TSE:MFC

Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

57.19
+0.15 (0.26%)
as of Jun 26, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
1634 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconJun 26, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 28 opinions in the last 12 months.

Manulife Financial (MFC) has garnered mixed reviews from experts, reflecting a range of perspectives on its current standing and future potential. Several analysts highlight the company's strong dividend yield and its robust performance in Asia, suggesting it may be a worthwhile long-term investment, particularly for those seeking income rather than growth. However, concerns regarding earnings fluctuations, market pullbacks, and comparisons with peers like Sun Life Financial indicate that MFC may not be as attractive as other options in the life insurance sector. Many experts recognize the potential for capital appreciation, yet they caution that the stock faces headwinds, especially when considering broader market dynamics and the performance of similar financial institutions. There is a prevailing sentiment that the stock remains a reliable choice, albeit needing careful monitoring amidst potential market corrections.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
SLF
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.
COMMENT
Reporting Aug 6th and apparently there will be more write-offs.
TOP PICK
Senior insurance bond maturing in 10 years, 7.768% coupon yielding 5.4%, about 1.8% more than the government. Canadian financial system is very strong. Very well capitalized and he expects it to return to profitability soon.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Insurance companies were torn down during the financial crisis but on recovery have been leading the way up but was not on the basis of very solid underpinning. A tremendous company but still some possible disappointments in earnings going forward. (Added to his positions at $9 but would look at it at around $20.)
HOLD
If we are coming out of the bear market, which he thinks we are, it should do well
TOP PICK
World-class company in the insurance field. Got into trouble over the variable guaranteed investment certificates but are working their way out of this. Keep at 11X PE.
DON'T BUY
Was the world's leading life insurance company with great balance sheet, management and strong growth prospects in the far east. Turned out it was a leveraged play on the North American stock market. As long as there segregated funds dominate their earnings volatility he is not going to buy.
BUY
Has had to put a lot of additional reserves on to cover their guaranteed annuities. If you are positive on the equity markets, the stock should do well. Most geographically diverse of all the life insurance companies. New management will be more conservative.
TOP PICK
Capital Trust II maturing 12/31/19. A hybrid security so it falls under their tier 1 debt. Can be converted into preferred shares. 6.5% yield, which is 3% over government.
HOLD
Basically this has become a call on the general market and really doesn't have much to do with insurance at this time. Wouldn't Buy but would continue to Hold. 4.8% yield.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Has been over discounted. Very levered to equity markets. Have had a pretty large mark to market and thinks they will take a fair bit of that and set it aside for reserves. On poor days you can probably buy below $20. (See Top Picks.)
BUY
If you like the stock market and are convinced that we are okay, this is a good time to buy. Has a reasonable yield. The negative on the stock is their production of derivatives and can the balance sheet hold if a low probability happens.
COMMENT
6.7% bond maturing in 2012. Big fan of this company. The bond is good but you might do better going into their preferred shares, either the street preferreds or the reset one's.
BUY
World-class company. Anything below $20 is well worth buying.
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