TSE:MFC

Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

60.69
+0.02 (0.03%)
as of Jul 23, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
1632 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 23, 2026, 12:00 am

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

Manulife Financial (MFC) has garnered mixed perspectives from various analysts, reflecting both its potential and current market position. While many experts acknowledge MFC's solid dividend yield and growth prospects, particularly in Asia, concerns about valuation and market conditions persist. The stock appears to be trading around 2x book value and has shown slow but steady growth, attracting attention from those looking for income rather than explosive growth. The consensus among experts is to proceed with caution and consider market pullbacks for optimal entry points, though some view the stock as a good long-term hold due to its stable dividend and cash flow. Overall, while there are positive signs, such as asset management improvements and capital growth, analysts advise careful monitoring given the mixed signals surrounding the broader financial sector's performance.

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Consensus
Cautious
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Valuation
Fair Value
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SLF
WEAK BUY
Their exposure to Japan shouldn’t be much. In the short term, he prefers banks over life companies.
PAST TOP PICK
(Top Pick Apr. 19/10, Down 7.21%) Well-known story, has recovered somewhat, but pulled back very recently. Unhedged to the market and had a billion and a half of product that they had to guarantee. In 12 to 18 months you might see a dividend increase. They have covered the hedge to more than half of where it was.
DON'T BUY
In the event of a market correction, they might benefit because of all the hedging they have done. To him, a permanent marker against them is their error in writing unhedged insurance premiums.
HOLD
Historically they have taken too much risk and not hedged enough on their balance sheet. If you have a 2-year horizon, this is a good entry point.
DON'T BUY
Doesn’t own their equities but does own their bonds. Not his favourite name. Quite a valuation discount compared to other Cdn lifecos. Management track record is not as good as others so valuation difference is warranted.
BUY
Doesn’t expect they will raise dividends, as they are worried about battening down the hatches. Were very exposed to the equity and bond markets but are less vulnerable now. They are hoping for a 32% ROE. Great assets in Asia, which will be their growth profile. Mid $20’s in the next year or two would be appropriate.
HOLD
Has recovered off the bottom quite nicely. They are definitely de-risking their business. Have to get back to operating their core operations of insurance and wealth management. Will get a higher multiple with more stable earnings. Good long-term hold.
BUY
Benefiting from 3 things. 1) as bond yields go up insurance companies make more money 2) took a huge hit from their stock market exposure and as the market goes up they can unwind those losses and 3) their life insurance business continues to grow in Asia.
WAIT
Resistance at mid ’09 level, which we are almost at. He would rather pay more and have it break above.
BUY
With the stock market and bond yields going up, the stock price is going up. In terms of valuation, if you take out their Asian life insurance business, you get the North American business for free. Looks like it is recovering and you get a 2.7% yield while you wait.
SELL
Because of the derivatives they’ve created, it is highly leveraged to the stock market. If the market heads down this will have extra leverage to the downside. If you own, consider taking profits now.
COMMENT
Reporting Feb 14th. Stock has had a good bounce. Did a big acquisition in the US. Got really clobbered when they tied their success to equity markets but have now hedged. The question now is have they hedged away the rebound. It’ll take another couple of quarters to know. (Prefers Great West (GWO-T) through Power Financial (PWF-T).)
WAIT
Drop in later half of year was quite dramatic. The recovery is quite good now. Growth in Asia will add to bottom line. Things are stabilizing. There is a wait and see attitude. Get out below $17, could go up a dollar from here to $19.
HOLD
Was stopped out of this some time ago and has not got back in. Currently doing a $5 billion hedging program. Neutral on this but not interested in owning it here.
COMMENT
A warrant on the stock market. Has been moving heaven and earth to get over the annuity product risk. Have sterilized about 60% but it still leaves 40% so stock and earnings forecasts rip up and down with the stock. Probably twice as volatile as the market itself. Could give you 10%-15% more but bear in mind what you are holding.
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