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

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

61.42

+1.50 (2.50%)

as of Sep 3, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

1632 watching

Investor Insights

Sep 3, 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 mixture of opinions from analysts following its recent quarterly report, which showcased positive developments despite facing challenges such as a new tax on its products for mainland Chinese residents. The company is noted for its strong presence in Asia and steady growth in its wealth management segment, which remains a highlight in its long-term strategy. However, some experts express caution, labeling MFC as a bit overvalued relative to its earnings growth potential, currently trading over 2x book value. The financial landscape for insurers in Canada appears competitive, with both MFC and its peers like TD exhibiting relatively robust performance, yet the consensus leans toward a cautious approach due to market conditions. Overall, while MFC benefits from high dividends and solid asset management, uncertainties related to its exposure to market fluctuations warrant careful monitoring for potential entry points.

Consensus

Cautious

Valuation

Fair Value

Similar

SLF

BUY

It has probably been hit the hardest because of legacy issues, mostly that have been addressed now.

BUY

Still a buy despite the legal challenge? He lends no credence to this case. Any court will side with MFC, given the law. The case is not a headwind--look past it. MFC is very well-managed. They've turned around since cutting their dividend during the Recession a decade ago.

DON'T BUY

The chart for this stock doesn't look too attractive. Valuations seems relatively cheap but he prefers to wait until sentiment improves.

BUY

No inside information, but regulator has shut down the issue in the court case, to Manulife's benefit. Canadian insurance companies are very cheap. Manulife has great assets in Asia and US. Sees 10% earnings growth in next couple of years. Compelling, will benefit with rising rates.

WAIT

They hired a new CEO in the last 12 months. They want to grow the wealth management business. There was a short report on them a couple of weeks ago. They are doing a good job and he likes the direction they are going. They are looking at cost savings and driving efficiencies.

BUY

vs. Sunlife Q3 beat--earnings were way up. Double-digit growth in the US. Asia operations were a lower weak. 4% EPS growth only. Pricey vs. peers. Manulife has a better growth rate, and he prefers MFC. The lawsuit they face--MFC will be okay.

DON'T BUY

Earnings looked good. They freed up capital for buybacks. Interest rate hikes are positive, but might take time to come through. Product sales are good in Asia, so fundamentally in good shape. Overhang of US lawsuits, which will go on for a while. Negative Canadian bias from outside of Canada. Stock won’t move until things get cleaned up. Prefers the banks.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 16/18, Down 10%) MFC will survive the legal issue in respect to the hedge fund report. It's an extremely strong company. Likes it, though he isn't adding to it now. It's suffering with its Asian operations because of US-China trade tensions. Those will lift, then we'll see growth in MFC's Asian operations. Look beyond the headlines, which can make an erratic ride.

WEAK BUY

He has SLF-T and two US lifecos. He avoided MFC-T because of legacy products that he had issues with, as well as legacy acquisitions. They are starting to address them one at a time. He likes lifecos but you could own this one.

DON'T BUY

Owns SunLife instead. Interest rates are rising and pressuring these stocks. He likes MFC's exposure to Asia, which will help them long term. But MFC has been sideways. He needs to see MFC to rise far above its 200-day moving average before stepping in. Pays a 4.7% dividend, but little dividend growth.

TOP PICK

It ran into a short-seller and a lawsuit, but the courts have since sided with MFC. The short-seller was taking advantage in MFC and they appear to have been beaten back. MFC itself has been beaten down and is now swinging back, so buy this now. 4.6% dividend. (Analysts’ price target is $29.34)

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Nov 23/18, Down 13%) A particular investor has been complaining on courts. Apparently it is going to go on the company's favor. He thinks that the stock is oversold and is going to come back. He just bought it.

COMMENT

He doesn't know what the odds are of MFC winning this lawsuit that a hedge fund has trumpeted, but the case is a huge cloud. Rising interest rates will benefit all insurance companies whose stock prices haven't moved much but are paying fat dividend yields. MFC pays a 4.2% dividend. Maybe MFC isn't his top idea in this sector, but the problem with all the insurance companies is that they have so many policies with many many details--it's opaque, so what do they mean? And this has led to this lawsuit.

WATCH

It's been hammered because of this lawsuit and report by a short-seller. Normally this would be a buy based on valuation. There's a tiny chance that MFC will lose this case. That said, he'll wait for the decision before buying this. The judgement may pass in late-2018 or early-2019.

BUY

It's a little scary because it involves a lawsuit, which MFC considers unfounded. Anything can happen at a trial. But he feels that case law and common sense clearly support MFC. The good news it that they will clear their shorts. The lawsuit and short report have hid the fact that MFC has been showing better consistency. He see 9% share and dividend growth trading 7.2x earnings. If you own a lot of this, don't add to be safe. If you don't, yes you can buy it. He believes Manulife will clear this hurdle.

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Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)