Short Interest in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE:HPF) Decreases By 51.2%

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE:HPF) saw a significant decline in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 11,335 shares, a decline of 51.2% from the December 31st total of 23,209 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 37,630 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 37,630 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Price Performance

HPF stock opened at $16.12 on Thursday. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II has a 52-week low of $14.56 and a 52-week high of $17.58. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $16.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $16.32.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be given a $0.1235 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 12th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.2%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HPF. Fifth Third Bancorp purchased a new stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II in the 2nd quarter worth $69,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II in the second quarter valued at about $104,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II in the second quarter valued at about $112,000. Readystate Asset Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II during the third quarter worth about $195,000. Finally, Spire Wealth Management raised its position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 25.0% during the 3rd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 12,384 shares of the company’s stock worth $209,000 after purchasing an additional 2,478 shares during the last quarter.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Company Profile

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE: HPF) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the fund primarily invests in preferred securities issued by U.S. and, to a lesser extent, international issuers. Its diversified portfolio may include investment-grade and below-investment-grade preferred stocks, corporate debt securities, convertible securities and, when deemed appropriate, common equity.

Launched in June 2006, HPF employs leverage through preferred share borrowings and other forms of financing to enhance income potential.