| Scorecard |
|---|
|
4 / 5 Stars
|
|
Lipper
5
5
4
4
4
|
|
Zacks Investment Research
3
(Hold)
|
|
Standard & Poor's
5 / 5 Stars
|
|
TheStreet.com
B+
(Buy)
|
#19 in Large Growth
U.S. News evaluated 473 Large Growth Funds. Our list highlights the top-rated funds for long-term investors based on the ratings of leading fund industry researchers.
Performance
The fund has returned 8.85 percent over the past year, 12.83 percent over the past three years, and 6.07 percent over the past five years.
| Trailing Returns | Updated 04.30.2013 |
|---|---|
| Year to date | 9.5% |
| 1 Year | 8.8% |
| 3 Years (Annualized) | 12.8% |
| 5 Years (Annualized) | 6.1% |
| 10 Years (Annualized) | N/A |
Summary
A focus on large, dominant companies has served John Hancock II Blue Chip Growth well.
As of May 03, 2013, the fund has assets totaling almost $2.32 billion invested in 140 different holdings. Its portfolio consists primarily of shares of large companies.
For a product that focuses on blue chips, this fund didn’t hold up particularly well during the latest downturn. In particular, the fund’s 43 percent loss in 2008 was worse than that of both the S&P 500 and the average for Morningstar’s large-growth category. In 2009, however, the fund was able to turn things around and finished in the top fifth of its Morningstar peer group. Last year, on the other hand, its 16 percent return landed it in the middle of the pack. With more than 100 holdings, the fund is broadly diversified. Nonetheless, as of the end of 2010, two companies—Apple and Google—each accounted for at least 5 percent of the fund’s portfolio. Meanwhile, Amazon was close behind. By sector, the fund has a noticeable underweight to software companies. Instead, management has been focusing on consumer services names, which account for roughly a fifth of its stock portfolio. Apart from Amazon, Starbucks and Marriott International occupy prominent spots in its portfolio. As of the end of 2010, its trailing five-year returns beat those of the S&P 500 by 1.5 percentage points per year. The fund has returned 8.85 percent over the past year, 12.83 percent over the past three years, and [RET_5YR]] over the past five years. The fund launched in 2005.
Investment Strategy
The fund focuses on blue chip companies with strong market positions and management teams. According to the fund’s prospects: “Blue chip companies often have leading market positions that are expected to be maintained or enhanced over time. Strong positions, particularly in growing industries, can give a company pricing flexibility as well as the potential for good unit sales. These factors, in turn, can lead to higher earnings growth and greater share price appreciation.”
Role in Portfolio
This fund could lend support to a well-balanced portfolio.
Management
Larry Puglia manages the fund.
Fees
John Hancock II Blue Chip Growth Fund has an expense ratio of 0.83 percent.
