Manulife Financial (MFC.TO) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

54.00

+0.50 (0.93%)

as of Jun 5, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

1636 watching

Investor Insights

Jun 5, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 27 opinions in the last 12 months.

Manulife Financial (MFC) is viewed positively by numerous analysts, with many highlighting its robust growth potential, especially in the Asian market and wealth management. The company has successfully increased its dividend yield, currently sitting at approximately 4-5%, while its price-to-earnings (PE) ratio remains attractive compared to peers in the banking sector. Analysts have noted concerns over potential earnings drops but maintain a long-term positive outlook, suggesting that MFC is suitable for income-focused investors. While many emphasize the reliability of MFC's dividend and its strong position in life insurance, there are mixed feelings regarding its growth prospects compared to other financial institutions. Overall, the sentiment leans towards MFC being a solid choice for those seeking steady income and moderate growth, but some experts advise caution regarding market volatility.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

GWO

BUY

Very strong life insurance company. The cut in dividends was just to protect the balance sheet. Also planning on making some acquisitions. 2% yield. Likes their growth prospects.

TOP PICK

Investors were not happy with the 50% cut in dividends. An out of favour stock. New management has refocused efforts. Undervalued now. Best upside of all financials. $26 short-term but looking out 18-24 months he could see $31.

COMMENT

Prefers the bonds but not their stocks. Bonds are trading at a premium yield from what they probably should be. Stock is highly correlated to the stock market because of their variable annuities/segregated funds.

BUY

Once people get more comfortable with that they are hopefully at the end of the write-offs and the new management it should be a pickup in the stock.

TOP PICK

A contrarian call. Last quarter was horrible. Cut the dividend in half. Thinks all the bad news is in the stock. Sooner or later they are going to have a decent quarter. The business benefits by both the stock market and bond market doing well.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Sept 23/08. Down 40.91%.) But more at around $10.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Supports their decision to cut dividends as they are now building capital at the rate of $800 million extra, as they want to get their investment grade ratings back to previous levels. Would look to buy this at $20 or below.

COMMENT

Manulife (MFC-T) versus Great West (GWO-T)? Manulife is much more equity market sensitive as it has a higher portfolio of guaranteed variable annuities. Great West has much less exposure and their guarantee is not as aggressive. Manulife’s new management team has decided to de-risk the business and build up capital, which is one of the reasons they cut the dividend. Good exposure geographically.

COMMENT

Even cutting dividend in half was not enough to drive the stock down to where it had been. Could see it getting back into the low $30’s in 2 or 3 years.

TOP PICK

Cut the dividend in August and the stock dropped and has not recovered. They went to a scare last year that they don't want to repeat so they are having to build up their capital.

DON'T BUY

Has been very leveraged to equity markets because of the various products they sold and there is significant risk to the company when markets correct. Recently announced on track to build a fortress balance sheet. Cut dividends and have become considerably more defensive. He is more neutral on this but there are better sectors to deploy your fresh capital.

COMMENT

Essentially a levered way to play the stock market. Still have considerable problems due to their variable life policies and there are substantial liabilities against them if the market were to set back substantially. Consider reducing your holdings.

HOLD

Segregated annuities had such sensitivity to the equity market that it almost put them into bankruptcy. Hadn't hedged. Cut dividends to shore up capital. Still have growth in Asia and have been making acquisitions. Not looking for anything spectacular in the next 6 months but on an overall valuation, it should grow at a 10%-12% clip over the next number of years. 2.3% yield.

HOLD

Dividend cut caught everybody off guard and stock dropped 15%. They may feel that it is in the best interest of shareholders but, on the flip side, it may be an indication of something very serious. On a 3 year period it should get back on track but you can wait on this one before buying..

BUY ON WEAKNESS

If buying for 5 to 10 year hold, longer-term growth in Asia and US (John Hancock holdings) looks very good. Roughly trading at about 10 or 11 times earnings with a 2.5% yield.

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)