John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE:PDT) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE:PDT) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of March. As of March 15th, there was short interest totalling 43,000 shares, a growth of 87.8% from the February 28th total of 22,900 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 118,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.4 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its position in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 11.2% in the fourth quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,903 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $177,000 after purchasing an additional 1,400 shares during the period. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new stake in John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $77,000. Second Line Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 6.5% during the 4th quarter. Second Line Capital LLC now owns 49,618 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $632,000 after acquiring an additional 3,026 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 7.3% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 42,512 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $542,000 after acquiring an additional 2,903 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aptus Capital Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund by 8.6% during the 4th quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 50,618 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $645,000 after acquiring an additional 4,026 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.98% of the company’s stock.

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Trading Up 0.5 %

PDT traded up $0.07 on Friday, hitting $12.99. 111,055 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 111,202. The business’s fifty day moving average is $12.84 and its 200 day moving average is $12.92. John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund has a fifty-two week low of $10.65 and a fifty-two week high of $13.55.

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 13th will be issued a $0.0825 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 13th. This represents a $0.99 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.62%.

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Company Profile

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund is a closed ended equity 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 public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors, with an emphasis on the utilities sector.