#USA #Boston #John Hancock #BTO Fund #Distribution Plan

Overview of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund's Recent Announcement

On December 31, 2025, John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: BTO), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC, issued a notice to its shareholders regarding the sources of its quarterly distribution of $0.6500 per share. This distribution reflects the fund’s ongoing commitment to providing value to its investors through a managed distribution plan. The fund has gained attention from shareholders, particularly for its systematic approach to distributing funds, which requires transparency about the sources of these distributions under Section 19(a).

Background of the Fund

The John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has been successfully navigating the intricacies of closed-end fund management for several years. Through its affiliation with Manulife Investment Management, the fund benefits from robust investment strategies tailored to enhance shareholder value. The quarterly distribution that was declared on December 1, 2025, payable on the last day of December, underscores the management's commitment to continuous returns for investors, especially in a fluctuating economic climate.

Quarterly Distribution Details

The Fund's distribution for the last quarter of 2025, which amounts to $0.6500 per share, will be extended to all shareholders of record as of December 11. Shareholders should note that this means no action is required on their part to receive this distribution.

The distribution will come from various sources, as outlined below:

• - Net Investment Income: $0.1432 (22%)
• - Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains: $0.0272 (4%)
• - Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains: $0.4796 (74%)
• - Return of Capital or Other Capital Source: $0.0000 (0%)

Overall, this breakdown indicates that for this distribution, a significant portion stems from realized long-term capital gains, illustrating the fund's focus on stable, sound investments and capital growth strategies.

Insights for Shareholders

Throughout 2025, the fund has demonstrated impressive financial performance, with cumulative distributions for the fiscal year totaling $2.5967 per share. The fund's investment performance is measured over various timeframes, and its average annual total return related to NAV for the past five years stands at 14.39%. Such figures serve as a beacon of reliability for potential investors considering the fund based on historical performance.

However, shareholders should be cautious when interpreting the distribution amounts and not equate them directly with the fund's investment performance. It is essential to understand that a portion of these distributions may involve a return of capital, which is not synonymous with yield or income and could represent money originally invested being returned to shareholders.

Communication and Further Information

Shareholders with additional inquiries about the distribution directly from the fund are encouraged to reach out to their financial professionals for personalized advice. For general questions, the fund has made its support available through a dedicated information line from Mondays to Fridays.

John Hancock Investment Management continues to emphasize transparency and investor communication, ensuring that all shareholders have access to crucial information needed to make informed decisions regarding their investments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the latest announcements from John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund not only encapsulate essential information related to shareholder distributions but also reflect the fund's broader commitment to financial stewardship and investor satisfaction. As the fund’s managed distribution plan evolves, investors are positioned to benefit from the valued expertise provided by the management team at John Hancock.