Manulife Financial Corporation

NYSE:MFC Stock Report

Market Cap: US$63.9b

Manulife Financial Management

Management criteria checks 2/4

Manulife Financial's CEO is Phil Witherington, appointed in May 2025, has a tenure of 1.08 years. total yearly compensation is CA$15.47M, comprised of 9.7% salary and 90.3% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.014% of the company’s shares, worth $8.91M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 1.8 years and 3.7 years respectively.

Key information

Phil Witherington

Chief executive officer

CA$15.5m

Total compensation

CEO salary percentage9.67%
CEO tenure1.1yrs
CEO ownership0.01%
Management average tenure1.8yrs
Board average tenure3.7yrs

Recent management updates

Recent updates

Seeking Alpha • May 27

Manulife: The Market Punished The Wrong Q1

Summary Manulife stock sold off almost 6% after Q1 2026 earnings on a single line item, while its Asia core earnings grew 22% and NBV 15%. The residual income valuation model anchored on Damodaran's industry beta puts intrinsic value at C$76 vs. C$52; on per-name beta, roughly fair. MFC's reported P/B of 2.0x ignores C$25.6B of net CSM. On adjusted book value, MFC trades at 1.3x. The real risk is whether Q1's retail mutual-fund outflows become a trend, forcing Asia to carry the thesis alone. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Feb 21

Manulife 2024 Earnings Review: Good Operating Momentum But Limited Upside

Summary Manulife Financial Corporation's strong fundamentals and growth prospects in the life insurance sector make it an interesting long-term investment despite its current overvaluation. Positive 2024 earnings, driven by Asia operations and digital initiatives, led to a 10% dividend increase and a new share buyback program. Manulife's balance sheet is robust, allowing significant shareholder returns, with a forward dividend yield of 3.9% and a 137% capital ratio. Despite strong performance, the current share price reflects limited short-term upside, making Manulife a “hold” for long-term investors. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Dec 17

Manulife Financial Expected To Keep Rising On Insurance And Annuities Growth, Profitability

Summary Manulife Financial gets upgraded to a buy, from my prior hold rating, as future revenue and earnings indicators remain strong. Q3 results saw YoY growth in new insurance policies, as well as client inflows to its wealth business. Its profit margin beats key peers, and AI-driven process improvements are expected to make some areas more cost-effective. The firm's asset exposure is largely in government and corporate bonds, with some lesser exposure to commercial real estate. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Oct 31

Manulife: Despite Strong Fundamentals, It's Time To Take Profits

Summary Manulife Financial Corporation is an insurance company with strong fundamentals and good growth prospects, namely due to its large exposure to Asia. Its operating performance has been positive, and this trend is expected to be maintained in Q3 2024. Despite this backdrop, MFC's valuation is at a premium to its historical levels and upside potential seems limited right now. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Sep 09

Manulife Financial: Dividend Powerhouse With High Growth Potential

Summary Manulife Financial offers strong growth potential with a focus on higher-margin segments like Asia and Global Wealth & Asset Management. MFC boasts a solid balance sheet, a 4.4% dividend yield, and a robust share buyback program, enhancing shareholder value. The company's strategic shift aims for 75% contribution from high-growth segments by 2025, targeting a 15%-18% ROE by 2027. Despite potential risks, MFC's reasonable valuation and focus on high-cash generation businesses position it for strong total returns. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jun 26

Manulife Financial: This Dividend Grower Still Has Upside

Summary The company, founded in 1887, has a strong presence in Asia and has been steadily increasing its earnings despite challenges in the past decade. Manulife Financial has seen a 45% increase in performance over the last year, driven by growth in Asia, higher interest rates, and a robust share buyback program. With projected 10-12% annual earnings growth, a low valuation, and a sustainable dividend yield of 4.5%, Manulife presents an attractive investment opportunity. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jun 09

Manulife Financial: A Hidden Gem Insurance Company Deserving Of Your Attention

Summary Manulife Financial Corporation investors have outperformed the S&P 500 easily over the past year. Despite this, MFC is still reasonably valued with a "C+" valuation grade. Manulife benefits from robust growth opportunities in Asia and its recovering global wealth management business. I explain why MFC's bullish rally is still well-positioned to resume, despite facing near-term volatility. I argue why investors should consider capitalizing on MFC's recent weakness before it potentially surges higher. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Apr 19

Manulife Financial: Company Firing On All Cylinders, But Valuation Too Rich (Rating Downgrade)

Summary Manulife Financial is a conservatively managed financial services company with a solid core North American business and good growth prospects in Asia. The company reported strong performance in terms of net income, premiums, and profitability. Manulife achieved several milestones in 2023, including a long-term care reinsurance deal and returning capital to shareholders. The share price has run up nearly 20% since Q4 2023 and is now ahead of fair value. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Feb 11

Should You Buy Manulife For Its 4.8% Yield?

Summary Manulife Financial Corp is a great income investment in the financial sector with an attractive dividend yield and strong business fundamentals. The company has good business diversification and is well-positioned to benefit from structural trends such as the aging population and digitalization. Manulife has a positive financial track record, with strong growth in 2022 and good operating income in 2023, supporting its growth prospects and profitability. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jan 26

Manulife: Undervalued With Massive Capital Returns

Summary Manulife Financial is a good income diversifier for portfolios due to its asset-light nature and higher margins. MFC has shown strong growth and profitability, with a focus on expanding in emerging markets in Asia and growing its wealth management business. The company offers attractive capital returns through dividends and share buybacks and is undervalued compared to its historical PE ratio. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jan 02

Manulife Financial: Strong Revenue And Dividend Growth While Share Price Skyrockets (Downgrade)

Summary Manulife Financial downgraded from Strong Buy to Hold, more cautious than the rating consensus today. Share price now double-digits above its 200-day moving average, while top and bottom line YoY growth remains positive. Company has its major asset risk exposure tied to bonds. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Dec 19

Manulife: Time To Take Some Profits

Summary Manulife Financial Corporation's shares have outperformed the S&P 500 and iShares US Insurance ETF by over 11.5%. The company's Q3-2023 results showed strong APE sales and a 35% increase in core earnings per share. Underneath those numbers, there are some big detractors from the core earnings. We tell you why we took the preferreds off the board, and why it might be time to consider doing the same with the common. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Nov 27

Manulife Financial: Lock In This Growing Dividend At A Discount

Summary Manulife Financial is a Canadian Life Insurer and Asset Manager. MFC pays a 5.6% dividend with a payout ratio below 50%. Growth prospects are solid. Performance will be even more secure in a higher for longer rate scenario. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Oct 05

Manulife: The Perpetual Preferreds Are Now Getting Attractive

Summary Manulife Financial Corporation's Q2-2023 results showed strong core earnings, with earnings per share up 9% YoY. The company's valuation is considered undervalued, trading at 7.3X earnings and 1.1X book value. We examine our last preferred share idea and give you a new one. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Sep 25

Manulife: Taking A Closer Look At Canadian Life Insurance

Summary Since 2018, Manulife has been successfully implementing its strategic plan to de-risk its portfolio. Manulife offers a strong dividend yield, attractive valuation, and a focus on high-potential markets like Asia, making it an appealing investment option. Exposure to commercial real estate and sensitivity to market downturns are key risks to consider. Manulife should benefit from rising interest rates, particularly in its fixed-income portfolio. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jul 19

Manulife Financial: Dividend Yield Beyond 5% And Positive Net Income Growth

Summary Manulife Financial gets a strong buy rating today. Positives: dividend yield over 5%, positive net income growth, sustainable liquidity & capital, valuation lower than its sector average, price chart trend favorable for next dip buying opportunity. Risks of commercial real estate exposure have been discussed. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Seeking Alpha • Jun 13

Manulife: You Shouldn't Doubt This Company, Still A 'Buy'

Summary Manulife is a fundamentally sound business that has been underestimated by many. The company has shown a 2x S&P500 outperformance for the last 7-8 months, and I believe this to be the beginning, not the end of this company's overall journey. It is worth considering whether to continue investing in Manulife or take profits and reinvest elsewhere - but I'm keeping my shares for the time being, and say "BUY" Read the full article on Seeking Alpha

CEO Compensation Analysis

How has Phil Witherington's remuneration changed compared to Manulife Financial's earnings?
DateTotal CompensationSalaryCompany Earnings
Mar 31 2026n/an/a

CA$6b

Dec 31 2025CA$15mCA$1m

CA$5b

Sep 30 2025n/an/a

CA$5b

Jun 30 2025n/an/a

CA$5b

Mar 31 2025n/an/a

CA$5b

Dec 31 2024CA$9mCA$1m

CA$5b

Sep 30 2024n/an/a

CA$5b

Jun 30 2024n/an/a

CA$4b

Mar 31 2024n/an/a

CA$4b

Dec 31 2023CA$8mCA$988k

CA$5b

Sep 30 2023n/an/a

CA$4b

Jun 30 2023n/an/a

CA$4b

Mar 31 2023n/an/a

CA$483m

Dec 31 2022CA$6mCA$944k

-CA$2b

Sep 30 2022n/an/a

-CA$998m

Jun 30 2022n/an/a

CA$117m

Mar 31 2022n/an/a

CA$5b

Dec 31 2021CA$6mCA$915k

CA$7b

Sep 30 2021n/an/a

CA$7b

Jun 30 2021n/an/a

CA$7b

Mar 31 2021n/an/a

CA$5b

Dec 31 2020CA$5mCA$907k

CA$6b

Sep 30 2020n/an/a

CA$5b

Jun 30 2020n/an/a

CA$4b

Mar 31 2020n/an/a

CA$5b

Dec 31 2019CA$5mCA$864k

CA$5b

Compensation vs Market: Phil's total compensation ($USD11.13M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.80M).

Compensation vs Earnings: Phil's compensation has increased by more than 20% in the past year.

CEO

Phil Witherington (49 yo)

1.1yrs
Tenure
CA$15,472,253
Compensation

Mr. Philip James Witherington, also known as Phil, is President, CEO & Director of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company from 2025. Mr. Witherington is Controller of Manulife (International) Limited sin...

Leadership Team

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Philip Witherington
President1.1yrsCA$15.47m0.014%
$ 8.9m
Colin Simpson
Chief Financial Officer2.9yrsCA$5.15m0.00098%
$ 626.1k
Paul Lorentz
President and CEO of Global Wealth & Asset Managementno dataCA$7.71m0.0052%
$ 3.3m
Steven Finch
President & CEO of Manulife Asia1.1yrsCA$6.79m0.0034%
$ 2.2m
Brooks Tingle
President & CEO of John Hancock3.2yrsCA$6.18m0.0065%
$ 4.1m
Rahul Joshi
Chief Operations Officer7yrsCA$6.69m0.0046%
$ 3.0m
Trevor Kreel
Chief Investment Officer1.8yrsno data0.0023%
$ 1.5m
Lynda Sullivan
Executive VP & Chief Accounting Officerno datano datano data
Shamus Edward Weiland
Global Chief Information Officer7.2yrsno data0.0043%
$ 2.7m
Hung Ko
Global Head of Treasury & Investor Relations1.1yrsno datano data
Michael Coyne
General Counselless than a yearno data0.000050%
$ 31.9k
Karen Leggett
Global Chief Marketing Officerno datano data0.0018%
$ 1.1m
1.8yrs
Average Tenure

Experienced Management: MFC's management team is not considered experienced ( 1.8 years average tenure), which suggests a new team.

Board Members

NamePositionTenureCompensationOwnership
Philip Witherington
President1.1yrsCA$15.47m0.014%
$ 8.9m
Nicole Arnaboldi
Independent Corporate Director6yrsCA$375.23k0.00039%
$ 249.2k
Donald Kanak
Independent Director2.3yrsCA$319.64kno data
Donald Lindsay
Independent Chairman of the Board15.8yrsCA$590.63k0.0072%
$ 4.6m
J. Durland
Independent Director2.3yrsCA$319.64kno data
Damien Allen Green
Chairman of the Board - Manulife Asia2.9yrsno datano data
John W.P-K. Wong
Independent Director2.1yrsCA$319.64kno data
Siew Boi Tan
Independent Corporate Director4.5yrsCA$375.23kno data
Anna Manning
Independent Director1.8yrsCA$319.64k0.00031%
$ 198.1k
Julie Dickson
Independent Corporate Director6.8yrsCA$355.19kno data
Leagh Turner
Independent Corporate Director5.6yrsCA$319.64kno data
Guy Bainbridge
Independent Corporate Director6.8yrsCA$375.23kno data
3.7yrs
Average Tenure
66.5yo
Average Age

Experienced Board: MFC's board of directors are considered experienced (3.7 years average tenure).

Company Analysis and Financial Data Status

DataLast Updated (UTC time)
Company Analysis2026/06/03 22:03
End of Day Share Price 2026/06/03 00:00
Earnings2026/03/31
Annual Earnings2025/12/31

Data Sources

The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.

PackageDataTimeframeExample US Source *
Company Financials10 years
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Balance sheet
Analyst Consensus Estimates+3 years
  • Forecast financials
  • Analyst price targets
Market Prices30 years
  • Stock prices
  • Dividends, Splits and Actions
Ownership10 years
  • Top shareholders
  • Insider trading
Management10 years
  • Leadership team
  • Board of directors
Key Developments10 years
  • Company announcements

* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.

Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.

Analysis Model and Snowflake

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Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Industry and Sector Metrics

Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.

Analyst Sources

Manulife Financial Corporation is covered by 31 analysts. 11 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.

AnalystInstitution
Mark RosenAccountability Research Corporation
Lemar PersaudATB Cormark Historical (Cormark Securities)
Eric BergBarclays