TSE:MFC

Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

61.73
+0.50 (0.82%)
as of Aug 14, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
1631 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconAug 14, 2026, 12:00 am

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

Manulife Financial (MFC) has shown a solid performance in recent quarters, buoyed by its strong presence in Asia and effective wealth management strategies. However, there are concerns regarding its valuation, as it is perceived to be somewhat overbought, trading over 2x book value with limited earnings growth expected in the near future. Despite these concerns, many experts highlight its decent dividend yield and ongoing growth potential, particularly in its Asian markets. The recent implementation of a tax on MFC products for mainland Chinese residents adds a layer of uncertainty. Overall, the sentiment among analysts is cautiously optimistic, with a call for careful monitoring of market conditions and potential entry points for investment.

consensus icon
Consensus
Cautious
valuation icon
Valuation
Fair Value
review icon
Similar
GWO
WATCH

Very interestingly positioned. 2012 earnings have come out to about $.65 a share but this includes a lot of haircuts the company is taking in its balance sheet on account of regulatory issues regarding its variable annuity stream. Understands they could do about $1.50 next year so there could be upside to the name. Has a good presence in Asia. If you are looking at it from a tax loss perspective in December with a healthy dividend, it could be a good name.

COMMENT

She has this as a candidate for sale if she finds something more attractive. At this level, there is probably support for book value. Company is being influenced by none controllable events such as interest rates and general market sensitivity. Could be a sale for tax loss selling reasons for her.

HOLD

A good Hold for 3 years or should they Sell? At the current levels, the valuation is quite good but you have to have a 2-3 year time horizon. Low interest rates and mediocre equity markets have not been good for insurance companies.

WEAK BUY

SLF is preferable because of a safety of dividend. Risk reward is quite appealing.

COMMENT

(Market Call Minute.) Probably a buy, particularly under $11 if you think we have bottomed in rates and we are going to go up a little. Very market sensitive so if you like the market Buy otherwise Hold.

BUY

Outlook in 12 months? He has added to his holdings recently. 2 things are big negatives for this company. Falling stock market and falling bond yields. Their hedging programs are protecting them much more than he used to. Operations are starting to do better. Core operating earnings are probably running around $1.20-$1.30 a share, which gives you less than a 10X multiple. Can see leverage upside from improvements in the market generally. Risk/reward is great. 4.6% dividend yield.

BUY

(Market Call Minute) if long term. Interest rates will lead this higher.

SELL

(Market Call Minute.) With very low long-term interest rates, it is hard for them to generate earnings on their investment portfolio. Volatile equity markets make it tough as well. He is Short this stock.

BUY

Thinks this would be a stock to own. Chart shows a double bottom. This company needs a rising interest-rate environment, or at least the rates to stop going down, and a good market.

SELL

If the economy recovers in the next 2 years, amongst the best performing sectors are going to be lifecos because this is a whole industry that has been viciously beaten down by low interest rates. If you have a long enough time rising, you can absolutely have a positive return on lifecos but this company would not be his favourite.

SELL

(Market Call Minute.) Just sold his holdings on this one.

DON'T BUY
Has no interest in owning this stock, their debt or their preferreds. Has a multitude of problems including an underperforming asset in the US, John Hancock. Also US problems with their variable annuities. Insurance companies have problems earning monies in low interest rate environments.
HOLD
(Market Call Minute.)
DON'T BUY
Owns a very tiny position. Insurance companies fund their liabilities through their investments. When interest rates are low they are not earning a great return and when equity markets are volatile, you have the same problem. Fundamentally they are going to have to claw back more capital which limits their ability to grow. Also, there could be an equity issue around the corner, which will be an opportunity to buy the stock which likely puts a ceiling in terms of appreciation potential. If the stock pulled back to below $10, it would be a lot more interested in it.
COMMENT
Caller sold an $8 December Put an collected $0.50 and also bought a $11 December Call. This is called a Synthetic Stock Position. By selling a Put and Buying a Call you are going to get a profit and loss metric that is very similar to the metrics you would have if you had just bought the stock out right. You have taken volatility out of the equation and it's a bullish trade.
Showing 1,201 to 1,215 of 2,284 entries