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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:71Outperform
Price Target:
C$89.00
▲(11.08% Upside)
Sun Life Financial's strong financial performance and attractive valuation are offset by technical weaknesses and challenges highlighted in the earnings call. The company's strategic initiatives in Asia and digital advancements are promising, but issues in the U.S. Dental business and MFS outflows require attention.
Positive Factors
Dividend
A larger-than-expected dividend increase highlights the company's strong financial performance.
Earnings
The target price for Sun Life Financial has been increased to $95, reflecting improving earnings quality and visibility.
Sales Performance
Better sales performance, especially in Asia and the U.S. Dental segment, contributed to a good quality beat in earnings.
Negative Factors

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 through multiple streams, primarily from premiums collected on life and health insurance policies, as well as from fees charged for asset management services. The company earns significant income from its insurance operations, where it underwrites policies and invests the collected premiums until claims are made. Additionally, Sun Life earns management fees from the investment products it offers, such as mutual funds and retirement plans, which are charged as a percentage of assets under management. The firm also benefits from strategic partnerships with financial advisors and brokers, which help distribute its products to a wider audience. Furthermore, investment income derived from its large portfolio of assets plays a crucial role in its overall profitability, contributing to both its insurance and asset management segments.

Sun Life Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of positive financial results and strategic advancements, such as strong EPS growth and digital initiatives, alongside challenges primarily in the U.S. Dental sector and outflows in MFS. The highlights of strong earnings and strategic successes are somewhat offset by the challenges in specific areas, resulting in a balanced sentiment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Underlying EPS was $1.79, up 4% year-over-year. Underlying net income was just over $1 billion, with an underlying ROE of 17.6%.
U.S. Employee Benefits Record Earnings
The U.S. Employee Benefits business achieved record earnings this quarter, showcasing its leadership position in the market.
Asia Business Success
Asia recorded a 13% year-over-year increase in underlying net income. Individual Protection sales were up 22%, and the CSM grew 23% year-over-year.
Digital Advancements
Significant progress in digital leadership, including the deployment of generative AI capabilities and the launch of a reimagined mobile application in Canada.
Strong Capital Position
The LICAT ratio at SLF was 151%, and Sun Life bought back close to $400 million of shares.
Negative Updates
Challenges in U.S. Dental Business
The U.S. Dental business was impacted by higher Medicaid claims, higher usage by members, and slower repricing actions. There was also an impairment charge related to the early termination of a U.S. group Dental contract.
MFS Outflows
MFS experienced net outflows of USD 14.3 billion due to market uncertainty and institutional client rebalancing.
Lower Individual Protection Earnings in U.S.
U.S. Individual Protection underlying earnings were down 46% year-over-year, driven by unfavorable mortality experience and credit impairments.
Company Guidance
During Sun Life Financial's Q2 2025 conference call, the company provided several key performance metrics and updates. The underlying earnings per share (EPS) rose to $1.79, reflecting a 4% increase year-over-year, while underlying net income exceeded $1 billion. The underlying return on equity (ROE) was 17.6%. The company's LICAT ratio stood at 151%, and they repurchased nearly $400 million in shares. In terms of geographical performance, Asia, Canada, and SLC Management had strong quarters. The U.S. Employee Benefits business achieved record earnings, although the U.S. Dental business faced challenges due to the healthcare environment. Sun Life's asset management arm, MFS, experienced outflows but maintained strong total gross sales. The company's strategic imperatives in asset management, Asia, health, digital, and people showed positive momentum, with significant capital raising of $6 billion and growth in the wealth management sector. Additionally, the company's total contractual service margin (CSM) increased by 9% year-over-year to $13.7 billion. Leadership changes were also announced, including the upcoming retirement of Dan Fishbein, President of Sun Life U.S., and Kevin Morrissey, Chief Actuary, with David Healy set to take over as President of Sun Life U.S.

Sun Life Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Sun Life Financial shows strong revenue growth and stable net income, but faces challenges with declining cash flows and a rising debt-to-equity ratio. The balance sheet remains robust, supporting financial health, though cash flow management needs improvement.
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 Revenue46.63B36.80B30.85B23.21B35.69B43.34B
Gross Profit29.04B36.80B32.66B23.21B35.69B43.34B
EBITDA5.09B5.00B5.08B4.79B6.93B4.07B
Net Income3.29B3.17B3.17B3.02B4.37B2.78B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets376.29B370.72B333.24B330.91B345.37B323.01B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments25.40B27.72B27.49B11.22B12.28B13.53B
Total Debt6.38B15.02B13.28B13.39B10.21B6.89B
Total Liabilities351.10B344.59B309.04B301.53B317.30B297.15B
Stockholders Equity25.12B26.05B23.58B27.45B26.31B24.47B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow5.37B2.39B5.44B8.00B-1.94B7.09B
Operating Cash Flow5.51B2.53B5.61B4.31B-1.86B7.25B
Investing Cash Flow-1.72B-337.00M-559.00M-2.86B-803.00M-886.00M
Financing Cash Flow-5.08B-3.88B-3.09B-71.00M-260.00M-2.31B

Sun Life Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price80.12
Price Trends
50DMA
83.68
Negative
100DMA
83.19
Negative
200DMA
81.98
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.05
Negative
RSI
40.91
Neutral
STOCH
10.77
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:SLF, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 80.12 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 80.60, below the 50-day MA of 83.68, and below the 200-day MA of 81.98, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 40.91 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 10.77 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:SLF.

Sun Life Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$45.56B14.3813.38%4.29%-0.61%6.69%
68
Neutral
$17.89B12.0310.28%3.73%9.80%1.66%
$51.12B13.3511.57%4.05%
77
Outperform
C$48.57B20.8713.23%1.84%5.25%15.06%
76
Outperform
C$50.50B13.6414.19%4.34%15.27%4.72%
75
Outperform
C$13.71B13.8413.43%2.47%-4.55%42.41%
73
Outperform
C$36.90B13.5012.07%5.15%11.56%1.15%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:SLF
Sun Life Financial
80.12
10.04
14.32%
MFC
Manulife Financial
30.67
4.36
16.57%
TSE:GWO
Great-West Lifeco
55.00
12.68
29.96%
TSE:IAG
iA Financial Corporation Inc
149.24
48.95
48.81%
TSE:IFC
Intact Financial Corporation
275.94
28.89
11.69%
TSE:POW
Power Corp of Canada
58.19
19.32
49.70%

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.

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 19, 2025