Genworth Financial, Inc. - GNW STOCK NEWS

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) announced the postponement of the initial public offering (IPO) for its subsidiary, Enact Holdings, due to recent volatility in the mortgage insurance sector. The decision was made by Genworth's Board of Directors, who believe current market conditions do not reflect Enact's true value. Genworth maintains a robust liquidity position with approximately $757 million in cash and liquid assets as of March 31, 2021. The company remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for the mortgage insurance sector and will continue to assess market conditions.

Genworth reported a net income of $187 million for Q1 2021, a significant recovery from a net loss of $66 million in Q1 2020. The adjusted operating income rose to $168 million, a stark contrast to $20 million last year. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment showed adjusted operating income of $126 million, up from $95 million in the previous quarter but down from $148 million year-on-year. The company completed its sale of Genworth Australia for net proceeds of $123 million. A planned IPO of its U.S. MI business is in progress, while the termination of its merger with Oceanwide provides strategic clarity.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) announced that its subsidiary, Genworth Mortgage Holdings, Inc. (GMHI), has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the SEC for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of common stock. Details regarding the number of shares and pricing have not yet been determined, and the offering is contingent on market conditions. J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC will act as joint book-running managers for this offering. It is important to note that the registration statement has not yet become effective, and no sales may occur before its approval.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) is set to release its first quarter earnings on April 29, 2021, after market close. A subsequent conference call will take place on April 30, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. Investors can access the earnings report and financial supplement on the company's investor website. The conference call will be available via phone and webcast, with a replay option provided until May 15, 2021. Genworth aims to support families in homeownership and tackle aging financial challenges through its insurance offerings.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) has terminated its merger agreement with China Oceanwide Holdings as of April 6, 2021. This decision allows Genworth to proceed with its strategic plan without the uncertainties tied to the merger. The revised plan includes a potential partial IPO of its U.S. mortgage insurance business, contingent on market conditions. Genworth will also seek future opportunities in the Chinese insurance market. Despite the termination, both companies believe in addressing the long-term care needs in China.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) announced the election of three new independent directors: Jill R. Goodman, Howard D. Mills, III, and Ramsey Smith, expanding its Board to 12 members. These appointments are effective immediately, with all new members up for re-election at the Annual Meeting on May 20, 2021. Current Board Chair James S. Riepe and two other members will retire in May 2021. Transition to Melina E. Higgins as non-executive Chair is expected to be seamless. The new directors bring diverse experience in insurance, mergers, and regulation, enhancing Genworth's strategic capabilities.

Genworth Mortgage Insurance released its 15th First-Time Homebuyer Market Report, revealing significant growth in the market for 2020. A total of 2.38 million first-time homebuyers were recorded, a 14% increase from the previous year. In Q4 alone, 657,000 homes were purchased, marking a 26.4% growth. First-time buyers accounted for 40% of home purchases, an increase from 38% in 2019. The report highlights favorable affordability conditions and record low down payment mortgages, with 1.94 million first-time buyers utilizing these options. The analysis emphasizes a strong rebound in the housing market despite pandemic challenges.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) announced the sale of approximately 214.3 million shares of Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia Limited at A$2.28 per share, totaling USD$247 million in proceeds. This sale marks the divestment of Genworth's entire stake in Genworth Australia, enhancing liquidity to meet near-term obligations, including debt due in September 2021. Following this transaction, Genworth will retain approximately USD$123 million in net proceeds. The company is also preparing for a potential IPO of its U.S. Mortgage Insurance business, subject to market conditions.

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) has announced that its 2021 Annual Meeting will take place virtually on May 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Class A common stockholders on record as of March 22, 2021, are eligible to vote. The deadline for stockholder proposals under Rule 14a-8 was January 19, 2021, while nominations for other business must be delivered by March 1, 2021. The company aims to address financial challenges in homeownership and aging through its insurance services.