Company Overview - Manulife Financial (MFC) is headquartered in Toronto and has experienced a price change of -0.13% this year [3] - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.32 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.16%, which is significantly higher than the Insurance - Life Insurance industry's yield of 1.81% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.62% [3] Dividend Performance - The current annualized dividend of $1.28 represents an 8% increase from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, Manulife Financial has increased its dividend five times, achieving an average annual increase of 8.83% [4] - The company's current payout ratio is 43%, indicating that it pays out 43% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Outlook - Manulife Financial is expected to see earnings growth this fiscal year, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $2.94 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 4.26% [5] Investment Considerations - Dividends are favored by investors as they enhance stock investing profits, reduce overall portfolio risk, and offer tax advantages [6] - High-yielding stocks may face challenges during periods of rising interest rates, but MFC is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile [7] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stable investment position [7]
Manulife Financial (MFC) is a Top Dividend Stock Right Now: Should You Buy?