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

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

54.09

+0.59 (1.10%)

as of Jun 5, 2026, 3:10:33 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 several analysts, who note its solid growth in Asia and the wealth management sector. The company is seen as a stable and reliable option, with a decent dividend yield that appeals to income-focused investors. Analysts acknowledge that while MFC has experienced some recent challenges, especially in its U.S. operations and corrections after strong performances, it maintains a healthy growth outlook. Concerns about the overall market and macroeconomic factors have led to suggestions of caution, but many believe MFC's valuation is still attractive relative to its peers, particularly the banks. In the long term, it remains a compelling investment opportunity with the potential for growth, other factors such as credit risk being minimal.

Consensus

Positive

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

SLF

BUY

It is almost ridiculously cheap. Operating earnings are growing. They have growth in Asia. They are a cheap stock with a decent dividend.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Oct 08/20, Up 29%) Pretty washed out name last year, but low hanging fruit. Tripped up with higher rates, as it affected their hedge book. 15% growth with a 7 PE, decent dividend, growth in Asia, wealth management. Hold your nose and buy it. It will help your portfolio over time.

BUY

It corrected more than other financials in yesterday's rout. Their growth has been in China, so maybe they're getting hit by the Evergrande implosion. MFC has always reacted with more volatility than other financial stocks, like cutting their dividend in 2008. At $23.75, it's a good buy. In coming years, he expects them to continue to do well. Prudential sold off some of its businesses, so this adds a little to MFC's underlying value, more than people give it credit for. Very good managers. He'd definitely recommend it.

TOP PICK

He likes their Asian growth, which will be a high-growth sector in terms of insurance and wealth management. Dividend growth has been impressive for years. He's been adding to this for a long time. He likes MFC vs. the banks, both dividend plays, though he's lessened his bank exposure a little. (Analysts’ price target is $29.65)

DON'T BUY

Fundamentals are strong, but not reflected in the stock price MFC chooses to invest most of its cash to growing its Asian business. He sold his holdings around the 2008 crash and bought SunLife instead, because they were too risky among the insurers, then MFC de-risked too much after the 2008-9 recession. If interest rates rise, he'd rather be in SunLife or Great-west Life. MFC volumes are high, because it is the biggest lifeco in Canada. He prefers SunLife.

DON'T BUY

Don't own any of the insurance companies. There are other things that are better. Portfolio yield has come down over the last year. Many companies are now buying back stocks rather than paying dividends.

BUY

Excellent dividend and cheap in terms of value. But it begs his imagination that with all that's going for it why the stock hasn't moved higher. Buy and hold on. Great dividend of 4.4%.

TOP PICK

A blue chip Canadian name. Not his historic preferred name in insurance but it has turned a corner with some innovation investments. Simplifying how things are done. Some nice exposure to NA and the developing world. Shaping up very well, shifting down to 50 and 200 day moving average. (Analysts’ price target is $29.65)

BUY

Likes it, continues to buy. Geographically well diversified. Q2 earnings last week look tepid on the surface. Earnings grew 6% Y/Y. Grew organically 17%, and this is respectable. Global wealth and asset management grew 50%. A secular grower. Undemanding valuation. Trades at 7.5x earnings. Good combination of quality, growth, value. Yield of about 4.5%.

DON'T BUY

Why doesn't this trade above $30 given all its positive metrics and recent strong report? Yes, it trades cheaply at 1x book, lower then the Canadian banks. The problem is that the operations of Canadian insurers are complicated during very low interest rates. Insurers invest a lot of their money in low-duration, fixed-income assets--namely bonds--and those aren't paying much at all. The risk is that if inflation rises, then those assets will be hit as the insurers pay out policy holders more money. Also, there's worry over MFC's expansion into Asia, despite strong recent numbers, as the John Hancock expansion of some years ago remains fresh in minds.

TOP PICK

One of largest lifecos in the world. Asia counts for 35% of revenue, with greater demand in the future. Growing middle class and aging demographic are a bonus. At 1x price to book, trades at a discount to the peer group. Interest rates will benefit. Yield is 4.59%. (Analysts’ price target is $29.22)

BUY

All insurers have suffered from the flat yield curve. Bond yields picking up is bullish for all financials. It's been in the penalty box since the financial crisis and a few stumbles. Getting paid to wait. Good risk/reward. Has to prove that it can deliver and execute as SLF does.

BUY

Really likes it. Not expensive multiple. Likes the Asian franchise. Asset management has done well. Hurt by low interest rates. Stable.

HOLD

Last quarter was disappointing. Great expansion into Asia. Recent drop in yields has hurt all the financials. Dividend yield, growth, safety. Not everything in your portfolio fires at the same time. Some things you just tuck away and wait. Good company, growing. Yield is 4-5%, better than cash or bonds.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Jul 17/20, Up 34%) There is no reason to sell it. The shares remain cheap and offer an excellent yield. They offer good upside potential.

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)