BOSTON and TORONTO, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) has announced the final close of Manulife Co-Investment Partners III, L.P. and related strategic commitments, raising $1.1 billion—well above its $750 million target and exceeding its 2021 predecessor fund by more than $300 million.This milestone reflects the continued successful fundraising of Manulife IM's co-investment strategy, which is built on the firm's long-standing primary funds platform and deep relationsh ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the quarter ended March 31, GAAP net investment income was $0.28 per share, and core net investment income was also $0.28 per share. Adjusted for additional shares issued, core NII would have been $0.30 per share [24] - As of March 31, NAV was $11.7 per share, down 2.4% from $11.34 per share last quarter [24] - The portfolio grew to $2.3 billion, up 7% from the prior quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - During the quarter, the company invested $293 million in three new and 54 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield of 9.9% [18] - The weighted average debt to EBITDA for new investments was 4.3 times, with an interest coverage of 2.3 times and a loan to value of 39% [10] - The portfolio remains highly diversified with 159 companies across 49 different industries, and the weighted average yield on debt investments was 10.5% [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 80% of originations came from existing borrowers, while 20% were from new platform investments [7] - The pricing on first lien term loans appears to have stabilized in the SERFR plus 500 to $5.50 range for high-quality assets [10] - The debt to equity ratio was 1.3 times as of March 31 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on the core middle market, providing strategic capital to borrowers in five key sectors: business services, consumer, government services and defense, healthcare, and software and technology [12] - The company aims to preserve capital while seeking investment opportunities in growing middle market companies with high free cash flow conversion [22] - The company has raised significant equity capital through its ATM program, totaling $163 million during the quarter [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite market volatility, the company had a solid quarter and expects to ramp up portfolio activity in the coming months [6][7] - The management believes that the current vintage of core middle market loans is excellent, with strong credit quality and limited exposure to tariffs [11][12] - The company anticipates that the uncertainty surrounding tariffs needs to be resolved for M&A activity to pick up [34] Other Important Information - The company has taken significant steps to strengthen its balance sheet, increasing total leverage by $750 million over the last twelve months [18] - The company closed on a new $361 million securitization financing with a weighted average spread of 1.59% [19] - Nonaccruals represent only 2.2% of the portfolio at cost and 1.2% at market value, which improved to 1% at cost and 0.5% at market value after the quarter [14][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the equity raising during the quarter, was this a long-term capital build or an increase in pipeline activity? - Management indicated that the capital raised was to prepare for a robust 2025, despite a slowdown in activity due to recent market events [29] Question: What is necessary to unlock new M&A activity in the market? - Management stated that certainty in tariffs and a stable environment are needed to encourage decision-making and M&A activity [34] Question: How much of the activity with existing borrowers is repricing versus growth capital? - Management noted that most activity is from existing platforms growing, with repricing having ended due to market changes [40] Question: How does the company view tariff sensitivity for its portfolio versus larger businesses? - Management emphasized that most sectors in their portfolio are not significantly impacted by tariffs, with limited exposure [45] Question: How does the company plan to deploy additional equity into the senior loan fund? - Management expects to deploy excess capital within a six to twelve-month timeframe, depending on market conditions [52] Question: What are the long-term opportunities for growing the joint venture or adding partners? - Management expressed interest in potentially adding another JV partner over time, depending on finding the right fit [56]