Cormark Increases Earnings Estimates for Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC) (TSE:MFC) – Cormark increased their FY2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Manulife Financial in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, May 8th. Cormark analyst L. Persaud now expects that the financial services provider will earn $3.28 per share for the year, up from their previous forecast of $3.26. The consensus estimate for Manulife Financial’s current full-year earnings is $2.87 per share.

A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from $49.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, February 21st. Scotiabank restated an “outperform” rating on shares of Manulife Financial in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $45.50.

Manulife Financial Price Performance

Manulife Financial stock opened at $31.78 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $54.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.35, a PEG ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.00. Manulife Financial has a 1 year low of $23.30 and a 1 year high of $33.07. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $29.90 and its 200-day moving average price is $30.49.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC) (TSE:MFC) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.69 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.70 by ($0.01). Manulife Financial had a net margin of 10.08% and a return on equity of 15.98%. The firm had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.94 EPS.

Manulife Financial Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.3194 per share. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.02%. This is an increase from Manulife Financial’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 21st. Manulife Financial’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 63.87%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Manulife Financial

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Crews Bank & Trust purchased a new position in Manulife Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. purchased a new position in Manulife Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Stonebridge Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in Manulife Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $34,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Manulife Financial in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Manulife Financial during the fourth quarter worth $35,000. 52.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.