Manulife Earnings: Shares Rise by 7% After Impressive Results

We’ve raised our fair value estimate of Manulife stock.

Suryansh Sharma 21 February, 2025 | 3:17PM
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Key Morningstar Metrics for Manulife Financial


What We Thought of Manulife Financial’s Earnings

Manulife Financial MFC posted impressive numbers, surprising on the upside in both profitability and growth. They reported core earnings of C$1.90 billion, or C$1.03 per share, in the fourth quarter, up 9% compared with the previous year. Adjusted return on equity was 16.5% during the quarter.

Why it matters: The firm’s Asia, Canada, and asset management business segments are performing extremely well, with some relative weakness in the US business.

  • Assets under management and administration in the wealth and asset management segment grew by 21% during the fourth quarter compared with the previous year as it was recorded at C$1.02 trillion. Core profitability in this segment was 34% higher on a year-over-year basis due to margin expansion and higher AUM.
  • Shares were trading 7% higher after results were announced as the market reacted favorably to a 10% dividend increase.

The bottom line: We are increasing the fair value estimate to C$39 per share after incorporating the latest results. We still believe the firm is benefiting from a favorable external environment and that shares are overvalued.

  • Higher interest rates and buoyant capital markets have been a tailwind for the company in recent quarters resulting in higher investment earnings and AUM. A correction in capital markets or lower rates would be a net negative for the company.

Long view: While all life insurance companies are benefiting from improved profitability, Manulife’s long-term growth potential makes it more attractive.

  • Growth metrics were extremely strong during the quarter as annualized premiums grew by 42%, new business CSM grew by 32%, and new business value grew by 31% on a year-over-year basis. The Asia segment holds the key to the firm’s growth and profitability outlook in the long run.

Manulife Stock vs. Morningstar Fair Value Estimate

Source: Morningstar Direct. Latest price as of 09:46 AM EST. Data as of Feb. 21, 2025.


The author or authors do not own shares in any securities mentioned in this article. Find out about Morningstar's editorial policies.

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Suryansh Sharma  Suryansh Sharma is a senior equity analyst for Morningstar.

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