John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (HPI)
NYSE NYSE Primary 
HPI: Stretched CEF Blending Corporate Bonds With Preferred Equity
HPI is a leveraged CEF blending preferred equity and BBB/BB corporate bonds, with high financials exposure and 38% leverage, magnifying both gains and losses. Despite a 9% distribution, a significant portion is return of capital, making the true yield closer to 7-8%, not fully supported by income. Valuation is unattractive: HPI trades at NAV with tight credit spreads and high rates, leaving little upside and heightened downside risk in a downturn.
HPI: This Preferred Stock Fund Has A Strange Portfolio
The John Hancock Preferred Income Fund offers an 8.04% yield, but its portfolio is split between preferred stocks and corporate bonds, diverging from its stated strategy. The fund's share price has risen 24.18% over the past year, reducing its yield from 9.84% to 8.04%. The fund's net asset value has not kept up with the recent share price appreciation.
HPI: This Fund Is Navigating The Current Environment Well, But It Is Pricy
The John Hancock Preferred Income Fund offers an attractive 8.88% yield, one of the highest among preferred stock funds. The fund's current yield may not keep up with rising living costs if held in a taxable account. The fund has outperformed its benchmark indices and has a relatively stable distribution history, but its portfolio allocation and valuation should be considered.
