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

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

61.06

+0.02 (0.03%)

as of Aug 12, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

1631 watching

Investor Insights

Aug 12, 2026, 12:00 am

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

Manulife Financial (MFC) has shown solid performance recently, particularly in Asia, where it benefits from healthy growth and a stable business in wealth management. However, there is concern over potential government-imposed taxes on its products in mainland China. While the stock has performed well, analysts caution that it is currently feeling somewhat overbought, trading at a price-to-earnings ratio above its historical levels, and advise investors to be selective. Consensus analysis suggests good long-term potential due to its decent dividend yield and solid execution in asset management, even as financial conditions such as interest rates fluctuate. Overall, MFC is viewed as a reliable income stock, with room for growth despite being traded at attractive valuations compared to Canadian banks.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

SLF

DON'T BUY

Hard to own insurance, as there are so many moving parts. Insurance arm in Asia starting to slow down. Cheap valuation. Unclear what motivation is to move higher. Not a fan, or of any insurance. Benefit of rising rates offset by poor equity markets.

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HOLD

Management has done well transforming to less economically sensitive products. Asian exposure might affect it in the near term. Profitable. Expects dividend increases. Trades in a range, so now is not the time to sell. Yields well over 5%, fairly secure.

DON'T BUY

It's a trading stock until they prove otherwise. Management is doing a good job. The Canadian and US businesses are sluggish, though Asia is doing better. They earn double-digit returns and offer a modest growth rate most years, but the stock remains stuck in $20-30 for six years. A trade, not an investment. Not that interest in it.

HOLD

Laggard for years, and that's why he likes it. Trades at a discount, excellent international operations. Lifecos are going to benefit from higher interest rates and bond yields. He also owns SLF, and it's probably done a better job over the last decade.

BUY

Still one of his favourites. Compelling valuation, at book value. The group is at a discount to the banks. You have to be a long-term player for this group. Good place to enter today for the long term. Yield over 5%.

BUY

Financials as a group are neutral. Yield is 5%, growing around 10%, very attractive. Rates are slowly going to work their way higher over several years. Will benefit from an improving equity market. One you can put away and get a good total return.

BUY

MFC is still dealing with fallouts from financial crisis. It's all about getting back to that growth phase. Asian business is still tough. You can buy it here, and share price will slowly creep up over time as it invests in core businesses. Yield is 5.5%.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Sep 13/21, Down 0.1%) It is much above the rest and he has been building up their position as well as increasing the weighting level. Now equal to the banks. Higher interest rates are good for Lifecos. Pension funds can do well with even an interest rate of 3 to 4% since they have been diversifying away from the traditional substantial fixed income holdings.

HOLD

Hard to argue with the valuation. Disappointing stock. There are worries about growth in Asia and impact of Hong Kong. Core earnings are growing. Capital ratios are in good shape. Higher rates will help investments. Cheap stock, decent yield, outlook is fine. Hang on.

BUY

Insurance companies as a group are down 20% YTD, while the TSX is down around 12%. Weaker economy hurts. Question is whether it's overly reflected in the sector? GWO tends to trade at a premium, clean earnings. He'd buy the sector, given the nice dividends and low valuations. Second half won't be as bad as the first. He'd go with MFC, trading at 6.5x earnings. Second choice SLF, third GWO.

TOP PICK

Buy when it's too cheap, as now. Sell when it gets to the top of the range, around $26-27, and it can really reward you with some nice growth and a very nice dividend. Asia should be good over time. Sees dividend growing 11% per year. Risk/reward looks really good at 6.6x PE, and 9% projected growth of 2023 over 2022. Yield is 5.8%. (Analysts’ price target is $26.43)

BUY

MFC vs. SLF vs. GWO He looks at price to book. MFC is one of the cheapest names out there. GWO is trading at 1.17x, whereas MFC is at 0.87x. SLF is more expensive at 1.4x, but you get the heavier wealth management arm and more exposure to Asia. No issue with it, pretty high and secure dividend at 6.3%. On a combination of growth and valuation, he likes MFC more. GWO is on par with SLF as a pick.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 05/21, Down 2%) Cheap valuation among NA peers. Nearly a 6% dividend yield. Leading footprint in Asia, which will drive future gains. Covid restrictions in Asia are short-term headwinds. Great management, executing well, prudent on expenses, good momentum in Canada.

BUY

MFC vs. CM CM has a dividend yield of 5.2% vs. MFC at 5.8%. CM trades at 8x earnings, MFC at 7x. CM trades above book value, MFC below book. MFC is cheaper, strong Asian franchise with room to grow. CM has become a strong retail bank. CM will be affected more than MFC by what happens to the Canadian economy. Buy either at these levels.

SELL ON STRENGTH

Perennially inexpensive, grows fairly consistently, but no one cares. There's always something shinier. Better opportunities in Canadian banks, alternate asset managers, and P&C insurers. A safe hold through a difficult environment. Dividend unambiguously safe, may even grow. Take profits when it gets close to a 3 handle.

Showing 166 to 180 of 2,284 entries

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)