TOTAL MARKET | LEVEL 1 | SIGNIFICANT | SIGNIFICANT | |
| VALUE AT | QUOTED | OBSERVABLE | UNOBSERVABLE | |
| JANUARY 31, 2010 | PRICE | INPUTS | INPUTS | |
|
| ||||
| Financials | $377,048,883 | $345,963,108 | $8,145,000 | $22,940,775 |
| Utilities | 198,776,509 | 161,885,394 | 36,891,115 | — |
| Consumer Discretionary | 55,292,505 | 55,292,505 | — | — |
| Energy | 49,197,674 | 37,716,674 | 11,481,000 | — |
| Telecommunication | 35,789,364 | 35,789,364 | — | — |
| Services | ||||
| Consumer Staples | 9,454,226 | — | 9,454,226 | — |
| Short-Term Investments | 17,999,867 | — | 17,999,867 | — |
|
| ||||
| Total investments in | $743,559,028 | $636,647,045 | $83,971,208 | $22,940,775 |
| securities | ||||
| Other Financial | (8,274,735) | — | (8,274,735) | — |
| Instruments | ||||
| Totals | $735,284,293 | $636,647,045 | $75,696,473 | $22,940,775 |
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
| FINANCIALS | |
|
| |
| Balance as of July 31, 2009 | $21,421,229 |
| Accrued discounts/premiums | — |
| Realized gain (loss) | — |
| Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 1,519,546 |
| Net purchases (sales) | — |
| Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 | — |
| Balance as of January 31, 2010 | $22,940,775 |
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 19 |
Security transactions and related
investment income
Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividends are recorded on the ex-date or when the Fund becomes aware of the dividends from cash collections. Discounts/premiums are accreted/amortized for financial reporting purposes. Debt obligations may be placed in a non-accrual status and related interest income may be reduced by ceasing current accruals and writing off interest receivables when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful, based upon consistently applied procedures. The Fund uses identified cost method for determining realized gain or loss on investments for both financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes.
Overdrafts
Pursuant to the custodian agreement, the Fund’s custodian may, in its discretion, advance funds to the Fund to make properly authorized payments. When such payments result in an overdraft, the Fund is obligated to repay the custodian for any overdraft, including any costs or expenses associated with the overdraft. The custodian has a lien, security interest or security entitlement in any Fund property that is not segregated, to the maximum extent permitted by law to the extent of any overdraft.
Expenses
The majority of expenses are directly identifiable to an individual fund. Fund expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific fund are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the relative size of the funds. Expense estimates are accrued in the period to which they relate and adjustments are made when actual amounts are known.
Federal income taxes
The Fund intends 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, the Fund has $75,975,682 of a capital loss carryforward available, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future net realized capital gains. To the extent that such carryforward is used by the Fund, it will reduce the amount of capital gain distribution to be paid. The loss carryforward expires as follows: July 31, 2015 — $1,316,265, July 31, 2016 — $33,029,968 and July 31, 2017 — $41,629,449.
As of July 31, 2009, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, de-recognition, or disclosure. The Fund’s federal tax return is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years.
Distribution of income and gains
The Fund records distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, on the ex-dividend date. The Fund generally declares and pays dividends monthly. Capital gain distributions, if any, are paid annually. During the year ended July 31, 2009, the tax character of distributions paid was as follows: ordinary income $44,830,380 and tax return of capital $1,691,686.
Such distributions, on a tax basis, are determined in conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Material distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits, if any, are reported in the Fund’s financial statements as a return of capital. The final determination of tax characteristics of the Fund’s distribution will occur at the end of the year, at which time it will be reported to shareholders. A portion of the distribution may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end.
| 20 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
Statement of cash flows
The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows of the Fund is the amount included in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represents the cash on hand at its custodian and does not include any short-term investments.
Note 3
Financial instruments
Interest rate swap contracts
The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate risks, to gain exposure in lieu of buying in the physical market, or to enhance income. Interest rate swaps represent an agreement between two counterparties to exchange cash flows based on the difference in the two interest rates, applied to the notional principal amount for a specified period. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. The Fund settles accrued net receivable or payable under the swap contracts on a periodic basis.
Swaps are marked to market daily based upon values from third party vendors or quotations from market makers to the extent available, and the change in value, if any, is recorded as unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. If market quotations are not readily available or not deemed reliable, certain swaps may be fair valued in good faith by the Fund’s Pricing Committee in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. In connection with these agreements, the Fund will hold cash and/or liquid securities equal to the net amount of the Fund’s exposure, in order to satisfy the Fund’s obligations in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency.
Entering into swaps involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market counterparty and legal documentation risk 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 these agreements, that a counterparty may default on its obligation under the swap or disagree as to the meaning of the swap’s terms, and that there may be unfavorable interest rate changes. The Fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate outstanding swaps or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions.
The Fund is a party to International Swap Dealers Association, Inc., Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with select counterparties that govern over-the-counter derivative transactions, which may include foreign exchange derivative transactions, entered into by the Fund and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements typically include standard representations and warranties, as well as a Credit Support Annex (“CSA”) that accompanies a schedule to ISDA master agreements provisions outlining the general obligations of the Fund and counterparties relating to events of default, termination events and other standard provisions. Termination events may include a decline in the Fund’s net asset value below a certain point over a certain period of time that is specified in the Schedule to the ISDA Master Agreement; such an event may entitle the counterparty to elect to terminate early and calculate damages based on that termination, with respect to some or all outstanding transactions under the applicable damage calculation provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement. An election by one or more counterparties to terminate ISDA Master Agreements could have a material impact in the financial statements of the Fund.
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 21 |
Interest rate swap notional amounts at January 31, 2010 are generally representative of the interest rate swap activity during the six-month period then ended and were used in anticipation of rising interest rates. The following summarizes the contracts held as of January 31, 2010:
| PAYMENTS | PAYMENTS | ||||||
| USD NOTIONAL | MADE BY | RECEIVED | EFFECTIVE | MATURITY | UNREALIZED | ||
| COUNTERPARTY | AMOUNT | FUND | BY FUND | DATE | DATE | DEPRECIATION | MARKET VALUE |
|
| |||||||
| 3 month | |||||||
| morgan Stanley | $52,500,000 | 4.14% | libor (a) | 11-23-07 | 11-23-10 | ($1,919,262) | ($1,919,262) |
| 3 month | |||||||
| bank of america | 87,500,000 | 4.37% | libor (a) | 11-15-07 | 11-15-10 | (3,420,896) | (3,420,896) |
| 3 month | |||||||
| morgan Stanley | 87,500,000 | 3.79% | libor (a) | 1-7-08 | 1-7-11 | (2,934,577) | (2,934,577) |
|
| |||||||
| $227,500,000 | ($8,274,735) | ($8,274,735) | |||||
| (a) at January 31, 2010, the 3-month libor rate was 0.24906% | |||||||
Fair value of derivative instruments by risk category
The table below summarizes the fair values of derivatives held by the Fund at January 31, 2010, by risk category:
| STATEMENT OF ASSETS | FINANCIAL | ASSET | LIABILITY | |
| AND LIABILITIES | INSTRUMENTS | DERIVATIVES | DERIVATIVES | |
| LOCATION | LOCATION | FAIR VALUE | FAIR VALUE | |
|
| ||||
| Interest rate contracts | Unrealized | Interest rate | — | ($8,274,735) |
| depreciation of | swaps | |||
| swap contracts; | ||||
| Net unrealized | ||||
| depreciation on | ||||
| investments and | ||||
| swap agreements | ||||
| Total | — | ($8,274,735) | ||
Effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations
The table below summarizes the realized gain (loss) recognized in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010:
| TOTAL | ||
|
| ||
| Statement of Operations location — Net realized loss on | Swap contracts | |
| Interest rate contracts | ($4,023,087) | ($4,023,087) |
The table below summarizes the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) recognized in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010:
| TOTAL | ||
|
| ||
| Statement of Operations location — Change in | ||
| unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | Swap contracts | |
| Interest rate contracts | $2,012,589 | $2,012,589 |
| 22 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
Note 4
Guarantees and indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred.
Note 5
Management fee and transactions with
affiliates and others
The Fund has an investment management contract with the John Hancock Advisers LLC (the Adviser), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC). Under the investment management contract, the Fund pays a daily management fee to the Adviser at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets (including any assets attributable to the committed facility agreement) (see Note 7) (collectively, managed assets). The Fund has a subadvisory agreement with MFC Global Investment Management (U.S.), LLC, an indirectly owned subsidiary of MFC and an affiliate of the Adviser. The Fund is not responsible for payment of subadvisory fees.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s management fee, on an annual basis, to the following: 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets until the fifth anniversary of the commencement of the Fund’s operations, 0.60% of such assets in the sixth year, 0.65% of such assets in the seventh year and 0.70% of average daily managed assets in the eighth year. After the eighth year, the Adviser is not obligated to waive a portion of the management fee. Accordingly, the expense reductions related to the reduction in management fees amounted to $350,109 for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010. The effective rate for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010, is 0.65% of the Fund’s managed assets.
The Fund has an administrative agreement with the Adviser under which the Fund reimburses the Adviser for providing legal, tax, accounting, valuation, financial reporting, compliance, and service provider oversight services. The compensation for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010 amounted to $34,303 with an effective rate of 0.01% of the Fund’s managed assets.
Trustees’ fees
The compensation of unaffiliated Trustees is borne by the Fund. The unaffiliated Trustees may elect to defer, for tax purposes, their receipt of this compensation under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan. The Fund makes investments into other John Hancock funds, as applicable, to cover its liability for the deferred compensation. Investments to cover the Fund’s deferred compensation liability are recorded on the Fund’s books as an other asset. The deferred compensation liability and the related other asset are always equal and are marked to market on a periodic basis to reflect any income earned by the investments, as well as any unrealized gains or losses. The Deferred Compensation Plan investments had no impact on the operations of the Fund.
Note 6
Fund share transactions
Common shares
The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares with no par value. There were no share transactions for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010. The number of Fund shares reinvested during the year ended July 31, 2009, along with the corresponding dollar value were 157,453 and $1,617,012, respectively.
Note 7
Committed Facility Agreement
and Leverage Risk
The Fund utilizes a Committed Facility Agreement (CFA) to increase its assets available for investment. When the Fund leverages its assets, common shareholders pay all fees associated with and have the potential benefit from leverage. Consequently, the Fund and the Adviser may have differing interests in
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 23 |
determining whether to leverage the Fund’s assets. Leverage creates risks that may adversely affect the return for the holders of common shares, including:
• the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares
• fluctuations in the interest rate paid for the use of the credit facility
• increased operating costs, which may reduce the Fund’s total return to the holders of common shares
• the potential for a decline in the value of an investment acquired through leverage, while the Fund’s obligations under such leverage remain fixed
• the Fund is more likely to have to sell securities in a volatile market in order to meet asset coverage or other debt compliance requirements.
To the extent the income or capital appreciation derived from securities purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, the Fund’s return will be lower if the cost of the leverage exceeds the income or capital appreciation derived.
The Fund has entered into a CFA with a third party commercial bank. Pursuant to the existing CFA with a subsidiary of BNP Paribas (BNP), the Fund is permitted to borrow up to an initial limit of $296 million and to invest the borrowings in accordance with its investment practices. Borrowings under the CFA are secured by the assets of the Fund as disclosed in the Fund’s investments. Interest is charged at the monthly LIBOR rate (reset daily) plus 0.85% and is payable monthly. Under the terms of the CFA, the Fund also pays a commitment fee of 0.60% per annum on the unused portion of the facility. The commitment fee for the six-month period ended January 31, 2010 totaled $193,186 and is included in interest expense in the Statement of Operations. As of January 31, 2010, the Fund had borrowings of $250,800,000 at an interest rate of 1.0791%, as reflected in the committed facility agreement payable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For the six-month period ended January 31, 2010, the average borrowings under the CFA and the average interest rate were $232,513,043 and 1.2608%, respectively. The Fund may terminate the agreement with 60 days’ notice if the Board of Trustees has determined that the elimination of all indebtedness leveraging the Fund’s investments is in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. In certain circumstances, the CFA may automatically terminate, and in other specified circumstances, it may be reduced to a 30-day facility. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain defaults, the lender may terminate the agreement. The lender may also modify or terminate the agreement upon 270 days’ notice.
On October 30, 2009, the Fund entered into an agreement with BNP that allows BNP to borrow a portion of the pledged collateral (Lent Securities) in an amount not to exceed the lesser of: (i) outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP and (ii) thirty three and one third percent of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund can designate any security within the pledged collateral as ineligible to be a Lent Security and can recall any of the Lent Securities. The Fund also has the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair market value of such Lent Securities against the current borrowings under the CFA.
Note 8
Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and proceeds from sales or maturities of securities, other than short-term securities, during the six-month period ended January 31, 2010, aggregated $71,171,987 and $43,712,507, respectively.
| 24 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
Investment objective and policy
The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to provide growth of capital to the extent consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund seeks to achieve its objectives by investing in securities that, in the opinion of the Adviser, may be undervalued relative to similar securities in the marketplace. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least: (a) 80% of its assets (net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in preferred stocks and other preferred securities, including convertible preferred securities, (b) 25% of its total assets in the industries comprising the utilities sector, and (c) 80% of its total assets in preferred securities and other fixed-income securities which are rated investment grade or higher by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s at the time of investment.
Bylaws
Effective September 9, 2008, the Fund’s Bylaws were amended with respect to notice requirements for Trustee nominations and other proposals by the Fund’s shareholders. These provisions require the disclosure of the nominating shareholder and the nominee’s investment interests as they relate to the Fund, as well as the name of any other shareholder supporting the nominee for election as a Trustee or the proposal of other business. In order for notice to be proper, such notice must disclose the economic interests of the nominating shareholder and nominee, including his or her holdings of shares in the Fund, the intent upon which those shares were acquired, and any hedging arrangements (including leveraged or short positions) made with respect to the shares of the Fund. Additionally, any material interest that the shareholder has in the business to be brought before the meeting must be disclosed.
Dividends and distributions
During the six-month period ended January 31, 2010, dividends from net investment income totaling $0.6732 per share were paid to common shareholders. The dates of payments and amounts per share are as follows:
| PAYMENT | |
| DATE | DIVIDEND1 |
|
| |
| August 31, 2009 | $0.1122 |
| September 30, 2009 | 0.1122 |
| October 30, 2009 | 0.1122 |
| November 30, 2009 | 0.1122 |
| December 31, 2009 | 0.1122 |
| January 29, 2010 | 0.1122 |
| Total | $0.6732 |
1A portion of the distribution may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end.
Dividend reinvestment plan
The Fund offers its shareholders a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan), which offers the opportunity to earn compounded yields. Each shareholder will automatically have all distributions of dividends and capital gains reinvested by Mellon Bank, N.A., as Plan Agent (the Plan Agent), unless an election is made to receive cash. Holders of common shares who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash, paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the common shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Plan Agent, as dividend disbursing agent. Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker or a nominee should contact the broker or nominee to determine whether and how they may participate in the Plan.
If the Fund declares a dividend payable either in common shares or in cash, non-participants will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. If the market price of the common shares on the payment date of the dividend is equal to or exceeds their net asset value as determined on the payment date, participants will be issued common shares (out of authorized but unissued shares) at a value equal to the higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price. If the net asset value exceeds the market price of the common shares at such time, or if the Board of Trustees declares a dividend payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for Plan participants, buy shares in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. Such purchases will be made promptly after the payable date for such dividend and, in any event, prior to the next ex-dividend date after
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 25 |
such date, except where necessary to comply with federal securities laws. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value of the common shares, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value of the common shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend had been paid in shares issued by the Fund.
Each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The cost per share of the shares purchased for each participant’s account will be the average cost, including brokerage commissions, of any shares purchased on the open market, plus the cost of any shares issued by the Fund. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. There are no other charges to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gain distributions.
Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan at any time by contacting the Plan Agent by telephone, in writing or by visiting the Plan Agent’s Web site at www.melloninvestor.com. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if received prior to a dividend record date; otherwise, it will be effective for all subsequent dividend record dates.
When a participant withdraws from the Plan or upon termination of the Plan, as provided below, certificates for whole common shares credited to his or her account under the Plan will be issued and a cash payment will be made for any fraction of a share credited to such account.
The Plan Agent maintains each shareholder’s account in the Plan and furnishes monthly written confirmations of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by the shareholders for personal and tax records. The Plan Agent will hold common shares in the account of each Plan participant in non-certificated form in the name of the participant. Proxy material relating to the shareholders’ meetings of the Fund will include those shares purchased as well as shares held pursuant to the Plan.
The reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on such dividends or distributions. Participants under the Plan will receive tax information annually. The amount of dividend to be reported on 1099-DIV should be: (1) in the case of shares issued by the Fund, the fair market value of such shares on the dividend payment date and (2) in the case of shares purchased by the Plan Agent in the open market, the amount of cash used by the Plan Agent to purchase shares in the open market, including the amount of cash allocated to brokerage commissions paid on such purchases.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan as applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to all shareholders of the Fund at least 90 days before the record date for the dividend or distribution. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Plan Agent after at least 90 days’ written notice to all shareholders of the Fund. All correspondence or additional information concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, Mellon Bank, N.A., c/o Mellon Investor Services, P.O. Box 358015, Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8015 (Telephone: 1-800-852-0218).
| 26 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
Shareholder communication
and assistance
If you have any questions concerning the Fund, we will be pleased to assist you. If you hold shares in your own name and not with a brokerage firm, please address all notices, correspondence, questions or other communications regarding the Fund to the transfer agent at:
Mellon Investor Services
Newport Office Center VII
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310
Telephone: 1-800-852-0218
If your shares are held with a brokerage firm, you should contact that firm, bank or other nominee for assistance.
Shareholder meeting
The Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 22, 2010. The following action was taken by the shareholders:
Proposal: Election of four (4) Trustees to serve for a three-year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2013. The votes cast with respect to each Trustee are set forth below.
| WITHHELD | ||
| FOR | AUTHORITY | |
|
| ||
| James R. Boyle | 27,195,417 | 905,078 |
| Deborah C. Jackson | 27,137,086 | 963,409 |
| Patti McGill Peterson | 27,153,137 | 947,358 |
| Steven R. Pruchansky | 27,188,069 | 912,426 |
The following seven Trustees of the Fund were not up for election and remain in office: James F. Carlin, William H. Cunningham, Charles L. Ladner, Stanley Martin, John A. Moore, Gregory A. Russo, and John G. Vrysen.
| Semiannual report | Preferred Income Fund III | 27 |
More information
| Trustees | Investment adviser |
| Patti McGill Peterson, Chairperson | John Hancock Advisers, LLC |
| James R. Boyle† | |
| James F. Carlin | Subadviser |
| William H. Cunningham | MFC Global Investment |
| Deborah C. Jackson* | Management (U.S.), LLC |
| Charles L. Ladner | |
| Stanley Martin* | Custodian |
| Dr. John A. Moore | State Street Bank and Trust Company |
| Steven R. Pruchansky* | |
| Gregory A. Russo | Transfer agent |
| John G. Vrysen† | Mellon Investor Services |
| Officers | Legal counsel |
| Keith F. Hartstein | K&L Gates LLP |
| President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| Stock symbol | |
| Andrew G. Arnott | Listed New York Stock Exchange: HPS |
| Chief Operating Officer | |
| For shareholder assistance | |
| Thomas M. Kinzler | refer to page 27 |
| Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | |
| The report is certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley | |
| Francis V. Knox, Jr. | Act, which requires mutual funds and other public |
| Chief Compliance Officer | companies to affirm that, to the best of their |
| knowledge, the information in their financial reports | |
| Charles A. Rizzo | is fairly and accurately stated in all material respects. |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Salvatore Schiavone | |
| Treasurer |
*Member of the Audit Committee
†Non-Independent Trustee
The Fund is listed for trading on the NYSE and has filed with the NYSE its chief executive officer certification regarding compliance with the NYSE’s listing standards. The Fund also files with the SEC the certification of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, as well as the Fund’s 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) Web site at www.sec.gov or on our Web site.
The Fund’s complete list of portfolio holdings, for the first and third fiscal quarters, is filed with the SEC on FormN-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on our Web site and the SEC’s Web site, www.sec.gov, and can be reviewed and copied (for a fee) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Call 1-800-SEC-0330 toreceive information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room.
We make this information on your fund, as well as monthly portfolio holdings, and other fund details available on our Web site www.jhfunds.com or by calling 1-800-852-0218.
| You can also contact us: | ||
| 1-800-852-0218 | Regular mail: | |
| jhfunds.com | Mellon Investor Services | |
| Newport Office Center VII | ||
| 480 Washington Boulevard | ||
| Jersey City, NJ 07310 | ||
|
| ||
| 28 | Preferred Income Fund III | Semiannual report |
1-800-852-0218
1-800-231-5469 TDD
1-800-843-0090 EASI-Line
www.jhfunds.com
| PRESORTED | |
| STANDARD | |
| U.S. POSTAGE | |
| PAID | |
| MIS |
| P12SA 1/10 |
| 3/10 |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable at this time.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable at this time.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable at this time.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable at this time.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-
END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT
COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There were no material changes to previously disclosed John Hancock Funds - Administration Committee Charter and John Hancock Funds – Governance Committee Charter.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Based upon their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR, the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a) Separate certifications for the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached.
(b) Separate certifications for the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached. The certifications furnished pursuant to this paragraph are not deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certifications are not deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
(c)(1) Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders is attached. See attached “John Hancock Funds – Governance Committee Charter”.
(c)(2) Contact person at the registrant.
| SIGNATURES |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III | |
| By: | /s/ Keith F. Hartstein |
| ------------------------------ | |
| Keith F. Hartstein | |
| President and | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| Date: | March 22, 2010 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| By: | /s/ Keith F. Hartstein |
| ------------------------------- | |
| Keith F. Hartstein | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| Date: | March 22, 2010 |
| By: | /s/ Charles A. Rizzo |
| -------------------------------- | |
| Charles A Rizzo | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Date: | March 22, 2010 |