Should I buy Manulife US stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring the performance of Manulife US for over three years. Every month, thousands of users in Singapore rely on us to interpret market trends and highlight the most promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and do not represent investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Manulife US.

What is Manulife US?

How much is Manulife US stock?

The price of Manulife US stock is declining this week. As of now, the stock trades at $31.15 USD, marking a 24-hour decrease of 0.70% and a weekly drop of 1.33%. Manulife's market capitalization stands at $54.32 billion USD, with an average three-month trading volume of approximately 2.55 million shares. The stock features a P/E ratio of 16.25, a dividend yield of 3.92%, and a beta of 0.97, reflecting moderate volatility.

While recent movement has been slightly downward, the solid dividend and stable valuation suggest ongoing relevance for Singapore-based investors seeking defensive financial sector exposure.

Our full analysis on Manulife US stock

We have conducted a rigorous multi-factor review of Manulife US stock, synthesizing its latest financial disclosures, the share's historical trends over the past three years, and comparative peer analysis. Deploying both hard metrics and proprietary algorithms—integrating financial ratios, technical signals, market sentiment, and sectoral benchmarks—we have formed a cohesive picture of Manulife US’s current positioning. The logical next consideration: What are the reasons Manulife US may once again present an attractive strategic entry point into the global insurance and financial services sector as we look ahead to 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Recent Stock Price Movement

Manulife US (NYSE: MFC) has demonstrated remarkable resilience and gradual upward momentum across the past twelve months, trading currently at $31.15 USD after setting a 52-week range of $23.30–$33.07. The stock has delivered a robust 19.6% return over the past year, decisively outpacing the broader insurance index and even many S&P 500 financial peers. Long-term performance has also shown reduced volatility (Beta: 0.97), offering a compelling blend of growth and defensive characteristics, highly appropriate for investors seeking stable capital appreciation alongside dividend income.

Positive Recent Events

The Q1 2025 financial release provided several positive surprises, including a 12% year-on-year increase in book value per common share and continued dividend growth (current yield: 3.92%). The company’s broad-based strategic initiatives—such as closing significant reinsurance transactions to unlock capital, extending vital Asia-Pacific partnerships, and launching innovative products like FutureStep™ in the US—underscore a forward-thinking approach. Meanwhile, ongoing investments in generative AI and digital distribution infrastructure have fortified Manulife’s capacity to engage customers and drive operating efficiency, setting it apart in an already competitive industry.

Favorable Macroeconomic and Sector Backdrop

In the current landscape—the insurance sector is widely seen as a beneficiary of rising global wealth, growing demand for risk protection, and demographic expansion, especially in Asia. With interest rates stabilizing, investment returns are expected to underpin profitability. For Singaporean investors, Manulife’s transpacific exposure and focus on the high-growth Asian insurance and wealth management markets make it particularly relevant in today’s portfolio context, as regional flows continue to shift toward companies leveraging Asia’s underpenetrated insurance sector.

Technical Analysis

Indicators (RSI, MACD, and Moving Averages)

From a technical standpoint, Manulife US shares are exhibiting clear bullish momentum and supportive price action:

• RSI (14): 58.06, signaling neither overbought nor oversold conditions and thus headroom for further positive moves.
• MACD (12,26,9): 0.37, affirming a firm bullish trend and positive price acceleration.
• Moving Averages: The stock is trading above all major MAs (20, 50, 100, and 200 days), currently at $29.87, $29.93, $30.14, and $29.59 respectively.

This structural alignment above key averages and the favorable MACD setup robustly reinforce technical consensus ratings of “Buy” and “Strong Buy” from leading platforms.

Strong Support Levels and Bullish Reversal Signals

Solid medium-term support is established at $30.24, while technical resistance sits at $31.43—levels closely monitored by professional traders. The current price action firmly above support and the confluence of upward-trending moving averages indicate any pullbacks are being treated as active buying opportunities by institutional investors, a notable sign of durable demand and resetting price floors.

Favorable Short- and Medium-Term Momentum

Momentum structure in both the short and intermediate term not only supports further advances, but suggests an emerging “higher highs, higher lows” pattern. Technicians will recognize this as a classic set-up for a fresh bullish phase, especially against a macro backdrop where Manulife’s sector is showing renewed leadership.

Fundamental Analysis

Revenue Growth, Profitability, and Strategic Expansion

• Core Earnings: $1.8 billion CAD in Q1 2025—down just 1% year-over-year on a constant currency basis, while successfully navigating broader market headwinds.
• Segment Highlights:
• Asia: Core earnings up 7%, reflecting excellent growth prospects and favorable claims experience.
• Wealth & Asset Management: Core earnings surged 24%, buoyed by positive net market flows.
• Insurance New Business: Record levels with a 37% increase in APE sales, 31% jump in new business CSM, and 36% rise in new business value.
• Canada: Earnings up 3%.
• US: Some softness (-25%), but offset by strategic capital optimization.
• Core ROE: 15.6%—above the global insurance peer average.
• Assets Under Management: $1.6 trillion CAD, underscoring Manulife’s scale and diversification.
• LICAT Ratio: 137%, evidencing an exceptionally strong capital buffer.

Attractive Valuation

• P/E Ratio: 16.25 (well-supported by forward earnings trajectory)
• Earnings Per Share: $1.92 USD
• PEG and Price-to-Sales ratios also screen attractively compared to multi-national insurance peers, especially when factoring in Manulife’s Asia-driven growth premium.
• Dividend Yield: 3.92%—far above the S&P 500 average, reinforcing total return attractiveness for income-seeking investors.

Structural Strengths: Innovation, Market Share, Brand

Manulife continues to invest aggressively in:

• Digital platforms and GenAI (improving sales support and client servicing)
• Expanding its wealth management offerings (strong inflows despite softer macro flows)
• Cementing strategic partnerships (Asia bancassurance, digital retirement in the US)
• Global leadership transition (Phil Witherington as new CEO) to ensure strategic continuity and innovative culture

Few insurers offer Manulife’s blend of strong brand, entrenched market share in both developed and emerging markets, and demonstrable execution on digital transformation.

Volume and Liquidity

Sustained Trading Volume as a Marker of Confidence

• Average Daily Volume: 2.55 million shares over 3 months—excellent liquidity profile, facilitating efficient entry and exit for both retail and institutional participants.
• Public Float: 1.72 billion shares; minimal short interest (0.33% of float) further attests to market stability and lack of bearish speculation.
• Float Structure: With a broad float and robust institutional ownership, valuation remains dynamic and responsive, but also inherently stable, reducing the risk of adverse liquidity events—an increasingly important consideration for investors in less liquid regional alternatives.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Multiple Bullish Catalysts on the Horizon

• Product Innovation: Recent roll-out of FutureStep™, targeting digital retirement solutions for US SMEs.
• Strategic Partnerships: 15-year renewal in the Philippines with China Banking Corporation, confirming Manulife’s deep-rooted Asian franchise.
• GenAI Investment: Early adoption positions Manulife ahead in digital distribution and operational efficiency—a key differentiator in capturing next-generation insurance customers.
• Capital Optimization: The company’s dynamic approach to reinsurance and resource deployment is actively boosting return on equity—leaving further scope for buybacks, dividend enhancements, and inorganic growth.
• ESG and Sustainability Initiatives: Manulife remains forward-looking, embedding ESG criteria across investment and operational processes—highly aligned with contemporary APAC investor priorities.

Favorable Sector and Regulatory Backdrop

With global insurance and wealth management demand intensifying—especially as Asian middle-class populations continue to expand—Manulife’s business model is exceptionally well-aligned for current and future growth. Furthermore, anticipated regulatory stabilization in key markets is set to provide further business predictability, while Manulife’s strong LICAT capitalization serves as a material differentiator.

Investment Strategies

Compelling Arguments for Entry Across Holding Periods

Short-Term Positioning:
- The share is trading near resistance, but with positive technical momentum and confirmed buy signals, any retracement toward the $30.24 support would provide an advantageous technical entry.
- Near-term catalysts (ex-dividend date, Q2 reporting) provide clear event-driven upside potential.

Medium-Term Perspective:
- Ongoing execution of Asia growth initiatives, further digital rollouts, and incremental improvement in core profitability affirm the probability of sustained, above-market returns.
- Steady upward revisions of analyst EPS forecasts may act as a further potent technical and sentiment driver.

Long-Term View:
- Manulife stands as a paragon of structural growth and innovation, with undeniable scale, a well-defended capital base, and a singular focus on the two most exciting regions in global insurance (Asia and North America).
- The company’s track record of prudent capital allocation, plus secular growth in global savings and protection demand, offers a strong case for core portfolio inclusion.

Ideal Positioning:
- Currently trading at a modest premium to major moving averages—and well within a consolidation zone backed by robust support—Manulife US stock seems to be at an attractive inflection point, providing a textbook accumulation setup just as a new phase of sector optimism takes hold.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Manulife US?

In summing up, Manulife US offers an array of key strengths that reinforce the view that the timing aligns especially well for incremental portfolio exposure:

• Consistent revenue and EPS growth, particularly from Asia and Wealth Management.
• Attractive dividend yield with a sustainable payout and scope for ongoing growth.
• Strong balance sheet and impressive capital position, demonstrated by a superior 137% LICAT ratio.
• Market-leading digital and AI investments, fueling operating leverage.
• Shareholder-friendly orientation through buybacks and strategic capital releases.
• Technical consensus favoring accumulation, as the stock remains above all key moving averages and attracts increasing institutional demand.

Against a backdrop of global financial stability, demographic tailwinds, and Manulife’s focused strategy, the fundamentals justify renewed interest and the technicals indicate potential for a fresh bullish phase. Across all relevant time frames, Manulife US seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking both capital appreciation and dependable yield from one of the world’s most efficiently managed insurance and financial conglomerates. For those aiming to benefit from high-growth Asia exposure while retaining exposure to resilient North American markets, the current position of Manulife US in the market cycle may well be an inflection point deserving of serious consideration. In a market landscape distinguished by selective opportunities, Manulife US stands out as a stock with demonstrable upside potential, well-aligned to the region’s evolving portfolio needs, and ready to generate strong returns as its fundamental momentum accelerates into 2025.

As Manulife US advances into the next growth cycle, the convergence of technical, fundamental, and strategic factors suggests it may be entering a new bullish phase—providing a rare window to participate in the ongoing transformation of global insurance and wealth management.

How to buy Manulife US stock in Singapore?

Buying Manulife US (MFC) stock online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated broker in Singapore. Investors can choose between two main approaches: traditional spot buying, which involves purchasing shares outright, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allows you to speculate on price movements without owning the actual shares. Both methods are available on reputable online brokerage platforms with robust protection for investors. Each strategy has its distinct advantages and risks, so selecting the right one depends on your objectives and style. For a detailed comparison of brokers and their fees, see our broker comparison further down the page.

Spot Buying

A cash (spot) purchase means you directly buy and own Manulife US shares, making you eligible for dividends and voting rights. This method suits investors aiming for long-term capital growth or dividend income. In Singapore, local brokers typically charge a fixed commission on US equities, often ranging from SGD 3 to SGD 15 per trade.

Information Example

For example, if Manulife US (NYSE: MFC) is trading at USD 31.15 per share, with a brokerage fee of around SGD 7 (about USD 5), a $1,000 USD investment lets you acquire roughly 32 shares (after fees).
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price increases by 10%, your holding would be worth about $1,100 USD, resulting in a gross gain of $100 USD, or +10% on your original investment.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading enables you to speculate on Manulife US’s share price movements without owning the underlying shares. With CFDs, you can use leverage—borrowing capital from the broker to increase your exposure. For Manulife US stock, brokers often offer leverage up to 5:1 for retail clients. Fees typically include the spread (difference between buying and selling price) and overnight financing costs if you keep positions open beyond a day.

Information Example

For example, with a $1,000 USD deposit and 5x leverage, you control $5,000 worth of MFC shares via CFDs.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the stock price rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%. That’s a $400 USD gain on your $1,000 stake (not counting fees).

Final Advice

Before investing in Manulife US stock, it’s vital to compare brokerage fees, trading platforms, and investment conditions. Each broker in Singapore offers different pricing and features for US-listed stocks. Your choice between spot buying and CFDs should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and preferred trading horizon. For clarity and confidence in your decision, consult our broker comparison available further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying Manulife US stock

The latest news about Manulife US

Manulife stock maintains bullish technical momentum on US and Asian growth, supporting investor confidence.
Over the past week, Manulife Financial Corporation has continued to trade above its major 20, 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages, indicating persistent bullish momentum. This positive technical picture is fueled by growth in the company’s Asia segment—a strategically crucial region for Manulife, given the increasing demand for insurance and wealth solutions across Southeast Asia. The overall technical consensus remains a "Buy" according to the most current analyst signals, with moving average indicators registering as "Strong Buy." For Singapore-based analysts and investors, this reflects both regional and global investor recognition of Manulife’s effective positioning in fast-growing Asian markets.

Strong performance in Asia, including Singapore, drives new business growth and segment earnings.
Manulife’s recently released Q1 2025 results reported 7% year-over-year core earnings growth in Asia, with record new business value surging 43% year-over-year and robust increases across APE sales and CSM. These numbers underscore the impact of ongoing digital transformation initiatives and product innovation in the region, including Singapore, where Manulife continues to invest in digitization and next-generation insurance solutions tailored to local market preferences. Singapore’s status as a leading Asian financial hub amplifies the significance of these results, suggesting sustained opportunities for business expansion and customer acquisition in the city-state and its neighboring markets.

Dividend yield remains attractive for Singaporean investors, with stable quarterly payouts and accessible reinvestment.
Manulife offers an appealing 3.92% dividend yield, with quarterly payments and a robust dividend policy. For Singaporean investors, although Canadian withholding tax applies, the strong track record of consistent dividends provides a dependable source of income in an environment where yield opportunities are highly sought after. Furthermore, Manulife’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan remains available, enabling eligible investors—potentially including those in Singapore via certain custodians—to compound returns and benefit from the insurer’s long-term growth.

Leadership transition sets stage for continuity and further Asia-focused strategic execution.
This week, Manulife confirmed the upcoming transition from CEO Roy Gori to Phil Witherington, who previously served as CFO and brings deep expertise in the Asian insurance marketplace. This leadership change is expected to maintain organizational stability and reinforce the company’s commitment to Asia—including Singapore, where the firm holds a meaningful market share. Witherington’s established track record and regional insights are anticipated to accelerate digital initiatives, innovation, and customer engagement across the region, aiming to bolster Manulife’s growth in Asian high-potential jurisdictions.

Ongoing digital innovation and AI investments enhance service delivery and operational resilience in Singapore.
Manulife has also signaled an expansion of its generative AI (GenAI) capabilities to support digital sales and improve customer experience in Asia, with particular relevance to tech-savvy markets such as Singapore. By leveraging advanced AI solutions in underwriting, claims management, and digital product distribution, Manulife is positioning itself at the forefront of the local financial services industry. These advancements are expected to result in greater operational efficiency, product personalization, and strengthened partnerships with digital distribution platforms, reinforcing Manulife’s competitive advantage in Singapore’s dynamically evolving insurance landscape.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.