Core Insights - Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) reported fourth-quarter 2025 core earnings of 80 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.2% and reflecting an 8.1% year-over-year improvement [1][10] Financial Performance - Core earnings totaled $1.4 billion (C$1.9 billion), driven by business growth in Asia, Global Wealth and Asset Management (WAM), and Canada, though partially offset by unfavorable life insurance claims in the U.S. and lower investment spreads [2] - New business value (NBV) for the quarter was $626 million (C$874 million), a 4.1% increase year over year, attributed to a favorable business mix and margin improvements [3] - Annualized premium equivalent (APE) sales decreased by 1% year over year [3] - Wealth and asset management assets under management reached $799.7 billion (C$1,115 billion), marking a 13% year-over-year increase, despite net outflows of $6.8 billion (C$9.5 billion) [4] Segment Performance - Global Wealth and Asset Management's core earnings were $351 million (C$490 million), up 2.3% year over year, supported by higher net fee income and expense discipline [6] - Asia division's core earnings rose to $563 million (C$785 million), a 65% increase year over year, with NBV margin improving to 41.2% [7] - Canada division's core earnings increased to $296 million (C$413 million), up 6.4% year over year, driven by favorable insurance experience and business growth [8] - The U.S. division reported core earnings of $228 million (C$319 million), an 8.5% year-over-year increase, with APE sales and NBV rising by 9% and 8%, respectively [9] Return Metrics - Core return on equity expanded by 60 basis points year over year to 17.1% [5] - Adjusted book value per common share increased by 5.5% year over year to $38.27 [5] Dividend Update - The board approved a 10.2% increase in the quarterly dividend to 48.5 cents, payable to shareholders of record as of February 25, 2026 [11]

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrooks Tingle - President and CEO of John HancockColin Simpson - CFODarko Mihelic - Managing DirectorGabriel Dechaine - Managing DirectorHung Ko - Head of Investor RelationsJohn Aiken - Director of ResearchNaveed Irshad - President and CEOPaul Lorentz - President and Global CEOPhilip Witherington - President and CEOStephanie Fadous - Chief ActuarySteven Finch - Chief ActuaryTrevor Kreel - Chief Investment O ...

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBrooks Tingle - President and CEO of John HancockColin Simpson - CFOHung Ko - Head of Investor RelationsJohn Aiken - Director of ResearchNaveed Irshad - Head of North America and Head of Long-Term CarePaul Lorentz - President and Global CEOPhilip Witherington - President and CEOSteven Finch - Chief ActuaryTrevor Kreel - Chief Investment OfficerConference Call ParticipantsDoug Young - Senior Equity AnalystGa ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Manulife reported strong financial results for 2025, with new business CSM growth exceeding 20% in each insurance segment, contributing to double-digit growth in CSM balance and supporting future earnings potential [4][5] - Core EPS grew by 8% year-over-year, with core ROE expanding by 30 basis points from the prior year, tracking well towards the 2027 target of 18%+ [5][24] - The company generated $6.4 billion in remittances and returned nearly $5.5 billion to shareholders, with a LICAT ratio of 136% and a leverage ratio of 23.9% [5][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global WAM experienced net outflows of $9.5 billion in the second half of 2025, but continued to deliver strong margins and core earnings growth [4][15] - In Asia, APE sales decreased by 3% year-over-year, but new business CSM and new business value delivered strong double-digit growth, with NBV margin expanding by 5.5 percentage points to 41.2% [19][20] - The U.S. segment saw a 9% increase in APE sales, with new business CSM growing by 34%, although core earnings decreased by 22% due to lower investment spreads and unfavorable life insurance claims experience [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong growth in Asia, with APE sales showing double-digit growth in Japan and other Asian markets, despite a decline in Hong Kong sales due to regulatory changes [19][20] - In Canada, APE sales and new business value increased by 2% and 4% respectively, driven by strong growth in individual insurance and annuity sales [21][22] - The U.S. market showed broad-based demand for products, contributing to a significant increase in new business CSM [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Manulife introduced a refreshed enterprise strategy focused on growth and customer choice, with strategic investments made to strengthen the portfolio [6][8] - The company aims to become an AI-powered organization, investing in AI to enhance efficiency and customer experience, ranking first among global life insurers for AI maturity [12] - Strategic acquisitions, such as Comvest Credit Partners and a joint venture in India, are part of the company's growth strategy [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties due to the diversified nature of the business [4] - The company anticipates continued growth in core earnings and is optimistic about achieving its 2027 targets, despite challenges in specific markets [14][24] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced, diversified business model to support sustainable growth [8][9] Other Important Information - The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly common share dividend and received approval for a new NCIB program to repurchase up to 42 million shares [5][6] - Adjusted book value per share grew by 6% year-over-year, reflecting strong capital position despite significant capital returns to shareholders [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Hong Kong sales and regulatory changes - Management noted that while there was a decline in Hong Kong sales due to regulatory changes, the overall performance for the year was strong, with expectations for recovery as brokers adjust [27][30] Question: Increase in NBV margin in Hong Kong - The increase in NBV margin was attributed to a shift in sales mix, with stronger performance in higher-margin channels [34][36] Question: Impact of eMPF on GWAM earnings and Comvest acquisition - Management indicated that Comvest is expected to contribute positively to AUMA and core earnings, with optimism about customer demand [39] Question: Concerns about mortality experience in the U.S. - Management clarified that recent mortality experience variability is not indicative of a long-term trend and expressed confidence in the normalization of claims experience [44][46] Question: Achieving 18%+ Core ROE target - Management remains confident in reaching the 18%+ Core ROE target by 2027, with various strategies in place to optimize capital deployment and growth [48][50]

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial & Operating Results February 12, 2026 Caution regarding forward-looking statements From time to time, MFC makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document. In addition, our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Refor ...

Core Viewpoint - Manulife Financial Corporation (00945) plans to initiate a "normal course issuer bid" subject to approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange, allowing the company to repurchase and cancel up to 42 million common shares, representing approximately 2.5% of its issued and outstanding common shares [1] Group 1 - The "normal course issuer bid" has been approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada [1] - As of January 31, 2026, Manulife has a total of 1.6767 billion issued and outstanding common shares [1] - The repurchase plan is part of Manulife's capital management strategy aimed at maintaining a robust regulatory capital ratio while also creating value for shareholders [1]

Core Viewpoint - Manulife Financial Corporation (00945) plans to initiate a "normal course issuer bid" subject to approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange, allowing the company to repurchase and cancel up to 42 million common shares, representing approximately 2.5% of its issued and outstanding common shares [1] Group 1 - The "normal course issuer bid" plan has been approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada [1] - As of January 31, 2026, Manulife has a total of 1.6767 billion issued and outstanding common shares [1] - The plan is part of Manulife's capital management strategy aimed at maintaining a robust regulatory capital ratio while also creating value for shareholders [1]

Group 1 - The company Manulife Financial-S (00945) announced a dividend distribution of CAD 0.485 per common share for the fourth quarter, scheduled for March 19, 2026 [1]

Group 1 - The company Manulife Financial Corporation (00945) announced a dividend distribution of CAD 0.485 per common share for the fourth quarter, scheduled for March 19, 2026 [1]

Core Insights - The company reported a record core profit of CAD 7.5 billion for the year 2025, representing a 3% increase compared to 2024 on a constant currency basis [1] - The fourth quarter core profit reached CAD 2 billion, up 5% from the same quarter in 2024 [1] - The net income attributable to shareholders for 2025 was CAD 5.6 billion, an increase of CAD 200 million from 2024, while the fourth quarter net income was CAD 1.5 billion, down CAD 100 million from the fourth quarter of 2024 [1] Financial Performance - The core EPS for 2025 was CAD 4.21, an 8% increase from 2024, with the fourth quarter core EPS at CAD 1.12, up 9% year-over-year [1] - The core ROE for the full year and fourth quarter were 16.5% and 17.1%, respectively [1] - APE sales increased by 14% for 2025 compared to 2024, while new business CSM rose by 28% and new business value increased by 18% [1] - In the fourth quarter of 2025, APE sales decreased by 1% compared to the same quarter in 2024, while new business CSM grew by 21% and new business value increased by 8% [1] Strategic Initiatives - The CEO highlighted 2025 as a significant year for the company, achieving record core profits and executing targeted strategic investments [2] - The company recorded over 20% growth in new business CSM across all insurance segments, establishing a solid foundation for future profitability [2] - Strategic moves included the acquisition of Comvest Credit Partners, a joint venture with Mahindra to enter the Indian life insurance market, and the establishment of a high-net-worth client office in Dubai [2] - The company was recognized as the top life insurer in AI maturity and responsible innovation, reflecting its commitment to becoming an AI-driven enterprise [2]