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TORONTO, May 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Manulife announced its first quarter of 2022 ("1Q22") results. Key highlights include:

• Net income attributed to shareholders of $3.0 billion in 1Q22, up $2.2 billion from the first quarter of 2021 ("1Q21")
• Core earnings¹ of $1.6 billion in 1Q22, down 4% on a constant exchange rate basis from 1Q21²
• LICAT ratio³ of 140%
• Core ROE⁴ of 11.8% and ROE of 23.0% in 1Q22
• NBV⁵ of $513 million in 1Q22, down 14%⁶ from 1Q21
• APE sales⁵ of $1.6 billion in 1Q22, down 9% from 1Q21
• Global Wealth and Asset Management ("Global WAM") net inflows⁵ of $6.9 billion in 1Q22, compared with net inflows of $1.4 billion in 1Q21
• Global WAM average AUMA⁵ increased by 8% in 1Q22 from 1Q21
• Closed the U.S. variable annuity reinsurance transaction and released $2.4 billion of capital.⁷ We commenced share buybacks under our Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB"), and as of March 31, 2022 purchased for cancellation approximately 14.4 million common shares for $377 million
• Embedded value⁵ of $64.8 billion or $33.35 per share, as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $3.7 billion from December 31, 2020

"Our diversified footprint, operational resilience, and proven digital capabilities enabled us to deliver solid results in the first quarter, despite a challenging operating environment caused by the resurgence of COVID-19 and global market volatility," said Manulife President & Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori.

"Global WAM generated another quarter of strong net inflows of $6.9 billion, and our Canada and U.S. insurance businesses achieved double-digit NBV growth, benefiting from ongoing strong customer demand," Mr. Gori continued. "While the rapid and unprecedented resurgence of COVID-19 disrupted new business activities in multiple markets in Asia, our diversified, digitally-enabled, and well-established distribution channels delivered double digit growth in APE Sales and NBV relative to the average levels during the first wave of the pandemic in the first and second quarters of 2020." 

"Looking to the future, we believe the importance of insurance and wealth management solutions is more visible than ever before and we are encouraged to see signs of stronger customer demand as containment measures relax in some markets. I am confident in our ability to capture this rebound as those markets recover from these temporary disruptions." Mr. Gori added.

"Our U.S. variable annuity reinsurance transaction with Venerable Holdings Inc. closed during the quarter, resulting in the release of $2.4 billion of capital. We commenced share buybacks and purchased 0.74% of our common shares in the first two months following the transaction, demonstrating our commitment to deliver shareholder value and neutralize the impact of the transaction on Core EPS," said Phil Witherington, Chief Financial Officer. "We also delivered in-force business growth of 7% after excluding the impact of the transaction¹, and achieved net favourable policyholder experience amid continued impacts from COVID-19, reflecting the diverse nature of our business."

"We are pleased to be providing an update on the expected impacts of IFRS 17 on our financial reporting and targets as we look towards its upcoming adoption. IFRS 17 will impact where, when and how specific items are recognized in the financial statements; however, it will not impact the fundamental economics of our business, our financial strength, claims paying ability, or the dividend capacity of the Company. We are committed to our medium-term financial and operating targets under IFRS 17, and upon transition our core ROE target will be increased to 15%+ and dividend payout ratio² target range will be increased to 35% – 45% as a result of expected changes in equity and core earnings," added Mr. Witherington.³

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:

In Asia, we commenced offering insurance solutions to VietinBank's 14 million customers, as part of our new 16-year exclusive bancassurance partnership in Vietnam. In the U.S., we closed the transaction to reinsure over 75% of the legacy variable annuity block. The transaction resulted in the release of $2.4 billion of capital. In Global WAM, we announced the launch of the Real Asset Investment Strategy in Canada, which provides investors access to a mix of global private and public real asset investments, combining the benefits of broad private asset exposures with the liquidity benefits of allocating to public markets.

In addition, we continued to make progress on our digital journey in 1Q22. In Asia, greater than 10% of APE sales resulted from leads generated using advanced analytics to identify additional needs from existing customers. In Canada, we launched an enhanced Manulife Vitality mobile app experience for our individual insurance business, giving the app a new look and feel with easier navigation to further drive customer engagement. In the U.S., we reduced the time to onboard a producer in our digital brokerage channel from three weeks to just five days, by implementing automated background checks. In our Global WAM Retirement business, we enabled registration directly through the mobile app in Canada, resulting in approximately 50,000 customers using our mobile applications by the end of the quarter.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

PROFITABILITY:

Reported net income attributed to shareholders of $3.0 billion in 1Q22, up $2.2 billion from 1Q21

The increase in net income attributed to shareholders was driven by gains from the direct impact of markets compared with losses in the prior year quarter, a gain related to the U.S. variable annuity reinsurance transaction, and a larger gain from investment-related experience compared with the prior year quarter. Investment-related experience in 1Q22 reflected the favourable impact of fixed income reinvestment activities, higher-than-expected returns (including fair value changes) on alternative long duration assets primarily driven by fair value gains on private equity and real estate as well as favourable credit experience. The gain from the direct impact of markets in 1Q22 reflected the flattening of the yield curve in the U.S. and Canada and widening corporate spreads in the U.S., partially offset by unfavourable equity market performance and losses on the sale of available-for-sale bonds.

Delivered core earnings of $1.6 billion in 1Q22, a decrease of 4% compared with 1Q21

The decrease in core earnings was driven by lower new business gains in Asia, unfavourable impact of markets on seed money investments in new segregated and mutual funds (compared with gains in the prior year quarter) and lower in-force earnings in U.S. Annuities, primarily due to the variable annuity reinsurance transaction. These items were partially offset by experience gains, in-force business growth in Canada and Asia, higher yield on fixed income investments and lower cost of external debt in Corporate and Other, and higher new business gains in Canada and the U.S.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE:

New business value ("NBV") of $513 million in 1Q22, a decrease of 14% compared with 1Q21

In Asia, NBV decreased 28% to $340 million, reflecting lower sales volumes in Hong Kong and several markets in Asia Other¹ due to the impact of COVID-19, lower corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") product sales in Japan, and unfavourable product mix related to lower critical illness sales in mainland China. In Canada, NBV of $104 million was up 33% from 1Q21, driven by higher margins across all business lines. In the U.S., NBV of $69 million was up 57% from 1Q21, driven by higher sales volumes and interest rates, and favourable product mix.

Annualized premium equivalent ("APE") sales of $1.6 billion in 1Q22, a decrease of 9% compared with 1Q21

In Asia, APE sales decreased 17% due to continued adverse impacts from COVID-19 in Hong Kong and several markets in Asia Other and lower sales in Japan. In Japan, APE sales declined 48%, primarily due to a decrease in COLI product sales. In Hong Kong, APE sales decreased 23% driven by tighter containment measures following an outbreak of COVID-19 during the quarter. Asia Other APE sales decreased 8%, as higher sales in bancassurance in Singapore were more than offset by lower agency sales, which were adversely impacted by a resurgence of COVID-19 in markets such as Vietnam and Indonesia, and lower critical illness sales in mainland China. In Canada, APE sales increased 2%, primarily driven by increased customer demand for our lower risk segregated fund products and higher mid-size group insurance sales, partially offset by variability in the large-case group insurance market. In the U.S., APE sales increased 32%, driven by our differentiated domestic product offerings which include the John Hancock Vitality feature and higher customer demand for insurance protection in the current COVID-19 environment of greater consumer interest in improving baseline health, and strong international sales, which are reported as a part of the U.S. segment results. 

Reported Global Wealth and Asset Management net inflows of $6.9 billion in 1Q22, compared with 1Q21 net inflows of $1.4 billion

Net inflows in Retail were $4.0 billion in 1Q22 compared with net inflows of $6.5 billion in 1Q21, reflecting lower gross flows, mainly in fixed income products and higher mutual fund redemptions in Canada. This was partially offset by Asia Retail, as higher gross flows in mainland China and Japan were partially offset by Indonesia. U.S. Retail net inflows remained robust and were in line with prior year. Net inflows in Retirement were $2.0 billion in 1Q22 compared with net inflows of $2.1 billion in 1Q21, reflecting higher plan redemptions, partially offset by growth in member contributions and new plan sales, as well as lower member withdrawals. Net inflows in Institutional Asset Management were $0.9 billion in 1Q22 compared with net outflows of $7.2 billion in 1Q21, driven by the non-recurrence of a $9.4 billion redemption in Asia in 1Q21, partially offset by lower sales of fixed income mandates.

UPDATE ON IFRS 17:²

IFRS 17 "Insurance Contracts" will replace IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts" beginning on January 1, 2023 and will materially change the recognition and measurement of insurance contracts and the corresponding presentation and disclosures in the Company's financial statements. The establishment of a Contractual Service Margin ("CSM") on our in-force business is expected to lead to an increase in insurance contract liabilities and, together with other measurement impacts on our assets and liabilities, to decrease equity by approximately 20% upon transition. The deferral of new business gains via the CSM and the amortization of CSM on our in-force business into income as services are provided, and to a substantially lesser extent the timing of investments results, are expected to result in a net reduction of 2022 core earnings, on transition, of approximately 10% under IFRS 17 compared with IFRS 4.

The CSM will be treated as available capital under LICAT¹, and our capital position will remain strong under IFRS 17. We are also confirming our medium-term financial and operating targets under IFRS 17, and upon transition our core ROE target will be increased to 15%+ (from 13%+ currently) as a result of the expected changes to core earnings and equity, and our dividend payout ratio target range will be increased to 35% – 45% (from 30% – 40% currently) as a result of the expected changes to core earnings. Given that CSM is an objective metric that illustrates the growth and future earnings capability of an insurance business, we will be introducing two new medium-term targets: new business CSM growth of 15% per year and CSM balance growth of 8% – 10% per year.

QUARTERLY EARNINGS RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL
Manulife Financial Corporation will host a First Quarter 2022 Earnings Results Conference Call at 8:00 a.m. ET on May 12, 2022. For local and international locations, please call 416-340-2217 or toll free, North America 1-800-806-5484 (Passcode: 9778458#). Please call in 15 minutes before the call starts. You will be required to provide your name and organization to the operator. A replay of this call will be available by 11:00 a.m. ET on May 12, 2022 through August 12, 2022 by calling 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 (Passcode: 7780836#).

The conference call will also be webcast through Manulife's website at 8:00 a.m. ET on May 12, 2022. You may access the webcast at: manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website following the call at the same URL as above.

The First Quarter 2022 Statistical Information Package is also available on the Manulife website at: www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports.

Any information contained in, or otherwise accessible through, websites mentioned in this news release does not form a part of this document unless it is expressly incorporated by reference.

EARNINGS:

The following table presents net income attributed to shareholders, consisting of core earnings and details of the items excluded from core earnings:

NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES:
The Company prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. We use a number of non-GAAP and other financial measures to evaluate overall performance and to assess each of our businesses. This section includes information required by National Instrument 52-112 – Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure in respect of "specified financial measures" (as defined therein).

Non-GAAP financial measures include core earnings (loss); pre-tax core earnings; core earnings available to common shareholders; core general expenses; and assets under management and administration ("AUMA").

Non-GAAP ratios include core return on common shareholders' equity ("core ROE"); diluted core earnings per common share ("core EPS"); expense efficiency ratio; common share core dividend payout ratio ("dividend payout ratio"); and percentage growth/decline on a constant exchange rate basis in any of the above non-GAAP financial measures.

Other specified financial measures include assets under administration; embedded value; NBV; APE sales; gross flows; net flows; average assets under management and administration ("average AUMA"); and percentage growth/decline in such other financial measures.

Non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios are not standardized financial measures under GAAP and, therefore, might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Therefore, they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any other financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. For more information on non-GAAP financial measures, including those referred to above, see the section "Non-GAAP and other financial measures" in our 1Q22 MD&A, which is incorporated by reference.

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders

Core earnings, CER basis

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders

Core earnings, CER basis

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders

Core earnings, CER basis

Core earnings available to common shareholders

Core ROE

Core EPS 

Common share core dividend payout ratio

Global WAM AUMA reconciliation 

Expense efficiency ratio

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

From time to time, Manulife makes written and/or oral forward-looking statements, including in this document. In addition, our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally to analysts, investors, the media and others. All such statements are made pursuant to the "safe harbour" provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The forward-looking statements in this document include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to possible share buybacks under our NCIB, the impact of IFRS 17 and the Company's earnings presentation and reporting under the new accounting standard and our medium-term financial and operating targets under IFRS 17, including our core ROE target, dividend payout ratio target and new CSM targets, and also relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "likely", "expect", "estimate", "believe", "plan", "objective", "aim", "continue", and "goal" (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import, and include statements concerning possible or assumed future results. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and they should not be interpreted as confirming market or analysts' expectations in any way.

Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to the performance, volatility and correlation of equity markets, interest rates, credit and swap spreads, currency rates, investment losses and defaults, market liquidity and creditworthiness of guarantors, reinsurers and counterparties); the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19, including any variants, as well as actions that have been, or may be taken by governmental authorities in response to COVID-19, including the impacts of any variants; changes in laws and regulations; changes in accounting standards applicable in any of the territories in which we operate; changes in regulatory capital requirements; our ability to execute strategic plans and changes to strategic plans; downgrades in our financial strength or credit ratings; our ability to maintain our reputation; impairments of goodwill or intangible assets or the establishment of provisions against future tax assets; the accuracy of estimates relating to morbidity, mortality and policyholder behaviour; the accuracy of other estimates used in applying accounting policies, actuarial methods and embedded value methods; our ability to implement effective hedging strategies and unforeseen consequences arising from such strategies; our ability to source appropriate assets to back our long-dated liabilities; level of competition and consolidation; our ability to market and distribute products through current and future distribution channels; unforeseen liabilities or asset impairments arising from acquisitions and dispositions of businesses; the realization of losses arising from the sale of investments classified as available-for-sale; our liquidity, including the availability of financing to satisfy existing financial liabilities on expected maturity dates when required; obligations to pledge additional collateral; the availability of letters of credit to provide capital management flexibility; accuracy of information received from counterparties and the ability of counterparties to meet their obligations; the availability, affordability and adequacy of reinsurance; legal and regulatory proceedings, including tax audits, tax litigation or similar proceedings; our ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; our ability to attract and retain key executives, employees and agents; the appropriate use and interpretation of complex models or deficiencies in models used; political, legal, operational and other risks associated with our non-North American operations; acquisitions and our ability to complete acquisitions including the availability of equity and debt financing for this purpose; the disruption of or changes to key elements of the Company's or public infrastructure systems; environmental concerns; our ability to protect our intellectual property and exposure to claims of infringement; and our inability to withdraw cash from subsidiaries.

Additional information about material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found "Risk Management and Risk Factors" and "Critical Actuarial and Accounting Policies" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis in our most recent annual report, under "Risk Management and Risk Factors Update" and "Critical Actuarial and Accounting Policies" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis in our most recent interim report, in the "Risk Management" note to the consolidated financial statements in our most recent annual and interim reports as well as elsewhere in our filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our financial position and results of operations, our future operations, as well as our objectives and strategic priorities, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

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SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation