Manulife (MFC) Outlook Steady as Morgan Stanley Lifts Price Target

Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is included among the 15 Global Dividend Stocks to Diversify Your Portfolio.

Photo by Dan Dennis on Unsplash

On December 15, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) to $51 from $50 and maintained an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The analyst pointed to lower interest rates and a steady, or improving, equity market as supportive macro conditions. Looking ahead, 2026 should see “similar fundamental trends as 2025,” according to the firm’s life insurance group outlook.

The stock is already reflecting some of that optimism. Shares are up nearly 20% since the start of 2025. In November, Manulife laid out a refreshed strategy focused on Asia, aiming to gain market share in large economies and broaden its business mix during a period of global uncertainty.

Capital flexibility has played a role in that shift. Since 2023, Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) has used reinsurance deals to transfer risk and free up capital. That has opened the door for share buybacks and new investments. One priority is India, where the company plans to grow through a joint venture with Mahindra and Mahindra. In September, Manulife also agreed to acquire Schroders’ business in Indonesia, strengthening its footprint in Southeast Asia.

The Asia segment is already showing momentum. Core earnings from the region rose 29% to $550 million in the third quarter compared with the same period last year. That growth helped lift overall results. For the three months ended September 30, Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) reported core earnings of C$2.04 billion, or C$1.16 per share. A year earlier, core earnings totaled C$1.83 billion, or C$1.00 per share.

Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) operates as a global financial services company, providing insurance, wealth management, and investment solutions across multiple markets.

READ NEXT: 13 Highest Paying Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy and 15 Dividend Stocks With Low Payout Ratios and Strong Upside

Disclosure: None.