#USA #Boston #John Hancock #Closed-End Funds #distributions

John Hancock Announces Monthly Distributions for Closed-End Funds

On October 1, 2026, John Hancock Investment Management revealed the monthly distribution rates for its closed-end funds. This announcement is crucial for investors who rely on these distributions for income and investment strategy.

Details of the Distributions

Here's a summary of the funds and their respective declarations:


The declared distributions will be paid out as follows:

• - Ex Date: October 13, 2026
• - Record Date: October 13, 2026
• - Payment Date: October 30, 2026

Changes to Fiscal Year Ends

In a notable update, the fiscal year ends for the John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (HPI), the John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (HPF), and the John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (HPS) will change from July 31 to October 31, effective from October 31, 2026. This adjustment may enable better alignment of the funds’ investment strategies with their distribution policies.

Managed Distribution Plans

aThese funds operate under specific managed distribution plans designed to maintain a steady stream of monthly payments. For instance, the Premium Dividend Fund (PDT) and the Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (HTD) will continue to make monthly distributions at the declared rates until further notice.

These distributions may derive from various sources including net investment income, realized long-term and short-term capital gains, or, when necessary, a return of capital. Investors should be mindful that returns of capital are not distributions from the earnings of the fund but a return of the investor's own investment.

Important Considerations for Investors

Investors should consider why the funds are implementing managed distribution plans and how these distributions might impact their investment strategies, especially in terms of tax implications. It's essential to note that a portion of the distributions may include sources other than net investment income, such as a return of capital. As such, an official notice with the estimated components of distributions will be dispatched to shareholders when payments are made.

Moreover, investors can expect to receive a Form 1099-DIV at the end of the year, detailing how to report these distributions for tax purposes.

Forward-Looking Statements

It is important to approach the statements in this release cautiously, especially those concerning future performance, as they may involve numerous uncertainties beyond the fund’s control, potentially leading to actual results that differ from the forecasts stated.

This announcement serves as a crucial piece of news for investors in John Hancock's closed-end funds, providing clarity on the expected distributions and important operational changes to the funds. For more detailed information, investors are encouraged to visit the official John Hancock Investments website.

Conclusion

The stability and predictability of monthly distributions from these funds are paramount to many investors. Understanding the components of these distributions and the strategic shifts in the fund's operation will aid investors in making informed decisions about their portfolios.