Manulife Shows Strong Growth in Second Quarter 2026: Earnings Up 16% with Record Insurance Sales

Manulife Financial Corporation, a major insurance and financial services company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: MFC), announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, showing strong performance across its business operations.

What Did Manulife Earn?

According to the company’s press release dated August 5, 2026, Manulife earned $1.9 billion in core earnings during the second quarter of 2026 (April to June), which is 12% higher than the same period last year. Think of core earnings as the regular money a company makes from its main business activities.

The company’s net income (total profit after everything) reached $2.1 billion, an increase of $0.3 billion compared to the second quarter of 2025.

Breaking Down the Numbers in Simple Terms

Here are the key highlights from Manulife’s second quarter performance:

  • Core EPS (Earnings Per Share): $1.09, up 16% from last year – This means for every share of Manulife stock someone owns, the company earned $1.09
  • Regular EPS: $1.20, up 22% from last year
  • ROE (Return on Equity): 18.0% – This shows how well the company uses investors’ money to generate profits
  • LICAT ratio: 136% – This is a safety measure showing the company has enough money to cover its obligations

What Manulife’s Leaders Are Saying

Phil Witherington, Manulife’s President and CEO, explained that the company delivered strong results through disciplined execution. He highlighted that all three insurance segments achieved double-digit growth, showing the strength of having different types of businesses.

“Core EPS increased 16% year over year, and all three insurance segments delivered double-digit top-line growth, underscoring the strength of our diversified portfolio,” Witherington stated in the press release.

Colin Simpson, Manulife’s Chief Financial Officer, noted that the company’s CSM balance (a measure of future earnings potential) increased 20% year over year. He added that Manulife returned $2.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in the first half of 2026.

How Different Parts of the Business Performed

Asia Division

Manulife’s Asia operations showed particularly strong growth:

  • Core earnings: $616 million (US dollars), up 21% from last year
  • APE sales (a measure of new insurance sales): $1,496 million, up 21%
  • New business value: $506 million, up 13%

The growth was driven by increases in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan markets.

Canada Division

The Canadian operations showed mixed results:

  • Core earnings: $379 million (Canadian dollars), down 10% from last year
  • APE sales: $426 million, up 23%
  • The decrease in earnings was due to unfavorable claims experience and higher expenses

United States Division

The U.S. business showed improvement:

  • Core earnings: $218 million (US dollars), up 55% from last year
  • APE sales: $145 million, up 12%
  • The increase reflected improved claims experience in life and long-term care insurance

Global Wealth and Asset Management

This division manages investments and retirement funds:

  • Core earnings: $505 million, up 9%
  • Net inflows: $0.4 billion (new money coming in minus money going out)
  • Average assets under management: $1,162 billion, up 15% from last year

New Products and Innovations

According to the press release, Manulife launched several new offerings during the quarter:

  • Two new high-net-worth insurance solutions for wealthy clients
  • New ETF-based investment products in Canada and the U.S.
  • A new advisor network called the “Longer. Healthier. Better. Network” in the United States

Recognition for AI Technology

Manulife was named the number one life insurer for AI maturity for the second consecutive year in the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance. The company is using artificial intelligence to improve customer service and make operations more efficient.

In Canada, the company was recognized as the Model Insurer for Data, Analytics & AI by Celent for its automated underwriting system called MAUDE.

Focus on Health and Longevity

The company introduced a Longevity Preparedness Tool developed with MIT AgeLab to help people assess their readiness for living longer lives. In Hong Kong, Manulife expanded its healthcare provider network through a partnership with Bupa International Limited, increasing medical specialists from around 225 to more than 900 providers.

Financial Strength Indicators

As of June 30, 2026, Manulife reported:

  • Book value per share: $27.48, up 10% from a year ago
  • Adjusted book value per share: $41.12, up 15% from a year ago
  • Financial leverage ratio: 22.2%, showing the company maintains low debt levels
  • CSM balance: $27,263 million, representing future earnings potential

About Manulife Financial Corporation

Manulife is a large international insurance and financial services company that operates in Asia, Canada, and the United States. The company is listed on multiple stock exchanges including the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE: MFC), Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MFC), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MFC), and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK: 945).

The company sells insurance products, manages retirement savings, and provides investment management services to millions of customers worldwide. Its business is divided into four main segments: Asia, Canada, U.S., and Global Wealth and Asset Management.

Source Note:

This article is based on the company’s official press release and disclosures filed with the Philippine Stock Exchange’s Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology (PSE EDGE) system. For the complete and official version of the announcement, readers may visit the PSE EDGE website and search for the company’s filing directly.

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