ITEM 1. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

Managed distribution plan

The Fund has adopted a managed distribution plan (Plan). Under the Plan, the Fund makes quarterly distributions of an amount equal to 1.8125% of the Fund’s net asset value (NAV) as of each measuring date, based upon an annual rate of 7.25%. The amount of each quarterly distribution declared under the Plan will be based on the NAV of the Fund at the close of the New York Stock Exchange on the last business day of the month ending two months prior to each quarterly declaration date. The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of avoiding federal income tax on the Fund of investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of avoiding federal excise tax of ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular distributions.

Although the Fund has adopted the Plan, it may discontinue the Plan. The Board of Trustees of the Fund may amend the terms of the Plan or terminate the Plan at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s shareholders. The Plan will be subject to periodic review by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s distributions or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan. The Fund’s total return at NAV is presented in the Financial highlights.

With each distribution that does not consist solely of net income, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release that will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in the notice to shareholders are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The Fund may at times distribute more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may result in a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

Portfolio summary

¹ As a percentage of net assets on 4-30-12.

² Excludes cash and cash equivalents.

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.

Fund’s investments

As of 4-30-12 (unaudited)

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

ADR American Depositary Receipts

(C) All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for options (see Note 3). Total collateral value at 4-30-12 was $42,361,850.

(I) Non-income producing security.

(R) Direct placement securities are restricted to resale and the Fund has limited rights to registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

† At 4-30-12, the aggregate cost of investment securities for federal income tax purposes was $264,189,306. Net unrealized appreciation aggregated $11,621,414, of which $20,673,695 related to appreciated investment securities and $9,052,281 related to depreciated investment securities.

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.

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 and expenses incurred in operating the Fund. It also shows net gains (losses) for the period stated.

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.

¹ Period from 5-26-11 (commencement of operations) to 10-31-11.

² A portion of the distributions for the six months ended 4-30-12 may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end.

³ Initial seed capital of $100,000 is included in Fund share transactions for the period ended 10-31-11.

Financial highlights

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

¹ Six months ended 4-30-12. Unaudited.
² Period from 5-26-11 (commencement of operations) to 10-31-11.
³ Reflects the deduction of a $0.90 per share sales load.
⁴ Based on the average daily shares outstanding.
⁵ A portion of the distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital at year-end.
⁶ The repurchase plan was completed at an average repurchase price of $16.10 for $269,412 shares. The repurchase for the period ended 4-30-12 was $4,319,131 and had an impact of $0.04.
⁷ 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.
⁸ Not annualized.
⁹ Annualized.

Notes to financial statements
(unaudited)

Note 1 — Organization

John Hancock Hedged Equity & 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.

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:

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 into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.

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. In the case of tri-party repurchase agreements, collateral is held at a third-party custodian bank in a segregated account for the benefit of the Fund. 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.

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. Foreign taxes are provided for based on the Fund’s understanding of the tax rules and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which it invests. Gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost and may include proceeds from litigation.

Foreign taxes. The Fund may be subject to withholding tax on income or capital gains or repatriation taxes as imposed by certain countries in which it invests. Taxes are accrued based upon net investment income, net realized gains or net unrealized appreciation.

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 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 for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. For federal income tax purposes, as of October 31, 2011, the Fund has $8,053,376 of short-term and $374,834 of long-term capital loss carryforward available to offset future net realized capital gains.

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.

Managed distribution plan. On May 3, 2011, the Board of Trustees approved the adoption of a managed distribution plan (the Distribution Plan). Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund makes quarterly distributions of an amount equal to 1.8125% of the Fund’s net asset value as of each measuring date, based upon an annual rate of 7.25%. The amount of each quarterly distribution will be determined based on the net asset value of the Fund at the close of the NYSE on the last business day of the month ending two months prior to each quarterly declaration date.

Distributions under the Distribution Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital. Return of capital distributions may be necessary when the Fund’s net investment income and net capital gains are insufficient to meet the minimum

percentage dividend. In addition, the Fund may also make additional distributions to avoid federal income and excise taxes. The final determinations of tax characteristics of the Fund’s distributions will occur at the end of the year and will subsequently be reported to shareholders. A portion of the distributions paid may be deemed a tax return of capital for the year ended October 31, 2012.

The Board of Trustees may terminate or reduce the amount distributed under the Distribution Plan at any time. The termination or reduction may have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s shares.

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 distributions quarterly through its managed distribution plan described above.

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. Material distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits, if any, are reported in the Fund’s financial statements as a return of capital.

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 wash sale loss deferrals and derivative transactions.

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.

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.

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 used purchased options to hedge against changes in securities markets. During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund held purchased options with market values ranging from $6.7 million to $16.4 million, as measured at each quarter end.

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund wrote option contracts to generate earnings from option premiums and to attempt to reduce overall volatility. 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.

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:

* Purchased options are included in the Fund’s investments.

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:

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:

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 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily gross assets. The Adviser has a subadvisory agreement with Wellington Management Company, LLP. The Fund is not responsible for payment of the subadvisory fees.

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

On May 26, 2011, the Fund completed its initial public offering of 14,015,000 common shares, and on July 13, 2011, completed a supplemental offering of 600,000 common shares, each at an offering price of $20.00 per share. Underwriting commissions of $13,153,500 were paid to brokers in connection with these public offerings. Prior to the public offerings, the Fund was seeded with initial capital of $100,000 in return for 5,236 shares. Offering costs of approximately $1,103,000 were absorbed by the Adviser.

On December 6, 2011, the Board of Trustees approved a share repurchase plan (the Repurchase Plan). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Fund may purchase, in the open market, up to 10% of its outstanding common shares between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 (based on common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011). During the six months ended April 30, 2012, the Fund repurchased 1.84% of shares outstanding under the Repurchase Plan. The weighted average discount per share on these repurchases amounted to 10.8% for the six months ended April 30, 2012. Shares repurchased and corresponding dollar amounts are included in the Statement of changes in net assets.

Note 7 — Purchase and sale of securities

Purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term securities, aggregated $88,841,979 and $98,587,414, respectively, for the six months ended April 30, 2012.

Additional information

Unaudited

Investment objective and policy

The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company, common shares of which were initially offered to the public on May 26, 2011 and are publicly traded on the NYSE. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide total return with a focus on current income and gains and also consisting of long-term capital appreciation. The Fund uses an equity strategy (the “equity strategy”) and an actively managed option overlay strategy (the “option overlay strategy”) to pursue its investment objective. The equity strategy seeks to provide broad-based exposure to equity markets, while emphasizing downside equity market protection. The goal of the equity strategy is to participate in and capture the broader equity market returns in rising market conditions, while seeking to limit losses relative to the broader equity markets in declining market circumstances through an effective combination of equity investment strategies. The option overlay strategy pursues two goals: (i) to generate earnings for current distribution from option premiums; and (ii) downside equity market protection (through the use of U.S. equity index puts).

Dividends and distributions

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, distributions totaling $0.6316 per share were paid to shareholders. The dates of payments and the amounts per share are as follows:

¹ A portion of the distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital at year end.

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 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.

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.

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.

More information

For shareholder assistance refer to page 31