John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (NYSE:HPS) Short Interest Update

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (NYSE:HPS) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 61,500 shares, a growth of 485.7% from the January 31st total of 10,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 67,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HPS. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. BankPlus Trust Department acquired a new stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III during the 4th quarter valued at $38,000. Fifth Third Bancorp acquired a new stake in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III during the 4th quarter valued at $41,000. US Bancorp DE bought a new position in John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III during the third quarter worth $76,000. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III in the third quarter valued at $176,000.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Stock Performance

NYSE HPS traded up $0.12 on Friday, hitting $15.35. 67,734 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 66,795. The business’s fifty day moving average is $15.05 and its 200 day moving average is $15.79. John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III has a 52 week low of $14.09 and a 52 week high of $17.25.

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 28th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 13th will be paid a $0.11 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 13th. This represents a $1.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.60%.

About John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors.