Dividend Update on John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III: Key Details Before the Ex-Dividend Date on Sep 12, 2025

John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (HPS) has announced a cash dividend of $0.110 per share, with an ex-dividend date set for Sep 12, 2025. The dividend will be distributed on Sep 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of that date. The announcement was made on Sep 2, 2025, offering investors a clear timeline for eligibility. This upcoming payout is slightly lower than the average of the last 10 dividend payments, which stood at $0.1248 per share. The last dividend was issued on Aug 29, 2025, also at $0.110 per share, and was similarly a cash dividend. These details provide a consistent view of the fund’s recent payout behavior, which is important for income-focused investors evaluating HPS for regular returns.

Over the past week, several key updates have highlighted HPS’s position in the market and its performance relative to peers. Analysts indicated that HPS continues to maintain a forward dividend yield of 8.80%, with an expected annual payout of $1.32, underscoring its appeal for investors seeking high yield in a closed-end fund context. Recent reports also noted a marginal decline in its five-year dividend growth rate, which stands at -0.18%, suggesting a modest contraction in its long-term payout growth trend. Another development recently pointed to a broader trend among closed-end funds, where many are experiencing shifts in premium/discount dynamics due to evolving investor sentiment and market conditions. HPS has remained relatively stable, though it faces similar pressures to other funds in the sector. Additionally, investors have shown increased interest in comparing HPS with similar funds, particularly in terms of dividend performance and valuation, as reflected in rising engagement with comparative fund analysis tools.

In conclusion, John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III remains a key player in the closed-end fund space, with a forward-looking yield that continues to attract income-oriented investors. The recent dividend announcement, while slightly below the recent average, aligns with the fund’s historical pattern. It is important to note that the ex-dividend date is Sep 12, 2025, meaning investors must purchase shares before this date to be eligible for the dividend. Any purchase made on or after this date will not qualify for the upcoming payout.