SCHEDULE: Manulife Funds Disclose 5.09% Stake in Univest Financial

Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC and its affiliates have disclosed a 5.09% beneficial ownership stake in Univest Financial Corp. common stock.

Summary

• Manulife Financial Corporation (MFC), along with its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC (MIM (US)) and Manulife Investment Management Limited (MIML), filed a Schedule 13G.
• MIM (US) reported beneficial ownership of 1,469,389 shares of Univest Financial Corp. Common Stock, representing 5.09% of the class.
• MIML reported beneficial ownership of 6,483 shares of Univest Financial Corp. Common Stock, representing 0.02% of the class.
• MFC is deemed to have beneficial ownership of the shares held by MIM (US) and MIML due to the parent-subsidiary relationship.
• The filing indicates that MIM (US) holds sole voting and sole dispositive power over its 1,469,389 shares, and MIML holds sole voting and sole dispositive power over its 6,483 shares.
• The total outstanding shares of Univest Financial Corp. Common Stock were 28,880,154 as of April 28, 2025, based on the issuer's Form 10-Q.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing is a factual disclosure of beneficial ownership, which is neutral in tone. While the acquisition of a significant stake by a large institution could be interpreted positively by the market, the document itself does not convey explicit positive or negative sentiment.

Positives

• The disclosure of a significant beneficial ownership stake by a major financial institution like Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC may signal institutional confidence in Univest Financial Corp.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

This filing is a routine regulatory disclosure for institutional investors that cross a 5% beneficial ownership threshold in a publicly traded company. It indicates that a significant investment management arm of a major global financial services group, Manulife, has taken a notable stake in Univest Financial Corp., a financial services company.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This is a standard Schedule 13G filing, which is a common regulatory requirement for institutional investors when their beneficial ownership in a company's stock exceeds 5%.
• The reported 5.09% stake by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC is a significant position for an institutional investor, indicating a material investment in Univest Financial Corp.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The disclosure of a significant institutional investor's stake may influence market perception, potentially increasing investor confidence and liquidity for Univest Financial Corp. shares.

Key Dates

Keywords

Univest Financial Corp, Manulife, Manulife Investment Management, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, Financial Services, Investment