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].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NBT Bancorp reported net income of $55.5 million or $1.06 per diluted common share for Q4 2025, with core operating earnings of $1.05 per share, consistent with the prior quarter [6][10] - Operating return on assets was 1.37% for the second consecutive quarter, with a return on tangible equity of 17.02%, reflecting continued improvement over the prior year [3][4] - Tangible book value per share increased to $26.54, an 11% rise year-over-year [4] - Net interest margin improved by 36 basis points year-over-year, although it decreased by 1 basis point to 3.65% compared to the prior quarter [4][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $1.63 billion or 16.3% for the year, including acquired loans from Evans Bancorp [7] - Non-interest income grew by 25% from the fourth quarter of the prior year, with each non-banking business achieving record results [6][10] - Total deposits rose by $2 billion from December 2024, with a favorable shift in the mix towards lower-cost checking and savings accounts [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong demand across its franchise, with pipelines stronger than the previous year, particularly in Western New York [20] - Commercial production remained robust, although there was a higher level of commercial real estate payoffs [8][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth strategies and evaluating M&A opportunities, supported by strong capital levels [5][4] - NBT Bancorp is expanding its presence in New England and Western New York, with plans for new branches and hiring initiatives [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current level of net interest income and fee-based revenues has produced solid results, with stable asset quality [13] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities despite potential risks from commercial real estate payoffs [17][20] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q4 was 20.3%, lower than the prior quarter due to the finalization of merger-related expense assessments [12] - The company repurchased 250,000 shares in Q4 as part of its capital planning strategy [5] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations on commercial real estate payoffs - Management indicated that $150 million-$175 million of unscheduled commercial real estate payoffs occurred in 2025, which could pose a risk for growth moving forward [15][17] Question: Loan pipeline and opportunities in specific regions - Demand is strong across various markets, with good opportunities in Rochester and Buffalo, and the company is optimistic about future growth in these areas [20] Question: Changes in reserve against the solar book - Management clarified that the increase in reserves was a recalibration rather than a response to negative trends [29] Question: Impact of U.S.-Canada tensions on the economy - Management noted that Canadian customers are frustrated, which could affect future investments and commerce [31] Question: M&A hurdle rates and acquisition strategy - The company is looking for M&A opportunities that can generate at least $0.05 of accretion, focusing on modest geographic extensions or productive fill-in opportunities [34][35] Question: Competitive factors in lending - Competition remains rational, with some pressure as banks seek growth, but no irrational behavior has been observed [54] Question: Credit quality and areas of caution - Management is monitoring concentrations in hospitality and office space but does not see any emerging trends that warrant significant caution [60] Question: Charge-off expectations - Charge-off rates are expected to normalize lower as the consumer balances wind down, with a target range of 15-20 basis points [65][66] Question: Share repurchase catalysts - The company will continue to evaluate share repurchases based on value and capacity, with the potential for similar activity in early 2026 [73]

In addition, we appreciate the opportunity to evaluate and partner with other like-minded community banks. Returning capital to shareholders and opportunistic share repurchases is also part of our capital planning. And as such, we renewed our $2 million share repurchase authorization through the end of 2027. Before turning the meeting over to Annette to review our third quarter results with you in detail, Joe Stagliano will provide some additional color on our progress in the Western region of New York and ...

Group 1 - Manulife Financial Corporation will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on February 11, 2026, after market close [1] - A live webcast and conference call will take place on February 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the results [1] - The archived webcast will be available on Manulife's investor relations website following the call [2] Group 2 - Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider with global headquarters in Toronto, Canada [3] - The company operates as Manulife in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and as John Hancock in the United States, offering financial advice and insurance [3] - As of the end of 2024, Manulife had over 37,000 employees and served more than 36 million customers [3]

Core Insights - Manulife Financial Asia Limited has won the ACES Awards 2025 in the category of Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia, marking its first regional win [1][2] Group 1: Sustainability Commitment - The award recognizes Manulife's commitment to sustainability through its Impact Agenda, environmental stewardship, and the integration of sustainable investing across its operations [2][3] - Manulife has achieved a 27% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and has planted over 1.4 billion trees, demonstrating its leadership in managing natural capital with over CAD$22 billion in timberland and agriculture assets under management [4] Group 2: Community and Employee Initiatives - Manulife has advanced community programs like Peso Smart and MLK Scholars, empowering thousands of youth across Asia and North America [4] - The company fosters well-being and belonging for over 39,000 employees and 109,000 agents globally through inclusive workplace initiatives [4] Group 3: Future Initiatives - The recently launched Manulife Longevity Institute aims to create a global platform to help people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives by 2030 [5]

Core Insights - The "Water Parade at Victoria Harbour" is a unique waterfront celebration featuring giant inflatable sculptures and an interactive market, supported by Manulife Hong Kong [2][11] - The event culminated in a spectacular drone show, which served as a vibrant celebration of art, entertainment, and culture, enhancing community spirit and emotional well-being [3][4][7] Company Involvement - Manulife Hong Kong acted as a Supporting Partner for the event, curating various engaging activities and donating tickets to local charities, thereby promoting social responsibility and community engagement [2][3] - The sponsorship reflects Manulife's commitment to emotional wellness and fostering connections within the community [3][4] Event Highlights - The drone show on November 1 illuminated the night sky, providing memorable experiences for families and the broader community [7] - The event included themed Dukling sailings and outdoor advertisements, contributing to a week-long festival of joy and creativity [2][3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating return on assets was 1.37% for the third quarter, with a return on equity of 12.1% and a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 17.6%, showing continued improvement over linked and prior year quarters [3] - Net income for the third quarter was $54.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, with operating earnings per share at $1.05, an increase of $0.17 per share compared to the prior quarter [9] - Revenues grew approximately 9% from the prior quarter and 26% from the third quarter of the prior year, driven by improvements in net interest income [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $1.6 billion for the year, including acquired loans from Evans Bancorp, with annualized loan growth in 2025 being approximately 1% higher from December 2024 [9] - The total loan portfolio of $11.6 billion is comprised of 56% commercial relationships and 44% consumer loans [10] - Total deposits of $13.7 billion were up $2.1 billion from December 2024, with growth in checking and money market accounts [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced solid growth in deposits in the Western region of New York post-merger with Evans Bancorp, retaining key lending relationships despite approximately $30 million of net contractual runoff in the portfolio [6] - The new Malta, New York branch near GlobalFoundries is seeing excellent traffic and growth, while the Hudson Valley market is experiencing positive demographic shifts [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open a financial center in Rochester during 2026 and is exploring locations in the Finger Lakes to enhance its branch network [6] - The company is focused on scaling operations in New Hampshire and optimizing branch locations to remain agile and responsive to market needs [8] - The management is interested in fill-in strategies for M&A opportunities with like-minded community banks to expand the franchise [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that recent and expected changes to Fed funds rates may challenge future margin improvements compared to recent quarters [4] - The company is in a strong capital position and has growth opportunities across all markets, well-positioned to take advantage of them [15] - Management anticipates low to mid-single-digit loan growth rates in early to mid-2026, with a robust pipeline of lending opportunities [20] Other Important Information - The company announced an 8.8% improvement to its dividend to shareholders, marking the 13th consecutive year of increases [5] - Total operating expenses, excluding acquisition expenses, were $110 million for the quarter, reflecting a full quarter of Evans activity [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for cost savings and total expenses moving forward? - Management indicated that cost savings have been achieved during the third quarter, and the run rate of $110 million is expected to be appropriate going forward, with typical expense increases running between 3.5% and 4.5% [18] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth in the coming quarters? - Management expects low to mid-single-digit growth rates for loans, with a strong pipeline and good activity levels in the markets [20] Question: What is the expected number of new branches and talent recruitment? - Management anticipates adding four to six new branches per year to improve market concentration and has been productive in recruiting talent in the Western region of New York [28] Question: Is the company considering additional M&A deals? - Management is open to fill-in strategies for M&A opportunities with smaller community banks to expand their franchise [33] Question: What are the expectations for margin pressure in the near term? - Management indicated potential margin pressure in the fourth quarter due to deposit repricing dynamics, but there may be opportunities for margin improvement in 2026 [34][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - NBT Bancorp reported net income of $54.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, with operating earnings per share at $1.05, an increase of $0.17 compared to the prior quarter [10] - Operating return on assets was 1.37%, return on equity was 12.1%, and ROTCE was 17.6%, showing continued improvement [3] - Tangible book value per share increased by 7% year-over-year to $25.51 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $1.6 billion year-over-year, with a diversified portfolio comprising 56% commercial and 44% consumer loans [11] - Total deposits rose to $13.7 billion, up $2.1 billion from December 2024, with growth in checking and money market accounts [12] - Non-interest income represented 28% of total revenues, with fee income increasing by 9.8% compared to the previous quarter [14][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Western region of New York saw solid growth in deposits post-Evans Bancorp merger, with plans for new branches in Rochester and other areas [6][8] - The company is exploring new locations in the Finger Lakes and plans to break ground on a new branch near the Micron chip fabrication site in Clay, New York [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to support organic growth and maintain a strong capital position, with a renewed share repurchase authorization of 2 million shares through the end of 2027 [5] - NBT Bancorp is focused on filling in its franchise through opportunistic M&A and branch expansion, particularly in underrepresented markets [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a strong capital position and identified growth opportunities across all markets [16] - Future margin improvements may be challenged due to expected changes in Fed funds rates, but there is optimism for potential margin recovery in 2026 [31][58] Other Important Information - The company announced an 8.8% dividend increase, marking the 13th consecutive year of increases [5] - Total operating expenses for the quarter were $110 million, reflecting a 4.4% increase from the prior quarter [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for cost savings and total expenses moving forward? - Management indicated that cost savings from the Evans integration are largely achieved, with a run rate of $110 million expected going forward, alongside typical expense increases of 3.5% to 4.5% [18][19] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth in the coming quarters? - Management anticipates low to mid-single-digit growth rates for loans, with a strong pipeline and good activity levels in the markets [20][21] Question: Are there plans for additional M&A deals? - The company is open to opportunistic M&A to fill in its franchise and is in discussions with like-minded community banks [29] Question: What is the current status of solar loans and auto loan delinquencies? - Management noted no significant pressure on auto loan delinquencies and indicated that solar loans are performing as expected, despite market volatility [35][36] Question: What is the outlook for fee income and insurance growth? - The insurance business is expected to grow at a rate of high mid-single digits, with seasonally strong performance in the third quarter [48][49] Question: What are the expectations for margin pressure and potential improvements? - Management expects some initial pressure on margins but sees potential for improvement in 2026 if the yield curve steepens [57][58]

Core Insights - Manulife is sponsoring The Hinton Lectures, an annual series focused on AI safety, led by Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton, to enhance public understanding of AI risks and benefits [1][3][4] - The lectures will feature global experts, including Owain Evans, and will take place from November 10-12, 2025, in Toronto [3][5] - Manulife emphasizes its commitment to ethical AI use through its Responsible AI Principles, aiming to deliver long-term societal benefits [2][4] Company Commitment - Manulife's sponsorship of The Hinton Lectures reflects its dedication to responsible AI development and public dialogue on AI safety [3][4] - The company was ranked first in AI maturity within the life insurance sector and among the top five in the overall insurance industry according to the Evident AI Index [4] Event Details - The Hinton Lectures will be open to the public and available via livestream, organized by the AI Safety Foundation in collaboration with the Global Risk Institute [5]

Core Viewpoint - NBT Bancorp Inc. is set to release its financial results for the third quarter of 2025 on October 27, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for October 28, 2025, to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - NBT Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company based in Norwich, NY, with total assets amounting to $16.01 billion as of June 30, 2025 [3]. - The company operates primarily through NBT Bank, N.A., which is a full-service community bank, and has a network of 175 banking locations across New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut [3]. - NBT Bancorp also includes two financial services companies: EPIC Retirement Plan Services, a national benefits administration firm located in Rochester, NY, and NBT Insurance Agency, LLC, a full-service insurance agency based in Norwich, NY [3].