Manulife reports 3Q22 net income of $1.3 billion, core earnings of $1.3 billion, APE sales of $1.3 billion, and Global Wealth and Asset Management net inflows of $3.0 billion

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TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Manulife announced its third quarter of 2022 ("3Q22") results. Key highlights include:

• Net income attributed to shareholders of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, down $0.2 billion from the third quarter of 2021 ("3Q21")
• Core earnings1 of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, down 14% on a constant exchange rate basis from 3Q212. 3Q22 core earnings include a $256 million charge in our Property and Casualty ("P&C") reinsurance business related to Hurricane Ian.
• LICAT ratio3 of 136%
• Core ROE4 of 10.3% and ROE of 10.5% in 3Q22
• NBV5 of $514 million in 3Q22, down 6%5 from 3Q21
• APE sales5 of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, down 6% from 3Q21
• Global Wealth and Asset Management ("Global WAM") net inflows5 of $3.0 billion in 3Q22, compared with net inflows of $9.8 billion in 3Q21
• The impact to net income attributed to shareholders of our annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions was a modest net gain of $36 million in total, and approximately net neutral for long-term care ("LTC")
• Purchased for cancellation approximately 23 million common shares in 3Q22 for $0.5 billion

"We delivered resilient operating results in the third quarter amidst a challenging market and operating environment," said Manulife President & Chief Executive Officer Roy Gori. "We continued to deliver solid results in our Asia business and delivered in-force business growth of 8% and 12% in the third quarter and year-to-date, respectively. And, in Global WAM, we generated net inflows of $3.0 billion and our core EBITDA margin4 was 32.7% in 3Q22, a very strong achievement given the market volatility."

"We are focused on driving resilience for our people, customers and communities. Through our behavioural insurance offerings, we are committed to helping our customers lead longer, healthier, better lives, and we are rewarding them for making healthy lifestyle choices. We are expanding our Manulife Vitality offerings in Canada across our core product suite. In the U.S., we have made a multi-cancer, early detection test available to a pilot group of existing customers through John Hancock Vitality, enabling customers to make more informed choices about their health. And, in Asia, we continue to roll out servicing features in our ManulifeMOVE app, furthering its position as a one-stop health and servicing gateway for our customers," added Mr. Gori.

"Our diverse business and strong capital levels position us well to navigate an uncertain market environment. Our LICAT ratio of 136% provides significant flexibility, and we have repurchased approximately 3.1% of our common shares for $1.4 billion so far this year6 as we remain committed to delivering value to shareholders," said Phil Witherington, Chief Financial Officer.

"Expense efficiency continues to be a key strategic priority and important lever in the current operating environment. Our third quarter general expenses were held in line with the prior year, providing an offset to topline pressure," Mr. Witherington continued.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS:

In Asia, we accelerated the utilization of ManuAcademy, our regional digital learning platform rolled out to Vietnam last quarter. Since the roll-out, the platform has enabled the onboarding of over 11,000 newly-recruited insurance agents, and delivered over 150,000 training hours to approximately 45,000 insurance agents. Our new training series, Manulife MasterClass, captures best practices from our Million Dollar Round Table agents and shares them across all agents through the platform. In Canada, we announced an expansion of the Manulife Vitality program, making it available to new term and universal life insurance policyholders effective November 2022. In the U.S., we continue to innovate our wellness offerings and announced a partnership with GRAIL, a healthcare company, offering access to Galleri®, their leading edge, multi-cancer early detection test to a pilot group of customers through John Hancock Vitality. As the first life insurance carrier to make GRAIL's Galleri® test available, we are enabling eligible customers to take proactive steps to better understand and make more informed choices about their health. In Global WAM, we expanded our Environmental, Social and Governance investment offerings with the launch of the Global Climate Action strategy in Europe to meet increasing demand for sustainable investment solutions.

In addition, we continued to make progress on our digital journey in 3Q22. In Asia, we continued to drive the adoption of ePOS, our proprietary digital onboarding app, to enhance the distributor experience and enable faster, error-free new business application submissions with case adoption at 90%, an increase of 9 percentage points compared with 3Q21. In the U.S., we reduced the amount of time to onboard producers within our traditional brokerage channel by 92% by automating the background check process. In Global WAM, we made a number of enhancements to our digital platform in Retirement including rolling out functionality that enables members in Canada to book one-on-one meetings with a Manulife PlanRight financial advisor directly in the mobile app, which generated successful engagement, and resulted in approximately 1,400 advisor meeting requests in 3Q22. In addition, we recently enhanced digital service features which enable members in the U.S. to self-serve to a greater extent, resulting in a reduction of approximately 10,000 calls to the call centre this quarter.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

PROFITABILITY:

Reported net income attributed to shareholders of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, down $0.2 billion from 3Q21
The decrease in net income attributed to shareholders was primarily driven by lower gains from investment-related experience and lower core earnings, partially offset by a smaller charge from the direct impact of markets. The direct impact of markets in 3Q21 included a $0.5 billion charge related to the impact of updated Ultimate Reinvestment Rate assumptions issued by the Canadian Actuarial Standards Board. Investment-related experience in 3Q22 reflected the favourable impact of fixed income reinvestment activities and favourable credit experience, partially offset by lower-than-expected returns (including fair value changes) on alternative long-duration assets primarily related to real estate. The charge from the direct impact of markets in 3Q22 was primarily driven by the impact of unfavourable equity market performance, losses from the sale of available-for-sale ("AFS") bonds and swap spread movements, partially offset by gains due to rising interest rates in the U.S., a flattening of the yield curve in Canada, and widening corporate spreads in the U.S.

Delivered core earnings of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, a decrease of 14% compared with 3Q21
The decrease in core earnings was driven by a $256 million charge in our P&C Reinsurance business for estimated losses related to Hurricane Ian (compared with a $152 million charge in the prior year quarter for estimated losses related to Hurricane Ida and the European floods), lower net gains on sales of AFS equities and the unfavourable impact of markets on seed money investments in new and segregated mutual funds in Corporate and Other, lower new business gains in Asia and the U.S., lower U.S. Annuities in-force earnings due to the variable annuity reinsurance transaction that closed in the first quarter of 2022, and a higher charge from net unfavourable U.S. policyholder experience. These items were partially offset by higher yields on fixed income investments and lower expenses in Corporate and Other, and in-force business growth in Asia and Canada. Lower expenses in Corporate and Other reflect lower supplemental pension expense primarily due to market impacts and lower variable incentive compensation.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ACTUARIAL METHODS AND ASSUMPTIONS:

We completed our annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions, which resulted in a modest net gain of $36 million post-tax to net income attributed to shareholders in total and approximately net neutral impact for LTC. The review included a comprehensive study of our U.S. LTC experience, including all aspects of claims assumptions and future premium rate increases. Other assumptions reviewed included mortality and certain lapse assumptions for Canada's life insurance business, as well as lapse and mortality assumptions for certain Asia markets.

BUSINESS PERFORMANCE:

New business value ("NBV") of $514 million in 3Q22, a decrease of 6% compared with 3Q21
In Asia, NBV decreased 17% from 3Q21 reflecting lower sales in Hong Kong and changes in product mix in Asia Other7, partially offset by higher individual protection and other wealth sales in Japan. In Canada, NBV increased 25% from 3Q21, driven by higher margins in our insurance businesses, partially offset by lower volumes in Annuities. In the U.S., NBV increased 27% from 3Q21, driven by improved margins due to pricing actions, higher interest rates and changes in product mix.

Annualized premium equivalent ("APE") sales of $1.3 billion in 3Q22, a decrease of 6% compared with 3Q21
In Asia, APE sales decreased 7%, reflecting lower sales in Hong Kong, partially offset by higher sales in Japan and Asia Other. In Hong Kong, APE sales decreased 40% driven by the impact of weaker customer sentiment on financial planning decisions and tighter COVID-19 containment measures in Macau during the quarter. In Japan, APE sales increased 22% as a result of higher individual protection and other wealth sales. Asia Other APE sales increased 6%, reflecting higher bancassurance sales in mainland China, Vietnam and Singapore, partially offset by lower agency sales in Singapore and mainland China. In Canada, APE sales decreased 6%, primarily driven by lower segregated fund sales and the non-recurrence of a large affinity markets sale in 3Q21, partially offset by normal variability of large-case group insurance sales. In the U.S., APE sales decreased 1%, primarily due to lower sales of domestic life insurance products, partially offset by an increase in international sales, which are reported as part of U.S. segment results. APE sales of products with the John Hancock Vitality PLUS feature increased 12% compared with 3Q21, reflecting the increasing attractiveness of the Vitality feature as an option for health-focused life insurance consumers.

Reported Global Wealth and Asset Management net inflows of $3.0 billion in 3Q22, compared with 3Q21 net inflows of $9.8 billion
Net inflows in Retirement were $1.4 billion in 3Q22 compared with net inflows of $0.6 billion in 3Q21, driven by growth in member contributions and lower plan redemptions. Net inflows in Retail were $1.0 billion in 3Q22 compared with net inflows of $7.9 billion in 3Q21, reflecting lower gross flows and higher mutual fund redemption rates due to decreased investor demand amid equity market declines and higher interest rates. Net inflows in Institutional Asset Management were $0.6 billion in 3Q22 compared with net inflows of $1.3 billion in 3Q21, driven by higher redemptions, partially offset by higher sales of equity and fixed income mandates.

QUARTERLY EARNINGS RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL
Manulife Financial Corporation will host a Third Quarter 2022 Earnings Results Conference Call at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 10, 2022. For local and international locations, please call 416-340-2217 or toll free, North America 1-800-806-5484 (Passcode: 2059970#). 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 November 10, 2022 through February 4th, 2023 by calling 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 (Passcode: 7330185#).

The conference call will also be webcast through Manulife's website at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 10, 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 Third 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; core earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("core EBITDA") 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"); core EBITDA margin; 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 3Q22 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)

Reconciliation of Global WAM core earnings to core EBITDA
($ millions, pre-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Core EBITDA margin
($ millions, 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 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 obtain premium rate increases on in-force policies; 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.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

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