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

Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

61.50

-0.03 (0.05%)

as of Sep 24, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

1632 watching

COMMENT

Have segregated funds, which they guaranteed the performance that you get all your money back after 10 years. Didn't do a lot in the way of hedging so their exposure to the market is considerable. However, if this market turns around, this company could be one of the best performing financials on the way up.

DON'T BUY

Made a huge mistake in not hedging their variable annuities. There are unknown liabilities. If the market recovered in the next year or so, they probably would skate onside. If it doesn't, there is some question as to how much equity of the company that might be wiped out. 10.4% dividend.

HOLD

(Market Call Minute.)Both Sun Life (SLF-T) and Manufacturers Life (MFC-T) are vulnerable in the short-term to the “mark to market” accounting that we are seeing. With its SAG Fund operations it has exposure to lower equity markets and did not adequately reserve. Would definitely not be a buyer.

DON'T BUY

Requires a significant stock market rally in order to do better. This fear is that investors will not give it the full benefit whatever rally we do see. 10% yield may not be sustainable.

DON'T BUY

Sold his holdings about a week ago. Concerned on their segregated funds in Canada and variable annuities in the US. Means huge exposure to the stock market. On any potential downside to the stock market, the stock is probably way over priced.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Feels they should cut the dividend. Have a lot of products where they guaranteed income. As the equity market falls this is hurting them. May have to do another issue. Will probably get to $10 where you may want to buy some. Have some very good core businesses. Making some good acquisitions. Treat it as long-term.

WAIT

He would put this in with the banks for the time being. There has to be some money flowing into the sector. We will be getting past the bank earnings reports in the very near term and hopefully the bond market will start to roll back and there will be better money flow.

HOLD

Have been punished more than other insurance companies because of higher sensitivity to equity markets, which they hadn't hedged. Believes they will work through this and in the longer term will outperform the rest of the Canadian insurance sector. Thinks the dividend is safe.

BUY

Has difficulty with this one because, in a way, it is a bet towards the equity markets. They sell a lot of products that are tied into the equity markets that guarantees a rate of return. It is difficult to assess where the vulnerability is. Well capitalized. Great asset in John Hancock. Their structure and growth profile in Asia, when the dust settles, will allow them to have a chance to rally and have excess returns.

COMMENT

Life insurance business is a great long-term business, especially with the demographics of an aging population. Dividend is safe.

SELL

(Market Call Minute.) Doesn't like financials.

BUY

Excellent valuation. Looks very appealing. Likes their far Eastern plan as he believes in the emerging economy story. Payout ratio one year forward is a little high which makes him nervous.

BUY

Life companies were the last to be hit by the current crisis. One of Canada's best run financial institutions.

WAIT

(Market Call Minute.) Wait until the end of February.

DON'T BUY

Tough one right now because markets are so choppy. The magical number on this company is S&P 500 870. Anything below that puts pressure on them. Have done an equity issue to shore up the balance sheet. Expect it will be flat for the rest of the year.

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)