TSE:SLF

Sun Life Financial Inc (SLF.TO)

112.09
+0.80 (0.72%)
as of Sep 4, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
719 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconSep 6, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 9 opinions in the last 12 months.

Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) has garnered mixed reviews from experts, reflecting a blend of cautious optimism and concerns about its business model transformation. Originally focused on Canadian lifecos, the company has shifted towards mutual fund management, attracting criticism for taking on increased market beta. While some analysts acknowledge positive aspects, such as the potential benefits from rising interest rates and a robust money management division, others express concerns regarding recent challenges in asset management and the entry into private credit markets. Fundamentally, SLF trades at a comparatively lower P/E ratio than Canadian banks, but experts note that the growth rate remains modest. Overall, while the stock has rallied recently, many experts advocate for a cautious approach towards new investments, balancing potential growth against broader economic risks.

consensus icon
Consensus
Cautious
valuation icon
Valuation
Fair Value
review icon
Similar
MFC
TOP PICK
Trust II 5.863% maturing December 31/2108 and callable in 2019.
BUY
Lots of evidence they will do well in the US, where they have about 40% of their business. MFS business looks like it is turning around quite nicely and should be able to gain market share. 4.5% yield.
BUY
Trading at a very low multiple with a decent yield. Have the ability to grow over time. Will be able to make acquisitions in the US where their insurance industries did not do as well.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 1/09. Up 20.94%.) 7.9% March 31, 2014 bonds. Still likes.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
(Market Call Minute) Likes the name. Disappointed in the last quarter.
DON'T BUY
He is not adding to the financial service sector. Street is starting to get a little more positive. He hasn’t seen the catalyst for this one. Prefers Power Corp.
DON'T BUY
The fact that they didn't cut the dividend is a very positive sign. Prefers this one over Manulife (MFC-T) because of all the issues over Manulife. Not interested in the insurance business right now. Better places to put your money.
BUY
Looks very well positioned to grow. Would take this over the bank stocks currently. 4.5% yield.
HOLD
The 3 large lifecos in Canada are Great West (GWO-T), Sun Life (SLF-T) and Manulife (MFC-T) and this would be the order of his preferences. Conservatively run. Doesn't give you the highs or the lows and are trying to increase presence in the US at a good time.
TOP PICK
Capital Trust II 5.863% maturing December 31 2108. (Screen showed 2108 but expect this should have been 2018. Bill) Has done very well in this environment as spreads tightened in. Moody's recently downgraded banks and Lifecos giving you an opportunity to Buy and still get some value.
COMMENT
Prefers ManuLife (MFC-T) but this would be his 2nd choice.
HOLD
His preference is Manulife (MFC-T). Both companies have been challenged because of their seg fund related assets and low interest rates. (See Top Picks.)
SELL
Does not own any lifecos currently but is looking at them very closely as they are currently trading at a discount to bank stocks. Of the 3 majors, this would be her least favourite. Doesn't have the catalyst for performance as she sees in ManuLife (MFC-T) or the stability in Great West (GWO-T).
HOLD
Is relatively cheap (8-9 times next year’s earnings). May want to average down, depending on time horizons
HOLD
Have been giving guidance to investors as to what normalized earnings might be which has been very hard for analysts to figure out. Thinks the dividend is safe. A bit of a cloud hanging over the industry in terms of capital requirements and expect the stock will go sideways until this is clarified.
Showing 556 to 570 of 1,051 entries