John Hancock Funds III has made a significant update to its prospectus, announcing a name change for its subadvisor. Effective October 27, 2026, Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. will now be known as TD Asset Management (U.S.), Inc. This change is important as it may influence the fund's branding and market perception.

John Hancock Funds III operates under the investment sector and is known for its management of various funds, including the John Hancock Global Shareholder Yield Fund. The company is incorporated in Massachusetts and has a fiscal year ending on March 31.

The filing states, "Effective October 27, 2026, Epoch Investment Partners, Inc. ("Epoch"), the fund’s subadvisor, changed its name to TD Asset Management (U.S.), Inc. Accordingly, all references in the Prospectus to the subadvisor’s former name are changed effective October 27, 2026." This reflects a formal adjustment in the fund’s documentation.

This name change may affect investors and stakeholders who are familiar with the previous branding of Epoch Investment Partners. It could also influence how the fund is perceived in the competitive landscape of investment management.

The filing does not say what happens next regarding any further changes or implications stemming from this name change.

Additional Information on the Fund

The John Hancock Global Shareholder Yield Fund, which is impacted by this name change, offers several classes of shares, including Class I (Ticker: JGYIX), Class A (Ticker: JGYAX), Class C (Ticker: JGYCX), Class R2 (Ticker: JGSRX), and Class R6 (Ticker: JGRSX). Each class has distinct features and fee structures designed to cater to different types of investors.

Furthermore, the filing specifies that the effective date of the name change is October 29, 2026, which aligns with the date of the filing. This indicates that the change is not only a branding update but also part of a broader strategy to enhance the fund's market presence.

"You should read this supplement in conjunction with the Prospectus and retain it for your future reference." This statement emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of the name change.

Notably, the filing does not provide any details regarding the strategic rationale behind the name change or how it may affect the fund's investment strategies or performance metrics.