a_taxadvdivincome.htm
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 811-21416 
 
John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) 
 
601 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) 
 
Salvatore Schiavone
Treasurer
 
601 Congress Street 
 
Boston, Massachusetts 02210 
(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:  April 30, 2012 

 

ITEM 1. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS





Portfolio summary

Top 10 Issuers (30.5% of Total Investments on 4-30-12)1,2   

Bank of America Corp.  4.7%  Spectra Energy Corp.  2.9% 

 
Wells Fargo & Company  3.3%  CH Energy Group, Inc.  2.8% 

 
Deutsche Bank  3.2%  Integrys Energy Group,Inc.  2.8% 

 
OGE Energy Corp.  3.0%  ONEOK, Inc.  2.6% 

 
DTE Energy Company  2.9%  FirstEnergy Corp.  2.3% 

 
 
Sector Composition1,3       

Utilities  59.2%  Industrials  0.8% 

 
Financials  24.4%  Materials  0.3% 

 
Energy  9.9%  Short-Term Investments  0.2% 

 
Telecommunication Services  5.2%     

 

 


1 As a percentage of the Fund’s total investments on 4-30-12.

2 Cash and cash equivalents not included.

3 Sector investing is subject to greater risks than the market as a whole. Because the Fund may focus on particular sectors of the economy, its performance may depend on the performance of those sectors.

6  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



Fund’s investments

As of 4-30-12 (unaudited)

  Shares  Value 
Common Stocks 85.4% (57.9% of Total Investments)    $623,834,865 

(Cost $530,187,150)     
 
Energy 10.6%    77,417,505 
 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 10.6%     

BP PLC, ADR (L)(Z)  187,500  8,139,375 

Chevron Corp. (Z)  92,000  9,803,520 

ConocoPhillips  142,500  10,207,275 

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, ADR  69,000  4,936,260 

Spectra Energy Corp. (L)(Z)  1,000,000  30,740,000 

Total SA, ADR (L)(Z)  282,500  13,591,075 
 
Industrials 1.2%    9,006,800 
 
Industrial Conglomerates 1.2%     

General Electric Company (L)(Z)  460,000  9,006,800 
 
Materials 0.4%    3,140,600 
 
Metals & Mining 0.4%     

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.  82,000  3,140,600 
 
Telecommunication Services 4.9%    35,533,730 
 
Diversified Telecommunication Services 3.2%     

AT&T, Inc. (Z)  410,000  13,493,100 

Verizon Communications, Inc. (L)(Z)  235,000  9,489,300 
 
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.7%     

Vodafone Group PLC, ADR (L)(Z)  451,000  12,551,330 
 
Utilities 68.3%    498,736,230 
 
Electric Utilities 22.0%     

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (Z)  595,000  23,109,800 

Duke Energy Corp. (L)(Z)  707,500  15,161,725 

Entergy Corp. (Z)  192,500  12,620,300 

FirstEnergy Corp. (Z)  530,000  24,814,600 

Northeast Utilities  657,500  24,176,275 

NV Energy, Inc.  40,000  666,000 

PNM Resources, Inc. (Z)  58,000  1,088,080 

Progress Energy, Inc.  460,000  24,481,200 

Southern Company (Z)  375,000  17,227,500 

UIL Holdings Corp. (C)(Z)  510,000  17,528,700 

 

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  7 

 



  Shares  Value 
Gas Utilities 8.3%     

AGL Resources, Inc.  70,000  $2,760,100 

Atmos Energy Corp. (L)(Z)  725,000  23,620,500 

Northwest Natural Gas Company (Z)  132,500  6,055,250 

ONEOK, Inc. (Z)  330,000  28,343,700 
 
Multi-Utilities 38.0%     

Alliant Energy Corp.  160,000  7,238,400 

Ameren Corp. (L)(Z)  555,000  18,198,450 

Black Hills Corp. (L)(Z)  602,500  19,888,525 

CH Energy Group, Inc. (C)(Z)  455,000  29,857,100 

Dominion Resources, Inc. (L)(Z)  420,000  21,919,800 

DTE Energy Company (L)(Z)  500,000  28,190,000 

Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (L)(Z)  555,000  30,325,200 

National Grid PLC, ADR  200,000  10,818,000 

NiSource, Inc. (Z)  790,500  19,485,825 

OGE Energy Corp.  595,000  32,106,200 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. (L)(Z)  360,000  11,214,000 

TECO Energy, Inc.  200,000  3,604,000 

Vectren Corp. (Z)  790,000  23,265,500 

Xcel Energy, Inc. (L)(Z)  775,000  20,971,500 
 
Preferred Securities 61.5% (41.6% of Total Investments)    $449,103,251 

(Cost $448,642,559)     
 
Energy 4.0%    29,478,942 
 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.0%     

Apache Corp., Series D, 6.000%  125,000  6,640,000 

Nexen, Inc., 7.350% (C)(Z)  901,300  22,838,942 
 
Financials 36.0%    263,004,318 
 
Capital Markets 0.4%     

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., Depositary     
Shares, Series C, 5.940% (I)  274,760  2,747 

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., Depositary     
Shares, Series D, 5.670% (I)  65,000  650 

Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc., Depositary     
Shares, Series F, 6.500% (I)  219,300  219 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Series B, 6.200%  123,000  3,083,610 
 
Commercial Banks 12.6%     

Barclays Bank PLC, Series 3, 7.100%  30,000  742,200 

Barclays Bank PLC, Series 5, 8.125% (Z)  515,000  13,153,100 

HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.125% (Z)  50,000  1,317,000 

HSBC Holdings PLC, 8.000% (C)(Z)  325,000  8,924,500 

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, Series L,     
5.750% (Z)  858,500  16,225,650 

Santander Finance Preferred SA Unipersonal,     
Series 10, 10.500%  277,000  7,246,320 

Santander Finance Preferred SA, Series 1, 6.410%  15,500  325,345 

Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Series C, 7.300%  111,610  2,790,250 

 

8  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report  See notes to financial statements 

 



  Shares  Value 
Commercial Banks (continued)     

US Bancorp (6.500% to 1-15-22, then 3 month     
LIBOR + 4.468%), 6.500%  204,500  $5,533,770 

Wells Fargo & Company, 8.000% (L)(Z)  1,207,000  35,654,780 
 
Consumer Finance 1.8%     

HSBC Finance Corp., Depositary Shares,     
Series B, 6.360% (Z)  397,574  9,824,053 

SLM Corp., Series A, 6.970% (Z)  74,000  3,328,520 
 
Diversified Financial Services 17.7%     

Bank of America Corp., 6.700% (Z)  500,000  12,200,000 

Bank of America Corp., 6.375% (Z)  139,000  3,308,200 

Bank of America Corp., 6.625% (L)(Z)  355,000  8,843,050 

Bank of America Corp., 8.200% (Z)  135,000  3,418,200 

Bank of America Corp., Depositary Shares,     
Series D, 6.204% (Z)  240,000  5,755,200 

Bank of America Corp., Series MER, 8.625% (C)(Z)  652,800  16,816,128 

Citigroup Capital VIII, 6.950% (L)(Z)  540,000  13,429,800 

Citigroup, Inc., 8.125%  270,400  7,803,744 

Deutsche Bank Capital Funding Trust VIII,     
6.375% (Z)  282,000  6,649,560 

Deutsche Bank Contingent Capital Trust II,     
6.550% (Z)  310,000  7,545,400 

Deutsche Bank Contingent Capital Trust III,     
7.600% (L)(Z)  797,893  20,513,829 

ING Groep NV, 7.050% (Z)  140,000  3,259,200 

ING Groep NV, 6.200% (Z)  109,100  2,316,193 

JPMorgan Chase & Company, 8.625% (Z)  140,000  3,725,400 

RBS Capital Funding Trust VII, 6.080%  983,000  14,007,750 
 
Insurance 3.5%     

MetLife, Inc., Series B, 6.500% (L)(Z)  995,500  25,186,150 
 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 0.0%     

Federal National Mortgage Association, Series S, 7.750% (I)  60,000  73,800 
 
Telecommunication Services 2.8%    20,034,690 
 
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.8%     

Qwest Corp., 7.375%  366,000  9,545,280 

Qwest Corp., 7.500%  120,000  3,145,200 
 
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.0%     

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc., 6.875%  243,000  6,553,710 

United States Cellular Corp., 6.950%  30,000  790,500 
 
Utilities 18.7%    136,585,301 
 
Electric Utilities 14.0%     

Alabama Power Company, Class A, 5.300%  186,780  4,839,469 

Carolina Power & Light Company, 5.440% (Z)  111,493  11,128,395 

Duquesne Light Company, 6.500% (Z)  427,000  21,189,875 

Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 4.560% (Z)  9,388  883,645 

Entergy Arkansas, Inc., 6.450% (Z)  110,000  2,763,750 

Entergy Mississippi, Inc., 4.920% (Z)  8,190  791,615 

 

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  9 

 



  Shares  Value 
Electric Utilities (continued)     

Entergy Mississippi, Inc., 6.250% (Z)  197,500  $4,962,187 

Mississippi Power Company, 5.250%  262,500  6,764,625 

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 5.700%  80,000  2,063,992 

PPL Corp., 9.500% (C)(Z)  285,000  15,216,150 

PPL Electric Utilities Corp., Depositary Shares,     
6.250% (Z)  600,000  14,982,000 

Southern California Edison Company,     
6.125% (Z)  50,000  5,026,565 

Southern California Edison Company, Series C,     
6.000% (Z)  117,000  11,696,349 
 
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders 2.2%     

Constellation Energy Group, Inc., Series A,     
8.625% (L)(Z)  600,000  16,026,000 
 
Multi-Utilities 2.5%     

BGE Capital Trust II, 6.200% (Z)  160,500  4,039,785 

Consolidated Edison Company of New York,     
Inc., Series A, 5.000%  25,180  2,642,892 

Consolidated Edison Company of New York,     
Inc., Series C, 4.650%  13,219  1,333,902 

DTE Energy Company, 6.500%  130,000  3,580,205 

Interstate Power & Light Company, Series B,     
8.375% (Z)  230,000  6,653,900 
 
Corporate Bonds 0.4% (0.3% of Total Investments)    $3,130,860 

(Cost $3,000,000)     
 
Utilities 0.4%    3,130,860 
 
Southern California Edison Company (6.25% to 2-1-22,     
then 3 month LIBOR + 4.199%)  3,000,000  3,130,860 
 
Short-Term Investments 0.3% (0.2% of Total Investments)    $2,441,000 

(Cost $2,441,000)     
 
Repurchase Agreement 0.3%    2,441,000 
 
Repurchase Agreement with State Street Corp. dated 4-30-12 at 0.010%     
to be repurchased at $2,441,001 on 5-1-12, collateralized by $2,475,000     
Federal National Mortgage Association, 3.000% due 3-28-22 (valued at     
$2,490,668, including interest)  2,441,000  2,441,000 
 
Total investments (Cost $984,270,709)147.6%  $1,078,509,976 

 
Other assets and liabilities, net (47.6%)    ($348,007,301) 

 
Total net assets 100.0%    $730,502,675 

 

 

The percentage shown for each investment category is the total value of the category as a percentage of the net assets of the Fund.

 

10  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report  See notes to financial statements 

 



Notes to Schedule of Investments

ADR American Depositary Receipts

LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate

(C) All or a portion of this security is segregated as collateral for options. Total collateral value at 4-30-12 was $111,181,520.

(I) Non-income producing security.

(L) A portion of this security is a Lent security as of 4-30-12, and is part of segregated collateral pursuant to the Committed Facility Agreement. Total value of Lent securities at 4-30-12 was $287,883,506 (see footnote Z below).

(Z) A portion of this security is segregated as collateral pursuant to the Committed Facility Agreement. Total collateral value at 4-30-12 was $717,088,472.

† At 4-30-12, the aggregate cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $994,405,377. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated $84,104,599, of which $145,792,824 related to appreciated investment securities and $61,688,225 related to depreciated investment securities.

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  11 

 



F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

Financial statements

Statement of assets and liabilities 4-30-12 (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 $984,270,709)  $1,078,509,976 
Cash  3,730,454 
Cash segregated at custodian for swap contracts  1,770,000 
Receivable for investments sold  1,748,088 
Dividends and interest receivable  2,064,105 
Other receivables and prepaid expenses  124,892 
 
Total assets  1,087,947,515 
 
Liabilities   

Payable for investments purchased  9,152,000 
Committed facility agreement payable  344,000,000 
Written options, at value (Premiums received $1,659,651)  2,006,400 
Swap contracts, at value  2,115,661 
Interest payable  35,881 
Payable to affiliates   
Accounting and legal services fees  9,801 
Trustees’ fees  44,038 
Other liabilities and accrued expenses  81,059 
 
Total liabilities  357,444,840 
 
Net assets   

Paid-in capital  $705,004,523 
Undistributed net investment income  3,006,106 
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, written options   
and swap agreements  (69,284,811) 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, written options   
and swap agreements  91,776,857 
 
Net assets  $730,502,675 
  
Net asset value per share   

Based on 37,734,746 shares of beneficial interest outstanding — unlimited   
number of shares authorized with no par value  $19.36 

 

12  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report  See notes to financial statements 

 



F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

Statement of operations For the six-month period ended 4-30-12
(unaudited)

This Statement of operations summarizes the Fund’s investment income earned, expenses incurred in operating the Fund and net gains (losses) for the period stated.

Investment income   

Dividends  $28,174,500 
Interest  217,283 
Less foreign taxes withheld  (83,529) 
 
Total investment income  28,308,254 
 
Expenses   

Investment management fees  3,916,959 
Accounting and legal services fees  69,055 
Transfer agent fees  19,250 
Trustees’ fees  28,584 
Printing and postage  52,150 
Professional fees  46,676 
Custodian fees  45,203 
Registration and filing fees  9,702 
Interest expense  1,667,919 
Stock exchange listing fees  16,959 
Other  7,307 
 
Total expenses  5,879,764 
Less expense reductions  (169,439) 
 
Net expenses  5,710,325 
 
Net investment income  22,597,929 
 
Realized and unrealized gain (loss)   

 
Net realized gain (loss) on   
Investments  14,894,394 
Written options  (877,805) 
Swap contracts  (472,172) 
 
  13,544,417 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of   
Investments  28,273,637 
Written options  (209,098) 
Swap contracts  (960,596) 
 
  27,103,943 
 
Net realized and unrealized gain  40,648,360 
 
Increase in net assets from operations  $63,246,289 

 

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  13 

 



F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

Statements of changes in net assets

These Statements of changes in net assets show how the value of the Fund’s net assets has changed during the last two periods. The difference reflects earnings less expenses, any investment gains and losses, distributions, if any, paid to shareholders and the net of Fund share transactions.

  Six months   
  ended  Year 
  4-30-12  ended 
  (unaudited)  10-31-11 
 
Increase (decrease) in net assets     

 
From operations     
Net investment income  $22,597,929  $45,397,254 
Net realized gain  13,544,417  14,383,305 
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  27,103,943  46,038,333 
 
Increase in net assets resulting from operations  63,246,289  105,818,892 
 
Distributions to shareholders     
From net investment income  (22,301,235)  (42,434,737) 
 
From Fund share transactions     
Repurchased    (4,227,969) 
 
Total increase  40,945,054  59,156,186 
 
Net assets     

Beginning of period  689,557,621  630,401,435 
 
End of period  $730,502,675  $689,557,621 
 
Undistributed net investment income  $3,006,106  $2,709,412 
 
Share activity     

 
Shares outstanding     
Beginning of period  37,734,746  38,011,417 
Repurchased    276,671 
 
End of period  37,734,746  37,734,746 

 

14  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report  See notes to financial statements 

 



F I N A N C I A L   S T A T E M E N T S

Statement of cash flows

This Statement of cash flows shows cash flow from operating and financing activities for the period stated.

  For the 
  six-month 
  period ended 
  4-30-12 
Cash flows from operating activities   

Net increase in net assets from operations  $63,246,289 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net   
cash provided by operating activities:   
Long-term investments purchased  (66,195,074) 
Long-term investments sold  55,352,120 
Decrease in short term investments  524,000 
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable  366,803 
Increase in payable for investments purchased  9,049,674 
Decrease in receivable for investments sold  6,177,967 
Increase in cash segregated at custodian for swap contracts  (1,360,000) 
Increase in other receivables and prepaid expenses  (28,199) 
Increase in unrealized depreciation of swap contracts  960,596 
Increase in payable for written options  40,300 
Increase in payable to affiliates  10,493 
Decrease in interest payable  (257) 
Decrease in other liabilities and accrued expenses  (38,266) 
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments  (28,273,637) 
Net realized gain on investments  (14,894,394) 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $24,938,415 

 
Cash flows from financing activities   
Distributions to common shareholders  (22,301,235) 
 
Net cash used in financing activities  ($22,301,235) 
 
Net increase in cash  $2,637,180 
 
Cash at beginning of period  $1,093,274 
 
Cash at end of period  $3,730,454 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information   

 
Cash paid for interest  $1,668,176 

 

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  15 

 



Financial highlights

The Financial highlights show how the Fund’s net asset value for a share has changed during the period.

COMMON SHARES               
Period ended  4-30-121  10-31-11  10-31-10  10-31-092  12-31-08  12-31-07  12-31-06 
 
Per share operating performance             

Net asset value,               
beginning of period  $18.27  $16.58  $12.87  $12.48  $19.99  $22.90  $19.93 
Net investment income3  0.60  1.20  1.10  0.88  1.13  1.26  1.434 
Net realized and               
unrealized gain (loss)               
on investments  1.08  1.60  3.69  0.56  (7.07)  (1.98)  3.62 
Distributions to Auction               
Preferred Shares (APS)*          (0.15)  (0.41)  (0.39) 
Total from investment               
operations  1.68  2.80  4.79  1.44  (6.09)  (1.13)  4.66 
Less distributions to               
common shareholders               
From net               
investment income  (0.59)  (1.12)  (1.09)  (0.83)  (0.99)  (1.19)  (1.16) 
From net realized gain          (0.15)  (0.59)  (0.53) 
From tax return of capital        (0.23)  (0.44)     
Total distributions  (0.59)  (1.12)  (1.09)  (1.06)  (1.58)  (1.78)  (1.69) 
Anti-dilutive impact of               
repurchase plan    0.015  0.015  0.015  0.165     
Net asset value, end               
of period  $19.36  $18.27  $16.58  $12.87  $12.48  $19.99  $22.90 
Per share market value,               
end of period  $17.79  $16.64  $15.41  $11.35  $10.30  $17.90  $20.32 
Total return at net               
asset value (%)6,7  9.558  18.16  39.49  15.348  (29.97)  (4.19)  (25.67)9 
Total return at market               
value (%)6  10.528  15.79  47.01  23.248  (35.46)  (3.32)  (32.21) 
 
Ratios and supplemental data             

Net assets applicable to               
common shares, end               
of period (in millions)  $731  $690  $630  $493  $480  $841  $964 
Ratios (as a percentage               
of average net assets):               
Expenses before               
reductions (excluding               
interest expense)  1.2010  1.2411  1.39  1.3910  1.42  1.2712  1.2812 
Interest expense               
(Note 8)  0.4710  0.53  0.64  0.8710  0.87  12  12 
Expenses before               
reductions (including               
interest expense)  1.6710  1.7711  2.03  2.2610  2.29  1.2712  1.2812 
Expenses net of               
fee waivers and               
credits (excluding               
interest expense)  1.1510  1.0311  1.22  1.1410  1.12  0.99  1.00 

 

16  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report  See notes to financial statements 

 



COMMON SHARES               
Period ended  4-30-121  10-31-11  10-31-10  10-31-092  12-31-08  12-31-07  12-31-06 
 
Ratios and supplemental data             

Expenses net of               
fee waivers and               
credits (including               
interest expense)  1.6310  1.5611  1.86  2.0110  1.99  0.9913  1.0013 
Net investment income  6.4310  6.98  7.37  9.4410  7.02  5.6514  6.764,14 
Portfolio turnover (%)  5  16  20  21  29  26  41 
 
Senior securities               

Total value of APS               
outstanding               
(in millions)            $380  $380 
Involuntary liquidation               
preference per unit               
(in thousands)            25  25 
Average market value               
per unit (in thousands)            25  25 
Asset coverage per unit15            $81,737  $88,352 
Total debt outstanding               
end of period (in               
millions) (Note 8)  $344  $344  $311  $253  $267     
Asset coverage per               
$1,000 of APS16            $3,212  $3,536 
Asset coverage per               
$1,000 of debt17  $3,124  $3,005  $3,030  $2,946  $2,797     

 

* Auction Preferred Shares (APS).
1 Six months ended 4-30-12. Unaudited.
2 For the ten-month period ended 10-31-09. The Fund changed its fiscal year end from December 31 to October 31.
3 Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
4 Net investment income per share and ratio of net investment income to average net assets reflects a special dividend received by the Fund, which amounted to $0.13 per share and 0.63% of average net assets.
5 The repurchase plan was completed at an average repurchase price of $15.28, $13.80, $10.29 and $14.92, respectively, for 276,671, 302,900 shares, 173,600 shares and 3,589,570 shares, respectively. The repurchases for the periods ended 10-31-11, 10-31-10, 10-31-09 and 12-31-08 were $4,227,969, $4,178,919, $1,786,938 and $53,556,991, respectively, and had a $0.01, $0.01, $0.01 and $0.16 NAV impact, respectively.
6 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 dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund’s shares traded during the period.
7 Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced during the periods shown.
8 Not annualized.
9 Unaudited.
10 Annualized.
11 Includes non-recurring litigation fees which represent 0.02% and 0.14% of average net assets for the years ended 10-31-11 and 10-31-10, respectively. Insurance recovery expense reduction for the year ended 10-31-11 represents 0.11% of average net assets.
12 Ratios calculated on the basis of gross expenses relative to the average net assets of common shares that does not take into consideration expense reductions during the periods shown. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratio of expenses would have been 0.90% and 0.90% for the periods ended 12-31-07 and 12-31-06, respectively.
13 Ratios calculated on the basis of net expenses relative to the average net assets of common shares. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratio of expenses would have been 0.70% and 0.70% for the periods ended 12-31-07 and 12-31-06, respectively.
14 Ratios calculated on the basis of net investment income relative to the average net assets of common shares. Without the exclusion of preferred shares, the annualized ratio of net investment income would have been 4.03% and 4.74% for the periods ended 12-31-07 and 12-31-06, respectively.
15 Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities from the Fund’s total assets and dividing that amount by the number of APS outstanding as of the applicable 1940 Act Evaluation Date, which may differ from the financial reporting date.
16 Asset coverage equals the total net assets plus APS divided by the APS of the Fund outstanding at period end.
17 Asset coverage equals the total net assets plus borrowings divided by the borrowings of the Fund outstanding at period end. As debt outstanding changes, level of invested assets may change accordingly. Asset coverage ratio provides a consistent measure of leverage.

 

See notes to financial statements  Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  17 

 



Notes to financial statements
(unaudited)

Note 1 — Organization

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (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 2 — Significant accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. 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 close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally at 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. 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. Level 2 includes securities valued using 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 Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Factors used in determining value may include market or issuer specific events, 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.

18  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



The following is a summary of the values by input classification of the Fund’s investments as of April 30, 2012, by major security category or type:

        LEVEL 3 
      LEVEL 2  SIGNIFICANT 
  TOTAL MARKET  LEVEL 1  SIGNIFICANT  UNOBSERVABLE 
  VALUE AT 4-30-12  QUOTED PRICE  OBSERVABLE INPUTS  INPUTS 

Common Stocks         
Energy  $77,417,505  $77,417,505     
Industrials  9,006,800  9,006,800     
Materials  3,140,600  3,140,600     
Telecommunication         
Services  35,533,730  35,533,730     
Utilities  498,736,230  498,736,230     
Preferred Securities         
Energy  29,478,942  29,478,942     
Financials  263,004,318  263,000,921  $3,397   
Telecommunication         
Services  20,034,690  20,034,690     
Utilities  136,585,301  72,498,723  64,086,578   
Corporate Bonds         
Utilities  3,130,860    3,130,860   
Short-Term Investments  2,441,000    2,441,000   
 
Total Investments in         
Securities  $1,078,509,976  $1,008,848,141  $69,661,835   
Other Financial         
Instruments         
Written Options  ($2,006,400)  ($2,006,400)     
Interest Rate Swaps  ($2,115,661)    ($2,115,661)   

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. During the six months ended April 30, 2012, there were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2.

In order to value the securities, the Fund uses the following valuation techniques. Equity securities held by the Fund are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the principal securities exchange on which they trade. In the event there were no sales during the day or closing prices are not available, then securities are valued using the last quoted bid or evaluated price. Options listed on an exchange are valued at the mean between the last bid and ask prices from the exchange on which they are principally traded. For options not listed on an exchange, an independent pricing source is used to value the options at the mean between the last bid and ask prices. Foreign securities and currencies are valued in U.S. dollars, based on foreign currency exchange rates supplied by an independent pricing service. Certain securities traded only in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last bid price quoted by brokers making markets in the securities at the close of trading. Certain short-term securities are valued at amortized cost. Other portfolio securities and assets, where 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.

Repurchase agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. When the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, it receives collateral which is held in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. 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. 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.

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  19 

 



Security transactions and related investment income. Investment security transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-date, except for dividends of foreign securities where the dividend may not be known until after the ex-date. In those cases, dividend income is recorded when the Fund becomes aware of the dividends. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.

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 Funds complex, expenses that are directly attributable to an individual fund are allocated to the 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.

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.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Any losses incurred during those taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

For federal income tax purposes, the Fund has a capital loss carryforward of $73,064,194 available to offset future net realized capital gains as of October 31, 2011, which expires as follows: October 31, 2017 — $73,064,194.

As of October 31, 2011, 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 monthly and capital gain distributions, if any, annually.

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.

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 derivative transactions, wash sales loss deferrals and litigation proceeds.

20  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



Statement of cash flows. 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 its custodian and does not include any short-term investments or cash segregated at custodian for swap contracts.

New accounting pronouncements. In May 2011, Accounting Standards Update 2011-04 (ASU 2011-04), Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, was issued and is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. ASU 2011-04 may result in additional disclosure for transfers between levels as well as expanded disclosure for securities categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy.

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-11 (ASU 2011-11), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The update creates new disclosure requirements requiring entities to disclose both gross and net information for derivatives and other financial instruments that are either offset in the Statement of assets and liabilities or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The disclosure requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 and interim periods within those annual periods. ASU 2011-11 may result in additional disclosure relating to the presentation of derivatives.

Note 3 — Derivative instruments

The Fund invests in derivatives in order to meet its investment objective. The use of derivatives may involve risks different from, or potentially greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Specifically, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the counterparty to an over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives contract will be unable or unwilling to make timely settlement payments or otherwise honor its obligations. OTC derivatives transactions typically can only be closed out with the other party to the transaction. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies, but there is no assurance that the counterparty will meet its contractual obligations or that the Fund will succeed in enforcing them.

The Fund has entered into collateral agreements with certain counterparties to mitigate counterparty risk on over-the-counter derivatives. Subject to established minimum levels, collateral is generally determined based on the net aggregate unrealized gain or loss on contracts with a particular counterparty. Collateral pledged to the Fund is held by the custodian bank for the benefit of the Fund and can be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies; collateral posted by the Fund is held in a segregated account at the Fund’s custodian and is noted in the accompanying portfolio of investments, or if cash is posted, on the Statement of assets and liabilities. As of April 30, 2012, $1,770,000 was posted by the Fund for the benefit of counterparties.

Options. There are two types of options, a put option and a call option. Options are traded either over-the-counter or on an exchange. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (and the seller the obligation to sell) the underlying instrument at the exercise price. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell (and the writer the obligation to buy) the underlying instrument at the exercise price. Writing puts and buying calls may increase the Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of the underlying instrument. Buying puts and writing calls may decrease the Fund’s exposure to such changes. Risks related to the use of options include the loss of the premium, possible illiquidity of the options markets, trading restrictions imposed by an exchange and movements in underlying security values, and for written options, potential losses in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities.

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  21 

 



When the Fund purchases an option, the premium paid by the Fund is included in the Portfolio of Investments and subsequently “marked-to-market” to reflect current market value. If the purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the securities acquired by exercising the call is increased by the premium paid to buy the call. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, the Fund realizes a gain or loss, depending on whether proceeds from the closing sale are greater or less than the original cost. When the Fund writes an option, the premium received is included as a liability and subsequently “marked-to-market” to reflect current market value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are recorded as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or are closed are added to or offset against the proceeds or amount paid on the transaction to determine the realized gain or loss. If a put option on a security is exercised, the premium received reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund.

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund wrote option contracts to hedge against changes in securities markets and to generate potential income. The following tables summarize the Fund’s written options activities during the six months ended April 30, 2012 and the contracts held at April 30, 2012.

  NUMBER OF   
  CONTRACTS  PREMIUM RECEIVED 

Outstanding, beginning of period  2,045  $1,828,449 
Options written  12,027  16,679,235 
Options expired  (4,825)  (5,156,295) 
Options closed  (8,147)  (11,691,738) 
Outstanding, end of period  1,100  $1,659,651 

 

  EXERCISE  EXPIRATION  NUMBER OF     
NAME OF ISSUER  PRICE  DATE  CONTRACTS  PREMIUM  VALUE 

CALLS           
S&P 500 Index  $1,420  May 2012  580  $335,224  ($394,400) 
S&P 500 Index  1,375  May 2012  520  1,324,427  (1,612,000) 
Total      1,100  $1,659,651  ($2,006,400) 

 

Interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps represent an agreement between a Fund and counterparty to exchange cash flows based on the difference between two interest rates applied to a notional amount. The payment flows are usually netted against each other, with the difference being paid by one party to the other. The Fund settles accrued net interest receivable or payable under the swap contracts at specified, future intervals. Upfront payments made/received by the Fund are amortized/accreted for financial reporting purposes, with the unamortized/unaccreted portion included in the Statement of assets and liabilities. Swaps are marked-to-market daily based upon values from third party vendors or broker quotations, and the change in value is recorded as unrealized appreciation/depreciation of swap contracts. A termination payment by the counterparty or the Fund is recorded as realized gain or loss, as well as the net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund.

Entering into swap agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk that may amount to values that are in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of assets and liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for the swap, or that a counterparty may default on its obligation or delay payment under the swap terms. The counterparty may disagree or contest the terms of the swap. Market risks may also accompany the swap, including interest rate risk. The Fund may also suffer losses if it is unable to terminate or assign outstanding swaps or reduce its exposure through offsetting transactions.

22  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund used interest rate swaps in anticipation of rising interest rates. The following table summarizes the interest rate swap contracts held as of April 30, 2012.

  USD  PAYMENTS  PAYMENTS     
  NOTIONAL  MADE  RECEIVED  MATURITY   
COUNTERPARTY  AMOUNT  BY FUND  BY FUND  DATE  MARKET VALUE 

Morgan Stanley  $86,000,000  1.4625%  3-month  Aug 2016  ($2,115,661) 
Capital Services      LIBOR (a)     
 
(a) At 4-30-12, the 3-month LIBOR rate was 0.46585%.       

 

Interest rate swap positions at April 30, 2012 were entered into on August 5, 2011. No other interest rate swap activity occurred during the six months ended April 30, 2012.

Fair value of derivative instruments by risk category

The table below summarizes the fair value of derivatives held by the Fund at April 30, 2012 by risk category:

    FINANCIAL  ASSET  LIABILITY 
  STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND  INSTRUMENTS  DERIVATIVES  DERIVATIVES 
RISK  LIABILITIES LOCATION  LOCATION  FAIR VALUE  FAIR VALUE 

Equity contracts  Payable for written options,  Written options    ($2,006,400) 
  at value       
Interest rate contracts  Unrealized depreciation of  Interest rate    (2,115,661) 
  swap contracts  swaps     
Total        ($4,122,061) 

 

Effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of operations

The table below summarizes the net realized gain (loss) included in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category, for the six months ended April 30, 2012:

  STATEMENT OF    SWAP   
RISK  OPERATIONS LOCATION  WRITTEN OPTIONS  CONTRACTS  TOTAL 

Equity contracts  Net realized gain (loss)  ($877,805)    ($877,805) 
Interest rate  Net realized gain (loss)    ($472,172)  ($472,172) 
contracts         
Total    ($877,805)  ($472,172)  ($1,349,977) 

 

The table below summarizes the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in the net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations, classified by derivative instrument and risk category, for the six months ended April 30, 2012:

 

  STATEMENT OF    SWAP   
RISK  OPERATIONS LOCATION  WRITTEN OPTIONS  CONTRACTS  TOTAL 

Equity contracts  Change in unrealized  ($209,098)    ($209,098) 
  appreciation       
  (depreciation)       
Interest rate  Change in unrealized    ($960,596)  ($960,596) 
contracts  appreciation       
  (depreciation)       
Total    ($209,098)  ($960,596)  ($1,169,694) 

 

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  23 

 



Note 4 — Guarantees 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.

Note 5 — Fees and transactions with affiliates

John Hancock Advisers, LLC (the Adviser) serves as investment adviser for the Fund. The Adviser is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC).

Management fee. The Fund has an investment management agreement with the Adviser under which the Fund pays a daily management fee to the Adviser equivalent, on an annual basis, to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and the value attributed to the Committed Facility Agreement (see Note 8) (collectively, managed assets). The Adviser has a subadvisory agreement with John Hancock Asset Management a division of Manulife Asset Management (US) LLC, an indirectly owned subsidiary of MFC and an affiliate of the Adviser, and Analytic Investors LLC. The Fund is not responsible for payment of the subadvisory fees.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s management fee to 0.70% of average daily managed assets from February 27, 2011 until February 27, 2012. Accordingly, the expense reductions related to the reduction in the management fee amounted to $169,439 for the six months ended April 30, 2012. Effective February 28, 2012, the agreement was not renewed.

The investment management fees, including the impact of the waivers and reimbursements described above, incurred for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were equivalent to a net annual effective rate of 0.72% of the Fund’s average daily managed assets.

Accounting and legal services. Pursuant to a service agreement, the Fund reimburses the Adviser for all expenses associated with providing the administrative, financial, legal, 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 six months ended April 30, 2012 amounted to an annual rate of 0.02% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Trustee expenses. The Fund compensates each Trustee who is not an employee of the Adviser or its affiliates. These Trustees may, for tax purposes, elect to defer receipt of this compensation under the John Hancock Group of Funds Deferred Compensation Plan (the Plan). Deferred amounts are invested in various John Hancock funds and remain in the funds until distributed in accordance with the Plan. The investment of deferred amounts and the offsetting liability are included within Other receivables and prepaid expenses and Payable to affiliates — Trustees’ fees, respectively, in the accompanying Statement of assets and liabilities.

Note 6 — Fund share transactions

In December 2007, the Trustees approved a share repurchase plan, which has been subsequently reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees each year in December. Under the current share repurchase plan, the Fund may repurchase in the open market up to 10% of its outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2011. The plan will remain in effect between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

24  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund did not repurchase any shares under the repurchase plan. During the year ended October 31, 2011, the Fund repurchased 0.73% of its common shares outstanding under the repurchase plan. The weighted average discount per share on these repurchases amount to 9.3% for the year ended October 31, 2011. Shares repurchased and corresponding dollar amounts are included on the Statement of changes in net assets.

Note 7 — Leverage risk

The Fund utilizes a Committed Facility Agreement (CFA) to increase its assets available for investment. When the Fund leverages its assets, common shareholders bear the fees associated with the CFA and have the potential to benefit or be disadvantaged from the use of leverage. The Adviser’s fee is also increased in dollar terms from the use of leverage. Consequently, the Fund and the Adviser may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the Fund’s assets. Leverage creates risks that may adversely affect the return for the shareholders of common shares, including:

• the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of common shares

• fluctuations in the interest rate paid for the use of the credit facility

• 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

• 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.

In addition to the risk created by 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 CFA 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 8 — Committed Facility Agreement

The Fund has entered into a CFA with a subsidiary of BNP Paribas (BNP) that allows it to borrow up to $344 million and to invest the borrowings in accordance with its investment practices.

Borrowings under the CFA are secured by the assets of the Fund as disclosed in the Fund’s investments. Interest charged is at the rate of one-month LIBOR plus 0.70% and is payable monthly. The Fund also pays a commitment fee of 0.60% per annum on the unused portion of the facility. As of April 30, 2012, the Fund had borrowings of $344,000,000 at an interest rate of 0.94%, which is reflected on the Statement of assets and liabilities. During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the average borrowings under the CFA and the effective average interest rate were $344,000,000 and 0.98%, respectively.

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  25 

 



The Fund may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice. If certain asset coverage and collateral requirements, minimum net assets or other covenants are not met, the CFA could be deemed in default and result in termination. Absent a default or a facility termination event, BNP is required to provide the Fund with 360 days’ notice prior to terminating or amending the CFA.

The Fund has an agreement with BNP that allows BNP to borrow a portion of the pledged collateral (Lent Securities) in an amount not to exceed the lesser of: (i) outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP and (ii) thirty-three and one-third percent of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund can designate any security within the pledged collateral as ineligible to be a Lent Security and can recall the Lent Securities. The Fund also has the right to apply and set-off an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the then-current fair market value of such Lent Securities against the current borrowings under the CFA in the event that BNP fails to timely return the Lent Securities and in certain other circumstances. In such circumstance, however, the Fund may not be able to obtain replacement financing required to purchase replacement securities and, consequently, the Fund’s income generating potential may decrease. Even if the Fund is able to obtain replacement financing, it might not be able to purchase replacement securities at favorable prices. Income earned from Lent Securities is recorded as a component of interest income on the Statement of operations. During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund recorded $162,949 in income from Lent Securities.

Note 9 — Purchase and sale of securities

Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term securities, aggregated $66,195,074 and $55,352,120, respectively, for the six months ended April 30, 2012.

Note 10 — Industry or sector risk

From time to time the Fund may invest a large percentage of its assets in one or more particular industries or sectors of the economy. If a large percentage of the Fund’s assets are economically tied to a single or small number of industries or sectors of the economy, the Fund will be less diversified than a more broadly diversified fund, and it may cause the Fund to underperform if that industry or sector underperforms. In addition, focusing on a particular industry or sector may make the Fund’s net asset value more volatile. Further, a fund that invests in particular industries or sectors is particularly susceptible to the impact of market, economic, regulatory and other factors affecting those industries or sectors.

26  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



Additional information

Unaudited

Investment objective and policy

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of after-tax total return from dividend income and gains and capital appreciation.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes) in dividend-paying common and preferred securities that the Adviser believes at the time of acquisition are eligible to pay dividends which, for individual shareholders, qualify for U.S. federal income taxation at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, which currently are taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (tax-advantaged dividends). Tax-advantaged dividends generally include dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from foreign corporations that meet certain specified criteria. The Fund generally can pass the tax treatment of tax-advantaged dividends it receives through to its common shareholders. The Fund may write (sell) covered call index options on up to 30% of the value of the Fund’s total assets.

Dividends and distributions

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, dividends from net investment income totaling $0.5910 per share were paid to shareholders. The dates of payments and the amounts per share were as follows:

  INCOME 
PAYMENT DATE  DIVIDENDS 

November 30, 2011  $0.0985 
December 30, 2011  0.0985 
January 31, 2012  0.0985 
February 29, 2012  0.0985 
March 30, 2012  0.0985 
April 30, 2012  0.0985 
Total  $0.5910 

 

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. (formerly known as The Bank of New York Mellon) (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 New York Stock Exchange (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.

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  27 

 



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 Web site at www.computershare.com and clicking on EquityAccess & More. The Plan Agent will mail a check to you (less applicable brokerage trading fees) on settlement date, which is three business days after your shares have been sold. If you choose to sell your shares through your stockbroker, you will need to request that the Plan Agent electronically transfer your shares to your 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 Web site at www.computershare.com and clicking on EquityAccess & More. 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 you withdraw, your shares will be credited to your account; or, if you wish, the Plan Agent will sell your full and fractional shares and send you the proceeds, less a transaction fee of $5.00 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 Web site at www.computershare.com and clicking on EquityAccess & More. 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 you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, please contact your nominee to see if it will participate in the Plan for you. If you wish to participate in the Plan, but your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee is unable to participate on your behalf, you will need to request that your shares be re-registered in your own name, or you 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 you as representing the total amount registered in your name and held for your account by your 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.

28  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 



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 1-800-852-0218, 1-201-680-6578 (For International Telephone Inquiries), and 1-201-680-6610 (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:

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Newport Office Center VII
480 Washington Boulevard
Jersey City, NJ 07310–1900
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 meeting

The Fund held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 20, 2012. The following action was taken by the shareholders:

Proposal: Election of three (3) Trustees to serve for a three-year term ending at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2015 or such earlier date as required by the by-laws of the Fund. Each nominee was reelected by the Fund’s shareholders and the votes cast with respect to each Trustee are set forth below.

  TOTAL VOTES  TOTAL VOTES WITHHELD 
  FOR THE NOMINEE  FROM THE NOMINEE 

Stanley Martin  29,638,881  997,562 
John A. Moore  29,631,967  1,004,476 
John G. Vrysen  29,654,849  981,594 

 

As of the Annual Meeting date, the terms of office of the following seven Trustees of the Fund had not ended and they remained in office: James F. Carlin, William H. Cunningham, Deborah C. Jackson, Hugh McHaffie, Patti McGill Peterson, Steven R. Pruchansky and Gregory A. Russo. Subsequent to the Annual Meeting date, Mr. Carlin resigned from the Board.

 

Semiannual report | Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund  29 

 



More information

Trustees  Officers  Investment adviser 
Steven R. Pruchansky  Keith F. Hartstein  John Hancock Advisers, LLC 
Chairman  President and   
William H. Cunningham  Chief Executive Officer  Subadviser 
Deborah C. Jackson    John Hancock Asset Management 
Stanley Martin* Andrew G. Arnott  a division of Manulife Asset 
Hugh McHaffie Senior Vice President and  Management (US) LLC 
Dr. John A. Moore* Chief Operating Officer   
Vice Chairman Analytic Investors, LLC 
Patti McGill Peterson* Thomas M. Kinzler
Gregory A. Russo Secretary and Chief Legal Officer  Custodian 
John G. Vrysen State Street Bank and 
Francis V. Knox, Jr. Trust Company 
*Member of the  Chief Compliance Officer  
Audit Committee Transfer agent 
†Non-Independent Trustee Charles A. Rizzo Computershare Shareowner 
Chief Financial Officer Services, LLC 
   
  Salvatore Schiavone Legal counsel 
  Treasurer  K&L Gates LLP 
 
    Stock symbol 
    Listed New York Stock 
    Exchange: HTD 

 

For shareholder assistance refer to page 29

 

You can also contact us:     
  1-800-852-0218  Regular mail: 
  jhfunds.com  Computershare Shareowner Services, LLC 
    Newport Office Center VII 
    480 Washington Boulevard 
    Jersey City, NJ 07310-1900 

 

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) Web site at www.sec.gov or on our Web site.

The Fund’s complete list of portfolio holdings, for the first and third fiscal quarters, is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on our Web site and the SEC’s Web site, www.sec.gov, and can be reviewed and copied (for a fee) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Call 1-202-551-8090 to receive information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room.

We make this information on your fund, as well as monthly portfolio holdings, and other fund details available on our Web site at www.jhfunds.com or by calling 1-800-852-0218.

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.

30  Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund | Semiannual report 

 




PRESORTED 
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE 
PAID
MIS

 

1-800-852-0218
1-800-231-5469 TDD
1-800-843-0090 EASI-Line
www.jhfunds.com

 

P13SA 4/12 
6/12 

 


ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

Not applicable.

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. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

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

(a) Not applicable.
(b)

      Total number of  Maximum number of 
  Total number of    shares purchased  shares that may yet 
  shares  Average price  as part of publicly  be purchased under 
Period  purchased  per share  announced plans*  the plans 

Nov-11  -  -  -  3,564,071 

Dec-11  -  -  -  3,773,475* 

Jan-12  -  -  -  3,773,475 

Feb-12  -  -  -  3,773,475 

Mar-12  -  -  -  3,773,475 

Apr-12  -  -  -  3,773,475 

Total  -  -     

*In December 2007, the Trustees approved a share repurchase plan, which has been 
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, 2011. The plan renewed by the Board in 
December 2011 will remain in effect between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. 

 



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

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, Governance and Administration 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 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 12. EXHIBITS.

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

(c)(2) Contact person at the registrant.



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 Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund 
 
 
By:  Keith F. Hartstein 
------------------------------ 
Keith F. Hartstein 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Date:  June 26, 2012 

 

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/ Keith F. Hartstein 
  ------------------------------- 
  Keith F. Hartstein 
  President and Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
Date:  June 26, 2012 
 
 
 
By:  /s/ Charles A. Rizzo 
  ----------------------- 
  Charles A. Rizzo 
  Chief Financial Officer 
 
 
Date:  June 26, 2012