Manulife Finl Stock Price, News & Analysis

Manulife has launched "Fuel Up Fridays," a new initiative starting September 10, encouraging employees to engage in collective learning and take afternoons off for mental health. Additionally, the company will provide over 37,000 employees with five extra personal days in 2022 to recognize their efforts during the pandemic. CEO Roy Gori emphasized the importance of supporting team well-being by fostering learning and rest. This initiative follows the earlier launch of the "Elevate" program promoting healthy living and connectivity among employees.

On August 19, 2021, John Hancock Investment Management launched the John Hancock Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (ticker: JHMB), subadvised by Manulife Investment Management. This is the second actively managed fixed-income ETF introduced in 2021, with the first being the John Hancock Corporate Bond ETF (ticker: JHCB) in March. The new ETF aims for high current income, investing at least 80% of its net assets in mortgage-backed securities. As of June 30, 2021, John Hancock's ETF offerings grew to 17, managing nearly $5 billion in assets.

Manulife Investment Management, through Rio Verde Holding Ltda., acquired two eucalyptus plantation companies in Mato Grosso do Sul from Copa Gestão de Investimentos Ltda. for sustainable forestry management. This acquisition expands Manulife’s timberland portfolio in Brazil, vital for meeting the rising demand for bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp. The plantations leverage state-of-the-art technology, enhancing growth and sustainability. With this, Manulife manages around 5.7 million acres of timberland globally, emphasizing its commitment to responsible investing.

Manulife Investment Management announced the appointment of Bryony Deuchars as a senior investment analyst and Talib Saifee as a portfolio manager within its emerging markets equity strategies. Effective August 16, 2021, Deuchars brings over 20 years of experience, enhancing the firm's capabilities in this sector. Saifee's promotion takes effect on September 1, 2021. These moves are part of Manulife's strategy to meet growing client demand in emerging markets, where it currently manages over $90 billion in assets. The firm emphasizes its commitment to integrating ESG principles into its investment processes.

Manulife warns shareholders against an unsolicited mini-tender offer by Obatan LLC to purchase up to 500,000 common shares at USD$12.00 each, a 37.30% discount to recent closing prices. The company emphasizes that it is not affiliated with Obatan and does not endorse the offer. Manulife advises shareholders to compare the offer price with current market prices and to consult with investment advisors. The mini-tender offer is under scrutiny due to concerns about investors potentially accepting below-market valuations.

Manulife Investment Management has acquired 89,800 acres of timberland in Maine to enhance its climate action strategy. This impact-first investment, aimed primarily at carbon sequestration, is expected to aid the firm's net zero commitments. The timberlands are projected to store carbon while also offering opportunities for sustainable practices and recreation. This acquisition reinforces Manulife's commitment to integrating natural climate solutions into its investment portfolio.

Manulife's Board of Directors has announced quarterly dividends for non-cumulative preferred shares, payable on or after September 19, 2021. Shareholders of record as of August 17, 2021 will receive varying dividends based on share class, including:

• Class A Shares Series 2 - $0.29063 per share
• Class A Shares Series 3 - $0.28125 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 3 - $0.14675 per share
• Class 1 Shares Series 4 - $0.095908 per share

Manulife Financial Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share on August 4, 2021. This dividend is payable on or after September 20, 2021, to shareholders of record by the close of business on August 17, 2021. The company also stated it would reinvest dividends and stock purchases through their Canadian and U.S. Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plans, with shares purchased at market prices without discounts. As of June 30, 2021, Manulife managed C$1.3 trillion in assets.

Manulife Financial Corporation reported strong second-quarter 2021 results, with net income attributed to shareholders reaching $2.6 billion, up $1.9 billion from a year earlier. Core earnings rose 18% to $1.7 billion, resulting in a core ROE of 13.9%. New business value (NBV) increased 57% to $550 million, driven by robust growth across all segments. APE sales also rose 30% to $1.4 billion. The LICAT ratio stood strong at 137%, and the company achieved an expense efficiency ratio of 46.8%, below its 50% target.