CEF Market Review: The Double-Whammy Of 'Juicy Yield' CEFs

We review the CEF market valuation and performance through the second week of February and highlight recent market action. CEFs overall saw higher NAVs this week, with MLPs and Utilities leading; sector discounts have tightened, rendering the market relatively expensive versus historical averages. John Hancock preferred share CEFs (HPI, HPF, HPS) maintain high distribution rates but suffer from low coverage, creating a double-whammy setup for investors.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 21, 2026

JOHN HANCOCK CLOSED-END FUNDS RELEASE EARNINGS DATA

BOSTON, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - The John Hancock Closed-End Funds listed in the table below announced earnings1 for the three months ended January 31, 2026. The same data for the comparable three-month period ended January 31, 2025 is also available below.

PRNewsWire • Feb 12, 2026

JOHN HANCOCK CLOSED-END FUND PREFERRED INCOME FUND DECLARES MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION

BOSTON , Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The John Hancock closed-end Preferred Income Fund declared its monthly distribution today as follows: Declaration Date: December 19, 2025 Ex Date: December 29, 2025 Record Date: December 29, 2025 Payment Date: January 30, 2026 Ticker Fund Name DistributionPer Share  Change FromPrevious Distribution Market Price asof 12/18/2025 Annualized CurrentDistribution Rate atMarket HPI Preferred Income Fund I $0.1235 - $16.47 9.00 % The Fund listed above has accelerated the declaration, ex-date, and record date of the regularly scheduled January 2026 distribution in order for the Fund to meet its 2025 distribution requirement for federal excise tax purposes. In February 2026, the above Fund expects to resume its regular monthly declaration, distribution and payment schedule.

PRNewsWire • Dec 19, 2025

JOHN HANCOCK ANNOUNCES PORTFOLIO MANAGER CHANGES FOR JOHN HANCOCK CLOSED-END FUNDS

BOSTON, MA , Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Investment Management LLC (the "Adviser") today announced changes to the portfolio management teams for John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (NYSE: HPI), John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE: HPF), John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (NYSE: HPS), John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT), John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Divided Income Fund (NYSE: HTD), and John Hancock Income Securities Trust (NYSE: JHS). Each Fund is advised by the Adviser and subadvised by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (the "Subadviser").

PRNewsWire • Oct 30, 2025

HPI: High Leverage Limits Appeal

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund remains rated as a hold due to premium valuation and suppressed earnings in a high-rate environment. HPI offers an 8.5% dividend yield but relies heavily on leverage and net realized gains to support distributions, increasing risk. The fund's concentration in financials and aggressive leverage amplify exposure to sector downturns and interest rate risk.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 2, 2025

JOHN HANCOCK CLOSED-END FUNDS ANNOUNCE ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING AND RECORD DATES

BOSTON , Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The nine John Hancock closed-end funds listed below announced today that each fund's Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting") will be held on February 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

PRNewsWire • Sep 25, 2025

HPI: Stretched CEF Blending Corporate Bonds With Preferred Equity

HPI is a leveraged CEF blending preferred equity and BBB/BB corporate bonds, with high financials exposure and 38% leverage, magnifying both gains and losses. Despite a 9% distribution, a significant portion is return of capital, making the true yield closer to 7-8%, not fully supported by income. Valuation is unattractive: HPI trades at NAV with tight credit spreads and high rates, leaving little upside and heightened downside risk in a downturn.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 13, 2025

HPI: Accumulation Here Could Reward Patient Investors

HPI: Accumulation Here Could Reward Patient Investors

Seeking Alpha • May 7, 2025

HPI: This Preferred Stock Fund Has A Strange Portfolio

The John Hancock Preferred Income Fund offers an 8.04% yield, but its portfolio is split between preferred stocks and corporate bonds, diverging from its stated strategy. The fund's share price has risen 24.18% over the past year, reducing its yield from 9.84% to 8.04%. The fund's net asset value has not kept up with the recent share price appreciation.

Seeking Alpha • Sep 19, 2024

HPI: This Fund Is Navigating The Current Environment Well, But It Is Pricy

The John Hancock Preferred Income Fund offers an attractive 8.88% yield, one of the highest among preferred stock funds. The fund's current yield may not keep up with rising living costs if held in a taxable account. The fund has outperformed its benchmark indices and has a relatively stable distribution history, but its portfolio allocation and valuation should be considered.

Seeking Alpha • Jun 3, 2024