ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS John Hancock Income Securities Trust SEMI ANNUAL REPORT 6.30.03 [A 2" x 1" John Hancock (Signature)/John Hancock Funds logo in lower, center middle of page. A tag line below reads "JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS."] [A photo of Maureen R. Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, flush left next to first paragraph.] WELCOME Table of contents Your fund at a glance page 1 Managers' report page 2 Fund's investments page 6 Financial statements page 15 For your information page 29 Dear Fellow Shareholders, The stock market made a strong recovery in the first half of 2003. Historically low interest rates, improving corporate earnings and government stimulus in the form of tax cuts gave investors hope that the economy would soon begin to strengthen. Most of the market's move up occurred in the second quarter, and the breadth of the rally was enormous. As a result, the major indexes were able to wipe out their first-quarter losses and post solid gains for the first six months of the year. With technology leading the way, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index rose 21.51% through June, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 9.02% and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index returned 11.75%. With falling interest rates, bonds also did well, continuing their upward trend for a fourth consecutive year. High yield bonds led the pack, returning 18.49% in the first half as measured by the Lehman High Yield Index. After the jarring stock-market losses of the last three years, it's a welcome relief for investors to be reminded that the market is indeed cyclical, and does move up -- not just down. And mutual fund investors will finally like what they see in their second-quarter statements: positive results. With the exception of bear funds, which bet on the market going down, every fund category tracked by Morningstar, Inc. and Lipper, Inc. posted double-digit gains in the quarter. Whether this rally can be sustained depends in large part on whether the economy actually does rebound, and by how much, and how corporate earnings fare. It will also depend on how soon a lot of the investors still sitting on the sidelines decide to get back into the stock market. No matter what happens next, the dramatic reversal in the stock market's fortunes, and other economic improvements, could be signals that it's time for investors to review their portfolios with their investment professionals to make sure they are well-positioned to meet their long-term investment objectives. Sincerely, /S/ MAUREEN R. FORD Maureen R. Ford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer This commentary reflects the chairman's views as of June 30, 2003. They are subject to change at any time. YOUR FUND AT A GLANCE The Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with prudent invest- ment risk by investing in a diversified portfolio of debt securities. Over the last six months * Bonds rallied amid lingering economic weakness and low inflation. * Corporate bonds were the best performers, especially lower-quality bonds, followed by Treasury and mortgage-backed securities. * The Fund added more lower-quality corporate bonds while reducing its position in mortgage-backed bonds. [Bar chart with heading "John Hancock Income Securities Trust." Under the heading is a note that reads "Fund performance for the six months ended June 30, 2003." The chart is scaled in increments of 4% with 0% at the bottom and 8% at the top. The first bar represents the 7.76% total return for John Hancock Income Securities Trust. A note below the chart reads "The total return for the Fund is at net asset value with all distributions reinvested."] Top 10 issuers 18.7% Federal National Mortgage Assn. 9.3% United States Treasury 1.6% Financing Corp. 1.3% DPL, Inc. 1.1% NiSource Finance Corp. 1.1% Ford Motor Credit Co. 1.1% Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. 1.1% Sealed Air Corp. 1.0% Targeted Return Index Securities Trust 0.9% Midland Funding Corp. II As a percentage of net assets on June 30, 2003. MANAGERS' REPORT BY BARRY H. EVANS, CFA, AND JEFFREY N. GIVEN, CFA, PORTFOLIO MANAGERS John Hancock Income Securities Trust U.S. bonds posted moderate gains during the first six months of 2003. Bonds rallied thanks to a lethargic economy and low inflation, which led the Federal Reserve to cut short-term interest rates in June. It was the Fed's 13th rate cut since the beginning of 2001. Bonds also benefited from safe-haven demand early in the year as investors grew jittery about the impending war with Iraq. Bonds produced positive returns despite a sharp stock market rally, which attracted investor demand away from the bond market, and despite increased issuance by both corporations and the federal government. Corporate bonds, which typically offer the highest yields in the bond market, were the best performers. Treasury and other government bonds also fared well, while mortgage-backed securities lagged. FUND PERFORMANCE For the six months ended June 30, 2003, John Hancock Income Securities Trust produced a total return of 7.76% at net asset value. The average closed-end BBB-rated corporate debt fund returned 10.26% according to Lipper, Inc., while the Lehman Brothers Government/Credit Bond Index returned 5.23%. "U.S. bonds posted moder ate gains during the first six months of 2003." PORTFOLIO THEMES In the first six months of the 2003, there were two key themes in the portfolio, both of which carried over from the last half of 2002. The first was an emphasis on higher-yielding securities, such as corporate and mortgage-backed bonds. These bonds made up more than two-thirds of the portfolio throughout the six-month period. The other theme was lowering the overall credit quality of the portfolio by investing in lower-rated corporate bonds, which we thought offered the best relative values in the bond market. [Photos of Barry Evans and Jeffrey Given flush right next to first paragraph.] CORPORATE BONDS ENHANCE PERFORMANCE We increased our holdings of corporate bonds, which comprised more than half of the portfolio throughout the first half of 2003. With Treasury bond yields at their lowest levels in decades, many investors shifted into corporate bonds to capture higher yields. Lower-quality bonds, which offer the highest yields in the corporate market, attracted the most demand and produced the best returns. The Lehman Brothers High-Yield Corporate Index, an index of lower-rated bonds, returned nearly 20% in the first half of the year. Another factor behind the outperformance of corporate bonds, especially lower-rated bonds, was a general trend toward improved fiscal responsibility. Many corporations have been reducing debt and shoring up their balance sheets in an effort to restore financial health and investor confidence. Our focus on lower-rated corporate bonds was a key contributor to Fund performance. During the past six months, we reduced our exposure to mortgage-backed securities and added more lower-quality corporate bonds to the portfolio. In particular, we boosted our holdings of below-investment-grade bonds (also known as "high-yield" or "junk" bonds) from 15% to 20% of the portfolio. We also increased our position in corporate bonds rated BBB, the lowest investment-grade rating. "Our focus on lower- rated corporate bonds was a key contributor to Fund performance." BOTTOM-UP APPROACH In selecting corporate bonds for the portfolio, we use a bottom-up approach that evaluates potential investments on a company- by-company basis. The end result is a diversified portfolio of bonds from a variety of industries. [Table at top left-hand side of page entitled "Top five sectors". The first listing is Government -- U.S. Agencies 22%, the second is Utilities 12%, the third Government -- U.S. 9%, the fourth Finance 8%, and the fifth Media 7%.] For example, we recently added bonds issued by XM Satellite Radio, Dayton Power & Light and Sealed Air to the portfolio. XM provides commercial-free satellite radio services and has seen a sharp increase in subscriber growth, especially since General Motors began installing the service in many of its cars. Dayton is a Midwestern utility that we thought had better prospects than the market had priced into the value of its bonds. Sealed Air makes bubble wrap and other packaging products, and we believe this company is well positioned to benefit from an improving economy. MORTGAGES STRUGGLE We were disappointed in the performance of our mortgage-backed securities during the past six months. In 2002, mortgage-backed securities underperformed other high-quality bonds as falling mortgage rates led to a significant refinancing boom. When mortgage rates hit record lows in late 2002, we sold some of our other high-quality bonds and bought mortgage-backed bonds, increasing our position to nearly 30% of the portfolio. [Pie chart in middle of page with heading "Portfolio diversification As a percentage of net assets on 6-30-03." The chart is divided into five sections (from top to left): Corporate bonds 58%, U.S. government & agency bonds 31%, Preferred stocks 9%, Foreign government bonds 1% and Short-term investments & other 1%.] We expected mortgage-backed securities to outperform in a relatively stable interest rate environment. Unfortunately, mortgage rates continued to fall in the first half of 2003, triggering two additional refinancing waves in March and May. As a result, mortgages didn't perform as well as we anticipated, posting returns that were comparable to short-term Treasury bonds. [Table at top of page entitled "SCORECARD". The header for the left column is "INVESTMENT" and the header for the right column is "PERIOD'S PERFORMANCE...AND WHAT'S BEHIND THE NUMBERS." The first listing is Telus followed by an up arrow with the phrase "Telecom provider recovered from credit-rating downgrade." The second listing is PanAmSat followed by an up arrow with the phrase "Satellite TV company beat earnings expectations." The third listing is Great Central Mines followed by a down arrow with the phrase "Hurt by doubts about amount of gold in an Australian mine."] We cut back somewhat on our mortgage-backed holdings because we felt that lower-rated corporate bonds offered better values. However, we still think mortgage-backed securities look attractive and expect to maintain our current position. OUTLOOK We believe that we are in the beginning stages of an economic recovery, but it will be several quarters before we know for sure that the economy is back on track. The Fed is likely to remain on hold until a clear direction for the economy is evident. Given an environment of moderate economic growth and low inflation, we believe interest rates should be relatively stable during the second half of the year. We continue to favor lower-quality corporate bonds despite their recent outperformance. These bonds still offer a substantial yield advantage over Treasury bonds, and issuers continue to improve their balance sheets. "We believe that we are in the beginning stages of an economic recovery..." This commentary reflects the views of the portfolio managers through the end of the Fund's period discussed in this report. The managers' statements reflect their own opinions. As such, they are in no way guarantees of future events, and are not intended to be used as investment advice or a recommendation regarding any specific security. They are also subject to change at any time as market and other conditions warrant. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FUND'S INVESTMENTS Securities owned by the Fund on June 30, 2003 (unaudited) This schedule is divided into three main categories: publicly traded bonds, preferred stocks and short-term investments. Long-term debt is further broken down by industry group. Short-term investments, which represent the Fund's cash position, are listed last. ISSUER, DESCRIPTION, INTEREST CREDIT PAR VALUE MATURITY DATE RATE RATING* (000s OMITTED) VALUE PUBLICLY TRADED BONDS 90.31% $169,384,241 (Cost $161,153,049) Aerospace 0.68% 1,266,097 Jet Equipment Trust, Equipment Trust Ctf Ser 95B2 08-15-14 (B) (R) 10.910 CC 550 37,571 Raytheon Co., Note 03-01-10 ** 8.300 BBB- 1,000 1,228,526 Agricultural Operations 0.07% 139,273 Bunge Limited Finance Corp., Note 05-15-13 (R) 5.875 BBB 135 139,273 Automobiles/Trucks 1.48% 2,781,197 Avis Group Holdings, Inc., Sr Sub Note 05-01-09 11.000 BBB- 888 994,560 ERAC USA Finance Co., Note 12-15-09 (R) 7.950 BBB+ 340 406,014 General Motors Corp., Sr Note 07-15-13 + 7.125 BBB 1,000 994,660 Hertz Corp., Sr Note 06-01-12 7.625 BBB 380 385,963 Banks -- United States 2.25% 4,210,455 Bank of New York, Cap Security 12-01-26 (R) 7.780 A- 650 744,407 Barclays Bank Plc, Perpetual Bond (6.86% to 6-15-32 than variable) (United Kingdom) 06-15-49 (R) 6.860 A+ 520 601,126 Capital One Bank, Note 06-13-13 6.500 BB+ 750 742,967 Corporacion Andina de Fomento, Note (Supra National) 05-21-13 5.200 A 760 769,922 Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, Perpetual Bond (7.648% to 09-30-31 then variable) (United Kingdom) 08-31-49 7.648 A- 650 824,780 Zions Financial Corp., Gtd Note (6.95% to 05-15-06 then variable) 05-15-11 6.950 BBB- 475 527,253 Building 1.19% 2,231,048 Georgia-Pacific Corp., Sr Note 02-01-10 (R) 8.875 BB+ 1,000 1,085,000 Toll Brothers, Inc., Note 11-15-12 (R) 6.875 BBB- 1,000 1,146,048 Chemical 0.72% 1,350,400 Nova Chemicals Corp., Sr Note (Canada) 05-15-06 7.000 BB+ 1,280 1,350,400 Computers 0.23% 428,417 NCR Corp., Note 06-15-09 7.125 BBB- 390 428,417 Containers 1.34% 2,511,280 Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Sr Note 05-15-13 (R) 8.250 B+ 500 522,500 Sealed Air Corp., Sr Note 04-15-08 (R) 5.375 BBB 1,895 1,988,780 Diversified Operations 1.12% 2,104,140 Hutchison Whampoa International Ltd., Note (U.S. Virgin Islands) 02-13-13 (R) 6.500 A- 1,000 1,049,140 Tyco International Group SA, Note (Luxembourg) 10-15-11 ** 6.375 BBB- 1,000 1,055,000 Electronics 0.76% 1,424,611 HQI Transelect Chile SA, Sr Note (Chile) 04-15-11 7.875 A- 1,230 1,424,611 Energy 0.39% 724,513 CalEnergy Co., Inc., Sr Bond 09-15-28 8.480 BBB- 550 724,513 Finance 6.68% 12,536,213 Bank One Issuance Trust, Pass Thru Ser 2003-C1 09-15-10 4.540 BBB 1,000 1,038,079 Capital One Master Trust, Sub Pass Thru Ser 2000-3 Class C 10-15-10 7.900 BBB 570 607,916 Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Pass Thru Ser 2003-C3 04-07-10 4.450 BBB 1,000 1,030,001 Conseco Finance Securitizations Corp., Home Equity Pass Thru Ctf Ser 2002-A Class A-3 04-15-32 5.330 AAA 870 883,549 Ford Motor Credit Co., Note 10-28-09 7.375 BBB 2,000 2,096,624 General Motors Acceptance Corp., Note 08-28-12 ** 6.875 BBB 1,000 997,656 Household Finance Corp., Note 05-15-11 6.750 A 1,390 1,614,303 PDVSA Finance Ltd., Note (Cayman Islands) 11-16-12 8.500 B- 565 516,975 Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp., Note 10-15-27 7.500 BBB+ 1,000 1,067,419 St. George Funding Co., Perpetual Bond (8.485% to 06-30-17 then variable) 12-31-49 (R) 8.485 Baa1 615 687,141 Targeted Return Index Securities Trust, Ctf-02 08-15-08 (R) 6.539 Baa3 1,680 1,844,820 Yanacocha Receivables Master Trust, Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1997-A 06-15-04 (R) 8.400 BBB- 151 151,730 Food 0.51% 951,900 Corn Products International, Inc., Sr Note 08-15-09 8.450 BBB- 835 951,900 Government -- Foreign 0.86% 1,620,000 Columbia, Republic of, Note (Colombia) 01-23-12 10.000 BB 500 560,000 United Mexican States, Global Med Term Note Ser A (Mexico) 01-16-13 6.375 BBB- 1,000 1,060,000 Government -- U.S. 9.31% 17,457,272 United States Treasury, Bond 08-15-17 ** 8.875 AAA 1,215 1,838,067 Bond 05-15-18 ** 9.125 AAA 495 767,656 Bond 02-15-31 ** 5.375 AAA 10,500 11,823,577 Inflation Indexed Note 01-15-11 ** 3.500 AAA 1,130 1,283,487 Note 05-15-08 ** 2.625 AAA 730 736,673 Note 05-15-13 ** 3.625 AAA 1,000 1,007,812 Government -- U.S. Agencies 22.08% 41,417,498 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., 20 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 01-01-16 11.250 AAA 73 81,340 CMO REMIC 2496-PE 07-15-31 5.500 AAA 645 675,846 CMO REMIC 2563-PA 03-15-31 4.250 AAA 1,272 1,297,424 Federal National Mortgage Assn., 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 02-01-08 7.500 AAA 15 16,292 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 09-01-10 7.000 AAA 133 141,850 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 09-01-12 7.000 AAA 38 40,624 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 04-01-17 7.000 AAA 155 164,571 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 02-01-18 5.500 AAA 6,550 6,804,363 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 05-01-18 5.000 AAA 1,120 1,158,686 15 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 06-01-18 5.000 AAA 1,055 1,091,441 Federal National Mortgage Assn., 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 07-01-33 + 5.000 AAA 6,930 7,040,450 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 07-01-33 + 5.500 AAA 13,095 13,532,871 CMO REMIC 2002-73-PE 10-25-31 5.500 AAA 1,575 1,640,853 CMO REMIC 2003-16-PD 10-25-16 5.000 AAA 1,340 1,418,358 CMO REMIC 2003-17-QT 08-25-27 5.000 AAA 1,675 1,712,855 Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1997-M8 Class A-1 01-25-22 6.940 AAA 222 229,631 Financing Corp., Bond 02-08-18 9.400 Aaa 2,000 3,054,130 Government National Mortgage Assn., 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 07-01-33 + 5.000 AAA 1,080 1,105,987 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 04-15-21 9.000 AAA 73 81,298 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 11-15-19 to 02-15-25 9.500 AAA 75 83,584 30 Yr Pass Thru Ctf 11-15-20 10.000 AAA 39 45,044 Insurance 3.58% 6,718,806 Anthem, Inc., Bond 08-01-12 6.800 BBB+ 1,000 1,167,458 CIGNA Corp., Note 10-15-11 6.375 BBB+ 585 655,017 Fund American Cos., Inc., Note 05-15-13 5.875 BBB- 1,355 1,416,830 Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Surplus Note 11-15-23 (R) 7.625 AA 485 605,440 MONY Group, Inc. (The), Sr Note 12-15-05 7.450 BBB+ 500 531,509 QBE Insurance Group Ltd., Bond 07-01-23 (R) 5.647 BBB 1,000 971,556 UnumProvident Corp., Sr Note 03-01-11 7.625 BBB- 895 957,650 URC Holdings Corp., Sr Note 06-30-06 (R) 7.875 AA 355 413,346 Leisure 2.76% 5,179,635 Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Sr Note 06-15-09 (R) 14.500 N/R 500 551,250 Harrah's Operating Co., Inc., Sr Sub Note 12-15-05 7.875 BB+ 745 810,188 HMH Properties, Inc., Sr Note Ser A 08-01-05 7.875 B+ 345 351,038 Hyatt Equities LLC, Note 06-15-07 (R) 6.875 BBB 1,060 1,103,944 Toys "R" Us, Inc., Note 04-15-13 7.875 BBB- 1,000 1,075,715 Waterford Gaming LLC, Sr Note 09-15-12 (R) 8.625 B+ 700 735,000 Wynn Las Vegas LLC, 2nd Mtg Note 11-01-10 12.000 CCC+ 500 552,500 Machinery 0.82% 1,537,692 Kennametal, Inc., Sr Note 06-15-12 7.200 BBB 1,405 1,537,692 Media 5.05% 9,475,039 British Sky Broadcasting Group Plc, Sr Note (United Kingdom) 07-15-09 8.200 BB+ 945 1,119,825 Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Sr Note 11-01-08 8.000 BBB- 385 447,563 Continental Cablevision, Inc., Deb 08-01-13 9.500 BBB 660 759,710 EchoStar DBS Corp., Sr Note 02-01-09 ** 9.375 BB- 325 346,531 Garden State Newspapers, Inc., Sr Sub Note 07-01-11 8.625 B+ 275 286,688 Grupo Televisa SA, Note (Mexico) 09-13-11 8.000 BBB- 855 971,494 Innova S. de R.L., Sr Note (Mexico) 04-01-07 12.875 B- 165 168,300 Liberty Media Corp., Note 05-15-13 5.700 BBB- 750 762,391 News America Holdings, Inc., Gtd Sr Deb 08-10-18 8.250 BBB- 540 703,616 Rogers Cablesystems Ltd., Sr Note Ser B (Canada) 03-15-05 10.000 BBB- 445 482,825 TCI Communications, Inc., Sr Deb 02-01-12 9.800 BBB 860 1,139,224 Deb 04-15-22 10.125 BBB 335 475,364 Time Warner, Inc., Deb 01-15-13 9.125 BBB+ 1,114 1,426,758 XM Satellite Radio, Inc., Sr Sec Note, Step Coupon (14.00% to 12-31-05) 12-31-09 (A) Zero Caa1 540 384,750 Medical 1.05% 1,973,387 HCA -- The Healthcare Co., Note 09-01-10 8.750 BBB- 900 1,048,387 Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr Note 12-01-11 6.375 BBB- 1,000 925,000 Metal 1.65% 3,101,535 Brascan Corp., Note (Canada) 03-01-10 5.750 A- 1,000 1,064,383 Great Central Mines Ltd., Sr Note (Australia) 04-01-08 8.875 D 350 175,000 Inco Ltd., Bond (Canada) 09-15-32 7.200 BBB- 490 540,060 Noranda, Inc., Note (Canada) 02-15-11 8.375 BBB- 1,175 1,322,092 Mortgage Banking 2.30% 4,316,780 ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust, Home Equity Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1995-2 Class A-5 08-15-25 8.100 AAA 400 399,796 Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Commercial Mtg Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1998-C1 Class A-1A 05-17-40 6.260 AAA 729 779,617 Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corp., Commercial Mtg Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1998-C1 Class C 06-15-31 6.861 A2 415 473,187 GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Mtg Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1998-C1 Class A-1 05-15-30 6.853 Aaa 951 1,009,259 MBNA Master Credit Card Trust, Sub Bond Ser 1999-B Class C 08-15-11 6.650 BBB 1,500 1,654,921 Oil & Gas 3.59% 6,729,747 Alberta Energy Co. Ltd., Note (Canada) 09-15-30 8.125 A- 725 989,633 Enterprise Products Partners L.P., Note 03-01-33 (R) 6.875 BBB 1,000 1,132,591 Kinder Morgan, Inc., Sr Note 09-01-12 6.500 BBB 335 384,010 Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Corp., Sr Note 12-01-07 6.875 BBB+ 345 397,912 Lyondell Chemical Co., Sr Note 12-15-08 9.500 BB 220 209,000 Occidental Petroleum Corp., Sr Deb 09-15-09 10.125 BBB+ 1,160 1,550,420 Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, Gtd Note 10-13-10 9.125 BBB- 1,115 1,349,150 Tosco Corp., Note 02-15-30 8.125 A- 535 717,031 Paper & Paper Products 2.55% 4,784,592 Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc., Bond (Canada) 08-01-10 8.550 BB+ 1,135 1,271,379 Corporacion Durango S.A. de C.V., Sr Note (Mexico) 07-15-09 (B) (R) # 13.750 D 500 210,000 International Paper Co., Note 10-30-12 5.850 BBB 1,000 1,089,888 MDP Acquisitions Plc, Sr Note (Ireland) 10-01-12 9.625 B 750 828,750 Stone Container Corp., Sr Note 02-01-11 9.750 B 285 312,075 Sr Note 07-01-12 8.375 B 1,000 1,072,500 Real Estate Investment Trust 0.10% 194,586 Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc., Sr Note 05-01-11 8.125 BBB- 175 194,586 Real Estate Operations 0.57% 1,066,044 Socgen Real Estate Co. LLC, Perpetual Bond Ser A (7.64% to 09-30-07 then variable) 12-31-49 (R) 7.640 A 920 1,066,044 Retail 1.46% 2,733,725 Delhaize America, Inc., Gtd Note 04-15-06 7.375 BB+ 1,010 1,060,500 Gap, Inc. (The), Note 12-15-08 10.550 BB+ 515 625,725 Penney J.C. Corp., Inc., Note 03-01-10 8.000 BB+ 1,000 1,047,500 Revenue Bonds 0.49% 920,989 Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp., Rev Ser 2003-A-1 06-01-39 6.750 A- 1,020 920,989 Telecommunications 4.79% 8,977,682 AT&T Wireless Services, Inc., Sr Note 03-01-11 7.875 BBB 1,025 1,210,548 Deutsche Telekom International Finance B.V., Bond (Coupon rate step up/down on rating) (Netherlands) 06-15-10 8.000 BBB+ 1,005 1,234,521 France Telecom SA, Note (France) 03-01-11 7.750 BBB 1,135 1,428,471 Mobile Telesystems Finance S.A., Gtd Sr Note (Luxembourg) 01-30-08 (R) 9.750 B+ 400 435,000 PanAmSat Corp., Sr Note 02-01-12 8.500 B- 675 730,688 Qwest Capital Funding, Inc., Note 08-15-06 7.750 CCC+ 1,000 935,000 Sprint Capital Corp., Note 05-01-19 6.900 BBB- 1,000 1,047,448 Telus Corp., Note (Canada) 06-01-11 8.000 BBB 1,395 1,611,225 VoiceStream Wireless Corp., Sr Note 09-15-09 11.500 BBB+ 295 344,781 Transportation 0.57% 1,066,764 Continental Airlines, Inc., Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1999-1A 02-02-19 6.545 A- 270 261,552 Humpuss Funding Corp., Note 12-15-09 (R) 7.720 B3 264 211,441 Northwest Airlines 1996-1 Pass Through Trusts, Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1996-1C 01-02-05 10.150 B 68 38,256 Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1996-1D 01-02-15 8.970 B+ 313 203,615 TFM S.A. de C.V., Gtd Sr Disc Note (Mexico) 06-15-09 11.750 B+ 345 351,900 Utilities 8.81% 16,523,237 AES Eastern Energy L.P., Pass Thru Ctf Ser 1999-A 01-02-17 9.000 BB+ 410 435,625 Beaver Valley Funding Corp., Sec Lease Obligation Bond 06-01-17 9.000 BBB- 463 555,016 BVPS II Funding Corp., Collateralized Lease Bond 06-01-17 8.890 BBB- 700 841,190 Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., 1st Mtg Ser B 05-15-05 9.500 BBB 1,205 1,212,272 CMS Energy Corp., Sr Note Ser B 01-15-04 6.750 B+ 400 404,000 DPL, Inc., Sr Note 09-01-11 6.875 BBB- 2,200 2,414,840 Duke Power Co., 1st Ref Mtg 07-01-33 7.000 A- 1,500 1,543,279 Empresa Electrica Guacolda SA, Sr Note (Chile) 04-30-13 (R) 8.625 BBB- 1,000 1,048,717 GG1B Funding Corp., Deb 01-15-11 7.430 BBB- 294 306,864 IPALCO Enterprises, Inc., Sr Sec Note 11-14-11 7.625 BB- 325 355,875 Midland Funding Corp. II, Deb Ser A 07-23-05 11.750 BB- 1,410 1,522,800 Deb Ser B 07-23-06 13.250 BB- 225 254,250 Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Sec Fac Bond 01-01-18 8.770 A 735 765,025 NiSource Finance Corp., Note 11-15-03 7.500 BBB 1,350 1,375,294 Note 11-15-10 7.875 BBB 615 726,131 Pinnacle Partners, Sr Note 08-15-04 (R) 8.830 BB+ 690 715,875 PNPP II Funding Corp., Deb 05-30-16 9.120 BBB- 495 618,636 Southern California Edison Co., 1st Mtg Bond 02-15-07 (R) 8.000 BB 690 756,412 Waterford 3 Funding Corp., Sec Lease Obligation Bond 01-02-17 8.090 BBB- 611 671,136 Waste Disposal Service & Equip. 0.50% 929,687 Allied Waste North America, Inc., Sr Sub Note Ser B 08-01-09 ** 10.000 B+ 875 929,687 ISSUER, DESCRIPTION SHARES VALUE PREFERRED STOCKS 8.78% $16,479,472 (Cost $15,980,011) Banks 2.33% 4,374,790 Abbey National Plc, 7.375% (United Kingdom) 41,300 1,127,490 Bank One Capital Trust VI, 7.20% 40,000 1,102,800 Fleet Capital Trust VII, 7.20% 42,000 1,144,500 J.P. Morgan Chase Capital XI, 5.875% 40,000 1,000,000 Finance 0.87% 1,632,000 Citigroup Capital VII, 7.125% 20,000 544,000 Morgan Stanley Capital Trust II, 7.25% 40,000 1,088,000 Media 1.74% 3,271,082 CSC Holdings, Inc., 11.125%, Ser M 17,029 1,745,473 CSC Holdings, Inc., 11.75%, Ser H 4,076 418,809 Viacom, Inc., 7.250% 40,000 1,106,800 Mortgage Banking 0.59% 1,110,000 Wachovia Preferred Funding Corp., 7.25%, Ser A 40,000 1,110,000 Telecommunications 0.56% 1,050,400 Telephone & Data Systems, Inc., 7.60%, Ser A 40,000 1,050,400 Utilities 2.69% 5,041,200 Ameren Corp., 9.75%, Conv 20,000 568,400 Dominion Resources, Inc., 9.50%, Conv 20,000 1,179,200 DTE Energy Co., 8.75%, Conv 20,000 525,800 KeySpan Corp., 8.75%, Conv 20,000 1,059,000 PSEG Funding Trust II, 8.75% 40,000 1,108,400 TECO Energy, Inc., 9.50%, Conv 31,600 600,400 ISSUER, DESCRIPTION, INTEREST PAR VALUE MATURITY DATE RATE (000s OMITTED) VALUE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 11.02% $20,663,000 (Cost $20,663,000) Joint Repurchase Agreement 11.02% Investment in a joint repurchase agreement transaction with UBS Warburg, Inc. -- Dated 06-30-03, due 07-01-03 (Secured by U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.250% thru 7.875% due 02-15-21 thru 11-15-28) 1.100% $20,663 20,663,000 TOTAL INVESTMENTS 110.11% $206,526,713 OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET (10.11%) ($18,965,439) TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.00% $187,561,274 Parenthetical disclosure of a foreign country in the security description represents country of a foreign issuer; however, security is U.S.-dollar-denominated, unless otherwise indicated. (A) Cash interest will be paid on this obligation at the stated rate beginning on the stated date. (B) Non-income-producing issuer, filed for protection under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or is in default on interest payment. (R) 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 $20,360,166 or 10.86% of the Fund's net assets as of June 30, 2003. + All or a portion of these securities, having an aggregate value of $22,673,968 or 12.09% of the Fund's net assets, have been purchased as forward commitments; that is the Fund has agreed on a trade date to take delivery of and make payment for such securities on a delayed basis subsequent to the date of this schedule. The purchase price and interest rate of such securities are fixed at trade date, although the Fund does not earn any interest on such securities until settlement date. The Fund has instructed its Custodian Bank to segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of the forward commitments. Accordingly, the market value of $25,166,701 of Anthem, Inc. 6.800% due 08-01-12, Avis Group Holdings, Inc. 11.000% due 05-01-09, Beaver Valley Funding Corp. 9.000% due 06-01-17, Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 8.000% due 11-01-08, Harrah's Operating Co., Inc., 7.875% due 12-15-05, Hertz Corp. 7.625% due 06-01-12, Household Finance Corp. 6.750% due 05-15-11, International Paper Co. 5.850% due 10-30-12, IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. 7.625% due 11-14-11, Kennametal Inc. 7.200% due 06-15-12, Kinder Morgan, Inc. 6.500% due 09-01-12, Liberty Media Corp. 5.700% due 05-15-13, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. 7.625% due 11-15-23, MBNA Credit Card Trust 6.650% due 08-15-11, Midland Fund Corp. II 11.750% due 07-23-05, News America Holdings, Inc. 8.250% due 08-10-18, Occidental Petroleum Corp. 10.125% due 09-15-09, Penney J.C. Corp., Inc. 8.000% due 03-01-10, Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. 7.750% due 08-15-06, Sprint Capital Corp. 6.900% due 05-01-19, Stone Container Corp. 8.375% due 07-01-12, Time Warner, Inc. 9.125% due 01-15-13, Toll Brothers, Inc. 6.875% due 11-15-12 and Toys "R" Us, Inc. 7.875% due 04-15-13, has been segregated to cover the forward commitments. # Par value of foreign bond is expressed in local currency, as shown parenthetically in security description. * Credit ratings are rated by Standard & Poor's where available, or Moody's Investors Service or John Hancock Advisers, LLC where Standard & Poor's ratings are not available. ** Represent investment of securities lending collateral. The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of that category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund. See notes to financial statements. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES June 30, 2003 (unaudited) This Statement of Assets and Liabilities is the Fund's balance sheet. It shows the value of what the Fund owns, is due and owes. You'll also find the net asset value for each common share. ASSETS Investments at value (cost $177,133,060) including $21,395,461 of securities loaned $185,863,713 Joint repurchase agreement (cost $20,663,000) 20,663,000 Cash 739 Cash segregated for futures contracts 27,500 Receivable for investments sold 4,657,878 Dividends and interest receivable 2,612,175 Other assets 12,688 Total assets 213,837,693 LIABILITIES Payable for investments purchased 25,950,335 Payable for futures variation margin 9,375 Payable to affiliates Management fee 277,587 Other 7,202 Other payables and accrued expenses 31,920 Total liabilities 26,276,419 NET ASSETS Capital paid-in 175,720,544 Accumulated net realized gain on investments and financial futures contracts 3,193,142 Net unrealized appreciation of investments and financial futures contracts 8,729,501 Distributions in excess of net investment income (81,913) Net assets $187,561,274 NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE Based on 10,986,086 common shares outstanding $17.07 See notes to financial statements. OPERATIONS For the period ended June 30, 2003 (unaudited) 1 This Statement of Operations summarizes the Fund's invest- ment income earned and expenses incurred in operating the Fund. It also shows net gains (losses) for the period stated. INVESTMENT INCOME Interest (including security lending income of $17,474 and net of foreign withholding tax of $3,718) $5,031,437 Dividends 527,591 Total investment income 5,559,028 EXPENSES Investment management fee 549,555 Transfer agent fee 54,516 Custodian fee 33,714 Printing 29,328 Accounting and legal services fee 27,464 Auditing fee 17,152 Registration and filing fee 16,420 Trustees' fee 5,252 Miscellaneous 3,521 Legal fee 1,652 Interest expense 601 Total expenses 739,175 Net investment income 4,819,853 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) Net realized gain (loss) on Investments 5,105,399 Financial futures contracts (66,366) Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of Investments 3,602,537 Financial futures contracts (1,152) Net realized and unrealized gain 8,640,418 Increase in net assets from operations $13,460,271 1 Semiannual period from 1-1-03 through 6-30-03. See notes to financial statements. CHANGES IN NET ASSETS This Statement of Changes in Net Assets shows how the value of the Fund's net assets has changed since the end of the previous period. The dif- ference reflects earnings less expenses, any investment gains and losses, distributions to shareholders, and increase due to reinvestment of distributions. YEAR PERIOD ENDED ENDED 12-31-02 6-30-03 1 INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS From operations Net investment income $9,721,830 $4,819,853 Net realized gain 886,746 5,039,033 Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) 2,151,819 3,601,385 Increase in net assets resulting from operations 12,760,395 13,460,271 Distributions to shareholders From net investment income (9,996,235) (4,994,800) From Fund share transactions 795,011 507,571 NET ASSETS Beginning of period 175,029,061 178,588,232 End of period 2 $178,588,232 $187,561,274 1 Semiannual period from 1-1-03 through 6-30-03. Unaudited. 2 Includes accumulated (distributions in excess of) net investment income of $93,034 and ($81,913), respectively. See notes to financial statements. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS COMMON SHARES The Financial Highlights show how the Fund's net asset value for a share has changed since the end of the previous period. PERIOD ENDED 12-31-98 12-31-99 12-31-00 12-31-01 1 12-31-02 6-30-03 2 PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE Net asset value, beginning of period $16.55 $16.64 $15.37 $15.89 $16.06 $16.31 Net investment income 3 1.14 1.10 1.07 1.00 0.89 0.44 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments 0.09 (1.27) 0.52 0.19 0.28 0.78 Total from investment operations 1.23 (0.17) 1.59 1.19 1.17 1.22 Less distributions From net investment income (1.14) (1.10) (1.07) (1.02) (0.92) (0.46) Net asset value, end of period $16.64 $15.37 $15.89 $16.06 $16.31 $17.07 Per share market value, end of period $15.88 $12.69 $14.44 $14.65 $14.66 $15.70 Total return at market value 4 (%) 1.75 (13.42) 23.06 8.69 6.42 10.26 5 RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (in millions) $177 $165 $172 $175 $179 $188 Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) 0.81 0.80 0.84 0.80 0.84 0.81 6 Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) 6.79 6.88 6.89 6.17 5.56 5.31 6 Portfolio turnover (%) 240 184 248 299 371 151 1 As required, effective January 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies, as revised, relating to the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on debt securities. The effect of this change on per share amounts for the year ended December 31, 2001, was to decrease net investment income per share by $0.02, increase net realized and unrealized gain per share by $0.02, and, had the Fund not made these changes to amortization, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 6.30%. Per share ratios and supplemental data for periods prior to January 1, 2001, have not been restated to reflect this change in presentation. 2 Semiannual period from 1-1-03 through 6-30-03. Unaudited. 3 Based on average shares outstanding. 4 Assumes dividend reinvestment. 5 Not annualized. 6 Annualized. See notes to financial statements. NOTES TO STATEMENTS Unaudited NOTE A Accounting policies John Hancock Income Securities Trust (the "Fund") is a closed-end diversified management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Significant accounting policies of the Fund are as follows: Valuation of investments Securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on the basis of market quotations, valuations provided by independent pricing services or at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees. Short-term debt investments maturing within 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Joint repurchase agreement Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund, along with other registered investment companies having a management contract with John Hancock Advisers, LLC (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Berkeley Financial Group, LLC, may participate in a joint repurchase agreement transaction. Aggregate cash balances are invested in one or more large repurchase agreements, whose underlying securities are obligations of the U.S. government and/or its agencies. The Fund's custodian bank receives delivery of the underlying securities for the joint account on the Fund's behalf. The Adviser is responsible for ensuring that the agreement is fully collateralized at all times. Investment transactions Investment transactions are recorded as of the date of purchase, sale or maturity. Net realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Some securities may be purchased on a "when issued" or "forward delivery" basis, which means that the securities will be delivered to the Fund at a future date, usually beyond the customary settlement date. Discount and premium on securities The Fund accretes discount and amortizes premium from par value on securities from either the date of issue or the date of purchase over the life of the security. Expenses The majority of the expenses are directly identifiable to an individual fund. Expenses that are not readily identifiable to a specific fund will be allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration, among other things, the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds. Securities lending The Fund may lend securities to certain qualified brokers who pay the Fund negotiated lender fees. These fees are included in interest income. The loans are collateralized at all times with cash or securities with a market value at least equal to the market value of the securities on loan. As with other extensions of credit, the Fund may bear the risk of delay of the loaned securities in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral, should the borrower of the securities fail financially. On June 30, 2003, the Fund loaned securities having a market value of $21,395,461 collateralized by securities in the amount of $21,933,913. Financial futures contracts The Fund may buy and sell financial futures contracts. Buying futures tends to increase the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument. Selling futures tends to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument or hedge other Fund's instruments. At the time the Fund enters into a financial futures contract, it is required to deposit with its custodian a specified amount of cash or U.S. government securities, known as "initial margin," equal to a certain percentage of the value of the financial futures contract being traded. Each day, the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the board of trade or U.S. commodities exchange on which it trades. Subsequent payments to and from the broker, known as "variation margin," are made on a daily basis as the market price of the financial futures contract fluctuates. Daily variation margin adjustments, arising from this "mark to market," are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contracts are closed, the Fund recognizes a gain or loss. Risks of entering into futures contracts include the possibility that there may be an illiquid market and/or that a change in the value of the contracts may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. In addition, the Fund could be prevented from opening or realizing the benefits of closing out futures positions because of position limits or limits on daily price fluctuation imposed by an exchange. For federal income tax purposes, the amount, character and timing of the Fund's gains and/or losses can be affected as a result of futures contracts. At June 30, 2003, the Fund had deposited $27,500 in a segregated account to cover margin requirements on open futures contracts. The Fund had the following open financial futures contracts on June 30, 2003: NUMBER OF OPEN CONTRACTS CONTRACTS POSITION EXPIRATION DEPRECIATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Treasury Note 25 Short SEP 03 ($1,152) Federal income taxes The Fund qualifies 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. There fore, no federal income tax provision is required. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund has $1,647,579 of a capital loss carryforward available, to the extent provided by regulations, to offset future net realized capital gains. To the extent that such carryforward is used by the Fund, no capital gain distributions will be made. The entire amount of the loss carryforward expires December 31, 2008. Dividends, interest and distributions Dividend income on investment securities is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, in the case of some foreign securities, on the date thereafter when the Fund identifies the dividend. Interest income on investment securities is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund may place a debt obligation on non-accrual status and reduce related interest income by ceasing current accruals and writing off interest receivables when the collection of interest has become doubtful. Foreign income may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, which are accrued as applicable. The Fund records distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains on the ex-dividend date. The Fund's net investment income is declared and distributed quarterly. Such distributions, on a tax basis, are determined in conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits, if any, are reported in the Fund's financial statements as a return of capital. Use of estimates The preparation of these financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, incorporates estimates made by management in determining the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the Fund. Actual results could differ from these estimates. NOTE B Management fee and transactions with affiliates and others The Fund has an investment management contract with the Adviser. Under the investment management contract, the Fund pays a quarterly management fee to the Adviser, equivalent on an annual basis, to the sum of (a) 0.650% of the first $150,000,000 of the Fund's average weekly net asset value, (b) 0.375% of the next $50,000,000, (c) 0.350% of the next $100,000,000 and (d) 0.300% of the Fund's average weekly net asset value in excess of $300,000,000. In the event normal operating expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses, exceed 1.5% of the first $30,000,000 of the Fund's average weekly net asset value and 1.0% of the Fund's average weekly net asset value in excess of $30,000,000, the fee payable to the Adviser will be reduced to the extent of such excess, and the Adviser will make additional arrangements necessary to eliminate any remaining excess expenses. There were no management fee reductions during the period ended June 30, 2003. The Fund has an agreement with the Adviser to perform necessary tax, accounting and legal services for the Fund. The compensation for the period was at an annual rate of approximately 0.03% of the average net assets of the Fund. Ms. Maureen R. Ford and Mr. John M. DeCiccio are directors and/or officers of the Adviser and/or its affiliates, as well as Trustees of the Fund. The compensation of unaffiliated Trustees is borne by the Fund. The unaffiliated Trustees may elect to defer for tax purposes their receipt of this compensation under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan. The Fund makes investments into other John Hancock funds, as applicable, to cover its liability for the deferred compensation. Investments to cover the Fund's deferred compensation liability are recorded on the Fund's books as an other asset. The deferred compensation liability and the related other asset are always equal and are marked to market on a periodic basis to reflect any income earned by the investments as well as any unrealized gains or losses. The Deferred Compensation Plan investments had no impact on the operations of the Fund. NOTE C Fund common share transactions This listing illustrates the number of Fund shares reinvested, the reclassification of capital accounts and the number of shares outstanding at the beginning and end of the last two periods, along with the corresponding dollar value. The Fund has 30 million shares authorized with no par value. YEAR ENDED 12-31-02 YEAR ENDED 6-30-03 1 SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT Beginning of period 10,898,374 $174,131,001 10,952,182 $175,212,973 Distributions reinvested 53,808 795,011 33,904 507,571 Reclassification of capital accounts -- 286,961 -- -- End of period 10,952,182 $175,212,973 10,986,086 $175,720,544 1 Semiannual period from 1-1-03 through 6-30-03. Unaudited. NOTE D Investment transactions Purchases and proceeds from sales or maturities of securities, other than short-term securities and obligations of the U.S. government, during the period ended June 30, 2003, aggregated $222,144,973 and $216,820,914, respectively. Purchases and proceeds from sales or maturities of obligations of U.S. government aggregated $48,163,082 and $54,156,373, respectively, during the period ended June 30, 2003. The cost of investments owned on June 30, 2003, including short-term investments, for federal income tax purposes was $198,218,111. Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments aggregated $10,016,640 and $1,708,038, respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $8,308,602. The difference between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation of investments is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICY The Fund is a closed-end diversified investment management company, shares of which were initially offered to the public on February 14, 1973, and are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund's investment objective is to generate a high level of current income consistent with prudent investment risk. The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of freely marketable debt securities and may invest an amount not exceeding 20% of its assets in income-producing preferred and common stock. Under normal circumstances the Fund will invest at least 80% of net assets in income securities. Income securities will consist of the following: (i) marketable corporate debt securities, (ii) governmental obligations and (iii) cash and commercial paper. "Net assets" is defined as net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes. The Fund will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change in this 80% investment policy. It is contemplated that at least 75% of the value of the Fund's total assets will be represented by debt securities which have at the time of purchase a rating within the four highest grades as determined by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or Standard & Poor's Corporation. The Fund intends to engage in short-term trading and may invest in repurchase agreements. The Fund may issue a single class of senior securities not to exceed 33-1/3% of its net assets at market value and may borrow from banks as a temporary measure for emergency purposes in amounts not to exceed 5% of the total assets at cost. The Fund may lend portfolio securities not to exceed 33-1/3% of total assets. FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS The Fund may buy and sell financial futures contracts and options on futures contracts to hedge against the effects of fluctuations in interest rates and other market conditions. The Fund's ability to hedge successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to predict accurately the future direction of interest rate changes and other market factors. There is no assurance that a liquid market for futures and options will always exist. In addition, the Fund could be prevented from opening, or realizing the benefits of closing out, a futures or options position because of position limits or limits on daily price fluctuations imposed by an exchange. The Fund will not engage in transactions in futures contracts and options on futures for speculation, but only for hedging or other permissible risk management purposes. All of the Fund's futures contracts and options on futures will be traded on an U.S. commodity exchange or board of trade. The Fund will not engage in a transaction in futures or options on futures if, immediately thereafter, the sum of initial margin deposits on existing positions and premiums paid for options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS The Fund pays quarterly dividends from net investment income and intends to distribute any available net realized capital gains annually. All distributions are paid in cash unless the shareholder elects to participate in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. During the period ended June 30, 2003, the Fund paid to shareholders dividends from net investment income totaling $0.455 per share. The dates of payment and the amounts per share are as follows: PAYMENT DATE DIVIDEND ----------------------------------- March 31, 2003 $0.2275 June 30, 2003 0.2275 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN The Fund offers shareholders a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"), which offers the opportunity to earn compounded yields. Any shareholder of record of the Fund may elect to participate in the Plan and receive the Fund's common shares in lieu of all or a portion of the cash dividends. The Plan is available to all shareholders without charge. Mellon Investor Services (the "Plan Agent") will act as agent for participating shareholders. Shareholders may join the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent by telephone, in writing or by visiting the Plan Agent's Web site at www.melloninvestor.com showing an election to reinvest all or a portion of dividend payments. If received in proper form by the Plan Agent prior to the record date for a dividend, the election will be effective with respect to all dividends paid after such record date. Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee should contact the broker or nominee to participate in the Plan. The Board of Trustees of the Fund will declare dividends from net investment income payable in cash or, in the case of shareholders participating in the Plan, partially or entirely in the Fund's common shares. The number of shares to be issued for the benefit of each shareholder will be determined by dividing the amount of the cash dividend otherwise payable to such shareholder on shares included under the Plan, by the per share net asset value of the common shares on the date for payment of the dividend, unless the net asset value per share on the payment date is less than 95% of the market price per share on that date, in which event the number of shares to be issued to a shareholder will be determined by dividing the amount of the cash dividend payable to such shareholder by 95% of the market price per share of the common shares on the payment date. The market price of the common shares on a particular date shall be the mean between the highest and lowest sales price on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Net asset value will be determined in accordance with the established procedures of the Fund. However, if as of such payment date the market price of the common shares is lower than such net asset value per share, the number of shares to be issued will be determined on the basis of such market price. Fractional shares, carried out to four decimal places, will be credited to the shareholder's account. Such fractional shares will be entitled to future dividends. The shares issued to participating shareholders, including fractional shares, will be held by the Plan Agent in the name of the participant. A confirmation will be sent to each shareholder promptly, normally within five to seven days, after the payment date of the dividend. The confirmation will show the total number of shares held by such shareholder before and after the dividend, the amount of the most recent cash dividend that the shareholder has elected to reinvest and the number of shares acquired with such dividend. Participation in the Plan may be terminated at any time by contacting the Plan Agent by telephone, in writing or by visiting the Plan Agent's Web site, and such termination will be effective immediately. However, notice of termination must be received prior to the record date of any distribution to be effective for that distribution. Upon termination, certificates will be issued representing the number of full shares of common shares held by the Plan Agent. A shareholder will receive a cash payment for any fractional share held. The reinvestment of dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax, which may be due with respect to such dividend. Dividends reinvested in common shares will be treated on your federal income tax return as though you had received a dividend in cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received, as determined by the prices for shares of the Fund on the New York Stock Exchange as of the dividend payment date. Distributions from the Fund's long-term capital gains will be processed as noted above for those electing to reinvest in common shares and will be taxable to you as long-term capital gains. The confirmation referred to above will contain all the information you will require for determining the cost basis of shares acquired and should be retained for that purpose. At year end, each account will be supplied with detailed information necessary to determine total tax liability for the calendar year. All correspondence or additional information concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, Mellon Bank, N.A., c/o Mellon Investor Services, P.O. Box 3338, South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606-1938 (telephone 1-800-852-0218). SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION AND ASSISTANCE If you have any questions concerning the Fund, we will be pleased to assist you. If you hold shares in your own name and not with a brokerage firm, please address all notices, correspondence, questions or other communications regarding the Fund to the transfer agent at: Mellon Investor Services 85 Challenger Road Overpeck Centre Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 Telephone: 1-800-852-0218 If your shares are held with a brokerage firm, you should contact that firm, bank or other nominee for assistance. SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS In November 2002, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments to the Fund's by-laws, including provisions relating to the calling of a special meeting and requiring advance notice of shareholder proposals or nominees for Trustee. The advance notice provisions in the by-laws require shareholders to notify the Fund in writing of any proposal which they intend to present at an annual meeting of shareholders, including any nominations for Trustee, between 90 and 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the mailing date of the notice from the prior year's annual meeting of shareholders. The notification must be in the form prescribed by the by-laws. The advance notice provisions provide the Fund and its Trustees with the opportunity to thoughtfully consider and address the matters proposed before the Fund prepares and mails its proxy statement to shareholders. Other amendments set forth the procedures that must be followed in order for a shareholder to call a special meeting of shareholders. Please contact the Secretary of the Fund for additional information about the advance notice requirements or the other amendments to the by-laws. On March 20, 2003, the Annual Meeting of the Fund was held to elect eleven Trustees and to ratify the actions of the Trustees in selecting independent auditors for the Fund. Proxies covering 9,732,741 shares of beneficial interest were voted at the meeting. The shareholders elected the following Trustees to serve until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified, with the votes tabulated as follow: WITHHELD FOR AUTHORITY -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis S. Aronowitz 9,595,611 137,130 Richard P. Chapman, Jr 9,605,315 127,426 William Cosgrove 9,601,375 131,366 John M. DeCiccio 9,549,913 182,828 Richard Farrell 9,608,612 124,129 Maureen R. Ford 9,609,338 123,403 William F. Glavin 9,592,043 140,698 John A. Moore 9,601,340 131,401 Patti McGill Peterson 9,603,530 129,211 John W. Pratt 9,597,860 134,881 The shareholders also ratified the Trustees' selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Fund's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2003, with the votes tabulated as follows: 9,584,537 FOR, 48,635 AGAINST and 99,568 ABSTAINING. FOR YOUR INFORMATION TRUSTEES Dennis S. Aronowitz Richard P. Chapman, Jr. William J. Cosgrove John M. DeCiccio Richard A. Farrell Maureen R. Ford William F. Glavin* Dr. John A. Moore* Patti McGill Peterson* John W. Pratt *Members of the Audit Committee OFFICERS Maureen R. Ford Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William L. Braman Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer Richard A. Brown Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Susan S. Newton Senior Vice President and Secretary William H. King Vice President and Treasurer Thomas H. Connors Vice President and Compliance Officer INVESTMENT ADVISER John Hancock Advisers, LLC 101 Huntington Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02199-7603 CUSTODIAN The Bank of New York One Wall Street New York, New York 10286 TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Mellon Investor Services 85 Challenger Road Overpeck Centre Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660 LEGAL COUNSEL Hale and Dorr LLP 60 State Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1803 STOCK SYMBOL Listed New York Stock Exchange: JHS For shareholder assistance refer to page 25 HOW TO CONTACT US On the Internet www.jhfunds.com By regular mail Mellon Investor Services 85 Challenger Road Overpeck Centre Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 Customer service representatives 1-800-852-0218 Portfolio commentary 1-800-344-7054 24-hour automated information 1-800-843-0090 TDD Line 1-800-231-5469 The Fund's voting policies and procedures are available without charge, upon request: By phone 1-800-225-5291 On the Fund's Web site www.jhfunds.com/proxy On the SEC's Web site http://www.sec.gov PRESORTED STANDARD U. S. POSTAGE PAID MIS [A 1 1/2" x 1/2" John Hancock (Signature) logo in upper left hand corner. A tag line below reads "JOHN HANCOCK FUNDS."] 1-800-852-0218 1-800-843-0090 EASI-Line 1-800-231-5469 (TDD) www.jhfunds.com P60SA 6/03 8/03 ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 6. [RESERVED] 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. [RESERVED] ITEM 9. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) Based upon their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR, the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that those disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that the material information required to be disclosed by the registrant on this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 10. EXHIBITS. (a) Not applicable at this time. (b)(1) 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)(2) 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) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures 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. By: ----------------------- Maureen R. Ford Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Date: August 27, 2003 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: ----------------------- Maureen R. Ford Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Date: August 27, 2003 By: ----------------------- Richard A. Brown Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: August 27, 2003