These Canadian insurers thrive in Asia

Article Excerpt

MANULIFE FINANCIAL CORP. $23.19 (Toronto symbol MFC; Shares o/s: 2.0 billion; Market cap: $46.0 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 3.8%; www.manulife.ca) is Canada’s largest life insurer. The company also sells other forms of insurance, including health, dental and travel plans; in addition, it offers mutual funds and investment management services. As of June 30, 2018, Manulife had $1.1 trillion in assets under administration. In the quarter ended June 30, 2018, earnings jumped 22.8%, to $0.70 per share from $0.57 a year earlier. The increase mainly reflected lower payouts on policies. Still, in the latest quarter, Manulife also benefitted from Asia’s strong performance. There, its earnings rose 19.0%, with particularly strong insurance sales in Hong Kong. Global wealth management remains strong. Manulife stock trades at only 8.8 times the company’s forecast 2018 earnings of $2.65 a share. It raised its quarterly dividend by 7.3%, with the March 2018 payment. Investors now receive $0.22 a share for a yield of 3.8%. Manulife is a buy. SUN LIFE FINANCIAL $50.93 (Toronto…