N-CSR 1 d365938.htm N-CSR

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 811-4186

John Hancock Income Securities Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Salvatore Schiavone

Treasurer
200 Berkeley Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(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: October 31, 2019



ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.




John Hancock

Income Securities Trust

Ticker: JHS
Annual report 10/31/19

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the fund's shareholder reports such as this one will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the transfer agent or from your financial intermediary. Instead, the reports will be made available on our website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and be provided with a website link to access the report.

If you have already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you do not need to take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications electronically by calling the transfer agent, Computershare, at 800-852-0218, by going to "Communication Preferences" at computershare.com/investor, or by contacting your financial intermediary.

You may elect to receive all reports in paper, free of charge, at any time. You can inform the transfer agent or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions listed above. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with John Hancock Investment Management or your financial intermediary.

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A message to shareholders

Dear shareholder,

It was a volatile time for bond investors during the 12 months ended October 31, 2019, although many segments of the market delivered attractive absolute returns for the period. Uncertainty surrounding trade with China, the impeachment inquiry against President Trump, and the broader health of the global economy led to some dramatic swings in performance. The trend in longer-term yields was decidedly downward, leading to several periods where the U.S. Treasury yield curve was inverted. Three times in 2019—in July, September, and October—the U.S. Federal Reserve stepped in with reductions in short-term interest rates in an attempt to shore up the economy.

While the economic fundamentals in the United States appear fairly solid, with a strong labor market and a confident consumer base, the outlook for the global economy is less certain. We feel confident in saying there are sure to be patches of market turbulence in the months ahead. As always, your best resource in unpredictable markets is your financial advisor, who can help position your portfolio so that it's sufficiently diversified to meet your long-term objectives and to withstand the inevitable bouts of market volatility along the way.      

On behalf of everyone at John Hancock Investment Management, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome new shareholders and thank existing shareholders for the continued trust you've placed in us.

Sincerely,

andrewarnott_sig.jpg

Andrew G. Arnott
President and CEO,
John Hancock Investment Management
Head of Wealth and Asset Management,
United States and Europe

This commentary reflects the CEO's views as of this report's period end and are subject to change at any time. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate risk of loss. All investments entail risks, including the possible loss of principal. For more up-to-date information, you can visit our website at jhinvestments.com.


John Hancock
Income Securities Trust

Table of contents

     
2   Your fund at a glance
5   Manager's Discussion of fund performance
7   Fund's investments
30   Financial statements
34   Financial highlights
35   Notes to financial statements
43   Report of independent registered public accounting firm
44   Tax information
45   Additional information
48   Continuation of investment advisory and subadvisory agreements
55   Trustees and Officers
59   More information

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       1


Your fund at a glance

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE


The fund seeks to generate a high level of current income consistent with prudent investment risk.

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 10/31/19 (%)


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The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index is an unmanaged index of U.S. government bonds, U.S. corporate bonds, and Yankee bonds.

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Index figures do not reflect expenses or sales charges, which would result in lower returns.

The performance data contained within this material represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results.

Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and a shareholder may sustain losses. Further, the fund's performance at net asset value (NAV) is different from the fund's performance at closing market price because the closing market price is subject to the dynamics of secondary market trading. Market risk may be augmented when shares are purchased at a premium to NAV or sold at a discount to NAV. Current month-end performance may be higher or lower than the performance cited. The fund's most recent performance can be found at jhinvestments.com or by calling 800-852-0218.

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       2


PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS


Bonds rallied as yields declined sharply

Bonds produced strong returns as slowing economic growth and a shift in interest-rate policy by the U.S. Federal Reserve led to lower bond yields and rising bond prices.

Leverage added value

The fund outperformed its comparative index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index, as the fund's use of leverage—which amplified the impact of rising bond prices—aided performance.

Duration positioning detracted

Although it outperformed, the fund's duration (a measure of interest-rate sensitivity) was shorter than that of the index, which affected its ability to benefit from declining bond yields.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF 10/31/19 (%)


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ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       3


QUALITY COMPOSITION AS OF 10/31/19 (%)


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A note about risks

As is the case with all exchange-listed closed-end funds, shares of this fund may trade at a discount or a premium to the fund's net asset value (NAV). An investment in the fund is subject to investment and market risks, including the possible loss of the entire principal invested. There is no guarantee prior distribution levels will be maintained, and distributions may include a substantial return of capital. Fixed-income investments are subject to interest-rate and credit risk; their value will normally decline as interest rates rise or if a creditor, grantor, or counterparty is unable or unwilling to make principal, interest, or settlement payments. Investments in higher-yielding, lower-rated securities are subject to a higher risk of default. An issuer of securities held by the fund may default, have its credit rating downgraded, or otherwise perform poorly, which may affect fund performance. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and may be subject to early repayment and the market's perception of issuer creditworthiness. Liquidity—the extent to which a security may be sold or a derivative position closed without negatively affecting its market value—may be impaired by reduced trading volume, heightened volatility, rising interest rates, and other market conditions. The fund's use of leverage creates additional risks, including greater volatility of the fund's NAV, market price, and returns. There is no assurance that the fund's leverage strategy will be successful. Derivatives transactions, such as hedging and other strategic transactions, may increase a fund's volatility and could produce disproportionate losses, potentially more than the fund's principal investment. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause a fund or its service providers to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Similar incidents affecting issuers of fund securities may negatively impact performance.

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       4


Manager's discussion of fund performance

How did the U.S. bond market perform during the 12 months ended October 31, 2019?

U.S. bonds posted noteworthy gains for the reporting period as the fund's comparative index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Bond Index, returned 12.61%. The robust bond market returns reflected a sharp decline in bond yields, driven primarily by changing economic conditions and central bank policy. After raising its short-term interest-rate target in December 2018, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) pivoted to a wait-and-see approach in early 2019 as signs of decelerating economic activity emerged. Geopolitical developments—ranging from an escalating trade conflict between the United States and China to the uncertain outcome of Brexit—contributed to the economic headwinds.

As a result, bond yields declined as the market began to price in the possibility of a Fed interest-rate cut. Those expectations were realized when the Fed lowered short-term interest rates three times between July and October 2019, the first rate cuts in more than a decade. Investment-grade corporate bonds and commercial mortgage-backed securities led the bond market's advance. Underperforming sectors included high-yield corporate bonds, which lagged amid reduced demand for lower-quality investments, and residential mortgage-backed securities, which faced concerns about an increase in refinancing activity as interest rates declined.

How did the fund perform?

The fund posted a strong return, outpacing its comparative index. One key contributing factor was leverage, which the fund uses to increase its overall fixed-income market exposure. In a rising market, this added exposure can boost fund

COUNTRY COMPOSITION AS OF 10/31/19 (%)


   
United States 86.9
United Kingdom 3.4
Netherlands 1.7
Canada 1.6
France 1.3
Other countries 5.1
TOTAL 100.0
As a percentage of total investments.  

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       5


returns, which is what happened over the period. Sector allocation also contributed positively to performance. An overweight position in investment-grade corporate bonds and an out-of-index position in convertible bonds added the most value, along with an underweight position in U.S. Treasury securities. Individual security selection was another positive factor, particularly among the fund's corporate bond holdings.

What detracted from performance?

The fund's duration (a measure of interest-rate sensitivity) was shorter than that of the index, which meant that the fund did not benefit as much as the index from declining bond yields. In addition, out-of-index positions in high-yield corporate bonds and U.S. government agency mortgage-backed securities detracted from relative results.

How was the fund positioned at the end of the reporting period?

As the bond market rallied over the past year, we continued to lower the fund's overall risk profile. While the fund remains overweight in corporate bonds, we incrementally reduced its holdings in this sector over the period. Furthermore, our emphasis has shifted toward the shorter-term segment of the corporate bond market, which should help limit volatility while maintaining a competitive yield. We believe these risk reduction strategies are appropriate at this stage in the credit cycle and should be beneficial in an environment of moderating economic activity and a stable-to-declining Fed interest-rate policy.

MANAGED BY


   
  jeffreyngiven.jpg Jeffrey N. Given, CFA
On the fund since 2002
Investing since 1993
  howardcgreene.jpg Howard C. Greene, CFA
On the fund since 2002
Investing since 1979

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The views expressed in this report are exclusively those of Jeffrey N. Given, CFA, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, and are subject to change. They are not meant as investment advice. Please note that the holdings discussed in this report may not have been held by the fund for the entire period. Portfolio composition is subject to review in accordance with the fund's investment strategy and may vary in the future. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       6


Fund’s investments  
AS OF 10-31-19
  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
U.S. Government and Agency obligations 49.3% (32.6% of Total investments)   $89,470,164
(Cost $86,857,537)          
U.S. Government 2.7%         4,943,604
U.S. Treasury          
Bond 2.875 05-15-49   4,193,000 4,826,208
Note 1.500 10-31-24   20,000 19,982
Note (A)(B) 1.625 08-15-29   98,000 97,414
U.S. Government Agency 46.6%         84,526,560
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.          
15 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 10-01-31   2,306,327 2,383,137
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 03-01-43   552,808 573,764
30 Yr Pass Thru (C) 3.000 10-01-49   2,000,000 2,044,510
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 07-01-46   1,887,392 1,963,467
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 10-01-46   731,968 771,307
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 12-01-46   395,737 415,399
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 02-01-47   2,132,688 2,237,311
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 11-01-48   3,728,008 3,922,543
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 04-01-46   2,031,730 2,156,196
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 04-01-47   1,946,450 2,061,434
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 05-01-47   1,934,244 2,029,406
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 06-01-47   2,015,221 2,114,367
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 03-01-48   1,672,316 1,749,783
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.500 09-01-41   1,027,694 1,111,452
Federal National Mortgage Association          
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 12-01-42   1,836,890 1,903,687
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 07-01-43   589,146 607,256
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 09-01-49   2,953,034 3,008,740
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.000 09-01-49   795,976 810,991
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 12-01-42   2,463,744 2,589,228
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 01-01-43   2,236,080 2,349,270
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 04-01-45   1,043,157 1,094,984
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 11-01-46   2,122,162 2,225,606
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 07-01-47   2,524,949 2,646,450
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 07-01-47   1,742,599 1,835,166
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 11-01-47   968,309 1,014,299
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 07-01-49   4,894,817 5,049,285
30 Yr Pass Thru 3.500 09-01-49   1,060,572 1,095,035
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 10-01-40   185,805 199,041
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 09-01-41   1,268,995 1,358,599
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 09-01-41   356,999 383,992
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 09-01-41   724,301 774,312
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 10-01-41   1,019,026 1,092,253
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 7

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
U.S. Government Agency (continued)          
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 06-01-46   1,971,958 $2,088,398
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 02-01-47   3,127,557 3,316,141
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 06-01-47   1,773,132 1,861,873
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 06-01-47   3,340,491 3,539,827
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 11-01-47   2,257,307 2,360,687
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 12-01-47   882,062 933,870
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 01-01-48   3,044,702 3,188,329
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 04-01-48   2,603,638 2,752,495
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.000 06-01-48   4,635,321 4,901,784
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.500 07-01-41   1,782,869 1,927,032
30 Yr Pass Thru 4.500 07-01-48   1,971,857 2,083,854
Foreign government obligations 0.7% (0.5% of Total investments)   $1,260,026
(Cost $1,114,390)          
Qatar 0.4%         713,043
State of Qatar          
Bond (D) 3.375 03-14-24   384,000 401,280
Bond (D) 5.103 04-23-48   245,000 311,763
Saudi Arabia 0.3%         546,983
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Bond (D)
4.375 04-16-29   490,000 546,983
Corporate bonds 78.0% (51.6% of Total investments)   $141,510,103
(Cost $136,492,553)          
Communication services 8.4%       15,226,025
Diversified telecommunication services 2.9%      
AT&T, Inc. (B) 3.400 05-15-25   520,000 544,995
AT&T, Inc. (B) 3.800 02-15-27   275,000 294,265
C&W Senior Financing DAC (A)(B)(D) 6.875 09-15-27   240,000 252,600
Cincinnati Bell, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 7.000 07-15-24   355,000 320,388
GCI LLC (A)(B)(D) 6.625 06-15-24   133,000 144,139
GCI LLC 6.875 04-15-25   165,000 173,456
Liquid Telecommunications Financing PLC (D) 8.500 07-13-22   205,000 204,129
Radiate Holdco LLC (A)(B)(D) 6.625 02-15-25   245,000 247,450
Radiate Holdco LLC (A)(B)(D) 6.875 02-15-23   87,000 88,958
Telecom Argentina SA (D) 6.500 06-15-21   180,000 170,550
Telecom Argentina SA (D) 8.000 07-18-26   178,000 159,755
Telecom Italia Capital SA 7.200 07-18-36   365,000 425,225
Telecom Italia SpA (A)(B)(D) 5.303 05-30-24   250,000 267,500
UPCB Finance IV, Ltd. (D) 5.375 01-15-25   200,000 206,250
Verizon Communications, Inc. (B) 4.400 11-01-34   260,000 300,145
Verizon Communications, Inc. (A)(B) 4.672 03-15-55   295,000 359,259
Verizon Communications, Inc. (B) 4.862 08-21-46   830,000 1,027,959
8 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Communication services (continued)        
Entertainment 1.6%      
Activision Blizzard, Inc. (A)(B) 3.400 09-15-26   166,000 $174,678
Lions Gate Capital Holdings LLC (A)(B)(D) 5.875 11-01-24   147,000 138,548
Netflix, Inc. (A)(B) 4.875 04-15-28   280,000 289,321
Netflix, Inc. (D) 4.875 06-15-30   206,000 208,266
Netflix, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 5.375 11-15-29   92,000 96,945
Netflix, Inc. (A)(B) 5.875 11-15-28   400,000 440,500
The Walt Disney Company (B)(D) 7.750 01-20-24   1,020,000 1,236,953
Viacom, Inc. (6.250% to 2-28-27, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.899%) 6.250 02-28-57   260,000 283,400
Media 3.0%      
Altice Financing SA (A)(B)(D) 6.625 02-15-23   375,000 385,200
Cablevision Systems Corp. (A)(B) 5.875 09-15-22   210,000 226,538
CBS Corp. (B) 3.375 03-01-22   132,000 135,270
CBS Corp. (B) 3.700 08-15-24   205,000 215,619
Charter Communications Operating LLC (A)(B) 4.200 03-15-28   580,000 615,802
Charter Communications Operating LLC (A)(B) 4.800 03-01-50   333,000 337,876
Charter Communications Operating LLC 5.750 04-01-48   590,000 677,585
Charter Communications Operating LLC 6.484 10-23-45   606,000 744,679
CSC Holdings LLC (D) 5.750 01-15-30   186,000 195,765
CSC Holdings LLC (A)(B)(D) 7.500 04-01-28   205,000 230,625
MDC Partners, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 6.500 05-01-24   375,000 358,594
National CineMedia LLC (D) 5.875 04-15-28   135,000 141,899
National CineMedia LLC 6.000 04-15-22   109,000 110,101
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 5.000 08-01-27   484,000 508,805
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 5.375 07-15-26   260,000 274,300
WMG Acquisition Corp. (D) 4.875 11-01-24   165,000 170,775
WMG Acquisition Corp. (A)(B)(D) 5.500 04-15-26   175,000 183,750
Wireless telecommunication services 0.9%      
CC Holdings GS V LLC 3.849 04-15-23   350,000 368,630
MTN Mauritius Investments, Ltd. (D) 4.755 11-11-24   225,000 230,172
Oztel Holdings SPC, Ltd. (D) 6.625 04-24-28   230,000 237,006
Sprint Corp. (A)(B) 7.875 09-15-23   270,000 298,013
Vodafone Group PLC (7.000% to 1-4-29, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.873%) 7.000 04-04-79   452,000 523,387
Consumer discretionary 6.6%       11,907,349
Auto components 0.1%      
Lear Corp. (A)(B) 5.250 01-15-25   254,000 261,905
Automobiles 2.5%      
Daimler Finance North America LLC (B)(D) 2.700 06-14-24   230,000 232,609
Daimler Finance North America LLC (A)(B)(D) 3.500 08-03-25   150,000 157,514
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 9

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Consumer discretionary (continued)        
Automobiles (continued)      
Ford Motor Credit Company LLC (A)(B) 3.813 10-12-21   595,000 $605,764
Ford Motor Credit Company LLC 5.113 05-03-29   509,000 515,410
Ford Motor Credit Company LLC 5.875 08-02-21   928,000 973,356
General Motors Company (A)(B) 4.875 10-02-23   507,000 544,710
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (A)(B) 4.000 01-15-25   714,000 737,723
General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (A)(B) 4.300 07-13-25   350,000 365,441
JB Poindexter & Company, Inc. (D) 7.125 04-15-26   80,000 83,400
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. (B)(D) 3.450 03-15-23   215,000 220,329
Diversified consumer services 0.2%      
Laureate Education, Inc. (D) 8.250 05-01-25   170,000 184,450
Sotheby's (A)(B)(D) 7.375 10-15-27   251,000 251,000
Hotels, restaurants and leisure 1.1%      
CCM Merger, Inc. (D) 6.000 03-15-22   195,000 199,631
Connect Finco SARL (D) 6.750 10-01-26   371,000 384,449
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. 6.000 09-15-26   125,000 137,031
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. 7.000 08-01-23   130,000 135,688
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. 5.125 05-01-26   140,000 147,000
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC (A)(B) 6.125 12-01-24   130,000 138,125
International Game Technology PLC (A)(B)(D) 6.500 02-15-25   225,000 250,031
Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. (D) 7.875 02-01-24   158,000 167,875
Resorts World Las Vegas LLC (A)(B)(D) 4.625 04-16-29   200,000 210,521
Twin River Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (D) 6.750 06-01-27   168,000 176,870
Waterford Gaming LLC (D)(E)(F) 8.625 09-15-14   99,739 0
Internet and direct marketing retail 2.2%      
Amazon.com, Inc. (A)(B) 3.150 08-22-27   660,000 704,167
Amazon.com, Inc. (A)(B) 4.050 08-22-47   328,000 389,860
Expedia Group, Inc. (B)(D) 3.250 02-15-30   430,000 430,595
Expedia Group, Inc. (A)(B) 3.800 02-15-28   582,000 609,707
Expedia Group, Inc. (A)(B) 5.000 02-15-26   480,000 540,798
Prosus NV (A)(B)(D) 5.500 07-21-25   400,000 445,853
QVC, Inc. (A)(B) 4.375 03-15-23   325,000 337,622
QVC, Inc. 5.125 07-02-22   240,000 253,178
QVC, Inc. 5.450 08-15-34   280,000 281,955
Leisure products 0.1%      
Diamond Sports Group LLC (A)(B)(D) 6.625 08-15-27   140,000 144,200
Multiline retail 0.4%      
Dollar Tree, Inc. (A)(B) 4.200 05-15-28   634,000 688,582
Consumer staples 1.8%       3,369,981
Beverages 1.0%      
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. (A)(B) 4.600 04-15-48   334,000 383,257
10 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Consumer staples (continued)        
Beverages (continued)      
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC (B) 4.500 09-01-21   1,000,000 $1,033,209
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. (B) 3.551 05-25-21   486,000 497,210
Food and staples retailing 0.1%      
Simmons Foods, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 5.750 11-01-24   170,000 166,388
Food products 0.5%      
Conagra Brands, Inc. (B) 3.800 10-22-21   193,000 199,241
Kraft Heinz Foods Company (D) 4.875 02-15-25   221,000 228,082
Kraft Heinz Foods Company (A)(B)(D) 4.875 10-01-49   337,000 347,357
Post Holdings, Inc. (D) 5.500 12-15-29   136,000 143,371
Personal products 0.2%      
Natura Cosmeticos SA (A)(B)(D) 5.375 02-01-23   355,000 371,866
Energy 9.6%       17,364,671
Energy equipment and services 0.6%      
Archrock Partners LP 6.000 10-01-22   260,000 261,950
CSI Compressco LP 7.250 08-15-22   379,000 337,310
CSI Compressco LP (D) 7.500 04-01-25   290,000 281,300
Tervita Corp. (D) 7.625 12-01-21   201,000 198,488
Oil, gas and consumable fuels 9.0%      
Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings LLC 5.125 06-30-27   118,000 127,145
Cheniere Energy Partners LP (D) 4.500 10-01-29   305,000 311,481
Chesapeake Energy Corp. 7.500 10-01-26   160,000 100,800
Cimarex Energy Company 4.375 06-01-24   235,000 246,295
Colorado Interstate Gas Company LLC (B)(D) 4.150 08-15-26   178,000 187,446
Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc. (A)(B) 4.500 06-01-25   198,000 215,982
Continental Resources, Inc. 5.000 09-15-22   358,000 360,759
DCP Midstream LP (7.375% to 12-15-22, then 3 month LIBOR + 5.148%) (A)(B)(G) 7.375 12-15-22   462,000 444,675
DCP Midstream Operating LP (A)(B) 5.125 05-15-29   100,000 101,500
DCP Midstream Operating LP (5.850% to 5-21-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.850%) (D) 5.850 05-21-43   441,000 394,695
Diamondback Energy, Inc. 4.750 11-01-24   193,000 199,514
Enable Midstream Partners LP (A)(B) 3.900 05-15-24   321,000 327,268
Enable Midstream Partners LP (B) 4.950 05-15-28   387,000 396,379
Enbridge Energy Partners LP (B) 4.375 10-15-20   395,000 402,904
Enbridge, Inc. (5.500% to 7-15-27, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.418%) (A)(B) 5.500 07-15-77   340,000 346,800
Enbridge, Inc. (6.250% to 3-1-28, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.641%) 6.250 03-01-78   294,000 316,191
Energy Transfer Operating LP (B) 4.200 04-15-27   130,000 135,566
Energy Transfer Operating LP (A)(B) 4.250 03-15-23   422,000 442,393
Energy Transfer Operating LP (B) 5.150 03-15-45   345,000 359,388
Energy Transfer Operating LP 5.875 01-15-24   274,000 304,257
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 11

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Energy (continued)        
Oil, gas and consumable fuels (continued)      
Enterprise Products Operating LLC (5.250% to 8-16-27, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.033%) (A)(B) 5.250 08-16-77   538,000 $552,666
Husky Energy, Inc. (A)(B) 3.950 04-15-22   305,000 315,612
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP (A)(B) 3.500 03-01-21   500,000 508,093
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP (A)(B) 7.750 03-15-32   195,000 262,859
Kinder Morgan, Inc. (A)(B) 3.150 01-15-23   178,000 182,387
MPLX LP (A)(B) 4.000 03-15-28   313,000 325,259
MPLX LP (B)(D) 4.250 12-01-27   164,000 172,809
MPLX LP (B)(D) 5.250 01-15-25   140,000 147,150
MPLX LP (B)(D) 6.375 05-01-24   265,000 278,301
MPLX LP (6.875% to 2-15-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 4.652%) (G) 6.875 02-15-23   752,000 762,280
Murphy Oil Corp. (A)(B) 5.750 08-15-25   164,000 166,258
Newfield Exploration Company (A)(B) 5.625 07-01-24   299,000 327,575
ONEOK Partners LP 4.900 03-15-25   134,000 147,383
Parsley Energy LLC (A)(B)(D) 5.625 10-15-27   231,000 238,508
Petrobras Global Finance BV (A)(B)(D) 5.093 01-15-30   439,000 465,560
Petrobras Global Finance BV 6.900 03-19-49   180,000 209,214
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC (A)(B) 4.200 03-15-28   261,000 276,026
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC (B) 5.000 03-15-27   245,000 268,817
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC (A)(B) 5.875 06-30-26   417,000 478,577
Suncor Energy, Inc. (A)(B) 9.250 10-15-21   1,000,000 1,130,287
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP (A)(B) 3.900 07-15-26   460,000 476,675
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations LP (A)(B) 5.400 10-01-47   240,000 257,691
Tallgrass Energy Partners LP (A)(B)(D) 4.750 10-01-23   222,000 215,340
Targa Resources Partners LP 5.875 04-15-26   220,000 229,647
Teekay Offshore Partners LP (D) 8.500 07-15-23   235,000 235,588
The Williams Companies, Inc. (A)(B) 3.750 06-15-27   355,000 369,615
The Williams Companies, Inc. 4.550 06-24-24   791,000 853,440
The Williams Companies, Inc. (A)(B) 5.750 06-24-44   315,000 363,282
WPX Energy, Inc. (A)(B) 5.250 09-15-24   100,000 101,000
WPX Energy, Inc. (A)(B) 5.250 10-15-27   92,000 89,470
YPF SA (D) 8.500 07-28-25   198,000 156,816
Financials 23.0%       41,725,051
Banks 13.4%      
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd. (6.750% to 6-15-26, then 5 Year U.S. ISDAFIX + 5.168%) (D)(G) 6.750 06-15-26   200,000 225,250
Banco Santander SA (A)(B) 4.379 04-12-28   200,000 219,342
Bank of America Corp. (B) 3.950 04-21-25   425,000 453,030
Bank of America Corp. (A)(B) 4.200 08-26-24   170,000 183,180
12 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Financials (continued)        
Banks (continued)      
Bank of America Corp. (A)(B) 4.450 03-03-26   453,000 $496,534
Bank of America Corp. (6.300% to 3-10-26, then 3 month LIBOR + 4.553%) (A)(B)(G) 6.300 03-10-26   610,000 693,594
Barclays Bank PLC (D) 10.179 06-12-21   475,000 531,817
Barclays PLC (B) 4.375 01-12-26   340,000 365,658
BPCE SA (A)(B)(D) 4.500 03-15-25   475,000 509,863
BPCE SA (A)(B)(D) 5.700 10-22-23   1,145,000 1,267,239
Citigroup, Inc. (B) 3.200 10-21-26   470,000 488,301
Citigroup, Inc. (A)(B) 4.600 03-09-26   586,000 644,527
Citigroup, Inc. (B) 5.500 09-13-25   165,000 188,880
Citigroup, Inc. (6.250% to 8-15-26, then 3 month LIBOR + 4.517%) (A)(B)(G) 6.250 08-15-26   525,000 591,938
Credit Agricole SA (7.875% to 1-23-24, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.898%) (D)(G) 7.875 01-23-24   600,000 676,461
Danske Bank A/S (B)(D) 5.000 01-12-22   286,000 301,343
Discover Bank (B) 2.450 09-12-24   314,000 314,589
Fifth Third Bancorp (5.100% to 6-30-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.033%) (G) 5.100 06-30-23   420,000 426,035
Freedom Mortgage Corp. (A)(B)(D) 8.125 11-15-24   259,000 242,813
Freedom Mortgage Corp. (D) 8.250 04-15-25   105,000 98,963
HSBC Holdings PLC (3.950% to 5-18-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 0.987%) (A)(B) 3.950 05-18-24   495,000 520,003
HSBC Holdings PLC (6.375% to 9-17-24, then 5 Year U.S. ISDAFIX + 3.705%) (A)(B)(G) 6.375 09-17-24   200,000 211,000
HSBC Holdings PLC (6.875% to 6-1-21, then 5 Year U.S. ISDAFIX + 5.514%) (B)(G) 6.875 06-01-21   340,000 354,790
ING Bank NV (A)(B)(D) 5.800 09-25-23   1,000,000 1,111,742
ING Groep NV (A)(B) 3.550 04-09-24   277,000 290,209
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (A)(B) 2.950 10-01-26   553,000 570,547
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (3.514% to 6-18-21, then 3 month LIBOR + 0.610%) (A)(B) 3.514 06-18-22   710,000 726,549
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (3.960% to 1-29-26, then 3 month LIBOR + 1.245%) (A)(B) 3.960 01-29-27   413,000 447,114
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (6.750% to 2-1-24, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.780%) (A)(B)(G) 6.750 02-01-24   805,000 901,656
Lloyds Banking Group PLC (A)(B) 4.450 05-08-25   745,000 814,285
Lloyds Banking Group PLC (7.500% to 6-27-24, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.760%) (A)(B)(G) 7.500 06-27-24   385,000 421,575
M&T Bank Corp. (5.125% to 11-1-26, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.520%) (A)(B)(G) 5.125 11-01-26   345,000 368,288
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (A)(B) 3.218 03-07-22   690,000 707,485
Regions Bank (3.374% to 8-13-20, then 3 month LIBOR + 0.500%) (A)(B) 3.374 08-13-21   504,000 509,033
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (B)(D) 3.244 10-05-26   669,000 672,710
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 13

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Financials (continued)        
Banks (continued)      
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (A)(B) 3.400 01-18-23   270,000 $277,634
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (A)(B) 3.500 06-07-24   564,000 581,041
Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (B) 4.400 07-13-27   155,000 166,540
Santander UK Group Holdings PLC (D) 4.750 09-15-25   365,000 388,585
Societe Generale SA (7.375% to 9-13-21, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 6.238%) (A)(B)(D)(G) 7.375 09-13-21   340,000 357,850
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. 2.200 11-01-24   481,000 483,006
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (B) 3.500 01-23-24   230,000 243,327
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (4.850% to 6-1-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.040%) (A)(B)(G) 4.850 06-01-23   335,000 345,452
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (6.750% to 8-1-21, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.678%) (A)(B)(G) 6.750 08-01-21   491,000 522,915
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (A)(B) 3.875 09-12-23   480,000 500,531
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (8.625% to 8-15-21, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 7.598%) (A)(B)(G) 8.625 08-15-21   612,000 659,430
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (A)(B) 1.900 12-01-22   415,000 414,162
The Toronto-Dominion Bank (A)(B) 3.250 03-11-24   373,000 390,649
Wells Fargo & Company (3 month LIBOR + 3.770%) (A)(B)(G)(H) 5.888 12-15-19   337,000 341,213
Wells Fargo & Company (5.875% to 6-15-25, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.990%) (A)(B)(G) 5.875 06-15-25   975,000 1,079,797
Capital markets 2.2%      
Ares Capital Corp. (A)(B) 3.625 01-19-22   290,000 294,883
Cantor Fitzgerald LP (B)(D) 4.875 05-01-24   390,000 413,763
Credit Suisse Group AG (7.500% to 12-11-23, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.598%) (A)(B)(D)(G) 7.500 12-11-23   295,000 327,019
Credit Suisse Group AG (7.500% to 7-17-23, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.600%) (A)(B)(D)(G) 7.500 07-17-23   310,000 334,304
Lazard Group LLC (A)(B) 4.375 03-11-29   230,000 250,898
Macquarie Bank, Ltd. (B)(D) 4.875 06-10-25   520,000 562,733
Morgan Stanley (A)(B) 3.875 01-27-26   400,000 431,759
Stifel Financial Corp. (A)(B) 4.250 07-18-24   217,000 229,815
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (A)(B) 3.850 01-26-27   730,000 778,006
UBS Group AG (7.000% to 1-31-24, then 5 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 4.344%) (A)(B)(D)(G) 7.000 01-31-24   295,000 316,388
Consumer finance 2.4%      
Ally Financial, Inc. 5.125 09-30-24   645,000 708,668
Capital One Financial Corp. (A)(B) 3.500 06-15-23   1,335,000 1,391,281
14 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Financials (continued)        
Consumer finance (continued)      
Capital One Financial Corp. (B) 3.900 01-29-24   695,000 $736,129
Credit Acceptance Corp. 6.125 02-15-21   249,000 249,623
Credito Real SAB de CV (9.125% to 11-29-22, then 5 Year CMT + 7.026%) (D)(G) 9.125 11-29-22   225,000 232,596
Discover Financial Services 3.950 11-06-24   458,000 487,816
Discover Financial Services (A)(B) 4.100 02-09-27   124,000 133,287
Enova International, Inc. (D) 8.500 09-01-24   58,000 53,795
Enova International, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 8.500 09-15-25   260,000 239,590
Springleaf Finance Corp. (A)(B) 6.875 03-15-25   105,000 118,913
Synchrony Financial (B) 2.850 07-25-22   125,000 126,452
Diversified financial services 1.4%      
Allied Universal Holdco LLC (D) 6.625 07-15-26   62,000 66,185
Doric Nimrod Air Alpha 2013-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (D) 6.125 11-30-21   28,805 28,794
Gogo Intermediate Holdings LLC (D) 9.875 05-01-24   188,000 197,870
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. (A)(B) 5.500 10-18-23   655,000 716,430
Jefferies Group LLC (B) 4.150 01-23-30   365,000 369,159
Jefferies Group LLC (A)(B) 4.850 01-15-27   422,000 454,512
Refinitiv US Holdings, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 6.250 05-15-26   43,000 46,709
Refinitiv US Holdings, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 8.250 11-15-26   69,000 77,453
Trident TPI Holdings, Inc. (D) 6.625 11-01-25   85,000 75,863
Voya Financial, Inc. (5.650% to 5-15-23, then 3 month LIBOR + 3.580%) (A)(B) 5.650 05-15-53   463,000 489,623
Insurance 2.5%      
AXA SA 8.600 12-15-30   175,000 253,960
Brighthouse Financial, Inc. (A)(B) 3.700 06-22-27   595,000 584,141
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (A)(B) 5.250 05-30-25   301,000 329,595
CNO Financial Group, Inc. 5.250 05-30-29   125,000 137,859
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 3.951 10-15-50   705,000 727,681
MetLife, Inc. (6.400% to 12-15-36, then 3 month LIBOR + 2.205%) (B) 6.400 12-15-66   355,000 431,187
MetLife, Inc. (9.250% to 4-8-33, then 3 month LIBOR + 5.540%) (B)(D) 9.250 04-08-68   315,000 459,305
Nippon Life Insurance Company (5.100% to 10-16-24, then 5 Year U.S. ISDAFIX + 3.650%) (B)(D) 5.100 10-16-44   365,000 398,711
Prudential Financial, Inc. (5.875% to 9-15-22, then 3 month LIBOR + 4.175%) (A)(B) 5.875 09-15-42   637,000 690,425
Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America (A)(B)(D) 4.270 05-15-47   430,000 495,292
Thrifts and mortgage finance 1.1%      
Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (A)(B)(D) 5.250 03-15-22   95,000 98,444
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 15

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Financials (continued)        
Thrifts and mortgage finance (continued)      
Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP (A)(B)(D) 5.250 10-01-25   148,000 $150,220
MGIC Investment Corp. 5.750 08-15-23   99,000 108,776
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc. (D) 8.125 07-15-23   160,000 169,600
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc. (D) 9.125 07-15-26   128,000 140,160
Nationwide Building Society (3.622% to 4-26-22, then 3 month LIBOR + 1.181%) (A)(B)(D) 3.622 04-26-23   273,000 280,641
Nationwide Building Society (3.960% to 7-18-29, then 3 month LIBOR + 1.855%) (A)(B)(D) 3.960 07-18-30   220,000 235,969
Quicken Loans, Inc. (D) 5.750 05-01-25   550,000 566,214
Radian Group, Inc. 4.500 10-01-24   144,000 150,660
Stearns Holdings LLC (D)(E) 9.375 08-15-20   158,000 77,420
Health care 3.7%       6,721,213
Biotechnology 0.4%      
Celgene Corp. 3.250 02-20-23   258,000 266,530
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland DAC (B) 3.200 09-23-26   473,000 489,059
Health care providers and services 2.7%      
Centene Corp. (D) 5.375 06-01-26   255,000 269,918
CVS Health Corp. (B) 3.000 08-15-26   82,000 83,127
CVS Health Corp. (B) 4.100 03-25-25   380,000 408,463
CVS Health Corp. (A)(B) 5.050 03-25-48   283,000 324,180
DaVita, Inc. (A)(B) 5.000 05-01-25   405,000 410,063
Encompass Health Corp. 4.500 02-01-28   48,000 49,080
Express Scripts Holding Company (B) 4.750 11-15-21   1,000,000 1,050,690
HCA, Inc. (A)(B) 4.125 06-15-29   142,000 150,512
HCA, Inc. 5.250 04-15-25   375,000 418,285
HCA, Inc. (A)(B) 5.250 06-15-26   320,000 358,089
MEDNAX, Inc. (D) 5.250 12-01-23   290,000 293,625
MEDNAX, Inc. (D) 6.250 01-15-27   224,000 221,626
Select Medical Corp. (D) 6.250 08-15-26   130,000 138,450
Team Health Holdings, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 6.375 02-01-25   65,000 41,925
Universal Health Services, Inc. (D) 4.750 08-01-22   240,000 242,700
Universal Health Services, Inc. (D) 5.000 06-01-26   309,000 324,064
Life sciences tools and services 0.0%      
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (D) 4.250 05-01-28   62,000 63,169
Pharmaceuticals 0.6%      
Bausch Health Companies, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 6.125 04-15-25   375,000 389,297
Bayer US Finance II LLC (B)(D) 3.500 06-25-21   200,000 204,012
Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. (D) 5.000 07-15-27   62,000 64,790
16 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Health care (continued)        
Pharmaceuticals (continued)      
GlaxoSmithKline Capital PLC (A)(B) 3.000 06-01-24   441,000 $459,559
Industrials 9.5%       17,248,253
Aerospace and defense 0.8%      
Arconic, Inc. (A)(B) 5.125 10-01-24   324,000 347,490
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (D) 5.000 11-15-25   346,000 362,435
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (D) 6.500 11-30-25   206,000 218,360
TransDigm, Inc. (D) 5.500 11-15-27   538,000 536,219
Air freight and logistics 0.1%      
XPO Logistics, Inc. (D) 6.500 06-15-22   191,000 194,581
Airlines 4.9%      
Air Canada 2013-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B)(D) 4.125 11-15-26   202,862 214,486
Air Canada 2017-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (D) 3.700 07-15-27   288,677 291,246
America West Airlines 2000-1 Pass Through Trust 8.057 01-02-22   63,298 65,178
American Airlines 2001-01 Pass Through Trust 6.977 11-23-22   53,833 54,560
American Airlines 2013-2 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 4.950 07-15-24   268,169 280,692
American Airlines 2015-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 3.375 11-01-28   367,674 378,962
American Airlines 2015-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (B) 3.700 11-01-24   402,727 406,191
American Airlines 2016-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 4.100 07-15-29   353,883 378,690
American Airlines 2017-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 4.000 08-15-30   170,869 181,890
American Airlines 2017-1 Class AA Pass Through Trust 3.650 08-15-30   262,875 277,911
American Airlines 2017-2 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 3.600 04-15-31   154,361 157,873
American Airlines 2019-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (A)(B) 3.500 08-15-33   170,000 176,953
American Airlines 2019-1 Class AA Pass Through Trust 3.150 08-15-33   255,000 263,874
Azul Investments LLP (A)(B)(D) 5.875 10-26-24   95,000 97,851
British Airways 2013-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B)(D) 4.625 06-20-24   455,212 481,341
British Airways 2013-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (D) 5.625 12-20-21   34,167 34,461
British Airways 2018-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B)(D) 4.125 03-20-33   140,552 149,379
Continental Airlines 2007-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 5.983 10-19-23   365,673 386,992
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 17

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Industrials (continued)        
Airlines (continued)      
Continental Airlines 2012-1 Class B Pass Through Trust 6.250 10-11-21   81,890 $82,651
Delta Air Lines 2002-1 Class G-1 Pass Through Trust 6.718 07-02-24   428,988 452,925
Delta Air Lines, Inc. 2.900 10-28-24   504,000 502,095
Delta Air Lines, Inc. 3.800 04-19-23   310,000 321,268
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (A)(B) 4.375 04-19-28   355,000 372,876
JetBlue 2019-1 Class AA Pass Through Trust (C) 2.750 11-15-33   229,000 231,242
Northwest Airlines 2007-1 Class A Pass Through Trust 7.027 05-01-21   263,187 263,187
United Airlines 2014-2 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 3.750 03-03-28   375,196 392,906
United Airlines 2014-2 Class B Pass Through Trust 4.625 03-03-24   316,446 325,117
United Airlines 2016-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 3.450 01-07-30   272,814 280,425
United Airlines 2016-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (B) 3.650 01-07-26   402,646 408,887
United Airlines 2018-1 Class B Pass Through Trust (B) 4.600 03-01-26   112,097 116,402
United Airlines 2019-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 4.550 02-25-33   260,000 285,275
US Airways 2010-1 Class A Pass Through Trust 6.250 10-22-24   239,161 260,088
US Airways 2012-1 Class A Pass Through Trust (B) 5.900 04-01-26   193,057 214,428
Building products 0.1%      
Owens Corning 3.950 08-15-29   235,000 241,631
Commercial services and supplies 0.2%      
Clean Harbors, Inc. (D) 4.875 07-15-27   50,000 52,122
LSC Communications, Inc. (D) 8.750 10-15-23   321,000 218,280
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC (D) 9.250 05-15-23   84,000 88,368
Construction and engineering 0.3%      
AECOM 5.125 03-15-27   415,000 437,701
Tutor Perini Corp. (A)(B)(D) 6.875 05-01-25   88,000 87,767
Industrial conglomerates 0.5%      
3M Company (A)(B) 3.250 02-14-24   370,000 388,974
General Electric Company (A)(B) 5.550 01-05-26   442,000 503,020
Machinery 0.1%      
Harsco Corp. (D) 5.750 07-31-27   83,000 86,218
Professional services 0.5%      
IHS Markit, Ltd. (A)(B)(D) 4.000 03-01-26   393,000 414,308
IHS Markit, Ltd. (D) 4.750 02-15-25   128,000 140,847
18 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Industrials (continued)        
Professional services (continued)      
IHS Markit, Ltd. (A)(B) 4.750 08-01-28   210,000 $233,121
IHS Markit, Ltd. (A)(B)(D) 5.000 11-01-22   129,000 137,907
Road and rail 0.1%      
Uber Technologies, Inc. (D) 7.500 09-15-27   263,000 259,055
Trading companies and distributors 1.9%      
AerCap Ireland Capital DAC (A)(B) 2.875 08-14-24   382,000 384,006
AerCap Ireland Capital DAC 5.000 10-01-21   373,000 391,731
Ahern Rentals, Inc. (D) 7.375 05-15-23   395,000 319,950
Air Lease Corp. (B) 3.625 12-01-27   164,000 170,379
Aircastle, Ltd. (B) 4.400 09-25-23   176,000 185,047
Aircastle, Ltd. (A)(B) 5.000 04-01-23   620,000 663,754
Aircastle, Ltd. (A)(B) 5.500 02-15-22   225,000 238,999
Ashtead Capital, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 4.375 08-15-27   260,000 267,800
Avolon Holdings Funding, Ltd. (A)(B)(D) 5.125 10-01-23   225,000 242,775
H&E Equipment Services, Inc. (A)(B) 5.625 09-01-25   131,000 137,714
United Rentals North America, Inc. (C) 3.875 11-15-27   169,000 170,732
United Rentals North America, Inc. (A)(B) 4.875 01-15-28   328,000 338,660
Information technology 7.5%       13,668,333
Communications equipment 0.8%      
CommScope, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 8.250 03-01-27   377,000 357,106
Motorola Solutions, Inc. (B) 4.600 02-23-28   492,000 536,439
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (A)(B) 4.125 05-15-22   545,000 564,811
Electronic equipment, instruments and components 0.4%      
Tech Data Corp. (A)(B) 3.700 02-15-22   178,000 182,643
Tech Data Corp. (B) 4.950 02-15-27   434,000 462,006
IT services 1.3%      
Banff Merger Sub, Inc. (D) 9.750 09-01-26   215,000 200,219
Fiserv, Inc. (B) 2.750 07-01-24   294,000 300,525
Fiserv, Inc. (A)(B) 3.200 07-01-26   430,000 449,293
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (A)(B) 2.400 10-01-24   410,000 413,478
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (B) 2.850 10-01-29   489,000 490,520
Tempo Acquisition LLC (D) 6.750 06-01-25   102,000 104,933
VeriSign, Inc. (A)(B) 4.750 07-15-27   145,000 153,156
VeriSign, Inc. 5.250 04-01-25   270,000 295,650
Semiconductors and semiconductor equipment 3.7%      
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. 7.000 07-01-24   93,000 97,650
Broadcom Corp. (B) 3.875 01-15-27   765,000 772,880
Broadcom, Inc. (A)(B)(D) 4.750 04-15-29   300,000 317,793
KLA Corp. (A)(B) 4.100 03-15-29   260,000 287,991
Lam Research Corp. (A)(B) 3.750 03-15-26   335,000 361,725
Lam Research Corp. (A)(B) 4.875 03-15-49   275,000 338,450
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 19

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Information technology (continued)        
Semiconductors and semiconductor equipment (continued)      
Marvell Technology Group, Ltd. (A)(B) 4.875 06-22-28   385,000 $427,132
Microchip Technology, Inc. 3.922 06-01-21   255,000 261,146
Microchip Technology, Inc. (A)(B) 4.333 06-01-23   726,000 768,218
Micron Technology, Inc. 4.185 02-15-27   735,000 767,781
Micron Technology, Inc. (A)(B) 4.975 02-06-26   175,000 190,206
Micron Technology, Inc. (A)(B) 5.327 02-06-29   648,000 717,385
NXP BV (B)(D) 3.875 06-18-26   252,000 264,091
NXP BV (A)(B)(D) 4.625 06-01-23   645,000 687,795
NXP BV (A)(B)(D) 4.875 03-01-24   267,000 290,097
Qorvo, Inc. 5.500 07-15-26   110,000 117,423
Software 0.2%      
Microsoft Corp. 4.450 11-03-45   340,000 430,651
Technology hardware, storage and peripherals 1.1%      
Dell International LLC (A)(B)(D) 4.900 10-01-26   456,000 494,724
Dell International LLC (A)(B)(D) 5.300 10-01-29   462,000 510,431
Dell International LLC (B)(D) 8.350 07-15-46   502,000 667,711
Seagate HDD Cayman (A)(B) 4.750 01-01-25   365,000 386,274
Materials 1.8%       3,215,924
Chemicals 0.9%      
Braskem Netherlands Finance BV (A)(B)(D) 4.500 01-10-28   340,000 340,918
Cydsa SAB de CV (D) 6.250 10-04-27   265,000 272,953
Methanex Corp. (A)(B) 5.250 12-15-29   295,000 300,820
Orbia Advance Corp. SAB de CV (D) 5.500 01-15-48   285,000 288,990
Syngenta Finance NV (A)(B)(D) 4.441 04-24-23   470,000 490,679
Construction materials 0.2%      
Cemex SAB de CV (D) 6.125 05-05-25   270,000 279,788
Containers and packaging 0.3%      
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC (A)(B)(D) 6.000 02-15-25   215,000 225,750
Klabin Finance SA (D) 4.875 09-19-27   255,000 265,203
Metals and mining 0.3%      
Anglo American Capital PLC (A)(B)(D) 4.750 04-10-27   270,000 292,664
Commercial Metals Company (A)(B) 5.375 07-15-27   92,000 94,415
Newmont Goldcorp Corp. (A)(B) 2.800 10-01-29   169,000 166,950
Paper and forest products 0.1%      
Norbord, Inc. (D) 6.250 04-15-23   185,000 196,794
Real estate 1.8%       3,228,481
Equity real estate investment trusts 1.8%      
American Homes 4 Rent LP (A)(B) 4.250 02-15-28   305,000 330,671
American Tower Corp. (A)(B) 2.950 01-15-25   257,000 263,920
American Tower Corp. (A)(B) 3.550 07-15-27   488,000 514,814
20 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Real estate (continued)        
Equity real estate investment trusts (continued)      
American Tower Corp. (A)(B) 3.800 08-15-29   210,000 $223,644
Equinix, Inc. (A)(B) 5.375 05-15-27   205,000 222,425
GLP Capital LP 5.375 04-15-26   265,000 291,407
SBA Tower Trust (B)(D) 3.722 04-09-48   473,000 493,460
The GEO Group, Inc. 6.000 04-15-26   72,000 57,060
Ventas Realty LP (A)(B) 3.500 02-01-25   254,000 267,008
VEREIT Operating Partnership LP (A)(B) 4.600 02-06-24   523,000 564,072
Utilities 4.3%       7,834,822
Electric utilities 2.2%      
ABY Transmision Sur SA (D) 6.875 04-30-43   244,875 302,729
Duke Energy Corp. (B) 3.550 09-15-21   1,000,000 1,025,703
Electricite de France SA (5.250% to 1-29-23, then 10 Year U.S. Swap Rate + 3.709%) (D)(G) 5.250 01-29-23   485,000 500,763
Emera US Finance LP (A)(B) 3.550 06-15-26   183,000 192,206
Empresa Electrica Angamos SA (D) 4.875 05-25-29   313,020 325,440
Exelon Generation Company LLC (B) 4.000 10-01-20   1,000,000 1,013,179
Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (D) 6.375 05-15-43   215,000 174,690
Vistra Operations Company LLC (A)(B)(D) 4.300 07-15-29   390,000 405,252
Gas utilities 0.1%      
AmeriGas Partners LP 5.500 05-20-25   183,000 196,286
Independent power and renewable electricity producers 0.9%      
Clearway Energy Operating LLC 5.375 08-15-24   266,000 269,658
Greenko Dutch BV (D) 4.875 07-24-22   310,000 311,941
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc. (A)(B) 3.550 05-01-27   490,000 522,010
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP (D) 3.875 10-15-26   247,000 246,383
NextEra Energy Operating Partners LP (A)(B)(D) 4.500 09-15-27   110,000 112,200
NRG Energy, Inc. (B)(D) 3.750 06-15-24   205,000 212,684
Multi-utilities 1.1%      
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company (A)(B) 8.480 09-15-28   550,000 792,031
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (A)(B) 2.500 09-01-24   170,000 171,079
CMS Energy Corp. (A)(B) 5.050 03-15-22   1,000,000 1,060,588
Term loans (I) 0.1% (0.0% of Total investments)   $131,594
(Cost $140,633)          
Financials 0.1%         131,594
Capital markets 0.1%          
LSF9 Atlantis Holdings LLC, 2017 Term Loan (3 month LIBOR + 6.000%) 7.940 05-01-23   141,563 131,594
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 21

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Collateralized mortgage obligations 10.8% (7.1% of Total investments)   $19,515,445
(Cost $18,958,333)          
Commercial and residential 8.4%         15,222,730
Americold LLC
Series 2010-ARTA, Class D (D)
7.443 01-14-29   605,000 628,568
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust I LLC
Series 2018-3, Class A1 (D)(J)
3.649 09-25-48   151,087 152,753
Arroyo Mortgage Trust          
Series 2018-1, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.763 04-25-48   598,648 612,022
Series 2019-2, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.347 04-25-49   447,341 454,439
BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2015-200P, Class C (D)(J)
3.716 04-14-33   490,000 515,289
BBCMS Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-TALL, Class E (1 month LIBOR + 2.437%) (D)(H)
4.351 03-15-37   214,000 214,134
BBCMS Trust          
Series 2015-MSQ, Class D (D)(J) 4.123 09-15-32   480,000 489,195
Series 2015-SRCH, Class D (D)(J) 5.122 08-10-35   295,000 325,455
Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust
Series 2005-1, Class B2 (F)(J)
3.518 03-25-35   405 11,132
BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust
Series 2019-B11, Class A2
3.410 05-15-52   290,000 304,965
BRAVO Residential Funding Trust
Series 2019-NQM1, Class A1 (D)(J)
2.666 07-25-59   189,169 189,333
BWAY Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-1740, Class XA IO (D)
1.023 01-10-35   6,885,000 137,568
BX Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-BIOA, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.321%) (D)(H)
3.235 03-15-37   245,000 245,613
CGBAM Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2015-SMRT, Class F (D)(J)
3.912 04-10-28   325,000 326,328
CGDBB Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-BIOC, Class E (1 month LIBOR + 2.150%) (D)(H)
4.064 07-15-32   264,000 264,000
CHT Mortgage Trust
Series 2017-CSMO, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 2.250%) (D)(H)
4.171 11-15-36   370,000 370,464
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust          
Series 2017-1500, Class E (1 month LIBOR + 2.500%) (D)(H) 4.413 07-15-32   126,000 126,532
Series 2019-SMRT, Class A (D) 4.149 01-10-36   121,000 130,115
CLNS Trust
Series 2017-IKPR, Class C (1 month LIBOR + 1.100%) (D)(H)
3.150 06-11-32   160,000 159,950
COLT Mortgage Loan Trust          
Series 2018-2, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.470 07-27-48   43,245 43,428
Series 2019-2, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.337 05-25-49   192,770 196,243
Commercial Mortgage Trust (Cantor Fitzgerald/Deutsche Bank AG)          
Series 2012-CR2, Class XA IO 1.799 08-15-45   1,800,262 65,118
22 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Commercial and residential (continued)          
Series 2012-CR3 Class XA IO 2.021 10-15-45   2,617,352 $116,512
Commercial Mortgage Trust (Citigroup/Deutsche Bank AG)
Series 2018-COR3, Class XA IO
0.587 05-10-51   3,848,349 132,441
Commercial Mortgage Trust (Deutsche Bank AG)          
Series 2012-LC4, Class B (J) 4.934 12-10-44   360,000 375,986
Series 2013-300P, Class D (D)(J) 4.540 08-10-30   340,000 356,091
Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
Series 2019-ICE4, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.600%) (D)(H)
3.514 05-15-36   630,000 631,975
CSMC Trust
Series 2019-AFC1, Class A1 (D)
2.573 07-25-49   405,059 404,827
Galton Funding Mortgage Trust
Series 2018-1, Class A43 (D)(J)
3.500 11-25-57   118,419 119,854
Great Wolf Trust
Series 2017-WOLF, Class E (1 month LIBOR + 3.100%) (D)(H)
5.013 09-15-34   90,000 90,028
GS Mortgage Securities Trust          
Series 2012-GC17, Class XA IO 2.355 05-10-45   4,489,945 141,566
Series 2015-GC34, Class A4 3.506 10-10-48   156,000 166,404
Series 2016-RENT, Class D (D)(J) 4.202 02-10-29   420,000 424,874
Series 2017-485L, Class C (D)(J) 4.115 02-10-37   240,000 251,231
Series 2019-GC39, Class A2 3.457 05-10-52   409,000 432,190
Series 2015-GC30, Class A3 3.119 05-10-50   160,000 167,364
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust          
Series 2007-3, Class ES IO (D) 0.350 05-19-47   4,675,057 79,618
Series 2007-4, Class ES IO 0.350 07-19-47   4,683,230 68,365
Series 2007-6, Class ES IO (D) 0.343 08-19-37   4,151,921 59,462
Hilton Orlando Trust
Series 2018-ORL, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.700%) (D)(H)
3.614 12-15-34   110,000 110,136
IMT Trust
Series 2017-APTS, Class CFX (D)(J)
3.613 06-15-34   190,000 194,783
IndyMac Index Mortgage Loan Trust          
Series 2005-AR12, Class AX2 IO 1.328 07-25-35   3,289,263 153,018
Series 2005-AR8, Class AX2 IO 1.353 05-25-35   3,213,908 189,879
Series 2005-AR18, Class 1X IO 1.310 10-25-36   4,739,429 310,837
Irvine Core Office Trust
Series 2013-IRV, Class A2 (D)(J)
3.279 05-15-48   245,000 253,461
JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
Series 2016-C1, Class A4
3.311 03-15-49   115,000 121,620
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust          
Series 2012-HSBC, Class XA IO (D) 1.582 07-05-32   2,665,396 90,096
Series 2018-PHH, Class A (1 month LIBOR + 0.910%) (D)(H) 2.824 06-15-35   164,745 164,744
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 23

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Commercial and residential (continued)          
KNDL Mortgage Trust
Series 2019-KNSQ, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.350%) (D)(H)
3.271 05-15-36   140,000 $140,001
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
Series 2017-CLS, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.400%) (D)(H)
3.313 11-15-34   304,000 304,572
MSCG Trust
Series 2016-SNR, Class D (D)
6.550 11-15-34   395,250 406,464
Natixis Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust          
Series 2018-285M, Class D (D)(J) 3.917 11-15-32   100,000 102,449
Series 2018-ALXA, Class C (D)(J) 4.460 01-15-43   175,000 193,295
One Market Plaza Trust
Series 2017-1MKT, Class D (D)
4.146 02-10-32   190,000 195,387
Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust
Series 2019-2, Class MA
3.500 08-25-58   424,908 444,855
Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust
Series 2018-IMC1, Class A1 (D)(J)
3.793 03-25-48   104,084 105,037
UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
Series 2012-C1, Class B
4.822 05-10-45   405,000 425,353
VNDO Mortgage Trust
Series 2013-PENN, Class D (D)(J)
4.079 12-13-29   327,000 329,848
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust          
Series 2013-120B, Class C (D)(J) 2.800 03-18-28   275,000 274,493
Series 2017-SMP, Class D (1 month LIBOR + 1.650%) (D)(H) 3.571 12-15-34   120,000 119,586
WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust          
Series 2012-C9, Class XA IO (D) 2.061 11-15-45   3,402,429 158,046
Series 2013-C15, Class B (J) 4.624 08-15-46   155,000 165,259
Series 2013-C16, Class B (J) 5.193 09-15-46   265,000 288,079
U.S. Government Agency 2.4%         4,292,715
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.          
Series K005, Class AX IO 1.707 11-25-19   525,508 5
Series K017, Class X1 IO 1.445 12-25-21   3,518,520 78,127
Series K018, Class X1 IO 1.453 01-25-22   3,221,264 71,867
Series K021, Class X1 IO 1.563 06-25-22   899,990 28,963
Series K022, Class X1 IO 1.344 07-25-22   3,670,174 101,788
Series K040, Class A2 3.241 09-25-24   205,000 216,616
Series K043, Class A2 3.062 12-25-24   320,000 336,289
Series K718, Class X1 IO 0.730 01-25-22   15,229,559 174,226
Series KIR3, Class A1 3.038 08-25-27   575,000 607,207
Government National Mortgage Association          
Series 2012-114, Class IO 0.768 01-16-53   1,277,519 58,861
Series 2016-174, Class IO 0.913 11-16-56   1,944,821 144,767
Series 2017-109, Class IO 0.610 04-16-57   2,413,920 123,224
Series 2017-124, Class IO 0.706 01-16-59   3,152,902 195,697
Series 2017-135, Class IO 0.838 10-16-58   2,052,843 133,834
Series 2017-140, Class IO 0.609 02-16-59   1,852,630 105,034
24 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
U.S. Government Agency (continued)          
Series 2017-20, Class IO 0.747 12-16-58   3,920,229 $228,148
Series 2017-22, Class IO 1.022 12-16-57   1,254,539 95,943
Series 2017-46, Class IO 0.620 11-16-57   2,959,595 165,345
Series 2017-61, Class IO 0.766 05-16-59   1,786,042 120,820
Series 2017-74, Class IO 0.776 09-16-58   3,296,674 185,756
Series 2018-114, Class IO 0.540 04-16-60   3,985,337 236,343
Series 2018-158, Class IO 0.727 05-16-61   2,704,698 201,663
Series 2018-35, Class IO 0.527 03-16-60   3,039,086 163,965
Series 2018-43, Class IO 0.576 05-16-60   4,772,606 271,823
Series 2018-69, Class IO 0.536 04-16-60   2,083,268 123,133
Series 2018-9, Class IO 0.558 01-16-60   2,254,160 123,271
Asset backed securities 8.6% (5.7% of Total investments)   $15,559,642
(Cost $15,235,657)          
Asset backed securities 8.6%         15,559,642
AccessLex Institute
Series 2007-A, Class A3 (3 month LIBOR + 0.300%) (H)
2.432 05-25-36   236,605 232,667
Americredit Automobile Receivables Trust          
Series 2018-2, Class C 3.590 06-18-24   195,000 201,734
Series 2018-3, Class C 3.740 10-18-24   158,000 165,035
Applebee's Funding LLC
Series 2019-1A, Class A2I (D)
4.194 06-07-49   411,000 419,212
Arby's Funding LLC
Series 2015-1A, Class A2 (D)
4.969 10-30-45   614,400 634,227
Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC          
Series 2019-1A, Class A (D) 3.450 03-20-23   215,000 220,799
Series 2019-3A, Class A (D) 2.360 03-20-26   330,000 330,290
CLI Funding LLC
Series 2018-1A, Class A (D)
4.030 04-18-43   370,760 374,734
CNH Equipment Trust
Series 2018-B, Class A3
3.190 11-15-23   441,000 449,362
Coinstar Funding LLC
Series 2017-1A, Class A2 (D)
5.216 04-25-47   370,500 385,172
ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust
Series 1995-2, Class A5
8.100 08-15-25   19,015 10,994
CWABS Asset-Backed Certificates Trust
Series 2004-10, Class AF5B
4.560 02-25-35   127,282 127,408
DB Master Finance LLC          
Series 2017-1A, Class A2I (D) 3.629 11-20-47   117,900 120,310
Series 2017-1A, Class A2II (D) 4.030 11-20-47   167,025 172,186
Series 2019-1A, Class A2I (D) 3.787 05-20-49   865,830 890,324
DLL LLC
Series 2018-ST2, Class A3 (D)
3.460 01-20-22   275,000 278,467
Domino's Pizza Master Issuer LLC
Series 2017-1A, Class A23 (D)
4.118 07-25-47   524,300 550,835
Driven Brands Funding LLC
Series 2015-1A, Class A2 (D)
5.216 07-20-45   513,600 529,106
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 25

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Asset backed securities (continued)          
FOCUS Brands Funding LLC
Series 2017-1A, Class A2I (D)
3.857 04-30-47   141,375 $142,425
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust          
Series 2018-3, Class A1 3.520 10-15-23   695,000 714,347
Series 2019-2, Class A 3.060 04-15-26   515,000 534,898
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust
Series 2019-2, Class A (D)
2.900 04-15-26   485,000 499,615
Golden Credit Card Trust
Series 2018-4A, Class A (D)
3.440 10-15-25   360,000 379,376
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust
Series 2018-AA, Class A (D)
3.540 02-25-32   107,577 111,121
Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust
Series 2018-2, Class A3
3.010 05-18-22   250,000 252,907
Jack In The Box Funding LLC          
Series 2019-1A, Class A23 (D) 4.970 08-25-49   175,000 182,375
Series 2019-1A, Class A2I (D) 3.982 08-25-49   175,000 177,895
KeyCorp Student Loan Trust
Series 2004-A, Class 1A2 (3 month LIBOR + 0.240%) (H)
2.496 10-27-42   219,245 210,254
Laurel Road Prime Student Loan Trust
Series 2019-A, Class A2FX (D)
2.730 10-25-48   105,000 105,940
MVW Owner Trust
Series 2018-1A, Class A (D)
3.450 01-21-36   287,326 296,371
Navient Private Education Refi Loan Trust
Series 2019-FA, Class A2 (D)
2.600 08-15-68   422,000 423,604
New Residential Mortgage LLC          
Series 2018-FNT1, Class A (D) 3.610 05-25-23   228,668 231,982
Series 2018-FNT2, Class A (D) 3.790 07-25-54   143,319 145,891
NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust          
Series 2018-1A, Class A2 (D) 3.220 02-15-23   105,000 106,477
Series 2018-2A, Class A2 (D) 3.690 10-15-23   265,000 273,043
NRZ Excess Spread-Collateralized Notes          
Series 2018-PLS1, Class A (D) 3.193 01-25-23   106,338 106,812
Series 2018-PLS2, Class A (D) 3.265 02-25-23   152,792 153,482
Oxford Finance Funding LLC
Series 2019-1A, Class A2 (D)
4.459 02-15-27   142,000 145,666
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust
Series 2018-2, Class C
3.350 07-17-23   195,000 197,277
Sesac Finance LLC
Series 2019-1, Class A2 (D)
5.216 07-25-49   289,275 296,918
Sonic Capital LLC
Series 2016-1A, Class A2 (D)
4.472 05-20-46   209,092 213,138
Taco Bell Funding LLC
Series 2018-1A, Class A2I (D)
4.318 11-25-48   469,453 482,536
Towd Point Mortgage Trust          
Series 2015-1, Class A5 (D)(J) 3.997 10-25-53   125,000 130,530
Series 2015-2, Class 1M2 (D)(J) 3.801 11-25-60   300,000 316,728
Series 2017-2, Class A1 (D)(J) 2.750 04-25-57   84,824 85,610
Series 2018-1, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.000 01-25-58   163,409 165,818
26 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Rate (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Asset backed securities (continued)          
Series 2018-3, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.750 05-25-58   247,580 $257,227
Series 2018-4, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.000 06-25-58   404,627 416,168
Series 2018-5, Class A1A (D)(J) 3.250 07-25-58   108,193 110,911
Series 2019-1, Class A1 (D)(J) 3.750 03-25-58   243,817 257,428
Triton Container Finance V LLC
Series 2018-1A, Class A (D)
3.950 03-20-43   298,792 300,529
Vantage Data Centers Issuer LLC
Series 2018-1A, Class A2 (D)
4.072 02-16-43   196,667 204,333
Westgate Resorts LLC          
Series 2015-2A, Class B (D) 4.000 07-20-28   43,883 43,795
Series 2016-1A, Class A (D) 3.500 12-20-28   79,617 79,954
Series 2017-1A, Class A (D) 3.050 12-20-30   141,388 142,138
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust
Series 2019-1A, Class C (D)
4.050 03-15-24   201,000 204,012
World Omni Automobile Lease Securitization Trust
Series 2018-B, Class A3
3.190 12-15-21   362,000 367,249
    
        Shares Value
Common stocks 0.3% (0.2% of Total investments)   $463,760
(Cost $515,695)          
Energy 0.3%         463,760
Oil, gas and consumable fuels 0.3%    
Royal Dutch Shell PLC, ADR, Class A       8,000 463,760
Preferred securities 1.5% (1.0% of Total investments)   $2,785,140
(Cost $2,527,989)          
Consumer staples 0.3%         537,500
Food and staples retailing 0.3%  
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., 6.250% (D)   6,250 537,500
Financials 0.5%         949,678
Banks 0.5%  
GMAC Capital Trust I (3 month LIBOR + 5.785%), 7.943% (H)   24,985 659,854
Wells Fargo & Company, Series L, 7.500%   192 289,824
Information technology 0.1%         272,921
Semiconductors and semiconductor equipment 0.1%  
Broadcom, Inc., 8.000%   252 272,921
Real estate 0.5%         921,485
Equity real estate investment trusts 0.5%  
Crown Castle International Corp., 6.875%   740 921,485
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 27

 

        Shares Value
Utilities 0.1%         $103,556
Electric utilities 0.0%  
The Southern Company, 6.750%   624 33,172
Multi-utilities 0.1%  
Dominion Energy, Inc., 7.250%   414 44,385
DTE Energy Company, 6.250%   512 25,999
    
  Yield* (%) Maturity date   Par value^ Value
Short-term investments 2.0% (1.3% of Total investments) $3,622,000
(Cost $3,622,000)          
U.S. Government Agency 1.7%         2,997,000
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. Discount Note 1.500 11-01-19   533,000 533,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Discount Note 1.500 11-01-19   2,464,000 2,464,000
    
        Par value^ Value
Repurchase agreement 0.3%         625,000
Repurchase Agreement with State Street Corp. dated 10-31-19 at 0.550% to be repurchased at $625,010 on 11-1-19, collateralized by $635,000 U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.875% due 1-31-22 (valued at $641,060, including interest)       625,000 625,000
    
Total investments (Cost $265,464,787) 151.3%     $274,317,874
Other assets and liabilities, net (51.3%)     (92,964,579)
Total net assets 100.0%     $181,353,295
    
The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the fund unless otherwise indicated.
^All par values are denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Security Abbreviations and Legend
ADR American Depositary Receipt
CMT Constant Maturity Treasury
IO Interest-Only Security - (Interest Tranche of Stripped Mortgage Pool). Rate shown is the annualized yield at the end of the period.
ISDAFIX International Swaps and Derivatives Association Fixed Interest Rate Swap Rate
LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate
(A) All or a portion of this security is on loan as of 10-31-19, and is a component of the fund's leverage under the Liquidity Agreement.
(B) All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral pursuant to the Liquidity Agreement. Total collateral value at 10-31-19 was $97,901,471. A portion of the securities pledged as collateral were loaned pursuant to the Liquidity Agreement. The value of securities on loan amounted to $60,183,848.
(C) Security purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
(D) 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. Rule 144A securities amounted to $69,714,886 or 38.4% of the fund's net assets as of 10-31-19.
(E) Non-income producing - Issuer is in default.
28 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(F) Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
(G) Perpetual bonds have no stated maturity date. Date shown as maturity date is next call date.
(H) Variable rate obligation. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.
(I) Term loans are variable rate obligations. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.
(J) Variable or floating rate security, the interest rate of which adjusts periodically based on a weighted average of interest rates and prepayments on the underlying pool of assets. The interest rate shown is the current rate as of period end.
* 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.
At 10-31-19, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $266,861,569. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated to $7,456,305, of which $9,765,875 related to gross unrealized appreciation and $2,309,570 related to gross unrealized depreciation.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 29

 

Financial statements  
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 10-31-19

Assets  
Unaffiliated investments, at value (Cost $265,464,787) $274,317,874
Cash 782
Dividends and interest receivable 2,085,259
Receivable for investments sold 314,146
Receivable for delayed delivery securities sold 2,093,901
Other assets 14,968
Total assets 278,826,930
Liabilities  
Liquidity agreement 91,300,000
Payable for investments purchased 1,403,540
Payable for delayed delivery securities purchased 4,451,027
Interest payable 195,008
Payable to affiliates  
Accounting and legal services fees 15,868
Trustees' fees 202
Other liabilities and accrued expenses 107,990
Total liabilities 97,473,635
Net assets $181,353,295
Net assets consist of  
Paid-in capital $175,067,771
Total distributable earnings (loss) 6,285,524
Net assets $181,353,295
 
Net asset value per share  
Based on 11,646,585 shares of beneficial interest outstanding - unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value $15.57
30 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the year ended  10-31-19

Investment income  
Interest $11,129,876
Dividends 216,739
Less foreign taxes withheld (3,796)
Total investment income 11,342,819
Expenses  
Investment management fees 1,389,498
Interest expense 2,713,913
Accounting and legal services fees 29,004
Transfer agent fees 68,312
Trustees' fees 43,833
Custodian fees 28,522
Printing and postage 59,163
Professional fees 64,764
Stock exchange listing fees 23,748
Other 11,469
Total expenses 4,432,226
Less expense reductions (19,470)
Net expenses 4,412,756
Net investment income 6,930,063
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)  
Net realized gain (loss) on  
Unaffiliated investments 1,538,151
  1,538,151
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of  
Unaffiliated investments 15,009,317
  15,009,317
Net realized and unrealized gain 16,547,468
Increase in net assets from operations $23,477,531
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 31

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS  

  Year ended
10-31-19
Year ended
10-31-18
Increase (decrease) in net assets    
From operations    
Net investment income $6,930,063 $7,667,910
Net realized gain (loss) 1,538,151 (345,298)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 15,009,317 (14,450,218)
Increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 23,477,531 (7,127,606)
Distributions to shareholders    
From earnings (7,757,792) (8,611,487)
Total distributions (7,757,792) (8,611,487)
Total increase (decrease) 15,719,739 (15,739,093)
Net assets    
Beginning of year 165,633,556 181,372,649
End of year $181,353,295 $165,633,556
Share activity    
Shares outstanding    
Beginning of year 11,646,585 11,646,585
End of year 11,646,585 11,646,585
32 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended   10-31-19

   
Cash flows from operating activities  
Net increase in net assets from operations $23,477,531
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Long-term investments purchased (133,707,101)
Long-term investments sold 129,339,486
Net purchases and sales in short-term investments (610,937)
Net amortization of premium (discount) 2,324,742
(Increase) Decrease in assets:  
Dividends and interest receivable 282,465
Receivable for investments sold (231,729)
Receivable for delayed delivery securities sold (2,093,901)
Other assets 3,670
Increase (Decrease) in liabilities:  
Payable for investments purchased 972,941
Payable for delayed delivery securities purchased 4,451,027
Interest payable (31,825)
Payable to affiliates (11,235)
Other liabilities and accrued expenses 35,666
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on:  
Investments (15,009,317)
Net realized (gain) loss on:  
Investments (1,526,539)
Net cash provided by operating activities $7,664,944
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities  
Distributions to shareholders $(7,757,792)
Net cash used in financing activities $(7,757,792)
Net decrease in cash $(92,848)
Cash at beginning of year $93,630
Cash at end of year $782
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  
Cash paid for interest $(2,745,738)
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST 33

 

Financial highlights  
Period ended 10-31-19 10-31-18 10-31-17 10-31-16 10-31-15
Per share operating performance          
Net asset value, beginning of period $14.22 $15.57 $15.49 $15.14 $15.84
Net investment income1 0.60 0.66 0.75 0.79 0.81
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 1.42 (1.27) 0.14 0.41 (0.62)
Total from investment operations 2.02 (0.61) 0.89 1.20 0.19
Less distributions          
From net investment income (0.67) (0.74) (0.81) (0.85) (0.90)
Anti-dilutive impact of repurchase plan 0.01 2
Net asset value, end of period $15.57 $14.22 $15.57 $15.49 $15.14
Per share market value, end of period $14.58 $13.14 $14.81 $14.26 $13.86
Total return at net asset value (%)3,4 14.84 (3.76) 6.28 8.52 1.84
Total return at market value (%)3 16.37 (6.50) 9.82 9.20 3.28
Ratios and supplemental data          
Net assets, end of period (in millions) $181 $166 $181 $180 $176
Ratios (as a percentage of average net assets):          
Expenses before reductions 2.55 2.34 1.82 1.58 1.45
Expenses including reductions5 2.54 2.32 1.81 1.57 1.43
Net investment income 3.99 4.44 4.87 5.24 5.22
Portfolio turnover (%) 50 68 47 43 51
Senior securities          
Total debt outstanding end of period (in millions) $91 $91 $91 $91 $91
Asset coverage per $1,000 of debt6 $2,986 $2,814 $2,987 $2,977 $2,932
    
1 Based on average daily shares outstanding.
2 The repurchase plan was completed at an average repurchase price of $13.86 for 96,519 shares for the period ended 10-31-15.
3 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 distributions from income, capital gains and tax return of capital, if any, were reinvested.
4 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the applicable periods.
5 Expenses including reductions excluding interest expense were 0.98%, 1.01%, 0.99%, 1.02% and 1.01% for the periods ended 10-31-19, 10-31-18, 10-31-17, 10-31-16 and 10-31-15, respectively.
6 Asset coverage equals the total net assets plus borrowings divided by the borrowings of the fund outstanding at period end (Note 7). As debt outstanding changes, the level of invested assets may change accordingly. Asset coverage ratio provides a measure of leverage.
34 JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust |ANNUAL REPORT SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Notes to financial statements  
Note 1Organization
John Hancock Income Securities Trust (the fund) is a closed-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act).
Note 2Significant accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP), 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. The fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of US GAAP.
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 scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally at 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. In case of emergency or other disruption resulting in the NYSE not opening for trading or the NYSE closing at a time other than the regularly scheduled close, the net asset value (NAV) may be determined as of the regularly scheduled close of the NYSE pursuant to the fund's Valuation Policies and Procedures.
In order to value the securities, the fund uses the following valuation techniques: Debt obligations are typically valued based on the evaluated prices provided by an independent pricing vendor. Independent pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which takes 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, as well as broker supplied prices. Equity securities, including exchange-traded or closed-end funds, are typically valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the exchange or principal market where the security trades. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, the securities are valued using the last available bid price.
In certain instances, the Pricing Committee may determine to value equity securities using prices obtained from another exchange or market if trading on the exchange or market on which prices are typically obtained did not open for trading as scheduled, or if trading closed earlier than scheduled, and trading occurred as normal on another exchange or market.
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. 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.
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, including registered investment companies. 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
  ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust 35

 

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 and related inputs may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy.
The following is a summary of the values by input classification of the fund's investments as of October 31, 2019, by major security category or type:
  Total
value at
10-31-19
Level 1
quoted
price
Level 2
significant
observable
inputs
Level 3
significant
unobservable
inputs
Investments in securities:        
Assets        
U.S. Government and Agency obligations $89,470,164 $89,470,164
Foreign government obligations 1,260,026 1,260,026
Corporate bonds 141,510,103 141,510,103
Term loans 131,594 131,594
Collateralized mortgage obligations 19,515,445 19,504,313 $11,132
Asset backed securities 15,559,642 15,559,642
Common stocks 463,760 $463,760
Preferred securities 2,785,140 1,326,155 1,458,985
Short-term investments 3,622,000 3,622,000
Total investments in securities $274,317,874 $1,789,915 $272,516,827 $11,132
Repurchase agreements. The fund may enter into repurchase agreements. When the fund enters into a repurchase agreement, it receives collateral that is held in a segregated account by the fund's custodian, or for tri-party repurchase agreements, collateral is held at a third-party custodian bank in a segregated account for the benefit of the fund. The collateral amount is marked-to-market and monitored on a daily basis to ensure that the collateral held is in an amount not less than the principal amount of the repurchase agreement plus any accrued interest. Collateral received by the fund for repurchase agreements is disclosed in the Fund's investments as part of the caption related to the repurchase agreement.
Repurchase agreements are typically governed by the terms and conditions of the Master Repurchase Agreement and/or Global Master Repurchase Agreement (collectively, MRA). Upon an event of default, the non-defaulting party may close out all transactions traded under the MRA and net amounts owed. Absent an event of default, assets and liabilities resulting from repurchase agreements are not offset in the Statement of assets and liabilities. In the event of a default by the counterparty, realization of the collateral proceeds could be delayed, during which time the collateral value may decline or the counterparty may have insufficient assets to pay claims resulting from close-out of the transactions.
When-issued/delayed-delivery securities. The fund may purchase or sell debt securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, or in a “To Be Announced” (TBA) or “forward commitment” transaction, with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. TBA securities resulting from these transactions are included in the portfolio or in a schedule to the portfolio (Sale Commitments Outstanding). At the time a fund enters into a commitment to purchase or sell a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the security is reflected in its NAV. The price of such security and the date that the security will be delivered and
36 JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust |ANNUAL REPORT  

 

paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations. No interest accrues until settlement takes place. At the time that the fund enters into this type of transaction, the fund is required to have sufficient cash and/or liquid securities to cover its commitments.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into when-issued or delayed-delivery securities transactions, including the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts, and the issuer’s failure to issue the securities due to political, economic or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to declines in the value of the securities purchased or increase in the value of securities sold prior to settlement date.
Security transactions and related investment income. Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily NAV calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Interest income includes coupon interest and amortization/accretion of premiums/discounts on debt securities. Debt obligations may be placed in a non-accrual status and related interest income may be reduced by stopping current accruals and writing off interest receivable when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, except for dividends of certain 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. Non-cash dividends, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Distributions received on securities that represent a tax return of capital and/or capital gain, if any, are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain, if amounts are estimable. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.
Real estate investment trusts. The fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs). Distributions from REITs may be recorded as income and subsequently characterized by the REIT at the end of the fiscal year as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. As a result, the fund will estimate the components of distributions from these securities. Such estimates are revised when the actual components of the distributions are known.
Foreign taxes. The fund may be subject to withholding tax on income, capital gains or repatriation taxes imposed by certain countries, a portion of which may be recoverable. Foreign taxes are accrued based upon the fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which it invests. Taxes are accrued based on gains realized by the fund as a result of certain foreign security sales. In certain circumstances, estimated taxes are accrued based on unrealized appreciation of such securities. Investment income is recorded net of foreign withholding taxes.
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 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.
Expenses. Within the John Hancock group of 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.
  ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust 37

 

Statement of cash flows. A Statement of cash flows is presented when a fund has a significant amount of borrowing during the period, based on the average total borrowing in relation to total assets, or when a certain percentage of the fund’s investments is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Information on financial transactions that have been settled through the receipt and disbursement of cash is presented in the Statement of cash flows. The cash amount shown in the Statement of cash flows is the amount included in the fund’s Statement of assets and liabilities and represents the cash on hand at the fund’s custodian and does not include any short-term investments or collateral on derivative contracts, if any.
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.
For federal income tax purposes, as of October 31, 2019, the fund has a long-term capital loss carryforward of $2,407,833 available to offset future net realized capital gains. This carryforward does not expire.
As of October 31, 2019, 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 quarterly. Capital gain distributions, if any, are typically distributed annually.
The tax character of distributions for the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
  October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
Ordinary income $7,757,792 $8,611,487
As of October 31, 2019, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis consisted of $1,237,053 of undistributed ordinary income.
Such distributions and distributable earnings, on a tax basis, are determined in conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from US GAAP. Distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits, if any, are reported in the fund's financial statements as a return of capital.
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 differences, if any, will reverse in a subsequent period. Book-tax differences are primarily attributable to amortization and accretion on debt securities.
Note 3Guarantees and indemnifications
Under the fund's organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities 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. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.
38 JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust |ANNUAL REPORT  

 

Note 4Fees and transactions with affiliates
John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the Advisor) serves as investment advisor for the fund. The Advisor is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC). Prior to June 28, 2019, the Advisor was known as John Hancock Advisers, LLC.
Management fee. The fund has an investment management agreement with the Advisor under which the fund pays a daily management fee to the Advisor equivalent on an annual basis to the sum of (a) 0.650% of the first $150 million of the fund’s average daily managed assets (net assets plus borrowings under the Liquidity Agreement (see Note 7), (b) 0.375% of the next $50 million of the fund’s average daily managed assets, (c) 0.350% of the next $100 million of the fund’s average daily managed assets and (d) 0.300% of the fund’s average daily managed assets in excess of $300 million. The Advisor has a subadvisory agreement with Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, an indirectly owned subsidiary of MFC and an affiliate of the Advisor. Prior to May 7, 2019, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC was known as John Hancock Asset Management, a division of Manulife Asset Management (US) LLC. The fund is not responsible for payment of the subadvisory fees.
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses for certain funds of the John Hancock group of funds complex, including the fund (the participating portfolios). This waiver is based upon aggregate net assets of all the participating portfolios. The amount of the reimbursement is calculated daily and allocated among all the participating portfolios in proportion to the daily net assets of each fund. During the year ended October 31, 2019, this waiver amounted to 0.01% of the fund’s average daily net assets. This arrangement expires on July 31, 2021, unless renewed by mutual agreement of the fund and the Advisor based upon a determination that this is appropriate under the circumstances at that time.
The expense reductions described above amounted to $19,470 for the year ended October 31, 2019.
Expenses waived or reimbursed in the current fiscal period are not subject to recapture in future fiscal periods.
The investment management fees, including the impact of the waivers and reimbursements as described above, incurred for the year ended October 31, 2019, were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.52% of the fund's average daily managed net assets.
Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to a service agreement, the fund reimburses the Advisor for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, compliance, 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 accounting and legal services fees incurred for the year ended October 31, 2019 amounted to an annual rate of 0.01% of the fund's average daily managed net assets.
Trustee expenses. The fund compensates each Trustee who is not an employee of the Advisor or its affiliates. These Trustees receive from the fund and the other John Hancock closed-end funds an annual retainer. In addition, Trustee out-of-pocket expenses are allocated to each fund based on its net assets relative to other funds within the John Hancock group of funds complex.
Note 5Fund share transactions
On March 12, 2015, the Board of Trustees approved a share repurchase plan, which is subsequently reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees each year in December. Under the current share repurchase plan, the fund may purchase in the open market, up to 10% of its outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2018. The current share repurchase plan will remain in effect between January 1,2019 and December 31, 2019.
  ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust 39

 

During the years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, the fund had no activities under the repurchase program. Shares repurchased and corresponding dollar amounts, if any, are included on the Statements of changes in net assets. The anti-dilutive impacts of these share repurchases are included on the Financial highlights.
Note 6Leverage risk
The fund utilizes a Liquidity Agreement (LA) to increase its assets available for investment. When the fund leverages its assets, shareholders bear the expenses associated with the LA and have potential to benefit or be disadvantaged from the use of leverage. The Advisor’s fee is also increased in dollar terms from the use of leverage. Consequently, the fund and the Advisor may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the fund’s assets. Leverage creates risks that may adversely affect the return for the holders of shares, including:
the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and market price of shares;
fluctuations in the interest rate paid for the use of the LA;
increased operating costs, which may reduce the fund’s total return;
the potential for a decline in the value of an investment acquired through leverage, while the fund’s obligations under such leverage remains fixed; and
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, returns would be lower if the cost of the leverage exceeds the income or capital appreciation derived. The use of securities lending to obtain leverage in the fund’s investments may subject the fund to greater risk of loss than would reinvestment of collateral in short term highly rated investments.
In addition to the risks related to the fund’s use of leverage, the fund is subject to the risk that it would be unable to timely, or at all, obtain replacement financing if the LA is terminated. Were this to happen, the fund would be required to de-leverage, selling securities at a potentially inopportune time and incurring tax consequences. Further, the fund’s ability to generate income from the use of leverage would be adversely affected.
Note 7Liquidity Agreement
The fund has entered into a Liquidity Agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (SSB) that allows it to borrow or otherwise access up to $91,300,000 (maximum facility amount) through a line of credit, securities lending and reverse repurchase agreements. The amounts outstanding at October 31, 2019 are shown in the Statement of assets and liabilities as the Liquidity agreement.
The fund pledges its assets as collateral to secure obligations under the LA. The fund retains the risks and rewards of the ownership of assets pledged to secure obligations under the LA and makes these assets available for securities lending and reverse repurchase transactions with SSB acting as the fund’s authorized agent for these transactions. All transactions initiated through SSB are required to be secured with cash collateral received from the securities borrower (the Borrower) or cash is received from the reverse repurchase agreement (Reverse Repo) counterparties. Securities lending transactions will be secured with cash collateral in amounts at least equal to 100% of the market value of the securities utilized in these transactions. Cash received by SSB from securities lending or Reverse Repo transactions is credited against the amounts borrowed under the line of credit.
Upon return of securities by the Borrower or Reverse Repo counterparty, SSB will return the cash collateral to the Borrower or proceeds from the Reverse Repo, as applicable, which will eliminate the credit against the line of credit and will cause the drawdowns under the line of credit to increase by the amounts returned. Income earned
40 JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust |ANNUAL REPORT  

 

on the loaned securities is retained by SSB, and any interest due on the reverse repurchase agreements is paid by SSB.
SSB has indemnified the fund for certain losses that may arise if the Borrower or a Reverse Repo Counterparty fails to return securities when due. With respect to securities lending transactions, upon a default of the securities borrower, SSB uses the collateral received from the Borrower to purchase replacement securities of the same issue, type, class and series. If the value of the collateral is less than the purchase cost of replacement securities, SSB is responsible for satisfying the shortfall but only to the extent that the shortfall is not due to any of the fund’s losses on the reinvested cash collateral. Although the risk of the loss of the securities is mitigated by receiving collateral from the Borrower or proceeds from the Reverse Repo counterparty and through SSB indemnification, the fund could experience a delay in recovering securities or could experience a lower than expected return if the Borrower or Reverse Repo counterparty fails to return the securities on a timely basis.
Under normal circumstances, interest charged is at the rate of one month LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) plus 0.600% and is payable monthly on the aggregate balance of the drawdowns outstanding under the LA. As of October 31, 2019, the fund had an aggregate balance of $91,300,000 at an interest rate of 2.38%, which is reflected in the Liquidity agreement on the Statement of assets and liabilities. During the year ended October 31, 2019, the average balance of the LA and the effective average interest rate were $91,300,000 and 2.97%, respectively.
The fund may terminate the LA with 60 days’ notice. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements, or other covenants are not met, the LA could be deemed in default and result in termination. Absent a default or facility termination event, SSB is required to provide the fund with 360 days’ notice prior to terminating the LA.
Due to the anticipated discontinuation of LIBOR, as discussed in Note 8, the LA may be amended to remove LIBOR as the reference rate for interest and to replace LIBOR with an alternative reference rate for interest mutually agreed upon by the fund and SSB. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate and the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the fund and/or the LA cannot yet be fully determined.
Note 8LIBOR Discontinuation Risk
The LA utilizes LIBOR as the reference or benchmark rate for interest rate calculations. LIBOR is a measure of the average interest rate at which major global banks can borrow from one another. Following allegations of rate manipulation and concerns regarding its thin liquidity, in July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it will stop encouraging banks to provide the quotations needed to sustain LIBOR after 2021. This event will likely cause LIBOR to cease to be published. Before then, it is expected that market participants such as the fund and SSB will transition to the use of different reference or benchmark rates. However, although regulators have suggested alternative rates, there is currently no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any replacement rate.
It is uncertain what impact the discontinuation of LIBOR will have on the use of LIBOR as a reference rate in the LA. It is expected that market participants will amend financial instruments referencing LIBOR, such as the LA, to include fallback provisions and other measures that contemplate the discontinuation of LIBOR or other similar market disruption events, but neither the effect of the transition process nor the viability of such measures is known. In addition, there are obstacles to converting certain longer term securities and transactions to a new benchmark or benchmarks and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined. As market participants transition away from LIBOR, LIBOR's usefulness may deteriorate, which could occur prior to the end of
  ANNUAL REPORT |JOHN HANCOCK Income Securities Trust 41

 

2021. The transition process may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates. LIBOR's deterioration may adversely affect the liquidity and/or market value of securities that use LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate. The use of an alternative reference rate, or the transition process to an alternative reference rate, may result in increases to the interest paid by the fund pursuant to the LA and, therefore, may adversely affect the fund's performance.
Note 9Purchase and sale of securities
Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments and U.S. Treasury obligations, amounted to $93,135,068 and $82,420,318, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2019. Purchases and sales of U.S. Treasury obligations aggregated $40,572,033 and $46,919,168, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2019.
Note 10New accounting pronouncement
In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-08, Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which shortens the premium amortization period for purchased non contingently callable debt securities. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has performed an analysis and has determined that the ASU will not have a material impact to the fund.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of John Hancock Income Securities Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the Fund’s investments, of John Hancock Income Securities Trust (the "Fund") as of October 31, 2019, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2019, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended October 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2019, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended October 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 13, 2019
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the John Hancock group of funds since 1988.
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Tax information (Unaudited)  
For federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions of the fund, if any, paid during its taxable year ended October 31, 2019.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its net taxable income as qualified dividend income as provided in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
The fund reports the maximum amount allowable of its Section 199A dividends as defined in Proposed Treasury Regulation §1.199A-3(d).
Eligible shareholders will be mailed a 2019 Form 1099-DIV in early 2020. This will reflect the tax character of all distributions paid in calendar year 2019.
Please consult a tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of your investment in the fund.
44 JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST |ANNUAL REPORT  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


Unaudited

Investment objective and policy

The fund is a closed-end, diversified management investment company, common shares of which were initially offered to the public on February 14, 1973, and are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE). The fund's investment objective is to generate a high level of current income consistent with prudent investment risk. There can be no assurance that the fund will achieve its investment objective. The fund utilizes a liquidity agreement to increase its assets available for investments.

Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in income securities, consisting of the following: (i) marketable corporate debt securities, (ii) governmental obligations and (iii) cash and commercial paper. The fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in this 80% investment policy. The fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in income-producing preferred securities and common stocks.

Dividends and distributions

During the year ended October 31, 2019, distributions from net investment income totaling $0.6661 per share were paid to shareholders. The dates of payments and the amounts per share were as follows:

   
Payment date Income distributions
December 31, 2018 $0.2085
March 29, 2019 0.1522
June 28, 2019 0.1504
September 30, 2019 0.1550
Total $0.6661

Dividend reinvestment plan

The fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan) provides that distributions of dividends and capital gains are automatically reinvested in common shares of the fund by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the Plan Agent). Every shareholder holding at least one full share of the fund is entitled to participate in the Plan. In addition, every shareholder who became a shareholder of the fund after June 30, 2011, and holds at least one full share of the fund will be automatically enrolled in the Plan. Shareholders may withdraw from the Plan at any time and shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash.

If the fund declares a dividend or distribution payable either in cash or in common shares of the fund and the market price of shares on the payment date for the distribution or dividend equals or exceeds the fund's net asset value per share (NAV), the fund will issue common shares to participants at a value equal to the higher of NAV or 95% of the market price. The number of additional shares to be credited to each participant's account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution or dividend by the higher of NAV or 95% of the market price. If the market price is lower than NAV, or if dividends or distributions are payable only in cash, then participants will receive shares purchased by the Plan Agent on participants' behalf on the NYSE or otherwise on the open market. If the market price exceeds NAV before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the average per share purchase price may exceed NAV, resulting in fewer shares being acquired than if the fund had issued new shares.

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There are no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the fund. However, whenever shares are purchased or sold on the NYSE or otherwise on the open market, each participant will pay a pro rata portion of brokerage trading fees, currently $0.05 per share purchased or sold. Brokerage trading fees will be deducted from amounts to be invested.

The reinvestment of dividends and net capital gains distributions does not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

Shareholders participating in the Plan may buy additional shares of the fund through the Plan at any time in amounts of at least $50 per investment, up to a maximum of $10,000, with a total calendar year limit of $100,000. Shareholders will be charged a $5 transaction fee plus $0.05 per share brokerage trading fee for each order. Purchases of additional shares of the fund will be made on the open market. Shareholders who elect to utilize monthly electronic fund transfers to buy additional shares of the fund will be charged a $2 transaction fee plus $0.05 per share brokerage trading fee for each automatic purchase. Shareholders can also sell fund shares held in the Plan account at any time by contacting the Plan Agent by telephone, in writing or by visiting the Plan Agent's website at www.computershare.com/investor. The Plan Agent will mail a check (less applicable brokerage trading fees) on settlement date. Pursuant to regulatory changes, effective September 5, 2017, the settlement date is changed from three business days after the shares have been sold to two business days after the shares have been sold. If shareholders choose to sell shares through their stockbroker, they will need to request that the Plan Agent electronically transfer those shares to their stockbroker through the Direct Registration System.

Shareholders participating 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 website at www.computershare.com/investor. Such termination will be effective immediately if the notice is received by the Plan Agent prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise, such termination will be effective on the first trading day after the payment date for such dividend or distribution, with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. If shareholders withdraw from the Plan, their shares will be credited to their account; or, if they wish, the Plan Agent will sell their full and fractional shares and send the shareholders the proceeds, less a transaction fee of $5 and less brokerage trading fees of $0.05 per share. If a shareholder does not maintain at least one whole share of common stock in the Plan account, the Plan Agent may terminate such shareholder's participation in the Plan after written notice. Upon termination, shareholders will be sent a check for the cash value of any fractional share in the Plan account, less any applicable broker commissions and taxes.

Shareholders who hold at least one full share of the fund may join the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent by telephone, in writing or by visiting the Plan Agent's website at www.computershare.com/investor. If received in proper form by the Plan Agent before the record date of a dividend, the election will be effective with respect to all dividends paid after such record date. If shareholders wish to participate in the Plan and their shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, shareholders should contact their nominee to see if it will participate in the Plan. If shareholders wish to participate in the Plan, but their brokerage firm, bank or other nominee is unable to participate on their behalf, they will need to request that their shares be re-registered in their own name, or they will not be able to participate. The Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by shareholders as representing the total amount registered in their name and held for their account by their nominee.

Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the fund and the Plan Agent reserve the right to amend or terminate the Plan. Participants generally will receive written notice at least 90 days before the effective date of any amendment. In the case of termination, participants will receive written notice at least 90 days before the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the fund.

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Effective November 1, 2013, the Plan was revised to provide that Computershare Trust Company, N.A. no longer provides mail loss insurance coverage when shareholders mail their certificates to the fund's administrator.

All correspondence or requests for additional information about the Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at the address stated below, or by calling 800-852-0218, 201-680-6578 (For International Telephone Inquiries) and 800-952-9245 (For the Hearing Impaired (TDD)).

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:

Regular Mail:
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233

Registered or Overnight Mail:
Computershare
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202

If your shares are held with a brokerage firm, you should contact that firm, bank or other nominee for assistance.

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Continuation of Investment Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements


Evaluation of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements by the Board of Trustees

This section describes the evaluation by the Board of Trustees (the Board) of John Hancock Income Securities Trust (the fund) of the Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with John Hancock Investment Management, LLC (the Advisor, formerly John Hancock Advisers, LLC) and the Subadvisory Agreement (the Subadvisory Agreement) with Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (the Subadvisor, formerly John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (US) LLC). The Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are collectively referred to as the Agreements. Prior to the June 23-26, 2019 in-person meeting at which the Agreements were approved, the Board also discussed and considered information regarding the proposed continuation of the Agreements at an in-person meeting held on May 28-30, 2019.

Approval of Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements

At in-person meetings held on June 23-26, 2019, the Board, including the Trustees who are not parties to any Agreement or considered to be interested persons of the fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (the Independent Trustees), reapproved for an annual period the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the fund and the Advisor and the Subadvisory Agreement between the Advisor and the Subadvisor with respect to the fund.

In considering the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement, the Board received in advance of the meetings a variety of materials relating to the fund, the Advisor and the Subadvisor, including comparative performance, fee and expense information for a peer group of similar funds prepared by an independent third-party provider of fund data, performance information for an applicable benchmark index; and other pertinent information, such as the market premium and discount information, and, with respect to the Subadvisor, comparative performance information for comparably managed accounts, as applicable, and other information provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor under their respective Agreements, as well as information regarding the Advisor's revenues and costs of providing services to the fund and any compensation paid to affiliates of the Advisor. At the meetings at which the renewal of the Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement are considered, particular focus is given to information concerning fund performance, comparability of fees and total expenses, and profitability. However, the Board noted that the evaluation process with respect to the Advisor and the Subadvisor is an ongoing one. In this regard, the Board also took into account discussions with management and information provided to the Board (including its various committees) at prior meetings with respect to the services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor to the fund, including quarterly performance reports prepared by management containing reviews of investment results and prior presentations from the Subadvisor with respect to the fund. The information received and considered by the Board in connection with the May and June meetings and throughout the year was both written and oral. The Board noted the affiliation of the Subadvisor with the Advisor, noting any potential conflicts of interest. The Board also considered the nature, quality, and extent of non-advisory services, if any, to be provided to the fund by the Advisor's affiliates. The Board considered the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement separately in the course of its review. In doing so, the Board noted the respective roles of the Advisor and Subadvisor in providing services to the fund.

Throughout the process, the Board asked questions of and requested additional information from management. The Board is assisted by counsel for the fund and the Independent Trustees are also separately assisted by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Independent Trustees also received a memorandum from their independent legal counsel discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the proposed continuation of the Agreements

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and discussed the proposed continuation of the Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of management were present.

Approval of Advisory Agreement

In approving the Advisory Agreement with respect to the fund, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, considered a variety of factors, including those discussed below. The Board also considered other factors (including conditions and trends prevailing generally in the economy, the securities markets, and the industry) and did not treat any single factor as determinative, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to different factors. The Board's conclusions may be based in part on its consideration of the advisory and subadvisory arrangements in prior years and on the Board's ongoing regular review of fund performance and operations throughout the year.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. Among the information received by the Board from the Advisor relating to the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the fund, the Board reviewed information provided by the Advisor relating to its operations and personnel, descriptions of its organizational and management structure, and information regarding the Advisor's compliance and regulatory history, including its Form ADV. The Board also noted that on a regular basis it receives and reviews information from the fund's Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) regarding the fund's compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. The Board observed that the scope of services provided by the Advisor, and of the undertakings required of the Advisor in connection with those services, including maintaining and monitoring its own and the fund's compliance programs, risk management programs, liquidity management programs and cybersecurity programs, had expanded over time as a result of regulatory, market and other developments. The Board considered that the Advisor is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the fund, including, but not limited to, general supervision of and coordination of the services provided by the Subadvisor, and is also responsible for monitoring and reviewing the activities of the Subadvisor and third-party service providers. The Board also considered the significant risks assumed by the Advisor in connection with the services provided to the fund including entrepreneurial risk in sponsoring new funds and ongoing risks including investment, operational, enterprise, litigation, regulatory and compliance risk with respect to all funds.

The Board also considered the differences between the Advisor's services to the fund and the services it provides to other clients that are not closed-end funds, including, for example, the differences in services related to the regulatory and legal obligations of closed-end funds.

In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor, the Trustees also took into account their knowledge of the Advisor's management and the quality of the performance of the Advisor's duties, through Board meetings, discussions and reports during the preceding year and through each Trustee's experience as a Trustee of the fund and of the other funds in the John Hancock group of funds complex (the John Hancock Fund Complex).

In the course of their deliberations regarding the Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other things:

(a) the skills and competency with which the Advisor has in the past managed the fund's affairs and its subadvisory relationship, the Advisor's oversight and monitoring of the Subadvisor's investment performance and compliance programs, such as the Subadvisor's compliance with fund policies and objectives, review of brokerage matters, including with respect to trade allocation and best execution and the Advisor's timeliness in responding to performance issues;
(b) the background, qualifications and skills of the Advisor's personnel;
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(c) the Advisor's compliance policies and procedures and its responsiveness to regulatory changes and fund industry developments;
(d) the Advisor's administrative capabilities, including its ability to supervise the other service providers for the fund, as well as the Advisor's oversight of any securities lending activity, its monitoring of class action litigation and collection of class action settlements on behalf of the fund, and bringing loss recovery actions on behalf of the fund;
(e) the financial condition of the Advisor and whether it has the financial wherewithal to provide a high level and quality of services to the fund;
(f) the Advisor's initiatives intended to improve various aspects of the fund's operations and investor experience with the fund; and
(g) the Advisor's reputation and experience in serving as an investment advisor to the fund and the benefit to shareholders of investing in funds that are part of a family of funds offering a variety of investments.

The Board concluded that the Advisor may reasonably be expected to continue to provide a high quality of services under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the fund.

Investment performance. In considering the fund's performance, the Board noted that it reviews at its regularly scheduled meetings information about the fund's performance results. In connection with the consideration of the Advisory Agreement, the Board:

(a) reviewed information prepared by management regarding the fund's performance;
(b) considered the comparative performance of an applicable benchmark index;
(c) considered the performance of comparable funds, if any, as included in the report prepared by an independent third-party provider of fund data;
(d) took into account the Advisor's analysis of the fund's performance; and
(e) considered the fund's share performance and premium/discount information.

The Board noted that while it found the data provided by the independent third-party generally useful it recognized its limitations, including in particular that the data may vary depending on the end date selected and the results of the performance comparisons may vary depending on the selection of the peer group. The Board noted that, based on its net asset value, the fund underperformed its benchmark index for the one-year period and outperformed its benchmark index for the three-, five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2018. The Board also noted that, based on its net asset value, the fund underperformed its peer group average for the one- and three-year periods and outperformed its peer group average for the five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2018. The Board took into account management's discussion of the fund's performance, including the favorable performance relative to the benchmark index for the three-, five- and ten-year periods and to the peer group for the five- and ten-year periods. The Board concluded that the fund's performance has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds and the fund's benchmark index over the longer-term.

Fees and expenses. The Board reviewed comparative information prepared by an independent third-party provider of fund data, including, among other data, the fund's contractual and net management fees (and subadvisory fees, to the extent available) and total expenses as compared to similarly situated investment companies deemed to be comparable to the fund in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory and subadvisory services provided by the Advisor and the Subadvisor. The Board considered the fund's ranking within a smaller group

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of peer funds chosen by the independent third-party provider, as well as the fund's ranking within a broader group of funds. In comparing the fund's contractual and net management fees to those of comparable funds, the Board noted that such fees include both advisory and administrative costs.

The Board also took into account the impact of leverage on fund expenses. The Board took into account the management fee structure, including that management fees for the fund were based on the fund's total managed assets, which are attributable to common stock and borrowings. The Board noted that net management fees for the fund are equal to the peer group median and that net total expenses for the fund are higher than the peer group median.

The Board took into account management's discussion of the fund's expenses. The Board also took into account management's discussion with respect to the overall management fee and the fees of the Subadvisor, including the amount of the advisory fee retained by the Advisor after payment of the subadvisory fee, in each case in light of the services rendered for those amounts and the risks undertaken by the Advisor. The Board also noted that the Advisor pays the subadvisory fee. In addition, the Board took into account that management had agreed to implement an overall fee waiver across the complex, including the fund, which is discussed further below. The Board also noted that, in addition, the Advisor is currently waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses with respect to the fund and that the fund has breakpoints in its contractual management fee schedule that reduces management fees as assets increase. The Board reviewed information provided by the Advisor concerning the investment advisory fee charged by the Advisor or one of its advisory affiliates to other clients (including other funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex) having similar investment mandates, if any. The Board considered any differences between the Advisor's and Subadvisor's services to the fund and the services they provide to other comparable clients or funds. The Board concluded that the advisory fee paid with respect to the fund is reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the fund under the Advisory Agreement.

Profitability/Fall out benefits. In considering the costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Advisor and its affiliates (including the Subadvisor) from the Advisor's relationship with the fund, the Board:

(a) reviewed financial information of the Advisor;
(b) reviewed and considered information presented by the Advisor regarding the net profitability to the Advisor and its affiliates with respect to the fund;
(c) received and reviewed profitability information with respect to the John Hancock Fund Complex as a whole and with respect to the fund;
(d) received information with respect to the Advisor's allocation methodologies used in preparing the profitability data and considered that the advisor hired an independent third-party consultant to provide an analysis of the Advisor's allocation methodologies;
(e) considered that the Advisor also provides administrative services to the fund on a cost basis pursuant to an administrative services agreement;
(f) noted that the fund's Subadvisor is an affiliate of the Advisor;
(g) noted that the Advisor also derives reputational and other indirect benefits from providing advisory services to the fund;
(h) noted that the subadvisory fees for the fund are paid by the Advisor;
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(i) considered the Advisor's ongoing costs and expenditures necessary to improve services, meet new regulatory and compliance requirements, and adapt to other challenges impacting the fund industry; and
(j) considered that the Advisor should be entitled to earn a reasonable level of profits in exchange for the level of services it provides to the fund and the risks that it assumes as Advisor, including entrepreneurial, operational, reputational, litigation and regulatory risk.

Based upon its review, the Board concluded that the level of profitability, if any, of the Advisor and its affiliates (including the Subadvisor) from their relationship with the fund was reasonable and not excessive.

Economies of scale. In considering the extent to which the fund may realize any economies of scale and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of the fund shareholders, the Board noted that the fund has a limited ability to increase its assets as a closed-end fund. The Board took into account management's discussions of the current advisory fee structure, and, as noted above, the services the Advisor provides in performing its functions under the Advisory Agreement and in supervising the Subadvisor.

The Board also considered potential economies of scale that may be realized by the fund as part of the John Hancock Fund Complex. Among them, the Board noted that the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee and/or reimburse expenses for certain funds of the John Hancock Fund Complex, including the fund (the participating portfolios). This waiver is based upon aggregate net assets of all the participating portfolios. The amount of the reimbursement is calculated daily and allocated among all the participating portfolios in proportion to the daily net assets of each fund. The Board reviewed the fund's advisory fee structure and concluded that: (i) the fund's fee structure contains breakpoints at the subadvisory fee level and that such breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund; and (ii) although economies of scale cannot be measured with precision, these arrangements permit shareholders of the fund to benefit from economies of scale if the fund grows. The Board also took into account management's discussion of the fund's advisory fee structure. The Board also considered the Advisor's overall operations and its ongoing investment in its business in order to expand the scale of, and improve the quality of, its operations that benefit the fund. The Board determined that the management fee structure for the fund was reasonable.

Approval of Subadvisory Agreement

In making its determination with respect to approval of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Board reviewed:

(1) information relating to the Subadvisor's business, including current subadvisory services to the fund (and other funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex);
(2) the historical and current performance of the fund and comparative performance information relating to an applicable benchmark index and comparable funds; and
(3) the subadvisory fee for the fund, including any breakpoints, and to the extent available, comparable fee information prepared by an independent third party provider of fund data.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. With respect to the services provided by the Subadvisor, the Board received information provided to the Board by the Subadvisor, including the Subadvisor's Form ADV, as well as took into account information presented throughout the past year. The Board considered the Subadvisor's current level of staffing and its overall resources, as well as received information relating to the Subadvisor's compensation program. The Board reviewed the Subadvisor's history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background, and responsibilities of the Subadvisor's investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the fund. The Board also considered, among other things, the Subadvisor's compliance program

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       52


and any disciplinary history. The Board also considered the Subadvisor's risk assessment and monitoring process. The Board reviewed the Subadvisor's regulatory history, including whether it was involved in any regulatory actions or investigations as well as material litigation, and any settlements and amelioratory actions undertaken, as appropriate. The Board noted that the Advisor conducts regular, periodic reviews of the Subadvisor and its operations, including regarding investment processes and organizational and staffing matters. The Board also noted that the fund's CCO and his staff conduct regular, periodic compliance reviews with the Subadvisor and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding the same, which includes evaluating the regulatory compliance systems of the Subadvisor and procedures reasonably designed to assure compliance with the federal securities laws. The Board also took into account the financial condition of the Subadvisor.

The Board considered the Subadvisor's investment process and philosophy. The Board took into account that the Subadvisor's responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the fund that is consistent with the fund's investment objective, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. The Board also received information with respect to the Subadvisor's brokerage policies and practices, including with respect to best execution and soft dollars.

Subadvisor compensation. In considering the cost of services to be provided by the Subadvisor and the profitability to the Subadvisor of its relationship with the fund, the Board noted that the fees under the Subadvisory Agreement are paid by the Advisor and not the fund. The Board also received information and took into account any potential conflicts of interest the Advisor might have in connection with the Subadvisory Agreement.

In addition, the Board considered other potential indirect benefits that the Subadvisor and its affiliates may receive from the Subadvisor's relationship with the fund, such as the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional funds in the John Hancock Fund Complex and reputational benefits.

Subadvisory fees. The Board considered that the fund pays an advisory fee to the Advisor and that, in turn, the Advisor pays subadvisory fees to the Subadvisor. As noted above, the Board also considered the fund's subadvisory fee as compared to similarly situated investment companies deemed to be comparable to the fund as included in the report prepared by the independent third party provider of fund data, to the extent available. The Board noted that the limited size of the Lipper peer group was not sufficient for comparative purposes. The Board also took into account the subadvisory fee paid by the Advisor to the Subadvisor with respect to the fund and compared them to fees charged by the Subadvisor to manage other subadvised portfolios and portfolios not subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, as applicable.

Subadvisor performance. As noted above, the Board considered the fund's performance as compared to the fund's peer group and the benchmark index and noted that the Board reviews information about the fund's performance results at its regularly scheduled meetings. The Board noted the Advisor's expertise and resources in monitoring the performance, investment style and risk-adjusted performance of the Subadvisor. The Board was mindful of the Advisor's focus on the Subadvisor's performance. The Board also noted the Subadvisor's long-term performance record for similar accounts, as applicable.

The Board's decision to approve the Subadvisory Agreement was based on a number of determinations, including the following:

(1) the Subadvisor has extensive experience and demonstrated skills as a manager;
(2) the fund's performance, based on net asset value, has generally been in line with or outperformed the historical performance of comparable funds and the fund's benchmark index over the longer-term;
ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       53


(3) the subadvisory fees are reasonable in relation to the level and quality of services being provided under the Subadvisory Agreement; and
(4) the subadvisory fee breakpoints are reflected as breakpoints in the advisory fees for the fund in order to permit shareholders to benefit from economies of scale if the fund grows.

* * *

Based on the Board's evaluation of all factors that the Board deemed to be material, including those factors described above, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that renewal of the Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreement would be in the best interest of the fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, approved the Advisory Agreement and Subadvisory Agreement for an additional one-year period.

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       54


Trustees and Officers

This chart provides information about the Trustees and Officers who oversee your John Hancock fund. Officers elected by the Trustees manage the day-to-day operations of the fund and execute policies formulated by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

     
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with fund
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years
Trustee
of the
Trust
since1
Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee
Hassell H. McClellan, Born: 1945 2012 207
Trustee and Chairperson of the Board
Director/Trustee, Virtus Funds (since 2008); Director, The Barnes Group (since 2010); Associate Professor, The Wallace E. Carroll School of Management, Boston College (retired 2013). Trustee (since 2005) and Chairperson of the Board (since 2017) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex.

     
Charles L. Bardelis,2 Born: 1941 2012 207
Trustee
Director, Island Commuter Corp. (marine transport). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 1988).

     
James R. Boyle, Born: 1959 2015 207
Trustee
Chief Executive Officer, Foresters Financial (since 2018); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Zillion Group, Inc. (formerly HealthFleet, Inc.) (healthcare) (2014-2018); Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Life Insurance Division of Genworth Financial, Inc. (insurance) (January 2014-July 2014); Senior Executive Vice President, Manulife Financial, President and Chief Executive Officer, John Hancock (1999-2012); Chairman and Director, John Hancock Investment Management LLC, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC, and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (2005-2010). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (2005-2014 and since 2015).

     
Peter S. Burgess,2 Born: 1942 2012 207
Trustee
Consultant (financial, accounting, and auditing matters) (since 1999); Certified Public Accountant; Partner, Arthur Andersen (independent public accounting firm) (prior to 1999); Director, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (since 2004); Director, Symetra Financial Corporation (2010-2016); Director, PMA Capital Corporation (2004-2010). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2005).

     
William H. Cunningham, Born: 1944 2005 207
Trustee
Professor, University of Texas, Austin, Texas (since 1971); former Chancellor, University of Texas System and former President of the University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Chairman (since 2009) and Director (since 2006), Lincoln National Corporation (insurance); Director, Southwest Airlines (since 2000); former Director, LIN Television (2009-2014). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 1986).

     
Grace K. Fey, Born: 1946 2012 207
Trustee
Chief Executive Officer, Grace Fey Advisors (since 2007); Director and Executive Vice President, Frontier Capital Management Company (1988-2007); Director, Fiduciary Trust (since 2009). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008).

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       55


Independent Trustees (continued)

     
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with fund
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years
Trustee
of the
Trust
since1
Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee
Deborah C. Jackson, Born: 1952 2008 207
Trustee
President, Cambridge College, Cambridge, Massachusetts (since 2011); Board of Directors, Massachusetts Women's Forum (since 2018); Board of Directors, National Association of Corporate Directors/New England (since 2015); Board of Directors, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Massachusetts (2014-2017); Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay (2002-2011); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Corporation (since 2001); Board of Directors of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (since 2001); Board of Directors of American Student Assistance Corporation (1996-2009); Board of Directors of Boston Stock Exchange (2002-2008); Board of Directors of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (health benefits company) (2007-2011). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008).

     
James M. Oates,2 Born: 1946 2012 207
Trustee
Managing Director, Wydown Group (financial consulting firm) (since 1994); Chairman and Director, Emerson Investment Management, Inc. (2000-2015); Independent Chairman, Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services company) (1997-2011); Director, Stifel Financial (since 1996); Director, Investor Financial Services Corporation (1995-2007); Director, Connecticut River Bancorp (1998-2014); Director/Trustee, Virtus Funds (since 1988). Trustee (since 2004) and Chairperson of the Board (2005-2016) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex.

     
Steven R. Pruchansky, Born: 1944 2005 207
Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Board
Managing Director, Pru Realty (since 2017); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (since 2014); Director and President, Greenscapes of Southwest Florida, Inc. (until 2000); Member, Board of Advisors, First American Bank (until 2010); Managing Director, Jon James, LLC (real estate) (since 2000); Partner, Right Funding, LLC (2014-2017); Director, First Signature Bank & Trust Company (until 1991); Director, Mast Realty Trust (until 1994); President, Maxwell Building Corp. (until 1991). Trustee (since 1992), Chairperson of the Board (2011-2012), and Vice Chairperson of the Board (since 2012) of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex.

     
Gregory A. Russo, Born: 1949 2008 207
Trustee
Director and Audit Committee Chairman (since 2012), and Member, Audit Committee and Finance Committee (since 2011), NCH Healthcare System, Inc. (holding company for multi-entity healthcare system); Director and Member (2012-2018) and Finance Committee Chairman (2014-2018), The Moorings, Inc. (nonprofit continuing care community); Vice Chairman, Risk & Regulatory Matters, KPMG LLP (KPMG) (2002-2006); Vice Chairman, Industrial Markets, KPMG (1998-2002); Chairman and Treasurer, Westchester County, New York, Chamber of Commerce (1986-1992); Director, Treasurer, and Chairman of Audit and Finance Committees, Putnam Hospital Center (1989-1995); Director and Chairman of Fundraising Campaign, United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York (1990-1995). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2008).

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       56


Non-Independent Trustees3

     
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with fund
Principal occupation(s) and other
directorships during past 5 years
Trustee
of the
Trust
since1
Number of John
Hancock funds
overseen by
Trustee
Andrew G. Arnott, Born: 1971 2017 207
President and Non-Independent Trustee
Head of Wealth and Asset Management, United States and Europe, for John Hancock and Manulife (since 2018); Executive Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2009, including prior positions); Director and Executive Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC (since 2005, including prior positions); Director and Executive Vice President, John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2006, including prior positions); President, John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC (since 2004, including prior positions); President of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2017).

     
Marianne Harrison, Born: 1963 2018 207
Non-Independent Trustee
President and CEO, John Hancock (since 2017); President and CEO, Manulife Canadian Division (2013-2017); Member, Board of Directors, CAE Inc. (since 2019); Member, Board of Directors, MA Competitive Partnership Board (since 2018); Member, Board of Directors, American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) (since 2018); Member, Board of Directors, Communitech, an industry-led innovation center that fosters technology companies in Canada (2017-2019); Member, Board of Directors, Manulife Assurance Canada (2015-2017); Board Member, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation (2014-2017); Member, Board of Directors, Manulife Bank of Canada (2013-2017); Member, Standing Committee of the Canadian Life & Health Assurance Association (2013-2017); Member, Board of Directors, John Hancock USA, John Hancock Life & Health, John Hancock New York (2012-2013). Trustee of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2018).

Principal officers who are not Trustees

   
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with fund
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years
Officer
of the
Trust
since
Francis V. Knox, Jr., Born: 1947 2005
Chief Compliance Officer
Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2005); Chief Compliance Officer, various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex, John Hancock Investment Management LLC, and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2005).

   
Charles A. Rizzo, Born: 1957 2007
Chief Financial Officer
Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2008); Senior Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2008); Chief Financial Officer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007).

   
Salvatore Schiavone, Born: 1965 2010
Treasurer
Assistant Vice President, John Hancock Financial Services (since 2007); Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2007); Treasurer of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2007, including prior positions).

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       57


Principal officers who are not Trustees (continued)

   
Name, year of birth
Position(s) held with fund
Principal occupation(s)
during past 5 years
Officer
of the
Trust
since
Christopher (Kit) Sechler, Born: 1973 2018
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
Vice President and Deputy Chief Counsel, John Hancock Investments (since 2015); Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel (2009-2015), John Hancock Investment Management; Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of various trusts within the John Hancock Fund Complex (since 2018); Assistant Secretary of John Hancock Investment Management LLC and John Hancock Variable Trust Advisers LLC (since 2009).

The business address for all Trustees and Officers is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5023.

1 Each Trustee holds office until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until the Trustee's death, retirement, resignation, or removal. Mr. Boyle has served as Trustee at various times prior to date listed in the table.
2 Member of the Audit Committee.
3 The Trustee is a Non-Independent Trustee due to current or former positions with the Advisor and certain of its affiliates.
ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       58


More information

   

Trustees

Hassell H. McClellan, Chairperson
Steven R. Pruchansky, Vice Chairperson
Andrew G. Arnott
Charles L. Bardelis*
James R. Boyle
Peter S. Burgess*
William H. Cunningham
Grace K. Fey
Marianne Harrison
Deborah C. Jackson
James M. Oates*
Gregory A. Russo

Officers

Andrew G. Arnott
President

Francis V. Knox, Jr.
Chief Compliance Officer

Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer

Salvatore Schiavone
Treasurer

Christopher (Kit) Sechler
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer

Investment advisor

John Hancock Investment Management LLC

Subadvisor

Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC

Portfolio Managers

Jeffrey N. Given, CFA
Howard C. Greene, CFA

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Transfer agent

Computershare Shareowner Services, LLC

Legal counsel

K&L Gates LLP

Independent registered public accounting firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Stock symbol

Listed New York Stock Exchange: JHS

* Member of the Audit Committee
† Non-Independent Trustee

For shareholder assistance refer to page  6

       
  You can also contact us:
  800-852-0218
jhinvestments.com

Regular mail:

Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233

Express mail:

Computershare
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202

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) website at sec.gov or on our website.

All of the fund's holdings as of the end of the third month of every fiscal quarter are filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT within 60 days of the end of the fiscal quarter. The fund's Form N-PORT filings are available on our website and the SEC's website, sec.gov.

We make this information on your fund, as well as monthly portfolio holdings, and other fund details available on our website at jhinvestments.com or by calling 800-852-0218.



The report is certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires closed-end funds and other public companies to affirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the information in their financial reports is fairly and accurately stated in all material respects.

ANNUAL REPORT   |   JOHN HANCOCK INCOME SECURITIES TRUST       59


John Hancock family of funds

 

     

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS



Blue Chip Growth

Classic Value

Disciplined Value

Disciplined Value Mid Cap

Equity Income

Financial Industries

Fundamental All Cap Core

Fundamental Large Cap Core

New Opportunities

Regional Bank

Small Cap Core

Small Cap Growth

Small Cap Value

U.S. Global Leaders Growth

U.S. Quality Growth

GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS



Disciplined Value International

Emerging Markets

Emerging Markets Equity

Fundamental Global Franchise

Global Equity

Global Shareholder Yield

Global Thematic Opportunities

International Dynamic Growth

International Growth

International Small Company

 

INCOME FUNDS



Bond

California Tax-Free Income

Emerging Markets Debt

Floating Rate Income

Government Income

High Yield

High Yield Municipal Bond

Income

Investment Grade Bond

Money Market

Short Duration Bond

Short Duration Credit Opportunities

Strategic Income Opportunities

Tax-Free Bond

ALTERNATIVE AND SPECIALTY FUNDS



Absolute Return Currency

Alternative Asset Allocation

Alternative Risk Premia

Disciplined Alternative Yield

Diversified Macro

Infrastructure

Multi-Asset Absolute Return

Seaport Long/Short

The fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses are included in the prospectus and should be considered carefully before investing. For a prospectus, contact your financial professional, call John Hancock Investment Management at 800-852-0218, or visit the fund's website at jhinvestments.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.


     

ASSET ALLOCATION



Balanced

Income Allocation

Multi-Index Lifetime Portfolios

Multi-Index Preservation Portfolios

Multimanager Lifestyle Portfolios

Multimanager Lifetime Portfolios

Retirement Income 2040

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS



John Hancock Multifactor Consumer Discretionary ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Consumer Staples ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Developed International ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Energy ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Financials ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Healthcare ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Industrials ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Large Cap ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Materials ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Media and
Communications ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Technology ETF

John Hancock Multifactor Utilities ETF

 

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND
GOVERNANCE FUNDS



ESG All Cap Core

ESG Core Bond

ESG International Equity

ESG Large Cap Core

CLOSED-END FUNDS



Financial Opportunities

Hedged Equity & Income

Income Securities Trust

Investors Trust

Preferred Income

Preferred Income II

Preferred Income III

Premium Dividend

Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income

Tax-Advantaged Global Shareholder Yield

John Hancock Multifactor ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), and are not individually redeemed
from the fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

John Hancock ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, and are subadvised by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.
Foreside is not affiliated with John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC or Dimensional Fund Advisors LP.

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP receives compensation from John Hancock in connection with licensing rights to the
John Hancock Dimensional indexes. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP does not sponsor, endorse, or sell, and makes no
representation as to the advisability of investing in, John Hancock Multifactor ETFs.


John Hancock Investment Management

A trusted brand

John Hancock Investment Management is a premier asset manager
representing one of America's most trusted brands, with a heritage of
financial stewardship dating back to 1862. Helping our shareholders
pursue their financial goals is at the core of everything we do. It's why
we support the role of professional financial advice and operate with
the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

A better way to invest

We serve investors globally through a unique multimanager approach:
We search the world to find proven portfolio teams with specialized
expertise for every strategy we offer, then we apply robust investment
oversight to ensure they continue to meet our uncompromising
standards and serve the best interests of our shareholders.

Results for investors

Our unique approach to asset management enables us to provide
a diverse set of investments backed by some of the world's best
managers, along with strong risk-adjusted returns across asset classes.

jhdigest_backcover-logo.jpg

John Hancock Investment Management Distributors LLC n Member FINRA, SIPC
200 Berkeley Street n Boston, MA 02116-5010 n 800-225-5291 n jhinvestments.com

   
MF1003864 P6A 10/19
12/19


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

As of the end of the year, October 31, 2019, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (respectively, the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer, the “Senior Financial Officers”). A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

Peter S. Burgess is the audit committee financial expert and is “independent”, pursuant to general instructions on Form N-CSR Item 3.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a) Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant(s) for John Hancock Income Securities Trust for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant(s) in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements amounted to $54,456 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and $56,701 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the registrant’s audit committee.

(b) Audit-Related Services
Audit-related fees for John Hancock Income Securities Trust amounted to $5 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and $0 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 billed to the registrant or to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant ("control affiliates"). In addition, amounts billed to control affiliates for service provider internal controls reviews were $116,467 and $110,200 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(c) Tax Fees
The aggregate fees for John Hancock Income Securities Trust billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant(s) for the tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“tax fees”) amounted to $3,837 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and $3,725 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. The nature of the services comprising the tax fees was the review of the registrant’s tax returns and tax distribution requirements. These fees were billed to the registrant and were approved by the registrant’s audit committee.

(d) All Other Fees
The all other fees for John Hancock Income Securities Trust billed to the registrant for products and services provided by the principal accountant were $84 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and $239 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 billed to control affiliates for products and services provided by the principal accountant. These fees were approved by the registrant’s audit committee.

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures:
The trust’s Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm (the “Auditor”) relating to the operations or financial reporting of the funds. Prior to the commencement of any audit or non-audit services to a fund, the Audit Committee reviews the services to determine whether they are appropriate and permissible under applicable law.


The trust’s Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures to, among other purposes, provide a framework for the Committee’s consideration of audit-related and non-audit services by the Auditor. The policies and procedures require that any audit-related and non-audit service provided by the Auditor and any non-audit service provided by the Auditor to a fund service provider that relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of a fund are subject to approval by the Audit Committee before such service is provided. Audit-related services provided by the Auditor that are expected to exceed $25,000 per instance/per fund are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. Tax services provided by the Auditor that are expected to exceed $30,000 per instance/per fund are subject to specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

All audit services, as well as the audit-related and non-audit services that are expected to exceed the amounts stated above, must be approved in advance of provision of the service by formal resolution of the Audit Committee. At the regularly scheduled Audit Committee meetings, the Committee reviews a report summarizing the services, including fees, provided by the Auditor.

(e)(2) Services approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X:

Audit-Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees:
There were no amounts that were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) According to the registrant’s principal accountant, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the percentage of hours spent on the audit of the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons who were not full-time, permanent employees of principal accountant was less than 50%.

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant(s) for services rendered to the registrant and rendered to the registrant's control affiliates for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were $$962,139 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 and $2,064,999 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

(h) The audit committee of the registrant has considered the non-audit services provided by the registrant’s principal accountant(s) to the control affiliates and has determined that the services that were not pre-approved are compatible with maintaining the principal accountant(s)' independence.

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

The registrant has a separately-designated standing audit committee comprised of independent trustees. The members of the audit committee are as follows:

Peter S. Burgess - Chairman
Charles L. Bardelis
Theron S. Hoffman

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.

See attached exhibit - Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.


ITEM 8.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Information about the Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (“Manulife IM (US)”) portfolio managers

Below is a list of the Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC portfolio managers who share joint responsibility for the day-to-day investment management of the Fund. It provides a brief summary of their business careers over the past five years. Information is provided as of October 31, 2019.

Jeffrey N. Given, CFA
Senior Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager
Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC since 2012
Managing Director, Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (2005–2012)
Second Vice President, John Hancock Investment Management, LLC (1993–2005)
Began business career in 1993
Managed the Fund since 1999

Howard C. Greene, CFA
Senior Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager
Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC since 2005
Began business career in 1979
Managed the Fund since 2005

Other Accounts the Portfolio Managers are Managing

The table below indicates, for each portfolio manager, information about the accounts over which the portfolio manager has day-to-day investment responsibility. All information on the number of accounts and total assets in the table is as of October 31, 2019. For purposes of the table, “Other Pooled Investment Vehicles” may include investment partnerships and group trusts, and “Other Accounts” may include separate accounts for institutions or individuals, insurance company general or separate accounts, pension funds and other similar institutional accounts.

      Registered Investment       Other Pooled            
  Companies   Investment Vehicles   Other Accounts
  Number       Total   Number       Total   Number   Total
  of   Assets   of   Assets   of   Assets
  Accounts   $Million   Accounts   $Million   Accounts   $Million
Jeffrey N.   22   41,691   21   2,988   17   9,534
Given,            
CFA            
Howard C.   9   29,131   20   2,712   17   9,534
Greene,            
CFA            

Number and value of accounts within the total accounts that are subject to a performance-based advisory fee: None.


Conflicts of Interest. When a portfolio manager is responsible for the management of more than one account, the potential arises for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The principal types of potential conflicts of interest that may arise are discussed below. For the reasons outlined below, the Fund does not believe that any material conflicts are likely to arise out of a portfolio manager’s responsibility for the management of the Fund as well as one or more other accounts. The Advisor and Subadvisor have adopted procedures that are intended to monitor compliance with the policies referred to in the following paragraphs. Generally, the risks of such conflicts of interests are increased to the extent that a portfolio manager has a financial incentive to favor one account over another. The Advisor and Subadvisor have structured their compensation arrangements in a manner that is intended to limit such potential for conflicts of interests. See “Compensation of Portfolio Managers” below.

A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in allocating new investment opportunities that have limited supply, such as initial public offerings and private placements. If, for example, an initial public offering that was expected to appreciate in value significantly shortly after the offering was allocated to a single account, that account may be expected to have better investment performance than other accounts that did not receive an allocation on the initial public offering. The Subadvisor has policies that require a portfolio manager to allocate such investment opportunities in an equitable manner and generally to allocate such investments proportionately among all accounts with similar investment objectives.

   

A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in the order in which trades for the accounts are placed. If a portfolio manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price. When a portfolio manager intends to trade the same security for more than one account, the policies of the Subadvisor generally require that such trades be “bunched,” which means that the trades for the individual accounts are aggregated and each account receives the same price. There are some types of accounts as to which bunching may not be possible for contractual reasons (such as directed brokerage arrangements). Circumstances may also arise where the trader believes that bunching the orders may not result in the best possible price. Where those accounts or circumstances are involved, the Subadvisor will place the order in a manner intended to result in as favorable a price as possible for such client.

   
A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager’s compensation is tied to the performance of that account rather than all accounts managed by the portfolio manager. If, for example, the portfolio manager receives a bonus based upon the performance of certain accounts relative to a benchmark while other accounts are disregarded for this purpose, the portfolio manager will have a financial incentive to seek to have the accounts that determine the portfolio manager’s bonus achieve the best possible performance to the possible detriment of other accounts. Similarly, if the Subadvisor receives a performance-based advisory fee, the portfolio manager may favor that account, whether or not the performance of that account directly determines the portfolio manager’s compensation. The investment performance on specific accounts is not a factor in determining the portfolio manager’s compensation. See “Compensation of Portfolio Managers” below. Neither the Advisor nor the Subadvisor receives a performance-based fee with respect to any of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers.
   
A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager has a beneficial interest in the account, in order to benefit a large client or to compensate a client that had poor returns. For example, if the portfolio manager held an interest in an investment partnership that was one of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager would have an economic incentive to favor the account in which the portfolio manager held an interest. The Subadvisor imposes certain trading restrictions and reporting requirements for accounts in which a portfolio manager or certain family members have a personal interest in order to confirm that such accounts are not favored over other accounts.



If the different accounts have materially and potentially conflicting investment objectives or strategies, a conflict of interest may arise. For example, if a portfolio manager purchases a security for one account and sells the same security short for another account, such trading pattern could disadvantage either the account that is long or short. In making portfolio manager assignments, the Subadvisor seeks to avoid such potentially conflicting situations. However, where a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increase the holding in such security.

Compensation of Portfolio Managers. The Subadvisor has adopted a system of compensation for portfolio managers and others involved in the investment process that is applied systematically among investment professionals. At the Subadvisor, the structure of compensation of investment professionals is currently composed of the following basic components: base salary and short- and long-term incentives. The following describes each component of the compensation package for the individuals identified as a portfolio manager for the Funds.

Base salary. Base compensation is fixed and normally reevaluated on an annual basis. The Subadvisor seeks to set compensation at market rates, taking into account the experience and responsibilities of the investment professional.

   

Incentives. Only investment professionals are eligible to participate in the short-and long-term incentive plan. Under the plan, investment professionals are eligible for an annual cash award. The plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the investment professional achieving superior investment performance and aligns the financial incentives of the Subadvisor and the investment professional. Any bonus under the plan is completely discretionary, with a maximum annual bonus that may be well in excess of base salary. Payout of a portion of this bonus may be deferred for up to five years. While the amount of any bonus is discretionary, the following factors are generally used in determining bonuses under the plan:

   

Investment Performance: The investment performance of all accounts managed by the investment professional over one, three and five-year periods are considered. With respect to fixed income accounts, relative yields are also used to measure performance. The pre-tax performance of each account is measured relative to an appropriate benchmark and universe as identified in the table below.

   

Financial Performance: The profitability of the Subadvisor and its parent company are also considered in determining bonus awards.

   

Non-Investment Performance: To a lesser extent, intangible contributions, including the investment professional’s support of client service and sales activities, new fund/strategy idea generation, professional growth and development, and management, where applicable, are also evaluated when determining bonus awards.




In addition to the above, compensation may also include a revenue component for an investment team derived from a number of factors including, but not limited to client assets under management, investment performance, and firm metrics.

   

Manulife Equity Awards. A limited number of senior investment professionals may receive options to purchase shares of Manulife Financial stock. Generally, such option would permit the investment professional to purchase a set amount of stock at the market price on the date of grant. The option can be exercised for a set period (normally a number of years or until termination of employment) and the investment professional would exercise the option if the market value of Manulife Financial stock increases. Some investment professionals may receive restricted stock grants, where the investment professional is entitled to receive the stock at no or nominal cost, provided that the stock is forgone if the investment professional’s employment is terminated prior to a vesting date.

   

Deferred Incentives. Investment professionals may receive deferred incentives which are fully invested in strategies managed by the team/individuals as well as other Manulife Asset Management strategies.

The Subadvisor also permits investment professionals to participate on a voluntary basis in a deferred compensation plan, under which the investment professional may elect on an annual basis to defer receipt of a portion of their compensation until retirement. Participation in the plan is voluntary.

Fund Peer Universe
Income Securities Trust Morningstar US OE Intermediate-Term Bond

Share Ownership by Portfolio Managers. For purposes of these tables, “similarly managed accounts” include all accounts that are managed (i) by the same portfolio managers that are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund; and (ii) with an investment style, objective, policies and strategies substantially similar to those that are used to manage the Fund.

Range of
Beneficial
Range of Ownership in
Beneficial similarly
Ownership in the managed
Portfolio Manager Fund accounts
Jeffrey N. Given,
CFA
$1-$10,000 $1-$10,000
Howard C. Greene,
CFA
$1-$10,000 $1-$10,000

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

(a) Not applicable.
(b)

REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES



Total number of Maximum number
Average shares purchased of shares that may
Total number of price per as part of publicly yet be purchased
Period shares purchased share announced plans* under the plans*
Nov-18 - - - 1,164,659
Dec-18 - - - 1,164,659
Jan-19 - - - 1,164,659
Feb-19 - - - 1,164,659
Mar-19 - - - 1,164,659
Apr-19 - - - 1,164,659
May-19 - - - 1,164,659
Jun-19 - - - 1,164,659
Jul-19 - - - 1,164,659
Aug-19 - - - 1,164,659
Sep-19 - - - 1,164,659
Oct-19 - - - 1,164,659
Total - - 1,164,659
*On March 12, 2015, the Board of Trustees approved a share repurchase plan, which is subsequently reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees each year in December. Under the current share repurchase plan, the Fund may purchase in the open market, up to 10% of its outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2018. The current share repurchase plan will remain in effect between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

(a) 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 and 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 period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

The Fund did not participate directly in securities lending activities. See Note 8 to the financial statements in Item 1.

ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is attached.


(a)(2) 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)(1) 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) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are attached.

(c)(2) Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders is attached. See attached “John Hancock Funds – Nominating and Governance Committee Charter”.


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 Income Securities Trust

By: /s/ Andrew Arnott
Andrew Arnott                
President
 
Date:      December 13, 2019

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/ Andrew Arnott
Andrew Arnott
President
 
Date: December 13, 2019
 
By: /s/ Charles A. Rizzo
Charles A. Rizzo
Chief Financial Officer     
 
Date: December 13, 2019