John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE:HPF) Short Interest Down 22.0% in February

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE:HPF) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 12,873 shares, a decline of 22.0% from the January 29th total of 16,507 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 42,642 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Based on an average trading volume of 42,642 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Price Performance

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II stock remained flat at $16.16 during mid-day trading on Tuesday. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 52,764 shares, compared to its average volume of 38,131. The company has a fifty day moving average of $16.13 and a 200 day moving average of $16.36. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II has a fifty-two week low of $14.56 and a fifty-two week high of $17.13.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 12th were paid a dividend of $0.1235 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.2%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, February 12th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of HPF. Guggenheim Capital LLC lifted its position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 73.1% during the fourth quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 243,009 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,905,000 after acquiring an additional 102,627 shares during the last quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 26.4% during the 2nd quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 132,495 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,095,000 after purchasing an additional 27,684 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 8.2% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 339,995 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,729,000 after purchasing an additional 25,779 shares during the period. Kestra Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 57.5% in the 4th quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 66,744 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,073,000 after buying an additional 24,354 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II by 14.8% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 182,941 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,083,000 after buying an additional 23,622 shares in 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.