Manulife reports 2Q22 net income of $1.1 billion, core earnings of $1.6 billion, APE sales of $1.4 billion, and Global Wealth and Asset Management net inflows of $1.7 billion

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TORONTO, Aug. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Today, Manulife announced its second quarter of 2022 ("2Q22") results. Key highlights include:

• Net income attributed to shareholders of $1.1 billion in 2Q22, down $1.6 billion from the second quarter of 2021 ("2Q21")
• Core earnings1 of $1.6 billion in 2Q22, down 9% on a constant exchange rate basis from 2Q212
• LICAT ratio3 of 137%
• Core ROE4 of 12.1% and ROE of 8.3% in 2Q22
• NBV5 of $511 million in 2Q22, down 9%5 from 2Q21
• APE sales5 of $1.4 billion in 2Q22, down 1% from 2Q21
• Global Wealth and Asset Management ("Global WAM") net inflows5 of $1.7 billion in 2Q22, compared with net inflows of $8.6 billion in 2Q21
• Expense efficiency ratio4 of 49.2%, compared with our target of less than 50%, and general expenses decreased 3%6

"We delivered solid results, including core earnings of $1.6 billion, despite challenges posed by the macro environment, including the impact of market headwinds in Global WAM and extended COVID-19 restrictions in Asia," said Manulife President & Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori. "Our global franchise is strong and resilient, as evidenced by double-digit NBV growth in the U.S. and Canada on a combined basis, and core earnings growth in our Canada and U.S. Insurance businesses7, which reduced the impact of market and pandemic related headwinds elsewhere."

"While our net income for the second quarter was negatively impacted by market volatilities, on a year-to-date basis, we delivered net income attributed to shareholders of $4.1 billion, which was $0.6 billion higher than our year-to-date 2021 net income and $0.9 billion higher than our year-to-date 2022 core earnings. The 2022 results are reflective of positive investment-related experience that more than offset the negative direct impact of markets, as well as the one-time gain8 from our U.S. variable annuity reinsurance transaction that closed in the first quarter," Mr. Gori concluded.

"Expense efficiency continues to be an important strategic priority and we maintained an expense efficiency ratio of less than 50% during the quarter despite topline pressures. This, combined with our in-force business, which grew 7% over the prior year quarter9, and comprises approximately three-quarters of our insurance core earnings, has provided for earnings stability against a backdrop of an uncertain macro environment," said Phil Witherington, Chief Financial Officer.

"We are committed to delivering value to shareholders, and have repurchased approximately 2% of our common shares so far this year10," Mr. Witherington continued.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:

Manulife ranked among Corporate Knights' 2022 Best 50 Corporate Citizens, which recognizes the rising standard and ambition for corporate sustainability leadership in Canada. In Asia, we became the first life insurer in Vietnam to offer healthcare solutions via the MoMo e-wallet, providing the app's 31 million users with access to our award-winning Max-Health insurance product. MoMo users can now easily purchase Manulife Vietnam's Max-Health product in less than one minute through a simple three-step process. In our U.S. segment, we reported the highest ever quarterly sales in our international business. We signed new distributors in the Latin America region and launched a whole life product to support continued sales growth and diversify the business across geographies. In Global WAM, we published our 2022 Manulife Investment Management Stewardship report, detailing our commitment to sustainability as a global investment manager and outlining actions we are taking to address material sustainability risks and opportunities, build more resilient portfolios, and pursue long-term value creation.

In addition, we continued to make progress on our digital journey in 2Q22. In Asia, we enabled our distribution force with an advanced suite of digital tools, with the proportion of new policies sold being digitally submitted reaching 85.5%, an increase of 10 percentage points compared with 2Q21. In Canada, we continued to advance our digital solutions with enhancements to Manulife.ca that included enabling artificial intelligence and natural-language processing capabilities to make searching for product information quick, accurate and intuitive. In the U.S., we enhanced our digital capabilities by launching eDelivery notification of client correspondence to improve preferred producer experience and response to customers. In Global WAM, we launched a new mobile app feature in Canada Retirement that enables members to make additional contributions to their Registered Retirement Savings Plans, providing them with greater control over their financial future.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

PROFITABILITY:

Reported net income attributed to shareholders of $1.1 billion in 2Q22, down $1.6 billion from 2Q21
The decrease in net income attributed to shareholders was primarily driven by charges from the direct impact of markets (compared with net gains in 2Q21), smaller gains from investment-related experience, and lower core earnings. The charge from the direct impact of markets in 2Q22 was primarily driven by the impact of unfavourable equity market performance and interest rate hedge ineffectiveness due to significant interest rate movements across several markets of differing magnitudes and shape changes. In addition, foreign exchange movements, losses from the sale of available-for-sale ("AFS") bonds, and losses from non-parallel movements in swap spreads also contributed. Investment-related experience in 2Q22 reflected higher-than-expected returns (including fair value changes) on alternative long-duration assets primarily driven by fair value gains on private equity investments, the favourable impact of fixed income reinvestment activities, and favourable credit experience.

Delivered core earnings of $1.6 billion in 2Q22, a decrease of 9% compared with 2Q21
The decrease in core earnings was driven by the unfavourable impact of markets on seed money investments in new segregated and mutual funds (compared with gains in 2Q21) in Corporate and Other and on net fee income in Global WAM. In addition, core earnings were also impacted by lower new business gains across our insurance segments, lower in-force earnings in U.S. Annuities due to the variable annuity reinsurance transaction that closed in 1Q22, and lower fee spread in Global WAM. These items were partially offset by in-force business growth in Asia, U.S. Insurance and Canada, higher yields on fixed income investments and gains on AFS equities in Corporate and Other, and improved policyholder experience in the U.S.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ACTUARIAL METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2022 ("3Q22")1:

In 3Q22, we will complete our annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions. The review includes a comprehensive study of our U.S. long-term care ("LTC") experience and, although work is still ongoing, preliminary indications suggest that the net impact to net income attributed to shareholders in 3Q22 will be approximately neutral in total and for LTC; however, there could be variability in this outcome. The LTC review includes all aspects of assumptions on claims and future premium rate increases. Other assumptions being reviewed this year include mortality and certain lapse assumptions for Canada life insurance, as well as lapse and mortality assumptions for certain Asia markets.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE:

New business value ("NBV") of $511 million in 2Q22, a decrease of 9% compared with 2Q21
In Asia, NBV decreased 17% reflecting lower sales in Hong Kong, Japan corporate owned life insurance ("COLI") and Asia Other2, as well as unfavourable product mix in Asia Other, partially offset by higher individual protection and other wealth sales in Japan. In Canada, NBV increased 8% from 2Q21, driven by higher volumes in large-case group insurance, partially offset by less favourable business mix in Insurance. In the U.S., NBV increased 18% from 2Q21, driven by improved margins due to product actions, higher international sales volumes, and higher interest rates.

Annualized premium equivalent ("APE") sales of $1.4 billion in 2Q22, a decrease of 1% compared with 2Q21
In Asia, APE sales decreased 12%, reflecting continued adverse impacts from COVID-19 in Hong Kong, lower COLI product sales in Japan, and lower sales in Asia Other. In Hong Kong, APE sales decreased 32% driven by the continued effect of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and tighter containment measures in Macau during the quarter. In Japan, APE sales decreased 15% as a result of lower COLI product sales, partially offset by higher individual protection and other wealth sales. Asia Other APE sales decreased 3%, reflecting lower agency sales in Vietnam, mainland China and Indonesia, partially offset by higher bancassurance sales in Singapore, Vietnam and mainland China. In Canada, APE sales increased 32%, primarily driven by higher large-case group insurance and individual insurance par sales, partially offset by lower segregated fund sales. In the U.S., APE sales increased 6%, primarily due to strong international sales, which are reported as part of the U.S. segment results. This increase was partially offset by lower sales of domestic protection-oriented insurance products, as the impact of higher inflation on household discretionary spending reduced demand. APE sales of products with the John Hancock Vitality PLUS feature increased 13% compared with the prior year quarter, reflecting greater consumer interest in improving baseline health due to the impact of COVID-19, making our Vitality feature a desirable solution in the current environment.

Reported Global Wealth and Asset Management net inflows of $1.7 billion in 2Q22, compared with 2Q21 net inflows of $8.6 billion
Net inflows in Retirement were $1.0 billion in 2Q22 compared with net outflows of $0.6 billion in 2Q21, driven by growth in member contributions and lower plan redemptions. Net outflows in Retail were $1.9 billion in 2Q22 compared with net inflows of $7.3 billion in 2Q21, reflecting higher mutual fund redemption rates and lower gross flows due to decreased investor demand amid equity market declines and higher interest rates. Net inflows in Institutional Asset Management were $2.5 billion in 2Q22 compared with net inflows of $1.9 billion in 2Q21, driven by a $1.9 billion sale of an equity mandate, partially offset by the non-recurrence of a $1.0 billion sale to an existing client in the prior year.

QUARTERLY EARNINGS RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL

Manulife Financial Corporation will host a Second Quarter 2022 Earnings Results Conference Call at 8:00 a.m. ET on August 11, 2022. For local and international locations, please call 416-340-2217 or toll free, North America 1-800-806-5484 (Passcode: 5329622#). 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 August 11, 2022 through November 3, 2022 by calling 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 (Passcode: 1177427#).

The conference call will also be webcast through Manulife's website at 8:00 a.m. ET on August 11, 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 Second 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; 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; NBV; APE sales; gross flows; net flows; 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 2Q22 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

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 tocommonshareholders
($ millions, and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Core ROE
($ millions, unless otherwise stated)

Core EPS
($ millions, and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Global WAM AUMA reconciliation
($ millions, and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Expense efficiency ratio
($ millions, and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

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 the estimated impact of our annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions 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", "suspect", "outlook", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "forecast", "objective", "seek", "aim", "continue", "goal", "restore", "embark" and "endeavour" (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, inflation rates, 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; geopolitical uncertainty, including international conflicts; 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, including climate change; 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 under "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