High Yield Fixed Income Strategy

The strategy seeks to deliver competitive total returns by investing in undervalued securities of companies with attractive long-term outlooks. The team’s fundamental research looks across a firm’s capital structure, seeking out companies and securities that exhibit catalysts for unlocking value and improving investor confidence.

 

Philosophy

The team employs a research-driven process concentrated on security selection, investing in companies where they can clearly identify a catalyst for unlocking value. These companies generally exhibit the potential for a sustainable business model, a compelling value proposition, and/or strong cash flows. As part of the research process, the team seeks to pinpoint the most attractive part of a company’s capital structure to invest in to maximize risk-adjusted return while focusing on below-investment-grade bonds and bank loans.

Managed by

Caryn E. Rothman, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager, Head of Global Credit, Manulife Investment Management

Caryn is head of the firm’s global credit team and a senior portfolio manager across all the team’s strategies. Previously, she was a sector lead for consumer and healthcare on Manulife’s developed-market corporate credit research team. Prior to serving as sector lead, Caryn was a senior research analyst for the fixed-income team, providing coverage on developed- and emerging-market credit opportunities across the quality spectrum for the consumer, healthcare, and energy industries. Caryn holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society Boston and the CFA Institute.

  • Education: B.A., Economics, Wellesley College; M.B.A., Babson College
  • Joined the company: 1996
  • Began career: 1996 
Caryn E. Rothman, CFA

James Gearhart, CFA

Associate Portfolio Manager, Global Credit, Manulife Investment Management

James is focused on asset allocation and security selection for the global credit team strategies. Previously, he provided research coverage for the technology, media, entertainment, and cable industries for our fixed-income strategies. Prior to joining Manulife Investment Management, James was a credit research analyst with Loomis, Sayles & Co. and, before that, he was with Fitch Ratings as a corporate credit analyst. He started his career with UBS Asset Management as an equity research intern. James holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society Boston.

  • Education: B.A., Economics, B.B.A., Finance, Radford University; M.Sc., Finance, University of Rochester–Simon Business School
  • Joined the company: 2015
  • Began career: 2011
James Gearhart, CFA

Jonas Grazulis, CFA

Associate Portfolio Manager, Global Credit, Manulife Investment Management

Jonas is focused on asset allocation and security selection for the global credit team strategies. Previously, he provided research coverage for the gaming, leisure and lodging, oil services, and healthcare industries for our fixed-income strategies. He joined the company on completion of an internal two-year analyst development program. While in the program, he held positions in Hancock Timber Resource Group, John Hancock Realty Advisors, and John Hancock Investment Management, working with the global equity and high-yield teams. Jonas holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society Boston.

  • Education: B.S., Economics and Finance, Bentley University
  • Joined the company: 2011
  • Began career: 2011
Jonas Grazulis, CFA

Vehicles

At Manulife Investment Management, we offer investment strategies through a variety of vehicles to suit a broad range of client needs. Contact our institutional sales or consultant relations team to find out if this strategy/vehicle is offered in your region. 

  • Separate accounts

    Our separate accounts and separately managed accounts (SMAs) are designed for institutions and high-net-worth clients seeking tailored investment solutions and direct ownership of securities. 

  • Pooled Funds

    Our professionally managed Pooled Funds are available to qualified institutions.

  • Mutual funds

    Mutual funds are liquid, professionally managed portfolios which are available to both institutional and retail investors.

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Important information

The material contains information regarding the investment approach described herein and is not a complete description of the investment objectives, risks, policies, guidelines or portfolio management and research that supports this investment approach. Any decision to engage Manulife Investment Management should be based upon a review of the terms of the prospectus, offering documents or investment management agreement, as applicable, and the specific investment objectives, policies and guidelines that apply under the terms of such agreement. There is no guarantee investment objectives will be met. The investment process may change over time. The characteristics set forth above are intended as a general illustration of some of the criteria the strategy team considers in selecting securities for client portfolios. Client portfolios are managed according to mutually agreed upon investment guidelines.

This information has been provided by Manulife Investment Management. All material is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and correct but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instrument nor does it constitute an offer or invitation to invest in any fund managed by Manulife Investment Management and has not been prepared in connection with any such offer. This information does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice or recommendations with respect to the securities and sectors listed.

References to securities, transactions or holdings should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell a particular security and there is no assurance that, as of the date of publication, the securities remain in the portfolio. Additionally, it is noted that the securities or transactions referenced do not represent all of the securities purchased, sold or recommended during the period referenced and there is no guarantee as to the future profitability of the securities identified and discussed herein.

The indices cited are widely accepted benchmarks for investment performance within their relevant regions, sectors or asset classes, and represent non managed investment portfolio.