Manulife Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2025

• Core earnings³ of $7.2 billion in 2024, up 8% on a constant exchange rate basis⁴ from 2023. Core earnings of $1.9 billion in 4Q24, up 6% from the fourth quarter of 2023 ("4Q23")
• Net income attributed to shareholders of $5.4 billion in 2024, up $0.3 billion from 2023, and $1.6 billion in 4Q24, in line with 4Q23
• Core EPS of $3.87 in 2024, up 11%⁴ from 2023, and $1.03 in 4Q24, up 9% from 4Q23
  • Excluding the impact of Global Minimum Taxes ("GMT")⁵, core EPS² was $3.97 in 2024, up 14%⁴ from 2023, and $1.06 in 4Q24, up 13% from 4Q23
• EPS of $2.84 in 2024, up 8%⁴ from 2023, and $0.88 in 4Q24, in line with 4Q23
• Core ROE² of 16.4% in 2024 and 16.5% in 4Q24, and ROE of 12.0% in 2024 and 14.0% in 4Q24
• Entered into an agreement with RGA to reinsure two blocks of legacy business, including a younger block of long-term care ("LTC"), our second LTC reinsurance transaction in less than 12 months. The transaction was completed in the first quarter of 2025 with an effective date of January 1, 2025
• LICAT ratio⁶ of 137% in 4Q24, in line with prior quarter
• Remittances⁷ of $7.0 billion in 2024 compared with $5.5 billion in 2023
• Purchased and cancelled 4.6% of common shares outstanding, or more than 82 million common shares, for $3.2 billion in 2024
• Also announced today:
  • A 10% increase in the quarterly dividend per common share, and
  • A Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") that permits repurchase of up to 3% of outstanding common shares, commencing in late February 2025⁸

"2024 was a banner year for Manulife on many fronts and we finished the year with very strong results. We delivered record insurance new business results for the full year, including 30%+ increases year-over-year across APE sales⁷, new business CSM⁴ and new business value⁷. Asia continued to lead with substantial top-line growth and a 27% increase in core earnings. Global WAM ended the year with over $13 billion of net inflows⁷, a 220 basis point increase in core EBITDA margin² and 30% core earnings growth."

"We continued to build on our momentum to deliver for shareholders and customers. We closed the largest LTC reinsurance transaction in the industry and announced a second LTC risk transfer deal within 12 months. We also made significant progress towards our digital, customer leadership ambition, achieving a record high Net Promoter Score and generating over $600 million of benefits⁹ from our initiatives globally in 2024. We have created a robust foundation for sustained growth. I am confident about the future of Manulife and the value that we will continue to generate for our shareholders."

—  Roy Gori, Manulife President & Chief Executive Officer

"We continued to make progress against our targets announced at Investor Day. Our core ROE increased to 16.4% and core EPS grew 11%, despite the impact of Global Minimum Tax. Expense efficiency ratio² improved further and ended at 44.8% for the full year. We remitted $7.0 billion in 2024, reflecting our strong cash generating capability across our global operations and benefiting from our capital optimization initiatives. We returned $6.1 billion of capital to shareholders, including buying back 4.6% of outstanding common shares. As announced today, the Board approved a 10% increase in the common share dividend, and we are launching a new NCIB program to repurchase up to 3% of our outstanding common shares."

—  Colin Simpson, Manulife Chief Financial Officer

Results at a Glance

Results by Segment

Strategic Highlights

We continued to transform our portfolio and accelerate new business growth through expanded market offerings and enhanced distribution capabilities

During 2024, we closed the largest LTC reinsurance transaction in the industry and the largest universal life reinsurance transaction in Canada. We also entered into an agreement in 4Q24 for a second LTC reinsurance transaction in less than 12 months on a younger LTC block, further validating the prudence of our reserves and assumptions. These transactions also further transformed our business profile to higher return and lower risk.

In Asia, we expanded Manulife Pro, our proprietary proposition for top-tier agents, to Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong. The proposition provides select agents with differentiated resources and tools, including dedicated underwriting support and enhanced customer engagement services with access to customer leads. This initiative contributed to improved agent productivity, demonstrated by our 23% year-over-year growth in agency APE sales in 2024. With this expansion, Manulife Pro is now available in five of our markets¹⁰.

In addition, we further addressed the complex and evolving financial needs of high-net-worth individuals through a focus on innovative customer solutions. This includes the launch of two new products that cater to the protection, legacy planning and wealth management needs of high-net-worth customers.

In Global WAM, we completed the acquisition of CQS, a U.K.-based multi-sector alternative credit manager, which positively contributed to Global WAM net flows and core earnings in 2024. We have leveraged these expanded investment capabilities to launch the John Hancock Multi Asset Credit Fund in U.S. Retail. This fund is a strong addition to our growing lineup of liquid and semi-liquid alternative offerings which are part of our larger credit franchise.

In Canada, we introduced a guaranteed issue life product, designed to provide accessible life insurance coverage with guaranteed fixed premiums for a wide range of individuals seeking straightforward and reliable life insurance coverage. Also, we refreshed our suite of segregated fund options with a new product that features a simplified, all-inclusive fee structure and offers Canadians an investment solution to help with their estate planning needs.

In the U.S., we entered into a strategic distribution collaboration with Annexus — one of the nation's leading independent retirement planning product design and distribution companies — to expand our portfolio of indexed account offerings and reach a wider market with our Protection Indexed Universal Life solution.

We have made significant progress on our ambition to be the most digital, customer-centric company in our industry

We are driving value from generative AI by rapidly scaling use cases across our organization. We had 27 use cases in production, with another 32 in development at the end of 2024. Our continued investment in foundational capabilities has put us in a strong position, and enabled faster and easier execution in deploying AI-based solutions. We are able to quickly scale use cases, enhancing value for our customers and our business.

In Asia, we strengthened agent-customer interactions through the launch of an innovative generative AI sales tool in both Singapore and Japan. It enables our agents to automatically create personalized engagement strategies to offer customers the right solutions at the right time based on their needs, preferences, demographic data and transaction histories.

In Global WAM, we advanced and broadened our wealth planning and advice business with the implementation of a new advisor retail wealth platform and an AI-powered planning tool in Canada, and a new AI-powered sales enablement app in Asia. These tools improve productivity for advisors and agents and deliver an enhanced digital experience for investors.

In Canada, we entered into a multi-year loyalty rewards partnership agreement with Aeroplan. We launched the Aeroplan Rewards and Challenges program in the Manulife mobile app that enables eligible group benefits plan members to earn reward points by completing programs and benefits-related activities to encourage health and well-being.

In the U.S., we continued to modernize the end-to-end purchase and delivery process by introducing a term solution with digital policy delivery, payment capabilities, and easy registration process to the Life Customer Storefront as well as Vitality's website.

Record core earnings for full year and 4Q24 reflecting strong growth in our highest potential businesses¹¹

Core earnings of $7.2 billion in 2024, up 8% from 2023, and $1.9 billion in 4Q24, up 6% from 4Q23

The increase in 2024 reflected strong business growth led by Global WAM and Asia, and a lower net charge in the provision for Expected Credit Loss, which more than offset the impacts of GMT and reinsurance transactions that were closed earlier in 2024. Excluding the impact of GMT, full year 2024 core earnings increased 10% from the prior year⁴.

In 4Q24, strong momentum continued in Global WAM, Asia and Canada where we generated double-digit growth compared with 4Q23.

• Asia core earnings were up 16% in 4Q24, reflecting continued business growth momentum and impacts from the annual updates to actuarial methods and assumptions.
• Global WAM core earnings increased 34% primarily driven by higher net fee income from favourable market impacts and positive net flows. In addition, 4Q24 core earnings benefited from certain non- recurring tax true-ups and tax benefits, performance fees from CQS, and continued expense discipline.
• In Canada, more favourable insurance experience overall, and business growth in Group Insurance drove an 11% increase in 4Q24 core earnings.
• U.S. core earnings decreased 16%, reflecting lower investment spreads, impacts from the previously completed reinsurance transaction and the annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions.
• In Corporate and Other, core earnings decreased $72 million, mainly due to the impact of GMT and higher interest on capital allocated to operating segments.

Net Income attributed to shareholders of $5.4 billion in 2024, $0.3 billion higher compared with 2023, and $1.6 billion in 4Q24, in line with 4Q23

The $0.3 billion increase in 2024 net income was driven by core earnings growth and improved market experience, partially offset by a higher net charge related to the updates to actuarial methods and assumptions and lower tax- related benefits. The net charge from market experience in 2024 was primarily related to lower-than-expected returns on alternative long-duration assets ("ALDA"), driven by real estate and private equity investments, as well as realized loss due to the sale of debt instruments related to the reinsurance transactions that were closed in 2024. This realized loss due to the sale of debt instruments was broadly offset by an associated change in Other Comprehensive Income, resulting in a neutral impact to book value.

4Q24 net income was in line with prior year, as core earnings growth offset the non-recurrence of the impact from updates to actuarial methods and assumptions in 4Q23. The net charge from market experience in 4Q24 was primarily related to lower-than-expected returns on public equity and lower-than-expected returns on ALDA, driven by real estate investments.

30%+ increases in insurance new business results and $13.3 billion of net inflows in Global WAM

APE sales, new business CSM and NBV hit record levels in 2024 and increased 30%, 32% and 32%, respectively, year-over-year. We achieved our four best quarters ever in 2024 for all three metrics

• Asia led with continued momentum throughout 2024 and achieved substantial top-line growth, generating 36%, 38% and 35% increases in APE sales, new business CSM and NBV, respectively, driven by broad- based growth across Asia, led by Hong Kong. NBV margin⁷ remained resilient at 40.7%.
• In Canada, APE sales and NBV increased 20% and 28%, respectively, driven by higher sales volumes in Group Insurance across all group benefits markets, in participating life insurance and in segregated fund products. New business CSM increased 59%, benefiting from higher sales volumes and higher margins from Individual Insurance and Annuities.
• In the U.S., APE sales and NBV increased 9% and 14%, respectively, mainly related to increased demand from affluent customers for accumulation insurance products. New business CSM decreased 5% driven by product mix and the impact of interest rates, partially offset by higher sales volumes.

Our 4Q24 new business results demonstrated strong momentum with year-over-year growth of 42%, 32% and 31% in APE sales, new business CSM and NBV, respectively

• Asia continued to generate positive momentum in 4Q24 and grew APE sales, new business CSM and NBV by 63%, 38% and 37%, respectively, driven by broad-based growth across Asia.
• Canada increased APE sales, new business CSM and NBV by 4%, 66% and 21%, respectively, reflecting strong sales growth in participating life insurance and segregated fund products. Lower Group Insurance sales modestly impacted the overall growth in APE sales and NBV.
• In the U.S., 4Q24 APE sales and NBV increased 7% and 17%, respectively, driven by increased demand from affluent customers for accumulation insurance products. New business CSM decreased 5% driven by product mix and the impact of interest rates, partially offset by higher sales volumes.

Global WAM net inflows of $13.3 billion in 2024, $8.8 billion higher compared with net inflows of $4.5 billion in 2023, reflecting strong retail net flows and improved net flows in retirement. This contributes to Global WAM's track record of generating positive net flows in 14 out of the past 15 years

• Retirement net inflows of $0.7 billion in 2024 increased from net outflows of $4.0 billion in 2023, primarily driven by the non-recurrence of large-case retirement plan redemptions by a single sponsor in the U.S. and higher new retirement plan sales, partially offset by higher member withdrawals.
• Retail net inflows of $6.8 billion in 2024 increased from net outflows of $0.5 billion in 2023, driven by increased demand for investment products amid a constructive equity market and improved investor sentiment.
• Institutional Asset Management net inflows of $5.7 billion in 2024 decreased compared with net inflows of $9.0 billion in 2023, reflecting lower net flows from fixed income and equity mandates.

Global WAM net inflows of $1.2 billion in 4Q24, increased $2.5 billion compared with net outflows of $1.3 billion in 4Q23, driven by continued strong retail net flows across all geographies

• Retirement net outflows of $1.9 billion in 4Q24 improved from net outflows of $2.5 billion in 4Q23, primarily driven by the non-recurrence of a large-case retirement plan redemption in the U.S. and higher member contributions, partially offset by higher withdrawals.
• Retail net inflows of $1.3 billion in 4Q24 improved from net outflows of $1.0 billion in 4Q23, driven by increased demand for investment products amid a constructive equity market and improved investor sentiment.
• Institutional Asset Management net inflows of $1.8 billion in 4Q24 decreased compared with net inflows of $2.1 billion in 4Q23, as higher net flows from fixed income mandates were more than offset by lower net flows in equity mandates.

CSM balance increased 3% with contribution from organic CSM movement of 6%^4,7 

CSM was $22,127 million as at December 31, 2024

CSM increased $1,687 million compared with December 31, 2023. Organic CSM movement contributed $1,231 million of the increase in 2024, driven by the impact of new business and interest accretion, partially offset by amortization recognized in core earnings and unfavourable insurance experience. Inorganic CSM movement was an increase of $456 million in 2024, primarily driven by the favourable impacts of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, partially offset by the impacts of reinsurance transactions and the annual review of actuarial methods and assumptions. Post-tax CSM net of NCI³ was $19,682 million as at December 31, 2024.

Earnings Results Conference Call

Manulife will host a conference call and live webcast on its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results on February 20, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. (ET). To access the conference call, dial 1-800-806-5484 or 1-416-340-2217 (Passcode: 8414068#). Please call in 15 minutes before the start time. You will be required to provide your name and organization to the operator. You may access the webcast at www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports.

The archived webcast will be available following the call at the same URL as above. A replay of the call will also be available until March 22, 2025, by dialing 1-800-408-3053 or 1-905-694-9451 (Passcode: 7315507#).

The Fourth Quarter 2024 Statistical Information Package is also available on the Manulife website at: www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports.

This earnings news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2024 MD&A and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year and the quarter ended December 31, 2024, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, which is available on our website at www.manulife.com/en/investors/results-and-reports. The Company's 2024 MD&A and additional information relating to the Company is available on the SEDAR+ website at https://www.sedarplus.ca and on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") website at https://www.sec.gov.

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.

Media Inquiries
Anne Hammer
(201) 925-1213
ahammer@manulife.com

Investor Relations
Hung Ko
(416) 806-9921
hung_ko@manulife.com 

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); core earnings available to common shareholders; core earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("core EBITDA"); core expenses, core earnings available to common shareholders excluding the impact of GMT; adjusted book value; post-tax contractual service margin; post-tax contractual service margin net of NCI ("post-tax CSM net of NCI"); and core revenue. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures include the following stated on a constant exchange rate ("CER") basis: any of the foregoing non-GAAP financial measures; net income attributed to shareholders; and common shareholders' net income.

Non-GAAP ratios include core return on common shareholders' equity ("core ROE"); diluted core earnings per common share ("core EPS"); core EPS excluding the impact of GMT; expense efficiency ratio; adjusted book value per common share; financial leverage ratio; core EBITDA margin; and percentage growth/decline on a constant exchange rate basis in any of the above non-GAAP financial measures and non-GAAP ratios; net income attributed to shareholders; diluted earnings per common share ("EPS"), CSM, and new business CSM.

Other specified financial measures include remittances; NBV; APE sales; gross flows; net flows; average assets under management and administration ("average AUMA"); NBV margin; and percentage growth/decline in these foregoing specified financial measures. In addition, explanations of the components of the CSM movement, other than the new business CSM were provided in the 2024 MD&A.

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 2024 MD&A, which is incorporated by reference.

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders — 2024
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Core earnings, CER basis and U.S. dollars — 2024
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders — 2023
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Core earnings, CER basis and U.S. dollar — 2023
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders — 4Q24
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Core earnings, CER basis and U.S. dollars — 4Q24
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)

Reconciliation of core earnings to net income attributed to shareholders — 3Q24
($ millions, post-tax and based on actual foreign exchange rates in effect in the applicable reporting period, unless otherwise stated)