John Hancock Financial Announces Top Americans Kara Goucher and Desiree Davila to Run 2011 Boston Marathon

{"s" : "mfc,mfc.to","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: John Hancock Financial On Tuesday December 14, 2010, 10:03 am

BOSTON, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In its 26th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced that Kara Goucher and Desiree Davila will headline the elite women's American team at the 115th running of the race on April 18, 2011.

The matchup should prove exciting as both women seek positioning for the 2012 Olympic Marathon. Goucher, who trains under former Boston champion Alberto Salazar, is third on the all-time American list with a 2:25:53 best. Davila, who trains with the Hansons-Brooks team, is fourth with a 2:26:20 best. Only Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit-Samuelson have run faster times.

In head-to-head competition the two women raced on the American team at the 2009 IAAF World Championships Marathon in Berlin with Goucher finishing 10th and Davila five seconds back in 11th.

Choosing Boston as her first marathon after the birth in September of her son, Colt, Goucher said, "My return to running has gone very well and I can't think of a better place than Boston to pickup where I left off."

In 2009 Goucher finished third at the Boston Marathon. Her front running against 2008 champion Dire Tune and eventual winner Salina Kosgei made for a thrilling race as only nine seconds separated the three women at the finish.

"I'm excited to be invited back on the John Hancock elite team," said Goucher. "The 2009 Boston Marathon stands as the highlight of my career. I wished that I could have won, but I did the best I could and Boston embraced me for that. The support in Boston was nothing that I had ever experienced before. It was a thrill of a lifetime to have people cheering my name for the full 26.2-mile race."

In her 2008 marathon debut in New York City, Goucher finished third and set a number of American women's marathon records: the fastest debut ever, the fastest time ever run on the course, and the fastest time of 2008. She also was a 2008 Olympian in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and a 2007 World Championship bronze medalist in the 10,000m.

Desiree Davila brings significant credentials to the John Hancock elite team having run the fastest marathon time by an American in 2010, with her fourth place finish in Chicago.

An Arizona State University All American in cross-country and on the track, Davila made her marathon debut at the Boston Marathon during the 2007 Nor'easter and has consistently developed with each marathon she has run.

"The biggest thing I was able to take away from Chicago and the World Championships is confidence," said Davila. "Everything we are doing at Hansons is about progression. I've learned how to prepare for the marathon; how to race the distance. I've gotten faster and more competitive up front each time out."

Davila plans to train on the Boston course this week in preparation. "The next logical step is putting it all together and learning how to win," said Davila. "As an American marathoner, what better place to take on that challenge than Boston?"

A win by Goucher or Davila will be the first by an American woman since 1985, when Lisa Larsen-Weidenbach won the race. Goucher and Davila join Ryan Hall, announced earlier, on the John Hancock elite team for the 2011 Boston Marathon.

"We are thrilled to have Kara and Desiree back for the 2011 Boston Marathon, joining what will once again be an outstanding field of runners from around the world. John Hancock remains committed to securing an elite global field for the Boston Marathon and we are well on our way for 2011," said Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial Services. "Kara, Desiree and other elite runners every year provide the millions of spectators and viewers with a thrilling race. Marathoning is a global sport, but the growing prominence of U.S. runners among the world's elite is a terrific development for fans and for the sport."

"Kara proved herself in 2009 when she led for most of the race, giving American hopes a real chance for the entire 26.2 miles. Those who watched her performance will not soon forget it. And since Desiree first ran Boston in 2007, she has emerged as one of America's shining stars. We look forward to the return of both in April," said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy Morse.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. For more than 120 years, clients have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$474 billion (US$460 billion) as at September 30, 2010.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial may be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

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John Hancock earnings to be weaker

A top credit-rating agency said it expects Boston-based John Hancock’s earnings to be weaker, prompting a downgrade of its Canadian parent company, Manulife Financial Corp.

“We believe the prospective earnings profile of Manulife Financial’s U.S. operations will be weaker than we previously expected given the current economic environment,” analysts at Standard & Poor’s said. S&P said it lowered its long-term counterparty credit rating on Manulife (NYSE: MFC) to “A-” from “A” with negative implications.

The operating companies affected by the action include John Hancock Life Insurance Co. and John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Co.

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John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund Renews Its Share Repurchase Plan

{"s" : "htd,mfc,mfc.to","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: John Hancock Funds On Tuesday December 7, 2010, 5:35 pm EST

BOSTON, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE:HTD - News) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Advisers, LLC, announced today that its Board of Trustees, in evaluating strategic options to enhance shareholder value and potentially decrease the discount between the market price and the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's common shares, has renewed the Fund's share repurchase plan that is set to expire on December 31, 2010. As renewed, the Fund may purchase, in the open market, up to an additional 10% of its outstanding common shares between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (based on common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2010).

The share repurchase plan seeks to enhance shareholder value and to potentially narrow the Fund's discount to NAV. The plan allows the Fund to acquire its own shares in the open market at a discount to NAV, which is intended to increase the NAV per share. It could also have the benefit of providing additional liquidity in the trading of common shares.

The Fund has been repurchasing shares in 2010 to seek to enhance shareholder value, and year-to-date through November 30, 2010 the Fund has repurchased 263,000 shares, or 0.69% of total outstanding shares. During this period, the share repurchases have contributed to the Fund's NAV by approximately $0.01 per share.

There is no assurance that the Fund will purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. The Fund's repurchase activity will be disclosed in its shareholder report for the relevant fiscal period. There is no assurance that the market price of the Fund's shares, either absolutely or relative to net asset value, will increase as a result of any share repurchases, or that the plan will enhance shareholder value over the long-term.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

About John Hancock Funds

The Boston-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial, John Hancock Funds, manages more than $60.8 billion in open-end funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, retirement plans and related party assets for individual and institutional investors at September 30, 2010.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$474 billion (US$460 billion) at September 30, 2010.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

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John Hancock Bank and Thrift Opportunity Fund Renews Its Share Repurchase Plan and Amends Investment Objective and Policies

{"s" : "bto,mfc,mfc.to","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Press Release Source: John Hancock Funds On Tuesday December 7, 2010, 5:51 pm EST

BOSTON, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock Bank and Thrift Opportunity Fund (NYSE:BTO - News) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Advisers, LLC, announced today that its Board of Trustees, in evaluating strategic options to enhance shareholder value, has renewed the Fund's share repurchase plan that is set to expire on December 31, 2010.  The Fund's Board of Trustees also approved amendments to the Fund's investment objective and related investment policies to provide the Fund additional flexibility to invest in income generating securities.

Renewal of Share Repurchase Plan

The share repurchase plan seeks to enhance shareholder value and to potentially narrow the Fund's discount to NAV.  Pursuant to the plan, the Fund may purchase, in the open market, up to an additional 10% of its outstanding common shares between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 (based on common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2010).  The share repurchase plan allows the Fund to acquire its own shares in the open market at a discount to NAV, which is intended to increase the NAV per share. It could also have the benefit of providing additional liquidity in the trading of common shares.

The Fund has been actively repurchasing shares in 2010 to seek to enhance shareholder value, and year-to-date through November 30, 2010 the Fund has repurchased 941,650 shares, or 4.46% of total outstanding shares. During this period, the share repurchases have contributed to the Fund's NAV by approximately $0.10 per share.

There is no assurance that the Fund will purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. The Fund's repurchase activity will be disclosed in its shareholder report for the relevant fiscal period. There is no assurance that the market price of the Fund's shares, either absolutely or relative to net asset value, will increase as a result of any share repurchases, or that the plan will enhance shareholder value over the long-term.

Amendment to Investment Objective and Related Investment Policies

Additionally, Board of Trustees has approved an amendment to the Fund's investment objective and related investment policies with respect to investments in income generating securities.  The Fund's new investment objective is to provide a high level of total return consisting of long-term capital appreciation and current income.  The prior investment objective was long-term capital appreciation.  This revision to the Fund's investment objective will provide additional flexibility to the portfolio management team to invest in income generating securities.  The Fund's related investment policies also are being changed to align the Fund's investment policies with the newly stated investment objective.  These policies as well as other investment policy changes adopted by the Board are summarized below.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the equity securities of financial services companies, companies with significant lending operations, foreign banking, lending and financial services companies, "money center" banks and debt securities issued by U.S. regional banks, thrifts or their holding companies selected primarily for capital appreciation potential.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in the equity securities of financial services companies, companies with significant lending operations, foreign banking, lending and financial services companies, "money center" banks and debt securities issued by U.S. regional banks, thrifts or their holding companies.

The equity securities in which the Fund may invest are common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, stock purchase rights, securities convertible into other equity securities. Although the Fund will purchase equity securities principally for capital appreciation, such investments may also produce dividends and other income.

The equity securities in which the Fund may invest are common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, stock purchase rights, securities convertible into other equity securities.

The Fund intends to invest primarily in the equity securities of U.S. regional banks, thrifts and holding companies with assets of less than $30 billion and to emphasize over time investments in U.S. regional banks, thrifts and their holding companies with assets of $3 billion or less. The Adviser believes that such small to medium size banks and thrifts offer better opportunity for longer-term capital appreciation than do larger banks, thrifts and their holding companies. Over time, the Fund may change its investment emphasis in response to, among other factors, consolidations in the banking and thrift industry and the Adviser's view as to opportunities for capital appreciation.  

The Fund intends to invest in the equity securities of U.S. regional banks, thrifts and holding companies of any size.

The Fund may write and purchase call and put options on securities and securities indices provided that the value of options purchased by the Fund, together with the obligations of the Fund under options written by the Fund, other than options written or purchased for hedging purposes and call options written "against-the-box," does not exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets at the time of such purchase or writing.

The Fund may write and purchase call and put options on securities and securities indices.  The Fund typically will limit notional exposure of the options to 5% of the value of the Fund's portfolio securities, although this amount is expected to vary over time based upon U.S. equity market conditions and other factors.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

About John Hancock Funds

The Boston-based mutual fund business unit of John Hancock Financial, John Hancock Funds, manages more than $60.8 billion in open-end funds, closed-end funds, private accounts, retirement plans and related party assets for individual and institutional investors at September 30, 2010.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial Corporation

John Hancock Financial is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and in most of Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, Manulife Financial Corporation offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$474 billion (US$460 billion) at September 30, 2010.

Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at www.manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, fixed and variable annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at www.johnhancock.com.

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