John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund�s investment objective is to provide total return consisting of current income and gains and long-term capital appreciation. The Fund may engage in short-term trading strategies, and securities may be sold without regard to the length of time held when, in the opinion of Wellington Management, investment considerations warrant, such action. The Fund�s investment adviser is John Hancock Advisers, LLC (JHA).