ZACKS·2025-11-13 15:01Core Insights - Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) reported third-quarter 2025 core earnings of 84 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 13.5% and reflecting a 15% year-over-year improvement [1][9]. Financial Performance - Core earnings reached $1.4 billion (C$2 billion), marking a 7.6% increase year over year, driven by strong growth in Global Wealth and Asset Management (WAM), Asia, and Canada, alongside a release in expected credit loss (ECL) provision [2][9]. - New business value (NBV) for the quarter was $657 million (C$906 million), up 6.3% year over year, attributed to higher sales volumes in Asia, Canada, and the U.S. division [3]. - Annualized premium equivalent (APE) sales increased by 8% year over year, supported by higher sales in Asia, Canada, and the U.S. division [3][9]. - Wealth and asset management assets under management and administration totaled $774 billion (C$1,066 billion), reflecting a 9.6% year-over-year increase [4]. Segment Performance - Global WAM's core earnings were $381 million (C$525 million), up 9% year over year, driven by higher net fee income and performance fees [6]. - The Asia division reported core earnings of $550 million, a 29% increase year over year, due to continued business growth and improved insurance experience [7]. - The Canada division's core earnings were $310 million (C$428 million), up 2.6% year over year, driven by higher investment spreads and business growth in group insurance [8]. - The U.S. division's core earnings decreased by 20% year over year to $241 million, primarily due to unfavorable life insurance claims experience [9]. Key Metrics - Core return on equity expanded by 150 basis points year over year to 18.1% [4][9]. - Adjusted book value per common share increased by 12% year over year to $38.22 [5].