SCHEDULE: First Trust Entities Disclose 10.63% Stake in John Hancock Fund

First Trust Portfolios, First Trust Advisors, and The Charger Corporation jointly report a 10.63% beneficial ownership in John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund.

Summary

• First Trust Portfolios L.P., First Trust Advisors L.P., and The Charger Corporation have jointly filed an Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13G regarding their beneficial ownership in John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund.
• The reporting persons collectively beneficially own 5,229,475 shares of Common stock, representing 10.63% of the class.
• First Trust Portfolios L.P. holds 5,209,507 shares with shared dispositive power.
• First Trust Advisors L.P. and The Charger Corporation each hold 5,229,475 shares with shared dispositive power and 19,968 shares with shared voting power.
• The Charger Corporation is the General Partner of both First Trust Portfolios L.P. and First Trust Advisors L.P.
• First Trust Portfolios L.P. sponsors unit investment trusts (UITs) that hold shares of the issuer.
• First Trust Advisors L.P. acts as portfolio supervisor for these UITs and as investment advisor/sub-advisor for other investment vehicles holding issuer shares.
• The reporting persons disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares identified in this filing.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing is a factual disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not inherently convey positive or negative sentiment regarding the issuer's performance or prospects.

Positives

• NA

Negatives

• NA

Risks

• First Trust Portfolios L.P., First Trust Advisors L.P., and The Charger Corporation disclaim beneficial ownership of the shares of the issuer identified in this filing, indicating a nuanced legal position regarding their control or economic interest.

Future Outlook

This filing is a disclosure of beneficial ownership and does not contain forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the issuer's financial performance or strategic outlook.

Industry Context

This filing reflects a significant institutional ownership stake in a premium dividend fund, common among investment advisors and broker-dealers managing various investment vehicles like unit investment trusts.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders are informed of a significant institutional ownership stake, which can influence market perception and liquidity.
• The disclosure clarifies the nature of ownership by First Trust entities, particularly their disclaimer of direct beneficial ownership over certain shares.

Key Dates

Keywords

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund, First Trust Portfolios, First Trust Advisors, The Charger Corporation, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Investment Fund, SEC Filing, Common Stock, Institutional Investor