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

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

60.02

-0.65 (1.07%)

as of Jul 23, 2026, 1:59:53 pm Market Open.

1632 watching

Investor Insights

Jul 22, 2026, 12:00 am

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

Manulife Financial (MFC) has garnered a mostly positive outlook among various experts, highlighting its competitive positioning within the Canadian financial sector, particularly in comparison to major banks like TD and SLF. Analysts note MFC's ongoing strength in wealth management and healthy growth prospects in Asia, although there are concerns regarding its current valuation, as it trades over 2x book value and exhibits only moderate earnings growth. Despite being classified as slightly overbought, its charts remain healthy, with many recommending caution yet seeing potential for growth in the long run. The company's strong dividend yield and management strategies, particularly in alternative investments, also contribute to a favorable long-term investment story, although short-term volatility may present opportunities for those willing to enter at lower price points.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

SLF,SLF

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.

COMMENT

Holds it as an income stock. It's underperformed other financials. It's been re-grouping the past 5 years, dealing with legacy businesses. Also, the slowdown/shutdown in Hong Kong has been a pressure. PEs for all lifecos are very low. She is questioning whether to hold it longer-term.

Showing 166 to 180 of 2,283 entries

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)