TSE:SLF

Sun Life Financial Inc (SLF.TO)

113.00
+0.04 (0.04%)
as of Jul 3, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
718 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconJul 5, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 12 opinions in the last 12 months.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) has received mixed reviews from various experts. While some indicate that the company is trading at a relatively attractive price compared to Canadian banks, others highlight challenges in the dental segment and asset management performance. Despite recent restructuring efforts, concerns about growth persist, particularly with the company's 5% growth forecast and a PE ratio of 11.7x for 2027, which is seen as inadequate given the broader market conditions. However, many experts believe in the long-term value of SLF, citing its strong dividend growth potential and substantial operations in Asia and the US. Nevertheless, the sentiment surrounding the stock suggests a cautious approach, with calls for watchful waiting amid macroeconomic concerns.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
MFC
DON'T BUY
Estimates on earnings per share have it as sub growth relative to TSX earnings. Too many variables, such as the bond market and its impact on earnings.
COMMENT
Cdn life companies have been disappointing. Prior to 2008 they were viewed as much less risky than the banks. The opposite ensued. They had another messy quarter. Life insurance accounting is very complicated. Good company and will continue to grow. Will take some to recover its ROE to the levels pre-2007. Decent yield.
BUY
Insurance companies make a lot of money by reinvesting proceeds of their premiums until they have to pay them out. When interest rates are low they make less. Expects we will go into a period of higher interest rates, which gives insurance companies the opportunity to reinvest at a higher rate of return. If you are a dividend investor in for the long term, you should own some of both Sun Life and Manufacturers (MFC-T).
COMMENT
Up 25% over the last year, which is pretty good for a stock. Has a lot more upside but he would be more interested in a stock like ManuLife (MFC-T) because there is more upside potential.
HOLD
Environment for life companies is improving, particularly when he expects interest rates to go up. Pullback in equities has also been positive for them. Could see earnings rebound again in the $2 range in the next couple of years. Yield of almost 5%.
PAST TOP PICK
(Top Pick Jan 24/11, Up 0.30%) Didn’t have to cut it’s dividend or raise equity - took advantage of financial collapse. Will be growing dividends over the next few years.
WEAK BUY
Dividend is safe. Doesn’t expect it to go up much in the near future. He owns MFC
WEAK BUY
Sunlife has about 7% exposure to Asia. But it is quite oversold. You might see a bounce in the stock. Compared to banks, he doesn’t see a lot of growth from the banks. Insurance companies are more likely to grow. It ranks average in his models.
DON'T BUY
The problem is that they need to hit at least 12-13% return on equity to get back into their glory days of growth. The regulatory overhang needs to be resolved.
BUY
Insurance companies are selling at a significant discount to banks. Potential capital gain will potentially be more on the insurance side. If interest rates rise, this will be a good market for them. Have been addressing their US operational difficulties. MFS, their US holding is doing extremely well. Canadian business is holding up quite well. 4.5% yield.
DON'T BUY
Prefers Manulife (MFC-T) and Great West (GWO-T). Great West is the more conservative and Manulife has better growth prospect, particularly in Asia. Would prefer a mix of these 2 over Sun.
TOP PICK
Ran their business in a more prudent fashion and never had to issue more shares or dividends. Also expanded their presence in Asia during the financial crisis. Named Best Asset Manager of the Year in India. Chinese joint venture has become 4th largest in China. Yield of 4.7% with earnings of about $3 a share. Huge upside potential.
HOLD
Trading just over book value, which is cheaper than the sector. Have a slower growth profile than others. There is a little bit of upside on the stock. He isn’t buying it. Prefers Power Corp.
BUY
Model price of $34.40, a 13% positive differential. Wouldn’t have his entire portfolio in this.
HOLD
Held up very well during the sub-prime crisis. Well positioned. Strong balance sheet. Expecting reasonable growth rates. Looking for a 6%-8% dividend growth over the next few years.
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