| UNITED STATES | |
| SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | |
| Washington, D.C. 20549 | |
| FORM N-CSR | |
| CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED | |
| MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES | |
| Investment Company Act file number 811- 4630 | |
| John Hancock Investment Trust III | |
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) | |
| 601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) | |
| Salvatore Schiavone | |
| Treasurer | |
| 601 Congress Street | |
| Boston, Massachusetts 02210 | |
| (Name and address of agent for service) | |
| Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 617-663-4497 | |
| Date of fiscal year end: | October 31 |
| Date of reporting period: | April 30, 2013 |
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
A look at performance
Total returns for the period ended April 30, 2013
| Average annual total returns (%) | Cumulative total returns (%) | |||||||||
| with maximum sales charge | with maximum sales charge | |||||||||
| Since | Since | |||||||||
| 1-year | 5-year | 10-year | inception | 6-months | 1-year | 5-year | 10-year | inception | ||
| Class A | 12.46 | –2.60 | — | 10.471 | 7.96 | 12.46 | –12.34 | — | 119.431 | |
| Class B | 12.38 | –2.75 | — | 10.361 | 8.15 | 12.38 | –12.99 | — | 117.801 | |
| Class C | 16.39 | –2.35 | — | 10.361 | 12.16 | 16.39 | –11.22 | — | 117.731 | |
| Class I2 | 19.00 | –1.54 | — | 11.421 | 13.90 | 19.00 | –7.45 | — | 134.771 | |
| Class NAV2 | 18.99 | –0.98 | — | 4.013 | 13.89 | 18.99 | –4.81 | — | 28.293 | |
Performance figures assume all distributions have been reinvested. Figures reflect maximum sales charge on Class A shares of 5%, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) on Class B and Class C shares. The Class B shares’ CDSC declines annually between years 1 to 6 according to the following schedule: 5, 4, 3, 3, 2, 1%. No sales charge will be assessed after the sixth year. Class C shares held for less than one year are subject to a 1% CDSC. Sales charge is not applicable to Class I and Class NAV shares.
The expense ratios of the Fund, both net (including any fee waivers or expense limitations) and gross (excluding any fee waivers 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. The fee waivers and expense limitations are contractual at least until 2-28-14 for Class I shares. Had the fee waivers and expense limitations not been in place, gross expenses would apply. For all other classes, the net expenses equal the gross expenses. The expense ratios are as follows:
| Class A | Class B | Class C | Class I | Class NAV | |||||
| Net (%) | 1.80 | 2.61 | 2.61 | 1.31 | 1.24 | ||||
| Gross (%) | 1.80 | 2.61 | 2.61 | 2.74 | 1.24 |
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, the Fund’s current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown. For performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-800-225-5291 or visit the Fund’s Web site at www.jhfunds.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.
See the following page for footnotes.
| 6 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
| With maximum | Without | |||
| Start date | sales charge | sales charge | Index | |
| Class B4 | 6-9-05 | $21,780 | $21,780 | $20,303 |
| Class C4 | 6-9-05 | 21,773 | 21,773 | 20,303 |
| Class I2 | 6-9-05 | 23,477 | 23,477 | 20,303 |
| Class NAV2 | 12-28-06 | 12,829 | 12,829 | 13,601 |
Performance of the classes will vary based on the difference in sales charges paid by shareholders investing in the different classes and the fee structure of those classes.
MSCI Golden Dragon Index (gross of foreign withholding taxes on dividends) is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the China region. The MSCI Golden Dragon Index consists of the following Indexes: China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Index figures do not reflect expenses or sales charges, which would have resulted in lower values if they did.
Footnotes related to performance pages
1 From 6-9-05.
2 For certain types of investors, as described in the Fund’s prospectuses.
3 From 12-28-06.
4 The contingent deferred sales charge is not applicable.
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 7 |
Your expenses
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 going to present only your ongoing operating expenses here.
Actual expenses/actual returns
This example is intended to provide information about the Fund’s actual ongoing operating expenses, and is based on the Fund’s actual return. It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on November 1, 2012 with the same investment held until April 30, 2013.
| Account value | Ending value | Expenses paid during | |
| on 11-1-12 | on 4-30-13 | period ended 4-30-131 | |
| Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,136.50 | $9.59 |
| Class B | 1,000.00 | 1,131.50 | 14.01 |
| Class C | 1,000.00 | 1,131.60 | 13.79 |
| Class I | 1,000.00 | 1,139.00 | 6.95 |
| Class NAV | 1,000.00 | 1,138.90 | 6.74 |
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 April 30, 2013, by $1,000.00, then multiply it by the “expenses paid” for your share class from the table above. For example, for an account value of $8,600.00, the operating expenses should be calculated as follows:
| 8 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
Hypothetical example for comparison purposes
This table allows you to compare the Fund’s ongoing operating expenses with those of any other fund. It provides an example of the Fund’s hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each class’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% annualized return before expenses (which is not the Fund’s actual return). It assumes an account value of $1,000.00 on November 1, 2012, with the same investment held until April 30, 2013. Look in any other fund shareholder report to find its hypothetical example and you will be able to compare these expenses. Please remember that these hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
| Account value | Ending value | Expenses paid during | |
| on 11-1-12 | on 4-30-13 | period ended 4-30-131 | |
| Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,015.80 | $9.05 |
| Class B | 1,000.00 | 1,011.70 | 13.22 |
| Class C | 1,000.00 | 1,011.90 | 13.02 |
| Class I | 1,000.00 | 1,018.30 | 6.56 |
| Class NAV | 1,000.00 | 1,018.50 | 6.36 |
Remember, these examples do not include any transaction costs, therefore, these examples will not help you to determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If transaction costs were included, your expenses would have been higher. See the prospectuses for details regarding transaction costs.
1 Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.81%, 2.65%, 2.61%, 1.31% and 1.27% for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I and Class NAV shares, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 9 |
Portfolio summary
| Top 10 Holdings (33.4% of Net Assets on 4-30-13)1,2 | ||||
| Taiwan Semiconductor | AIA Group, Ltd. | 3.6% | ||
| Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | 6.9% | |||
| China Everbright International, Ltd. | 2.3% | |||
| China Construction Bank Corp., | ||||
| H Shares | 4.0% | Hutchison Whampoa, Ltd. | 2.3% | |
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, | CNOOC, Ltd. | 2.3% | ||
| Ltd., H Shares | 3.9% | |||
| Kingsoft Corp., Ltd. | 2.1% | |||
| MediaTek, Inc. | 3.9% | |||
| Tencent Holdings, Ltd. | 2.1% | |||
| Sector Composition1,3 | ||||
| Financials | 35.0% | Utilities | 3.9% | |
| Information Technology | 24.1% | Materials | 3.3% | |
| Consumer Discretionary | 11.1% | Health Care | 2.4% | |
| Industrials | 9.3% | Telecommunication Services | 2.0% | |
| Energy | 6.9% | Consumer Staples | 2.0% | |
1 As a percentage of net assets on 4-30-13.
2 Cash and cash equivalents not included.
3 Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Investments in the Greater China region are subject to special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, restrictions on monetary repatriation and possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of assets. The Fund may invest in IPOs, which are frequently volatile in price and may lead to increased portfolio turnover. The prices of medium and small company stocks can change more frequently and dramatically than those of large company stocks. The Fund may invest its assets in a small number of issuers. Performance could suffer significantly from adverse events affecting these issuers. Hedging and other strategic transactions may increase volatility of a fund and, if the transaction is not successful, could result in a significant loss. Sector investing is subject to greater risks than the market as a whole. Because the Fund may focus on particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors and investments focused in one sector may fluctuate more widely than investments diversified across sectors. For additional information on these and other risk considerations, please see the Fund’s prospectuses.
| 10 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
Fund’s investments
As of 4-30-13 (unaudited)
| Shares | Value | |
| Common Stocks 100.0% | $70,035,233 | |
| (Cost $54,693,580) | ||
| China 33.1% | 23,213,995 | |
| Bank of China, Ltd., H Shares | 1,617,000 | 763,574 |
| China Construction Bank Corp., H Shares | 3,315,000 | 2,780,798 |
| China Life Insurance Company, Ltd., H Shares | 352,000 | 963,201 |
| China Machinery Engineering Corp. (I) | 900,000 | 656,305 |
| China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd., H Shares | 348,000 | 446,242 |
| China Modern Dairy Holdings, Ltd. (I) | 2,100,000 | 734,498 |
| China National Building Material Company, Ltd., H Shares | 668,000 | 794,261 |
| China Pacific Insurance Group Company, Ltd., H Shares | 390,200 | 1,403,389 |
| CNOOC, Ltd. | 849,000 | 1,582,731 |
| CPMC Holdings, Ltd. | 813,000 | 641,479 |
| Golden Wheel Tiandi Holdings Company, Ltd. (I) | 3,000,000 | 538,785 |
| Hilong Holding, Ltd. | 2,188,000 | 903,175 |
| Honghua Group, Ltd. | 746,000 | 367,272 |
| Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd., H Shares | 3,879,500 | 2,734,083 |
| Kingsoft Corp., Ltd. | 1,275,000 | 1,468,525 |
| PetroChina Company, Ltd., H Shares | 926,000 | 1,181,136 |
| Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd. | 419,000 | 1,235,655 |
| SITC International Holdings Company, Ltd. | 772,000 | 283,835 |
| Sunac China Holdings Ltd. | 1,288,000 | 1,041,282 |
| Tencent Holdings, Ltd. | 42,100 | 1,451,339 |
| Tingyi Holding Corp. | 244,000 | 677,757 |
| Xinchen China Power Holdings, Ltd. (I)(S) | 1,965,000 | 564,673 |
| Hong Kong 35.8% | 25,059,662 | |
| AIA Group, Ltd. | 568,600 | 2,527,992 |
| ASM Pacific Technology, Ltd. | 41,300 | 427,491 |
| BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd. | 274,000 | 946,422 |
| Cheung Kong Holdings, Ltd. | 52,000 | 784,830 |
| Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd. | 132,000 | 958,968 |
| China Everbright International, Ltd. | 2,079,000 | 1,610,599 |
| China Mobile, Ltd. | 129,500 | 1,419,968 |
| China Power International Development, Ltd. | 1,891,000 | 683,386 |
| China Resources Land, Ltd. | 452,000 | 1,382,639 |
| China Singyes Solar Technologies Holdings, Ltd. | 503,000 | 443,050 |
| CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd. (I) | 890,000 | 428,552 |
| See notes to financial statements | Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 11 |
| Shares | Value | |
| Hong Kong (continued) | ||
| Geely Automobile Holdings Company, Ltd. | 1,630,000 | $831,013 |
| Haier Electronics Group Company, Ltd. (I) | 310,000 | 553,988 |
| Hong Kong & China Gas Company, Ltd. | 257,100 | 775,844 |
| Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd. | 42,800 | 720,643 |
| Hutchison Whampoa, Ltd. | 147,000 | 1,594,135 |
| Kingboard Chemical Holdings, Ltd. | 200,000 | 545,130 |
| Kunlun Energy Company, Ltd. | 416,000 | 817,108 |
| Lee & Man Chemical Company, Ltd. | 835,850 | 388,049 |
| Melco International Development, Ltd. | 472,000 | 920,094 |
| New World Development Company, Ltd. | 423,000 | 742,829 |
| Sino Biopharmaceutical | 1,240,000 | 854,083 |
| Sun Hung Kai Properties, Ltd. | 31,000 | 452,191 |
| Swire Properties, Ltd. | 248,600 | 886,053 |
| Tianjin Development Holdings, Ltd. (I) | 1,046,000 | 700,418 |
| Towngas China Company, Ltd. | 326,000 | 314,754 |
| Wharf Holdings, Ltd. | 150,000 | 1,342,502 |
| Xinyi Glass Holdings Company, Ltd. | 1,468,000 | 1,006,931 |
| Macau 1.8% | 1,279,498 | |
| Sands China, Ltd. | 243,600 | 1,279,498 |
| Taiwan 29.3% | 20,482,078 | |
| Asustek Computer, Inc. | 31,000 | 361,165 |
| Aurora Corp. | 326,000 | 598,647 |
| Casetek Holdings, Ltd. (I) | 109,000 | 593,947 |
| Cathay Financial Holdings Company, Ltd. | 429,000 | 577,958 |
| Cathay Real Estate Development Company, Ltd. | 1,080,000 | 648,597 |
| Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Company, Ltd. | 411,500 | 1,394,231 |
| China Life Insurance Company, Ltd. (I) | 690,466 | 702,007 |
| Evergreen Marine Corp., Ltd. (I) | 821,000 | 480,285 |
| Fubon Financial Holding Company, Ltd. | 585,000 | 836,552 |
| Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, Ltd. | 205,700 | 531,678 |
| Hung Sheng Construction Company, Ltd. | 683,000 | 565,208 |
| Innolux Corp. (I) | 869,000 | 544,089 |
| Lite-On Technology Corp. | 317,000 | 570,755 |
| MediaTek, Inc. | 221,000 | 2,698,139 |
| Novatek Microelectronics Corp., Ltd. | 202,000 | 986,996 |
| SinoPac Financial Holdings Company, Ltd. | 1,403,000 | 702,139 |
| Taiwan Cement Corp. | 345,000 | 458,635 |
| Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | 1,304,089 | 4,845,272 |
| Teco Electric & Machinery Company, Ltd. | 813,000 | 765,218 |
| TPK Holding Company, Ltd. | 31,000 | 630,128 |
| TTY Biopharm Company, Ltd. | 120,000 | 398,021 |
| 12 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report | See notes to financial statements |
| Shares | Value | |
| Taiwan (continued) | ||
| Vivotek, Inc. (I) | 53,203 | $243,926 |
| Win Semiconductors Corp. | 293,000 | 348,485 |
| Total investments (Cost $54,693,580)† 100.0% | $70,035,233 | |
| Other assets and liabilities, net 0.0% | $24,246 | |
| Total net assets 100.0% | $70,059,479 | |
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund.
(I) Non-income producing security.
(S) These securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified institutional buyers, in transactions exempt from registration.
† At 4-30-13, the aggregate cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $54,695,388. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated $15,339,845, of which $16,878,169 related to appreciated investment securities and $1,538,324 related to depreciated investment securities.
The Fund had the following sector composition as of 4-30-13 (as a percentage of total net assets):
| Financials | 35.0% | |||
| Information Technology | 24.1% | |||
| Consumer Discretionary | 11.1% | |||
| Industrials | 9.3% | |||
| Energy | 6.9% | |||
| Utilities | 3.9% | |||
| Materials | 3.3% | |||
| Health Care | 2.4% | |||
| Telecommunication Services | 2.0% | |||
| Consumer Staples | 2.0% |
| See notes to financial statements | Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 13 |
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 4-30-13 (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 and the maximum offering price per share.
| Assets | |
| Investments, at value (Cost $54,693,580) | $70,035,233 |
| Cash | 6,235 |
| Foreign currency, at value (Cost $204,177) | 205,849 |
| Receivable for investments sold | 2,062,695 |
| Receivable for fund shares sold | 40,562 |
| Dividends receivable | 26,767 |
| Other receivables and prepaid expenses | 53,929 |
| Total assets | 72,431,270 |
| Liabilities | |
| Payable for investments purchased | 2,024,196 |
| Payable for fund shares repurchased | 199,996 |
| Payable to affiliates | |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 2,043 |
| Transfer agent fees | 19,221 |
| Distribution and service fees | 27,602 |
| Trustees’ fees | 3,166 |
| Investment management fees | 55,127 |
| Other liabilities and accrued expenses | 40,440 |
| Total liabilities | 2,371,791 |
| Net assets | $70,059,479 |
| Net assets consist of | |
| Paid-in capital | $56,484,260 |
| Accumulated net investment loss | (667,022) |
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign | |
| currency transactions | (1,101,011) |
| Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and translation | |
| of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | 15,343,252 |
| Net assets | $70,059,479 |
| 14 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report | See notes to financial statements |
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
Statement of assets and liabilities (continued)
| Net asset value per share | |
| Based on net asset values and shares outstanding — the Fund has an | |
| unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value | |
| Class A ($48,327,439 ÷ 2,371,764 shares)1 | $20.38 |
| Class B ($8,515,647 ÷ 430,363 shares)1 | $19.79 |
| Class C ($11,303,162 ÷ 571,574 shares)1 | $19.78 |
| Class I ($1,190,546 ÷ 58,538 shares) | $20.34 |
| Class NAV ($722,685 ÷ 35,137 shares) | $20.57 |
| Maximum offering price per share | |
| Class A (net asset value per share ÷ 95%)2 | $21.45 |
1 Redemption price 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 | Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 15 |
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 4-30-13
(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 | $99,153 |
| Total investment income | 99,153 |
| Expenses | |
| Investment management fees | 346,503 |
| Distribution and service fees | 170,541 |
| Accounting and legal services fees | 7,623 |
| Transfer agent fees | 61,914 |
| Trustees’ fees | 1,793 |
| State registration fees | 29,088 |
| Printing and postage | 10,611 |
| Professional fees | 22,015 |
| Custodian fees | 43,313 |
| Registration and filing fees | 15,078 |
| Other | 2,667 |
| Total expenses | 711,146 |
| Less expense reductions | (8,802) |
| Net expenses | 702,344 |
| Net investment loss | (603,191) |
| Realized and unrealized gain (loss) | |
| Net realized gain (loss) on | |
| Investments | 2,844,293 |
| Foreign currency transactions | (11,207) |
| 2,833,086 | |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of | |
| Investments | 6,336,227 |
| Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | 1,403 |
| 6,337,630 | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain | 9,170,716 |
| Increase in net assets from operations | $8,567,525 |
| 16 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report | See notes to financial statements |
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
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.
| Six months | ||
| ended | Year | |
| 4-30-13 | ended | |
| (Unaudited) | 10-31-12 | |
| Increase (decrease) in net assets | ||
| From operations | ||
| Net investment income (loss) | ($603,191) | $102,257 |
| Net realized gain (loss) | 2,833,086 | (2,832,765) |
| Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 6,337,630 | 7,273,711 |
| Increase in net assets resulting from operations | 8,567,525 | 4,543,203 |
| Distributions to shareholders | ||
| From net investment income | ||
| Class A | (149,779) | (460,788) |
| Class B | — | (16,705) |
| Class C | — | (19,488) |
| Class I | (8,079) | (14,687) |
| Class NAV | (4,274) | (11,779) |
| Total distributions | (162,132) | (523,447) |
| From Fund share transactions | (3,614,837) | (17,237,353) |
| Total increase (decrease) | 4,790,556 | (13,217,597) |
| Net assets | ||
| Beginning of period | 65,268,923 | 78,486,520 |
| End of period | $70,059,479 | $65,268,923 |
| Undistributed net investment income (accumulated net | ||
| investment loss) | ($667,022) | $98,301 |
| See notes to financial statements | Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 17 |
Financial highlights
The Financial highlights show how the Fund’s net asset value for a share has changed during the period.
| CLASS A SHARES Period ended | 4-30-131 | 10-31-12 | 10-31-11 | 10-31-10 | 10-31-09 | 10-31-08 |
| Per share operating performance | ||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $17.99 | $16.90 | $20.24 | $17.33 | $11.61 | $32.54 |
| Net investment income (loss)2 | (0.15) | 0.06 | 0.14 | 0.08 | 0.12 | 0.04 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||
| on investments | 2.60 | 1.18 | (3.41) | 2.94 | 5.63 | (19.08) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.45 | 1.24 | (3.27) | 3.02 | 5.75 | (19.04) |
| Less distributions | ||||||
| From net investment income | (0.06) | (0.15) | (0.07) | (0.11) | (0.03) | (0.06) |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | — | — | (1.83) |
| Total distributions | (0.06) | (0.15) | (0.07) | (0.11) | (0.03) | (1.89) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $20.38 | $17.99 | $16.90 | $20.24 | $17.33 | $11.61 |
| Total return (%)3,4 | 13.655 | 7.51 | (16.24) | 17.46 | 49.62 | (61.75) |
| Ratios and supplemental data | ||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $48 | $44 | $53 | $80 | $90 | $69 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | ||||||
| net assets): | ||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 1.816 | 1.80 | 1.67 | 1.73 | 1.95 | 1.77 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers | 1.816 | 1.80 | 1.67 | 1.70 | 1.95 | 1.77 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers and credits | 1.816 | 1.80 | 1.67 | 1.70 | 1.92 | 1.77 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.52)6 | 0.37 | 0.67 | 0.45 | 0.86 | 0.21 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 44 | 132 | 145 | 71 | 105 | 98 |
1 Six months ended 4-30-13. Unaudited.
2 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
3 Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any.
4 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods shown.
5 Not annualized.
6 Annualized.
| 18 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report | See notes to financial statements |
| CLASS B SHARES Period ended | 4-30-131 | 10-31-12 | 10-31-11 | 10-31-10 | 10-31-09 | 10-31-08 |
| Per share operating performance | ||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $17.49 | $16.42 | $19.76 | $16.95 | $11.41 | $32.16 |
| Net investment income (loss)2 | (0.22) | (0.08) | (0.02) | (0.06) | 0.01 | (0.09) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||
| on investments | 2.52 | 1.18 | (3.32) | 2.87 | 5.53 | (18.83) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.30 | 1.10 | (3.34) | 2.81 | 5.54 | (18.92) |
| Less distributions | ||||||
| From net investment income | — | (0.03) | — | —3 | — | — |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | — | — | (1.83) |
| Total distributions | — | (0.03) | — | —3 | — | (1.83) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.79 | $17.49 | $16.42 | $19.76 | $16.95 | $11.41 |
| Total return (%)4,5 | 13.156 | 6.70 | (16.90) | 16.58 | 48.55 | (62.02) |
| Ratios and supplemental data | ||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $9 | $9 | $11 | $17 | $19 | $15 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | ||||||
| net assets): | ||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 2.657 | 2.61 | 2.46 | 2.49 | 2.70 | 2.49 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers | 2.657 | 2.61 | 2.46 | 2.45 | 2.70 | 2.49 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers and credits | 2.657 | 2.61 | 2.46 | 2.45 | 2.67 | 2.49 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (2.36)7 | (0.45) | (0.11) | (0.31) | 0.11 | (0.43) |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 44 | 132 | 145 | 71 | 105 | 98 |
1 Six months ended 4-30-13. Unaudited.
2 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
3 Less than $0.005 per share.
4 Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any.
5 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods shown.
6 Not annualized.
7 Annualized.
| CLASS C SHARES Period ended | 4-30-131 | 10-31-12 | 10-31-11 | 10-31-10 | 10-31-09 | 10-31-08 |
| Per share operating performance | ||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $17.48 | $16.41 | $19.75 | $16.94 | $11.40 | $32.16 |
| Net investment income (loss)2 | (0.22) | (0.07) | (0.02) | (0.05) | 0.01 | (0.09) |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||
| on investments | 2.52 | 1.17 | (3.32) | 2.86 | 5.53 | (18.84) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.30 | 1.10 | (3.34) | 2.81 | 5.54 | (18.93) |
| Less distributions | ||||||
| From net investment income | — | (0.03) | — | —3 | — | — |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | — | — | (1.83) |
| Total distributions | — | (0.03) | — | —3 | — | (1.83) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.78 | $17.48 | $16.41 | $19.75 | $16.94 | $11.40 |
| Total return (%)4,5 | 13.166 | 6.71 | (16.91) | 16.59 | 48.60 | (62.06) |
| Ratios and supplemental data | ||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $11 | $10 | $12 | $18 | $20 | $16 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | ||||||
| net assets): | ||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 2.617 | 2.61 | 2.45 | 2.48 | 2.71 | 2.49 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers | 2.617 | 2.61 | 2.45 | 2.44 | 2.71 | 2.49 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers and credits | 2.617 | 2.61 | 2.45 | 2.44 | 2.68 | 2.49 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (2.32)7 | (0.43) | (0.12) | (0.26) | 0.10 | (0.43) |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 44 | 132 | 145 | 71 | 105 | 98 |
1 Six months ended 4-30-13. Unaudited.
2 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
3 Less than $0.005 per share.
4 Does not reflect the effect of sales charges, if any.
5 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods shown.
6 Not annualized.
7 Annualized.
| See notes to financial statements | Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 19 |
| CLASS I SHARES Period ended | 4-30-131 | 10-31-12 | 10-31-11 | 10-31-10 | 10-31-09 | 10-31-08 |
| Per share operating performance | ||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $17.96 | $16.82 | $20.14 | $17.24 | $11.57 | $32.69 |
| Net investment income (loss)2 | (0.10) | 0.12 | 0.18 | 0.01 | 0.18 | 0.04 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||
| on investments | 2.59 | 1.20 | (3.41) | 3.02 | 5.53 | (19.14) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.49 | 1.32 | (3.23) | 3.03 | 5.71 | (19.10) |
| Less distributions | ||||||
| From net investment income | (0.11) | (0.18) | (0.09) | (0.13) | (0.04) | (0.19) |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | — | — | (1.83) |
| Total distributions | (0.11) | (0.18) | (0.09) | (0.13) | (0.04) | (2.02) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $20.34 | $17.96 | $16.82 | $20.14 | $17.24 | $11.57 |
| Total return (%)3 | 13.904 | 8.01 | (16.12) | 17.61 | 49.49 | (61.89) |
| Ratios and supplemental data | ||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $1 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $5 | $1 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | ||||||
| net assets): | ||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 2.615 | 2.74 | 2.02 | 1.83 | 1.81 | 1.64 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers and credits | 1.315 | 1.39 | 1.53 | 1.57 | 1.65 | 1.64 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (1.03)5 | 0.73 | 0.87 | 0.08 | 1.25 | 0.19 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 44 | 132 | 145 | 71 | 105 | 98 |
1 Six months ended 4-30-13. Unaudited.
2 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
3 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods shown.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.
| CLASS NAV SHARES Period ended | 4-30-131 | 10-31-12 | 10-31-11 | 10-31-10 | 10-31-09 | 10-31-08 |
| Per share operating performance | ||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period | $18.18 | $17.07 | $20.42 | $17.47 | $11.66 | $32.72 |
| Net investment income (loss)2 | (0.10) | 0.15 | 0.26 | 0.20 | 0.24 | 0.24 |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | ||||||
| on investments | 2.62 | 1.21 | (3.47) | 2.96 | 5.65 | (19.20) |
| Total from investment operations | 2.52 | 1.36 | (3.21) | 3.16 | 5.89 | (18.96) |
| Less distributions | ||||||
| From net investment income | (0.13) | (0.25) | (0.14) | (0.21) | (0.08) | (0.27) |
| From net realized gain | — | — | — | — | — | (1.83) |
| Total distributions | (0.13) | (0.25) | (0.14) | (0.21) | (0.08) | (2.10) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $20.57 | $18.18 | $17.07 | $20.42 | $17.47 | $11.66 |
| Total return (%)3 | 13.894 | 8.20 | (15.82) | 18.17 | 50.84 | (61.51) |
| Ratios and supplemental data | ||||||
| Net assets, end of period (in millions) | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | —5 |
| Ratios (as a percentage of average | ||||||
| net assets): | ||||||
| Expenses before reductions | 1.276 | 1.24 | 1.14 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.17 |
| Expenses net of fee waivers and credits | 1.276 | 1.24 | 1.14 | 1.11 | 1.12 | 1.17 |
| Net investment income (loss) | (0.98)6 | 0.87 | 1.30 | 1.08 | 1.63 | 1.16 |
| Portfolio turnover (%) | 44 | 132 | 145 | 71 | 105 | 98 |
1 Six months ended 4-30-13. Unaudited.
2 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
3 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods shown.
4 Not annualized.
5 Less than $500,000.
6 Annualized.
| 20 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report | See notes to financial statements |
Notes to financial statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 — Organization
John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a series of John Hancock Investment Trust III (the Trust), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund may offer multiple classes of shares. The shares currently offered are detailed in the Statement of assets and liabilities. Class A and Class C shares are offered to all investors. Class B shares are closed to new investors. Class I shares are offered to institutions and certain investors. Class NAV shares are offered to John Hancock affiliated funds of funds. Shareholders of each class have exclusive voting rights to matters that affect that class. The distribution and service fees, if any, transfer agent fees, printing and postage and state registration fees for each class may differ. Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase.
Note 2 — Significant accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, 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. 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 close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally at 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. In order to value the securities, the Fund uses the following valuation techniques: Equity securities held by the Fund are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the principal securities exchange on which they trade. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, then the securities are valued using the last quoted bid or evaluated price. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rates supplied by an independent pricing service. Certain 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.
Other portfolio securities and assets, for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Pricing Committee following procedures established by the Board of Trustees, which include price verification procedures. 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. Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Significant market events that affect the values of foreign securities may occur between the time when the valuation of the securities is generally determined and the close of the NYSE. During significant market events, these securities will be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith, following procedures established by the Board of Trustees. The Fund may use a fair valuation model to value foreign securities in order to adjust for events that may occur between the close of foreign exchanges and the close of the NYSE.
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 21 |
The Fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the pricing assumptions, referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. Level 1 includes securities valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes securities valued using other significant observable inputs. Observable inputs may include quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk. Prices for securities valued using these inputs are received from independent pricing vendors and brokers and are based on an evaluation of the inputs described. Level 3 includes securities valued using significant unobservable inputs when market prices are not readily available or reliable, including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Factors used in determining value may include market or issuer specific events or trends, changes in interest rates and credit quality. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities. Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.
As of April 30, 2013, all investments were categorized as Level 2 under the hierarchy described above.
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. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, except for dividends of foreign securities where the dividend may not be known until after the ex-date. In those cases, dividend income, net of withholding taxes, is recorded when the Fund becomes aware of the dividends. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.
Foreign currency translation. Assets, including investments and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the value of securities is reflected as a component of the realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments.
Funds that invest internationally generally carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. securities. Funds investing in a single country or in a limited geographic region tend to be riskier than funds that invest more broadly. Risks can result from differences in economic and political conditions, regulations, market practices (including higher transaction costs), accounting standards and other factors. Foreign investments are also subject to a decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency.
Foreign taxes. The Fund may be subject to withholding tax on income or capital gains or repatriation taxes as imposed by certain countries in which the Fund invests. Taxes are accrued based upon investment income, realized gains or unrealized appreciation.
Line of credit. The Fund may borrow from banks for temporary or emergency purposes, including meeting redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely sale of securities. Pursuant to the Fund’s custodian agreement, the custodian may loan money to the Fund to make properly authorized payments. The Fund is obligated to repay the custodian for any overdraft, including any related costs or expenses. The custodian may have a lien, security interest or security entitlement in any Fund property that is not otherwise segregated or pledged, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to the extent of any overdraft.
In addition, the Fund and other affiliated funds have entered into an agreement with Citibank N.A. that enables them to participate in a $300 million unsecured committed line of credit. A commitment fee, payable at the end of each calendar quarter, based on the average daily unused
| 22 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
portion of the line of credit, is charged to each participating fund on a pro rata basis and is reflected in other expenses on the Statement of operations. Prior to March 27, 2013, the Fund participated in a $100 million unsecured line of credit, also with Citibank, with terms otherwise similar to the existing agreement. Commitment fees for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $488. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, the Fund had no borrowings under either line of credit.
Expenses. Within the John Hancock 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, transfer agent fees, state registration fees and printing and postage, for all classes, are calculated daily at the class level based on the appropriate 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.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Any losses incurred during those taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund has a capital loss carryforward of $3,932,289 available to offset future net realized capital gains as of October 31, 2012. The following table details the capital loss carryforward available as of October 31, 2012:
| CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS | NO EXPIRATION DATE | |||
| EXPIRING AT OCTOBER 31, 2017 | SHORT-TERM | |||
| $974,763 | $2,957,526 | |||
As of October 31, 2012, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, derecognition or disclosure. The Fund’s federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years.
Distribution of income and gains. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are recorded on the ex-date. The Fund generally declares and pays dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, annually.
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.
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.
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
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 23 |
differences, if any, will reverse in a subsequent period. Book-tax differences are primarily attributable to passive foreign investment companies.
Note 3 — Guarantees and indemnifications
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the 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 Advisers, LLC (the Advisor) serves as investment advisor for the Fund. John Hancock Funds, LLC (the Distributor), an affiliate of the Advisor, serves as principal underwriter of the Fund. The Advisor and the Distributor are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC).
Management fee. The Fund has an investment management agreement with the Advisor under which the Fund pays a monthly management fee to the Advisor equivalent, on an annual basis, to the sum of: (a) 1.00% of the first $1,000,000,000 of the Fund’s average daily net assets; (b) 0.95% of the next $1,000,000,000 of the Fund’s average daily net assets and (c) 0.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $2,000,000,000. The Advisor has a subadvisory agreement with John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (North America) Limited, an indirectly owned subsidiary of MFC and an affiliate of the Advisor. The Fund is not responsible for payment of the subadvisory fees.
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses for Class I shares of the Fund. This agreement excludes taxes, brokerage commissions, interest expense, litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, acquired fund fees and expenses paid indirectly and short dividend expense. The fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements are such that the total operating expenses for Class I shares will not exceed 1.31% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The fee waivers and/or reimbursements will continue in effect until at least February 28, 2014. Accordingly, these expense reductions amounted to $8,802 for Class I shares for the six months ended April 30, 2013.
The investment management fees, including the impact of waivers and reimbursements described above, incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.97% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to the Accounting and Legal Services Agreement, the Fund reimburses the Advisor for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, accounting and recordkeeping services to the Fund, including the preparation of all tax returns, periodic reports to shareholders and regulatory reports, among other services. These expenses are allocated to each share class based on its relative net assets at the time the expense was incurred. These accounting and legal services fees incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2013 amounted to an annual rate of 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
Distribution and service plans. The Fund has a distribution agreement with the Distributor. The Fund has adopted distribution and service plans with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to pay the Distributor for services provided as the distributor of shares of the Fund. The Fund pays the following contractual rates of distribution fees under these arrangements, expressed as an annual percentage of average daily net assets for each class of the Fund’s shares.
| 24 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
| CLASS | RULE 12b–1 FEE | ||||
| Class A | 0.30% | ||||
| Class B | 1.00% | ||||
| Class C | 1.00% | ||||
Sales charges. Class A shares are assessed up-front sales charges, which resulted in payments to the Distributor amounting to $27,145 for the six months ended April 30, 2013. Of this amount, $4,324 was retained and used for printing prospectuses, advertising, sales literature and other purposes, $21,675 was paid as sales commissions to broker-dealers and $1,146 was paid as sales commissions to sales personnel of Signator Investors, Inc., a broker-dealer affiliate of the Advisor.
Class A, Class B and Class C shares may be subject to contingent deferred sales charges (CDSCs). Certain Class A shares that are acquired through purchases of $1 million or more and are redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% sales charge. Class B shares that are redeemed within six years of purchase are subject to CDSCs, at declining rates, beginning at 5.00%. Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1.00% CDSC. CDSCs are applied to the lesser of the current market value at the time of redemption or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. Proceeds from CDSCs are used to compensate the Distributor for providing distribution-related services in connection with the sale of these shares. During the six months ended April 30, 2013, CDSCs received by the Distributor amounted to $0, $9,591 and $503 for Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively.
Transfer agent fees. The Fund has a transfer agent agreement with John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. (Signature Services), an affiliate of the Advisor. The transfer agent fees paid to Signature Services are determined based on the cost to Signature Services (Signature Services Cost) of providing recordkeeping services. The Signature Services Cost includes a component of allocated John Hancock corporate overhead for providing transfer agent services to the Fund and to all other John Hancock affiliated funds. It also includes out-of-pocket expenses that are comprised of 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 four categories of share classes: Institutional Share Classes, Retirement Share Classes, Municipal Bond Classes and all other Retail 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 six months ended April 30, 2013 were:
| DISTRIBUTION | TRANSFER | STATE | PRINTING AND | |
| CLASS | AND SERVICE FEES | AGENT FEES | REGISTRATION FEES | POSTAGE |
| Class A | $71,040 | $43,076 | $7,097 | $6,514 |
| Class B | 44,263 | 8,064 | 7,088 | 1,673 |
| Class C | 55,238 | 10,047 | 7,088 | 1,888 |
| Class I | — | 727 | 7,815 | 536 |
| Total | $170,541 | $61,914 | $29,088 | $10,611 |
Trustee expenses. The Fund compensates each Trustee who is not an employee of the Advisor or its affiliates. Under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan (the Plan) which was terminated in November 2012, certain Trustees could have elected, for tax purposes, to defer receipt of this compensation. Any deferred amounts were invested in various John Hancock funds. The investment of deferred amounts and the offsetting liability are included within Other receivables and prepaid expenses and Payable to affiliates — Trustees’ fees, respectively, in the accompanying Statement of assets and liabilities. Plan assets will be liquidated in accordance with the Plan documents.
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 25 |
Note 5 — Fund share transactions
Transactions in Fund shares for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and for the year ended October 31, 2012 were as follows:
| Six months ended 4-30-13 | Year ended 10-31-12 | |||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |
| Class A shares | ||||
| Sold | 216,201 | $4,239,352 | 188,009 | $3,154,840 |
| Distributions reinvested | 7,450 | 142,957 | 27,921 | 427,184 |
| Repurchased | (316,997) | (6,169,871) | (874,461) | (14,735,861) |
| Net decrease | (93,346) | ($1,787,562) | (658,531) | ($11,153,837) |
| Class B shares | ||||
| Sold | 10,129 | $193,582 | 17,421 | $284,349 |
| Distributions reinvested | — | — | 914 | 13,704 |
| Repurchased | (81,056) | (1,537,005) | (198,391) | (3,259,399) |
| Net decrease | (70,927) | ($1,343,423) | (180,056) | ($2,961,346) |
| Class C shares | ||||
| Sold | 44,415 | $855,875 | 43,866 | $719,454 |
| Distributions reinvested | — | — | 1,020 | 15,277 |
| Repurchased | (66,500) | (1,260,931) | (194,639) | (3,203,751) |
| Net decrease | (22,085) | ($405,056) | (149,753) | ($2,469,020) |
| Class I shares | ||||
| Sold | 28,738 | $559,189 | 74,374 | $1,296,624 |
| Distributions reinvested | 331 | 6,331 | 664 | 10,099 |
| Repurchased | (33,921) | (656,968) | (101,401) | (1,746,676) |
| Net decrease | (4,852) | ($91,448) | (26,363) | ($439,953) |
| Class NAV shares | ||||
| Sold | 5,627 | $111,712 | 10,505 | $179,663 |
| Distributions reinvested | 221 | 4,274 | 765 | 11,779 |
| Repurchased | (5,289) | (103,334) | (23,624) | (404,639) |
| Net increase (decrease) | 559 | $12,652 | (12,354) | ($213,197) |
| Net decrease | (190,651) | ($3,614,837) | (1,027,057) | ($17,237,353) |
Note 6 — Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term securities, amounted to $30,334,325 and $34,575,313, respectively, for the six months ended April 30, 2013.
| 26 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
Special Shareholder Meeting
On November 15, 2012, a Special Meeting of the Shareholders of John Hancock Investment Trust III and its series, John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund, was held at 601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts, for the purpose of considering and voting on the following proposal:
Proposal: Election of thirteen (13) Trustees as members of the Board of Trustees of John Hancock Investment Trust III.
| TOTAL VOTES | TOTAL VOTES WITHHELD | |
| FOR THE NOMINEE | FROM THE NOMINEE | |
| Independent Trustees | ||
| Charles L. Bardelis | 3,258,979.36 | 79,638.71 |
| Peter S. Burgess | 3,261,862.72 | 76,855.35 |
| William H. Cunningham | 3,249,779.60 | 88,938.47 |
| Grace K. Fey | 3,263,671.76 | 75,046.31 |
| Theron S. Hoffman | 3,262,757.07 | 75,961.00 |
| Deborah C. Jackson | 3,251,491.24 | 87,226.83 |
| Hassell H. McClellan | 3,247,495.90 | 91,222.17 |
| James M. Oates | 3,259,971.01 | 78,747.06 |
| Steven R. Pruchansky | 3,262,278.58 | 76,439.49 |
| Gregory A. Russo | 3,250,625.19 | 88,092.88 |
| Non-Independent Trustees | ||
| James R. Boyle | 3,262,803.39 | 75,914.68 |
| Craig Bromley | 3,259,920.03 | 78,798.04 |
| Warren A. Thomson | 3,250,330.61 | 88,387.46 |
| Semiannual report | Greater China Opportunities Fund | 27 |
More information
| Trustees | Investment advisor |
| James M. Oates, Chairman | John Hancock Advisers, LLC |
| Steven R. Pruchansky, Vice Chairman | |
| Charles L. Bardelis* | Subadvisor |
| James R. Boyle† | John Hancock Asset Management |
| Craig Bromley† | a division of Manulife Asset Management |
| Peter S. Burgess* | (North America) Limited |
| William H. Cunningham | |
| Grace K. Fey | Principal distributor |
| Theron S. Hoffman* | John Hancock Funds, LLC |
| Deborah C. Jackson | |
| Hassell H. McClellan | Custodian |
| Gregory A. Russo | State Street Bank and Trust Company |
| Warren A. Thomson† | |
| Transfer agent | |
| Officers | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. |
| Hugh McHaffie | |
| President | Legal counsel |
| K&L Gates LLP | |
| Andrew G. Arnott | |
| Executive Vice President | |
| Thomas M. Kinzler | |
| Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | |
| Francis V. Knox, Jr. | |
| Chief Compliance Officer | |
| Charles A. Rizzo | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Salvatore Schiavone | |
| Treasurer | |
| *Member of the Audit Committee | |
| †Non-Independent Trustee | |
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 Form N-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 to receive information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room.
We make this information on your fund, as well as monthly portfolio holdings, and other fund details available on our Web site at www.jhfunds.com or by calling 1-800-225-5291.
| You can also contact us: | ||
| 1-800-225-5291 | Regular mail: | Express mail: |
| jhfunds.com | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. | John Hancock Signature Services, Inc. |
| P.O. Box 55913 | Mutual Fund Image Operations | |
| Boston, MA 02205-5913 | 30 Dan Road | |
| Canton, MA 02021 |
| 28 | Greater China Opportunities Fund | Semiannual report |
1-800-225-5291
1-800-554-6713 TDD
1-800-338-8080 EASI-Line
www.jhfunds.com
www.jhfunds.com/edelivery
| This report is for the information of the shareholders of John Hancock Greater China Opportunities Fund. | |
| It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. | 08SA 4/13 |
| MF142347 | 6/13 |
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.
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 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 – Nominating, Governance and Administration Committee Charter.”
(c)(2) Contact person at the registrant.
| SIGNATURES |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| John Hancock Investment Trust III | |
| By: | /s/ Hugh McHaffie |
| ------------------------------ | |
| Hugh McHaffie | |
| President | |
| Date: | June 26, 2013 |
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/ Hugh McHaffie |
| ------------------------------- | |
| Hugh McHaffie | |
| President | |
| Date: | June 26, 2013 |
| By: | /s/ Charles A. Rizzo |
| --------------------------------- | |
| Charles A. Rizzo | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Date: | June 26, 2013 |