EX-99.(D)(24) 111 b73715a1exv99wxdyx24y.htm EX-99.(D)(24) SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 exv99wxdyx24y
JOHN HANCOCK TRUST
SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
          AGREEMENT made this 26th day of September, 2008, between John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”), and Perimeter Capital Management, (the “Subadviser”). In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1.   APPOINTMENT OF SUBADVISER
          The Subadviser undertakes to act as investment subadviser to, and, subject to the supervision of the Trustees of John Hancock Trust (the “Trust”) and the terms of this Agreement, to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Portfolios specified in Appendix A to this Agreement as it shall be amended by the Adviser and the Subadviser from time to time (the “Portfolios”). The Subadviser will be an independent contractor and will have no authority to act for or represent the Trust or Adviser in any way except as expressly authorized in this Agreement or another writing by the Trust and Adviser.
2.   SERVICES TO BE RENDERED BY THE SUBADVISER TO THE TRUST
 
a.   Subject always to the direction and control of the Trustees of the Trust, the Subadviser will manage the investments and determine the composition of the assets of the Portfolios in accordance with the Portfolios’ registration statement, as amended, that Adviser provides to the Subadviser. In fulfilling its obligations to manage the investments and reinvestments of the assets of the Portfolios, the Subadviser will:
i. obtain and evaluate pertinent economic, statistical, financial and other information affecting the economy generally and individual companies or industries the securities of which are included in the Portfolios or are under consideration for inclusion in the Portfolios;
ii. formulate and implement a continuous investment program for each Portfolio consistent with the investment objectives and related investment policies for each such Portfolio as described in the Trust’s registration statement, as amended;
iii. take whatever steps are necessary to implement these investment programs by the purchase and sale of securities including the placing of orders for such purchases and sales; and
iv. regularly report to the Trustees of the Trust with respect to the implementation of these investment programs.
b.   The Subadviser, at its expense, will furnish (i) all necessary investment and management facilities, including salaries of personnel required for it to execute its duties faithfully, and (ii) administrative facilities, including bookkeeping, clerical personnel and equipment necessary for the efficient conduct of the investment affairs of the Portfolios (excluding determination of net asset value and shareholder accounting services). Each Portfolio will bear certain other expenses to be incurred in its operation, including, but not limited to, investment advisory fees, and administration fees; fees for necessary professional and brokerage services; costs relating to local administration of securities; and fees for any pricing services. Each Portfolio and not the Subadviser is responsible for the Expenses defined in Appendix B of this Agreement.
 
c.   The Subadviser will select brokers and dealers to effect all transactions subject to the following conditions: The Subadviser will place all necessary orders with brokers, dealers, or issuers, and will negotiate brokerage commissions if applicable. The Subadviser is directed at all times to seek to execute brokerage transactions for the Portfolios in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Subadviser may pay a broker-dealer which provides research and brokerage services a higher

 


 

    spread or commission for a particular transaction than otherwise might have been charged by another broker-dealer, if the Subadviser determines that the higher spread or commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services that such broker-dealer provides, viewed in terms of either the particular transaction or the Subadviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to accounts managed by the Subadviser. The Subadviser may use for the benefit of the Subadviser’s other clients, or make available to companies affiliated with the Subadviser or to its directors for the benefit of its clients, any such brokerage and research services that the Subadviser obtains from brokers or dealers.
 
d.   On occasions when the Subadviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Portfolio as well as other clients of the Subadviser, the Subadviser to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may, but shall be under no obligation to, aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to attempt to obtain a more favorable price or lower brokerage commissions and efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Subadviser in the manner the Subadviser considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Portfolio and to its other clients.
 
e.   The Subadviser will maintain all accounts, books and records with respect to the Portfolios as are required of an investment adviser of a registered investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”) and Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Investment Advisers Act”) and the rules thereunder. Such accounts, books and records shall be the property of the Subadviser, which shall provide copies of them to the Adviser upon reasonable request.
 
f.   Subadviser will make decisions on proxy voting unless such decisions are expressly reserved by Adviser. Subadviser’s obligation to vote proxies shall be contingent upon receipt of proxies from a Portfolio custodian in a timely manner. Subadviser shall not be expected or required to take any action other than the rendering of investment-related advice with respect to lawsuits involving securities presently or formerly held in a Portfolio, or the issuers thereof. Adviser will file all proofs of claim on behalf of Portfolios in class-action suits and SEC settlements which have a proof of claim process for investors. The Subadviser shall review its proxy voting activities on a periodic basis with the Trustees.
 
3.   COMPENSATION OF SUBADVISER
          The Adviser will pay the Subadviser with respect to each Portfolio the compensation specified in Appendix A to this Agreement.
4.   LIABILITY OF SUBADVISER
          Neither the Subadviser nor any of its directors, officers, members or employees shall be liable to the Adviser or the Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Adviser or Trust in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates except for losses resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of, or from the reckless disregard of, the duties of the Subadviser or any of its directors.
5.   CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
          It is understood that trustees, officers, agents and shareholders of the Trust are or may be interested in the Subadviser as trustees, officers, partners or otherwise; that employees, agents and partners of the Subadviser are or may be interested in the Trust as trustees, officers, shareholders or otherwise; that the Subadviser may be interested in the Trust; and that the existence of any such dual interest shall not affect the validity hereof or of any transactions hereunder except as otherwise provided in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust and the partnerhsip agreement of the Subadviser, respectively, or by specific provision of applicable law.

 


 

6.   REGULATION
          The Subadviser shall submit to all regulatory and administrative bodies having jurisdiction over the services provided pursuant to this Agreement any information, reports or other material which any such body by reason of this Agreement may require pursuant to applicable laws and regulations.
7.   DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
          This Agreement shall become effective with respect to each Portfolio on the later of (i) its execution and (ii) the date of the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, at which meeting this Agreement is approved as described below. The Agreement will continue in effect for a period more than two years from the date of its execution only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually either by the Trustees of the Trust or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each of the Portfolios, provided that in either event such continuance shall also be approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any party to this Agreement cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Any required shareholder approval of the Agreement or of any continuance of the Agreement shall be effective with respect to any Portfolio if a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the series (as defined in Rule 18f-2(h) under the Investment Company Act) of shares of that Portfolio votes to approve the Agreement or its continuance, notwithstanding that the Agreement or its continuance may not have been approved by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of (a) any other Portfolio affected by the Agreement or (b) all the portfolios of the Trust.
          If any required shareholder approval of this Agreement or any continuance of the Agreement is not obtained, the Subadviser will continue to act as investment subadviser with respect to such Portfolio pending the required approval of the Agreement or its continuance or of a new contract with the Subadviser or a different adviser or subadviser or other definitive action; provided, that the compensation received by the Subadviser in respect of such Portfolio during such period is in compliance with Rule 15a-4 under the Investment Company Act.
          This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Trustees of the Trust, by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, or with respect to any Portfolio by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Portfolio, on sixty days’ written notice to the Adviser and the Subadviser, or by the Adviser or Subadviser on sixty days’ written notice to the Trust and the other party. This Agreement will automatically terminate, without the payment of any penalty, in the event of its assignment (as defined in the Investment Company Act) or in the event the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust terminates for any reason.
8.   PROVISION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY SUBADVISER
          The Subadviser will promptly notify the Adviser in writing of the occurrence of any of the following events:
a.   the Subadviser fails to be registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act or under the laws of any jurisdiction in which the Subadviser is required to be registered as an investment adviser in order to perform its obligations under this Agreement;
 
b.   the Subadviser is served or otherwise receives notice of any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, at law or in equity, before or by any court, public board or body, involving the affairs of the Trust; and
 
c.   any change in the partners or in actual control or management of the Subadviser or the portfolio manager of any Portfolio.

 


 

9.   SERVICES TO OTHER CLIENTS
          The Adviser understands, and has advised the Trust’s Board of Trustees, that the Subadviser now acts, or may in the future act, as an investment adviser to fiduciary and other managed accounts and as investment adviser or subadviser to other investment companies. Further, the Adviser understands, and has advised the Trust’s Board of Trustees that the Subadviser and its affiliates may give advice and take action for its accounts, including investment companies, which differs from advice given on the timing or nature of action taken for the Portfolio. The Subadviser is not obligated to initiate transactions for a Portfolio in any security which the Subadviser, its partners, affiliates or employees may purchase or sell for their own accounts or other clients.
10.   AMENDMENTS TO THE AGREEMENT
          This Agreement may be amended by the parties only if such amendment is specifically approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and by the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not interested persons of any party to this Agreement cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Any required shareholder approval shall be effective with respect to any Portfolio if a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Portfolio vote to approve the amendment, notwithstanding that the amendment may not have been approved by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of (a) any other Portfolio affected by the amendment or (b) all the portfolios of the Trust.
11.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT
          This Agreement contains the entire understanding and agreement of the parties.
12.   HEADINGS
          The headings in the sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof.
13.   NOTICES
          All notices required to be given pursuant to this Agreement shall be delivered or mailed to the last known business address of the Trust or applicable party in person or by registered mail or a private mail or delivery service providing the sender with notice of receipt. Notice shall be deemed given on the date delivered or mailed in accordance with this paragraph.
14   SEVERABILITY
          Should any portion of this Agreement for any reason be held to be void in law or in equity, the Agreement shall be construed, insofar as is possible, as if such portion had never been contained herein.
15.   GOVERNING LAW
          The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any of the applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act. To the extent that the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any of the provisions in this Agreement, conflict with applicable provisions of the Investment Company Act, the latter shall control.
16.   LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
          The Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 28, 1988, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the “Declaration”), is on file in the office of the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provides that the name “John Hancock Trust” refers to the Trustees under the Declaration collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be held to any personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their private property, for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim, in connection with the affairs of the Trust or any portfolio thereof, but

 


 

only the assets belonging to the Trust, or to the particular Portfolio with respect to which such obligation or claim arose, shall be liable.
17.   CONSULTATION WITH SUBADVISERS TO OTHER TRUST PORTFOLIOS
As required by Rule 17a-10 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Subadviser is prohibited from consulting with the entities listed below concerning transactions for a Portfolio in securities or other assets:
1.   other subadvisers to a Portfolio,
 
2.   other subadvisers to a Trust portfolio, and
 
3.   other subadvisers to a portfolio under common control with the Portfolio;
provided, however, that: (i) such consultations are permitted between the current and successor sub-advisers of a Portfolio in order to effect an orderly transition of sub-advisory duties so long as such consultations are not concerning transactions prohibited by Section 17(a) of the 1940 Act; (ii) Subadviser may consult with any of its affiliated persons concerning transactions in securities or other assets; and (iii) Subadviser may consult with any of the other subadvisers to the Trust concerning compliance with paragraphs a and b of Rule 12d3-1 of the 1940 Act.
18.   CONFIDENTIALITY OF TRUST PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
          The Subadviser agrees to treat Trust portfolio holdings as confidential information in accordance with the Trust’s “Policy Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings,” as such policy may be amended from time to time, and to prohibit its employees from trading on any such confidential information.
20.   COMPLIANCE
          a. In managing the investments of and determining the composition of the assets of the Portfolio and in performing its other services and obligations hereunder, the Subadviser shall: (i) comply with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Portfolio as set forth in the registration statement of the Portfolio, as from time to time amended or supplemented; (ii) comply with all policies, guidelines, instructions and procedures approved by the Board or the Adviser with respect to the Portfolio and furnished to the Subadviser; (iii) comply with all applicable requirements of the Investment Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations under each thereof, as the same may be amended from time to time; (iv) cause the Portfolio to comply with (a) the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company (for so long as the Portfolio seeks to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code) and (b) the diversification requirements under Subchapter L of the Code; and (v) comply with all other applicable law, rules and regulations. In addition, the Subadviser shall maintain compliance procedures for the Portfolio that the Subadviser reasonably believes are adequate to ensure its and the Portfolio’s compliance with the foregoing.
          b. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with the Subadviser’s written policies and procedures (“Compliance Policies”) as required by Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act. Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall promptly submit to the Adviser: (i) any material changes to the Compliance Policies, (ii) notification of the commencement of a regulatory examination of the Subadviser and documentation describing the results of any such examination and of any periodic testing of the Compliance Policies, and (iii) notification of any material compliance matter that relates to the services provided by the Subadviser to the Trust including but not limited to any material violation of the Compliance Policies or of the Subadviser’s code of ethics and/or related code, Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Subadviser shall provide the Adviser with any certifications, information and access to personnel and resources (including those resources that will permit testing of the Compliance Policies by the Adviser) that the Adviser may reasonably request to enable the Trust to comply with Rule 38a-1 under the Investment Company Act.

 


 

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed under seal by their duly authorized officers as of the date first mentioned above.
             
    John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC
 
           
 
  by:   /s/Bruce R. Speca
 
Bruce R. Speca
   
 
      Executive Vice President    
 
           
    Perimeter Capital Management
 
           
 
  by:   /s/G. Bradley Ball    
 
           
 
      G. Bradley Ball    
 
      President & CEO    

 


 

APPENDIX A
          The Subadviser shall serve as investment subadviser for the Portfolio of the Trust listed below and shall manage the portion of each Portfolio’s assets assigned to it from time t time by the Adviser. The Adviser will pay the Subadviser, as full compensation for all services provided under this Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, the fee computed separately for such Portfolio at an annual rate as follows (the “Subadviser Fee”):
                         
    First $100   Next $100   Next $100   Next $100   Next $200   Excess over
    million   million   million   million   million   $600 million
    of Aggregate   of Aggregate   of Aggregate   of Aggregate   of Aggregate   of Aggregate
Portfolio   Net Assets*   Net Assets*   Net Assets*   Net Assets*   Net Assets*   Net Assets*
Smaller Company Growth Trust
                       
 
*   The term Aggregate Net Assets includes the portion of the net assets of a Portfolio of the Trust managed by the Subadviser. It also includes with respect to each Portfolio the portion(s) of the net assets of one or more other portfolios managed by the Subadviser as indicated below, but in each case only for the period during which the Subadviser for the Portfolio also serves as the subadviser for the other portfolio(s). For purposes of determining Aggregate Net Assets and calculating the Subadviser Fee, the net assets of the Portfolio and each other portfolio of the Trust are determined as of the close of business on the previous business day of the Trust, and the net assets of each portfolio of each other fund are determined as of the close of business on the previous business day of that fund.
         
Trust Portfolio(s)       Other Portfolio(s)
Smaller Company Growth Trust
    Smaller Company Growth Fund, a series of John Hancock Funds II
          The Subadviser Fee for a Portfolio shall be based on the applicable annual fee rate for the Portfolio which for each day shall be equal to (i) the sum of the amounts determined by applying the annual percentage rates in the table to the applicable portions of Aggregate Net Assets divided by (ii) Aggregate Net Assets (the “Applicable Annual Fee Rate”). The Subadviser Fee for each Portfolio shall be accrued for each calendar day, and the sum of the daily fee accruals shall be paid monthly to the Subadviser within 30 calendar days of the end of each month. The daily fee accruals will be computed by multiplying the fraction of one over the number of calendar days in the year by the Applicable Annual Fee Rate, and multiplying this product by the portion of the net assets of the Portfolio managed by the Subadviser. The Adviser shall provide Subadviser with such information as Subadviser may reasonably request supporting the calculation of the fees paid to it hereunder. Fees shall be paid either by wire transfer or check, as directed by Subadviser.
          If, with respect to any Portfolio, this Agreement becomes effective or terminates, or if the manner of determining the Applicable Annual Fee Rate changes, before the end of any month, the fee (if any) for the period from the effective date to the end of such month or from the beginning of such month to the date of termination or from the beginning of such month to the date such change, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to the full month in which such effectiveness or termination or change occurs.