Genworth Financial Announces New Timing For Planned Minority Initial Public Offering (IPO) Of Australian Mortgage Insurance Business

RICHMOND, Va., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) today announced a new timeframe for completing its planned minority initial public offering (IPO) of up to 40 percent of its Australian mortgage insurance (MI) business.  Genworth is now seeking to complete the IPO in early 2013, subject to market conditions, valuation considerations including business performance, and regulatory approvals. The Australian MI capital ratio remains sound, and the company is continuing the IPO regulatory review process. Genworth had previously targeted a second quarter 2012 IPO.

This new timeframe primarily reflects recent business performance in Australia.  For the 2012 first quarter, the company expects to report elevated loss experience in Australia as lenders accelerated the processing of later-stage delinquencies from prior years through to foreclosure and claim at a higher rate and severity than expected, particularly in coastal areas of Queensland that experienced natural catastrophes and regional economic slowdowns and among certain groups of small business owners and self-employed borrowers. First quarter experience is anticipated to result in a modest first quarter loss in the Australian MI business. A detailed report on Genworth's first quarter financial results will be provided on the company's May 2, 2012 earnings call.

Genworth has been pursuing the Australian MI IPO as part of its business portfolio management strategies. Genworth's liquidity and risk buffer plans are not dependent on the IPO, with the holding company having approximately $1.4 billion in cash and highly liquid securities at March 31, 2012.

This press release is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The securities referred to in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. If an offer of securities which requires disclosure in Australia is made, a disclosure document for the offer will be prepared at that time. Any person who wishes to apply to acquire securities will need to complete the application form that will be in or will accompany the disclosure document. In addition, this press release is not intended for public distribution in Australia.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW) is a leading Fortune 500 insurance holding company dedicated to helping people secure their financial lives, families and futures.  Genworth has leadership positions in offerings that assist consumers in protecting themselves, investing for the future and planning for retirement -- including life insurance, long term care insurance, financial protection coverages, and independent advisor-based wealth management -- and mortgage insurance that helps consumers achieve home ownership while assisting lenders in managing their risk and capital.

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