Manulife Finl Stock Price, News & Analysis

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.

Manulife Investment Management has acquired the Joliet Logistics Center, a premier one million square foot logistics facility in Joliet, Illinois, located near Chicago. This state-of-the-art property, leased long-term to a major automobile manufacturer, enhances Manulife's portfolio in the Chicago region, known for its advantageous transportation infrastructure. The facility spans 60 acres and boasts modern features such as 36-foot clear heights and 226 dock doors. As of March 31, 2021, Manulife manages CAD $764.1 billion (USD $607.6 billion) in assets, underscoring its robust investment capabilities.

John Hancock Investment Management has launched the John Hancock Global Environmental Opportunities Fund, subadvised by Pictet Asset Management. This fund aims for capital appreciation by investing in companies that operate within the Planetary Boundaries framework, focusing on environmental sustainability. The fund targets sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and pollution control, with Pictet bringing over 25 years of thematic investment expertise. The fund is timely as investors increasingly seek opportunities in environmentally conscious businesses.

Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC) is set to release its second quarter 2021 financial results after market close on August 4, 2021. A live webcast and conference call with executives will occur on August 5, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (ET), discussing the results and followed by a Q&A session with analysts. Interested parties can access the conference via a toll-free number or through a dedicated link. Manulife serves over 30 million customers and manages approximately CAD$1.3 trillion in assets.

AM Best has affirmed an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating and a long-term issuer credit rating of “aa-” (Superior) for the life/health subsidiaries of Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), along with a stable outlook. MFC's strong balance sheet includes a Life Insurance Capital Adequacy Test (LICAT) ratio above peers and a solid pre-tax income exceeding CAD 5 billion over three years. However, concerns exist regarding the company's exposure to volatile legacy businesses and an elevated alternative investment portfolio, which may introduce earnings volatility.

John Hancock, a division of Manulife (NYSE: MFC), has launched its 14th annual MLK Scholars Program, the largest corporate summer jobs initiative in the U.S. Designed to provide summer employment and financial education, the program aims to prepare over 600 Boston youth for their financial futures. A recent study revealed that 77% of participants felt more confident in managing their finances post-program. The initiative, funded by $1.2 million, collaborates with local organizations and includes virtual personal development workshops.