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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF)
TSX:SLF
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Sun Life Financial (SLF) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:SLF

Sun Life Financial

(TSX:SLF)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
C$94.00
▲(11.15% Upside)
Sun Life Financial's overall score reflects strong financial performance and positive corporate events, tempered by technical indicators suggesting potential bearish momentum. The company's valuation is reasonable, with a solid dividend yield supporting investor confidence.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The target price for Sun Life Financial has been increased to $95, reflecting improving earnings quality and visibility.
Financial Performance
A larger-than-expected dividend increase highlights the company's strong financial performance.
Sales Performance
Better sales performance, especially in Asia and the U.S. Dental segment, contributed to a good quality beat in earnings.
Negative Factors
Dividend Increase
A larger-than-expected dividend increase was reported.
Return on Equity
SLF's sector-high 18%+ underlying ROE target, now raised to 20%, indicates strong financial health.
Sales Growth
Sales better than expected, with Canadian individual insurance sales up 7% and Asia sales up 17%.

Sun Life Financial (SLF) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Sun Life Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth, and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients worldwide. It offers term and permanent life, as well as personal health, dental, critical illness, long-term care, and disability insurance products. The company also provides reinsurance products; investment counselling and portfolio management services; mutual funds and segregated funds; trust and banking services; real estate property brokerage and appraisal services; and merchant banking services. It distributes its products through direct sales agents, managing and independent general agents, financial intermediaries, broker-dealers, banks, pension and benefits consultants, and other third-party marketing organizations. The company was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneySun Life Financial generates revenue primarily through its insurance and wealth management operations. The company's insurance segment earns income from premiums paid by policyholders for various life and health insurance products. In addition, Sun Life benefits from investment income on the premiums collected before claims are paid out. The wealth and asset management division contributes to revenue through management fees and investment advisory services provided to institutional and individual investors. Sun Life's strategic partnerships and joint ventures, particularly in Asia, expand its market reach and enhance its ability to offer comprehensive financial solutions, thereby driving further revenue growth. These partnerships allow Sun Life to leverage local expertise and distribution networks, strengthening its presence in rapidly growing markets.

Sun Life Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: 0.00%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong capital generation, record fundraising at SLC, and significant growth in Asia, offset by challenges in U.S. stop-loss claims, negative net flows at MFS, and impairments in Vietnam. The company demonstrates resilience and strategic growth, but faces notable challenges in specific segments.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Capital Position
Sun Life ended the quarter with a strong LICAT ratio of 152% and robust Holdco cash of $1.4 billion, indicating solid financial health and capacity for share buybacks.
Record Capital Raising at SLC Management
SLC Management achieved record capital raising of $10 billion in Q4, bringing the full year total to $24 billion, with net inflows over $14 billion.
Asia Growth Momentum
Sun Life's Asia operations saw strong growth, with underlying net income up 17% year-over-year to more than $700 million. Total Asia CSM grew by 30%.
Canada and U.S. Group Benefits Revenue Growth
Group Benefits revenue in Canada was up 11% year-over-year, and U.S. Group Benefits revenue grew 6% year-over-year, demonstrating strong core health business performance.
Digital Initiatives and Employee Engagement
Sun Life's digital initiatives, such as virtual care services in Canada and the Advisor Buddy tool in the Philippines, demonstrate commitment to innovation. Employee engagement scores averaged 88%, above industry norms.
Negative Updates
U.S. Stop-Loss Morbidity Experience
The U.S. stop-loss morbidity claims experience was unfavorable due to increased severity, impacting underlying earnings. The full-year stop-loss loss ratio was 74%, above the 73% pricing target.
Negative Net Flows at MFS
Despite strong distribution execution, MFS experienced negative net flows, reflecting continued industry-wide outflows.
Vietnam Bancassurance Impairment
An impairment charge related to bancassurance agreements in Vietnam was recognized, due to market challenges and updated outlooks.
Lower U.S. Results
U.S. underlying net income was down 39% year-over-year, primarily driven by unfavorable morbidity experience in medical stop-loss.
Company Guidance
During the Sun Life Financial Q4 2024 earnings call, the company provided several key metrics and insights. Underlying net income for the fourth quarter was $965 million, a 2% decline year-over-year, with earnings per share flat at $1.68. The full-year underlying net income increased by 3% to $3.9 billion, with total assets under management reaching $1.54 trillion. The LICAT ratio at Sun Life Financial was reported at a strong 152%. In asset management, SLC Management achieved record capital raising of $10 billion in the quarter, contributing to a full-year total of $24 billion. MFS maintained strong long-term fund performance, with 95% of fund assets ranked in the top half of their respective Morningstar categories based on 10-year performance. Despite challenges in the U.S. due to increased claims severity in the stop-loss business, Sun Life reported positive momentum in its Canadian and U.S. group businesses. Wealth sales and asset management gross flows increased by 33%, driven by distribution execution at MFS and SLC. Sun Life also highlighted its commitment to digital innovation and employee engagement, with an employee engagement index score of 88%, maintaining a strong position in the financial services industry.

Sun Life Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sun Life Financial demonstrates strong revenue growth and stable net income, but faces challenges in cash flow management with declining operating cash flow and an increasing debt-to-equity ratio. Strong asset base supports financial stability, yet cash flow management is a concern.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Sun Life Financial has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the years, with a significant increase from $30.85 billion in 2023 to $36.80 billion in 2024. The net profit margin is stable, with net income remaining robust at approximately $3.17 billion. However, the absence of EBIT and EBITDA figures for 2024 limits the analysis of profitability efficiency.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects a solid equity position with a debt-to-equity ratio that remains manageable, although it increased slightly to 0.58 in 2024. Equity ratio stands at 7.03%, indicating a relatively low proportion of equity financing compared to total assets. Despite this, Sun Life Financial maintains a strong asset base, which supports its financial stability.
Cash Flow
65
Positive
The cash flow analysis shows a decline in operating cash flow from $5.61 billion in 2023 to $2.53 billion in 2024. The free cash flow decreased similarly, reflecting potential challenges in cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio decreased, indicating less cash being generated from operations relative to net income.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue46.35B36.80B30.85B23.21B35.69B43.34B
Gross Profit46.35B36.80B32.66B23.21B35.69B43.34B
EBITDA3.65B5.00B5.08B4.79B6.93B4.07B
Net Income3.23B3.17B3.17B3.02B4.37B2.78B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets372.96B370.72B333.24B330.91B345.37B323.01B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments26.21B27.72B27.49B11.22B12.28B13.53B
Total Debt6.38B15.02B13.28B13.39B10.21B6.89B
Total Liabilities346.92B344.59B309.04B301.53B317.30B297.15B
Stockholders Equity25.96B26.05B23.58B27.45B26.31B24.47B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow6.90B2.39B5.44B8.00B-1.94B7.09B
Operating Cash Flow7.03B2.53B5.61B4.31B-1.86B7.25B
Investing Cash Flow-6.19B-9.46B-559.00M-2.86B-803.00M-886.00M
Financing Cash Flow-4.51B-3.27B-3.09B-71.00M-260.00M-2.31B

Sun Life Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price84.57
Price Trends
50DMA
86.92
Negative
100DMA
84.20
Positive
200DMA
82.64
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.64
Negative
RSI
45.16
Neutral
STOCH
54.32
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:SLF, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 84.57 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 84.89, below the 50-day MA of 86.92, and above the 200-day MA of 82.64, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.64 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 45.16 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 54.32 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for TSE:SLF.

Sun Life Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$48.01B15.5013.18%3.98%0.94%3.50%
67
Neutral
$17.03B11.509.79%3.95%10.63%1.98%
$53.58B13.8811.57%4.00%
77
Outperform
C$51.28B22.0413.23%1.79%5.25%15.06%
75
Outperform
C$13.17B13.1613.43%2.47%-4.55%42.41%
74
Outperform
C$50.09B13.5314.19%4.30%15.27%4.72%
71
Outperform
C$36.29B13.4811.92%5.24%7.63%8.84%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:SLF
Sun Life Financial
84.57
21.24
33.54%
MFC
Manulife Financial
30.07
5.99
24.88%
TSE:GWO
Great-West Lifeco
53.00
13.57
34.42%
TSE:IAG
iA Financial Corporation Inc
142.44
45.93
47.59%
TSE:IFC
Intact Financial Corporation
283.73
42.30
17.52%
TSE:POW
Power Corp of Canada
57.23
22.28
63.75%

Sun Life Financial Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Appoints David Healy as New President of U.S. Operations
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

Sun Life has announced the appointment of David Healy as the new President of Sun Life U.S., effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Dan Fishbein, who will retire in March 2026. Healy’s extensive experience in technology, operations, and employee benefits aligns with Sun Life’s strategic goals for its U.S. business, and his leadership is expected to drive the next phase of growth and innovation in health-related benefits and services.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Sun Life Declares Q3 2025 Dividends on Shares
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the declaration of dividends on its common and preferred shares, maintaining the same dividend amount for common shares as the previous quarter. The dividends, payable on September 29, 2025, reflect the company’s stable financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns, reinforcing its strong position in the financial services industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sun Life Financial Reports Q2 2025 Growth and Strategic Focus
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. reported a 2% increase in underlying net income for Q2 2025, driven by strong performance in Asia, particularly in the protection business and bancassurance sales. The company also highlighted its strategic focus on digital initiatives and maintaining a strong capital position, with a LICAT ratio of 151%, which supports its growth and value creation for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sun Life Announces Preferred Shares Conversion Results
Neutral
Jun 20, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the conversion results of its Class A Non-cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares Series 8R and Class A Non-cumulative Floating Rate Preferred Shares Series 9QR. Following the conversion, Sun Life will have 8,880,847 Series 8R Shares and 2,319,153 Series 9QR Shares outstanding. The shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and may be redeemed by Sun Life under certain conditions. This conversion and redemption option provides flexibility in managing its capital structure, potentially impacting its financial strategy and shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Sun Life Announces Dividend Rates for Preferred Shares Series 8R and 9QR
Neutral
May 30, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the dividend rates for its Class A Non-Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares Series 8R and Class A Non-Cumulative Floating Rate Preferred Shares Series 9QR. The Series 8R Shares will have a fixed dividend rate of 4.230% per annum for the next five years, while the Series 9QR Shares will have a floating rate starting at 4.054% per annum for the period ending September 30, 2025. This announcement impacts shareholders who need to decide on conversion options by June 16, 2025, and highlights Sun Life’s ongoing commitment to providing returns to its investors.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Announces Conversion Privilege for Preferred Shares Series 8R and 9QR
Neutral
May 15, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced that it will not redeem its outstanding Class A Non-Cumulative Rate Reset Preferred Shares Series 8R and Class A Non-Cumulative Floating Rate Preferred Shares Series 9QR on June 30, 2025. Shareholders have the option to convert these shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to certain conditions. This decision allows flexibility for shareholders and reflects Sun Life’s strategic management of its financial offerings, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:SLF) stock is a Buy with a C$88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Life Financial stock, see the TSE:SLF Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Sun Life Financial Elects New Board of Directors
Positive
May 9, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced the election of 12 directors at its annual meeting of common shareholders. The nominees, listed in the management information circular, received overwhelming support, with most securing over 99% of votes in favor. This election reinforces Sun Life’s governance structure as it continues to strengthen its position in the financial services industry.

Stock BuybackBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Financial to Renew Share Repurchase Program
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. has announced its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB), subject to regulatory approvals. The new 2025 NCIB will allow the company to repurchase up to 10 million additional common shares, providing flexibility in capital management and returning value to shareholders. This move reflects Sun Life’s strategic approach to managing its capital and enhancing shareholder value.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Sun Life Financial Increases Dividends for Q2 2025
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. announced an increase in its common share dividend to $0.88 per share, payable on June 30, 2025, marking a 4 cent rise from the previous quarter. The company also declared dividends on its Class A Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, with various series receiving specific amounts. These dividends are part of Sun Life’s broader strategy to provide consistent returns to its shareholders and reinforce its strong market position.

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Sun Life Financial Reports Robust Q1 2025 Results with Increased Income and Dividend
Positive
May 8, 2025

Sun Life Financial Inc. reported a strong first quarter in 2025, with an underlying net income of $1,045 million, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. The reported net income rose by 13% to $928 million, and assets under management increased by 6% to $1,551 billion. The company also announced a dividend increase and plans for continued share buybacks, highlighting its robust financial position and strategic advancements in digital tools and capital raising.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 08, 2025