Core Viewpoint - Manulife Financial Corporation intends to launch a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) to purchase up to 42 million common shares, approximately 2.5% of its outstanding shares, as part of its capital management strategy to enhance shareholder value [1]. Group 1: NCIB Details - The NCIB is subject to approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and has already received approval from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada) [1]. - As of January 31, 2026, Manulife had 1,676,743,043 common shares issued and outstanding [1]. - The bid period will commence after TSX acceptance and will last for up to one year, with all shares acquired under the NCIB to be cancelled [1]. Group 2: Purchase Mechanisms - Purchases may occur through TSX, New York Stock Exchange, and alternative trading systems at market prices or other permitted prices [1]. - Manulife may also acquire shares outside Canada and the U.S. and enter into derivative-based programs to support its purchase activities, subject to regulatory approval [1]. - The total number of shares purchased under the NCIB and other arrangements will not exceed 42 million [1]. Group 3: Previous NCIB Performance - Manulife's previous NCIB (2025 NCIB) commenced on February 24, 2025, allowing for the purchase of up to 51.5 million common shares, which was completed by January 22, 2026, at an average purchase price of $44.28 per share [1].

Core Viewpoint - La Mancha Resource Capital is reducing its stake in Endeavour Mining after a significant increase in share value, while still remaining a major shareholder [1][2][4]. Group 1: Stake Reduction - La Mancha sold 3.5% of Endeavour at C$71.25 per share, totaling approximately C$605 million ($437 million), reducing its holding from about 15% to 11% [2][3]. - The shares of Endeavour closed at C$77.61, reflecting a 191% increase from the previous year, but fell 6.1% to C$72.91 shortly after the sale [2][3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Endeavour Mining's portfolio includes key operations such as the Houndé mine in Burkina Faso and the Ity and Agbaou mines in Côte d'Ivoire, with an annual output of approximately 900,000 ounces [5]. - The company has divested from non-core assets, selling the Boungou and Wahgnion properties in Burkina Faso in 2023 [5]. Group 3: Long-term Commitment - La Mancha has been a cornerstone shareholder since 2015 and continues to support Endeavour's strategy and management, retaining board representation [6][7]. - The CEO of La Mancha emphasized that the stake reduction does not reflect a change in confidence regarding Endeavour's long-term potential [4][6]. Group 4: Government Involvement - The government of Burkina Faso has taken control of Endeavour's former Boungou and Wahgnion mines, nationalizing the assets after a failed sale to Lilium Mining [8][9]. - This move is part of a broader trend in the Sahel region, where military governments are seeking greater stakes in mining operations to generate revenue [10].