John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund is a closed-end investment fund designed to provide shareholders with high current income and modest capital appreciation. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying preferred and common stocks, with a notable emphasis on companies operating within the utilities sector. It focuses on issuers that possess investment-grade-rated senior debt or are otherwise deemed of comparable credit quality by the fund’s adviser. The portfolio is structured to maintain at least 80% of its assets in dividend-paying securities, seeking both consistent income and a degree of capital growth. Managed by John Hancock Investment Management, the fund employs a managed distribution plan, issuing fixed monthly distributions to shareholders. These distributions may include net investment income, realized capital gains, and, at times, a return of capital. The fund benchmarks its performance against a composite of major preferred stock and utilities indices, positioning it as a specialized vehicle for income-oriented investors. John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund plays a significant role in the financial market by offering access to a diverse basket of income-generating equities, particularly for those seeking exposure to preferred securities and the stability of utility companies.