Financial Results, Strategic Partnerships, Appointments, and Announcements - Research Report on ICICI Bank, Barclays, Willis Group Holdings, Manulife Financial, and Walter Investment

NEW YORK, August 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Investors' Reports announced new research reports highlighting ICICI Bank Ltd. (NYSE: IBN), Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS), Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (NYSE: WSH), Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC), and Walter Investment Management Corp. (NYSE: WAC). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

ICICI Bank Ltd. Research Report

On July 31, 2013, ICICI Bank Ltd. (ICICI Bank) reported its financial results for Q1 FY 2014 (period ended June 30, 2013). The Company's standalone profit after tax increased 25.2% YoY to US$383 million during the quarter. Net interest income increased 19.5% YoY to US$643 million, and net interest margin increased 26 basis points from 3.01% in Q1 FY 2013 to 3.27% for Q1 FY 2014. Non-interest income increased 31.9% YoY to US$418 million in Q1 FY 2014. Cost-to-income ratio reduced to 39.4% in Q1 FY 2014 from 41.8% in Q1 FY 2013. Return on average assets was 1.75% in Q1 FY 2014 compared to 1.51% in Q1 FY 2013. Additionally, the Company continued with its strategy of pursuing profitable growth and also continued to leverage its strong corporate franchise, its international presence and its branch network in India. ICICI Bank has added 250 branches, including 150 low cost Gramin (Rural) branches, 421 ATMs to its network, during the quarter. The Full Research Report on ICICI Bank Ltd. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investorsreports.com/report/2013-08-06/IBN]

--

Barclays PLC Research Report

On August 6, 2013, Barclays PLC (Barclays) reported that President Bill Clinton saw first-hand the impact of the savings-led microfinance program 'Banking on Change,' established and managed by the Company, in association with Plan UK and CARE International. The Company made the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action, driven to improve the quality of life for poor people by enhancing, innovating and accelerating sustained access to savings and other financial services, while launching Banking on Change at the CGI Annual Meeting in New York in 2009. According to President Bill Clinton, "I have been involved in programmes like this for over 30 years, long before I became President and I am very impressed by this one." He added, "This is the sort of thing that banking should be doing - it's about real people, taking out real loans, to do real things." The Full Research Report on Barclays PLC - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investorsreports.com/report/2013-08-06/BCS]

--

Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company Research Report

On August 6, 2013, Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company (Willis) announced that it has appointed Michael Harden, current Chairman of Willis Re Australia, as the CEO of Willis Re Bermuda, effective January 1, 2014. Commenting on his appointment, Harden said, "This is a great opportunity. I look forward to beginning a new chapter in my career and embracing a new challenge. My focus will be to further enhance Willis Re's profile on the island, and build upon the team's current success." The Full Research Report on Willis Group Holdings Public Limited Company - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investorsreports.com/report/2013-08-06/WSH]

--

Manulife Financial Corporation Research Report

On August 6, 2013, Manulife Financial Corporation (Manulife Financial) announced the appointment of Michael Huddart as the Executive Vice President and General Manager in Greater China. In his new role, Mr. Huddart will oversee Manulife Financial's operations in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan. Additionally, Mr. Huddart will take on the leadership role as Chairman of Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Co. Ltd. and Vice Chairman of Manulife TEDA Fund Management Co., Ltd. in Mainland China along with the responsibility for Manulife Financial's asset management business in Taiwan, besides continuing his responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Manulife (International) Limited and Chief Executive Officer of Manulife Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited in Hong Kong. The Full Research Report on Manulife Financial Corporation - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investorsreports.com/report/2013-08-06/MFC]

--

Walter Investment Management Corp. Research Report

On July 30, 2013, Walter Investment Management Corp. (Walter Investment) announced that it has entered into a strategic relationship with UFG Holdings, LLC. (UFG), a company controlled by an investor group, led by Brian Libman, Walter Investment's Chief Strategy Officer. UFG has agreed to acquire 100% of the membership interests of Urban Financial Group, LLC (Urban) from KCG Holdings, Inc. As per the terms of the agreement with UFG, and subject to the closing of the purchase of Urban, Walter Investment will invest c.$15 million in UFG in the form of an unsecured loan and will receive warrants entitling Walter Investment to purchase up to 19% of the common units of UFG. According to Mark J. O'Brien, Chairman and CEO of the Company, "We believe the development of this strategic relationship with Brian and Urban will result in a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship for both entities." The Full Research Report on Walter Investment Management Corp. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.investorsreports.com/report/2013-08-06/WAC]

----

EDITOR NOTES:

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

Content is researched, written and reviewed on a best-effort basis. This document, article or report is prepared and authored by Equity News Network. An outsourced research services provider has, through Chartered Financial Analysts, only reviewed the information provided by Equity News Network in this article or report according to the Procedures outlined by Equity News Network. Equity News Network is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the outsourced provider to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Equity News Network makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness or fitness for a purpose (investment or otherwise), of the information provided in this document. This information is not to be construed as personal financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult their personal financial advisor before making any decisions to buy, sell or hold any securities mentioned herein.

NO WARRANTY OR LIABILITY ASSUMED

Equity News Network is not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted by Equity News Network whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. Equity News Network expressly disclaims any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Equity News Network does not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

http://InvestorsReports.com

SOURCE Investors' Reports